What makes relationship last long? Why do some people seem to have happy and long-lasting relationships while others simply can’t seem to hold it together? Is there magic to what makes some relationships last longer than others?
Maybe there is. Or maybe it’s just that some people learn secrets of success from their grandparents or other relatives or friends. And since the latter is probably more accurate, here are some tried and true tips from people who have enjoyed long, happy relationships.
1. Dates: Dating does not have to end simply because the couple is married or has been together long. Keep dating each other. Even if life seems too busy, meet at the end of the evening for something light and easy, like viewing your favorite sitcom (record it if necessary) together or playing a game of Euchre.
2. Refresh: Take time to look back. Refresh your memories and share your most memorable moments. Take a look at what brought you together. Pull out those old pictures in happy moments and look at them together. Especially when times are difficult, lean back and rely on these old memories as your foundation and glue yourselves back together with them (not literally, of course!)
3. Fun: Couples tend to have fun on dates, and get too serious once married. Lighten up. Head to Yahoo Games (off Yahoo.com main site) and join in any number of card or other games. Or head to a local rental shop and rent an Xbox or other game player and some games.
4. Let Go: No need to hold on to the bad things that happened during an argument. Actively “forget”. Take them as lessons about what needs to be improved, or how to handle things better next time. Then move on. Be the first to apologize and make up.
5. Space: Give each other some space. Either you trust or you don’t. Get on with life, though. People need time alone and time with their mates and other friends. Be sure to give and take your fair share of space.
6. Disagree: Agree that it’s okay to disagree on some issues. You are still two different people, each with a brain of their own and an opinion. No need to create a new religion or political movement just to appease both of you. You don’t have to agree on everything. And you won’t. And that’s okay.
7. Reminiscences: Enjoy special moments, special anniversary dates and events. No need to be elaborate. For example, maybe you enjoyed watching a hot air balloon race one spring day. The next year, you might schedule time to watch it again. Make it an annual event. Collect postcards with balloons on the, playing cards, toss pillows…over time it becomes a theme.
So don’t wish for the “good old days”. Make them happen. You may be a little older, but you can rekindle the embers into a nice, warm glow. Take short steps to improve your relationships and let life’s problems magically pass by while you hold on to your relationship.
http://e-datecentral.com/dating_advice/improve_relationship.htm
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Seven Tips for Improving Your Relationship
What makes relationship last long? Why do some people seem to have happy and long-lasting relationships while others simply can’t seem to hold it together? Is there magic to what makes some relationships last longer than others?
Maybe there is. Or maybe it’s just that some people learn secrets of success from their grandparents or other relatives or friends. And since the latter is probably more accurate, here are some tried and true tips from people who have enjoyed long, happy relationships.
1. Dates: Dating does not have to end simply because the couple is married or has been together long. Keep dating each other. Even if life seems too busy, meet at the end of the evening for something light and easy, like viewing your favorite sitcom (record it if necessary) together or playing a game of Euchre.
2. Refresh: Take time to look back. Refresh your memories and share your most memorable moments. Take a look at what brought you together. Pull out those old pictures in happy moments and look at them together. Especially when times are difficult, lean back and rely on these old memories as your foundation and glue yourselves back together with them (not literally, of course!)
3. Fun: Couples tend to have fun on dates, and get too serious once married. Lighten up. Head to Yahoo Games (off Yahoo.com main site) and join in any number of card or other games. Or head to a local rental shop and rent an Xbox or other game player and some games.
4. Let Go: No need to hold on to the bad things that happened during an argument. Actively “forget”. Take them as lessons about what needs to be improved, or how to handle things better next time. Then move on. Be the first to apologize and make up.
5. Space: Give each other some space. Either you trust or you don’t. Get on with life, though. People need time alone and time with their mates and other friends. Be sure to give and take your fair share of space.
6. Disagree: Agree that it’s okay to disagree on some issues. You are still two different people, each with a brain of their own and an opinion. No need to create a new religion or political movement just to appease both of you. You don’t have to agree on everything. And you won’t. And that’s okay.
7. Reminiscences: Enjoy special moments, special anniversary dates and events. No need to be elaborate. For example, maybe you enjoyed watching a hot air balloon race one spring day. The next year, you might schedule time to watch it again. Make it an annual event. Collect postcards with balloons on the, playing cards, toss pillows…over time it becomes a theme.
So don’t wish for the “good old days”. Make them happen. You may be a little older, but you can rekindle the embers into a nice, warm glow. Take short steps to improve your relationships and let life’s problems magically pass by while you hold on to your relationship.
http://e-datecentral.com/dating_advice/improve_relationship.htm
Maybe there is. Or maybe it’s just that some people learn secrets of success from their grandparents or other relatives or friends. And since the latter is probably more accurate, here are some tried and true tips from people who have enjoyed long, happy relationships.
1. Dates: Dating does not have to end simply because the couple is married or has been together long. Keep dating each other. Even if life seems too busy, meet at the end of the evening for something light and easy, like viewing your favorite sitcom (record it if necessary) together or playing a game of Euchre.
2. Refresh: Take time to look back. Refresh your memories and share your most memorable moments. Take a look at what brought you together. Pull out those old pictures in happy moments and look at them together. Especially when times are difficult, lean back and rely on these old memories as your foundation and glue yourselves back together with them (not literally, of course!)
3. Fun: Couples tend to have fun on dates, and get too serious once married. Lighten up. Head to Yahoo Games (off Yahoo.com main site) and join in any number of card or other games. Or head to a local rental shop and rent an Xbox or other game player and some games.
4. Let Go: No need to hold on to the bad things that happened during an argument. Actively “forget”. Take them as lessons about what needs to be improved, or how to handle things better next time. Then move on. Be the first to apologize and make up.
5. Space: Give each other some space. Either you trust or you don’t. Get on with life, though. People need time alone and time with their mates and other friends. Be sure to give and take your fair share of space.
6. Disagree: Agree that it’s okay to disagree on some issues. You are still two different people, each with a brain of their own and an opinion. No need to create a new religion or political movement just to appease both of you. You don’t have to agree on everything. And you won’t. And that’s okay.
7. Reminiscences: Enjoy special moments, special anniversary dates and events. No need to be elaborate. For example, maybe you enjoyed watching a hot air balloon race one spring day. The next year, you might schedule time to watch it again. Make it an annual event. Collect postcards with balloons on the, playing cards, toss pillows…over time it becomes a theme.
So don’t wish for the “good old days”. Make them happen. You may be a little older, but you can rekindle the embers into a nice, warm glow. Take short steps to improve your relationships and let life’s problems magically pass by while you hold on to your relationship.
http://e-datecentral.com/dating_advice/improve_relationship.htm
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
A Shamelessly Sexist Valentine's Day Gift Wish List: What Women Want
Valentine's Day Gift Wish #1: Gloves. For you! You know those rubber yellow gloves used to wash dishes. That's what we want - a bag full of them - in your size!
Oh, they are the sexiest kind of accessory, especially when you wear them to scrub toilets, wash dishes, clean windows and dust shelves.
And, if you happen to keep them on while you manhandle the broom, commandeer a mop or break out the dustbuster - so be it. Far be it for us to tell you that you don't need to wear gloves when using these household items.
Poor thing, you probably didn't know, and we don't want to interrupt your flow. So go, on, keep them on. The bright yellow makes it easy for us to find you to assign your next task.
Valentine's Day Gift Wish #2: Tools. For us! Why? So we won't break a nail doing those things around the house we've asked you a million times to do, yet finally break down and do ourselves.
And, since we never know where your tools are, or which doo-dad to use for what if we do stumble across them, we rely on two old favorites -- the butter knife and the wedge heel of our favorite pair of pumps.
You'd be surprised how many tools in your box these little babies can replace. They can put up curtain rods, bang in nails and twist in screws, among a host of other duties.
And you know what? We can still butter your toast with the knife and step out in style alongside you in the pumps. After all, we girls are naturals at multi-tasking!
BUT, we get tired of it. It would be so nice to have our own little box of do-jabbies to handle those pesky little "I'm gonna get to it" jobs around the house that you just never seem to have time for.
We understand. You're a busy guy. After all, there are three football games on Thursday night. By the time you fight traffic to get home, all you have time for before kickoff is a beer and pizza run.
Valentine's Day Gift Wish #3: A Whistle. To blow when you're not paying attention. As you recognize this as the sound of authority from your football games, we figured this would be a sure-fire way to call your attention to a foul (eg, not taking out the garbage, not cleaning out the garage and forgetting to pick up dinner one night out of seven).
Again, we know, you're a busy guy. When you commit a foul, you don't mean it. It's not an "intentional" or "flagrant" foul. You were simply going full speed ahead - with your life. You can't be expected to stop and remember your other half.
We promise not to misuse this gift; not to blow it too loud, or too often. We don't want to be taken out of the game (eg, left for another woman). We just want your attention.
So, forget the chocolates, the flowers and yes -- even the diamonds. These things are a girl's best friend, especially when they're attached to the best man in her life. That would be YOU!
Happy Valentine's Day, darling.
http://www.articleonramp.com/Article.cfm?ID=1353
Oh, they are the sexiest kind of accessory, especially when you wear them to scrub toilets, wash dishes, clean windows and dust shelves.
And, if you happen to keep them on while you manhandle the broom, commandeer a mop or break out the dustbuster - so be it. Far be it for us to tell you that you don't need to wear gloves when using these household items.
Poor thing, you probably didn't know, and we don't want to interrupt your flow. So go, on, keep them on. The bright yellow makes it easy for us to find you to assign your next task.
Valentine's Day Gift Wish #2: Tools. For us! Why? So we won't break a nail doing those things around the house we've asked you a million times to do, yet finally break down and do ourselves.
And, since we never know where your tools are, or which doo-dad to use for what if we do stumble across them, we rely on two old favorites -- the butter knife and the wedge heel of our favorite pair of pumps.
You'd be surprised how many tools in your box these little babies can replace. They can put up curtain rods, bang in nails and twist in screws, among a host of other duties.
And you know what? We can still butter your toast with the knife and step out in style alongside you in the pumps. After all, we girls are naturals at multi-tasking!
BUT, we get tired of it. It would be so nice to have our own little box of do-jabbies to handle those pesky little "I'm gonna get to it" jobs around the house that you just never seem to have time for.
We understand. You're a busy guy. After all, there are three football games on Thursday night. By the time you fight traffic to get home, all you have time for before kickoff is a beer and pizza run.
Valentine's Day Gift Wish #3: A Whistle. To blow when you're not paying attention. As you recognize this as the sound of authority from your football games, we figured this would be a sure-fire way to call your attention to a foul (eg, not taking out the garbage, not cleaning out the garage and forgetting to pick up dinner one night out of seven).
Again, we know, you're a busy guy. When you commit a foul, you don't mean it. It's not an "intentional" or "flagrant" foul. You were simply going full speed ahead - with your life. You can't be expected to stop and remember your other half.
We promise not to misuse this gift; not to blow it too loud, or too often. We don't want to be taken out of the game (eg, left for another woman). We just want your attention.
So, forget the chocolates, the flowers and yes -- even the diamonds. These things are a girl's best friend, especially when they're attached to the best man in her life. That would be YOU!
Happy Valentine's Day, darling.
http://www.articleonramp.com/Article.cfm?ID=1353
Improving your Relationship Luck with Feng Shui
There are specific Feng Shui techniques that you can use to improve your relationship with others (romance included).
But what is Feng Shui? It is an ancient Chinese metaphysical discipline that studies how the environment affects a person's luck in life particularly in the areas of wealth, health and relationship.
There are many schools of Feng Shui and they each have their special techniques to improve relationship luck. I will share with you a very simple but potent formula that can help you to improve the quality of your relationships with others.
This formula is taken from a system known as the Eight Mansions or Eight House which is more than 1200 years old. This system works on the belief that all of us have favorable and unfavorable directions that are influence by the prevailing directional energies that were present when we were born. These favorable and unfavorable directions affect us throughout our life and our fate can be improved if we sit or sleep in harmony with these directions.
Are you ready to take the plunge? The first thing that you need to do is to determine your ‘Kua' or ‘Gua' number. This number can be computed using your date of birth and sex. To make the process of determining your ‘Kua' number easier, you can simply refer to a ‘Kua Chart' that you can find easily on the net. Read your ‘Kua' number off the chart. Take note that it depends on your sex.
There are altogether 8 numbers that range from 1 to 4 and 6 to 9. Find out of ‘relationship' direction by referring to the list below.
If your Kua is 1, your ‘relationship' direction is south.
If your Kua is 2, your ‘relationship' direction is north-west.
If your Kua is 3, your ‘relationship' direction is south-east.
If your Kua is 4, your ‘relationship' direction is east.
If your Kua is 6, your ‘relationship' direction is south-west.
If your Kua is 7, your ‘relationship' direction is north-east.
If your Kua is 8, your ‘relationship' direction is west.
If your Kua is 9, your ‘relationship' direction is north.
Let me illustrate with a couple of examples. If you are a male born on 1st July 1957, your ‘Kua' number is 7 and your ‘relationship' direction is north east. If you are a female born on the 15th March 1977, your ‘Kua Number' is 1 and your ‘relationship' direction is south.
How to apply the formula? To improve your relationship luck, you should re-arrange your table, chair and bed to face your ‘relationship' direction.
Let's say that your ‘relationship' direction is north. Re-arrange your table and chair, if necessary, so that you are facing north when seated. Your back would then face south. This is quite straight forward.
The sleeping direction is a bit different. It is not the direction that you face while lying in bed. Instead the direction is taken from the crown of your head. If your ‘relationship' direction is north, then you should sleep in a north-south axis with the crown of your head pointed at north and the base of your feet pointed south.
Did I tell you it is simple? If you have tried everything and are not getting the desired results, why not give it a try? Then wait a few months and see if it works for you!
http://www.articleonramp.com/Article.cfm?ID=2427
But what is Feng Shui? It is an ancient Chinese metaphysical discipline that studies how the environment affects a person's luck in life particularly in the areas of wealth, health and relationship.
There are many schools of Feng Shui and they each have their special techniques to improve relationship luck. I will share with you a very simple but potent formula that can help you to improve the quality of your relationships with others.
This formula is taken from a system known as the Eight Mansions or Eight House which is more than 1200 years old. This system works on the belief that all of us have favorable and unfavorable directions that are influence by the prevailing directional energies that were present when we were born. These favorable and unfavorable directions affect us throughout our life and our fate can be improved if we sit or sleep in harmony with these directions.
Are you ready to take the plunge? The first thing that you need to do is to determine your ‘Kua' or ‘Gua' number. This number can be computed using your date of birth and sex. To make the process of determining your ‘Kua' number easier, you can simply refer to a ‘Kua Chart' that you can find easily on the net. Read your ‘Kua' number off the chart. Take note that it depends on your sex.
There are altogether 8 numbers that range from 1 to 4 and 6 to 9. Find out of ‘relationship' direction by referring to the list below.
If your Kua is 1, your ‘relationship' direction is south.
If your Kua is 2, your ‘relationship' direction is north-west.
If your Kua is 3, your ‘relationship' direction is south-east.
If your Kua is 4, your ‘relationship' direction is east.
If your Kua is 6, your ‘relationship' direction is south-west.
If your Kua is 7, your ‘relationship' direction is north-east.
If your Kua is 8, your ‘relationship' direction is west.
If your Kua is 9, your ‘relationship' direction is north.
Let me illustrate with a couple of examples. If you are a male born on 1st July 1957, your ‘Kua' number is 7 and your ‘relationship' direction is north east. If you are a female born on the 15th March 1977, your ‘Kua Number' is 1 and your ‘relationship' direction is south.
How to apply the formula? To improve your relationship luck, you should re-arrange your table, chair and bed to face your ‘relationship' direction.
Let's say that your ‘relationship' direction is north. Re-arrange your table and chair, if necessary, so that you are facing north when seated. Your back would then face south. This is quite straight forward.
The sleeping direction is a bit different. It is not the direction that you face while lying in bed. Instead the direction is taken from the crown of your head. If your ‘relationship' direction is north, then you should sleep in a north-south axis with the crown of your head pointed at north and the base of your feet pointed south.
Did I tell you it is simple? If you have tried everything and are not getting the desired results, why not give it a try? Then wait a few months and see if it works for you!
http://www.articleonramp.com/Article.cfm?ID=2427
Social Dating Today
The time spent together in a date should be invested to know more about each other.Sharing common views and interests can help you both to any further commitments.Any relationship needs a strong fountain to develop a further and a personal meeting generally helps in it. Love or romance is like a flower, which needs proper care and nourishment to grow. Love and dating are two of the most important aspect of romance. But they need some time to know whether this is just an infatuation or love.
Dating plays a great role in making a relationship works in today's world, dating is no more a taboo. A dating venue can be at a county fair or any hot spot. In conservative societies, it is still looked upon with much content.
However in European countries, dating has been the part of the culture.
Now, what does dating actually means sometime can draw a debate from different people. In the first place, it can be described as a social meeting with boy or girl. In european countries,dating has been the part of the culture.
Generally,dating has been accepted as normal thing, but during recent studies,there have been rise in case of violence or crime against woman all in the name of dating.
The dating offers an opportunity for a couple to know each other in a more precise way and it builds a foundation for their future meetings. Some dating tips can help in making it a great meeting. You and your beloved one should both agree on a common day for a meeting. The dating offers an opportunity for couple to know each other in more precise way and build a fountain for their future meeting. When you make a search for a venue for dating, you both can decide. Never indulge in any uncompromising situation during dating.
If you have love for the mountains or nature, then you can take your soul mate on a ride in a valley or a hill top resort.
You can opt for group dating as it provides an opportunity for enjoyment and pleasure in the company of friends and beloved ones together. The time you spent together on a date should be a invested to know more about each other. Dating plays a great role in making relationship work. Any relationship needs a strong foundation to develop a future and a personal meeting generally helps in it.
You can take some initiative on your part and give some gifts or flowers to the person you are taking on a date,it shows that you have class and you are very romantic person. One wise word of caution while going on your first date is to never indulge in any type of argument.
Never indulge in any uncompromising situation during dating. But all this has not led to any serious impact on the lovelorn birds who want to woo a partner or setting out on a romantic date. Going on a candle light dinner can also provide a unique experience. How you work out the entire situation may depend on you. By enjoying the sweet moments you can make it a memorable moment and built strong ties for the future.
http://www.articleonramp.com/Article.cfm?ID=2427
Dating plays a great role in making a relationship works in today's world, dating is no more a taboo. A dating venue can be at a county fair or any hot spot. In conservative societies, it is still looked upon with much content.
However in European countries, dating has been the part of the culture.
Now, what does dating actually means sometime can draw a debate from different people. In the first place, it can be described as a social meeting with boy or girl. In european countries,dating has been the part of the culture.
Generally,dating has been accepted as normal thing, but during recent studies,there have been rise in case of violence or crime against woman all in the name of dating.
The dating offers an opportunity for a couple to know each other in a more precise way and it builds a foundation for their future meetings. Some dating tips can help in making it a great meeting. You and your beloved one should both agree on a common day for a meeting. The dating offers an opportunity for couple to know each other in more precise way and build a fountain for their future meeting. When you make a search for a venue for dating, you both can decide. Never indulge in any uncompromising situation during dating.
If you have love for the mountains or nature, then you can take your soul mate on a ride in a valley or a hill top resort.
You can opt for group dating as it provides an opportunity for enjoyment and pleasure in the company of friends and beloved ones together. The time you spent together on a date should be a invested to know more about each other. Dating plays a great role in making relationship work. Any relationship needs a strong foundation to develop a future and a personal meeting generally helps in it.
You can take some initiative on your part and give some gifts or flowers to the person you are taking on a date,it shows that you have class and you are very romantic person. One wise word of caution while going on your first date is to never indulge in any type of argument.
Never indulge in any uncompromising situation during dating. But all this has not led to any serious impact on the lovelorn birds who want to woo a partner or setting out on a romantic date. Going on a candle light dinner can also provide a unique experience. How you work out the entire situation may depend on you. By enjoying the sweet moments you can make it a memorable moment and built strong ties for the future.
http://www.articleonramp.com/Article.cfm?ID=2427
Monday, April 30, 2007
SCORE and HP Launch 2007 Business Matchmaking
Southeastern Regional Event Set For Atlanta
WASHINGTON -- SCORE-Counselors to America's Small Business and HP (NYSE:HPQ) today announced scheduled regional events for the continuation of their highly successful Business Matchmaking initiative for 2007.
Business Matchmaking is a public-private partnership sponsored by SCORE and HP in cooperation with other leading corporations. It brings together buyers from all federal agencies and many Fortune 500 companies to meet with small businesses offering various products and services. Business Matchmaking has, through regional events held all across the country and in online sessions, generated more than 50,000 one-on-one appointments resulting in more than $750 million in contracting opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Four regional Business Matchmaking events are planned for 2007: Atlanta on April 17, Chicago on Aug. 28, Dallas during October, and Little Rock, Ark. on Dec. 11.
This past year, Business Matchmaking added an online network. This dynamic online resource offers web-based educational tools including the Virtual Business Matchmaking Workshop, monthly "webinars" featuring procurement and supplier diversity experts, access to important downloads of articles and links to helpful resources.
"Business Matchmaking has been a remarkable success and continues to help thousands of small businesses with opportunities to sell to government agencies and major corporations. We are particularly pleased at our expanding relationship with HP in serving the small business community utilizing their outstanding technology and corporate resources," said SCORE CEO Ken Yancey. "Last year, SCORE provided expert business advice to clients through face-to-face meetings throughout the country and we look forward to continuing to provide this vital service to America's entrepreneurs."
"As a one of the largest procurers of goods and services from small businesses as well as a company that develops technology with small businesses in mind, we see great value in our work with SCORE to foster the small business community," said John Dayan, vice president of marketing and business development - Americas, Personal Systems Group, HP.
Complete details on Business Matchmaking, including the 2007 schedule and the new online network, may be found at www.businessmatchmaking.com.
About HP
HP focuses on simplifying technology experiences for all of its customers - from individual consumers to the largest businesses. With a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure, HP is among the world's largest IT companies, with revenue totaling $94.1 billion for the four fiscal quarters ended Jan. 31, 2007. More information about HP is available at www.hp.com.
About SCORE
Since 1964, SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Business" has assisted more than 7.2 million aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners through counseling and business workshops. More than 10,500 volunteer business counselors in 389 chapters serve their communities through entrepreneur education dedicated to the formation, growth and success of small business. For more information about starting or operating a small business, call 1-800-634-0245 for the SCORE chapter nearest you. Or, visit SCORE on the Web at www.score.org.
Disclaimer: The SCORE Association is funded by the SBA (Cooperative Agreement No. SBAHQ-06-S-0001). Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested, at least two weeks in advance. Contact: information@businessmatchmaking.com. Cosponsorship Authorization Number: 06-6100-04.
COPYRIGHT 2007 Business Wire
COPYRIGHT 2007 Gale Group
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2007_April_16/ai_n19003072
WASHINGTON -- SCORE-Counselors to America's Small Business and HP (NYSE:HPQ) today announced scheduled regional events for the continuation of their highly successful Business Matchmaking initiative for 2007.
Business Matchmaking is a public-private partnership sponsored by SCORE and HP in cooperation with other leading corporations. It brings together buyers from all federal agencies and many Fortune 500 companies to meet with small businesses offering various products and services. Business Matchmaking has, through regional events held all across the country and in online sessions, generated more than 50,000 one-on-one appointments resulting in more than $750 million in contracting opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Four regional Business Matchmaking events are planned for 2007: Atlanta on April 17, Chicago on Aug. 28, Dallas during October, and Little Rock, Ark. on Dec. 11.
This past year, Business Matchmaking added an online network. This dynamic online resource offers web-based educational tools including the Virtual Business Matchmaking Workshop, monthly "webinars" featuring procurement and supplier diversity experts, access to important downloads of articles and links to helpful resources.
"Business Matchmaking has been a remarkable success and continues to help thousands of small businesses with opportunities to sell to government agencies and major corporations. We are particularly pleased at our expanding relationship with HP in serving the small business community utilizing their outstanding technology and corporate resources," said SCORE CEO Ken Yancey. "Last year, SCORE provided expert business advice to clients through face-to-face meetings throughout the country and we look forward to continuing to provide this vital service to America's entrepreneurs."
"As a one of the largest procurers of goods and services from small businesses as well as a company that develops technology with small businesses in mind, we see great value in our work with SCORE to foster the small business community," said John Dayan, vice president of marketing and business development - Americas, Personal Systems Group, HP.
Complete details on Business Matchmaking, including the 2007 schedule and the new online network, may be found at www.businessmatchmaking.com.
About HP
HP focuses on simplifying technology experiences for all of its customers - from individual consumers to the largest businesses. With a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure, HP is among the world's largest IT companies, with revenue totaling $94.1 billion for the four fiscal quarters ended Jan. 31, 2007. More information about HP is available at www.hp.com.
About SCORE
Since 1964, SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Business" has assisted more than 7.2 million aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners through counseling and business workshops. More than 10,500 volunteer business counselors in 389 chapters serve their communities through entrepreneur education dedicated to the formation, growth and success of small business. For more information about starting or operating a small business, call 1-800-634-0245 for the SCORE chapter nearest you. Or, visit SCORE on the Web at www.score.org.
Disclaimer: The SCORE Association is funded by the SBA (Cooperative Agreement No. SBAHQ-06-S-0001). Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested, at least two weeks in advance. Contact: information@businessmatchmaking.com. Cosponsorship Authorization Number: 06-6100-04.
COPYRIGHT 2007 Business Wire
COPYRIGHT 2007 Gale Group
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2007_April_16/ai_n19003072
Matchmaking and species marriage: A game-theory model of community assembly
Institute of Ecosystem Studies, P.O. Box AB, Millbrook, NY 12545; and § Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
Communicated by Edward O. Wilson, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, November 25, 2002 (received for review July 19, 2002)
Theories developed to explain the processes that govern the assembly and composition of natural plant communities can be divided into two broad categories. Niche-based theories propose that coevolutionary changes among species lead to character divergence (displacement), which allows for coexistence by partitioning resources among species. In contrast, ecological-drift theories propose that species diversity results from a balance of migration, speciation, and extinction, with little microevolutionary change. We use a game-theory model to reconcile drift and niche perspectives by developing a theory of species "marriage." Initially, ecological drift may determine which species encounter each other in a competitive arena. Once species come into contact, historical niche development as a result of prior coevolutionary molding of competitive ability determines which species may coexist. The model shows that only species that display the well-known tradeoff between seed size and competitive ability as a result of past competitive histories comply with the requisite for mutual evolutionary stability. Mutual evolutionary stability of competitive ability tends to make reproductive outputs more similar between species, increasing the chances of ecological equilibrium, i.e., the coexistence of species competing for a single resource. Moreover, mutual evolutionary stability guarantees that such an ecological equilibrium will be stable. The species-marriage model predicts that two or more plant species will coexist indefinitely (i.e., "marry") when their difference in seed size, their densities, and the resource availability obey a specific quantitative relation. For example, when resource availability is high, married species should be characterized by a greater asymmetry in seed size than when resource availability is low. Thus, in the species-marriage model, competition can shape the detailed properties of communities without violating the postulates of ecological-drift theory.
http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/abstract/100/4/1787?etoc
Communicated by Edward O. Wilson, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, November 25, 2002 (received for review July 19, 2002)
Theories developed to explain the processes that govern the assembly and composition of natural plant communities can be divided into two broad categories. Niche-based theories propose that coevolutionary changes among species lead to character divergence (displacement), which allows for coexistence by partitioning resources among species. In contrast, ecological-drift theories propose that species diversity results from a balance of migration, speciation, and extinction, with little microevolutionary change. We use a game-theory model to reconcile drift and niche perspectives by developing a theory of species "marriage." Initially, ecological drift may determine which species encounter each other in a competitive arena. Once species come into contact, historical niche development as a result of prior coevolutionary molding of competitive ability determines which species may coexist. The model shows that only species that display the well-known tradeoff between seed size and competitive ability as a result of past competitive histories comply with the requisite for mutual evolutionary stability. Mutual evolutionary stability of competitive ability tends to make reproductive outputs more similar between species, increasing the chances of ecological equilibrium, i.e., the coexistence of species competing for a single resource. Moreover, mutual evolutionary stability guarantees that such an ecological equilibrium will be stable. The species-marriage model predicts that two or more plant species will coexist indefinitely (i.e., "marry") when their difference in seed size, their densities, and the resource availability obey a specific quantitative relation. For example, when resource availability is high, married species should be characterized by a greater asymmetry in seed size than when resource availability is low. Thus, in the species-marriage model, competition can shape the detailed properties of communities without violating the postulates of ecological-drift theory.
http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/abstract/100/4/1787?etoc
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