Are Soybeans Causing Deforestation in the Amazon?

According to a piece I discovered on Wikiepedia.com, soy beans are the main 'currency' in Brazil and the demand for soy beans in the US keeps rising. With this rise, farmers are increasing the size of their farms rapidly. Wow. I wonder where Jamba Juice gets their soy beans from! I never liked soy products much, but it's in so many things now days that it's hard to find things that don't contain it.

Here's the excerpt from www.wikiepedia.com.

Causes of Deforestation in the Amazon

The annual rate of deforestation in the Amazon region has continued to increase from 1990 to 2003 because of factors at local, national, and international levels.^[12] Brazil is currently the second-largest global producer of soybeans after the United States, and as prices for soybeans rise, the soy farmers are pushing northwards into forested areas of the Amazon. As stated in Brazilian legislation, clearing land for crops or fields is considered an ‘effective use’ of land and is the beginning towards land ownership.^[13] Cleared property is also valued 5–10 times more than forested land and for that reason valuable to the owner whose ultimate objective is resale. As stated by Michael Williams,“The people of Brazil have always thought of the Amazon as a communal possession which they felt free to hack, burn, and abandon at will.”^[14] The soy industry is the principal source of foreign currency for Brazil; therefore, the needs of soy farmers have been used to validate many of the controversial transportation projects that are currently developing in the Amazon.^[15] The first two highways: the Belém-Brasília (1958) and the Cuiaba-Porto Velho (1968) were the only federal highways in the Legal Amazon to be paved and passable year-round before the late 1990’s. These two highways are said to be “at the heart of the ‘arc of deforestation’,” which at present is the focal point area of deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon. The Belém-Brasilia highway attracted nearly two million settlers in the first twenty years. The success of the Belém-Brasilia highway in opening up the forest was re-enacted as paved roads continued to be developed unleashing the irrepressible spread of settlement. The completions of the roads were followed by a wave of resettlement and the settlers had a significant effect on the forest.^[16]

What Happens to Good People When Bad Things Happen to Them

Have you ever said, "Thank God I [input your own words here]..."? I've probably said it thousands of times without thinking about what I was really saying. "Thank God that guy didn't hit me with his car." or "Thank God I saved that document." Sometimes we say it when we come close to a crisis, an emergency, or when something didn't happen to us.

Well, if you are curious to learn how others interpret that saying, you won't want to miss my friend, Tricia Greaves, new project. She's going to be featured in a new book series called, "Thank God I." If you'd like to learn more about Tricia, her website is called, Be Totally Free.

Here's what Tricia has to say about being contacted to become part of this project.

"Amanda Kroetsch is co-spearheading the largest book anthology ever, entitled: “Thank God I”. Many grateful people who have had life-altering experiences with Be Totally Free! are going to actually be authors in this series. I have the honor of being a featured author in their flagship book, along with “The Secret"'s Michael Beckwith, which will be launched later this year. If you enjoyed “The Secret” you will LOVE the “Thank God I” books! Be the first to check out the new trailer for this incredible contribution to the gratitude movement: Watch the video"

Did you check out the video? I did and was amazed by the people who shared their stories.

We all have a gift. Sometimes we feel worthless, have no place in the world, or just plain ordinary. When something good or bad happens to us, we don't know how to process that into sharing our gift of experience with others. When something bad happens, we live in that bad place and think that we cannot do anything good in this world because we are bad people. Well, you have to check out the "Thank God I" video; it will change your whole outlook on what happens to good people when bad things happen to them.

I wish you much gratitude and peace.

With Gratitude,
Michelle Ulrich, Chief Villager & President
The Virtual Nation - A community of learning. A nation of culture. A virtual village.
"If it takes a village to raise a child, then it takes a virtual village to grow a successful business." ~Michelle Ulrich

Women Out-Shop Men - Well, That's a No-Brainer!

I can certainly believe that, don't you? We women have been out shopping men pretty much all of our lives. Did you know that we now out-shop men where it concerns electronic purchases, too? Yep, we sure do!

Now, we're sexy and brainy! I recently heard a woman say that she is a geek who likes nice shoes. I say, "Ditto" to that!

Here's the scoop on women shopping for electronics...

New electronics stores cater to women
Sony Style and other electronics retailers are opening mall stores with a sleek, upscale feel while continuing to sell their products through big-box chains such as Best Buy. Extra touches in the new stores, including aisles that accommodate double-wide strollers and concierge desks, cater to women shoppers. The Consumer Electronics Association says women now influence 57% of electronics purchases. The Arizona Republic (Phoenix) (4/10)

With Gratitude,
Michelle Ulrich, Chief Villager & President
The Virtual Nation - A community of learning. A nation of culture. A virtual village.
"If it takes a village to raise a child, then it takes a virtual village to grow a successful business." ~Michelle Ulrich

Social Networking - Are You Missing Out?

Hi there!

Have you heard the latest business term? It's called Social Networking and it's all over the internet.

If you are in business for yourself and primarily do business online, then you are an internet marketer. You could be missing out on big bucks if you aren't tuned into Social Networking.

Basically, Social Networking is all about networking online professionally. I have been involved in some really bad online networks where every person who wanted to get to know me was a guy and he said something like, "You're cute." YUCK! I'm not looking for a mail order husband! Now, there are some really great groups that are all business, but I still put that I am married and enjoy spending time with my husband and children just so that part is very clear.

Here are some great Social Networks that I participate in. If you sign up, let me know and we'll link up and become part of each other's network.

FastPitch Networking - online
LinkedIn - online
MeetUp - online and in person meetings
MySpace - I just set up my own MySpace account. (I have a teenage daughter, so I kind of had to. ) I was surprised to find that they have a huge business network going on.
Open Business Club - international

So, get out there and network, even if it's in your pajamas!

With Gratitude,
Michelle Ulrich, Chief Villager & President
The Virtual Nation - A community of learning. A nation of culture. A virtual village.
"If it takes a village to raise a child, then it takes a virtual village to grow a successful business." ~Michelle Ulrich

Hate Hanging on Hold for Customer Service? So Do I!

I subscribe to Techie Diva and receive her cool tips, trends and the latest gadgetry every day. What can I say, I am a gadget girl.

Here's what Gina, Techie Diva, found out about a new service that lets you STOP hanging on hold forever waiting for a live person to come on the line.

"I sat down with KPIX last week to test out several free phone services, to see how they really worked. One of them was Nophonetrees.com which came at the perfect time since I had been trying for days to get a hold of someone over at American West airlines. I really got frustrated when I tried calling their customer service department, who then gave me a phone number to another office in Phoenix that is only open during business hours. Through nophonetrees. com I was able to have the service call ME back when my call got into a queue that would transfer me to a live rep. Pretty awesome. The other service, I told you about last week. It's called 1-800-FREE-411, and you can make free direct assistance phone calls anytime. You can watch a short clip of the interview over at CBS 5 Consumer Watch, which aired locally in the San Francisco Bay Area. Has anyone tried these services?"

I don't know about you, but I have better things to do than be put on hold all day. I am definitely going to use this service. Thanks Gina!

With Gratitude,
Michelle Ulrich, Chief Villager & President

Google and YouTube - are you hip or not?

I am sharing an email I got from a woman I met in Los Angeles, CA last spring. She is amazing and I love her cutting edge style. Check it out.

Gayl Murphy is the author of Interview Tactics. She's hot in LA! I mean sizzle *HOT*!! Interviews with some sexy celebs like Johnny Depp and lots more.

According to Gayl, she prefers "a more stealth approach when discussing my comings and goings...but that's all over now! I've been hard at work on two videos of late, that I'm happy to say are finally done! Finito!"

In the next month or so, she will resume checking in from time to time with Media and Interview Tips, Tactics Techniques and Insights to help you achieve your media goals.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=901316968113926837

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6136724242948198416

Enjoy!

With Gratitude,
Michelle Ulrich, Chief Villager & President

Callers Getting Blocked on Your Teleclasses!

Did you know that callers have been getting blocked on your teleclasses? Well, if any of your callers use a cell phone, chances are they won't get through. Read on to see how you can change this.

A coaching friend of mine sent me the following text. Take action and send the FCC your complaint.

If you are a Cingular/AT&T, Qwest or Sprint customer and feel compelled to respond to their blocking your access to free conference calling services, you may file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC):
http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/cib/fcc475.cfm

For your convenience, nocostconference.com has offered the following text that you may copy and paste in the text window of the above link. After filling out the required information, you may choose from the following responses. Feel free to edit as you feel necessary:

For nonprofit services:

We have found that the blocking by the above-named long distance carrier is affecting our ability to function as a nonprofit organization. The long distance company is using its ability as a monopolizing carrier to drive competitive conference services out of t! he conferencing market. We find these services vital to our functioning as a nonprofit organization. These competitive conference solutions provide us with the ability to carry out needed services to all our patrons that we otherwise could not afford at the partners' of the long distance carriers rates. We find that there is no added advantage to use their partner services over competitive conference solutions that would justify their exorbitant rates. We respectfully request that the FCC look into this matter and order the long distance carrier above to cease its strong-arming of the competitive conference solutions that we find vital to our ability to carry out our much needed philanthropy. Thank you for your time.

For businesses:

We have found that the blocking by the above-named long distance carrier is affecting our ability to function as a business. The long distance company is using its ability as a monopolizing carrier to drive competitive conference services out of the conferencing market. We find that these service! s are necessary with their alternative pricing structure for us to operate as a business. We see no added benefit of using the long distance company's partners' pay for service which is usually at an exorbitant rate vs. the competitive solutions available. Our company would cease to be able to perform its functions if we are forced to change conferencing service models. We respectfully request that the FCC look into this matter and order the long distance carrier above to cease its strong-arming of the competitive conference solutions that we find vital to our ability to carry out our daily business. Thank you for your time.

Thank you to Michael Port, Book Yourself Solid, author, speaker and trainer extraordinaire!

With Gratitude,
Michelle Ulrich, Chief Villager & President

Does the Business Model, Virtual Assistance, Really Work?

According to Ken Keis, President of Consulting Resource Group's Global Resource Center, it doesn't.

In his recently published ezine, Leading the Way, he asks the following question, "Can Virtual Workforce and Business Models Really Work?" His answer is a resounding, "NO!"

He goes on and on about how it didn't work for him with this person and that person, but he never reveals how these people were integrated into his business model, the communication style, frequency or lack thereof, and etc. You get the picture by now that his article was merely a ranting over his numerous, but poor experiences with virtual professionals.

I don't know about you, but his main products are all about personality indicators, entrepreneurship indicators, etc.; wouldn't it have made a lot of sense for all of his staff (virtual or in person) to go through his assessments to find the best matches for his business? As I continued to read, it seemed more and more obvious that he wasn't taking his own advice. In my humble opinion, you have to walk the talk.

Here are some of his assessments:

Personal Style Indicator
Self-Worth Inventory
Stress Indicator & Health Planner
Values Preference Indicator

and there's more...

The point is not really whether virtual professionals are here to stay or in Ken's case, gone like yesterday's lunch, but about being professional. Putting your best foot forward and treat your business as if your life depended on it (sometimes, it does!) The other point could be made that assessments can tell others what they need to know about us and our work style, but we can also use them to tell ourselves about our own work style. This can help you determine if you are a morning person, an afternoon person, an idea person, a detail person, and on and on. When we know our 'best' work style or know more about ourselves, we can be the professional business person we set out to be. It's part knowing and part attitude.

I wake up some mornings and think that it's going to be a fantastic day, while others, I barely creep out of bed with all the aches and pains my body never knew about until waking. There have even been times when I am in a bad mood and decide to change it. When I make the conscious decision to change my outlook on the day, myself, the work I am doing and all the things buzzing around in my head, it makes a world of difference. I feel more energetic, ready to get on with my work, more professional and happy!

Wow! Happy! I have so much to be grateful for and when you approach your business with the same outlook, it shows. People want to be with other people who are happy, have a thriving business, and a great life. If you're not there yet, remember the saying, "Fake it until you make it!" You can always hang out in places (in person or online) that will help you get where you want to go, but you can't let things come to you. You have to put yourself out there before anyone will volunteer to help.

I am a proud Virtual Assistant and I know the business model of Virtual Assistance works. I am proof and there are lots of us out there to prove people like Ken wrong.

With Gratitude,
Michelle Ulrich, Chief Villager & President