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Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Professional Email Marketing Advice That's Proven To Work ...

Marketing via email has been around as long as the Internet. It is a great way to stay in touch with your audience, if you can avoid being categorized as a spammer. Use this article to find strategies that will help with your marketing via email campaign.

You can make an email have multiple parts in order to reach the biggest audience. This type of message would offer regular text and HTML coding to make sure the recipient can view it as they prefer. This will keep users happy, no matter what format they prefer to receive emails in.

Your e-mail marketing campaign should be closely linked to your SMS marketing. By combining these methods, you can send out all the information you want your readers to have. Text messages can heighten awareness of your brand.

Always check your email messages for any spelling or grammatical mistakes before you send them. It is important that all the emails you send are correct. Before you ever hit ?send,? test your email layout to ensure your satisfaction with the way it looks. Test any links within the context of your email, so that you know they work.

It is vital that your emails contain more than only a sales pitch. You can include information on industry trends, news and forecasts in an easy-to-read newsletter format. Filling your emails with only sales pitches will eventually result in annoyed customers and a lot of people unsubscribing from your email list. Although the main point of your newsletter may be to sell something, most customers will need more than an average pitch to remain interested and want to read the entire message.

Prior to contacting any of your customers through email, you should always get their permission to do so. Most people disregard unwanted emails and often delete them unread. You could also violate your ISP?s policies by sending mass emails to consumers who do not want to receive them.

Don?t forget that you?re building a brand and reputation through your marketing with email campaign. Make sure to do it right and do it well the first time. Don?t be lazy or mislead your customers. The steps you take to create a successful marketing campaign has a direct relation to the reputation of your business.

Ensure that your marketing emails are as brief as possible. Use direct language when possible. This communicates to the reader that you value his or her time. It will also help you to be sure that busy consumers actually read the entire content of your emails. Although your most important information should be at the top of the email, there are always important links and content near the end as well.

Give your customer a clear choice to opt in to your e-mail marketing, and an easy way to opt out, in order to build customer confidence. If you choose not to, you can cause customers not to trust you and it could give your business a bad name. Spamming activities can also cause your domain or IP to be blacklisted by Internet service providers, which can definitely affect your business.

A great way to help customers is to provide an unsubscribe link. Do not forget to insert the unsubscribe link or put it in a hard-to-find spot. You want your clients to feel as though they are in power and not being coerced.

Tailor your emails to each reader as much as you can. This makes the emails more interesting. If your customers feel like you have mass sent the email, they may just delete and block you. Addressing the customer using his or her first name is a very easy personalization step. You should understand when, why and how they subscribed to your emails. This kind of information can be folded into your email.

Don?t send emails to subscribers without their consent. Businesses that are taken seriously do not send out mass mailings via email. It may even cost you clients and customers because they may not appreciate it.

Expert email marketers can craft messages that accomplish a marketing purpose without seeming like marketing at all. Your messages will be enjoyable and welcomed if they contain usable information or offer something of true value. This does much more than just promote your brand. Further, it creates clients who will enjoy spending money on the services and products you offer. Use the tips outlined above and you will soon see the benefits of marketing with email.

Skype: Shawn.A.Johnson

804-577-8662

P.S. ? If you are looking for a system that will help you generate?43 leads?a day, earn upwards of?$4,492?while you sleep and help you?recruit at the push of a button?click here,?unless you already have too many leads and reps in your business!

If you enjoyed this post, make sure to LIKE, SHARE and leave a COMMENT, also Click Here to learn how to get 20 leads a day for Free on Facebook.

Tagged as: email campaign, mail marketing, marketing campaign, unsubscribe link, via email

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Free Video Training: Internet Marketer Shawn Johnson reveals his secrets to generating more traffic, more leads and more sales in your MLM Business, Click Here for a step-by-step video blueprint to success

Source: http://shawnjohnsoninc.com/professional-email-marketing-advice-thats-proven-to-work/

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A University of Alabama Store Is a One-Stop Shop

There are some stores and establishments that focus only on selling specific items. For instance, there are some places that only sell clothing. There are other places that only sell books. There are even some stores that only sell school supplies. There isn?t particularly anything wrong with these types of establishments, because there are some people who enjoy going into specialty stores. With that being said, there are others who go to these places with the intention of purchasing more than just one type of item. They may actually have their sights set on buying clothing, books as well as school supplies. They may not necessarily want to go to three different stores to do so. That?s why a University of Alabama store is so beneficial. These establishments sell several different types of items that can suit just about anyone?s needs and desires.

For example, one of the things that people go to a University of Alabama store for are school supplies. This could include several different things such as pens, pencils, highlighters, tablets, paper and calculators, among a host of other things. The good news is that they can go to one of these stores and get all of these items and more, without having to worry about making a trip to another business.

After browsing through the school supplies, they can they go over to the clothing section and look for something to wear. They may not be able to purchase the high-fashion gear that?s advertised at top-notch fashion shows, but they will definitely be able to find exactly what they need for class or just to lounge around their dorm rooms. These establishments sell shirts, sweaters, jackets and hats that are suitable for both men and women. So, no one has to feel left out. As previously mentioned, these items are more than suitable for doing things like attending class. By purchasing clothing from a University of Alabama store, students can also show some school pride.

Along with the aforementioned items, these businesses also sell other things like key chains, phone accessories and car accessories. There may come a point when some students run out of school-themed clothing and they have to resort to wearing other clothes until they have an opportunity to wash. However, these accessories give them the opportunity to represent their school at all times, even when they run out of clothes.

A University of Alabama store is a one-stop shop for just about anything a student may want or need. They can purchase clothing, school supplies, accessories and a host of other things.

A University of Alabama store is the only place you should go for licensed and official Crimson Tide clothes, accessories, and more. Check out the unbelievably expansive selection at: http://www.universitysupplystore.com.

Source: http://www.articlesrx.com/a-university-of-alabama-store-is-a-one-stop-shop/10253

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Arts & Antiques by Dr. Lori Jan 2013 - Fort Bend Lifestyles and Homes

_________________________________________________________________________________

Handling objects too much, even vintage objects like these Pez dispensers, can damage them over the long term.

Across the country, many people that attend my antiques appraisal events are shocked to hear about some of the little known methods used in major museums to preserve and protect precious art and antiques.

While museums make a long-term commitment to preserving and protecting objects in their care to educate the public, most of us are equally committed to keeping our family heirlooms and keepsakes in good condition in order to retain their value.

Some of the most common ways an object can be harmed include: pests and other insects, pollutants (dust, mold, etc.), temperature and humidity fluctuations, lights or sunshine, and oils from the human touch.

HANDS OFF

For instance, the oils on your hands and the hydrogen sulphide compounds in the air cause silver to tarnish and will leave a permanent mark on your valuable silver pieces. Signs that read ?Do not touch? seem extreme but necessary when objects are on display in museums. When it comes to collectibles that we live with on a daily basis, it is a good idea to handle with care and handle only occasionally. So, if you must handle an object, don?t handle it too often. Remember, the oils and small dust particles on your hands can cause permanent damage to your heirlooms and aging treasures.

It is best to store your private collections in an area of your home where it is cool and dry. Attics (too hot with poor ventilation), basements (too damp), foyers (where the front door opens and closes often are bad because temperature changes are frequent), kitchens (too many cooking odors and too much heat), bathrooms and laundry rooms (too much moisture and possible mold) are not the best places for art or antiques. Improper climate conditions can stimulate mold growth and cause objects to mildew, dry out and crack. Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive pads to clean antique objects.

DEVASTATING EFFECTS

Hanging a framed print in a sunny window, storing objects in acidic cardboard boxes, and over-cleaning your antiques can damage your pieces forever.

Sunlight is the first culprit that damages most works of art. Heat is a close second. Painted objects, prints, and textiles should not be placed in sunny areas of your home as they are sensitive to light and will be damaged in a few short months. There are few options to repair sun damage and fading once it happens. However, you can prevent heat from damaging your antiques. One of the hottest places where you display your collectibles is your china cabinet. The glass doors act like a greenhouse and your objects are baking inside. Be sure to open those doors and let your objects get some good air flow every three months or so.

SPRAY THE RAG, NOT THE RENOIR

Cleaning a framed work of art, such as a print, seems straightforward. However, there is a right way and a wrong way to clean it. Spray the rag first. Do not spray the cleaner directly onto the glass as the chemical could drip in between the glass and the work of art and damage it.

BEWARE OF BUGS

Insects are monsters, killers. They carry bacteria and the will eat and not stop eating until they have damaged your antiques ? particularly wooden ones ? beyond recognition. You may stop an infestation by wrapping a small wooden object in acid-free tissue paper and placing the object in a freezer. The bugs will die off in the cold.

Also, bugs love dark spaces and close quarters. An easy way to protect your antiques from insects is to clean around your objects regularly, never eat food near your collectibles, and use insect traps when necessary.

Certain types of art and antiques need special types of care. Be diligent and handle your antiques carefully and you?ll enjoy them for years to come.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Dr. Lori?Star Appraiser on the hit TV show Auction Kings ?on Discovery Channel.

Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, and award-winning TV personality, Dr. Lori presents appraisal events nationwide. Watch Dr. Lori appraise antiques on Discovery?s hit TV show, Auction Kings airing Wednesdays?at 9 p.m. Learn about your antiques at www.DrLoriV.com or call?(888) 431-1010. Visit her Facebook at: Facebook.com/DoctorLori

Source: http://fortbendlifestylesandhomes.com/arts-antiques-by-dr-lori-jan-2013/

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Powerful Marketing Lesson: Lunch Is On Me | Business Consulting ...

This is my final Marketing Monday post for this year. That?s right, this is the last for 2012. I hope you?ve been enjoying them. If you have, let me know in the comments below or by emailing me through our contact page. I?ll read every comment and email. That will help me to decide whether I?ll do another round of these posts in 2013 (or feel free to suggest another topic you?d like to dig into).

That?s just plain stupid.? Well dear friend. It?s not. Sometimes the simplest things can be the most powerful.

I want to make this post a special one. That?s why I?m going to share with you a strategy that has earned one of my clients hundreds of thousands of dollars (it?s not far off from a million dollars) and has netted me some nice fees along the way.

This strategy is ultra simple. It?s so simple in fact, that most people dismiss it when they hear about it ? without knowing the results it generates.

First, let me be clear. This marketing strategy will cost you some money. Depending on where you live it could be anywhere from $10-$40 a week. And it will take about 1.5hrs of your time each week.

If tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars is a worthwhile return for less than $200 a month and 6 hours of your time then this is a strategy you dare dismiss.

Here?s how it works?

Make a list of your dream clients. It?s simple. In a spreadsheet have a column for Name, Website, Phone, Email.

Then fill in the information for 10-20 people to get started. You?ll add more as the weeks go on.

Next, put together an email telling the person you want to meet that you?re interested in meeting them, you like their company, you have a proposition that will be worth their time?whatever. The more you learn about that person, their hobbies, interests, common connections, etc the better your email will be.

Now here?s the biggie. ?You offer to take them out to lunch. Not coffee, not they pay for their lunch. You pay for everything. It?s just lunch!

Most people enjoy a free lunch. It gives the two of you a great opportunity to meet, get to know each other and chat.

Plus, because you?re paying for them they feel somewhat obliged to reciprocate and help you in some way.

I know some of you will be shaking your head side-to-side, thinking ?Michael, what are you talking about. That?s just plain stupid.? Well dear friend. It?s not. Sometimes the simplest things can be the most powerful.

This is one of those.

Here?s your challenge. Make it a goal to meet with one person on your list each week. (That?s just once a week). By the end of the year you will have met with 48 people that are dream clients or movers-and-shakers that can become clients or help you grow your business.

Imagine what it would be like to sit down with 48 people you want to work with or learn from. Now go do it.

To lunch.

Source: http://www.consulting-business.com/marketing-lesson-lunch-is-on-me.html

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Tuesday, January 1, 2013

2013 New Year Astrological Forecast | by Kelly Benson

Your keyword for the coming year:?Strength

Where you?re coming from
A culmination has occurred for you in the last few years, Aries. You liberated yourself from limiting situations, and you took life by the horns. At the same time you also learned what you need out of a partnership, and what you?re willing to give. If a partnership, business or otherwise, wasn?t fulfilling you, then you probably ended it. Conversely, investing more into a partnership (again business or otherwise) may also have occurred. It has been a much more social time, where connections with others would have had great influence; your status and notoriety may have increased as well. Congratulations!

Where you?re heading
This is a critical time of owning up to your responsibilities and being accountable (either to yourself or to others). The universe is pushing you to be stronger, and that means knowing yourself better. It?s possible that you might crave some time to get introspective and think about what you need out of life. That?s ok, you?re aligning your head and heart right now. In areas where your finances are intertwined with others you might experience restriction or resistance. Keep your expectations in check and exercise a little caution. This is a good time to make friends with your bank account and stay on top of payments plans, debts, and bills. The more you know where you stand, the better you?ll be at assuming your own power.

What?re you?re gonna like
Relationships and connections with others will be stimulating, upbeat and interesting. Travel with friends, family members, or lovers will be exciting and fun. It?s ideal to go to destinations that will expand your knowledge of the world and push you to new heights. Adventure vacations, walking tours, plus museums and history outings will call your name; closer to home, check out the local talent at art galleries, concerts, plays, and cultural events. You can expect to do some entertaining at home this summer. Domestic life and family connections are blessed. That can also mean that your family expands through marriage, birth, or adoption.

Aries Lucky Days for 2012
These are the days the Moon is in your sign giving you an extra edge. Your intuition is also higher.
Jan 16, 17, 18
Feb 13, 14
Mar 12, 13, 14
Apr 9, 10
May 6, 7
June 2, 3, 29, 30
July 1, 27, 28
Aug 23, 24
Sept 20, 21
Oct 17, 18
Nov 13, 14
Dec 10, 11, 12

TAURUS

Your keyword for the coming year:?Thrive

Where you?re coming from
Hard work and increased responsibility have kept your nose to the grindstone, Taurus. Since you are already one the most hardworking signs you likely have a lot to show for your efforts. Many of you started a new company a few years ago or went solo for the first time. You can take pride in what you?ve done, because true to your nature ? there?s no doubt you did a good job. Health matter may have been challenging, but you?ve got yourself on a good track now. Many of you made some lasting changes to your day-to-day lifestyle habits and you?re seeing a lot of benefits from that.

Where you?re heading
These last few years of hard work are going to pay off big time, Taurus! Starting this year and lasting until 2015 you will be reaping the harvest. Seeds that you planted approximately seven years ago are blossoming in a big way. You?re still going to work hard (you like taking the bull by the horns) but you might find the job itself is easier. Perhaps your business is expanding, or now you?re just much better at getting the job done since you?ve perfected your craft. Increased responsibly in partnerships, both marital and business are likely now. You?re ready to invest in others.

What?re you?re gonna like
Your status is going to change as well ? that can mean your professional status, academic status, marital status, or your standing within your given community. You can expect to receive more recognition now. Others are taking note of your past actions and they?re impressed! Relationships can be very rewarding. New relationships that begin now may have a fated sense to them and they?re likely to be long lasting. Conversely, if you?re in a situation you?re not happy with (business or personal) you?re going to bust outta dodge. You will be honoring your own needs and you will know what you?re capable of giving to a partnership.

Taurus Lucky Days for 2012
These are the days the Moon is in your sign giving you an extra edge. Your intuition is also higher.
Jan 19, 20
Feb 15, 16, 17
Mar 15, 16
Apr 11, 12
May 8, 9, 10
June 4, 5, 6
July 2, 3, 29, 30
Aug 25, 26, 27
Sept 22, 23
Oct 19, 20, 21
Nov 15, 16, 17
Dec 13, 14

GEMINIYour keyword for the coming year:?Fulfillment

Where you?re coming from
You?ve been honing all forms of creative expression in the last few years, Gemini. As well, you have been refining and sharpening the tools of your trade. This has been an excellent time to learn and master new techniques, whether that?s for your job and career, or simply your artistic toolbox. You probably have a lot to show for what you?ve done! Increased responsibility and challenges with children have kept the Gemini parent on their toes. (These tests begin to mellow throughout 2013 as you adapt to the new circumstances.) You?ve been pushing yourself pretty hard kid, it?s time to relax a little!

Where you?re heading
Remember all those tools you?ve been working on? Now and over the next two and half years it?s a time to apply them to your job and get them to work for you ? how sweet is that? Many Gemini?s will be heading to market and showing off what they?ve been working on. It?s time to hang up your shingle and let the world know you?re ready for business. You can bet you?re still gonna work hard, and you?re going to be busy (hey, you?re a Gemini ? when are you NOT busy?). However, this kind of busy is about being efficient and effective, you?re streamlining your day-to-day activities. This is the time when you master your craft or service ? get to it baby!

What?re you?re gonna like
Lots of opportunities are heading your way this year, Gemini. New jobs, promotions, and validating attention from coworkers, superiors, and VIPs ? not too shabby! You?re world is expanding, you?re meeting new people from different walks of life, and getting a taste of the future you want to create. This summer and fall you?re going to experience an increase in your earnings (and possibly your spending, watch out). Ultimately, you?re going to get more of what you value and what you really need. Relationships are very blessed this year. New levels of emotional intimacy can be reached making you feel more content in many ways.

Gemini Lucky Days for 2012
These are the days the Moon is in your sign giving you an extra edge. Your intuition is also higher.
Jan 21, 22, 23
Feb 18, 19
Mar 17, 18, 19
Apr 13, 14, 15
May 11, 12
June 7, 8, 9
July 4, 5, 6, 31
Aug 1, 2, 28, 29
Sept 24, 25, 26
Oct 22, 23
Nov 18, 19
Dec 15, 16, 17

CANCER

Your keyword for the coming year:?Creation

Where you?re coming from
Major changes to your Cancerian nest have taken place in the last few years my dear. You?ve put in a lot of effort to create security in your life and it?s paying off now. During the midst of these changes you may have felt very tested by life circumstances or the people in your world. Ultimately you were pushed to rise to occasion and make the necessary adjustments. Family commitments are likely to have taken place, and Cancerian parents have put their best efforts in. You have not only made changes for yourself, but also created a more supportive environment for those around you.

Where you?re heading
Over the next two and half years you might find yourself being more analytical of your efforts, especially in a creative nature, Cancer. You?re getting more serious about everything that you produce, from children to art, to work and business. Any and all artistic pursuits can benefit greatly when given structure and discipline now. Inspiration may not come so easily, but you?ll also have the determination to finish what you set out to do ? making it so you can actually produce a lot! You might push yourself very hard now, so be sure to carve out the time you need to play and connect with loved ones, and don?t forget to make a little ?you time?.

What?re you?re gonna like
This is going to be a hot year for you, especially as your birthday approaches. Lucky Jupiter enters your sign bringing gifts, goodies, and opportunities your way. You can expect to feel strong and robust in health matters and a better overall sense of wellbeing. Sports and recreational activities are calling your name. You?ll want to get on that bike or dust off those roller blades. New creations in the kitchen will delight. New projects or interests that expand your horizons in life and give you a broader perspective are likely. Relationships of all kinds are blessed now too. It a heartwarming time to express your innermost desires.

Cancer Lucky Days for 2012
These are the days the Moon is in your sign giving you an extra edge. Your intuition is also higher.
Jan 24, 25
Feb 20, 21, 22
Mar 20, 21
Apr 16, 17
May 13, 14, 15
June 10, 11
July 7, 8
Aug 3, 4, 5, 30, 31
Sept 1, 27, 28
Oct 24, 25, 26
Nov 20, 21, 22
Dec 18, 19

LEO

Your keyword for the coming year:?Invest

Where you?re coming from
You?ve been pushing yourself pretty hard lately, Leo. You?ve made a lot of important changes, especially to the day-to-day run of things. You?ve made things run more efficiently and effective (good!). It?s likely that you have expanded your career in a big way over the last few years too, possibly through training, education, or major promotions. This has also been a changeable time to, making you reassess things, and you may have decided to redirect your energies. Professional communities have played an important role lately, as you?ve been connecting with colleagues and sharing your ideas.

Where you?re heading
Attentions turn to your innermost personal and domestic life, Leo. If there are any problems with your personal life, or situations that you?re not happy with, you?re going to ensure that you?ll modify them over the next few years. This can result in a major change in relationship status. It can also mean that you are now willing to make the commitment to a relationship and take things to a more meaningful level. Some Leo?s might get married or move in with their partners. This can also be a time for a residential move, renovations, or redecorating. It?s all about creating a solid home base for yourself as you prepare for your long-term future.

What?re you?re gonna like
Your hopes and ideals for the future are very important now. This is a wonderful time to articulate your innermost desires to those close to you as friends and family can help you achieve your goals now. Personal connections and levels of intimacy can be thoroughly rewarding this year, Leo. It?s also a wonderful time to develop new relationships. Your generous Leo nature is on high making it so you want to make a difference in this world, or at the very least with those close you. Travel with friends to interesting destinations that stimulate your senses is likely. All sorts of playful and creative activities are in the works!

Leo Lucky Days for 2012
These are the days the Moon is in your sign giving you an extra edge. Your intuition is also higher.
Jan 1, 26, 27, 28
Feb 23, 24
Mar 22, 23, 24
Apr 18, 19, 20
May 16, 17
June 12, 13, 14
July 9, 10, 11
Aug 6, 7
Sept 2, 3, 29, 30
Oct 1, 27, 28
Nov 23, 24
Dec 20, 21, 22

VIRGO

Your keyword for the coming year:?Awareness

Where you?re coming from
You?ve made some major investments in the last two and half years, Virgo. That may have been in business, real estate, your personal home, or an investment in yourself such as education. While all this was going on, it?s likely that earnings and resources felt restricted in some way. Perhaps your earnings were less, or simply tied up in financial matters. These conditions caused you to be more selective about how you handled your personal wealth and that included your time and energy. Relationships (including friendships) that didn?t feel balanced will have also gone through an adjustment. You got serious about your real needs ? good for you!

Where you?re heading
Things are taking an upswing, Virgo. You?re entering a new phase of your life where you?re going to be curious about pretty much everything. (You already want to know how everything works and why people do to the things they do.) You?re a quick learner, so fasten your seatbelt. Areas connected to schooling, education, training, research, study, writing, teaching, as well as any and all forms of communications are blessed now. This also extends to your awareness levels about the world around you. At this time you can restructure your everyday mental patterns, attitudes, habits, styles of speaking, and your ways of listening to others. You are making key changes in the subtle ways your world is ordered. You?re gonna like this!

What?re you?re gonna like
Close relationships benefit greatly now from increased clarity in your communications. A deeper sense of bonding with romantic partners and close friends will bring you a lot of joy this year. You?ll find that you?ll learn more about the needs and interests of others. Some of you may make plans to expand your family or better the home your living in. You?re going to get quality attention from others both professional and personal, so don?t be shy about sharing what you want. Others are willing to lend you support. You might also get some recognition for your job or efforts. This is an excellent time to promote yourself!

Virgo Lucky Days for 2012
These are the days the Moon is in your sign giving you an extra edge. Your intuition is also higher.
Jan 2, 3, 29, 30
Feb 25, 26
Mar 25, 26
Apr 21, 22
May 18, 19, 20
June 15, 16
July 12, 13
Aug 8, 9
Sept 4, 5, 6
Oct 2, 3, 29, 30
Nov 25, 26, 27
Dec 23, 24

LIBRA

Your keyword for the coming year:?Commitment

Where you?re coming from
You have recently come out of a pivotal time of growth, Libra. Over the last two and half years there have been some major changes in the works for you; from residential moves, to new jobs, professions, and commitments to people (most importantly commitments to yourself). You have a better sense of what your needs are and just how to go about fulfilling those. Responsibilities haven?t been easy, but you?ve taken things in stride and handled them well. (You are a charming and diplomatic sign, Libra ? you know how to ride things through in style!)

Where you?re heading
As you settle into your new role with a more mature and renewed view on life, you?re getting ready to make some lasting investments. Now and over the next two and half years you will develop a more serious attitude about your earnings, your assets, and how to manage any debts you might have. Aggressive debt management programs might be initiated (if needed). You might also invest more time, money, and resources into your career, a business venture, your education, or your home. During this next phase you want to create more security for yourself. It?s also likely that relationships with key people (life partners and business partners alike) deepen and develop new bonds. You?re going to be very selective about who and what you spend your time and energy on.

What?re you?re gonna like
This is great time to expand your knowledge base on things, Libra. Practical knowledge that can help you in your career and workplace will come in handy. Get out there and take some classes, workshops, or attend some conferences. This is also a good time to get that license or certification you need to attain a goal. This is also an excellent time to communicate with others about your dreams and ambitions as others are willing to listen and willing to help you. A teacher or mentor may come across your path this year.

Libra Lucky Days for 2012
These are the days the Moon is in your sign giving you an extra edge. Your intuition is also higher.
Jan 4, 5, 31
Feb 1, 27, 28
Mar 1, 27, 28
Apr 23, 24
May 21, 22
June 17, 18
July 14, 15
Aug 10, 11, 12
Sept 7, 8
Oct 4, 5, 31
Nov 1, 2, 28, 29
Dec 25, 26

SCORPIO

Your keyword for the coming year:?Transformation

Where you?re coming from
There has been a deep process of change at work in your life, Scorpio. Over the last two and a half years your world has transformed in many ways. It?s been a time of letting go and getting real (later born Scorpio?s are still going through this). Key relationships, business or personal, are shifting. Vocations, jobs, and life ambitions are being refined or changing altogether. Ultimately you are getting more in touch with your true needs and aspirations (this is a good thing!). Even if you had some trying moments during reflection, you?re going to discover more about yourself and your future potential. Hey you?re a Scorpio, rebirth is old hat for you!

Where you?re heading
Speaking of rebirth and new beginnings Scorpio, 2013 will be a year of striking out on your own and establishing new foundations. You might be pursuing a new profession altogether, or you will further improve your existing one. You might land a new job, role, or title that pushes you to rise to the occasion. This might not be a cakewalk, but you will sharpen your tools and commit yourself to the task at hand! Major relationships can bond on a very deep level. Don?t be surprised if your possessive and powerful Scorpio nature is triggered (things just feel more intense since Saturn is traveling in your sign). Use this intensity to your advantage and channel it into work, health, recreation, or creative pursuits.

What?re you?re gonna like
Business dealings, and all areas of life where your responsibilities are connected with others are going to improve. This can be especially favorable for financial partnerships, banking matters, taxes, as well as legal and insurance issues. This is an excellent time to talk about your aspirations (career or personal) since others are ready to help you. Romantic relationships can get very steamy and intense now. Your Scorpion libido is on high (va va voom!). Whether in a partnership or not, you?ll be sending out some strong vibrations and attracting people to your energy. Use it wisely baby!

Scorpio Lucky Days for 2012
These are the days the Moon is in your sign giving you an extra edge. Your intuition is also higher.
Jan 6, 7
Feb 2, 3
Mar 2, 3 29, 30
Apr 25, 26
May 23, 24
June 19, 20
July 16, 17, 18
Aug 13, 14
Sept 9, 10
Oct 6, 7
Nov 3, 4, 30
Dec 1, 27, 28, 29

SAGITTARIUS

Your keyword for the coming year:?Refection

Where you?re coming from
You?ve been a solid team player lately Sagittarius. No doubt others have been grateful for your contributions ? these contributions may have been in your day-to-day job, family issues, personal projects, or even volunteer duties. Your altruistic nature has been harnessed and you?ve been compelled to give back. A leadership role may have presented itself. Whether or not you accepted it, you?re discovering more about what others expect of you and if you can handle it (or want to handle it). Your reputation and your standing with others and community members has garnered more respect, take the credit ? you deserve it!

Where you?re heading
Now the pendulum begins to swing in a new direction. You?re going to crave more time on your own to reflect on things. The next two and a half years will be a time of deep consideration and insight. By nature you are the truth seeker, you want to know yourself or at the very least know what you need to do. Life events will unfold to push you more towards this place of knowing. Relationships, jobs, and career aspirations may change dramatically. Ultimately, situations or systems that are not working for you anymore must shift or move away altogether. As you reflect on the past, keep in mind that?s it?s just that ? the past, and you?re going to be constructing a new future for yourself.

What?re you?re gonna like
Connections with others are more rewarding, fun, and stimulating Sagittarius! This is a wonderful time to share your new insights and your deeper belief systems with those close to you. You can learn a lot from others, and you?re also in place to share your knowledge now. Coworkers and business partners are glad to have your input. You?re likely to be validated or acknowledged for your efforts in some way. Key relationships already at work in your life may have a profound effect on you (or vice versa). Travel with friends and lovers will be favored this year. This is an excellent time to begin a new relationship or deepen an existing one. Others can?t help but be drawn to you now.

Sagittarius Lucky Days for 2012
These are the days the Moon is in your sign giving you an extra edge. Your intuition is also higher.
Jan 8, 9
Feb 4, 5, 6
Mar 4, 5, 31
Apr 1, 27, 28
May 25, 26
June 21, 22
July 19, 20
Aug 15, 16
Sept 11, 12
Oct 8, 9
Nov 5, 6
Dec 2, 3, 30, 31

CAPRICORN

Your keyword for the coming year:?Strategy

Where you?re coming from
These have been pivotal times Capricorn! Reliable foundations have been established over the last two and half years and you?ve created some solid ground for yourself. No doubt there?s been a fair amount of work and effort that you have put into things ? certainly career, and family matters, but also a major relationship (even if that means you got out of one). You can, and deserve, to feel proud of what you?ve accomplished. You got real ? real smart about what you need! Others see you as strong willed and capable, you may have had a promotion or at the very least more respect from others for your efforts.

Where you?re heading
Your role, or your standing with others continues to become more solidified, Capricorn. You?re learning how to integrate your personal values with those of a group. You?re ethics and morals not only represent you, but those that you?re involved with. Most likely you?ve already made the important choices to align yourself with those that have a similar view of the world, but if not, you may have to rethink your participation. At this time the interests of the team (be that your partner, family, employer, friends, or a not-for-profit pursuit) become a key focus. You want to make a difference in something and you want a win-win outcome. Guess what? With your innate Capricorn sense of drive and ambition ? you?ll get just that!

What?re you?re gonna like
Your team spirit is paying off! Coworkers, bosses, employees, and clients are jazzed to have you on their side. Your job scene is likely to improve in a big way this year. It?s also likely that you will learn more about the world through the people you?re around. This can result in interesting characters, or people from different backgrounds that open your eyes to new ways of life. Travel for work, or increased education about your craft and skill is highly possible. Your health greatly improves now too. You can benefit from a renewed focus in your personal diet or exercise r?gimes.

Capricorn Lucky Days for 2012
These are the days the Moon is in your sign giving you an extra edge. Your intuition is also higher.
Jan 10, 11
Feb 7, 8
Mar 6, 7
Apr 2, 3, 29, 30
May 27, 28
June 23, 24
July 21, 22
Aug 17, 18
Sept 13, 14
Oct 10, 11, 12
Nov 7, 8
Dec 4, 5

AQUARIUS

Your keyword for the coming year:?Harvest

Where you?re coming from
You?ve come a long way in the last few years Aquarius. You have been fine-tuning your approach to life ? be that at home with family, on the job front, or simply learning new philosophies, and ways of doing things. Matters at home improved greatly, your family may have expanded through birth, marriage, or adoption. You have welcomed added responsibilities and stepped up to the plate, good for you! Whether you?ve been in school or getting practical training, you have been taking a number of steps to prepare for the time of harvest that awaits you.

Where you?re heading
This is where it gets good Aquarius. You?re at the top of a twenty-eight year cycle of growth and you?re about to reap as you have sewn! Over the next two and half years you?ll discover your status changing for the better. That can mean parenthood, or marriage, a promotion, or a career debut, as well as more acknowledgements from those around you. Conversely, if you?re in a limited situation this will be a critical time of cutting loose ends and liberating yourself from circumstances that aren?t helping you grow. Seeds that you planted as far back as fifteen years ago are coming to fruition. You are sure to see some interesting developments!

What?re you?re gonna like
Recognition for your efforts ain?t too shabby, and that?s what you?re going to get, Aquarius! Your work scene improves in a big way this year, making this a hot time to promote yourself, your product, or whatever it is you believe in. Day-to-day activities in your career and at the workplace will run more smoothly as you?re streamlining your efforts. Your creative insights will serve you well (you out-of-the-box thinker you)! Something you?ve been working on will be in the spotlight this summer and fall making you a sought after commodity. Personal relationships are expanding and you?re feeling more playful. Travel and romance are particularly lovely this spring and summer!

Aquarius Lucky Days for 2012
These are the days the Moon is in your sign giving you an extra edge. Your intuition is also higher.
Jan 12, 13
Feb 9, 10
Mar 8, 9
Apr 4, 5
May 1, 2, 3, 29, 30
June 25, 26
July 23, 24
Aug 19, 20
Sept 15, 16
Oct 13,14
Nov 9, 10
Dec 6, 7

PISCES

Your keyword for the coming year:?Cultivation

Where you?re coming from
You?ve learned a lot more about power recently, dear Pisces. Either because you?ve had more power yourself, or someone or something (such as a company or establishment) has had power over you. In reality people only have as much power as we give them (oppression aside) and you?re coming out of a cycle of learning how to claim your own. You have developed a much better sense of self worth and person value. You?ve done some serious soul searching as well, digging down into the depths and learning about who you really are. (Congrats kiddo, you?ve made it through!)

Where you?re heading
Your interests move away from the deep personal development and knowledge of the self to learning more about the world around you. It?s highly possibly that you will attend some sort of schooling, or pursue a path of learning that will help your long-term career goals. Interests in education, research, documentaries, foreign cultures, religion, politics, and world issues will keep you fascinated. People from backgrounds that are different than your own may cross your path and have something to teach you. Travel for work or to expand your horizons is likely now too. You?re preparing yourself for a major career peak that starts in about two and half years. This is the time to make sure you have the right the tools for the trade!

What?re you?re gonna like
Now that you have a more refined sense of your personal value you know how to better your personal circumstances. You?re not afraid to share who you are since you?re more comfortable in your own skin; because of this, you might also find yourself in the role of teaching others and expanding their worldviews. Your creative nature is growing considerable this year. This can manifest in your business ventures, or it might be in a more private pursuit such as an art form, or a hobby. Personal relationships get a wonderful boost this summer and fall. Existing relationships will blossom into a new level. New relationships can easily develop (that means friendships too)!

Your Lucky Days for 2012
These are the days the Moon is in your sign giving you an extra edge. Your intuition is also higher.
Jan 14, 15
Feb 11, 12
Mar 10, 11
Apr 6, 7, 8
May 4, 5, 31
June 1, 27, 28
July 25, 26
Aug 21, 22
Sept 17, 18, 19
Oct 15, 16
Nov 11, 12
Dec 8, 9

To book a personal reading with Kelly, contact her at: kelly@kellybenson.ca

Source: http://www.kellybenson.ca/2012/12/30/2013-new-year-astrological-forecast/

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Wall Street tries to see past 'cliff'; outlook clouded

10 hrs.

Patti Domm , CNBC.com

As investors gaze across the "fiscal cliff," some see a better economy on the far side, making stocks and risk assets more appealing and bonds less so in the year ahead.

But there are many caveats to that scenario and some of them will be decided in the next few days as politicians struggle to strike a deal that would avert a fall off the "fiscal cliff." The cliff is the double-barreled blow to the economy from the reversal of dozens of tax breaks and the onset of automatic spending cuts, agreed as a solution to the contentious 2011 debt- ceiling debate.

Congress meets Sunday evening and may consider the latest proposals.

Stocks were spooked in the past week by the lack of movement in discussions between Congress and President Barack Obama. As the market closed Friday, the absence of new developments during talks underway at the White House provided a void for selling. The Dow fell 1.2 percent to 12,938, giving it a loss of 1.9 percent for the week. The S&P 500 fell 1.1 percent to 1402, for a one week loss of 1.9 percent. The Nasdaq lost 2 percent for the week to 2960.

Congressional leaders late Friday left the White House without a deal, setting the stage for a weekend of raw nerves. Obama said he was still optimistic the Senate leadership could come up with a deal that would?pass both houses, but he also laid out a second plan for a straight up-or-down?vote on middle class tax cuts if they can't reach an agreement.

The president repeated that strategy in an exclusive interview on NBC's "Meet the Press" Sunday in which he scolded House Republicans for not having come to an agreement sooner.

"They say that their biggest priority is making sure that we deal with the deficit in a serious way, but the way they're behaving is that their only priority is making sure that tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans are protected," Obama said. "That seems to be their only overriding, unifying theme."

Obama said if Congress failed to agree on a deal and if the straight up-or-down vote was blocked, the first bill introduced in the new year would propose a cut in taxes for the?middle class.?

"Now I think that over the next 48 hours, my hope is that people recognize that, regardless of partisan differences, our top priority has to be to make sure that taxes on middle-class families do not go up. That would hurt our economy badly," Obama said.?

He warned that if there was?no deal by Jan. 1, it could hurt financial markets.?

"What's been holding us back is the dysfunction here in Washington," he said. "And if people start seeing that on January 1st this problem still hasn't been solved, that we haven't seen the kind of deficit reduction that we could have had had the Republicans been willing to take the deal that I gave them, if they say that people's taxes have gone up, which means consumer spending is going to be depressed, then obviously that's going to have an adverse reaction in the markets."

House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) dismissed the president's criticism, and pointed the finger of blame at Obama.

"Republicans made every effort to reach the 'balanced' deficit agreement that the president promised the American people, while the president has continued to insist on a package skewed dramatically in favor of higher taxes that would destroy jobs," Boehner said in a statement reacting to the 'Meet the Press' interview.

"We've been reasonable and responsible. The president is the one who has never been able to get to 'yes,'" Boehner said.?

Obama: GOP's insistence on halting tax hikes for the wealthy is blocking 'cliff' deal

Stock futures fell sharply after the market closed Friday.?

"You could tell a lot of people were very skittish about their trades," said Patrick Kernan of Cardinal Capital. "Everybody is fearful of what exposure they have right now. Right now, we're thinking if they reach a deal we go back to around where we were a week ago, right around 1440" on the S&P 500. If there's no deal, "we think it goes down 30 to 50 points."

Kernan, who trades S&P 500 options, said the market was swarmed by investors seeking portfolio protection Friday.?

"The other side of this thing from an investment standpoint, is if there's a deal, I don't know what the number is but is it a five-percent rally from here? Is it a three-percent rally?" said?said James Paulsen, chief investment strategist at Wells Capital Management.? "There's risk on both sides of the trade, and I think that's been helping keep this reaction more muted than it otherwise might be."

"The cliff isn't December 31. The real cliff is somewhere down the line when the tax bite and spending cuts start to hurt," he said. "The most optimistic agreement was not that we got this done before the deadline.The most optimistic was we get it done right on deadline, and I think it was fully expected it would get really ugly right before that?the other reality is if it doesn't get done until mid-January it's not going to hurt anything."

Paulsen said the market's anxiety will increase the longer it goes on. "If we go over, the market reaction will start to build?I don't think it will fall apart if we go over. I think if we start to get to the second half of January, I think they'll get way more concerned."

Wait, There's More
Besides the action on Capitol Hill, there is the December employment report Friday and some other key data to look forward to in the week ahead. That includes Thursday's December car sales and chain-store sales and Wednesday's ISM manufacturing data. The minutes of the Fed's last meeting are also expected Wednesday afternoon.

But the outcome of the cliff discussion and congressional votes will be what drives markets in the week and months ahead, and what will ultimately decide whether the U.S. can be a driver of the global economy or a drag on it in 2013.

"I don't think the story is over yet," said Citigroup economist Steven Wieting. "We all expected agony . It just seems we keep adding to it."

"There's compromise that's needed and now seemed like a good time, but they already let the window substantially pass. The opportunity to have a really big framework has passed," Wieting added.

He?described a another possible scenario. "They're going to completely leave the debt ceiling out of this, and they're going to leave any signs of structural reform out of this. Then we have a deal that includes future cliff dates. That would leave uncertainty in play."

Yet, analysts and economists also see a possible optimistic outcome, where the cliff is fixed, at least in part, either by New Year's or several days later, and the debt ceiling and remaining issues are dealt with in the first part of the year. If that's the case, it might unleash economic growth, as consumer and business confidence improve.

"I think the global economy is going to surprise on the upside," said Ed Keon, portfolio manager with Quantitative Management Associates. Keon believes Congress will make a deal to avoid the cliff, and he sees gains in the U.S. economy as well as improvement in the European debt crisis and a pickup in the emerging world. "I think in the European situation, time is on our side and everyday things look a little better."

He also sees the U.S. ending the year with stronger growth. "It's hard to believe Washington would want to hurt the economy with malice of foresight," he said. "Doing a small deal will be viewed that they might be able to do a bigger deal."

Kind of a Small Deal
"We'll get a deal," said Steven Stanley, chief economist at Pierpont Securities. "It will be a small deal that will address some of the more onerous aspects of the cliff. Tax rates, they're going to have to address the AMT, and they're going to have to do something with sequestration cuts,?either delay them or rejigger them. I think they'll probably do something on state and dividend tax rates, the Medicare doc fix and they'll probably extend the unemployment benefits."

It's the bigger deal, on the debt ceiling, that will be most difficult and most important in terms of the longer term strength of the economy. Treasury secretary Tim Geithner warned this past week that the U.S. will reach the debt ceiling limit Monday, but that the Treasury can make some adjustments to keep the government funded for a couple months while Congress works out a deal. The hope is that Congress would find a way to deal with bigger tax reform and entitlement spending issues as part of that debate.

Forget the 'fiscal cliff," the debt ceiling is much scarier

Avoiding the cliff, even with scaled back tax increases,?will not leave the economy unscathed but it should not trigger the recession expected if the cliff were hit. "Basically if we let the payroll tax expire it's going to blunt consumer spending in the beginning of the year, even if we know about it," Stanley said. "The upper income tax increases are not a free lunch either. It's substantially lower than the full cliff."

One of the most public points of contention is at what income level, Bush-era tax cuts are reversed. Both Republicans and Democrats agree tax rates should remain the same for 98 percent of taxpayers, but the disagreement is over taxing the rich and that's what the Senate leadership will have to tackle this weekend.

Obama did not specify on "Meet the Press" which income level he would accept. He has consistently promoted $250,000 as the dividing line between those who would continue to benefit from Bush-era tax cuts and those who would see their taxes increase. But the figure has been a bargaining chip in the negotiations.

The economy could handle that and move on, Wieting said. "If it's a fiscal tightening between 1 and 1.5 percent of GDP, the economy would absorb that in a discrete way and probably move on to stronger growth in the second half of the year. It could be better. It could be clearer. It could be sooner," he said.?

Wieting said, however, the more unresolved issues and pushed-out deadlines there are, the worse it will be for the economy because business spending would remain constrained.

Here's what happens to you if we go over the fiscal cliff

Wieting expects growth in the beginning of the year of about 1 percent, and assuming a resolution of the cliff and debt ceiling issues,?growth could accelerate to 3 percent by the end of the year.

The economic data this week should continue to show the same slow growth in employment, but possibly stronger auto sales and improved manufacturing. Economic data, particularly housing-related data, has been largely better than expected.

Stanley expects the December nonfarm payrolls to be about the same as November's 146,000. "I have 150,000 but that includes a couple of special factors that I think will push the number up a little bit," said Stanley. One of those factors is the addition of couriers, temporarily hired to deliver holiday gifts. Last year, that category gained 40,000 in December, and lost the same amount in January, he said.

The week's economic events:

Monday