Dear faithful readers, thanks for coming back!
A warm welcome to all our new subscribers.

To match the on-line presence of XT, I have made some slight changes to the color scheme 
I hope you like it, it makes a change from black .. 
Great news!  Next month XT will have its own website! at: http://xerostar-times.com.

I have investigated using ASP as a means of delivering the XT, but the complications, just to avoid one extra mouse-click by our readers seems hardly justified. Not to mention the extra cost!

This edition is again a mixture of subjects. I guess that comes from trying to satisfy everyone ..
It appears my mission is impossible ..

Creativity is involved in nearly every aspect of human life, so forgive me if I've missed your pet subject again this time. 

Some editors say to me "deliver less, concentrate on quality". That may be OK for very specific subject matter such as bottle top collecting or quantum mechanics..

With the XT, I try to deliver quantity and quality too.
I expect you to skim through the headlines and if  you find one article of interest, then I will be happy.

It doesn't matter if you don't read everything. You may see an article that a friend, or family member might enjoy!
Just give 'em the URL and they'll love you for it!

I like to think of XT as a gift. 
A box of chocolates for my readers every month! 
OK, so don't tell me, you don't like those marzipans with the hard centers?

This month's articles discuss the future from a variety of aspects and I have chosen a few interesting MIDI files for your enjoyment.

Dr John K. Flynn B.D.Sc.
The Xerostar Times Editor 
"Caring for creative people"
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Around2001 TechnoPhaze OneMillenniumWe PartyCold TrapBlade RunnerMen in BlackWhat is LoveMission ImpossibleIslandBerlin TSuperman Theme

This web site is beautifully designed and contains a wealth of information and up to the minute news covering science, space exploration, technical, sci-fi and paranormal events. There's a chance to win big prizes too. A fascinating and comprehensive web site for students, teachers and techies alike. 
To check out the web site Click Here
             ..

Favorite recipes from cruise-line chefs around the world plus news of wine and culinary cruises. 
Edited by Shirley Linde, well-known author of 35 books, including best sellers on health.

Fairwinds - The small Ship Cruises

This newsletter is packed with ship reports, cruise news, and latest deals and discounts of small ships. 

Subscribe to both free at:
http://www.smallshipcruises.com/newsletter.html 
 Click Here
...

Take this short test and find out more about your personality.  The results may not surprise you.
Helpful advice towards a healthier lifestyle.
 ..

A web site where you will find a huge choice of ezines covering every interest.
Please rate the XT at Cumuli.com Click Here
..

We hope this MIDI-eBook will be an inspiration to all readers. We would appreciate some Feedback
.

As students head back to school this fall, they'll find more computers than ever in their classrooms. Technology has definitely become an important educational tool. 

Technology as an integral part of public education has been growing at a remarkable pace. By 1999, 90 percent of U.S. schools had Internet access. By the year 2000, 82 percent of public schools (over 78,000 schools) were receiving federal E-rate funding -- a program that provides discounts on technology services, Internet access and internal connections for eligible schools and libraries. 

Today, the vast majority of public schools, have incorporated computer technology into their educational curriculum and the day may not be far off when schools have a computer for every student. Wyoming leads the way with one computer for every three students, while the national average is 4.9 students per computer. 

Computer Learning is Big Business 
Virtually all the computer industry leaders have been quick to discover that classroom technology is big business, and offer educational programs to help schools build and operate computer networks. 

Keeping Up with the Changes
No sooner do schools have their equipment and software in place, than new technologies are developed that make last year's choices obsolete. Administrators are continually faced with the dilemmas of which hardware to buy, which software and which Internet connections to choose, along with how to stay current with all the latest products and concepts. Principals suddenly need whole new skill sets as they are faced with determining who selects and buys all these items, how to pay for them, and how to maintain them -- all in addition to the critical task of determining how to incorporate this new learning technology into their curriculums in meaningful, productive ways. 

Teaching the Teachers 
Teachers, especially, must themselves now meet the challenges of being not just proficient with computers, but sufficiently skilled to effectively teach these skills. Creating the curriculums -- developing appropriate courseware -- is another important challenge computer educators now face. How can they use the computer to enhance the learning experience? Where do they find appropriate content and subject materials for these marvelous learning tools? For now, teachers are struggling to find good digital resources. 

It's All About Information 
The Internet, of course, puts teachers and students in touch with worldwide resources and information. But for specific subject material in digitized format -- the computer equivalent of the textbook -- educators are turning to e-publishing as a valuable approach to creating up-to-date information that can be quickly and easily adapted to computer formats and effortlessly distributed to multiple computers, laptops  and handheld devices. The Internet publishing experts at BookZone, in Scottsdale, Ariz., have been working with e-publishing technology for more than four years, (making them veterans by industry standards). As the technology has evolved, they have seen the increasing value of e-publishing to education. 

"With e-publishing," says BookZone CEO Mary Westheimer, "teachers can access and use whole texts, or just those parts of texts they need, maybe a chapter or two. This costs less than purchasing entire textbooks."  That means much greater freedom for teachers in their choice of materials -- and there are other advantages, too. "A teacher can share a report or a single page, map or illustration from virtually any source through e-publishing," adds Westheimer. "And unlike traditional, printed textbooks, e-books are electronically searchable. They save time and money." 

Where is it all headed? 
Recognizing these benefits, BookZone kept up with the latest e-publishing technologies by partnering with Specialty Books, a leader in the distribution of "distance learning" textbooks. Together the companies now offer online, secured e-publishing services to schools and universities. BookZone also was chosen by Overdrive as the first U.S. application service partner to offer Microsoft "eBook Solutions" using the Microsoft Reader format. 

Earlier this year, BookZone partnered with Microsoft and Scholastic to launch an original free e-book novel, Remnants, by K. A. Applegate. The electronic book was geared toward the middle grade reader, and was made available in a series of five downloads between May 9 and June 25. It was the first effort of its kind to bring e-book technology to younger readers, and resulted in thousands of downloads from BookZone's Web site (www.bookzone.com). 

"As computers become a more integral part of the educational process," adds BookZone's Westheimer, "we expect to see increasing demand for new information in the form of digital textbooks and reports. We're prepared to meet those demands through our expanded e-publishing capabilities and experience." 
In addition to its e-publishing services, BookZone also offers a wide range of traditional books for educators, parents and students, on learning technology subjects, listed in the BookZone SuperCatalog at http://www.bookzone.com/bookzone/

Back to Basics 
While industry experts must provide the technology and digital materials required by the increasing number of computer classrooms, parents, educators, industry and government agencies all agree that the focus must remain clear. Technology alone is not a curriculum. The goal is much larger than merely teaching students to be computer literate. The human element will always be key to teaching students to think creatively, to solve problems effectively and to develop the social and career skills that will prepare them for the future. The computer remains just a tool. For now, learning to use that tool wisely is perhaps our biggest educational challenge. 
To find out more  Click Here
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It's an extensive, inspirational and growing resource for links on creativity on the web. A selection of more than 360  quality links is divided into 37 categories for the visitors convenience.  Creax.net provides an overview of today's availability of organizations and web sites that share the interest of creative thinking and is the ultimate start point for your journey through creativity on the web.

Marc Heleven deserves our congratulations for creating such an excellent web resource. 

Did you know?
The graphics for this program were created by one of the top computer graphic artists in the US.

To read more about this program Click Here
..

We are building a new web site called 
"FreebieGenie.com" and we need lots of genuine freebies to give away. This is free advertising!

If you have a freebies that you would like to add to our new web site please visit.       Click Here
...

We heard some buzz about the new free traffic building system called StartBlaze created by Mark Joyner of Aesop.com and decided to test it out. 

This is probably the most effective traffic building system we have ever encountered.  We just hope it
stays free...  You should get it now.  Click Here

Massive Hits Generator is also Free
Check out this web site and see for yourself.

"Talk, then toss," is becoming a mantra in a small corner of the mobile phone industry. 
A new breed of wireless handsets, expected to hit the market later this year, is low-cost, extremely easy to use and disposable. 

Several handset makers are challenging the notion that mobile phones should offer an ever-growing list of functions such as mobile Internet browsing and MP3 players and are developing stripped down phones they believe will appeal to a broader audience.

For many newlyweds, the honeymoon ends when the bills begin to arrive. This is especially true if either spouse entered the marriage with financial commitments such as car loans, student loans or alimony payments. Suddenly one wedding vow, "for richer or for poorer," takes on new meaning.

One key to a richer marriage is making sure that your approaches to spending and saving are compatible. Since no two people are alike, some compromise may be in order. Before you make a sizable financial decision, you should both agree. But only the two of you can determine what "sizable" means.

In tying the knot, you have to loosen the purse strings -- it's no longer  his or hers, but ours. Both spouses should be familiar with the month-to-month state of the family's finances.
Decide who should pay the monthly bills, such as rent or mortgage payments, utilities and credit card bills. This spouse should handle the household checking account. With one person paying the bills, there is less chance of unrecorded checks and costly overdrafts. The other spouse may require a separate personal checking account or ATM/debit card. 
You should also agree on your financial goals. Determine what those goals cost and prioritize them. For example, do you want to have children? If so, when? Will you continue for an advanced degree? When do you expect to buy a home? 

Budgeting
With your financial goals set, create a household budget.  If possible, pay fixed monthly obligations, such as mortgage, utility bills and cable TV with automatic transfers from your bank account. You'll simplify bookkeeping and avoid late payment penalties. If you use ATM cards, keep receipts so you can balance your statements at the end of the month. If you have too much month left at the end of your money, re-examine your budget.

Official Records 
Documents, such as a Social Security card, driver's license, insurance policies, bank accounts, deeds, vehicle titles and wills should be changed to your married name. You may also want to change your payroll withholding because the marriage penalty can result in higher joint taxes.

Banking
When shopping for a bank, ask for a list of their services, interest rates and fees. Checking account fees vary widely and can include the cost of check printing, check processing, ATM fees and charges if your account balance drops below a specified amount.  Your credit card choice should take into account the annual percentage rate, fees, late payment charges and the grace period before your purchases incur finance charges.   Saving 
Create an emergency fund to cover six months' living expenses. Then, you can save for other goals. To make saving easier, have your paycheck automatically deposited at the bank or credit union with a portion transferred to savings. 

Borrowing
In many marriages, it's ''til debts do us part." As a rule of thumb, the Consumer Credit Counseling Service, says your debts should be less than 15 percent of your take home pay (not including mortgage payments). Each of you should have a credit card in your own name so that you both establish a credit history. Pay off the balance every month. 

Insurance
There are several kinds of insurance to consider, including disability, liability, health and life insurance.  You may have some insurance coverage at group rates through your employers. If so, review these plans to see if dependent coverage makes sense, or if you have duplicate coverage. Chances are, you need individual coverage to supplement what you have through your employers. 

Investing
Every self made millionaire began as a 'thousandaire' with the idea of investing regularly. The key is discipline. Successful investing takes time, not timing. Equally important is the concept of diversification as a means of spreading your risk. Consider putting a set amount, such as $50 a month, in a mutual fund indexed to one of the broad market indicators such as the S&P 500.

Retirement
Chances are, you will have to provide more of your retirement income than your parents did. Social Security probably will not exist in its current form and you may live longer, possibly spending as many years in retirement as in the work force. 
If your employer has a 401(k) plan, participate in it. If you're self-employed, consider a Keogh plan. You can also set up an IRA. Money set aside in these plans avoids taxation until you retire, which allows the earnings to compound faster. When your retire and make withdrawals, you'll probably be in a lower tax bracket. 

For other financial topics, visit my Web site at www.talkingaboutmoney.com 

Jim Larranaga is Executive Vice President of Priority Publications, a Minneapolis-based publisher of financial newsletters. 
Courtesy of ARA Content, www.aracontent.com, e-mail: info@aracontent.com
...

Unlike most, my writing has been born from necessity. The necessity to speak to those that won't listen. Keeping a journal, writing letters 
(but not sending them) is an excellent way to release your hidden anger, frustration and hurt. 
I discovered this during a recent traumatic experience, my divorce.

I needed to say things to certain people but for various reasons couldn't. 
That's how my combination of journal and letter writing began. It ended up being more than a tremendous stress reliever!

I had accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience in my journal that my friends relied on in their time of need. At their encouragement I put it all together and wrote an e-book "Divorce Strategy for Men and Women". 
I could not believe it - I wrote a book!
You can too!

We are all made up of our experiences. You don't need to be a writer, as I have proven. Everyone has a story to tell, an experience to share. Write what you know or like in my case, what you have to.

After deciding on which of your vast experiences you would like to write about, put down the highlights in point form. Then expand the point form to paragraphs and you have your e-book!

Try and make a self-explanatory title. That will list better in your ads and the search engines.

Put it into your word processor program then covert it to PDF format. 
You are now ready to sell your e-book.

Use the search engines to find all the places that will host your e-book for you or create your own site and sell it yourself as I have done. If you list your e-book, make sure you have full rights so you can place it in as many sites as possible. Then market the book by submitting it to all the search engines, classified ads that you can.

You will feel terrific about your accomplishment, people will learn from your experiences and you will make money too!

Talk about making lemonade out of lemons!

Liz Wertman's book, 
"Divorce Strategy for Men and Women" is your guide through the divorce maze.  Discover how you can reduce legal fees, stay out of court and maintain your parenting rights, because you won't get a second chance!

For more info about this book,  please Click Here
.

A book written by a senior for seniors. 
The author has packed this book with step- by- step instructions and illustrations. The section on tips and suggestions is very informative. All the material has been gathered from teaching over 300 seniors in the past 4 years. The book is in plain language. Computer jargon used only when the author has no other choice.

The eBook format makes it an ideal handy reference for any senior or beginner. Topics that need further study can be printed individually. The text can be enlarged with the click of the mouse for those with poor eyesight.

It can be downloaded to your computer. 
Also available on Auto Run CD, which is a perfect  choice because you do not have to store the eBook on your computer. Just pop the CD in the CD ROM and way you go.

A great gift idea!

To find out more about this book  Click Here
.

If you want to skip the hurdles, enjoy a hands free income, and profit wildly from the mistakes of investor-funded dot-coms, I highly recommend visiting Corey's site.

You'll discover exact information you need to start and grow your very own highly profitable Internet business.   Click Here
...

That's right next month we move the XT to its new home at: http://xerostar-times.com. There will be a bright new home page worth a visit, so tell your friends and come on over!

You can now read previous editions of the Xerostar Times online or download them at the archive:

Energy-efficient landscaping 
If higher energy bills have drained your pocketbook, there may be a way to befriend your utility budget and be friendly to the earth at the same time. Properly placed, climate-appropriate landscaping can help the environment and lower your energy costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the correct placement of only three trees will save an average household between $100 and $250 in heating and cooling costs annually.

Consider Climate
The landscaping you choose and the time of year you plant should depend on the climate where you live. A home in a hot, arid climate will have different energy concerns than a home in a cool climate. Consider these strategies based on the four climate regions of the United States: 

Cool -- In a windy, cool climate, landscaping can reduce winter heating bills by one-third.* Protect your home from winter winds by planting dense windbreaks of evergreen trees and shrubs. Avoid planting windbreaks in front of south-facing windows that absorb the warmth of the winter sun. 

Temperate -- Use trees, fences and walls to funnel summer breezes toward the home and deflect winter winds.

Hot, arid -- Homes in hot, dry climates need shade to cool roofs, walls and windows. If your home is air-conditioned, use trees to block hot winds. 

Hot, humid -- Homes in hot, humid climates also benefit from shade. Place trees so they won't block cool summer breezes. To prevent mold, mildew and stagnant water, avoid planting dense vegetation too close to your home. 

Choose the Right Plants
Consider climate, as well as your landscaping objectives when choosing plants. Some plants grow better in certain climates and won't thrive in others. If you live in a hot, arid climate and plant shrubs or trees to channel wind, it defeats the purpose of energy efficiency to plant trees that need lots of water. You may save on air conditioning, but you'll pay more for water. Many cities also have watering restrictions, so choose trees, shrubs and grasses that are water-thrifty. 
If you're planting a windbreak, choose dense trees and shrubs such as evergreens. If you're trying to shade your home, choose deciduous trees with high, spreading leaves and branches.

Practice Responsible Watering 
Even moisture-thrifty landscaping will need watering. A properly programmed underground sprinkler system may help you conserve water and lower your utility bills. You can set your system to turn on during the early morning hours when the least amount of water will evaporate. To avoid wasting water, don't set your sprinkler to water on a regular schedule, such as every other day. Instead, water your landscaping according to its needs and the weather. You may have to water certain zones one day and skip other zones. Make sure your system has a sensor device that will shut off watering during rain or heavy cloud cover. 
The costs of underground sprinkler systems vary around the country, but a professionally installed system can cost $1,500 to $3,000. The price will depend on how complicated your landscaping is and the size of your lot . If you install the system yourself, it can cost less than $1,000. 

Focus on the Environment
It's great to save money on utility bills, but it's even better to save the environment. Tree planting and appropriate landscaping can control erosion, clean the air, reduce the need for pesticides and protect water supplies. 

For more information about landscaping for energy efficiency, ask the landscaping professionals at your local nursery or visit the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network Web site at www.eren.doe.gov. 

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you would like to run "Talking About Money" as a regular weekly column sponsored by a local financial institution, contact Jim Larranaga at 1-800-727-6397.