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Nigerian Army Dismisses 203 Soldiers After Secret Night Trial

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The Nigerian Army has dismissed 203 soldiers after a secret court martial held in the dead of the night, for allegedly disobeying a direct order from their commanding officer.

Nigerian Army Dismisses 203 Soldiers After Secret Night Trial


According to an online journal, Premium Times, one of the sacked soldiers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the soldiers were dismissed for asking for support equipment, following the army’s plan to convey them in a tipper for an operation in Bama and Gwoza, two strongholds of Boko Haram insurgents.

The soldier, who is originally of the 19th Battalion in Okitipupa in Ondo State, but attached to the 7th division in Maiduguri, said the army detained them for over 90 days before dismissing them after a mid-night trial. He said they are owed up to five months in unpaid salaries.

Narrating the event that led to their dismissal, the soldier said his unit reconvened in Maiduguri last August, after they were dislodged by the insurgents in Damboa in an operation where their commanding officer and several other soldiers were killed.

He said they were given two weeks pass and that at the expiration of their pass, they were issued new uniforms, boots and 30 rounds of bullets each as opposed to the statutory 60 rounds. And were going to be conveyed in a tipper lorry to Gwoza and Bama for an operation.

He said having engaged the insurgents in several past battles, majority of the soldiers argued that the operation would be fierce, and therefore, requested support equipment.

“So we asked for support weapons. No support weapon was provided. Our Commanding Officer, CO, said he would discuss with the General Officer Commanding, GOC, of the 7 Division at the headquarters. When he came back, he said we should stand down. We thought all was well,” our source said.

But the request made by the soldiers fetched them more than they bargained for.

The next day their new CO, Mohammed A, a lieutenant colonel from 195 battalion, Agenebode, ordered them to submit their weapons and uniforms or be charged with mutiny.

“On the morning of 16 of August, after the GOC briefing, our commander started calling our names and he said anyone whose name is called should submit his uniform and weapon. He added that anyone who failed to do that would be charged for mutiny. We were surprised at what was happening.

“He started from the most senior soldier among us, a warrant officer who had served for almost 30 years. They asked us to go back to the barrack. It is a war zone and our weapons had been taken from us. Staying around was of no use, so we left Maiduguri and went back home.”








Source - Vanguard

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2015 ELECTIONS: Men Who’ll Decide The Fate Of Contestants In South-West

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2015 ELECTIONS: Men Who’ll Decide The Fate Of Contestants In South-West


The December 24, 2014 nationwide redeployment of 37 Resident Electoral Commissioners, RECs, by the Independent National Electoral Commission ,INEC, popped up six men, whose professional wisdom is expected to guide the 2015 general elections in the South West geo-political zone.

Notably, these RECs are distinguished from their peers across the country by a common identity, as they are Yoruba — the common race of the south-westerners.

None could be described as a rookie in the business of election management, given that they had at various times overseen both controversial and non- disputable polls.

This baggage of experience, is expected to be brought to bear in a region regarded as the hotbed of the opposition and the home of the progressively inclined politicians.

In the course of their duties, jinx would be broken, records would be made, while history may be distorted.
A letter dated December 24, 2014 by the Secretary of INEC, Augusta Ogakwu, stated that the RECs were directed to conclude all handing and taking over formalities yesterday.

OYO STATE:

Until his recent appointment, the 1973 University of California graduate of Political Science, was the REC in Osun State.

Rufus Akeju obtained his Masters of Arts in International Affairs in June, 1974 at the Ohio University Athens, Ohio USA. He earned his Ph.D in Political Science with specialization in International Law/Relations, Public Administration and Policy Analysis, Comparative Politics and Development.

The former Ambassador to Cuba was made a REC on July 22, 2010. Akeju, who was born in Lagos May 25 , 1947, hails from Lagos State. His tenure in Osun was not short of controversies, as he was accused of partisanship by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. At various times, there were demands for his removal following allegations that he is a card-carrying member of the All Progressives Congress APC.

He was eventually removed from the state one month before the last governorship elections.
Mr. Kayode Idowu, the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega, in statement, said Akeju was requested by the Commission to step aside against the backdrop of intense partisan acrimony over his person.

“He acceded to the request, knowing the effort being invested by INEC to make the Osun governorship election free, fair and credible. He has not been indicted for any offence, and the appeal by INEC for a stay of execution of the interlocutory order restraining the Commission from recognising him as Osun REC still subsist,”Idowu state.

Akeju, who once served in the administration of Bola Tinubu in Lagos State, is believed to be a strong ally of the APC leader.


OGUN STATE:

Timothy Ibitoye, who before now was the REC in Kwara State, is from Osun State. He assumed office as the REC in Kwara State in 2010, after which he conducted the 2011 governorship elections that ushered in Abdulfatah Ahmed as the state governor.

Since the state is not known for rancorous transfer of power, his four-year tenure in Kwara was bereft of controversies.


OSUN STATE:

The Oyo State born Ogunmola, is resuming in a state where his predecessor was virtually in the eye of the storm while he presided over INEC .

The man he succeeded was enmeshed in controversy leading to demand by major opposition parties that he be redeployed over allegations of partisanship.
He hails from Oyo State.


LAGOS STATE:

The man, who will supervise the 2015 elections in one of flashpoints of the opposition, is an indigine of Ogun State.

Prior to his secondment to oversee the exercise in the most priced state in Nigeria, Akin Orebiyi had been the REC in Ondo State, where he successfully conducted the election of Olusegun Mimiko. The product of Olivet High School, Oyo, also conducted the contentious Ilaje/Ese-Odo House of Representatives by-election.


EKITI:

Mr. Sam Olumeku, who hails from Ondo State, was the REC in Ogun state before his redeployment to Ekiti State.

He has assumed the mantle of leadership in a state, where the immediate past REC is famed for conducting one of most credible governorship elections in the country.

With such template, expectations of an unquestionable performance from him, are widespread. But the state’s sobriquet of a theatre of political absurdities, may naturally place Olumeku in the eye of the storm.

ONDO STATE:

From the comfort zone of Kogi, Mr. Segun Agbaje was temporarily moved to Osun, where he conducted the last governorship election. His interim leadership of INEC in that state, was a fallout of stringent calls for the replacement of Akeju ahead of the gubernatorial polls. Agbaje consequently, resumed duty in Osun State in July as directed by INEC headquarters in Abuja.

His supervision of the August 9, 2014 exercise, was not devoid of complaints, as the PDP candidate, Oyiola Omisore alleged that the election was flawed.

‘’We affirm that the announced outcome of the August 9, 2014 gubernatorial election in Osun State are not a true reflection of the votes cast in the election, and rejected in all its entirety. We shall seek to retrieve our stolen mandate that was freely given to our candidate and party, using legal means as provided for by both the constitution and electoral laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Omisore alleged.

He hails from Ekiti State.








Source - Vanguard


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Cameroon Recruits 20,000 To Fight Boko Haram

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*As 2 suicide bombers, 7 others die in Yobe, Gombe explosions.

Cameroon has said it is recruiting 20,000 more defence and security forces to fight Boko Haram following reports that the terrorist group, based in Nigeria, is recruiting young Cameroonians to fight for them.

Cameroon recruits 20,000 to fight Boko Haram


This is just as nine persons were killed, including two suicide bombers, as multiple bomb explosions rocked Yobe and Gombe states on the eve and new year day, while 10 others were injured.

Senator Haman Paul, who hails from northern Cameroon, told VOA about Boko Haram’s recruitment of young Cameroonians to fight for the creation of an Islamist caliphate in northern Nigeria.

“That was something that we witnessed in Maroua (in northern Cameroon). People told us that they found people in town that were not actually people they were used to. When we found that one part of the country is in a very delicate situation, it is better to manage prevention instead of consequences,” said Paul.

Another lawmaker from northern Cameroon, Sali Dairou, said that just last week Boko Haram seized cattle from Cameroonian ranchers who lived along the border with Nigeria’s Borno and Adamawa states, adding that the ranchers have lost thousands of cattle.

Dairou said the militants also killed some of the cattle ranchers, while thousands of their cows went into the wild. He said this was a huge loss, adding that no rancher has the courage to go to the boundary with Nigeria to bring back his remaining cattle.

Cameroon’s Minister of Territorial Administration, Rene Emmanuel Sadi, said the threat posed by Boko Haram had led many people from the border areas to flee.

He said northern Cameroon was the hardest hit as many schools have remained closed and people are abandoning their farms and cattle.

Sadi said Boko Haram has paralyzed trade between Cameroon and Nigeria that has supplied 80 per cent of foodstuff and basic necessities to northern Cameroon since the two countries gained independence more than five decades ago.

Commercial activities halted

He said in addition to the woes of the economy of northern Cameroon was the fact that Nigerian fuel, which is widely used, was no longer available while business transactions and commercial activities had been completely halted by Boko Haram.

Cameroon’s Defence Minister, Edgard Alain Mebe Ngo’o, said besides the economic hardship, atrocities committed by the militant group have led to a massive movement of more than 30,000 villagers to areas of the country away from the border.

He said fear gripped the people when Boko Haram started arresting and publicly killing religious leaders and chiefs who collaborate with the government of Cameroon in some villages that neighbour Nigeria’s Borno state.

Effect of unrest

Another effect of the unrest has been that commercial banks are unable to recover loans granted to farmers and cattle ranchers and now have decided not to give loans to people along Cameroon’s border with Nigeria.

Cameroon’s Police chief, Martin Mbarga Nguelle, said that the country had decided to recruit some 20,000 defence and security forces to fight and restore security in the border areas.

He said Cameroonian President Paul Biya had instructed him to recruit 4,700 policemen this year and 5,000 next year. The military is also recruiting at least 6,000 Cameroonian youths this year.

Cameroon joined Nigeria, Benin, Chad and Niger in sharing intelligence and border surveillance.

Cameroon is working with the four African nations plus the United States, France, China and Germany in a new regional African effort against the extreme Islamists.

9 killed in Yobe, Gombe explosions

Meanwhile, nine persons were killed, including two suicide bombers, as multiple bomb explosions rocked Yobe and Gombe states on the eve and new year day, while 10 others were injured.

On Wednesday, witnesses said that seven people were killed when a bus exploded in a village close to Potiskum, the commercial capital of northern Yobe.

“The bus went up in flames from multiple blasts that killed all seven men inside,” said Hambali Baidu, a resident of Maiduwa village, which lies some 60 kilometers (40 miles) from the city.

No official confirmation of the death toll has been given.
“We heard series of explosions from the bus, which went flying into the air in flames,” said Usman Haruna, another resident.

“They were no doubt Boko Haram militants on their way to carry out attacks.”

Suicide bomber shot dead

Later same day, a female suicide bomber was killed as she tried to enter a military barracks.
Soldiers opened fire on the woman when she refused to be searched as she approached the barracks in Bolari, in Gombe State, detonating the explosives belt she was wearing, according to eyewitness accounts.
The woman, who was wearing a hijab, was killed instantly, witnesses said.

“The woman refused to stop and continued to advance towards the military guards at the gates despite repeated orders for her to stop at a distance,” said Shuaibu Nasir, who lives near the gates of the barracks.

“The soldiers opened fire on the woman, who quickened her pace towards them, and as they fired shots at her she exploded with a loud sound that shook our buildings,” Nasir said.

Wednesday’s blast prompted policemen to fire warning shots in the air, causing panic among residents, Nasir said.

Another resident, Ahmed Baballe, said the would-be bomber was “blown to pieces” by the impact of the explosion.
“The soldiers did not take chances with the woman and opened fire when she showed no sign of stopping to be searched,” Baballe said.

ECWA targeted

Also yesterday, several people were injured at the entrance of Tudun Wada ECWA Church, Gombe, when a suicide bomber set off his explosive.
The spokesman of the state Police Command, DSP Fwaje Atajiri, told newsmen in Gombe that a suicide bomber rode on a motorcycle and tried to enter the church a few minutes after 8a.m.

He said: “He came with a motorcycle and tried to enter the place but as a result of the security measures put in place, he was blocked and the bomb exploded, killing him instantly,” Atajiri said.

In his account, the head of the Nigerian Red Cross in Gombe, Abubakar Yakubu said “there was an explosion outside the ECWA church this morning. A suicide bomber who was restrained from getting into the church blew himself up. Luckily no one was killed but some people were mildly injured.”

An eye witness, Malam Aminu Muhammad, whose house is close to the blast scene, said he was indoors when he heard a loud sound.

“When I heard the sound, I immediately came out, and what I saw was horrible. I saw human parts scattered everywhere with blood and pieces of motorcycle which the suicide bomber rode on,” Muhammad said.

Another eyewitness, Dahiru Badamasi who lives in the neighbourhood said the suicide bomber arrived during the service at the Evangelical Church of West Africa in Gombe and refused to park his motorcycle outside a security barrier set up by volunteers.

“He insisted on riding through the barrier. It was while he was arguing with the volunteers that his suicide belt exploded.”

Another witness, Jummai Maifada said he heard an explosion and rushed outside.

“I saw a man leading three children with their new dresses stained with blood,” he said
Malam Abdullahi Isah, the Secretary, Gombe Specialist Hospital, said 10 injured persons were brought to the hospital.

According to him, the victims sustained various injuries and were undergoing a treatment, adding that one of them was taken to the theatre.

Gombe, has until recently been spared the violence that has shaken the neighbouring states of Yobe, Borno and Adamawa, where Boko Haram has taken around 20 towns.

On Wednesday a female suicide bomber was killed as she tried to enter a military barracks in Gombe.
Seven others died in a bus explosion Wednesday in a village close to Potiskum, in Yobe state.

President Goodluck Jonathan, had, Thursday, promised to re-equip and re-position the armed forces “to enhance their capacity to win the ongoing war against terror and insurgency.”

He said:“We will bring justice to the savage terrorists known as Boko Haram. They will be defeated. We will not forget. We will not look the other way.”







Source - Vanguard

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Falling Crude Oil Prices: Labour Warns FG Against Austerity Measures

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Falling crude oil prices: Labour warns FG against austerity measures


The Federal Government to take sustainable, viable and proactive steps to addressing the consequences of the falling crude oil prices instead of punitive measures against ordinary Nigerians especially workers.

Speaking through Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, labour said the first practical step was the diversification of the nation’s economy as against the over dependence on petroleum with its vagaries in the international market.

NLC in a new year message by its President, Mr. Abdulwaheed Omar, lamented that “in spite of government’s sworn commitment and the presence of a multi-agency task force in the Niger Delta, crude oil theft assumed a phenomenon in the year, accounting for as much as 30 per cent of national output.

This has created loss of revenues and divestments. Closely linked to this horrendous crime is the degradation of the environment by illegal refineries, oil spills, cover-ups and related incidents.

It would appear that government does not have a structured response to the present volatility in the crude oil market sparked by commercial shale oil mining and deepened by crashing prices across the globe. Practically all the measures mooted or taken so far by government smack of shock and panic and clearly expose our vulnerability.

“Clearly, this would have been avoidable if our suggestions had been taken on board by government. For instance we recall advising government time without number to boost the capacity of domestic refining instead of depending on imports whose landing cost is dependent on prevailing exchange rate and other motivations not far from usury”

According to NLC, “while we appreciate the difficulties brought on by the collapse in oil prices, we caution against the imposition of unselective austerity measures. Already, workers continue to bear the brunt of the savage devaluation of the Naira with possibility of collateral consequences.

We also strongly advise against consideration for rationalisation of staff. We support government initiatives to tax the rich through luxury taxes. More importantly, we are convinced that the surest way to manage the budget under austerity is to reduce the cost of governance.

Bloated prerequisites of political office holders must be cut. Prerequisites and comfort of politicians need to reflect the reality of the times. Mr. President and the state house must lead in this regard. The size of the Presidential fleet, the cost of running the State House and the retinue of political jobbers can all be reasonably cut without reducing the effectiveness of the Presidency.

“We condemn the imposition of exploitative electricity tariff and urge caution in case this leads to some further unpleasantries. We note sporadic protests against these tariff hikes in cities across the nation including Benin, Enugu, Lagos and Kano.

We still stand by our time-tested position that the only permanent solution to the crises of petroleum product pricing is adequate domestic refining. Accordingly, we urge government to put in place realistic appropriate legislation and policy in order to realise this.”








Source - Vanguard


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Sensual Nudity An Emerging Trend In Fashion Threatening Dignity

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Gabriella Sabatini looked sexy on court. She was elegant and late Ayo Oshitelu once wrote that the Argentine tennis girl would easily win a beauty contest if she entered for any. Her figure was amazing and facial beauty incredible. Walking from the net to the baseline after making a point was thrilling. There was music in her steps. Ositelu, in one of his trips to Wimbledon wrote that her beauty attracted more fans to the arena than the game she played. Sabatini appeared sexy in her times but the reigning players now have made her show a child’s play.

At the Olympic Games, World Championships and other international events the skimpy wears of athletes have become part of the game. They entertain the eyes. Ever wondered why people spend hundreds of dollars to buy tickets for events that would be aired on television? You can’t beat the stadium atmosphere. The television cameras do not pick all the fans enjoy in venues. The elegance of athletes entertains. The athletes appear to be aware of the imagination they create in the minds of fans and they make efforts to outdo each other. We are talking about female athletes. They make sure that fans have value for their money. Nobody goes to the Olympic games and regrets it. You are thoroughly entertained by the actions on the courts and the apparels of the female athletes.

Sensual Nudity An Emerging Trend In Fashion Threatening Dignity

It is not only in sports that women have taken upper hand in entertaining fans. Male musicians sometimes wear jackets which they fling to the fans or simply pull off while performing. Not so with women. They must entertain with some nudity. And the fans like it. Female artists the world over have opted to debase the sanctity of womanhood in their acts, a conservative person may argue. But the world is changing and sex sells. From the ancient days to now, the dignity of a woman lies in her body. But female entertainers in the music industry, drama, sport and modelling have carried their performances beyond the ordinary. To them, there’s dignity in the creating imagination in the minds of all. From America, Europe and down to Africa performing almost nude on stage and posting nude photographs online have become a phenomenon.

Jennifer Lopez, a global figure and a mother of two stirred the honest nest in her stage performance at the recent America music award and a British female journalist, ANNABEL COLE writing in The Daily Mail captured her with these words: “She mounted the podium decked on a tight-hugging body suit, fish-net tight and lashing of lipsticks. Critics liken her display to that of an aspiring starlet who was in a hurry to make fame in the competitive music world.

From one end of the stage to another, Lopez gyrates provocatively treating the audience to eye watering views of her naked body as she rendered the lyrics of her new song, titled, Booty. For the audience, it was as if the popular female musician was communicating the lyrics of her song with her anatomy. As she craws suggestively across the stage, displaying her famously curvy derrière and at a point, spanking Australian rapper, Iggy Azalea who is young enough to be her son.

“This overtly sexy act by Jennifer Lopez has elicited divergent reactions even among her fans.’But watching this aggressively titillating performance from the comfort of his sofa, one of her adult male fans said; ‘’I was overwhelmed by the desire to hide my face behind the cushions. My 15 year old daughter, Elsa, watching alongside with me was even less charitable. Yuck! She shrievelled. She’s way too old to be doing that.’’

Ironically, thrice divorced Jennifer Lopez is surely not the only artist who wants to show global audience how sexier they are as singers despite their age. Madonna, who’s 56 also seems to be trying in putting her young rivals on the edge. She frequently appears on stage in her sheer bra tops that leave almost nothing to the imagination of the audience. Her regular stage costumes of fishnet skirts and suspenders flashing her knickers at the audience did not suggest otherwise.

“Still on the trail of nude female singers is 68 years old Cher whose latest dress to kill tour would have been dabbed Dress To Die Of Embarrassment. Cher recently performed in a sheer fringed body stocking with her modesty covered by pink sequinned nipple tassels. But unfortunately, it does not seem as though any woman of her age would want to flaunt her body in such debasing manner.

“Just last month, 44 years old Mariah Carey was reported to have worn a mini skirt that appears to show her gusset, while her ample embodiment was barely held in check by her strapless, jeweled bustier in a concert in China”.

Nigeria Female Entertainers Go Nude Too

From the music scene to Nollywood, Nigerian female artists seem to embrace this trend. Today, performing almost nude has become another way of showing how sexy they are. This openness to emotional susceptibility has demonstrated that the female artists have the emotional capacities to achieve their pursuit of sensual pleasures.

Available reports showed that celebs going naked is not exactly a new phenomenon. Last year witnessed more of them shedding their sensitive parts in the name of promotion. At the moment, Nigerian female celebrities nude photos inspire instant fascination from fans. With the likes of Singer Maheeda, Dencia, actress and Afrocandy model, Ify Jones, Tiwa Savage, Cossy Orjiakor, Tonto Dikeh, Ini Edo, the most beautifully girl in Nigeria [MBGN], Munachia Abii now rapper, Eku Edewor and others blazing the trial, the trend is on fire in Nigeria. Female celebs have a way of converting every advantage into an opportunity to display their attributes, be it on the red carpet or on instagram photo. This trend has assumed unprecedented dimension as these female artists crave to forge ahead in their career as actors or models. For a beginner, it starts with dressing half nude just like a test with one weary foot before committing the whole body.

Nude Maheeda spills iced cream and milk over herself. But the singer has dismissed her critics, saying ,‘’it’s deliberate. I know what I’m doing. The pictures are not targeted at anything. It’s all about attention and there’s no mistake about it. This business of music is called show business and I’m convinced I’m on the right track. I owe no apologies. I just realised this way will be faster hit than any other way. The pictures are working for me”.


In Churches Too

Not even religious temples are spared by women who opt to dress in the name of sex appeal. Today, women also dress up in sexy styles in churches. And they are causing sensation.

. The Archbishop Emeritus of the metropolitan See of Lagos, Anthony Cardinal Olubumi Okojie attested this much in a recent gathering. “Most girls nowadays go around almost naked all in the name of fashion with the so called ‘’Spaghetti” or micro mini” kind of dresses. It is more disheartening when one finds mothers with the sacred parts of their bodies exposed, all in the name of fashion’’.

This trend which seems peculiar to new generation churches has become a sight too in orthodox churches known for their conservative disposition. As bizarre as it may sound, married women have joined the foray. On worship days, residents in the neighbourhood of Oregun in Lagos are treated to free eye watering view of sexy dressed female worshippers who throng the churches domiciled in the vicinity. One of the residents who gave his name as Ifeanyi Olise said, Sundays in Oregun is interesting.

“We feed our eyes with all manner girls who dress sexy and women alike as though they are in beauty contest trying to outdo one another in the house of God. But the most painful of this experience remains the married women, who too, want to show off how trendy they could be in their tight-hugging skirts or blouses”.

But in a swift reaction, a female worshipper in one of the churches who would not want her name in print told Saturday Vanguard that women must not risk losing their husbands to teenagers because they want to dress conservatively.

Lead us not into temptation

Pastors have had to restrain themselves from the tempting display of sexy wears by some of these women in churches. They are human and sometimes they fall to these temptations.

Nollywood Too

Apart from the romantic scenes which dot most Nollywood films, their sexy costumes have become another source of attraction. This trend is peculiar to renowned Actress as Tonto Dikeh, Mercy Johnson, Ini Edo and host of others. But the trend is global and they are just trying to keep pace with the changing world of entertainment.

Why Going Nude?

Sensual Nudity An Emerging Trend In Fashion Threatening Dignity

For female entertainers all over the world, going almost naked shows how sexy they are. It helps promote their works and also elicits imagination from the fans. But for the old generation artists, as Jennifer Lopez and her contemporaries, they want to remain relevant in the industry that is fast becoming wild.

Most upcoming female artists who indulge in the act want to hit limelight in a jiffy which in turn could earn them mileage in terms of promotion.

Interestingly, a recent psychological study showed that men who regularly lust to view exposed breasts of women could live longer. According to the report, viewing the breasts arouses excitement that releases some hormones in men that make them live longer. Though much as this fact cannot be empirically verified, the much touted claim that laughter also promotes good health could attest to this claim.

In sports, Nudity is the game

In the exciting world of sports, nudity is part of the game. Female athletes dazzle fans with their skimpy wears. Apart from their sheer brilliance in the game, spectators fall over heels in sheer admiration of what they see.

From the tracks to the tennis courts, and from the beach volleyball to the gymnasium and to the swimming pool, the entertainment in today’s sports is also in fashion. The female athletes who, apart from their dexterity in the game, thrill the spectators with their skimpy sport wears and tight-hugging apparels attract admiration. This disposition of the female athletes adds colour to the entertainment they bring forth.

Besides the cheering of the spectators, the photo journalists go wild with their cameras clicking from every impossible angles in order to capture the ‘potent’ part of a female athlete. It’s part of the game. Hence, papparazis and photo-journalists would always take front-row seat awaiting any wardrobe malfunction or a slide that will show the full weight of what lies down under. Check out the likes of Serena Williams.

And the fans seem to be conscious of the fact that nudity sells in sports. A recall of how tickets to the female Beach volleyball matches at the London 2012 Olympics were sold at record prices in the first hour of being made public in the weeks before the global sporting extravaganza attests this. Surprisingly, most of those who bought front-row seats to watch these sexy beach volleyball ladies were mainly white-collar job guys.

In Nigeria, the queen of the track, Mary Oyenli Omagbemi, Olympic long jump medallist, Chioma Ajuwa, a host of other athletes of that time and now Blessing Okagbare had, in their various athletic exploits, given fans a lot to cheer. It’s all part of the game.





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Cristiano Ronaldo Wins 2014 Ballon d’Or Over Lionel Messi & Manuel Neuer

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Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been named world footballer of the year after winning the Ballon d'Or for the second year in a row.

Cristiano Ronaldo Wins 2014 Ballon d’Or

The Portugal captain beat Barcelona forward Lionel Messi and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to the award.

Wolfsburg and Germany midfielder Nadine Kessler was named women's player of the year, while Colombia's James Rodriguez won goal of the year.

Germany's World Cup winner Joachim Low won men's coach of the year.

Wolfsburg boss Ralf Kellermann was named women's football coach of the year after a successful defence of the Champions League.

The three candidates for the Ballon d'Or were all picked in the team of the year, along with defenders Philipp Lahm, David Luiz, Thiago Silva and Sergio Ramos, midfielders Andres Iniesta, Toni Kroos and Angel Di Maria and forward Arjen Robben.

Ballon d'Or

Cristiano Ronaldo successfully defended his world player of the year status convincingly with 37.66% of all votes, winning for a third time. Barcelona and Argentina counterpart Lionel Messi - who won four years in a row until Ronaldo beat him last year, was second on 15.76%. He was narrowly ahead of Bayern Munich and Germany keeper Manuel Neuer, who had 15.72%.

Ronaldo, who scored 52 goals in 43 games during 2014, looked emotional when collecting the award from former France, Barcelona and Arsenal striker Thierry Henry.

The 29-year-old said: "I would like to thank all of those who voted for me, my president, my coach and Real Madrid. It has been an unforgettable year. To win this trophy at the end of it is something incredibly unique."

Women's World Player of the Year

Wolfsburg and Germany midfielder Nadine Kessler was named women's player of the year. The 26-year-old beat Brazil's Marta and United States international Abby Wambach.

Kessler said: "My heart is beating madly at the moment. I don't think I ever thought in my life I would achieve this moment.

"Without my team-mates and my coach, this would never have been possible. I have a great degree of gratitude that I must give to my family. They have seen me through all the difficult times."

Puskas Award (goal of the year)

Colombia's James Rodriguez won the Fifa goal of the year award for his World Cup strike against Uruguay, beating Irishwoman Stephanie Roche.

Roche, who scored a stunner for Peamount against Wexford in the Irish top flight, had hoped to be the first female winner of the Puskas Award.

She landed 33% of the public vote to Rodriguez's 42%. Manchester United striker Robin van Persie - the third nominee - earned just 11% for his diving header against Spain in the World Cup.

Fifa/Fifpro World XI

The Fifa team of the year 2014 was voted for by 20,000 professional footballers worldwide.

Fifa team of the year 2014


World coach - men's football

Germany boss Joachim Low won after leading his country to World Cup glory in Brazil, beating Argentina 1-0 in the final.

"It is a huge honour after what's been an incredibly successful year," he said. "It's the icing on the cake - the cake obviously being the World Cup. I'm just taking this award on behalf of everybody who has taken this team to where it is. I would like to thank all the German coaches who do so much good work with the young players. They are all coaches of the year."

Low beat Diego Simeone, who led Atletico Madrid to the Spanish title and Champions League final, and Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, whose side beat their city rivals to become European champions for a record 10th time.

World coach - women's football

Wolfsburg boss Ralf Kellermann was named women's football coach of the year after leading the German club to a successful defence of the Champions League.

He said: "This award is an outstanding moment. Unfortunately I've picked up an individual award for what is team sport, so I dedicate this to my whole team. I would also like to pay tribute to [Wolfsburg midfielder] Junior Malanda, who was so sadly taken from us two days ago."

Kellermann beat Germany Under-20 boss Maren Meinert and Japan boss Norio Sasaki to the award.

Fair Play Award

The winner was the thousands of volunteers who gave up their time to work at Fifa competitions - including the World Cup - over the past 12 months.

Presidential Award

The Presidential Award was picked by Fifa president Sepp Blatter for "a person that has made a superlative contribution to football without seeking to monopolise the limelight".

The winner was Japanese journalist Hiroshi Kagawa, who covered his 10th World Cup last summer at the age of 89.







Source: BBC Sport

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Business Ideas for the Entrepreneur

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Many individuals nowadays prefer to have a home-based job rather than working eight hours each day in the office. Some people are also into franchising; this may sound good but if you want to become a successful entrepreneur, you don’t have to focus entirely on franchising. You should consider other business ideas that you can venture into.

Research can be carried out with ease these days, thanks to the power of the internet. If you conduct your search online, you can find other business ideas that you can use as an entrepreneur. Beginners will benefit a lot from the information they can find online about business ideas.

Because of the many business ideas you can find online, you will often find it hard to choose the ones you like. It’s easy to choose if you use your instincts. For instance, if one business idea feels right, take note of it but if you have second thoughts about another idea, disregard it.

As an entrepreneur, you should investigate further by gathering as much information as possible about the business ideas. True enough, franchise is absolutely a great idea. By choosing this business alternative, you can be the boss of your own business and you can earn unlimited income.

However, according to experts, franchise and other internet businesses promise the same business opportunities. It will all differ on how you handle the business.

Not all individuals who desire to own a business can achieve this goal. You see, being an entrepreneur is hard. There are a lot of factors to consider before you decide to become an entrepreneur. Even if you have the capital to finance the business undertaking, you can’t be sure that it can give you high profits in the future especially if you don’t know how to handle certain business situations.

First and foremost, you must be able to work alone. Once you’re an entrepreneur, you’re already self-employed. It would also be best if you can have the support of your loved ones.

Here is a very good example. As mentioned earlier, further investigation is needed to evaluate the business ideas that you have in your hands. Starting a business from scratch requires a lot of work. Suppose the business that you’re about to put up is also available in franchise, which business idea will you choose?

For the smart entrepreneurs, they will already go for franchising because it requires less work. An established business undertaking is less expensive and less risky. But before you make a final decision, you must be able to weigh all the advantages as well as disadvantages. This is an essential part of choosing the best business idea.

Once you’ve chosen the right business idea, you can spring it into action. Soon enough, you will gain the financial benefits that you’re dreaming of. Whether you choose to start your own business or go for franchising, the most important thing is to develop goodwill. All the actions of the entrepreneur must be focused in attaining all the objectives of the business.

If you want to become an entrepreneur, you must research all the business ideas that you can get online. The internet can help you a lot. Also, don’t forget to develop the needed traits and skills as an entrepreneur.

You can get many resources through the internet or you can talk to an established entrepreneur so that you will have an idea on what you’re about to undertake.




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Accepting Credit Cards: How To Achieve Merchant Status For Your Business

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Credit card merchant account status
A lot of people nowadays, prefer the convenience of purchasing through credit cards. In the United States, nearly 1 in every 3 consumer purchases are paid through credit. It is crucial therefore for companies to readily accept credit payments to avoid losing sales.

No matter what type of dealing you run, whether it is a small shop, online store or mail order business, having a credit card service for customers will surely come in handy towards your business’ growth. However, one cannot just accept credit card payments in an instant. In fact, one has to apply to a number of banks for a merchant status to be able to do this. But once your merchant status is established, then your business will be good to go.

How Does Merchant Status Work?


Your company must first partner with one or a few banks to be able to accept credit payments. Before doing so, you must apply to these banks to achieve the merchant status. These banks will work with you to transfer money paid through credit by customers within a day or two of the sale. They will also be responsible for collecting the money from the customer, and in return, your company will pay them a usual commission, ranging from 1.5 percent to 5 percent for each transaction. Other fees may include monthly support and equipment rentals.

What Do Banks Look For In Companies Applying For Merchant Status?


Applying for merchant status may be a process much similar to applying for a loan, as lenders would certainly investigate on your overall financial status. The feasibility of having credit payments used through your business will certainly be looked up. Here are some factors that lenders will need to consider before granting you merchant status:

  • Your Business’ Type & Length of Time:Lenders would certainly need to know whether granting your company the status might have higher risks for accepting credit payment. For example, home-based companies may have more difficulty to obtain a merchant status as compared to companies with stores. Aside from this, companies that are already established for some time in contrast to those that are only starting out may be granted status quicker. 

  • Your Sales Track Record: Lenders would also be interested to know if your company could really bring in money to the table. If your company has a dependable sales track record, then the easier for you to achieve status. 

  • Your Credit History: General credit-worthiness would certainly be given much consideration. Be prepared for your personal or business credit histories to be investigated. In line with this, lenders may also try to check with your previous merchant accounts, about your business’ performance as this give feedback on how credit worthy you are. 

What Should You Do To Achieve Merchant Status?


To prepare your company for application, you must be ready to have all information about your business as well as your personal credit history at hand. This includes how you obtain the necessary finances for your company and how you run things in the company. Requesting for a credit report for your business before hand will also be a good move.

Most importantly, be sure that you have maintained a favorable business and personal credit score for lenders to consider you faster. Pay your dues on time and avoid mounting up huge debts.

In your small business, establishing a merchant account may seem unnecessary or too much of a hassle at first, however, once you start accepting credit payments in your business, you will surely realize how much it can contribute to improving your company.

It does not only by boosting sales, but it can also provide much more convenience to your customers and even establish your company. More importantly, accepting credit card payments will surely improve cash flow.

In the end, once you will see how your small business can grow by having a certified merchant status, you will realize how all of your efforts were actually worth it.




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Reasons Why You Should Separate Personal Credit From Business Credit

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Most people who want to start up their own businesses today usually make use of personal resources to finance their ventures. They either utilize their savings, loan money from significant others or even use up their retirement funds.

Due to mixing their personal accounts with that of their business’ transactions, these people often risk utilizing their major assets for collateral, give personally guaranteed business mortgages, and so on. They often end up pushing their personal credits to the limit. And whenever this happens, they are left to compromise their personal financial security.

It is sad to say, however, that a significant percentage of small firms operate through personal credit cards. What these people should actually know and should be doing in running their ventures is how to separate their personal credit and their business credit and how life saving this can be, not only for the company, but for their personal assets as well.

The use of credit cards in small businesses is currently on the rise. What this does is that it protects both of the entrepreneur’s personal as well as business assets and allows opportunities for better growth and organization to the company.


Personal Advantages in Using Business Credit

Through separating the personal account with the firm’s business account, one is able to protect private assets in case something goes wrong with the financial status of the company. In that way, one’s personal security (especially for those with families) would not have to be compromised.

In instances wherein a firm that goes bankrupt does not have corporate credit, one can be held responsible for any of the company’s expenditures both legally and personally. Separating accounts would entail one to give added protection on savings and properties that one worked hard for in a long time.

Corporate Advantages in Using Business Credit


Owning a business credit could also improve the financial flow of one’s company as well as help the company grow. One very good advantage is being able to save a lot of money. By having a good credit profile for the company, business owners have the option of lowering interests for leases and loans. It also becomes easier for the company to add more employees, raise inventory and attain discounts for goods.

Aside from this, it keeps the company’s financial transactions organized as one can more conveniently keep track of the firm’s expenditures, which also gives an easier means to monitor accounting and tax transactions. Most importantly, a company with a stable and reliable account would be able to attract more investors and would have a more organized cash flow system.

For any person who wants to start a business, it is important to be smart and practical in handling finances. By using a separate credit account for that small company, one does not only protect assets, but one also increases the chance of the small business to grow and actually earn more.

The use of such credit accounts will help one’s company to improve by saving much time, money and effort. This will even open opportunities for the business to gain the finances that it needs and develop the company’s credibility.

In conclusion, any smart entrepreneur wanting to succeed in business ventures at the same time protect private resources will surely learn to separate his personal credit from his business credit.




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Dating In The Modern Era

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Black dating website
Gone are the days when parents would be responsible for finding their daughter or son a suitable date. The whole dating scene has changed drastically over the years and now more people than ever are turning to technology and attending special dating events in hope of meeting the perfect one. Here we take a look at the latest ways people are choosing to find their perfect match.

Perhaps one of the newest concepts designed to help people find love are mobile apps. There are now numerous mobile apps that are readily available to download for a fee, or if you’re lucky, for free. The apps vary slightly but most enable you to search for other singles nearby in your area. You can connect with thousands of others just by using your phone! Using your phone for the Internet was almost unheard of decades ago let alone using an app to find yourself a partner. Technology use is changing and so is dating.

In the last 15 years, more people have been trying their hand at online dating to meet other like minded-singles. Online dating is appealing for several reasons. Firstly, it’s convenient. You can find the love of your life from the comfort of you own home. In addition, online dating saves you time as you have access to millions of other singles just by logging into your account. Of course there is the added bonus that the process is simple and allows you to spend as much time getting to know someone before you decide if you want to meet them in person – perfect! There are many dating sites to choose from, http://africanlove.com (African dating site) and http://soulsingles.com (black dating site) are amongst some of the most reputable and established sites, responsible for connecting thousands of like-minded singles every day.

If you feel a bit more traditional about dating and would rather meet a person face to face to start with, then arranged dating events is a great alternative option to online dating. Singles events are held all over the country and there really is an ideal event for all types of people. Some events are known as ‘speed dating’. Usually you will be allocated 60 seconds to speak another single person before moving onto the next. The best thing about speed dating is that you get to meet a variety of people in a short amount of time, and it’s fun! At the end of the night you can request the phone number (or numbers!) of those that you are interested into to arrange a date, easy!

Another great choice for those looking for ‘the one’ in the modern era is holidays designed for singles only. Singles cruises have become particularly popular in the last decade. Imagine cruising around the Caribbean, sipping a cocktail and chatting to the potential love of your life? If options like speed dating are a little too fast paced for you, then singles holiday are perfect choice. You have the luxury of time to get to know other like-minded singles in a relaxed atmosphere. Moreover, even if you decide that you haven’t found the right one, at least you’ve still enjoyed a holiday of a lifetime!

It’s evident from the options above that people are no longer constrained to relying on their friends or family to find them a partner. Thanks to growth of technology, the Internet and dating events, finding a partner, relationship or soul mate is easier than ever.




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5 Reasons to Incorporate Your Business Online

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Business Incorporation Online


You've decided to incorporate your business, but aren't sure how to proceed. Incorporation is a process that involves lots of decision-making, paperwork, and legal processes. Thankfully, you don't have to go far to learn the ins and outs of incorporation. You can now incorporate online with helpful services that are just a click away. Here are five good reasons to incorporate online.

1. Never Leave the Home or Office

One reason to incorporate online is you can get all the help you need from the comfort of your own office or home. With online incorporation, you'll have all the facts about corporations at your fingertips. The incorporation services provided online usually come from those who are experienced and can provide you with the paperwork and guidance needed to ease the process. You'll save time and many headaches by using an online incorporation service and you won't have to run from one place to another trying to determine what is needed.

2. State-by-State Incorporation

No matter what state you plan to incorporate in, you can incorporate online within minutes. Many online services are equipped to handle incorporation paperwork in multiple states. The services can provide you with detailed information about the state such as the fees to incorporate a business, total cost for incorporating, how long the process will take, and the steps or paperwork required to incorporate in that particular state.

3. Incorporate Quickly

Some online services may offer expedited incorporation services. This service can be useful if you need to incorporate your business in a hurry. Expedited service often costs a little more, but can be well worth it if you need it fast. By choosing this option, your business might be incorporated within 10 days or less.

4. Know all the Facts

When you incorporate online, you can know all the facts about incorporation before deciding to take that final step. You can take time from your home or office PC to read about forming a corporation, the requirements involved, and the pros and cons of incorporation. This will enable you to make an informed decision and determine the proper direction for your business.

You can also compare different forms of business, such as Corporation, S Corporation, forming an LLC (Limited-Liability Company), sole proprietorship, and partnership. For instance, to form an LLC and a corporation is similar in some ways, but very different in others. LLC formation should be carefully compared to incorporation before making a decision.

5. Save Money

To incorporate online is often more affordable than hiring an agent or attorney to do the paperwork for you. Online services are able to operate with minimal expenses by providing Web forms and information via the website. These savings are passed on to you and enable you to incorporate your business with a minimal investment.

These are only a few reasons to incorporate online, but there are many other benefits. Discover all that incorporation can offer for your business today, and watch your business soar to new heights!




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70 - 80% Of Women Do Not Wear The Right Size Bra!

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How a bra should fit
 How to know your right bra size


Every woman knows the difficulty involved in finding the right bra. Questions like What cup Size are you now? What style do you require? Seem to never end!

Well, first and foremost it is essential that you know your correct size. A badly fitting bra can lead to back problems, muscle tension, and even headaches. If you are in your teen years, the strain caused by a badly fitting bra can lead to permanent problems with posture and even back pain. So that's why teens should be fit by a bra expert at least twice a year or even after every noticeable growth pattern.

Your first consideration should be the reason you need the bra; is it for athletics, coverage, comfort or support? There are different types and styles of bras made for specific types of bodies and physical activities. Although it would be nice, no one bra can do it all; you have different bras for different jobs. A Sexy bra for those intimate private moments or a Sports Bra for when you want to perform arduous exercise. Below are some of the popular types of bra.

First Bras

Training bras are for younger girls who have just started to develop breasts and are not able to fit into standard size bras. Age is not the concern, rather its getting the right fit and support for your breast size.

Wireless Bras

Light support or wireless bras usually have no underwire and are sometimes the preferred choice for those with smaller breasts. They are less constricting and more comfortable than full support bras. As they are wireless they offer less shaping and more freedom than other bras. You can find the padded and unpadded variety; what you choose is a matter of personal preference.

Underwire Bras

Full support or underwire bras usually have an underwire or plastic boning holding them up. It doesn't matter what breast size you are, however it is a must for those with larger cup sizes. They also are available in padded or unpadded varieties.

Push Up Bras

Sometimes referred to as padded bras and more famously attributed to the Wonderbra. They lift the breasts and add more shape to them with extra padding. There are some more innovative versions around that use silicone inserts or water sacks to enhance your look even further. They are known to "lift and separate" the breasts, creating a full cleavage and most importantly offer lots of support.

Plus Size Bras

Plus size bras have finally found a home away from the unsightly bras of yesteryear to the sleek and sexy bras of today. From sports to sexy to your everyday bra, plus size bras are know available in many styles and brands. You can get extremely feminine lacy plus size bras, or bras finished in satin, silk, lace and cotton, under wire and strapless bras.

Sports Bras

Probably the least flattering and sexy in the bra family but ironically the most important one for growing teens to have. As well as offering full support, they also stop the breasts from moving during strenuous activity. The tissue in your breasts is very delicate and growing tissue especially needs to be protected during high impact exercise.

Nursing Bras

Your breasts start changing shape from the fourth month of pregnancy. As a result, most women find their previous bra too small. Purchase a nursing bras close to your due date or shortly after your baby arrives, because your breasts will grow larger toward the end of your pregnancy and when milk comes in. Consider buying a bra that has flaps and can be opened and refastened easily. Since milk leakage is inevitable, it also makes sense to buy nursing pads to protect both your bra and clothes. It is always better to buy 100% cotton bras, as cotton is a breathable fabric. Synthetic fabrics trap moisture and encourage bacterial growth and soreness.

Mastectomy Bras

These types of bras are designed with pockets in the cup area to hold a breast prosthesis. There is a wide range of styles and colors available. The silicone breast prosthesis simulates the natural breast with regards to its shape and weight. The prosthesis's main advantage is that it provides symmetry and balance to a persons body, who has survived from breast cancer. Wearing the right prosthesis is primarily important to your ultimate comfort level. With a superior fitting prosthesis, and a well-made and fitted mastectomy bra, you in turn will help to balance your posture and provide fortification for your chest and breast cancer scars.


These are some of the types of bra. If you know any other type not listed above, let us know by commenting below.

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A Cocktail Dress For Every Body Type

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Celebrities wearing cocktail dresses


One of the most versatile dresses that were ever designed for wear on special occasions is the cocktail dress. While the events for which cocktail dresses are worn are usually late afternoon or early evening affairs that are too casual to be called black-tie events, many cocktail dresses can now be worn elsewhere, depending on the cut and the material of the dress and the accessories worn with it.

To wear a cocktail dress to a more formal event, all you need to do is to accessorize accordingly, perhaps wear more flashy pieces of jewelry and heavier makeup. If you need to wear something dressy to the office for any reason other than the usual skirt or pantsuit, you can wear a cocktail dress that is not too flashy and just throw on a blazer and slip into sensible office shoes. Many current styles of cocktail dresses are no longer limited to being party wear anymore.

Choosing what style of cocktail dress to wear, however, can be very tricky for most women. After all, only a few women could claim to have truly perfect bodies, and most women who do not fall into the supermodel category prefer to hide the flaws of their figures. Wearing a one-piece dress such as a cocktail dress can easily reveal those flaws if the dress does not fit the wearer’s body type.

In picking out the right cocktail dress to wear, a woman should always consider her body type - whether she is top-heavy or bottom-heavy – and find something that will balance out her figure. If she is bottom-heavy, her aim should be to draw attention to the upper part of her body and to her face. If she is top-heavy, she has the option either to emphasize her cleavage or to wear something that will pull the eyes to her legs.

How to choose the right cocktail dress
What kind of cocktail dress would suit a woman with a bottom-heavy figure? As said above, a woman with a bottom-heavy figure would want to hide the thickness around her hips and thighs. A good cocktail dress for her to wear would be a dress that fits closely around the waist but without the seams pushed out by extra padding around the abdomen and has a skirt that flares out around the hips and thighs. A cocktail dress with a full skirt would be perfect for a woman with a bottom-heavy figure because it will definitely hide whatever flabbiness and bulges that she wishes not to be seen around her lower body.

Another option available for a woman with a bottom-heavy figure is a cocktail dress that sports an empire-style waistline. A cocktail dress with an empire-style waistline has the waist placed higher, thereby pulling the eyes towards the shoulders, the neck and the face. It also drapes and skims over the lower body. The only risk with wearing an empire-style cocktail dress, however, is that the empire-style cut is often used on maternity dresses, and so a woman wearing such a dress may be mistaken to be pregnant.

And yet another choice open for a woman with a bottom-heavy figure is a cocktail dress that is either sleeveless or strapless, also with a flaring skirt. Again, baring the arms and the shoulders is effective in drawing attention away from the hips.

As for women with top-heavy figures, she could either emphasize her cleavage or her legs, as mentioned above. If she wants to put focus on her legs rather than her cleavage, she can wear a cocktail dress with a solid-colored top paired with a patterned skirt. She can hike the hem of her skirt up to make it shorter and really draw the eyes to her legs.

If she wants to attract attention to her ample cleavage rather than her legs, she can cover up her legs in a long-skirted cocktail dress but reveal a little skin on her upper body with a low V-neck or plunging neckline. In fact, she can draw the eyes to both her top and her legs by wearing a short cocktail dress with a low neckline if she wants to. What she should not do is to wear a cocktail dress with an overly busy top because it will make her upper body appear larger and skew the balance of her figure.

Accessories also help to keep the illusion of balance on a woman’s figure aside from wearing the right kind of cocktail dress. Bottom-heavy women can wear flashy earrings, necklaces or chokers, while top-heavy women can forego the necklace and opt for a bracelet instead. However, she should buy her cocktail dress first before figuring out what accessories, bag and shoes to wear.

Cocktail dresses are versatile dresses that can be worn on any occasion that requires some degree of formality without being a full black-tie event. A woman should be able to choose the right cocktail dress that can really flatter her body type.



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5 Fun Party Games For Direct Sales That Will Boost Your Business

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Fun Business Party Ideas


If you are in direct sales, the money is all in the parties you do. You want your hostess and her guests to have as much fun as possible, but at the same time, you need to educate them on and interest them in your products. You may also want to plant the idea of one of them becoming a consultant. Party games can accomplish all of this while providing entertainment to the guests. Here are a few of our favorite games. Give them a try and watch your business grow.

1. Bingo

This is an easy all-time favorite and an easy way to introduce a wide variety of products to the group.

Create some bingo cards by drawing a 4 by 4 box grid on a piece of paper. Write “Free” on the center box. Then write the names of your products on the remaining boxes in random order on each of the bingo cards and make yourself a set of cards with just one of the products on each card. You will use this set of cards to draw the bingo “numbers”. You may want to have a sample of each of the products with you and show it and talk about it when the product is drawn during the bingo game. As in ordinary bingo, the first person who has a row of items checked off wins a prize.

2. Get To Know Each Other Game

This game makes for a nice icebreaker, especially if most of the guests don’t know each other. It can also provide you some clues about who may be a potential prospect. 

Pass around a bag of M&Ms. Tell everyone to take as many as they would like. Quickly ask them to count the number of candies in their hand. Each person then takes a turn standing up and telling as many things about themselves and their family as they have M&M’s. Of course no one is allowed to eat their M&Ms until they have had their turn.

3. How Well Do You Know Your Hostess?

Give a piece of paper to each of your guests and have them number it from 1 to 10. Then ask them to answer the following questions.

  1. What is your hostess’s favorite color?
  2. If she could have any vehicle, what would it be? 
  3. How many kids does she have?
  4. What is her favorite hobby? 
  5. Who is her favorite actor?
  6. What is her favorite animal?
  7. What is her favorite TV show?
  8. What is her favorite food?
  9. What is her favorite scent or smell?
  10. If you were in need of something, would your hostess give it to you if she can? 
After everyone writes down their answers (including the hostess), read the questions again and have the hostess tell everyone her answers. The other guests mark on their papers if they got it right or wrong. The person with the most write answers wins a small prize or discount on their purchase.

You can change and rearrange any of the questions, but leave the last one in place. It provides a nice lead- in to mention that the hostess will get free product if they purchase a certain amount, and/or book their own parties.

4. Left Right Game

This game is a great way to start a party, right before you go into your presentation. Pass out one or two small gifts. Tell your guests that you will read them a story and that they should pass the gift to the person to the right when they hear the word “right” and to the left when you mention “left. The person holding the gift at the end of the story gets to keep it.

Here is the story:
I left my house and was on my way to (insert hostess’s name) house. But I soon discovered that I had left my directions at home, right by the phone! Well, I knew right away that I needed to have the right directions to (insert hostess’s name) house, so I turned left and I turned left and I turned right and made my way back to my house for the right directions. Sure enough, there they were, right where I had left them, right next to the phone.

Finally, I was on the right track. I arrived right on time and set up my (insert your company name) presentation right over here. You all arrived and sat down. I’m going to get right down to work and tell you about (name of company). I hope nothing will be left out. In a moment I’ll show you our new line of (insert your type of products) products. If you left home with the intention of shopping for gifts tonight, you’ll find we have the right gift for everyone. Think about upcoming birthdays and holidays, we don’t want anyone left out. I’d be happy to help you find the right gift for that special someone.

(Insert name of company) has a (insert number of days) – day return policy. When your merchandise comes in please check it right away. If something is not right please call me right away and you can be sure I will take care of it right away. You don’t want to be left with something you are not 100% satisfied with, right? If you’d like to be a hostess and earn free and discounted merchandise, this is the right time for you to explore hosting a party. 
I’m enjoying being here with all of you tonight and I hope you are having fun, too. I know you can’t wait to see if we have that special item you have been looking for, so without further delay I will get right to the point of this party, which is showing you our great products! So, there is really nothing left for me to do except congratulate the winner, right?

5. Ask Me About My Job

This game is a great way to get your guests thinking about joining your company.

Get or make up some tickets.

Tell your guests that for the next 3 minutes you are going to play “ Ask Me About My Job”. The first person to come up with a question will get 3 tickets, the second person will get 2 and every question after that earns one ticket.

You will hear questions like “How long have you been doing this?” and “How many hours a week do you work?” Answer them as positively as possible. Good answers to the questions above would be “I’ve been doing this for 12 months and I’ve never had so much fun” and “ I only work evenings and weekends because I want to be home with my kids”.

After the three minutes are up, tell your guests to hang on to their tickets. You will have another short Q&A session towards the end of the party (your guests will have thought of some additional questions by then). After that have a drawing for a small prize.

This game is a great opportunity for you to teach your guests about your business and they may see how it could benefit them.


Final thoughts: Give a few of these games a try and put your own spin on them. All of these can easily be adapted and modified to work for you and the particular direct sales company that you represent. Go out there and have fun!


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4 Classic Cold Calling Mistakes

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Cold Calling Mistakes
Have you noticed that the old "tried and true" cold calling techniques which were once successful have completely lost their effectiveness over the years? They just don’t work anymore.

But many salespeople are still using them because that’s all they know. They’re working from that old, ineffective cold calling mindset. And they’re making the same mistakes over and over again.

I’d like to talk about four classic cold calling mistakes from the old traditional approach that will put you on the wrong path if you’re not careful.

1. Deliver a strong, enthusiastic sales pitch

People almost always feel "pushed" by sales enthusiasm, especially when it’s coming from someone they don’t know.

You see, a strong sales pitch includes the unspoken assumption that your product or service is a great fit for the other person. But think about it. You’ve never spoken with them before, much less had a full conversation. You can’t possibly know much about them at this point.

So to them, you’re just another salesperson who wants them to buy something. And so the walls go up.

It’s much better to modestly assume you know very little about your prospect. Invite them to share some of their concerns and difficulties with you. And allow them to guide the conversation, rather than your pre-ordained strategy or pitch.

2. Your goal is to always make the sale

When your target in cold calling is to always make the sale, prospects are aware of your agenda. And almost immediately, they’re on the defensive. After all, you’re primarily focused on yourself and the sale – not on them.

In the old traditional mindset, you forge ahead with the hope of getting a sale. You’re coaxing, persuading, and pushing things forward.

But most cold calls break down the moment the other person feels this sales pressure.

Why? Because they don’t know you, and they don’t trust you.

So the sales momentum you’re trying to create actually triggers a backlash of suspicion and resistance. They’re trying to protect themselves from a potential "intruder" with what appears to them as a self-serving agenda.

Instead, you can approach cold calling with a different goal. Your focus can be on discovering whether you’re able to solve a problem for the other person.

When you become a problem-solver, this feels vastly different to the person you’re talking to. You’re not triggering rejection. You’re calling with 100 percent of your thoughts and energy focused on their needs, rather than on making a sale.

3. Focus on the end of the conversation – that’s when sales are lost

If you believe that you lose sales because you’ve made a mistake at the end of the process, you’re looking in the wrong direction. Most mistakes are made at the beginning of a cold calling conversation.

You see, it’s at the beginning that you convey whether you’re honest and trustworthy. If you’ve started out your cold call with a high-pressured sales pitch, then you’ve probably lost the other person in just a few seconds.

When you follow a sales script, strategy, or presentation, then you’re not allowing a natural, trusting conversation to evolve. So the "problem" has been put into motion by your very first words. So the place to put all your focus is at the beginning of the cold call, not at the end.

4. Overcome and counter all objections

Most traditional sales programs spend a lot of time focusing on overcoming objections. But these tactics only put more sales pressure on your prospect, which triggers resistance. And you also fail to explore or understand the truth behind what’s being said.

When you hear, "We don't have the budget," or, "Call me in a few months," you can uncover the truth by replying, "That's not a problem."

And then using gentle, dignified language, you can invite them to reveal the truth about their situation.

So move away from the old sales mindset and try these new way of approaching your cold calling. You’ll find yourself being more natural, and others will respond to you in a much more positive way.



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4 Tech Must-Haves For Your Mobile Office

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Mobile Office Technology
Everything changes when you trade in your desktop for a laptop and your office for a hotel room.

Sometimes this is for the better: You're liberated from your cubicle and free to go where your work takes you.

But sometimes things change for the worse. Productivity suffers when you're in an unfamiliar place. The way a laptop keyboard cramps your hands is sometimes enough to keep you from getting the job done right.

Here are four technology "must-haves" for the mobile office, plus some tools that can boost your productivity while you're away.

1. The Right Software

It isn't just downloading the necessary applications onto your laptop or PDA, it's also knowing whether the programs are suited to a mobile office. Is your email program built for the road or adapted from a bigger application meant for a corporate network? Do the programs work together on your laptop or do they freeze when your processor gets busy?

These considerations can become big issues when you're travelling. That's something Tab Stone, a doctor from Los Angeles, knows all too well. He installed a new email program on his laptop before leaving on a recent trip, but it wasn't suited for mobile use. He had to uninstall it shortly before takeoff, but that disabled his backup email program. That meant he couldn't download any messages to his PC. "I could not fix whatever was corrupted with either a fresh download or a copy downloaded from the internet," Stone recalls.

Contact-management software programs let you integrate data with your PDA, so you can download and synchronize contacts, calendar appointments and notes to your Palm Pilot or Pocket PC. There's also a web-based version for travellers who either lose their laptops or prefer to work from a desktop at their destination.

2. The Right Hardware

I'm not talking about owning the newest laptop computer. I'm talking about hardware that's created for life on the road. Let's face it: A lot of the gadgets on which mobile professionals depend aren't made with travellers in mind. For example, when Joachim Martin's laptop battery ran out on a recent flight, a helpful flight attendant offered to recharge it in a "secret" outlet in the back of the plane. "The batteries charged," remembers the software developer. "But when I got home, they were dead." The power source had to be replaced. Blame the airline, the battery manufacturer or even the unfortunate business traveller for not knowing better, but this kind of thing happens often. Phone plugs don't always fit; neither do power outlets. And a lot of the gadgets we rely on are traveller-hostile, impractical or both.

3. The Right Connections

Connections are everything to the mobile office.

Remember Stone, the doctor without email? He eventually accessed his messages through an unwieldy web connection. Spencer Field, who recently returned from a trip to Melbourne, can also tell you about email trouble. He learned upon arrival that the dial-up numbers to his internet service provider (ISP) didn't work. "I thought that was probably the end of my online access," he says. "As a last-ditch effort, I let my fingers do the walking and checked out the Melbourne Yellow Pages for a local ISP." He found one and signed up for a one-month email account which gave him access to local numbers on his entire itinerary.

It isn't just internet connections that matter, but also hooking up to other devices such as cell phones, PDAs and laptops. Technologies such as Bluetooth let you communicate with other devices in an office or hotel room without the need for cables.

According to a recent AT&T study, the top barrier to working from a remote location is access to a high-speed data connection. Fast wireless networks are springing up everywhere — in hotels, airport lounges and coffee shops.

4. The Right Web Applications

Web-based applications are so important to the mobile office that I've decided to give them their own category, even though they technically belong in the "software" section. The web is one of the most efficient ways for a mobile worker to gain access to a back-office system, intranet or database.

My ISP offers a rudimentary application that lets me check my email from the web. I can't remember how often I've had to use it because my email program failed to work properly. But I do remember the last time. I was stuck at a meeting out-of-town and my email account had sustained a spam attack — thousands of unsolicited messages — that would have taken hours to download. Instead, I logged on to the web and deleted them all in seconds. Were it not for the web application, I would probably still be downloading the spam.

One of the most innovative Web applications is GoToMyPC , which lets you access the desktop in your home or office through the web.



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Change Your Career and Change Your Life By Starting Your Own Business

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Entrepreneurs
Even if you're not a born entrepreneur, at some point in your life you've probably toyed with the idea of starting your own business. Perhaps you've even opted out of your mainstream career to strike out on your own. If you have, you're among the legions of men and women who have made the choice to start their own businesses.

Unfortunately, many dreams of self-employment turn into nightmares, primarily because many of those who start businesses don't know how to critically assess business opportunities, how to create a business plan, how to read a financial report, or how to design and implement a marketing plan. Truly, the difference between those who succeed and those who fail most often boils down to whether or not the person has acquired the knowledge necessary to launch and operate a business.

What most aspiring entrepreneurs don't realize is that the skill set necessary to start a business isn't out of reach. It's simply a matter of finding the right tools and using them to your best advantage. These tools can be found in books, through online college courses, through training, or through the mentorship of a successful businessperson.

In a nutshell, these are the steps you need to take in order to change your career and change your life through starting your own business:

  1. Identify and build on your strengths. If you are a creative person who thrives on the unexpected, starting a bookkeeping business that requires endless hours of number crunching is a recipe for disaster. You need to assess your talents and interests, and then discover how you can use them to create a niche and demand for your product or service. 
  2. Create a business plan. A business plan is both your vision for your business and your roadmap to achieve your goals. It must include defining your product or service, identifying your competitors and differentiating yourself from them, and pinpointing funding and financial opportunities.
  3. Lay the groundwork. Businesses aren't built in a day, and you have to go through the mundane tasks of setting up bank accounts, securing business licenses, and jumping through the necessary regulatory hoops. 
  4. Create a marketing plan. Whether or not your business includes e-commerce, you can be sure that the Internet will play a major role in marketing your new business. But there are many other ways of garnering low cost or free advertising and marketing, and you need to make it your business to learn about them. You must also identify your target market and come up with a strategy to bring your product or service to that market. 
  5. Pay attention to the details. Many businesses fail because of a lack of attention to details - whether that means sloppy accounting practices, poor inventory control, or missing the deadline for a funding source. Launching a business is a balancing act, and you and your team must walk the high wire with aplomb. 
  6. Acknowledge and dismiss fear. Fear is what often holds us back from achieving our dreams. There's no doubt that leaving your career to start your own business is a downright frightening proposition. But with the right tools, you can acknowledge your fears for what they are, and then boldly move forward on your new career path of self-employment.


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Beauty Benefits Of Hair Straighteners, Flat Irons, Curling Irons, Hair Dryers And Hair Relaxers

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Hair Straightener, Flat Iron, Curling Iron, Hair Dryer
From turning frizzy hair into a sleek and natural-looking style, millions of women around the world invest in quality hair straighteners, hair dryers, curling irons, and hair relaxers. Premium brands and companies are also investing in creating new products; the line of Sedu flat irons, Sedu hair straighteners, and ceramic hair straighteners are a popular choice for women interested in a basic style that stays in line with today's hairstyling trends. When the Solia flat iron was introduced, many women found this to be a better option than other flat irons on the market.

The process of drying hair, then curling, relaxing, or straightening it is one that takes time and the use of quality tools and products. If you are using the wrong hairstyling products, hair can easily become frizzy, damaged, and even break. This can lead to poor moisture and "dead" hair that is difficult or impossible to style. Finding the right hair dryer for the task at hand is just as important as finding the best styling tools, such as hair straighteners and curling irons. Hair relaxers are most commonly used for women with excessively curly, thick, or African American hair.

Americans spend approximately 7 billion dollars per year on hair styling equipment, salon visits, and general hair maintenance. Although there are many beauty benefits of staying ahead of the season's trends, changing the condition of the hair on a regular basis can cause hair damage.

Hair straighteners are one of the most popular ways to achieve a sleek and chic look, and many different methods have been tried. Still, one of the best ways to achieve this look is by using Sedu hair straighteners. These are combination of ceramic hair straighteners and ionic tourmalilne technology that make use of infra red heat. When a woman decides to use one of these tools, their hair becomes flat and free of curls without damage, because the heat they output is much less damaging than steam and standard flat iron hair straighteners in general.

Ceramic hair straighteners are becoming a popular choice because they are lightweight, can heat up quickly, and leave little damage to the particles of the hair. Women who do decide to straighten their hair at home need to find the best hair straighteners for their hair type, along with the best hair dryers for a complete routine. Many choose Sedu flat irons, simply for their ease of use and even heat distribution. The Solia flat iron is another popular choice and is constructed in a similar fashion as the Sedu flat iron.

Chi hair straighteners are another option for women looking to remove frizz and create a flat and sleek look. Chi hair straighteners first became popular with the Chi ceramic hairstyling iron. These hair straighteners and flat irons offer removable plates that also help protect the hair cuticle. Chi hair straighteners are designed in such a way that they help seal in color and moisture. Farouk Systems, Inc. is the only authorized manufacturer of the Chi hair products; finding an authentic model is an important part of the shopping process. Chi flat irons offer an adjustable temperature dial in addition to a flat heating option that provides intermittent heat for specific parts of the hair. Chi hair straighteners heat up very quickly, offering convenience and ease of use. The line of Chi hair straighteners is also available in three different sizes: Mini, Chi Turbo, and Big Chi Turbo.

When purchasing ceramic hair straighteners, especially Sedu hair straighteners or Sedu flat irons, it's important to set a budget. Most of the highlighted hair straighteners range in price from $150 to $300, and occasionally will be more expensive.

In order to make sure that the hair follicles and strands do not become damaged, the best hair straighteners are made with high quality ceramic plates. These units are designed to maintain steady temperatures and will prevent excessive heat damage from occurring. Hair straighteners made exclusively with metal plates, for example, will have uneven distribution and may lead to overheating of the hair. Sedu hair straighteners, as another example, have become famous for their steady heat regulation. This is why the ceramic hair straighteners are becoming the standard of choice for hair salons all over the civilized world.

The width of the ceramic hair straightener is important, since coarse hair types require the additional width. The size of the ceramic plates is also an important consideration when dealing with long hair, because once again, the larger plates can help provide a more even and consistent straightening of the hair. Many top quality hair straighteners and flat irons come with attachments for different sized plates. For women who are trying to be more creative with their hair, the different attachments can help with successfully creating these different hairstyles.

We recommend that you spend the extra time to discover which hairstyling equipment will best suit your everyday needs and your desires to be creative. Once you have purchased your hairstyling equipment, be sure to read the documentation that is shipped with it, so that you will have a full measure of the capabilities of your new hairstyling tools. Once you have received your new hairstyling tools, you will find that all of your "bad hair days" are a thing of the past.



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3 Ways To Create A Steady Cash Stream While You Work From Home

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Work From Home Business Ideas
Working from home was once merely a dream for most people. Until the onslaught of the Internet and home PCs, it simply wasn't feasible for companies to hire employees to work from home. And starting a small business took special know-how, a large initial investment, and a lot of advertising and marketing. But now, working from home is a reality for thousands of people, and you too can realize this dream.

The first goal for your home business should be to find ways to create steady cash flow. You'll need cash flow to operate and promote your home business, and to secure a lucrative income for yourself. There are many different ways to create a cash stream for your home business. Here are three ideas to get you started.

1. Buy a Pre-Existing Profitable Business

One way to create an immediate cash flow is to buy a pre-existing home business that is already making a profit. Of course, you will not enjoy a profit immediately because you must invest initially. But once you are able to recover from the initial investment, you can continue receiving profits year after year.

The key benefit of buying a pre-existing work-from-home business is you will gain knowledge from the previous owner about what works for the business and what doesn't work. The main disadvantage is you will have to follow in the footsteps of another instead of building your own home business from the ground up. There's a great sense of pride when you can truly call a business "your own!"

2. Follow a Profitable Business Model

Another way to create a cash stream for your work-from-home business is to follow the profitable business model of another. You can learn a lot from others who have already been successful with a home business. Many long-time entrepreneurs are creating e-books and global networks to help new home business owners become a success. They are revealing little-known secrets about work-from-home businesses that would likely take you years to discover on your own.

Look for entrepreneurs who have owned work-from-home businesses in a field that interests you. Use their ideas and examples to create a profitable business model for your new home business.

3. Internet and Network Marketing

A third way to create a cash stream of income is to utilize the Internet and network marketing to your advantage. Find and join a team of individuals who have similar goals and work with them to build a successful online business. With the Internet and network marketing, many are realizing their financial goals faster than they ever imagined.

Network marketing online can be accomplished through email and a website while working from home, and it can bring more people together with similar goals in a very short period of time. Many global network companies will promote your online business for you and take every initiative to help you become a success. There are even global resorts networks that enable you to travel to exotic places while earning a substantial income.

Whatever method you choose to create a cash stream as you work from home, set some goals for your business and start realizing your dreams today!



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3 Tips For Choosing A Payment Gateway: Collecting Money Online

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How payment gateways work
How payment gateways work


As a consumer, when you check out of your local convenience store, you may swipe your credit card through a point-of-sale device and your gas, coffee, and donuts are paid. But what if you are the retailer and your business is online? It’s not like you have a card-swiping device at every customer’s PC! There must be a way for you to process that information. Essentially, that is the job that a payment gateway does for online retailers.


What is a Payment Gateway?
Payment gateways allow online merchants such as eStore owners or auction sellers to accept credit card payments over the internet. They authorize the cardholder’s credit—that is, they check to ensure that the customer has enough money on their credit card to cover the charges. They then place a hold on that amount so the buyer can’t turn around and spend that same money elsewhere before it gets transferred to the retailer’s merchant account. Banks describes this as “the technology…necessary to consummate a payment transaction.”

A Payment Gateway is NOT a Merchant Account.

Many people confuse merchant accounts with payment gateways but they are not the same. Merchant account services act, for the most part, as a liaison between your business bank account and the payment gateway. When a customer orders a product from your online business their card is processed via the payment gateway. The money is then moved over to the merchant account service. The merchant account service then moves those newly captured funds to your business bank account.

3 Tips for choosing a Payment Gateway

  1. Is it PCI-compliant? That means that the company’s security has been audited by a third party and found to be up to industry standards. Since payment gateways store all your customers’ credit card information (sparing you the stress), it also means you can sleep better at night, knowing your customers’ valuable information is safe and sound.
  2. Good customer support.
  3. Lastly, it is important that the payment gateway you choose be integrated to the third-party solutions you are planning to use. That means things like store front platforms and shopping carts — you want them to be compatible with your gateway.

Payment gateways will not only allow you to collect the monies from your sales, many also offer an array of security features, some of which will help you avoid becoming a victim of fraudulent orders! In the end, they will make your eCommerce business a less-stressful, more pleasant experience — for both you and your customers.


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