We Are Implementing a NEW Amazon Review Service
All the details are not in yet. We must be sure we comply with Amazon's TOS. However, we know authors need a reputable and non partial review service. We are working on it. Can't use Fiverr and other services because you can get your account banned for buying a review. And research shows, that you aren't going to sell much without good reviews.
And the Amazon Reviewers are getting harder to contact, plus, they don't seem to have time for new writers.
Free Stuff appears to be the best keywords to obtain a good "Reviewer"
If you want to review short stories for authors, please email: xicalovestories @ aol.com and put in the subject line: REVIEWER.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Sunday, May 20, 2012
If One of the Wealthiest CEOs in the World Can Get Married in the Backyard, so Can You
Speaking for affordable weddings, planning a back yard
wedding has to be at the top of the list.
The cost for renting venues is one of the most expensive items on your
wedding list expenses. Eliminating the
cost for a rental hall, resort, or even the church in some cases, can go a long
way to helping you reduce the cost of the wedding.
When you get family, friends, and even neighbors to help
with the preparation of the food then you are truly looking at a reduced cost
of a wedding.
Just be sure the food is placed into or onto dishes that
match. Make sure the table cloth,
flowers, plates, serving dishes, glasses, and plastic silverware, all match in
color and style. (You can do this at the
dollar store, at least the ones in California)
To gain more insight into planning a low budget, highly
memorable, and beautiful wedding visit: http://affordableweddinghoneymoon.info/
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Straight Couples vs. Homosexuality Couples, Getting It Right
Is the world getting ready to repeat history? Are we putting homosexual relationships above and ahead of marriage between a man and woman? is it possible to co-exist? Or does one group have to exile the other? Are we about to repeat the past?
Rodney King's words: "Why can't we just all get alone?" Of course Mr King was speaking about race. Does it have to be about man and woman vs. homosexuality? Is it true, that if man and woman loses this spiritual battle that we are headed for a fallen Empire?
I am not sure of the answers, however, because we write and publish love stories,ewI am very much aware of the non-verbal and highly emotional war. We can only work hard to continue with what we are suppose to be doing. To try to assign blame, or pass judgment has not brought about positive results.
For sure, there are some factors happening with gays, which straight people are not aware of. And until we have walked in a gay man's shoes, we will never really truly understand. Yet until gays can respect the holy union between a man and a woman, without causing disharmony to the union, they too, will not be able to prosper.
People we have to work this out. If society and the lie that society has lived by, has caused a diversion from the union of a man and a woman, than society, and those who live in society, (all of us) MUST accept responsibility for this untruth, and the consequences of the untruth.
On the other hand, gays, cannot continue to try and claim the souls of those whose parents have been caught on a one way street, for the sake of continuing their political or social agenda. If you don't understand this statement, don't worry about it, it just means you aren't guilty of this act.
Nor can gays reach for those who are under a certain age.
We fully realize that standing back, and allowing that which is greater than ourselves to, lay the ground work for a positive and workable solution, is not something we as humans do best. However, can the United States afford to get it wrong. Once you claim the mountain to the top, based on your own personal agenda, it's hard to back up, and in some cases impossible.
Rodney King's words: "Why can't we just all get alone?" Of course Mr King was speaking about race. Does it have to be about man and woman vs. homosexuality? Is it true, that if man and woman loses this spiritual battle that we are headed for a fallen Empire?
I am not sure of the answers, however, because we write and publish love stories,ewI am very much aware of the non-verbal and highly emotional war. We can only work hard to continue with what we are suppose to be doing. To try to assign blame, or pass judgment has not brought about positive results.
For sure, there are some factors happening with gays, which straight people are not aware of. And until we have walked in a gay man's shoes, we will never really truly understand. Yet until gays can respect the holy union between a man and a woman, without causing disharmony to the union, they too, will not be able to prosper.
People we have to work this out. If society and the lie that society has lived by, has caused a diversion from the union of a man and a woman, than society, and those who live in society, (all of us) MUST accept responsibility for this untruth, and the consequences of the untruth.
On the other hand, gays, cannot continue to try and claim the souls of those whose parents have been caught on a one way street, for the sake of continuing their political or social agenda. If you don't understand this statement, don't worry about it, it just means you aren't guilty of this act.
Nor can gays reach for those who are under a certain age.
We fully realize that standing back, and allowing that which is greater than ourselves to, lay the ground work for a positive and workable solution, is not something we as humans do best. However, can the United States afford to get it wrong. Once you claim the mountain to the top, based on your own personal agenda, it's hard to back up, and in some cases impossible.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
5 Easy Ways to Increase Your Intelligence
I found this article to be interesting, because as you know, when we get older, we start to forget things, like where we put our keys, what day it is, how much money is in the bank, etc. Keeping the mind sharp has to be on your list of things to do.
I am sure this is the only way to stay sharp, intelligent and worth talking to, until you are 1000+ years of age. Reading helps the mind to remain sharp, which should in reality help us to stay young.
Below is an article that was published on online several weeks ago. This article talks about five easy ways to increase your intelligence.
-------------------------------------------
Your brain needs exercise just like a muscle. If you use it often and in the right ways, you will become a more skilled thinker and increase your ability to focus. But if you never use your brain, or abuse it with harmful chemicals, your ability to think and learn will deteriorate.
Here are 5 simple ways anyone can squeeze a bit more productivity out of the old gray matter.
1. Minimize Television Watching – This is a hard sell. People love vegetating in front of the television, myself included more often than I’d like. The problem is watching television doesn’t use your mental capacity OR allow it to recharge. It’s like having the energy sapped out of a muscle without the health benefits of exercise.
Don’t you feel drained after a couple hours of TV? Your eyes are sore and tired from being focused on the light box for so long. You don’t even have the energy to read a book.
When you feel like relaxing, try reading a book instead. If you’re too tired, listen to some music. When you’re with your friends or family, leave the tube off and have a conversation. All of these things use your mind more than television and allow you to relax.
2. Exercise – I used to think that I’d learn more by not exercising and using the time to read a book instead. But I realized that time spent exercising always leads to greater learning because it improves productivity during the time afterwards. Using your body clears your head and creates a wave of energy. Afterwards, you feel invigorated and can concentrate more easily.
3. Read Challenging Books – Many people like to read popular suspense fiction, but generally these books aren’t mentally stimulating. If you want to improve your thinking and writing ability you should read books that make you focus. Reading a classic novel can change your view of the world and will make you think in more precise, elegant English. Don’t be afraid to look up a word if you don’t know it, and don’t be afraid of dense passages. Take your time, re-read when necessary, and you’ll soon grow accustomed to the author’s style.
Once you get used to reading challenging books, I think you’ll find that you aren’t tempted to go back to page-turners. The challenge of learning new ideas is far more exciting than any tacky suspense-thriller.
4. Early to Bed, Early to Rise – Nothing makes it harder to concentrate than sleep deprivation. You’ll be most rejuvenated if you go to bed early and don’t sleep more than 8 hours. If you stay up late and compensate by sleeping late, you’ll wake up lethargic and have trouble focusing. In my experience the early morning hours are the most tranquil and productive. Waking up early gives you more productive hours and maximizes your mental acuity all day.
If you have the opportunity, take 10-20 minute naps when you are hit with a wave of drowsiness. Anything longer will make you lethargic, but a short nap will refresh you.
5. Take Time to Reflect – Often our lives get so hectic that we become overwhelmed without even realizing it. It becomes difficult to concentrate because nagging thoughts keep interrupting. Spending some time alone in reflection gives you a chance organize your thoughts and prioritize your responsibilities. Afterwards, you’ll have a better understanding of what’s important and what isn’t. The unimportant stuff won’t bother you anymore and your mind will feel less encumbered.
I’m not saying you need to sit on the floor cross-legged and chant ‘ommm’. Anything that allows a bit of prolonged solitude will do. One of my personal favorites is taking a solitary walk. Someone famous said, “All the best ideas occur while walking.” I think he was on to something. Experiment to find the activity that works best for you.
Conclusion – I hope you aren’t disappointed that none of the techniques I’ve proposed are revolutionary. But simple, unexciting answers are often the most valid. The challenge is having the will to adhere to them. If you succeed in following these 5 tips, you’ll be rewarded with increased mental acuity and retention of knowledge.
I am sure this is the only way to stay sharp, intelligent and worth talking to, until you are 1000+ years of age. Reading helps the mind to remain sharp, which should in reality help us to stay young.
Below is an article that was published on online several weeks ago. This article talks about five easy ways to increase your intelligence.
-------------------------------------------
Your brain needs exercise just like a muscle. If you use it often and in the right ways, you will become a more skilled thinker and increase your ability to focus. But if you never use your brain, or abuse it with harmful chemicals, your ability to think and learn will deteriorate.
Here are 5 simple ways anyone can squeeze a bit more productivity out of the old gray matter.
1. Minimize Television Watching – This is a hard sell. People love vegetating in front of the television, myself included more often than I’d like. The problem is watching television doesn’t use your mental capacity OR allow it to recharge. It’s like having the energy sapped out of a muscle without the health benefits of exercise.
When you feel like relaxing, try reading a book instead. If you’re too tired, listen to some music. When you’re with your friends or family, leave the tube off and have a conversation. All of these things use your mind more than television and allow you to relax.
2. Exercise – I used to think that I’d learn more by not exercising and using the time to read a book instead. But I realized that time spent exercising always leads to greater learning because it improves productivity during the time afterwards. Using your body clears your head and creates a wave of energy. Afterwards, you feel invigorated and can concentrate more easily.
3. Read Challenging Books – Many people like to read popular suspense fiction, but generally these books aren’t mentally stimulating. If you want to improve your thinking and writing ability you should read books that make you focus. Reading a classic novel can change your view of the world and will make you think in more precise, elegant English. Don’t be afraid to look up a word if you don’t know it, and don’t be afraid of dense passages. Take your time, re-read when necessary, and you’ll soon grow accustomed to the author’s style.
Once you get used to reading challenging books, I think you’ll find that you aren’t tempted to go back to page-turners. The challenge of learning new ideas is far more exciting than any tacky suspense-thriller.
4. Early to Bed, Early to Rise – Nothing makes it harder to concentrate than sleep deprivation. You’ll be most rejuvenated if you go to bed early and don’t sleep more than 8 hours. If you stay up late and compensate by sleeping late, you’ll wake up lethargic and have trouble focusing. In my experience the early morning hours are the most tranquil and productive. Waking up early gives you more productive hours and maximizes your mental acuity all day.
If you have the opportunity, take 10-20 minute naps when you are hit with a wave of drowsiness. Anything longer will make you lethargic, but a short nap will refresh you.
5. Take Time to Reflect – Often our lives get so hectic that we become overwhelmed without even realizing it. It becomes difficult to concentrate because nagging thoughts keep interrupting. Spending some time alone in reflection gives you a chance organize your thoughts and prioritize your responsibilities. Afterwards, you’ll have a better understanding of what’s important and what isn’t. The unimportant stuff won’t bother you anymore and your mind will feel less encumbered.
I’m not saying you need to sit on the floor cross-legged and chant ‘ommm’. Anything that allows a bit of prolonged solitude will do. One of my personal favorites is taking a solitary walk. Someone famous said, “All the best ideas occur while walking.” I think he was on to something. Experiment to find the activity that works best for you.
Conclusion – I hope you aren’t disappointed that none of the techniques I’ve proposed are revolutionary. But simple, unexciting answers are often the most valid. The challenge is having the will to adhere to them. If you succeed in following these 5 tips, you’ll be rewarded with increased mental acuity and retention of knowledge.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Is Low Self-Esteme a Major Reason for Many Relationship Break-Ups?
Humm...... YES.
Learn more about how low self-esteem plays a major part in our relationships and how we can improve our relationships, just by increasing our self-esteem.
All this jargon means is that, we must love ourselves first and foremost, and then it will be so much easier to love someone else.
At any rate, allow me, to allow the experts to explain low self-esteem and relationships
Don't forget to return and or visit Xica Love Stories, for your daily dose of online entertainment.
Learn more about how low self-esteem plays a major part in our relationships and how we can improve our relationships, just by increasing our self-esteem.
All this jargon means is that, we must love ourselves first and foremost, and then it will be so much easier to love someone else.
At any rate, allow me, to allow the experts to explain low self-esteem and relationships
Don't forget to return and or visit Xica Love Stories, for your daily dose of online entertainment.
Can and Will Your Marriage Survive the Love and Relationship Test?
Can and Will Your Marriage Survive the Test
Young and old want to know if their marriage can survive the test of time. Shirly Dean says there are tell-tell signs which almost always lead to divorce.
Click on the link above to gain access to the video. Red flags that will surely tell you if your marriage will last or not. Believe it or not, it's the really simple things which tell us about our relationships.
Will your relationship stand the test of time? Shela Dean discusses the warning signs which signifies a red flag in your marriage.
The bottom line: If we are as polite to our spouse as we are to some strangers we meet, our marriage would last a lot longer.
This post brought to you by: Xica Love Stories dot Com - a place where you can enjoy a free, romantic, cute or funny love story
Young and old want to know if their marriage can survive the test of time. Shirly Dean says there are tell-tell signs which almost always lead to divorce.
Click on the link above to gain access to the video. Red flags that will surely tell you if your marriage will last or not. Believe it or not, it's the really simple things which tell us about our relationships.
Will your relationship stand the test of time? Shela Dean discusses the warning signs which signifies a red flag in your marriage.
The bottom line: If we are as polite to our spouse as we are to some strangers we meet, our marriage would last a lot longer.
This post brought to you by: Xica Love Stories dot Com - a place where you can enjoy a free, romantic, cute or funny love story
Friday, May 11, 2012
One for Two, by Valinda; New Love Story Published on Amazon by One of Xica's Writers
This story became so popular that it is now on Amazon, 'One for Two' by Valinda ..... We would like to say thank you to our readers. $.99 Kindle.
This short and romantic story has never been without controversy. Madison a young widower suffers sever guilt over her husbands death, because of the part that she played in him loosing his life.
Madison decides to take a transatlantic cruise to help get her life back together, when she meet a handsome, recently divorced attorney from California, on the cruise. The new relationship has all the makings of a successful union, until Madison decides that she must tell the truth about her recent marriage. In return Thurston Breaux, also tells Madison the truth about his recent divorce.
The truth is unbelievable, yet so very real. The outcome is even more real and you wonder, if the short story is really a fiction or a true story. It is an amazing story, one which people rarely speak about, but are constantly aware of.
We at Xica Love Stories dot com are excited and proud that Valinda has gone on to be published on Amazon - Kindle. Check out the e-book on Amazon and leave a review.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
For Men Only; If I Had a Son, This is What I Would Tell Him About Women
A good woman is hard to find. Usually they have been hurt and are shy of
people, situations and men who would hurt them again. Usually, they are extremely intelligent, yet they don’t always let you know.
How a woman feels about her father is everything. Even if her father was a rolling stone, and
where ever he laid his hat, was his home; how she feels about him, will tell you a lot about how she views men.
There are unique and cute ways to tell if a woman is a good person.
Example: If she is walking across the street and a car who is making a right turn, is waiting for
her to clear the walk way, she will slightly hurry, so as not to hold up the driver. That is a simple, unique and almost full proof way to determine if a young woman has a good heart. (Unless she is
concerned that the driver may run over her!)
Another full proof way to know a woman’s true nature is; No matter how she acts 99% of the
time, you can really get to know her true spirit by the way she drives. Sit in the passenger’s seat and watch how she handles the traffic. Is she pushy? Is she a bully? Does she curse the other drivers out? Is she patient and almost understanding of other's mistakes while driving? Watch closely. Driving a car puts woman in a position of power, how does she handle it?
Read her Facebook page, find out what she tells a friend who is having a hard time with her boyfriend. Does she respect the friend’s relationship? Is she caring about her advice to her friend?
Find out about this woman, who has your heart and wants you o put a ring on her finger?
These are the little things which can help you determine the internal value of your future wife.
If she doesn’t get alone with her mother, no real big deal, just try to understand
why. Listen very carefully to what she says. If her mother is not the kind of woman you would want to marry and the daughter doesn’t get alone with her, then you may have a winner. One of the hardest things for any girl child, is to go against her mother, and to maintain her actions which support her true feelings.
"Son, I know you love this girl, but do you like her?"
If I had a son, these are the things I would say to him.
people, situations and men who would hurt them again. Usually, they are extremely intelligent, yet they don’t always let you know.
How a woman feels about her father is everything. Even if her father was a rolling stone, and
where ever he laid his hat, was his home; how she feels about him, will tell you a lot about how she views men.
There are unique and cute ways to tell if a woman is a good person.
Example: If she is walking across the street and a car who is making a right turn, is waiting for
her to clear the walk way, she will slightly hurry, so as not to hold up the driver. That is a simple, unique and almost full proof way to determine if a young woman has a good heart. (Unless she is
concerned that the driver may run over her!)
Another full proof way to know a woman’s true nature is; No matter how she acts 99% of the
time, you can really get to know her true spirit by the way she drives. Sit in the passenger’s seat and watch how she handles the traffic. Is she pushy? Is she a bully? Does she curse the other drivers out? Is she patient and almost understanding of other's mistakes while driving? Watch closely. Driving a car puts woman in a position of power, how does she handle it?
Read her Facebook page, find out what she tells a friend who is having a hard time with her boyfriend. Does she respect the friend’s relationship? Is she caring about her advice to her friend?
Find out about this woman, who has your heart and wants you o put a ring on her finger?
These are the little things which can help you determine the internal value of your future wife.
If she doesn’t get alone with her mother, no real big deal, just try to understand
why. Listen very carefully to what she says. If her mother is not the kind of woman you would want to marry and the daughter doesn’t get alone with her, then you may have a winner. One of the hardest things for any girl child, is to go against her mother, and to maintain her actions which support her true feelings.
"Son, I know you love this girl, but do you like her?"
If I had a son, these are the things I would say to him.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Wearing Different Colors to Help Heal Yourself, Emotionally and Spiritually
Can you wear different color to help heal yourself and attract the right mate?
Energy Spots Within, the Body
Purple represents
the CROWN chakra, (no, not the queen) at the top of the head – You may want to
wear violet or purple if you are depressed, or experiencing confusion or not
sure which way to go in life.
Indigo – Third Eye – and is located
in the center of the forehead. This
energy center deals with intuition and understanding. You may want to wear the color indigo if you
are suffering from tension or headaches. Especially if your dates are causing you stress.
Can Religion of a Belief in Something Greater Then Yourself Protect and Increase the Grey Matter in the Brain?
Meditation Shown to Increase Grey Matter and Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease by Frank Mangano
Copyright 2006 Frank Mangano
Researchers from some of the country's most prestigious medical centers have found in their studies that meditation can impact the thickness of the cortical tissue in the brain. This type of change is significant in the way the tissue is then able to process sensory, cognitive, and emotional responses.
The group of researchers from Harvard, Yale, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Massachusetts General Hospital studied 20 people each one with significant commonality. They were all extensively trained in the Buddhist Insight meditation practices. This generally meant that the subjects spent about 40 minutes each day in deep meditation. This was enough to affect grey matter in the brain and increase cortical thickness.
Using an MRI the researchers were able to monitor the changes brought about through regular meditation. Not only were cognitive regions of the brain impacted, but the MRI showed that the normal thinning of the frontal cortex associated with aging was much slower. Also, the right hemisphere of the brain, which is responsible for attention is what’s "exercised" through meditation.
There are many different meditation techniques that can be used to achieve this sort of mental rejuvenation and increase grey matter. Following some of these steps can help you make the most of your time meditating. The Zen form of meditation is commonly practiced and easy to apply.
1. Find a relaxed position sitting on the floor or in a chair. The legs can be crossed in the lotus, half lotus or Burmese positions. The goal is a stable position that creates a tripod.
2. Close your eyes and gently sway or circle your body. Your hands should be folded in your lap as you begin breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth.
3. Next, begin counting the breaths one through ten. You continue doing this until the mind stops wandering. When a thought enters in you acknowledge the thought and then consciously push it away to being counting one to ten again. Eventually, you will have control over entering thoughts and be focused only on the counting.
4. The next level of mediation is to continue counting your breaths over and over again, one through ten. Each inhale and exhale together is counted as a single number. The purpose of this is to concentrate on one thought only, which is the breathing. Once you have mastered the counting concentration, the next level of meditation allows you to focus on one specific thought completely and without distractions or wandering.
5. There is no magical time frame or way to come out of meditation. You simply stop counting the breathing and open your eyes.
Just taking the time to stop and focus on one aspect of your life can be refreshing in and of itself. This is the short-term and immediate benefit of meditation. In the fight to prevent Alzheimer's disease, meditation can strengthen the mind in a real and physical sense.
Frank Mangano is an active member of his community who works diligently providing assistance to senior citizens and probing as a health advocate to discover new and innovative ways to promote well being. Find out how you can maintain good mental health at: http://www.alzheimersdefense.com/
Article Source: Self Improvement Articles from PositiveArticles.Com
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