1999-2007, UniversalClass, UniversalClass.com List of Instructor-led, online courses in Home and Garden . http://www.universalclass.com/i/subjects/home-garden.htm If a natural disaster was on the way, would you and your family have emergency supplies ready to 'grab and go'? Would you be organized to take care of your family needs for at least three days if an emergency happened today? This class 'Organize Your Home and Family for an Emergency and Disaster' will show you the basic information and tips you need to prepare you family and home for emergencies. Stop thinking about gathering supplies and get it done with this easy class so you can have the peace of mind you deserve. Find out that having emergency supplies can be helpful in even for everyday home based emergencies. You can use you supplies and replenish them as you do everyday things and still have what you need in an emergency. Millions of families never prepare even the most basic supplies for emergencies. Why be caught off guard? ' Organize your emergency kits as you do everyday chores without spending a lot of money ' Create a basic 'grab and go' emergency kit for the first three critical days of an emergency ' Understand the types of foods to get organized and consider recipes anyone could prepare ' Get the whole family involved in organizing supplies Also get: ' web sources to keep you updated with current information ' dozens of emergency kits ideas ' ideas to organize for children, the elderly, and even your pet. No hard to understand language; just realistic, budget conscious information. You will wonder what took you so long to get organized for safety. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/31866.htm Wed, 3 Oct 2007 12:45:08 GMT C. Meux Have you always wanted to learn the basic decorating principles and techniques without having to attend an interior design school? Interior Decorating Made Easy will give you a quick and easy overview of the design process. You'll learn the principles of design -- color, texture, scale and balance and how to apply them to any room or a whole house. Best of all you can take the class online when and where it's most convenient for your schedule. This class was developed for those of us who can feel overwhelmed with trying to create the perfect room for our lifestyle. There is no wrong or right way of doing things when it comes to personal style just as long as it's pleasing to you so forget your fears of 'design police' evaluating you. The lesson content provides a framework in which to start redecorating or decorating and the general knowledge about the basics of interior design that you can easily learn and put into practice. Even if you're not a born decorator, this course will help you gain confidence in the development of your personal style. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/32969.htm Tue, 23 Jan 2007 14:34:58 GMT S. Walker Home Decorating Arts and Crafts Advanced Training for Man's Best Friend Going Beyond the Basics of Dog Training Going beyond the basics of sit, come and stay, advanced dog training includes understanding your dog in dog terms. By knowing the traits of your dog's breed and taking full advantage of the attributes of that breed, you will create a fulfilling and fun relationship with your furry friend. Throughout this course, we'll dive into the advanced world of dog training, first by starting off with a bit of dog training history and breed recognition, which will offer insight to breeds' intelligence. You'll learn the common advanced commands like stop, steady, back up, and give, and then determine whether or not you and Fido are ready for Off-Lead Training, which can be fun and tedious at the same time. We'll explore various methods of advanced training including Clicker Training and the theory of the Monks of New Skete. After covering methodology, you'll discover what it takes for a dog to develop into a working dog like a seeing eye, police, or search and rescue dog. For those with a competitive nature, we'll discuss different levels of competition including conformation (dog shows), tracking training, and agility. And why would you have a dog if you couldn't teach him some fun tricks and games so you can show him off to your friends and family! Toward the end of the course you'll learn more about some of the advanced tricks like bow, roll over, through the hoop, the four-footed fax, and wiggle, giggle, freeze! Lastly, if you're still yearning for more information about your dog's breed, where to find competitions or more training information, we'll talk about the major dog clubs and organizations that exist today. Grab a bag of treats, your leash and your pooch, it's time to have some good ol' barkin' fun! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550080.htm Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT N. Fields Dog Training Nearly every few weeks, a new story seems to hit the headlines about foodborne illnesses. Salmonella in peanuts. E. coli in fruit juice. Mad cow in hamburgers. Every year, thousands of people become seriously ill from foodborne illnesses, and some even die. A single outbreak of salmonella in peanut butter in 2008-09 forced the largest food recall in U.S. history, sickened more than 600 people, killed 9, and caused parents everywhere to question the safety of a childhood staple, the peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Add to this the stories of sick cattle being processed for food in meat packing plants, and it is easy to see how fragile our food supply system can be. This online course will explain why and how bacteria transfers from one place to another, multiplies, and makes people sick. We'll also explain the best ways to prevent foodborne illness, including hand washing techniques, dishwashing practices, facility cleaning, best practices for storage, food handling, temperature monitoring, pest prevention, and managing relationships with the health department. Also, if you ever plan on designing or managing your own restaurant, this training module offers some helpful suggestions about kitchen design and planning. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550208.htm Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT J. Borland Gardening Arts and Crafts Cooking and baking are the kinds of activities that most people assume are second nature. After all, we're humans, and our most basic need is to supply ourselves with nutrition. Logically, we should just be able to get in the kitchen and make something to eat. Many people grow up watching their mothers or fathers cook; they may see them read recipes, combine ingredients, and use saut pans. These same people often take for granted the ability to get into the kitchen and know what to do. Having an inborn ability to cook isn't guaranteed. Studies show that having a good role model in the kitchen is one of the best ways to learn how to cook and bake. However, maybe you never had the opportunity to watch someone cook. Perhaps you never had enough time to really apply yourself to the task. Maybe you're just scared of not knowing what to do. The good news is, it's never too late to start, no matter what your background may be. The most important thing to take with you into the kitchen is a basic understanding of what to do and how to do it. This course is designed to give you just that. You will learn everything from what supplies you need for getting started to reading recipes and planning meals. You will be provided with a basic understanding of what it means to be in the kitchen and sources for additional information to foster a lifetime of culinary growth! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550068.htm Sun, 17 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT S. Brooks Herbs Gardening Arts and Crafts Does spring weather make you wish to get your hands dirty in the garden? Is your neighbor's garden the envy of your eye? Have you always wanted to start a garden but just were not sure how to start? The easiest way make this decision is to take a class that will guide you step by easy step through the process of deciding what kind of garden you wish to start, where to place it, how to be certain that the soil is ready and good for growing, how to know what to plant and where to plant it. Basic Gardening will take you from the basic plant parts, and why they are important all the way to the production of fruit. You will discover the importance of having good soil, and what that means, and how to correct it in your yard. The gardener's best friend is the composter, and the beginning gardener needs to understand just what composting is and why that is such an important skill. Becoming more aware of the ecology of our world and how we can work with it rather than against it is a very important lesson. You will also learn about plant hardiness and planting zones; about the most important date in a gardener's life: the date of the last spring frost. You will learn about plant propagation, the proper care of seedlings, and how to care for newly transplanted additions to your garden. You will even learn how to repel pests and attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your yard. Basic Gardening is a class to give the novice gardener all the basic information necessary to begin the most popular U.S. hobby to date: gardening. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550054.htm Sun, 13 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT S. Walker Sports and Activities Herbs Gardening Arts and Crafts Event planning is one of the hottest new fields available to people from all walks of life today. Although some event planners may possess a college degree in business or a related field of study, a college degree is not required to be an event planner, nor is a certificate or any other formal training--although any training and/or education you can receive would certainly be very beneficial and give you an edge over others just starting out. Those who are brand new to the field of event planning can earn excellent money in this career path, and the benefits and salary only increase with the event planner's contacts, networking and skill level. Those at the top of their game can earn in excess of millions per year. Event planning is an exciting, lucrative and interesting career choice; however, it is not for everyone. Those who have a lot of energy, are comfortable with self-promotion, enjoy talking to and socializing with strangers, who are well organized, can handle multi-tasking and have an eye for detail will enjoy this career. If you are laid back, shy and prefer to be 'behind the scenes,' you may want to choose another profession. This course will give you a great basic understanding of event planning. It will also explain some of the details of how the business works and what an event planner does exactly. Lastly, it will give you the basics to help get you started in this exciting, rewarding and often fun filled career. There are ten comprehensive lessons written in an easy to follow, informative manner. The end of each lesson will provide you with multiple summary review questions so that you may effectively test your new found knowledge. We encourage you to use these self-test questions to determine whether you are ready to move on to the next lesson or if you should review portions of the preceding lesson before taking the next step. Don't rush yourself. Take the time to read all portions of the lessons and complete the exercises and self-tests. Making full use of this course, in its entirety, is the first step in getting more of what you want in life and business. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550035.htm Tue, 8 Apr 2008 17:49:50 GMT T. Long How to Build Your Own Business Arts and Crafts Art Learn how to make your own soap in our self-paced online course. If you've always wanted to try different soap-making recipes, create your own signature items for personal use, for gifts or for profit, or just learn about what goes into making a soap, this class is for you! With or without any experience you will learn the foundations of soap making: the history behind the craft; basic melt and pour techniques, popular cold-process methods; how to create your own recipes (using a simple set formula); how to create signature soaps, basic aromatherapy, special soaps and what to do when your recipes need a little fine tuning. Best of all the course has video demonstrations of the soap-making techniques as well as photos, step-by-step instructions and your instructor will not only be grading quizzes and assignments but is available through our class email to answer questions. 'Handmade' things are springing up everywhere -- in stores, boutiques, as take out food and in health care items. People are returning to the retro feeling of 'home made' from home decor to high end, custom embellished clothing to homey foods. Soap can be a big part of this retro trend. Take advantage of this marketing trend and profit from your tiny investment in this class. Soap making is actually easy. The lessons provide recipes for soaps in several lessons. They have been tested. You can use them 'as is' or, at completion of the course, feel confident about personalizing the recipes to make them your own. Included are marketing ideas to get you thinking about how to name, how to make them special with your package and styling and how to price them for both wholesale and retail applications. Learn a new creative 'art'! Try Soap Making today! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33022.htm Tue, 29 May 2007 22:06:29 GMT S. Walker How to Build Your Own Business Home Decorating Herbs Arts and Crafts For many of us, our dogs are considered beloved members of our family. They are constantly by our side and we know we can count on them even when it seems as though everyone else has abandoned us. It is not surprising then that when it comes to caring for our dogs, nothing but the best will do. We care for them as we care for our own children by feeding them, loving them and giving them plenty of attention. We also need to care for them in one other important way: by grooming them on a regular basis. In this course, we will show you how you can meet all of your dog's grooming needs. From bathing and brushing to nail clipping and even taking care of those nasty anal sacs, we will provide step by step instructions for making sure you do the job right. Despite what you may think, grooming a dog isn't that difficult to do; all that you need are a few basic supplies, some patience and a handful of treats! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550107.htm Sun, 27 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT N. Fields Dog Training If you're a new cat owner, this course is for you. Understanding a cat is not as simple as understanding a dog. Cats can possess a Buddha-like calmness that exudes wisdom but then exhibit psychotic-like behavior when confronted with a different brand of litter or feeding bowl or (heaven forbid) a new furniture arrangement. In this self-paced class, we'll provide you with insights into the mysterious and challenging world of feline psychology by covering the following topics: Basics of Cat Care Veterinary Visits Cat Behavior and Issues Cat Health Guidelines Feline First Aid Training Cats The Aging Process You'll soon find out that cat's rule the house, and this enjoyable course does an excellent job of explaining how you can share in their reign! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550024.htm Wed, 5 Mar 2008 11:51:51 GMT N. Fields Dog Training This comprehensive, illustrated guide is designed to instruct people on the sport of freshwater fishing; including an introduction to the sport, discussions on various bait fishing, lure fishing, and casting techniques. Additionally, there are discussions on fishing tips in general, and information on how factors such as weather and solar/lunar forces can affect a fishing trip. Also included here, is a listing of the best species of fish for the table, along with information on the best ways to cook freshly-caught fish, and an overview of fishing safety and regulations. We'll cover these topics: Useful angling tips, detailed Instructions on angling methods Different types of fishing rods and their compositions The various species of freshwater species Nature's affects on fresh water fishing. How the sun and moon affect fishing Casting and choosing bait. How weather, location and water clarity impact your fishing. The different places to fish and fishing safety and safely. The correct way to handle fresh fish, how to freeze them, and the amount and limitations allowed in fishing. So join us today, and let's learn how to fish ! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550016.htm Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:42:32 GMT S. Richards Sports and Activities Etiquette 101 is an overview of today's etiquette rules, updated for today's fast-paced lifestyles and ever-changing codes of conduct for work and leisure. The role of etiquette has changed over the years. At one time, it served as an indicator of each person's proper station in life. Today, etiquette helps smooth the path of our daily activities, whether it's meeting others in our daily interactions, talking to someone on the phone, offering condolences properly or understanding how to talk to colleagues at a business conference. In Etiquette 101, you'll learn the rules of good behavior for today's most common social and business situations, including the common courtesies of life that many of us have forgotten or may not have learned, from when to offer your seat on a bus to a stranger to how to share a cab. It will also go over telephone etiquette, with the updated rules for cell phone use and the new rules for office calls. Correspondence, including emails, entertaining and being a polite guest, giving and receiving gifts and life's big events are all covered, with examples and#8211; both good and bad! There is also a section on life situations that are never easy, such as death and divorce, with etiquette suggestions that will help you navigate the minefield of emotions surrounding these situations. Finally, a section on workplace etiquette covers the details of everything from how to relate to your boss and subordinates to keeping your social life and work separate. Etiquette 101 will teach you everything you need to know to move graciously through today's world. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550110.htm Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:28:57 GMT T. Long Sports and Activities Home Decorating Arts and Crafts Herbs are used for both culinary and medicinal purposes--and sometimes even spiritual purposes. All About Herbs will cover all the basics so that you are ready to explore all of Herbs' many uses. Not only will you learn the history and definitions, but you will also be able to: - List several benefits of cooking with herbs and have a basic understanding of how to prepare herbs and incorporate them into your favorite foods. - Grasp the main traditions in herbal medicine. - Understand the benefits of growing herbs at home and how to plan your first herb garden. - Know how to select the right herbs, the best containers, the ideal fertilizer and the best amount of water to help your container herb garden thrive. - Know when to harvest your herbs and how to dry them for storage so you can enjoy home-grown herbs all year long. -How to start a heart-healthy, cold and flu prevention garden using basil, cayenne and garlic. - How aloe vera and peppermint make wonderful additions to both your herb garden and your medicine cabinet. - Know the beauty of rosemary, fennel and lavender and how to grow them yourself. - Understand how these ingredients can add a lovely scent to your garden and delicate ingredients to make your own cosmetic treatments. -Know about another facet of herbal medicine, aromatherapy, which is based on the power of herbs' fragrances and helps treat both mood and health issues. -Know how to prepare herbs in a variety of forms to best treat any of a number of conditions. These methods range from a simple tea, or infusion, to a good old-fashioned poultice. We'll also share some advice on being very careful with herbs to avoid negative results. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550090.htm Sun, 6 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT E. Reed Herbs Gardening Arts and Crafts This self-paced Homeopathy course clearly explains the use of homeopathic remedies in the treatment of various diseases. Our online class will cover the basic concepts of homeopathy plus its application when treating illnesses particularly common to women, children, athletes, etc. In addition, the course will highlight the effective homeopathic medication for psychological disorders, infections, allergies, and viral conditions. By providing an interactive learning platform for Homeopathy students and practitioners, the class equips them with accurate knowledge on common disorders and their homeopathic remedies. The course is divided into the following nine comprehensive modules (Lessons), covering the entire aspects of Homeopathy in depth: Homeopathy Introduction Practicing Homeopathy Homeopathic Practices and Medicines in Women's Heath Homeopathic Practices and Medicines in Children Homeopathic Practices and Medicines Used in Treating Allergies Homeopathic Practices and Medicines Used in Sports Medicine Homeopathic Practices and Medicines Used in Treating Psychological Problems Homeopathic Practices and Medicines Used in Treating Homeopathy Resources To enhance the learning experience of the students, the course material illustrates important points with appropriate visuals and tabular representations. Each chapter has a Question and Answer section that helps the students to review the lessons they learned. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550022.htm Thu, 21 Feb 2008 09:34:17 GMT B. Wills Herbs Improve your health and your life through nutrition and exercise. Create nutrition and health goals to motivate you to become a healthier you. Make meaningful, lasting changes to your diet that last. Review the digestion process and how our body would digest some pizza. Learn some real benefits of eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. Review some tips on including more fruits and vegetables in your schedule. Discover the difference between good carbohydrates and bad carbohydrates. Understand how to include more fiber in your eating habits, and the benefits of doing so. Review the importance of eating healthy choices of protein. Learn how to make healthy protein choices. Read about cholesterol and the difference between 'LDL' and 'HDL'. Uncover some benefits of including enough calcium in your diet, and how to prevent osteoporosis. Learn what vitamins are. Read some tips on how to choose a vitamin supplement. Find out some health hazards of being underweight or overweight. Discover some healthy ways to change your weight. Check out some real health benefits of including exercise in your schedule. Read and choose some ways to motivate you to exercise. Become a more energetic you with some tips on how to increase your energy through nutrition and exercise. Review some tips on how to decrease stress with nutrition and exercise. Distinguish the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance, and see how the body responds to a food allergy. Assess when to seek medical attention for a food allergy. Read some tips on how to avoid a food allergy or food intolerance. Incorporate healthy nutrition and exercise habits in your routine so that you can be healthier, have more energy, and feel great! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550078.htm Tue, 8 Jul 2008 13:25:46 GMT B. Wills Herbs Gardening If you have a talent for organizing and want to find out how to set up your own Professional Organizing business, then this course is where you need to begin. Not only will answers be provided on what a professional organizer is, potential earnings and possible clientele, and various organizing tips; this course will also provide information about available resources and how to begin the nuts and bolts of writing up your business goals. Provided Marketing strategies and tips will wrap up this informative course and get you ready to begin! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/30140.htm Sun, 1 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT C. Glenn Home Decorating This course is designed to provide beginning babysitters with advice and tips for caring for kids of all ages. Parents want their children to have the best babysitter they could find. This course is written to allow a first time babysitting to know how to prepare and market themselves, how to interview and get the job and finally how to function safely and effectively after getting a babysitting position. The course also teaches how knowledge and good planning can make you a successful babysitter and discusses all aspects of safety not only for the children but also for yourself. Babysitters need a lot of knowledge on caring for babies and children before they jump into babysitting. Use this course as a stepping stone into your career and then enhance your knowledge by taking a First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) course offered by the Red Cross. Good Luck! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550246.htm Sat, 4 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT M. Money You won't find as comprehensive of a wedding course line that isn't offered by a bridal association! This eleven-lesson course teaches you all that you need to know to become a well paid, successful wedding planner and#8211; starting the day after you finish this course. It doesn't matter if you don't know anything about weddings right now. This detailed course gives you all the information and knowledge you need. You'll learn: How to put together your portfolio even if you don't have any experience. What's more, we'll help you put one together during the course. Your responsibilities and duties as a wedding planner. The wedding industry including all you need to know about vendors. How to plan a wedding no matter what the budget. This easy formula will have you planning everything from small, intimate weddings to elaborate ceremonies and receptions. What you need to do and when you need to do it. Don't know when to order invitations? We'll tell you. Everything about planning and coordinating the wedding ceremony About the rehearsal dinner How to plan and coordinate a reception All about destination weddings How to plan honeymoons Wedding etiquette and protocol About weddings of different faiths And everything you need to know to start your business right away! Did you know that the average wedding planner is paid a minimum of 10% of the total cost of the wedding? With today's average wedding costing $19,000, that means you'll make at least $1,900 dollars for each wedding you plan! Just working part time would equal an excellent new income for you. Best yet, you can start making that money the day after you finish this course. Sign up now. You're just eleven lessons away from becoming the fairy godmother that has the power to convert the simplest weddings into the most beautiful affairs. And that is what you want, isn't it? You want to make wedding dreams come true for all your clients. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550040.htm Sun, 16 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT T. Long Sports and Activities How to Build Your Own Business Home Decorating Arts and Crafts Art The enjoyment of a beautiful landscape is one of the great pleasures of home ownership. However, actually realizing your landscaping visions can be stressful Frequently you have a bare dirt and poor grass yard or an all grass yard and you just don't know where to start. This online course can help. Landscaping 101 will not only teach you the basics of the science of landscaping, it will show you how to apply your own creativity to transform your yard into a work of art. In this course you will: Learn the basics of landscaping including harmony, balance, color, natural transitions, proportion and line. Learn how to assess your present landscape needs. Learn how to assess the purpose of your landscape. Learn how to gather ideas and whether to use professional help or not. Learn how to plan your landscape, and schedule the work. Learn how to avoid common landscaping mistakes. Learn how to make the most of what you have. This starter course is ideal for anyone -- whether you just want to improve one corner of the yard, or you want to add some flowerbeds or a tree or shrub here and there, or you're starting from scratch with a bare lot and need to learn how to start, plan, and finish an entire landscape. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550027.htm Tue, 22 Apr 2008 13:59:39 GMT S. Walker Arts and Crafts Art Who do you think benefits the most from feeding and observing wild birds - the birds or us? People of all ages, from all walks of life, study birds with interests that range from occasional pleasure viewing to an outright passion resulting in lengthy trips and major investments. But one thing all bird watchers share is the excitement generated when a particular bird of interest or rarity is spotted -- similar to the thrill of the hunt, it satisfies our need to discover. Unlike traditional hunting, however, bird watching is about admiring the beauty of the birds in their natural habitats . Bird watching is such an exciting world to explore . Amazing birds can even be found in your own backyard! There is a great deal of joy derived from an afternoon spent watching these beautiful creatures. Many families participate in bird watching across generations, with grandparents and grandchildren often finding a shared interest when they are bird watching together. This self-paced online course covers bird identification and location, feeding, types of birdhouses, equipment, emergency care and behavior and habitats. Whether you are a casual backyard bird watcher or a serious enthusiast, you'll soon discover that the more you watch birds the more you will want to learn about them . http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33496.htm Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:58:39 GMT N. Fields Sports and Activities Gardening Monogramming is a great personal hobby. Many people are enjoying monogrammed letter writing, either with pens or brushes. Scroll brush lettering gives you the capability to personalize many items and give many gifts. The Calligraphy-Brush Lettering course teaches you brush lettering, one stroke at a time. This course will give you the tools, tutorials, and guidance to execute these brush lettering strokes. Each letter is broken down into easy-to-learn parts, and then the complete letter is done. You do not need painting experience to do brush lettering. Young and old can learn brush lettering. Once you learn beautiful brush letters, you will be ready to share your creativity with the world through gifts, bazaars, craft shops, craft shows, home decor, and organizations. You will be able to paint letters on cards, stationary, bags, memory pages in your scrapbooks, photo albums covers, clothing, walls, wood, frames, lunch bags, and many other surfaces. You will also get many websites to visit for supplies and painting surfaces. Today is the day for you to jump in and learn a new hobby that will enrich your life and others for the rest of your life. Learning at home and at your own pace is what this course is all about. Joan is there for you everyday! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/31588.htm Sat, 25 Nov 2006 12:01:50 GMT J. Waff Home Decorating Arts and Crafts Art The main goal of this advanced gardening course is to learn how to grow your own garden successfully in your region. This course will provide you with many files, links, information, and resources to achieve your gardening goals. Some lesson's goals are for specific soil and sun conditions for many bushes, flowers, foliage, grasses, shrubs, and trees. Another lesson is for specific regional gardening areas of what will grow where and in what conditions. Another lesson is to provide you with information to keep your garden looking great by being able to detect garden pests and insects, troubleshooting your plants, and care for your plants. The last lesson's goal will help you in preparing and storing your garden products. You will need basic knowledge of the elements of gardening in order to succeed in this course such as general planting knowledge, planting zones, your soil and sun conditions, seeds and bulb knowledge, and gardening terms. If you do not have this general knowledge, I would suggest taking a basic gardening course. UC offers 'Gardening Basics' web site: http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/13591.htm http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/31256.htm Wed, 29 Nov 2006 11:25:17 GMT C. Densmore, MA, ABD Gardening The home inspection field is one that has been rapidly growing since its inception in the mid-1970s. Not only are they an important part of every home buying purchase, but the industry also relies upon people that are knowledgeable in the field. This course covers all aspects of home inspections and is a great educational tool for anyone considering hiring a home inspector, and more importantly, someone looking to become one. Lessons in this course cover everything from the basics of what is included in an inspection, and in-depth information as to what inspectors look for when it to comes to plumbing, electrical, and all other areas of the home, both inside and out. Students taking this course can expect to learn home inspection 101, the basic tools of the trade, the role ethics play in home inspections, and how to conduct an inspection. Students will also learn about red flag issues such as mold, radon, and carbon monoxide, as well as how routine maintenance can extend the life of a home. The course rounds out with everything one needs to know in order to start their home inspection business and keep it successfully running. This course features helpful checklists, examples, links to sites of interest and videos, and an introduction to everything one needs to know about the home inspection field. Whether you are someone interested in knowing more about what it takes to be a home inspector, how it can help you in the home purchasing process, or are ready to start your own home inspection business, this course has you covered! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550108.htm Sun, 4 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT J. Borland Home Decorating For most of us, our home represents the largest portion of our assets. Trying to sell a house or apartment or condo in today's fast paced market, quickly and profitably, has the potential for turning anyone's world upside down. Knowing what is important so you can meet your buyer's expectations is a necessity. As a seller, you will want to get the most value out of your home in the shortest time possible. This course will help the seller create an individualized house preparation timeline, outline simple steps to eliminate potential problems, give ideas about decluttering, cleaning, repairing, and show you how to stage your house for a successful Open House . The instructor will also offer personal assistance with student's unique selling problems. Whether you plan on putting your house up for sale in 30 days or 60 days, or whether you are just beginning to think about the selling process for a future date, this course can help you maximize your profit and reduce your stress! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/30408.htm Sun, 1 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT C. Glenn Home Decorating This class is for the design beginner with an emphasis on COLOR. I will give you an idea on how to create atmosphere that suits your style, whether it is a romantic, calm or energized space you are looking for. This class will offer design and color tips for your home. You will learn about color combinations, color psychology, and color pallets that will suit your home. There are wonderful visuals and creative rooms to explore too. Color creates an atmosphere. Color definitely creates a feeling. Let's find out the atmosphere you want to create. Students should sign up to learn more about the basics of incorporating color into any home. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/15034.htm Sat, 21 Jan 2006 17:49:33 GMT N. Allison Home Decorating One Stroke decorative painting technique is sweeping the nation. In this course, you will be motivated, inspired, and enriched to learn this easy decorative painting. You will learn about angle, filbert, round and flat brushes, paints, surfaces, irises, hyacinths, tulips, roses, half roses, leaves, background foliage, string bows, ribbons, vines, limbs, and twigs, as well as completed designs that you can use for many projects. Having the choice of brushes will enable you to create even more dramatic designs having varying results. You will learn how to use cardstock to construct pins that you can wear, with your unique designs. This course will give you the tools, tutorials, and guidance to execute these painting strokes. Joan Waff, OSCI (One Stroke Certified Instructor), will take you through step-by-step through all the different elements to painting independence. Once you learn a few simple techniques, you will be ready to share your creativity with the world. You will also get many websites to visit for supplies, painting surfaces, and organizations. Today is the day for you to jump in and learn a new hobby that will enrich your life and others for the rest of your life. You do not need to leave home for this in-home art study. You will learn in the privacy of your home and at your own pace, which can fit into any schedule. Let's start painting! You can view more course samples by clicking on the website below, and then clicking on 'course samples'. http://www.joanwaffcreativedesigns.com http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/11271.htm Wed, 31 Mar 2004 15:19:57 GMT J. Waff Painting Home Decorating Arts and Crafts Art One Stroke decorative painting technique is sweeping the nation. In this course, you will be motivated, inspired, and enriched to learn this easy decorative painting. You will learn about brushes, paints, surfaces, apples, blossoms, leaves, strawberries, garlics, tomatoes, eggplants, carrots, radishes, green onions, as well as completed designs for many projects. You will learn how to use cardstock to construct pins that you can wear, with your unique designs, and construct decorations to be used on bags and boxes for gift packaging. Everyone loves to receive cards and hand-painted bags, as well as pots, mugs, stemware, and jars. You can decorate the memory pages to your scrapbook, as well as decorate an album cover or photo box. Painting surfaces are endless. This course will give you the tools, tutorials, and guidance to execute these painting strokes. Young and old can learn One Stroke. Joan Waff, OSCI (One Stroke Certified Instructor), and certified by Donna Dewberry, will take you through step-by-step through all the different elements to painting independence. Once you learn a few simple techniques, you will be ready to share your creativity with the world through gifts, bazaars, craft shops, craft shows, home decor, and organizations. Many people prefer in-home art study programs because working at their own pace is easy to fit into anyone's lifestyles and schedule. A table and chair in a corner is all you need. You will also get many websites to visit for supplies, painting surfaces, and organizations. Today is the day for you to jump in and learn a new hobby that will enrich your life and others for the rest of your life. Let's start painting! You can view more course samples by clicking on the website below, and then clicking on 'class samples'. http://www.joanwaffcreativedesigns.com http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/10992.htm Sun, 7 Mar 2004 12:58:19 GMT J. Waff Home Decorating Arts and Crafts Art This course is focusing on uses of the 'scruffy' brush, along with other brushes. The scruffy brush designs are Joan's originals, some of which have been published in The Stroking Edge Magazine. The One Stroke decorative painting technique is sweeping the nation. In this course, you will be motivated, inspired, and enriched to learn this easy decorative painting. You will learn about brushes, paints, surfaces, guardian angels, scruffy cats, dogs, and bears, scruffy flowers, scruffy Santa, holiday tree, holly, and wreath, wiggle leaves, one stroke leaves, ferns, grass, foliage, fences, string bows, and flower shapes, as well as completed designs that you can use for many projects. You will also be given Joan's original cardstock pin construction, as well as other cutout uses. Cardstock is an excellent painting surface. Everyone loves to receive cards and hand-painted bags. You can decorate the memory pages to your scrapbook, as well as paint on the album cover and photo box. Painting surfaces are endless. This course will give you the tools, tutorials, and guidance to execute these painting strokes. Joan Waff, OSCI (One Stroke Certified Instructor), and certified by Donna Dewberry in June, 2002, will take you through step-by-step all the different elements of this course. Once you learn a few simple techniques, you will be ready to share your creativity with the world through gifts, bazaars, craft shops, craft shows, home decor, and organizations. Included are websites to visit for supplies, painting surfaces, and organizations. Learning in-home art is an alternative to learning in the privacy of your home. You only need a small table and chair to paint. Today is the day for you to jump in and learn a new hobby that will enrich your life and others for the rest of your life. Let's start painting! For more course samples, click on the link below, and then click on 'course samples'. http://www.joanwaffcreativedesigns.com http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/10659.htm Mon, 2 Feb 2004 22:21:05 GMT J. Waff Painting Home Decorating Arts and Crafts Art One Stroke painting is the hottest form of decorative painting today. Painting on glass and ceramics is now a very popular surface, and the course gives you many to choose from. Painting with Folk Art enamels are easy. You will learn dramatic wildflowers, perky daisies, gorgeous leaves, curliques, apples, berries, bumblebees, dragonflies, beautiful roses, and rosebuds. People love receiving mugs, candle dishes, and ivy bowls. You will enjoy painting on many surfaces. In this course, Joan will take you step-by-step in learning this exciting and easy painting method. This is so convenient for in-home art study and learning is at your own pace. Each lesson will have painted stroke guides, as well as written instructions, and complete designs for you to print and use for your convenience. The lessons are designed for your enjoyment in learning painting online. Joan will be paying careful attention to your comments and questions and will help you all the way to painting independence. Joan has incorporated many websites, for you to browse in for your supply needs, as well as information and organizations to join for painting. For more course samples, click on the link below, and then click on 'course samples'. http://www.joanwaffcreativedesigns.com http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/9784.htm Tue, 18 Nov 2003 12:56:58 GMT J. Waff Painting Home Decorating Arts and Crafts Art One Stroke painting is the hottest form of decorative painting today. Millions are enjoying this fast and easy way to create many unique designs, one stroke at a time. In this course, Joan will take you step-by-step in learning this exciting and easy painting method. This is so convenient for in-home art study and learning at your own pace. Joan is a 'Certified One Stroke Instructor' (OSCI). What better way to give happiness to others, than painting birthday flowers for all your friends, family, and peers? Birthday flowers are a great way to share your talent with the world. You will learn the flowers for each month: January Carnation, February Violet, March Jonquil (or Daffodil), April Sweet Pea, May Lily of the Valley, June Rose, July Larkspur, August Gladiolus, September Aster, October Marigold, November Chrysanthemum, and December Narcissus, as well as the leaves for each flower. Each lesson will have painted stroke guides, as well as written instructions, and complete designs for you to print and use for your convenience. The lessons are designed for your enjoyment in learning painting online. Joan will be paying careful attention to your comments and questions and will help you all the way to painting independence. Joan has incorporated many websites, for you to browse in for your supply needs, as well as information and organizations to join for painting. A new world awaits you. It is just a click away. Many people, who have never painted before, are amazed at their results. These people are now enriching their lives with their new hobby. You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain, by taking this fun course. This class is an exciting class on color, design, creativity, imagination, relaxation, and fun . For more course samples, click on the link below, and then click on 'course samples'. http://www.joanwaffcreativedesigns.com http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/8545.htm Mon, 21 Jul 2003 18:27:41 GMT J. Waff Painting Home Decorating Arts and Crafts Art One Stroke decorative painting technique is sweeping the nation. You will learn about brushes, paints, surfaces, bluebirds, hummingbirds, nests, vines, feathers, leaves, moss, curliques, sheep, baby chicks and plaid designs as well as mice, sunflowers, ladybugs, turtles, wildflowers, fancy butterflies, frogs, festive happy flowers and big bees, and complete designs. This course will give you the tools, tutorials, and guidance to execute these painting strokes. Joan Waff, OSCI (One Stroke Certified Instructor), will take you through step-by-step all the different elements of this course. Once you learn a few simple techniques, you will be ready to share your creativity with the world. You will get many websites to visit for supplies, painting surfaces, and organizations. Today is the day for you to jump in and learn a new hobby that will enrich your life and others for the rest of your life. Learning in-home art is a great way to learn to paint in the privacy of your home. You do not need lots of space, only a small table and chair will do. Let's start painting! For more course samples, click on the link below, and then click on 'course samples'. http://www.joanwaffcreativedesigns.com http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7246.htm Thu, 13 Mar 2003 11:23:52 GMT J. Waff Painting Arts and Crafts Art The One Stroke painting technique is the hottest form of decorative painting. Everyone can learn this easy and relaxing painting style. Joan Waff, OSCI, (One Stroke Certified Instructor), will be there every step of the way. Let's get started! You will be having fun in this course. You will be learning bunnies, heart leaves, grass, patriotic designs, cornucopia with grapes, plums, apples, pears, and fruit leaves, as well as pumpkins, pumpkin bears, snowmen, santa, bears, trees, wreaths, poinsettias, berries, bows, holiday dogs and cats as well as completed designs. You will spread happiness to everyone through your painting creativity. Everyone loves to receive painted items. You can give sets of cards, bags, or boxes for gifts. People love having their own painted cards, bags, and boxes to use for their gift packaging. Giving cookies in a hand painted cardboard box is rewarding and personal. You will enjoy adding decorations to your memory pages from your scrapbook, as well as painting on a photo box or album cover. Painting surfaces are endless. Painting is self-expression that can spread joy and happiness to everyone that receives it. What is so nice about this in-home art study, is that you don't need lots of room to paint and there are endless surfaces that you can use. All you need is a small table and a chair. Painting in apartments or condos is no problem at all. Added in this course are many websites for you to browse for your painting surfaces. You can use one or two elements learned for simple designs too. The creative possibilities are endless. The Folk Art paint is easily attainable and economical to use. Let's get ready for the upcoming holidays ! For more course samples, click on the link below, and then click on 'course samples'. http://www.joanwaffcreativedesigns.com http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/6688.htm Thu, 13 Feb 2003 21:43:04 GMT J. Waff Painting Home Decorating Arts and Crafts Art The 'One Stroke' painting technique is sweeping the nation. This is now the most popular form of decorative painting for all who want to learn to paint. Donna Dewberry created the 'One Stroke' technique. The 'One Stroke' technique has millions of people painting, the fun and easy way. They are getting projects done for gifts, charities, peers, family, and marketing. In this course, Joan will take you step-by-step in learning this exciting and easy painting method. This is so convenient for in-home art study. Joan is a 'Certified One Stroke Instructor' (OSCI), being certified by Donna Dewberry. You will be learning the cabbage rose, rosebuds, small flowers, wisteria, all kinds of leaves, watermelons, vines, as well as original designs by Joan, such as the cat and dog sitting on a fence. Each lesson will have painted stroke guides, as well as written instructions, and complete designs, which can be printed for your use. The lessons are designed for your convenience in learning painting online. Joan will be paying careful attention to your comments and questions and will help you all the way to painting independence. After learning the elements, you will be able to paint gorgeous designs on bags, cards, scrapbook pages, photo boxes and albums, clothing, wood, walls, and furniture. Many people, who have never painted before, are amazed at their results. These people are now enriching their lives with their new hobby. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by taking this fun course. This class is an exciting class on color, design, creativity, imagination, relaxation, and fun . http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/6242.htm Mon, 6 Jan 2003 00:25:31 GMT J. Waff Painting Home Decorating Gardening Arts and Crafts Art One Stroke decorative painting technique is sweeping the nation. In this course, you will be motivated, inspired, and enriched to learn this easy decorative painting. In this course, you will learn adorable daisies, all types of leaves, cute bees, colorful pansies, and beautiful wildroses with leaves. You will also learn completed designs that you can use for many projects. Everyone loves to receive cards and hand-painted bags. This course will give you the tools, tutorials, and guidance to execute these painting strokes. Young and old can learn One Stroke. In this course, Joan Waff, OSCI (One Stroke Certified Instructor), will take you through step-by-step all the different elements of this course. Once you learn a few simple techniques, you will be ready to share your creativity with the world through gifts, bazaars, craft shops, craft shows, home decor, and organizations. You will be able to paint on cards, stationary, bags, memory pages in your scrapbooks, photo albums covers, pots, clothing, straw hats, golf hats, walls, wood, frames, lunch bags, and many other surfaces. You will get many websites to visit for supplies, painting surfaces, and organizations to join. Today is the day for you to jump in and learn a new hobby that will enrich your life and others for the rest of your life. Let's start painting! Learning at in-home art at your own pace is what this course is all about. Joan is there for you everyday! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/6237.htm Fri, 24 Jan 2003 22:03:27 GMT J. Waff Painting Home Decorating Gardening Arts and Crafts Art Flower essences are extremely diluted extracts from flowers that are used to improve the emotional, spiritual, and physical health of people and animals. This type of treatment falls under the umbrella of vibrational medicine and is related to the use of acupuncture, aromatherapy, and crystals. Rather than using the herbal properties of flowers for healing purposes, the process actually imbues a tincture with the energetic signature of the plant life. This course teaches the aspiring practitioner about the history, use, and effects of flower essences. Students will learn about Dr. Bach, the modern pioneer of flower essences. More importantly, this course goes in-depth to describe each of the standard flower essences, and includes Dr. Bach's own words when teaching how to utilize the energies of each flower. Finally, this course also offers practical advice on a variety of problems that are often treated with flower essences. Depression and stress relief are both covered thoroughly, and there is also an overview of how to use flower essences in hospice care, during labor and childbirth, and to treat animals. While individual flower essences can be used to treat numerous ailments, combinations of essences can be created to treat problems in a holistic manner. This course encourages practitioners to thoroughly investigate the causes and histories of ailments in order to treat them most effectively. Focus is placed on the idea that many physical ailments are the result of emotional and energetic problems, and treating the cause will lead to improved physical health as well. There is also an introduction to additional activities that can be used to make the treatment more effective http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550165.htm Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT K. Choy Herbs Arts and Crafts This is a guide to the ins and outs of starting and maintaining a successful pet sitting and pet walking service. Pet sitting and pet walking businesses were almost unheard of a generation ago, but today they are in every major city and most towns. Today's pet owners treat their pets like members of the family and want them to be comfortable, happy and well-exercised. Unfortunately, our busy lifestyles make it difficult for many of us to be able to give our pets everything they need, particularly with demanding work schedules keeping us from being available during the day like we would like. Pet walkers and pet sitters give pet owners the ideal solution by providing professional care and companionship for their pets during the hours they can't be there. If you're an animal lover, you may have considered this rewarding career path, but it isn't for everyone. You'll also have to have a good head for business, organization skills, dedication and the ability to handle crisis situations with calm and professionalism. There is a great deal to know about running your own business as well and#8211; it's not just about your interaction with the animals. It's about working with your human clients, managing a budget and understanding marketing and a business plan. This course will give you the bones of what to expect and point you in the direction of the resources you'll need to set up your fledgling pet sitting and/or pet walking business. If you read this and know that it's the right job for you, you'll soon be on the way to a career you love! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550131.htm Sun, 25 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT N. Fields Sports and Activities Dog Training This class is for the design beginner with a concentration on creativity. When a person walks through the threshold of your home, they should instantly get an idea of who you are. Decorating can be a very therapeutic and creative way to let your personality shine. In this class you will learn, through Interior Design tips, how to decorate your home in a way that displays your own creativity. You will also learn how to think outside of the box and how to create new ideas for your home decor. There are many 'How to' projects and ideas for creating personal, interesting projects to use in your home. After all, you should be surrounded by things that you love and things that reflect who you are. Be creative! You can do it! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/13985.htm Tue, 14 Jun 2005 12:48:31 GMT N. Allison Home Decorating Interior Design For Beginners is for the eager decorating beginner! We will cover the basics of interior decorating in this class so you may gain the confidence needed to complete the projects you see on TV and those projects that you have left undone. Join Interior Designer, Nicole Allison, for this fun, inspiring class. This class will give you the assurance that you will need to get creative. Use this knowledge for your personal decorating use or for your Interior Design business. Get motivated! Get ready! Get decorating! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/12366.htm Fri, 11 Mar 2005 16:34:34 GMT N. Allison Home Decorating Throughout this course, we'll dive into the world of dog training, first by starting off with a bit of dog training history and breed recognition, which will offer insight to breeds' intelligence. You'll not only learn basic dog training guides, but also learn the common advanced commands like stop, steady, back up, and give, and then determine whether or not you and Fido are ready for Off-Lead Training, which can be fun and tedious at the same time. We'll explore various methods of advanced training including Clicker Training and the theory of the Monks of New Skete. This course will train you above and beyond the basics of sit, come and stay, to show you dog training that includes understanding your dog in dog terms. By knowing the traits of your dog's breed and taking full advantage of the attributes of that breed, you will create a fulfilling and fun relationship with your furry friend. Topics Include: The Importance of Dog Training History Of Dog Training Dog Intelligence Setting the Stage for Training Becoming a Master Sit, Shake and Play Dead Simple Solutions to Problematic Behaviors Advanced Commands In Detail Off-Lead Training Clicker Training Monks Of New Skete Training Theory Working Dog Training Dog Sports Fun Tricks And Games Training Programs and Approaches You Can Put Into Practice Organizations And Clubs Where to Turn: Additional Dog Training Resources Toward the end of the course you'll learn more about some of the advanced tricks like bow, roll over, through the hoop, the four-footed fax, and wiggle, giggle, freeze! Lastly, if you're still yearning for more information about your dog's breed, where to find competitions or more training information, we'll talk about the major dog clubs and organizations that exist today. Grab a bag of treats, your leash and your pooch, it's time to have some good ol' barkin' fun! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550117.htm Sun, 20 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT N. Fields Sports and Activities Dog Training This course is designed to teach the basics of knitting - including those knitters that might need a little refresher course. Whether you have just a little or no knowledge of knitting - this course is for you. Seven lessons provide history, discussion of the tools and how to read and understand patterns and color charts. There are four projects in all - including three designed just for the beginner! The fourth project carries you through three lessons adding to your abilities with each new chapter. This allows you to build your skills and to learn more than just the basics. After the basics are addressed and you feel comfortable with knit and purl, the final three lessons teach the knitter how to add color and texture through varied yarn and stitch instructions. The course is arranged to use simple tasks to improve your newly acquired or refreshed skill set. They are easy to understand and easy to replicate. Pictures are provided along with step by step written explanations. Consistent knitting lingo is used to throughout, so there is no need to re-learn your lessons each time. This makes it easier and more fun for you to learn to knit. Learn from the best in just a few days you will be ready to tackle all kinds of new knitting adventures. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550182.htm Sun, 5 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT S. Walker Home Decorating Arts and Crafts Have you always wanted to learn the secrets of how to blend ingredients and make your own bath and massage oils, or hand and face lotions, or room refreshers and potpourri? Then this is the class for you! This is a self-paced beginner's course demystifying aromatherapy and showing you many ways to add fragrance to your life. You'll gain enough knowledge to start trying some simple blends and the courage to experiment with creating your own unique blends. You'll learn ways to add fragrance to your life, you'll learn a little about the plants and the history; you'll learn what exactly are these things called essential oils and carrier oils; you'll learn how to dilute and blend; you'll learn where to buy the oils and supplies; and you'll learn the correct way to measure and blend. Plus, we'll go into safety and storage issues and you'll be given many recipes for beginning concoctions. If you're interested in alternative medicine, cooking (sensory recipes), gardening, cosmetics, your home environment, starting down the road to becoming an aromatherapist, or adding to your salon or spa business, you'll find a treasure load of information in this course. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/30409.htm Sun, 1 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT C. Glenn Home Decorating Herbs Arts and Crafts Geology is the study of the world around us and the way it was formed. The study expands beyond the earth and includes the building blocks of the whole universe. Without the study of geology, it would have been very difficult to build the modern world around us. For one thing, it would have been impossible to locate building materials for our roads, houses, and office buildings. Without ready access to metals like gold, we would never have been able to make the wide range of electrical devices like cell phones and digital cameras that we all depend on. The study of geology is about more than just identifying rocks or finding mineral deposits. It is the study of how all Earth's systems work together so that we can work with nature instead of against it, and we can have a better grasp of the future implications of our actions on the world around us. An understanding of geology and the Earth's systems has become critical in a wide range of fields. It's not just miners, oil riggers and college professors who study the story of the rocks: it is also civil engineers, architects, urban planners, government officials, and investors. In this course, you will learn about: Geology History; Fossils and Earth History--Geologic Time; Fossils and Earth History--The Eons and Eras; Rock types; Geomagnetism; Plate Tectonics; Recycling and Renewal; Erosion; The Rock Cycle; Rocks and Minerals; Gemstones and Mining. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550153.htm Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT J. Bennett Bringing home a new pet to join your family is always a fun and exciting time. But it also comes with a huge responsibility. This animal now depends on you for food, shelter, medical care, and companionship. In short, you hold their very life in your hands. This fun and informative course will help you cover all the basics of animal care. Every thing from feeding recommendations, bathing tips, and basic first aid topics are covered in just 12 easy to learn lessons. Just follow along and you'll be a pro in no time at all! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550004.htm Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT N. Fields Dog Training More people every year are discovering the joy of scrapbooking to capture memories and create unique family and friend albums to keep and share. In this comprehensive guide to scrapbooking, the beginner will learn how to start her scrapbooking hobby without being overwhelmed. Everything from choosing the right supplies to get started to tips for journaling effectively is included in chapters that reflect the wide variety of scrapbooking styles and themes popular today. Scrapbooking 101 also includes a reference section with helpful advice on designing interesting lay-outs, developing an artistic eye and the story-telling aspects of scrapbooking. Original project suggestions are included as well as advice on how to make the time to enjoy your hobby properly. A resource guide with links to online scrapbooking sites that offer support, supplies and networking opportunities gives everyone from the beginner to the most advanced scrapbooker the opportunity to learn more. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550189.htm Sun, 7 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT S. Walker Home Decorating Art Spring is here, and we are getting ready to start our little plant factories. This is the perfect time to start this course! You will find that Gardening is a great hobby. Exercise, accomplishment that you can grow your own food, more nutrients in the food you eat, learning about the environment, and so much more! Now magnify that by the fact that children love these things and love digging in the dirt too! Children also 'work' through their play, and their learning comes from having fun. Gardens are a wonderful place to teach our children. In this course, you will teach your child about the environment, soil composition, choosing the plants they will use, plant care, planting instructions and even when to harvest. Incorporated into these lessons are all curriculum standard requirements in the various subjects, with special grammar lessons included. Come learn while you have fun with the activities both off and online. Make a difference in your world while planting your garden with your child. Come plant your garden with us! HURRY! Limited time offer! To promote better health and education, we are offering this course with the added curriculum of Plant Basics! PLUS -We are reducing the price of the course an additional two dollars. Please join now, so you can plant an early garden. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/3100.htm Mon, 11 Mar 2002 12:11:52 GMT J. Manzoni Gardening A dog is a wonderful, entertaining and loyal companion. Bringing home a new dog to join your family is such a fun and exciting time. When you take on this huge responsibility, you'll want to do the best job you can. Your animal now depends on you for food, shelter, medical care, and companionship. In short, you hold their very life in your hands and they have complete trust in your judgment. This fun and informative course will help you cover all the basics of dog care and training. Everything from feeding recommendations, bathing tips, training guides and basic first aid topics are included in just 12 easy-to-learn lessons. Just follow along and you'll be a pro in no time at all! Topics include: - Different nutritional phases in a dog's life - Feeding tips - Essential pet Items - Basics of dog bathing - Importance of grooming and how to groom - Benefits and rewards that come from training your dog - How to gauge your dog's personality and the tools needed to start training him - How to handle leash training, chewing habits and housetraining - How to control some of your dogs bad habits including barking and running away - Difference between positive reinforcement and punishment - Heartworms: what are they and the treatment - What constitutes an emergency, and what you can and can't treat safely - First aid situations: what you need to know to help your pet - Pet Poisoning and seeking help - Home preparation for new pets - Pet owner responsibility: dealing with the good along with the bad - Pet boarding tips and resources - And much more The class is self-paced and you can take it when it fits your schedule. So why not join and learn how to provide the care your dog needs for a long and healthy life! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550034.htm Sat, 12 Apr 2008 22:03:15 GMT N. Fields Dog Training Your entire family will love this course! It will take you from the planning stages to the harvesting nutrient rich foods. It will teach you how to turn your 'Brown Thumb To Green'. Learning to recognize the guidelines of your property, so you will know which plants will succeed in your area. Find out what your family and their needs really are, know if you can successfully plant those in your area, then learn how to increase your yields. It is organic based so you get three fields included. Organics, gardening and landscaping. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/2035.htm Sat, 12 Jan 2002 20:48:18 GMT J. Manzoni Gardening Tired of dealing with those piles of papers, clothes, or other objects that take up so much of your time figuring out what to do with? Or are you fed-up with your family complaining that you're a pack-rat? A clutter-bug? Or perhaps even something harsher? Put an end to your misery once and for all! This is the best time and place to start dealing with your clutter. This self-paced course will motivate you to organize your home, desk and/or home office. This course will provide lots of helpful tips, resources and practices that will have you remaining on the anti-clutter wagon forever. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/30331.htm Sun, 1 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT C. Glenn Home Decorating This course is not only designed to teach the basic gardening elements but also to provide resource information for beginners. There are several different levels of gardening covered in the course: the most basic, plus intermediate and advanced as well as specific gardening topics. This class also offers assistance with choosing the plants for your environment as well as starting, caring, and harvesting your products. You will learn the basics that are needed to start your journey with nature inside and outside your home plus the added bonus of how to preserve your products. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/13591.htm Thu, 5 May 2005 22:24:51 GMT C. Densmore, MA, ABD Tex Mex Cuisine 101 is a course for those who want to learn more about the Tex Mex phenomenon. Often when we consider Mexican food, it is actually Tex Mex we are thinking of. Tex Mex is a blend of cuisine from Mexico and the Southern States, especially Texas. It is inspired by the melting pot fuelled by increasing immigration from Mexico into the Southern States of America; Mexican ingredients found their way into Texan dishes while Texan cooks left their own stamp on Mexican recipes, culminating in a culinary revolution of sorts that has taken the world by storm. Tex Mex restaurants have sprung up all over the world and if you want to know why, then this course is perfect for you. The course begins with a look at the history of Tex Mex cuisine, where it came from and how it is influenced by cultural and geographical factors. From Lesson 2, the real fun begins with a range of recipes that will in turn challenge and surprise you with their unique combinations of ingredients. While many of the recipes make great use of chillies and spices, many of them can be made milder to suit every taste so there really is something for everyone here, from those who love things hot, hot, hot... to children and those who can't quite handle the heat! Each lesson has around 3 recipes to try, ranging from side dishes and snacks to more involving recipes for whole meals. Throughout the course, suggestions are made for those who want to be adventurous and alter the recipes to suit the preferences of their family or dinner guests; allowing you to have the freedom to be original and continue the Tex Mex legacy by perhaps introducing some of your own locality into the recipes. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550276.htm Tue, 2 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT S. Brooks Herbs Gardening Arts and Crafts Spanish cookery reflects the Spanish lifestyle; laid back, relaxed cooking that uses fresh beautiful ingredients that are available seasonally and prepared by cooks that are intuitive and resourceful. This course comprises 12 lessons that take you through the wide spectrum of Spanish cuisine, sampling the delights of the Mediterranean and bringing some of the Spanish atmosphere to your dinner table. Perfect for the amateur or the experienced cook, each lesson takes you through a number of recipes step by step with pictures of each stage. The course begins with a brief introduction to the history and geography of Spanish cuisine and finishes with a lesson in how to recognize the wines of the country and match them with meal types. In between, there is a little of everything, from vegetarian dishes and salads to steaks and seafood... If you have ever enjoyed tapas or whipped up an omelet for lunch then you will have some idea of how versatile and delicious Spanish style food can be, if not, then you have lots of fun recipes to try! No prior knowledge is assumed, if you can chop up a few vegetables then you have the know-how you need to get started and enjoy an adventure into all things Spanish and delicious. The key to success in this course is throwing yourself into the cooking process and really letting yourself get creative with the recipes. The pride you will feel when you serve up these dishes will make the whole process of preparing and cooking them so worthwhile that they will become firm favorites for family dinners or serving to guests. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550277.htm Tue, 2 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT S. Brooks Herbs Gardening This is a One Stroke 'Adaptation' class that takes you beyond what was in the Basics class. This class teaches more basics of one stroke painting which includes contemporary designs. Students will be learning different round brush strokes, new flat brush designs, fun filbert brush designs, easy angles brush designs, as well as painting with cotton swabs and sponges. Students learn round brush bell flowers, daisies, violets, leaves, and bees, as well as complete designs. Students learn flat brush mini flowers, orchids, geraniums, leaves, and complete designs. Students learn filbert brush hyacinths, irises and a gorgeous daisy bouquet, along with complete designs. Students learn beautiful angle brush roses that will surprise and delight you! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33872.htm Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:31:07 GMT J. Waff Painting Arts and Crafts Art This course teaches you how to paint two scenes. The Tropical Beach scene teaches you how to create a pretty sky, water, sandy beach, grasses, palm tree, distant islands, and a cute sail boat. The Countryside scene teaches you how to paint an autumn sky, barns, meadows, winding path, and pretty flower clusters. Taking this course will have you painting your own creative landscapes or seascapes in no time.You do not need painting experience to take this course. The instructor teaches you the components, one stroke at a time. Learning from home is a safe and private environment, and the instructor is with you all the way! You learn at your own pace! What are you waiting for? Learn a fun new hobby today and give this class a try! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/31614.htm Wed, 29 Nov 2006 19:53:56 GMT J. Waff Painting Art GET STARTED WITH THE BASICS! This course is the best course to get you started in the One Stroke technique, whether you are right-handed or left-handed. Simple, basic strokes are taught in this course, including many tips and hints of using these basic strokes to paint many designs as seen in the One Stroke books, by Donna Dewberry. The One Stroke technique uses only a few basic strokes for all the designs and this course is geared to getting you started using the foundation strokes. You will learn about brushes, paints, daisies, one stroke leaves, heart leaves, rosebuds, calyxes, wisteria, foliage, five-petal flowers, butterflies, bees, vines, bird nests, eggs, and curlicues as well as completed designs that you can use for many projects. You will learn how to use cardstock to construct pins that you can wear, with your unique designs. Painting surfaces are endless. This course will give you the pictures, stroke guides, written instructions and feedback from Joan to learn the basic strokes. Joan Waff, OSCI (One Stroke Certified Instructor), will take you step-by-step through all the basic strokes to painting independence. Once you learn a few basic strokes, you will be ready to share your creativity with the world. You will get many websites to visit for supplies, painting surfaces, and organizations to join. Today is the day for you to jump in and learn a new hobby that will enrich your life and others for the rest of your life. You can view more course samples by clicking on the website below, and then clicking on 'course samples'. http://www.joanwaffcreativedesigns.com http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/11626.htm Mon, 3 May 2004 18:13:21 GMT J. Waff Painting Home Decorating Arts and Crafts Art Fern Design This One Stroke Floral Bouquet course will show you how to create many types of floral bouquet paintings. You will learn how to create vertical shaped, c-shaped, L-shaped, arc shaped, and round shaped floral compositions. You will learn how to paint daisies, roses, peonies, magnolias, dome thistles, tulips, poppies, chrysanthemums, pansies, baby's breath, ferns, dragonflies, many leaf variations, as well as complete floral designs. Joan will take you step-by-step teaching each simple stroke, using her stroke guides and written instructions. Joan's written instructions are written as if Joan is standing next to you in class. You will have many interactions with her through your assignments. This course is taking your on a floral journey, while learning to paint simple flowers, that you can share with the world. Now is the time to get started on a new painting hobby that will last the rest of your life! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33188.htm Sat, 4 Aug 2007 22:54:03 GMT J. Waff Painting Arts and Crafts Art In this class students will learn how to create accurate and realistic renderings of the human figure. We will explore techniques and methods used to achieve depth, proportion, and balance. This class is intended for anybody who is interested in learning how to draw the human figure correctly and improving their drawing abilities. It is ideal to have some knowledge of the fundamentals of drawing for this course, but all students will come out of the class with a clear and simple understanding on how to create lifelike drawings of the human figure. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/15407.htm Sat, 19 Nov 2005 13:45:37 GMT F. Jordan Painting Arts and Crafts Art Lessons in this course are designed for all types of students. No previous art classes are needed or required to take this class. Students will learn how to draw anything from beautiful scenery to portraiture. Beginning with the basics of drawing psychology, you will learn different tips and techniques to perfect your drawing style. Learn how the brain affects drawing styles, and how to set the mood for a drawing atmosphere. Students will also learn one, two, and three point perspective drawings. The lessons and assignments are designed to create fast and noticeably amazing improvements in the student's drawing ability. All you need is pencil, paper, and a few hours of practice for your childlike drawings to become beautiful artwork in as little as 5 weeks. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/12083.htm Thu, 8 Jul 2004 13:15:14 GMT D. Bergum Painting Arts and Crafts Art This is an exciting course of One Stroke painting, teaching flowers from the seasons and much more. Students see still-life pictures of strokes, while Joan is painting, as well as written instuctions. Students learn Spring hyacinths, trumpets, azaleas, violets; Summer hibiscus, waterlilys, birds of paradise, and geraniums; Fall hydrangeas, dahlias, petunias, and daisies; Winter pansies, chrysanthemums, poinsettias, and carnations. Students learn parrots, dragonflies, butterflies, and bees to enhance their floral paintings. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33652.htm Tue, 28 Aug 2007 20:46:35 GMT J. Waff Painting Art Do you love art and want to know how make your own images into computer graphics? If you can click a mouse, you will need this course!!! All computers use graphics! 'Graphics Design With Paint Shop Pro X' takes you through the basics of creating stunning computer graphics with Paint Shop Pro. Custom computer graphics are used for programming, to create eye-catching web pages and even to make your own signatures in emails. Create easy images to slide effortlessly into popular HTML code. Screenshots allows you to see exactly where to click along with where everything is to make nice one of a kind images. Step-by-Step tutorials will led you through using the various tools in Paint Shop Pro, applying different effects, creating custom textures, using patterns along with tips and handy tutorial links that are so very popular. Corel's Paint Shop Pro is available as a shareware download at www.corel.com . There is a link included with the first Lesson that you can download and install it (requires Windows XP or 2000). There are people actually ADDICTED to the graphics program Paint Shop Pro X! This course will teach you why along with how to put your art into graphics for the computer!!! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/15727.htm Fri, 24 Mar 2006 13:32:39 GMT R. Deak Art 'Creative Energy-Flow and the Written Word' is an attempt to capture what cannot be held in hand or thought--the elusive riddle of human creativity as we find it in our writing. Here we look at various forms and genres (books, dramas and plays, poetry, essays, film-writing, stories in general, etc.) as they relate to the creative impulse. We also talk about the Writer's Voice and personality, writing as therapy, illusions about writing, legend and mythos, and other areas where a creative writer may find inspiration, advice or enlightening conjecture. This self-paced course is offered to writers everywhere with hat-in-hand, for what it may be worth. Test and review questions, and also lesson exercises are included at the end of each lesson to build mastery. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550281.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Art An introduction to film and video production as well as a step by step guide to making a short film. An Internet Film Course taught by a pro with experience on projects ranging from multi-million dollar budgets to absolutely no budget! The instructor, Nate Starck, is currently a producer for the highly acclaimed documentary television series Intervention. The lessons are loaded with tips and tricks from the instructor's real world production experience. Learn the theory and technique to making film and video content from conception to distribution. Use the 'Right Production, Wrong Budget' guide, to complete a 2-4 minute short video in as little as 7 days. This guide will help you make it through your first shoestring production while utilizing the theory and techniques from the lessons (over 12 interactive lessons, 10-30 lesson hours) on filmmaking. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/31392.htm Sun, 19 Nov 2006 14:20:22 GMT N. Starck Art You do not need to be an art critic or scholar to be able to study art history. Art history has an aesthetic value, which means the beauty and meaning is in the eyes of the beholder. This course is designed to lead you through the art movements within modernism, the artists involved in the art movements, bring new perspectives into your life, and in the end you will have the knowledge to critic and appreciate art works from the modernism period. The goal of each lesson of this course is to learn the elements, styles, and techniques of the modernist artists in several styles that are with the modernist art movement. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/15826.htm Sat, 7 Jan 2006 20:36:10 GMT C. Densmore, MA, ABD Art Treat family and friends to a precious childhood memory by serving a mouth watering just-out-of-the-oven baked homemade pie. The step-by-step instructions presented in this course are easy to follow and understand. Beginning with a brief history of the pie world, methods to prepare the pie crust- the base of the pie- are illustrated. The Pie crust recipe is followed by easy and delicious pie recipes that are categorized under Main dish pie, Sweet pie, Fruit pie, Holiday pie, Nut pie, Ice-cream pie, and Custard pie. This course will also include website resources that provide additional and exceptional varieties of pie recipe. Topics covered include: Making meat and fish pies with recipes for Shepherds pie, Turkey Pot Pie, Beef Cottage Cheese Pie, and Salmon Pie. Making delicious vegetarian main dish pies such as Pizza Quiche, Vegetarian Pot Pie, Italian Sausage Pie, and Spinach Pie. Making Chocolate Mousse Pie, Cheesecake Pie, Sweet Potato Pie, Coconut Cream Pie, Coffee Cream Pie, and other sweet pies. Making Boston Cream Pie, Mud Pie, Wine Pie, Snicker Pie, and Yogurt Pie. Making fruit pie recipes that are perfect treat with light sugar and fat. Making Apple Pie, Strawberry Pie, Lemon Meringue Pie, Watermelon Pie, and Banana Pie. Making pies with mixed fruits such as Apple Cranberry Pie, Dense Berries Pie, etc. Making holiday pie that increases the fun of holiday celebration- such as Holiday Honey Pie, Holiday Pumpkin Cream Pie, Holiday Eggnog Pie, etc. Making nut pies Making ice-cream pies Making custard pies such as Chocolate Coconut Custard Pie, Butter Squash Custard Pie, Rhubarb custard Pie, Egg Custard Pie. By the end of this course, you will be able to prepare delightful pies with your own favorite items fruits, meat, or ice creams--and you will no longer present tasteless store-bought pie imitations to family and friends. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550026.htm Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:17:43 GMT S. Brooks Herbs Gardening Arts and Crafts Art Paris: A Rainy Day by Gustave Caillebotte, 1877 Do you enjoy paintings by the French Impressionists, but would like to understand them better? In this eight-week course you'll learn about the culture, style, painters, and major works of the Impressionist movement. Explore the lives and paintings of Manet, Sisley, Pissaro, Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cassatt, and Morisot. Visit the websites of museums around the world, observe Impressionist works, and write your responses to them. Let this class expand your knowledge and appreciation of this beloved art style. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/16301.htm Sat, 29 Mar 2008 11:41:15 GMT E. Thomas Painting Arts and Crafts Art Adobe Photoshop is a complex graphics and image editing software and paint program. Chances are, you've heard of Photoshop frequently in the past even if this will be the very first time that you use the program. Adobe's Photoshop program has become a mainstay with graphics designers, professional photographers, and even hobbyists to edit graphics as well as create and manipulate images. It's fun to use, and it can turn the most amateur photographer to a professional with just a few clicks of the mouse. If you've ever used any software program to edit graphics or images before, then the Photoshop interface may seem familiar to you and some things may be quite easy to learn. The reason is because most image editing programs on the market today are based on the Photoshop program. Everyone wants to copy it because it is simply that convenient and effective. However, Photoshop is by far the most extensive program available and offers the most features and options. Over the duration of this course, you're going to learn how to use Photoshop CS4. You'll learn the basics so that you can complete the most basic of tasks, but you'll also get the chance to delve into some advanced features. Whether you're a graphics designer or photographer who wants to improve your Photoshop skills and#8211; or a hobbyist who enjoys editing and manipulating images and#8211; you'll learn everything about Photoshop that you need to know in the upcoming lessons. ** This course will focus on Adobe Photoshop CS4 but the majority of the features and tools discussed are present in other versions of Adobe Photoshop as well. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550296.htm Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT S. Mellencamp Art Make the wedding day an even more memorable occasion for the bride, the groom and guests by handcrafting all or parts of the bridal event. Wedding crafts are such a fun, creative and unique way to personalize a wedding and also to involve friends and loved ones in the preparations. This wedding crafts course presents interesting and entertaining wedding history to help you plan and organize wedding accessories. Course lessons will include inspiration plus designs for paper crafts, floral crafts, favors, bridal party gifts, scrapbooking and more. Wording and layout instructions are given along with sample finished projects to further inspire the wedding crafter. You can invite family and friends to help with the work, adding to the fun and excitement of the big day or do it all yourself. Wedding planners will also benefit from our creative ideas. We're certain this crafting course will be a fun and exciting addition to your wedding planning. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550019.htm Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:09:28 GMT T. Long Home Decorating Gardening Arts and Crafts Art Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art that is designed to help you improve your life personally and professionally. The Chinese believe that your environment has a large effect on you mentally and your physical well-being. When you are unbalanced in your life, you open yourself up to negative emotions and illness. However, when you are balanced in your life, you open yourself up to greater wealth and health. Much of what is utilized in feng shui is interior decorating designed to align your home or office with the various elements of the universe and create harmony in your life based upon your specific personal requirements. Throughout this course, you will learn how to use feng shui in your personal life step by step. Each lesson will guide you through the next step in the process of feng shui. From determining whether you are yin or yang, what type of occupation you have, to the type of personality you have based upon your birth stars, you will learn how all of these elements combine and how to harmonize them in your home. Additionally, you will be able to assess other members of your family living in your home and harmonize your birth stars and element with the others in your home. This harmony is created by learning how to determine which elements in your home work for you or against you, as well as the various colors and types of surfaces that should be used within your home. Finally, you will learn how to cleanse your home of not only clutter, but also ill spirits and memories that may be inhibiting you. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550111.htm Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:27:46 GMT S. Walker Sports and Activities Gardening Arts and Crafts Art ' Film Appreciation for Modern Audiences' is intended as a journey through the world of film, for a sampling of the thought and accumulated critical opinion that forms the basis of the modern stature of 100 years of film-making, as art or culturally important dramatic work. If you love film, here you can learn more about the narrow-passages of film-analysis, discussion of film, the period genres and movements in film-style, and more, for an informed opinion that will hopefully make your enjoyment of the film medium deeper. This course may be useful for professionals who need to be informed and conversant about the film-industry; for the layman who wants to know as much as he can about the world of film for his personal enjoyment; or for the student, hoping to become familiar with the 'lay-of-the-land' for film-criticism. Chapters include discussions on: v How you can get real enjoyment from the films you watch, and why you should care v Early film-history v The process of film-making and how it relates to understanding the films you watch v A look at 100 years of film-styles, genres and movements v A discussion of film-psychology, and some fascinating aspects of the perception of films v A review of 'films to watch', taken in 20-year periods starting in 1900, and moving through 2007, featuring all the classics from each era v General ideas about film and art-theory as a consumer habit v Film composers to know v Film directors to know v How to get your twenty-dollar's worth at the movie-theater v New ways to enjoy film and new audience technologies v And much more http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33251.htm Thu, 15 Nov 2007 16:40:11 GMT E. Thomas Arts and Crafts Art You just bought your first digital camera and don't know the ins and outs of all those buttons. If that isn't daunting enough, the user's manual is pages thick and intimidating. Well, you've come to the right place. Owning a great digital camera is no guarantee you will take great pictures. Over the years digital SLRs, and other digital cameras, have become affordable, more powerful and much more complicated. This Digital Photography course is designed to give you a comprehensive overview of digital camera designs and capabilities, and the series of steps to take great photographs. You'll learn about lenses, when to use them and how to select the right lens for your pictures. We take the mystery out of pixels, megapixels, filters, flashes, exposure meters and much more. You know how important communication is. That's why we'll show you how to shoot photos that will enable others to feel what you do. And we'll show you how to tell a story through your pictures. Good composition is the hallmark of any outstanding photograph. We'll teach you the rules of good composition, the Rule of Thirds, style and background settings, and the S Rule. Learn the tricks of professional photographers, and how you can photograph and compose stand out black and white photos. This Digital Photography course also teaches you ways to house your special memories forever. Should it be a family reunion, wedding, new baby or that special vacation, you'll learn how to incorporate camera tools to photograph stunning water reflections and mesmerizing sky images. Imagine creating professional looking imagery using your digital camera, the help of your PC and this online class. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550187.htm Tue, 19 May 2009 13:02:41 GMT E. Thomas Sports and Activities Arts and Crafts Art Do you feel totally clueless when it comes to Greek Mythology? Do you often say to yourself: 'It's all Greek to me'? You were supposed to learn this stuff in school but classical mythology isn't really taught anymore in elementary or secondary schools. This basic self-paced course can help. Greek Mythology will give you an overview of the huge collection of stories explaining the creation of the world and the lives of the gods, goddesses, heroes and heroines. The scope of the Greek myths is astounding. Starting with the birth of the world, through bloody wars like Troy and Thebes , heroic acts of Hercules and childish pranks by Hermes, and the touching stories of mother love in Demeter and Persephone. Greek myths have passionate love stories, adventure stories, superhuman tales, fairy tales, magical stories, tales of gods and monsters and beasts and stories of witchcraft and sorcery. We've inherited these myths in the form of art and literature. It's really entertaining to discover them. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/31958.htm Sun, 14 Jan 2007 16:20:13 GMT D. Kapoor Art Genealogy is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the United States. According to some experts, nearly 75% of Americans are interested in discovering their family history. There are many reasons for this: some people are interested in learning more about their heritage, others want to preserve their family's history for future generations, while still others become involved as a means of spending time with older relatives. Whatever the reason, based on the number of books, web sites, and software programs devoted to this topic, there is widespread interest that continues to grow. While taking on the task of researching your family tree can appear and#8211; and in many cases actually be and#8211; a daunting task, it is far from impossible. Thanks to the increasing availability of information online, many people can easily conduct a great deal of their research from the comforts of their own home. In this course, we will present tips and strategies for beginning the process of constructing your family tree. In addition to describing the various records and sources available for finding information, we will help you to understand some basic genealogy terms and tools. We will also discuss the steps that you can take to permanently preserve your family's records and history. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550202.htm Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT S. Walker Sports and Activities Arts and Crafts Art This poetry course is created for the lover of poetry who wants to learn how to appreciate the art even more. It is also for student poets who want to improve their craft. This course is thorough in teaching all students everything they need to know about reading, interpreting, and writing poetry. This course is a must-take for any budding poet out there who wants to hone their skills and learn to write high quality, great poetry that others will appreciate. Through various assignments and essays, each student will learn to do the following: Determine and understand the meanings of poems. Recognize and utilize the devices used in writing poetry. Understand the theory and history of poetry to strengthen their skills and appreciation. Write different types of poetry. Become a skilled, knowledgeable poet or lover of the art. Identify different types of poetry. Create a chapbook suitable for publication. And much more. Poetry is a verbal art form that requires both understanding and appreciation to master. Simply reading a few poems and having their meanings explained to you is not nearly enough to fully appreciate poetry and#8211; or to become a great poet. That is why this course will provide each student with a great deal of lessons, explanations, essays and assignments to deepen understanding and apply what has been learned. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550295.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Arts and Crafts Art Adobe Flash CS4 can be a complex program to use and understand, even if you already have basic knowledge. It's very easy to get lost in the interface and confused by the many features it offers. This course was designed to solve the mysteries of Adobe Flash CS4, no matter if you're a beginner or more advanced user. Each lesson is extremely comprehensive, but written in easy-to-understand terms so that, by the time you finish the course, you can use the Flash software as easily as you can tie your shoe. The course starts out with an introduction to the software, followed by a tour of the interface. Once you know your way around the numerous panels and menus, you'll start to learn the drawing modes and tools that allow you to create vector and raster images to animate. Each lesson gives you plenty of instruction to learn, then plenty of time to practice. All students are encouraged to take their time and become comfortable with each aspect of Flash that is taught before moving on to frame-by-frame animations and tweens. By the time you finish this course, you'll easily be able to create: Animations Slideshows Banner ads Movies Graphics presentations And all sorts of other animation projects using Adobe Flash CS4 It's a fact that once you learn everything you need to know about vector and raster images, as well as movie clips and graphics, creating animations becomes a breeze. You'll spend the rest of the course learning to bring graphics and other images to life, and delving into ActionScript to learn to create even more complex Flash presentations. If you've spent time trying to learn more about Flash without much luck, then this course is exactly the solution that you need. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550218.htm Thu, 2 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT S. Mellencamp Arts and Crafts Art Have you ever had a greasy puddle of icing on your cake plate? By the end of Cake Decorating 101, you'll be assured this will never happen to one of your cakes. Cake decorating is not just buttercream anymore. It is the final packaging everyone sees first and should entice people to imagine the texture and flavor of what lies beneath the icing. Why do you want to learn to make great cakes? An upcoming wedding ( you've seen what a purchased wedding cake can cost ) Did you agree to be a 'classroom mother' and want to make special cakes for the holidays or specific units? Is there a baker in the family you're dying to out-do? Are you looking for the appeal offered by more traditional domestic skills? Are you hoping to enter a local or regional baking competition? Are you thinking of baking to earn some extra dough? Is your organization looking for new fundraising opportunities like an upper scale cake walk, perhaps? These are only a few of the reasons that may have attracted you to this course. However, whatever your motives may be, here are the skills you can look forward to gaining in the following lessons: Equipment, utensils, tools and preparations The basics of cake-baking: decorating techniques, planning and designing your cake, lining your tines, and more Working with Marzipan, Icing, Glaze and Filling Choices Decorating your cake with butter cream icing Decorating your cake with royal icing How to make and use a piping bag Decorating with Sugar Flowers (and Other Gum Paste Creations) Making and Decorating Wedding Cakes Creating decorative children's cakes Holiday and celebration cakes Theme Cakes Beloved Cupcakes And More Cake and frosting recipes to express your creativity With practice and patience, cake decorating can be learned. This exclusive course starts you out with the basics from designing your work space, cake baking, decorating tools, prepping a cake for decorating and many tips of the trade to help you create delectable cakes, icings and fillings. You'll learn the importance of texture and the temperament of icings, how to avoid cake catastrophes, ways to fix them and still keep your cake looking perfect. Whether you're looking to start a cake decorating business or just make cakes for family and friends, Cake Decorating 101 will teach you all you need to know to turn out professionally decorated cakes. You'll develop techniques practiced by professional cake decorators such as applying buttercream icing, how to make a rose, level a cake, pour ganache and master a piping bag. From breath taking designs to whimsy, all the latest cake decorating trends are disclosed, with instructions and ideas about how to bake and decorate the darlings of the cake world, finger licking cupcakes. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550275.htm Sun, 10 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT S. Brooks Arts and Crafts Have you ever started playing piano but got stumped and frustrated with the theory? Then you've come to the right class. This course introduces the keyboard skills and fundamentals you will need to become a successful pianist. It provides for a step-by-step explanation on how to play the piano. If you need help with the written theory and you want to learn more about how to read and write notes. All you need to do is to enroll in this class. This course includes activities that will help you use the musical alphabet to read and write notes on the staff, identify intervals, and write sharps and flats. Not only does this course emphasize note reading but will help you develop a keen intelligent understanding of the musical notes and alphabet. In no time you will be playing the piano or keyboard and most especially read and play any music as you appreciate it! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/15110.htm Thu, 29 Sep 2005 13:58:13 GMT B. Blanchard Arts and Crafts This photography course will cover the art and science of wedding photography. In this course you will learn how to prepare and present a beautiful wedding album from start to finish, wedding checklists, and how to design low-cost decorations for weddings. This course will also include information on how to open a portrait studio, how to get clients with free advertising and promotions, how to get and keep track of clients in a new or existing portrait. For this course you will need an automatic 35mm camera with an on-camera flash or a simple digital camera for submitting photo's. (for further information refer to the course syllabus) http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/6599.htm Thu, 20 Mar 2003 11:11:35 GMT K. Luttman Arts and Crafts Are you tired of the pictures that have been coming out of your camera? Maybe everyone's eyes are half closed or perhaps there is always a shadow that makes everyone in the picture look like they have a beard. Maybe you want to take better pictures but just can't seem to click at the right time, in the right place to get what you want. You are not alone. So many people want to take good, memorable pictures to capture their experiences but so few feel comfortable enough with their cameras to actually make it happen on a consistent basis. What's great about Photography Basics is that its full of the stuff you've always wanted to know and there's nothing that you don't need to know. What that means is that you can have the assurance that you can go into this course with little or no knowledge of how your camera works and you'll come away with two things: Some knowledge on the actual function of your camera A lot of skills in the area of creating great photographs So if you want technical jargon thats difficult to understand, this is not the course for you. If you want quality content that shows you step by step how you can make great pictures again and again and again, this is the course you want to take. After all, why do you own your camera? Is it so you can say that you own a good camera? Or is it because you want to take great pictures? If you are ready to start clicking your way to unforgettable pictures, c lick here to begin! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/30276.htm Mon, 29 May 2006 13:09:54 GMT E. Thomas Arts and Crafts If you are new to coaching youth basketball and not sure what to do, this course will get you up and running! In this short easy to follow course you will learn how to begin your basketball coaching career. We have comprised the basics that will not only set you on a path to coach youth basketball, but make you one of the best coaches ever. They will be calling you back every year to coach and the children will have love and respect for you. You will learn how to teach kids about the game, information about how to set up your season, how to create a positive team atmosphere, coaching tips, the basics of beginning practice, and drills and strategies for new coaches to practice. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33203.htm Sun, 17 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT S. Richards Sports and Activities Arts and Crafts Have fun getting ready for Easter 2009! You've seen these beautiful eggs before and probably just called them fancy Easter eggs. You'll learn the history, craft and legends of the gorgeous wax-resist process eggs (a very easy process) and about Ukraine, the area from which they originate. Ukraine is one of the 14 ex-Soviet republics. The craft is basically very simple. NO PREVIOUS ART EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY. Practice is the main ingredient. According to legend, the more eggs made in a year, the better luck you will have. Isn't that reason enough to get going on some eggs? I've written this course so if you want to follow along using only crayons, markers or colored pencils and using the print out paper eggs, you may. The basic supplies for this craft will cost approximately $10 to $15 (depending on which kit you purchase). You will learn meanings of colors and symbols appearing on the egg as well as new words to accompany your new skills. Finished eggs make beautiful gifts and sell in gift shops anywhere from $10 to $150, depending on the skill of the artist. Welcome to Ukrainian Eggs! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/9365.htm Thu, 23 Oct 2003 22:07:58 GMT S. Tilley Arts and Crafts Have you always wanted to learn how to play guitar? You'll be strumming in no time with this fun and informative guitar course. This non-credit course is designed for the beginner as well as the intermediate player and will explore the basic fundamentals of how to play this challenging instrument. The class will examine basic chords, strumming rhythms, finger-picking and much more. With practice, you'll eventually be able to play simple and familiar songs. No previous knowledge of guitar is necessary. Students must have a guitar in good working condition. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/13460.htm Fri, 20 May 2005 19:31:41 GMT E. Burns Arts and Crafts In this easy-to-follow course discover the fun and easy way to play and win popular card games! You will understand how to play top trick-taking games, point-based and banking card games, some card games for children, classic stand-bys such as BlackJack, Rummy, Stud Poker, , and much more. Card games are excellent diversions that build numerical, analytical, and strategic skills. Since around the Tenth Century A.D., when the earliest-known cards were created in China, card games have become more and more popular. Since around 1800, the United States has been one of the world's leaders in playing card games and the popularity of games like Blackjack and Poker continue to increase to this day, even to the extent of having online equivalents with no real 'cards' whatsoever! Get the inside deal on many card games, learn the etiquette and terminology, and teach and entertain children, family and friends. Each of these games is explained with an eye on enlightening, instructing, and entertaining both veteran and potential players. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/32860.htm Sat, 10 Nov 2007 12:46:17 GMT S. Richards Sports and Activities Arts and Crafts Finding a peaceful recreational space in nature can be a difficult task in our modern world. The choices of recreational outdoor activities are many; water sports like boating and jet skiing are fun for those directly engaged, but can be distracting and even annoying to those seeking quieter surroundings. In a world where everything seems to be moving at break-neck speed and super techno-logy, there's nothing like paddling down a slow-moving, sunlit, picturesque river to ease one's mind. The fresh air, exercise, and relaxation are added benefits. This comprehensive, illustrated guide is designed to instruct people on the sport of canoeing ; including a brief history of the canoe, a discussion on safety, instruction on basic beginner/intermediate paddling techniques, and proper portaging techniques. Topics will also include: Basic dimensions of a canoe The cost and different construction materials of a canoe The basic paddling strokes and maneuvers Portaging How to take beginning canoe lessons Preparation for poor weather conditions The different water movements and the dangers of tackling the wrong course The River Ratings System Dangers of hypothermia Basic equipment needed on a canoe So join us today, and let's learn how to canoe ! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550017.htm Thu, 21 Feb 2008 10:13:39 GMT S. Richards Sports and Activities Arts and Crafts Basic sewing is an introduction to sewing techniques beginning with fabric preparation and constructing garments using commercial patterns. The basic skills you will learn in this course will be utilized in your own garment sewing projects. You will learn how to straighten and block fabric and proper pressing techniques which are first and foremost in constructing garments and you will learn the different seam finishes required to neaten seams. You will learn to use commercial patterns in child's size to perfect your techniques. In addition you will learn the under construction that is necessary to give garments that professional appearance. Come join this class and see that sewing is very rewarding. Sewing takes some patience and only through practice do you improve, this course will provide this practice and you will be on your way to sew professionally looking garments that you will proudly wear!! * This course does require the use of a sewing machine along with the ability to thread sewing machine, thread bobbin, adjust stitch tension, sew forward, reverse and zig-zag stitches. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/15374.htm Thu, 5 Jan 2006 17:49:07 GMT H. Mack Arts and Crafts Have you ever wondered why certain birds keep following you around? Have you ever asked yourself why some animals keep showing up in your life? Why do some people like dogs, and you only prefer cats? The answer is simple: 'Animals of the Heart with you always stay, Animals of the Road come with you part of the way.' This course will teach you how to find your personal animal teachers, and work with them. Learn more about their lives and gifts. Become empowered through friendship with your personal animals. Find out what animals are your life companions and teachers. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/12573.htm Fri, 24 Sep 2004 13:43:13 GMT V. Carper Arts and Crafts The spirit of a person is reflected in his/her true personality. Participants will learn to identify and analyze the features of the face and gestures that characterize personality traits. Excellent for Team Building, Sales,Jury Selection,Job Placement, Consulting/ Counseling,and just having fun. This class is self-paced and it is designed to provide you with observable information about yourself and others that reflect the human spirit. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/2200.htm Sat, 12 Jan 2002 18:31:18 GMT J. Lawson Arts and Crafts Handwriting Analysis, or Graphology, is a fascinating and fun method to reveal a person's inner personality. By using a few simple techniques, you will be able to accurately determine a person's emotional responses. You will also be able to determine the maturity level, truthfulness and even physical and sex drives of a person. For the most part, however, you will HAVE FUN! This Basic course will teach you the basics of Handwriting Analysis. You will learn how to determine a person's Emotional Outlay, Emotional Intensity, Thought Patterns, Personal Goals, Self-Image (or 'Self-Esteem') and Reaction to Critisicm. Subsequent classes will teach the skills necessary to determine attitude, physical and sex drives, relationship roles and communication traits. As you continue, you will have the opportunity to learn how several traits can be taken together and interpreted (Cluster Traits). http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7309.htm Wed, 19 Mar 2003 22:00:09 GMT T. Larson Arts and Crafts The practice of manicuring is a worldwide fashion statement. If you're putting a chunk of your paycheck into beauty products, manicures and pedicures, you may want to save precious dollars by learning to do your own mani-pedi. How to Manicure gives comprehensive information about keeping natural nails healthy and beautiful, and all the essentials about the chemistry, application and care of artificial nails After learning about the risks and rewards of a professional nail salon, you'll know what to look for when selecting a salon and nail technician. Your personal manicure kit will become your best ally, whether you manicure at a salon or decide to fatten your wallet by doing the manicures yourself. Nail products are at a whole new level, and you'll discover the latest manicure products and tools to get the job done on a professional scale. Feet need love too. Last years sandals will look brand new after you complete the steps to a perfect pedicure. Foot problems can cast a cloud on a perfect day. How to Manicure helps you deal with common foot problems and practical home remedies and cures for relief. Take the anxiety out of manicuring the 'other hand' when you learn the tips to professionally apply that perfect shade of polish. How to Manicure takes the mystery out of hand and nail care, pedicures, artificial nails, problem nails and, nail diseases and infections, with emphases on self-maintenance. Take a good look at your nails. Do you need to home manicure? Find all you need to know about home manicuring in this How to Manicure course. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550123.htm Thu, 5 Feb 2009 14:20:43 GMT B. Wills Sports and Activities Arts and Crafts If you like scrapbooking, you'll love book art! This is a fun glue and paste class. I receive many emails from students telling me the fun they're having making their own books, journals and greeting cards. Most of the supplies are around you right now. We'll work with cardboard cereal boxes and other recycled materials. Bookmaking is a great stress reliever which you'll find yourself returning to again and again. The end product is your own creation - a way of giving yourself the gift of accomplishment. During the course we will be crafting small handmade books using three fun and easy methods. I will also direct you to more sources if you would like to continue this is in the future. If you're like me, you'll be making small decorative books for gifts and for yourself every chance you get. No previous art experience is necessary . You can do this easily -- if you promise not to run with scisssors. :) http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/9366.htm Sat, 10 Jan 2004 18:03:47 GMT S. Tilley Arts and Crafts Bartending and bartending skills are always in demand. If you're planning on hosting a cocktail party at your home, or thinking of starting a new career, or just want to learn how to make a certain drink, Bartending 101 is a must for all do-it-yourself bartenders . This self-paced online course can help you be an impressive bartender by showing you everything you need to know about tending a bar; such as the difference between Highball and Lowball drinks; how to shake, stir, strain and pour; the most effective remedy for hangovers; how to set up a bar; plus recipes and useful tips. Take the mystery out of mixology and learn to put together a perfect martini or create the coolest cosmopolitan. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/30004.htm Sat, 15 Apr 2006 12:09:36 GMT L. Z. Arts and Crafts The 'Antiques Roadshow,' and 'Treasures in your Attic' along with numerous other shows have produced a groundswell of interest in antiques and collectibles. Almost everyone has hidden treasures in their home that are collecting dust and are often hidden away in the back of the closet. Savvy 'pickers' routinely turn those dusty relics into big money. One man bought a painting at a yard sale for $25.00 and later sold it for $250,000! This course will teach you how to discern the junk from the diamonds in the rough. You will learn how to recognize valuable items even before you know exactly what they are. You will learn how to quickly research items you have found and how to find the best way to sell at a profit. This course is for those who have an interest in antiques and collectibles and recognize the value in them but don't know where to begin to cash in. Beginners in this field often make costly mistakes and it is my hope to help you avoid those as much as possible. While I do not hold regular online discussions or 'office hours,' I am always available by email to answer your questions as you progress. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/15269.htm Mon, 14 Nov 2005 17:39:16 GMT R. Morse How to Build Your Own Business Home Decorating Arts and Crafts Therapeutic Bathing Turn your hygiene rituals into a therapeutic health treatment with a variety of products and techniques No curriculum in natural or alternative healthcare, herbal medicine, homeopathy or holistic healing is complete without an introduction to the surprisingly broad subject of Therapeutic Bathing. When you think of a therapeutic bath, it's likely that you envision some steaming hot water and your favorite scented bath oil or bubblesand that's about it. Next time to you hop in the tub, benefit from the experience of centuries of therapeutic bathers. That's right--therapeutic bathing has its place in just about every ancient culture: the Romans, the Greeks, the Chinese, the Egyptians and the Middle East have all made contributions to the practice of bathing for improved health and well-being. And now, by taking a cue from these innovators, you'll be surprised at just how many ways there are to increase your enjoyment and reap greater benefits from your bath. In this course, you'll learn about the benefits of minerals and heat and how to bring the advantages of mineral waters and hot springs home to enjoy in the privacy of your home. You'll get an introduction not just to the joys of aromatherapy, but several recipes for aromatherapy soaps and a bath fizz to enjoy in your next soak. Do you know that there's an ideal temperature range for soaking achy muscles--and that it's different than the ideal temperature for absorbing the healing power of herbs? That's just a glimpse of what awaits you when you enroll in this in-depth course. Go ahead and dip your toe into the healthful, relaxing world of therapeutic bathing! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550135.htm Sun, 15 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT B. Wills Herbs Arts and Crafts Want to become a massage therapist? According to US Department of Labor, massage therapy job opportunities are poised to grow at double the rate of other jobs. This practice-based course will teach you everything about the massage therapy and how to perform those massage techniques. Students will learn the history of massage therapy, methods and types of massages, practice-oriented massage techniques, ethics of massage therapy, how to set up massage business, massage marketing tips, etc. This course is divided into the following 16 comprehensive lessons: History of Massage Therapy: An Introduction Basics of Human Anatomy and Physiology Types of Massage Methods of Massage I, II, III, and IV Massage as Alternative Treatment I and II Massage Therapy for Women Massage for Babies Eco-Friendly Massage Practices Ethics and Good Practices in Massage Setting up of Massage Therapy Business Frequently Asked Questions and Resources Glossary Terms This course offers a learning platform for massage therapy students and practitioners to develop and enhance skills in applying massage techniques, such as Hot Stone Massage, Foot Massage, Back Massage, Relaxing Hands and Arms Massage, and Fur massage to name a few. If you are interested in learning the massage therapy or upgrading your massage skills, this course will exceed your expectation by making you an expert in massage therapy. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33895.htm Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:43:49 GMT B. Wills Sports and Activities Arts and Crafts Yoga is accessible to everybody. A history of 5000 years is proof of how lasting and magical this exercise art really is. How many other exercises can boast worldwide acceptance? The fact is, over the past twenty years, yoga popularity has increased from minimal interest to one of the most popular exercise regimes around. With so many different yoga schools, instructors and styles, the choices can be daunting. This course is designed to give you the information you need to decide on the perfect combination that will make your practice the most enjoyable and satisfying. You will be guided through the steps for beginner yoga poses and meditation, with emphasis on concentrated deep breathing. If you're a yoga beginner and looking for a tool to help jump-start your program, this yoga course features in-depth instructions and inspiring information to introduce you to yoga. If you're interested in building a home practice area, if you're seeking the right class for seniors, if you're an over forty baby boomer looking for an exercise regimen for the rest of your life, if you're physically challenged, or if you're just interested in finding out more about yoga, take this class! You'll learn how regular practice helps to build the muscle strength required to hold yoga postures. More than that, you'll develop increased lung capacity and provide the regular stimulation to the internal organs that help to balance chemical and hormone levels. Regular assignments and instructions point the way to the correct position for balancing postures, to the extent that it becomes second nature - like riding a bicycle. Emphasis is on the latest methods to slow and calm your mind, release stress and purge your thoughts of the worries and stresses of the day. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33896.htm Thu, 13 Dec 2007 11:34:39 GMT B. Wills Sports and Activities Arts and Crafts The Photoshop Elements software package is a condensed version of the popular Adobe Photoshop. Lesser priced, it contains all the features of Photoshop, but contains fewer options that are much easier to understand. Elements was designed with the consumer in mind and is ideal for any budding photography enthusiast, home user with photos they want to organize or edit, or for anyone wishing to do basic photo manipulation or graphic arts. Unlike Photoshop, navigating through Elements and completing tasks is simple. Whether you want to share, organize, or edit photos, you can do it quickly and easily using Elements. In this course, you'll learn your way around Elements to make navigating it a breeze. You'll also learn all the features and how to utilize the options so that editing, organizing, and sharing your photos is quick and fun. You'll learn how to: and#216; Upload your photos into Elements. and#216; Organize your photos in albums and catalogs. and#216; Adjust the colors in your photos to make them crisp and clear. and#216; Change the mood of your photos. and#216; Crop and resize photos and images. and#216; Add layers. and#216; Print images. and#216; Create albums, calendars, and other projects. and#216; Save your projects. and#216; Share your photo projects with others. This includes online albums, slideshows, photo emails, and more! It doesn't matter if you already use Elements or you're completely new to the software. All lessons are comprehensive and easy-to-understand. Using step-by-step directions, you'll master even the most complex tasks. By the end of this course, you'll know everything about Elements that you need to know to easily organize, edit, print, and share your photos and images http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550186.htm Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:53:57 GMT S. Mellencamp Arts and Crafts Travel writing is a fun, interesting and fulfilling career. If your goal is to become a full-time travel writer who is able to live off your income from writing alone, it is important to understand that travel writing, like any other career, requires you to develop specific skills and to have perseverance in order to succeed. There is a lot of competition in the field of travel writing. Some highly successful writers in this genre have compared their climb to success with those who aspire to become actors, songwriters or musicians. In other words, most aspiring writers work at other jobs while they build a reputation strong enough to financially support themselves on payment for their writing alone. How long it takes you to achieve that goal is dependent upon how ambitious you are and how well you write, but the average is between three and six years. Alternatively, you may only wish to earn extra money as a travel writer and continue working in the field you are already in; perhaps you travel frequently for your current job and feel you have a lot to share with others about the places you visit. You can create a great additional source of income as a travel writer this way. Whether it is a full or part-time profession you desire, this course will help you get started, provide you with the necessary information you need to build a strong portfolio, as well as improve your overall skill set required to succeed in the travel writing industry. So join us today! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550222.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Sports and Activities Arts and Crafts This course will cover how to incorporate holistic herbal healing into your everyday lifestyle so your children will avoid unnecessary or repeated illness. If you are a parent or caregiver and would like to learn more about holistic herbal healing for children this course is for you. This course will also include information on how to live a more balanced natural lifestyle, how to be your own home healer and what it means to be a healer for your family, herbal healing solutions for common childhood ailments that incorporate modern and traditional therapies, and when to contact your child's Doctor. The children's herbal remedies studied in this course are safe and gentle. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33890.htm Tue, 25 Sep 2007 19:49:22 GMT A. Goodloe Gardening You should enroll in this class if your goal is to become an herbalist for fun or profit. The best way to start on the path to becoming an herbalist is to become intimate with a few plants and learn the basics of herbal preparation. This course will cover 25 herbs that you can find in your kitchen or backyard! They include Dandelion, Mullien, Yarrow, Nettle, Plantain, Calendula, Cleavers, Burdock, Yellow dock, Marshmallow, Red clover, Comfrey, Catnip, Chamomile, Alfalfa, Black Pepper, Cinnamon, Flax, Fennel, Ginger, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Tumeric, and Garlic. Detailed descriptions with scientific names, constituents, associated aliments and recipes will be included. This class will also cover herbal consulting, herbal preparation, wildcrafting. This course will also cover how to make herbal remedies for friends and family, basic herbal pharmacognosy, the spiritual aspect of healing, different types of herbal tradition such as Native American, Western herbalism, Folk medicine, and much more! You will learn how to make infusions, decoctions, tinctures, fluid extracts, elixirs, essences and many other recipes. This class will also cover the healing philosophy of balance and the role and responsibilities of the community herbalist. Begin your herbal journey with me today! Disclaimer: This course is for education only and has not been evaluated by the FDA, it is not intended to treat or diagnose disease. Please consult your Doctor before taking herbal medicines. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/32326.htm Tue, 24 Apr 2007 17:36:45 GMT A. Goodloe Herbs Gardening The plant kingdom offers powerful healing for those who understand how to tap into its potential. In this 6-lesson course, we will introduce a new way of understanding healing with plants. We'll talk about: The 5 dimensions of herbs and plant healing Recent research into the health benefits of plants A multi-faceted view of why we have so much chronic illness Ways that plants can prevent future disease Flower essences, herbal healing, plants as food, aromatherapy, other plant modalities You will see how these understandings integrate both physical and non-physical aspects of plant healing, drawing on science, as well as a variety of healing modalities and spiritual traditions from around the world. For both students new to plants and healing, as well as those who have a fair amount of experience in this area. You won't ever look at our green friends the same way again! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/30563.htm Wed, 19 Jul 2006 11:54:59 GMT D. Bier Herbs Gardening Perceptions about aging are changing. Today, people are living longer, happier, and healthier lives. Medical technology and care has increased lifespan by years and sometimes even decades. A growing number of individuals are taking an active part in following antiaging techniques and maintaining lifestyles that keep our bodies in prime physical condition, increases the capacity and function of our brains, and benefits our emotional stability and wellbeing. Who doesn't want to be as fit, healthy, and vigorous at 75 as we were at 30? In 1900, few individuals lived past 65 years of age. Today, the 'new middle-age' is considered to be the mid to late 50s, and individuals are actively living well into their 80s and 90s. Medical advancements, preventative care, information and education have played an enormous role in the prevalence of individuals learning about antiaging techniques that add years to our personal life expectancy. Attitude plays a huge part in how each of us ages, and this antiaging course explores myths and perceptions about aging and how people today are breaking down those barriers and exposing the truth behind it. When it comes to slowing or stopping the aging clock and maintaining a younger, more youthful appearance, this course also explains the benefits of exercise, the importance of maintaining and increasing brain activity and the vital needs of the body for water, vitamins and minerals. Exploring ancient antiaging remedies as well as understanding the importance of hormones, antioxidants, and the truth about many cosmetic ingredients provides a fascinating and often humorous look into mankind's desperate attempt to find the ever-elusive Fountain of Youth. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550136.htm Sun, 18 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT K. Choy Sports and Activities Herbs Health is defined as an optimal state of physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual well being. The same explanation applies to wellness. It's like that old saying 'You don't have anything if you don't have your health.' Our birth certificates don't have an expiration date. We're entitled to a lifetime of wellness. But we have to earn it. This Lifetime Wellness course will give you a blueprint to help you feel alive, vital, confident and experience a state of well-being. Treatment of disease may save lives, but it rarely results in wellness behavior and a feeling of well-being. Medical treatments rarely result in the ability to make healthier choices and deal with stress in a positive way. Can you actually exercise your mind back to wellness? Why not? Tune in to the messages your body is sending you; learn to take charge of your body composition and ways to nourish your body with fitness. Get the jump on nutrition by making good choices. New is only new for a day but personal growth never quits. Whether you're contemplating a second career or getting fit inside and out, this Lifetime Wellness course will help you design an entire existence worth of living. Learn a new prospective on weight and diet, and the importance of exercise to maintain good health. You'll explore new ways to define yourself, not only by past accomplishments but by the possibilities you create for the future. Lifetime Wellness gives you all the tools to create a lifetime of fulfillment at any age. So join us today. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550057.htm Sun, 29 Jun 2008 11:04:06 GMT B. Wills Sports and Activities Herbs In this new age where we seek alternative ways to treat and cure our ailments, our understanding and awareness of crystals and their healing powers have flourished. In fact, you may have noticed that something magical happens when we use crystals as part of our healing process. This Crystal Therapy course will take you on a journey of self-discovery and self-healing as we explore crystal intelligence and how crystals synchronize with the seven chakras for healing and clearing of energy fields. Crystals and gemstones have been used for thousands of years as powerful healing aids. We may not always be conscious of it, but Crystal Therapy is part of our everyday life. We use the power of crystals in the form of rock salt and season our food using table salt crystals. Many people wear precious, semi-precious stones and different minerals not only as jewelry but for their healing benefits as well. We humans respond to colors, light refraction and rainbows. Even animals are attracted by light play. Is it any wonder that crystal healing is a powerful, yet gentle therapy that works on all levels of the body, mind and spirit? Crystals have the potential to help all of us in a specialized way. You'll discover how they can draw in and radiate healing energy specific to each symptom of illness. In addition, this course explains how to store and care for your crystals by cleaning, clearing and charging them to amplify their healing abilities. We'll also focus on some of the ways crystals and other stones are used in healing methods, enhancing meditation, and promoting spiritual development. This course will give you a deeper understanding in one of Mother Nature's wonderful and natural therapies, and you'll soon find yourself pleasantly involved in crystal energy as part of your daily life. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550142.htm Sun, 18 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT K. Choy Herbs Reiki is one of the world's fastest growing healing methods. If it remains unknown and unused, it is most likely because once learned it can be practiced for free and unlike normal medicine requires no additional tools. In this course, we will discuss the essentials of reiki you need to know before continuing on with your advanced reiki training. We'll discover all aspects of reiki, from the basics to the more advance concepts, including how to select the right reiki master to train with...Best of all, we'll determine if reiki is right for you. Don't waste thousands of dollars on ineffective training. Learn the facts first! This course will prepare you on what to expect from your reiki training, how to avoid scams, and how to determine if reiki is an effective tool for your life goals. Join us today, and let's learn the essentials of reiki! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550105.htm Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT E. Reed Herbs Magick exists in hundreds of paths and forms, but all methodologies tend to reach across the lines of what we consider to be physical; most are connected with the idea of manipulating energy, in one form or another. Practicing magick is receiving renewed attention as people have begun to realize that we all have power to create and mold our lives to our own specifications. Magick implies the human ability to work with the paranormal. Most of the uses, meanings and understandings of the nature of energy have been misunderstood, forgotten, masked, or remained hidden for centuries. Now that modern science has discovered that there is no such thing as physicality, in the old sense of its meaning, our collective interest in working with the forces of energy has been heightened. When you complete this Magick Basics course, you will have a well-rounded knowledge of the practice of magick and how to go about setting up your own practice. This course provides a comprehensive overview of many different traditions, as well as the various forms of Magick. Divination, spells, rituals, meditations and tools will help you decide what kind of magick you are interested in practicing. With information drawn from hundreds of sources, this course is great fun, highly informative and a practical guide for those who love Magick. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550129.htm Fri, 2 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT K. Choy Herbs With over four billion people currently taking herbs for health, why not explore what so many have come to realize? Herbs and supplements do have a place in being proactive in your health. In this course you will learn how herbs can be an important part of your health regiment. You will also learn which herbs can be taken for specific goals such as helping with Depression, Cancer, Arthritis, Pain and general health concerns. Through this course you will have a basic understanding of herbs and when and how to take them. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/14042.htm Tue, 5 Jul 2005 17:04:25 GMT V. Larson Herbs Have you ever wanted to be a landlord? This multi-faceted career can be challenging and rewarding both personally and financially. Our course provides a broad yet detailed examination of the many areas that a property manager must blend together to be successful. Lesson 1 asks the question: are you ready to be a landlord? It focuses on the disciplines involved in property management and discusses planning and goal setting. In Lesson 2, you'll discover the benefits of commercial and residential properties, and what types of tenants will be renting from you. We explain what to do before purchasing a property and how to make an offer in Lesson 3. Ownership rights and responsibilities are discussed in Lesson 4, including laws and regulations you must abide by. Lesson 5 examines the financial factors to consider and how to set rental prices. You'll learn how to choose the best tenants and how to attract them to your property in Lesson 6. Dealing with tenants (and how to avoid bad ones) makes up Lesson 7. Lesson 8 covers handling tenant issues and explains the eviction process. We focus on the lease in Lesson 9 by explaining how to create a lease and the lease dispute resolution options are available to you. Lesson 10 will help you understand the five types of property maintenance and describes common trouble spots. In Lesson 11 we discuss financing options for purchasing your property. The course concludes with Lesson 12, which explains how to sell your property. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550158.htm Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT J. Borland How to Build Your Own Business Home Decorating More and more people are crossing cultural lines to live, work, or study in a culture very different from their own. But what is the experience like? Mere survival, for the sake of family or pride? Escape to a safe ghetto of folks 'like me' who can buffer each other away from the foreignness all around? A series of misunderstandings, blunders, humiliations and disappointments? Or will you become one of the confident and contented world citizens, always moving out, seeing and learning new things all the time? Some experts claim that those living and working abroad with no preparation may have a success rate as low as one in seven! Fortunately, preparing is not difficult. By considering a few important issues ahead of time, you can substantially increase your chances of having an enriching experience that will probably change your whole life. So if you are going to work or study in a new country, or are dealing with people from many cultures in your current work, this class will help you learn to analyze your own cultural assumptions and become aware of those of others. We will discuss communication, culture shock, language and language learning, maintaining your health and security, home and family issues and other topics necessary and useful to help you become a confident and enthusiastic world citizen, able to enter and experience new cultures at will. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33611.htm Tue, 30 Oct 2007 13:33:48 GMT N. Longatan How to Build Your Own Business This Microsoft Word 2007 course is not only designed to give the experienced MS Word user a tour of the new version of Word, but to also introduce new MS Word users to a comprehensive look at the features and utilities that this word processing software offers. It doesn't matter if you're new to MS Word or an experienced user, this comprehensive course teaches the most basic features as well as focuses on the more advanced tools that all students will find useful. Additionally, this course introduces new features exclusive to MS Word 2007, as well as includes detailed instructions on how to use them. You'll learn: Your way around the toolbars and menus. Basic editing features. Comprehensive editing features. How to insert items into a document. How to create and edit tables. Macros. And much, much more! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550073.htm Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT S. Mellencamp How to Build Your Own Business Wellness coaching is a relatively new field, intriguing anyone who desires to get all areas of their life into balance. This Wellness Coaching course is a general survey course designed to give you a well-rounded introduction to this exciting discipline. This self-paced class is designed to appeal to both potential clients of wellness coaching, as well as anyone interested in pursuing this career opportunity. Explore the main concentrations of wellness coaching--physical wellness, mind wellness, spiritual wellness, and financial wellness. While it's not necessary for every person to work on all of these areas, it is a wonderful and comprehensive profession for anyone with a wide variety of interests and the desire to be in charge of their own career. Wellness coaches can set their own schedule, pay rates, choose their clientele, work from nearly any location, and enjoy unlimited creativity and flexibility in their coaching approach. For potential wellness coaching clients, it's important to know what wellness coaching can and cannot offer. This course can also teach you enough basics that you may be able to apply the lessons to yourself and get the help you need without further expense or consultation. Wellness coaching can help you identify and set realistic, measurable goals, remember and act on the joys and positive memories of childhood through exploration of the five senses, and unlock the creative energy that lies in each of us. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550138.htm Sun, 25 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT K. Choy Sports and Activities How to Build Your Own Business Managing time effectively is fundamental to success. It also factors into achieving balance in our lives. Today, we're busier than ever--at work and at home. Having enough time for things that are important, things we want or need to do, or even to have enough time to devote to a special project, there just isn't enough time to go around. This course is a practical 'how to' that will guide you through the maze of conflicting priorities, self-doubts, disorganization, over-commitments, and limitations that in the past have kept you from successfully managing time. It offers a step-by-step format for achieving balance between your personal and professional lives. As this course shows, managing time isn't just about making lists. It's about everything that encompasses your daily routine. Discover how beliefs and values factor into success. Find out what part sleep and nutrition play. Learn how including yourself in your 'to do's' helps create time for 'special' projects you've put on the back burner. See how to stop wasting time on annoying situations. Learn to carve out more time for friends and family. If life is in the details, then manage them well. This eleven-session course encompasses a variety of tools that, if used, will help you achieve what we all want--more time for things that matter and a better ability to manage it all. Making the time for this course could just be the key to creating enough time for you. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550056.htm Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT D. Mithaug How to Build Your Own Business Communication influences all factors of your life. From daily interactions with strangers on the street to the way you present yourself in the board room, the way you communicate is a reflection of who you are and the way you establish relationships with those around you. Although there are many sides to communication (including verbal interactions, nonverbal cues, and even using technology to maximize impact), there are a few basic fundamentals that span across the nation and around the globe. By understanding the way you communicate and increasing your knowledge of conflict resolution and negotiation, you can increase your probability for success with others. Whether you are working in the business community, strengthening your personal relationships, or simply seeking to increase your comfort in reaching out to others as a whole, effective communication is your bridge from potentially hazardous misunderstandings to personal--and professional--success. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550121.htm Sun, 25 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT D. Mithaug How to Build Your Own Business Owning a home business can be one of the most rewarding career moves you will ever make. Not only do you get the freedom of answering only to yourself, but our increasingly Internet-savvy society makes reaching out to worldwide consumers easier than ever. Whether you are tired of a nine-to-five work schedule or you are bursting with ideas for ways to make money, there are countless reasons to consider working from home and being your own boss. However, small businesses are not always successful. Oftentimes, a lack of poor financial planning is at fault. Sometimes it's not having the right permits or licenses. Other times, it's simply that you don't know how to manage your time or where to look for help. These should never be a reason for failure. This course is designed to provide you with everything you need to know to start on your path toward home business success. From determining whether or not you're suited to become a business owner to providing information on the tax implications of hiring employees, this Home Business E-Course is a comprehensive source of tips, tools, and tricks of the trade. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550094.htm Sun, 27 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT C. Addington How to Build Your Own Business Have you ever been involved in a complex project that just did not go the way you wanted? Often failure is pre ordained due to the approach to the project. The concept of project management exists because it helps assure completion of a project successfully. This course covers the basics of project management where you will learn what project management involves and how to approach it successfully. While project management can be a very complicated and dry subject, we have attempted to make the subject easy to comprehend and identify the necessary skills and learned behaviors a project manager needs to succeed. We cover the major subject areas of the topic and provide valuable information and insight in to the how's and why's of dozens of important subjects such as: why a plan is so important to the success of a project. the importance of good teamwork and how to select the right members of a team for a project. what tools are available to help you be a better project manager. and much more. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33432.htm Fri, 5 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT D. Salazar How to Build Your Own Business Credit governs everyone's lives. It is what allows people to buy a house, get a car, have a credit card and generally live a life they cannot really afford. Sadly, many people get into a debt spiral that soon goes out of control. They have trouble keeping their head above water, and soon they fall under as the weight of debt drags them down. Thankfully, credit can be managed and all it takes is having the ability to change how one lives their life. By implementing the lessons explained in this course, an individual will be able to take their credit and repair it. This is not to say that it will be easy. If anything, it will be very difficult to do. They will be struggling to keep their head above water, but as they persevere, they will be able to slowly fix their credit and get credit relief. The statistics are staggering with how many people suffer from credit problems. Millions, with that number growing because of the economy, are actually using credit to keep their heads above water. This is a losing strategy that only results in them losing nearly everything they have as the water quickly pulls them under and the debt rock shows no signs of letting go. There are many ways that a person can get rid of debt, and they are covered in this course. These include: Understanding Credit Understanding a credit score Understanding how credit is affected Understanding Credit Cards Understanding Foreclosure Understanding Bankruptcy Understanding the Debt to Income Ratio Understanding the Debt Spiral Finding Debt Counseling Finding Debt Consolidation Learning to live within one's means Learning how to budget Knowing how to stay on track Understanding Credit Reports Fixing Credit Errors These must be done right, and cannot be rushed. To get out of debt and realize credit relief, one has to work hard to do so. This course will explain how to repair credit using the tips that have helped millions of other people raise their credit score hundreds of points through know-how and determination. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550109.htm Sun, 4 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT J. Borland How to Build Your Own Business There has been a sharp increase in vacation destinations over the past 50 years. With that increase, the concept of timeshares has blossomed. Owning a timeshare allows travelers to occupy accommodations for a period of time each year. This long-term strategy has become a travel industry standard and has provided vacationers with an option to hotel stays. This 11-lesson course takes you from the history of the vacation timeshare industry through the process of buying and selling a timeshare. We begin by briefly examining where and how the concept developed. Then we'll discuss properties and characteristics of timeshare ownership. Lesson II provides guidance about where to find timeshares and preparing for a purchase. Next, we go through the process of buying a package. Lessons IV, V and VI cover legal rights and responsibilities, the various types of ownership, and financial considerations. We move on to industry organizations you should know about. In Lesson VIII, you will learn about the scheduling aspects of timeshare ownership. We cover a variation of ownership called fractionals in Lesson IX. Lesson X deals with exchanging and renting a timeshare unit. The series concludes with Lesson XI discussing important information about selling a timeshare. We include a glossary of common industry terms for reference. This course will give you a broad understanding of timeshare ownership, but does not contain every detail pertaining to this subject. Once you complete the course, we encourage you to discover as much as you can about this appealing concept of 'owning your vacation.' http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550049.htm Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT S. Mellencamp Sports and Activities How to Build Your Own Business Most CPAs will tell you that the number one mistake people make in starting a new business is that they fail to write a business plan. Without a written set of plans and directions, a new business will struggle on many levels. You may start out doing well only to find yourself shipwrecked a year into your work. On the other hand, you may sit and struggle to ever get your business off of the ground and productive. You may find yourself struggling with small things that have simple solutions and for which the answers are easy to implement. But if your plan is not written, then you don't have a clear vision in a very literal sense of the word. A well written business plan takes time, patience, detail, research, and a right approach to presentation. This course will walk you through the process of writing your business plan. You will learn why certain details are vitally important, which parts of your business plan can make or break your finance query with investors, and how to sharpen your public presentation of your company and its business. You will also learn some writing tricks to help you create a polished written plan without necessarily having to hire someone to write it for you. At the end of this course, you should have enough information to make a well informed effort in writing your business plan. Happy planning! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550132.htm Sun, 8 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT C. Addington How to Build Your Own Business Legal questions come up regularly in our daily lives and the language of law is everywhere. Legal Terminology 101 is a comprehensive guide to the language of the legal system. If you're planning on purchasing a house, involved in a landlord-tenant dispute, making a will, buying a car, getting health insurance, applying for a credit card or hiring a lawyer then understanding the terminology of the contracts, forms and systems is vital for a successful outcome. This course is ideal for anyone wanting to quickly and easily learn common legal terms. Each of the self-paced lessons includes sound files so you can hear the pronunciation immediately. Whether you're a homemaker or a student or looking for work in the legal or business world this course will help you learn a new language the 'legal language' . http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/32170.htm Thu, 15 Feb 2007 16:55:54 GMT M. Coburn How to Build Your Own Business Many professionals who enter into the world of human resources quickly believe that they will succeed in their new found field simply because they have a knack for relating with people from all walks of life. While having 'good people skills' is certainly a positive attribute for working in the human resources field, being in tune with the ever-changing policies and procedures that successfully make a team or company tick, is just as important as being the boss that everyone loves. Managing your rules and guidelines works in tandem with managing 'your humans.' Today, many managers enter the world of human resources simply because they are exceptional managers. They have climbed the rank and file of the corporate ladder, succeeding at each rung, to the point where they are now managing a team, which may include 'kids' fresh out of college or professionals who have been in the workforce for some time, sometimes even longer than the manager himself. Having the ability to create synergy on his team, to drive productivity and provide opportunities for employee growth while developing policies and procedures that apply to all are just a few of the trademarks that make a great manager. Others enter the human resource field by choice. They are the 'people' people who want to work in the actual Human Resources department of a company to become 'the people that staff and operate an organization as contrasted with the financial and material resources of an organization. The organizational function that deals with the people ...' Whether its entering the world of human resources by choice or by being thrown in because of your professional successes, the basic principles remain the same: you not only want to get the job done, but also you want to get it done with good people who work collectively and cooperatively toward a common goal successfully. Hiring the right people, training them, affording them opportunities for growth, all while setting parameters and guidelines, is the key to great human resource management. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550050.htm Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT D. Salazar How to Build Your Own Business Starting and operating a business is a minefield of rules and regulations. The regulations set in the moment you decide to start your own business. You need to get licenses and permits from the authorities. There are restrictions on the type of business you can operate in a neighborhood. Tax and employee regulations are perhaps the most strictly enforced regulations. Non-compliance can even lead to cancellation of the business license and at times, imprisonment. This course will guide you on the main requirements of the regulations so that a business can develop a strategy for compliance. This course will also provide guides on how to protect the intellectual property of the business , the types of insurance a business must generally have in place, and sources of funding. Every business has its own assets. You must know how to protect the assets of your business, such as: registering the intellectual property right of the business with the appropriate authorities; insuring the business against losses; growing your business with funding. Find out what you need to know so that you can focus on making your business successful. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550083.htm Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:25:11 GMT C. Addington How to Build Your Own Business The purpose of this course is to help you understand what PowerPoint 2007 can do for you, whether you are familiar with PowerPoint 2003 or new to the application altogether. One of the most noticeable changes is the new user interface called the Microsoft Office Fluent which allows for the creation of dynamic, professional presentations in a much shorter period of time than earlier versions of PowerPoint. The Fluent interface has all commands, toolbars and task panes categorized into tabs and related groups. For the purpose of this course, we will call the Fluent user interface the 'ribbon.' In general, the Ribbon tabs are separated into three levels (see corresponding numbers in Figure 0.1): The general type of task (i.e., Home) Categories of sub-tasks (i.e., Slides) Specific commands (i.e., New Slide) Figure 0.2 shows the Insert Tab, which displays PowerPoint 2007's larger, easier to read icons along with an overall view of the application's new look. Among the many new options offered by PowerPoint 2007 are new themes and quick styles, custom slide layouts, Smart Art graphics, more advanced graphic effects for text, pictures, objects, charts, graphs and tables, more effective proofing tools, user-friendly collaboration and permission features, and much more. This course will walk you through PowerPoint 2007, beginning with the basics and lead you through to some of the most advanced features available, offering additional helpful tips and hints along the way. Course Goals After completing this course, students will be able to: Demonstrate understanding of the terminology and elements of presentations Distinguish between the different options available for creating a presentation Utilize the basics of a slide show including goals and effectiveness of a presentation Create and manipulate text and text boxes using available tools and features Employ the use of themes, styles and backgrounds Create, format and make use of charts, graphs and tables Insert, format and edit Smart Art, pictures and clipart Incorporate sound, video and animation into a presentation Create macro enabled presentations Utilize the quick access toolbar and the slide master Troubleshoot error messages and utilize both online and offline help files Package and publish a presentation on the web and in other Office 2007 applications Course Structure This course is broken down into twelve lessons to take you through each of the tools that PowerPoint 2007 offers the user. Each lesson will cover learning goals and each goal is associated with one aspect of PowerPoint 2007. You will be able to confirm your knowledge and understanding through a series of mini quizzes at the end of each Lesson. Answers to the quiz are at the back of this course. We recommend that you practice with PowerPoint 2007 to gain the best understanding of each lesson. Each lesson will also include hyperlinks for you to find further information online along with hot tips. As with all software, not everything runs smoothly all the time in PowerPoint 2007 and in each lesson we will also alert you to common errors or 'pitfalls' to watch out for. Before you begin: If you are a current user of Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2003 or an earlier version, before you download 2007 we recommend you uninstall these programs. PowerPoint 2007 may not download properly if you are operating a previous version. While this course is aimed at both beginners and advanced users, we take for granted that you already know how to turn your computer on, use your mouse and can understand in basic terms how to operate your computer. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550082.htm Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT S. Mellencamp How to Build Your Own Business The basic facts and reasons of finance: What it is supposed to do. What general ideas does it propose. What you are supposed to do! Using the Web as your research tool in finances. From budgeting to financial planning and using financial calculators. Buy or lease, save or put on credit are questions that will be covered. What are loans, stock, mutual funds? This class is just the beginning of your knowledge! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/11267.htm Tue, 20 Apr 2004 17:25:15 GMT R. Newton How to Build Your Own Business 'It's surprising how much of a memory is built around things unnoticed at the time.' - Barbara Kingsolver, novelist Memory is one of the most basic and important functions of the human brain. In fact, without memory we can't learn. Most people think of memory as how we recall past events, but it is also the building blocks for almost everything we do in the present and future. Our memories provide us with a sense of our own personality and give us the information we need to function properly in the everyday world. Communication, problem solving and relationships all rely to some extent on memories that we use to inform us as we take action. Of course, our brains can't remember everything. Brains simply don't have the capacity; if they tried to remember everything we experienced, there wouldn't be room for anything else. Involuntary muscle function, thought processes, the senses and numerous other activities would be crowded out. There are dozens of variables that affect how much we remember, how long we retain it and whether we can recall it. Fortunately, we can learn ways to improve how much we remember and enhance how long we remember it. This course will explain how memory works, and will also cover these topics: - Strategies to improve Memory - Peg Memory Systems - The Loci Method - Memorizing Numbers - Mnemonics - SCAD: Learning to Become an 'Expert Witness' - Faces and Names - Powerful Public Speaking - Everyday Memory Aids The class is self-paced and you can take it when it fits your schedule. So why not join and learn how to maintain a healthy memory and learn some memory improvement strategies! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550096.htm Sun, 20 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT D. Mithaug How to Build Your Own Business Introduction to Fundamentals of Business Management The world of business management offers an array of career opportunities unparalleled among income earning possibilities. Industries from mining to waste disposal have management-level positions in many companies. Business management requires a combination of skills and knowledge, coupled with good judgment and leadership qualities. There are several fundamental aspects of operating a business and#8211; whether you run your own small business or hold a management position in a national corporation and#8211; that a manager should be aware of. Our course takes you through some of the various requirements you may encounter while managing a business. We begin by examining the various disciplines and levels in business management and give you hints on how to get a management job in your company. In lesson 2 we cover areas of financial management such as types of capital, debt and equity financing alternatives, a business plan and a budget. Lesson 3 deals with legal and regulatory compliance issues. Human resources and personnel issues are discussed in Lesson 4. Sales management fundamentals and#8211; the sales cycle, customer relationships and pricing and#8211; make up lesson 5. We examine the marketing functions (lesson 6) right after sales functions because the two disciplines work hand-in-hand to drive business. Lesson 7 covers some key accounting principles and practices. Inventory control techniques make up Lesson 8, focusing on the role of inventory control, the processes involved and control mechanisms used. Lesson 9 'Taxes and Your Business Organization' delves into types of organization and some key business tax requirements. Order fulfillment follows the purchase from sales inquiry to delivery in Lesson 10, and explains how fulfillment is important to customer relationships. We finish with lesson 11 explaining the importance and function of information technology. Once completed, you will have a basic understanding of how to manage a business. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550114.htm Sun, 11 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT D. Salazar How to Build Your Own Business Dealing with a difficult or toxic personality can be damaging both emotionally and physically, particularly if the person is your boss or sitting in the cubicle right next to you. Confronting those who compromise your comfort and job security can be very difficult for many people, but standing up for yourself is essential in the workplace. If you can't stop thinking about a problem with someone at work- be it a bullying boss, a subversive coworker, or a sexist client- it's important to know that you can take control of the situation. This class will allow students to explore what feeds these kinds of behaviors, ways to address these situations, and when to call for outside assistance. In 11 easy to follow lessons, students will learn to identify various types of difficult personalities and address conflict before it begins to chip away at their well-being and job satisfaction. Course material includes: An overview of your rights in the workplace Simple tips for reducing stress on the job Establishing boundaries Effective collaboration Conflict resolution Interpreting body language Coping with aggressive behavior Dealing with critics and power freaks Working with slackers and energy vampires Avoiding the gossip mill Gender differences in the workplace What to do when prejudice rears its ugly head Standing up to a bullying boss http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550249.htm Sat, 4 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT M. Money How to Build Your Own Business Preparing for your job interview could very well be one of the most important moments of your career. Landing the perfect job can be a challenge, but with the determination and passion you will need to begin a successful career, you can easily overcome this challenge, and bring a lot of valuable experience with you to the next interview if you don't get the job. Just a little preparation and thought ahead of time can have wondrous effects on your interviewing skills. This course will go over the issues and provide an in-depth analysis of the interviewing process. With some independent practice, this course can help you prepare successfully for any job interview! Topics will include: Common Interview Questions What Employers Want Attitude and Effort Body Language Research The Mock Interview Phone Interviews Behavioral Interviews Closing the Interview Thank You Notes http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550092.htm Mon, 5 Jan 2009 13:42:09 GMT S. Patel How to Build Your Own Business Whether you are seeking to raise funds for your non-profit group, a worthy charity, political or religious organization, your local school or to provide community specific aid, this detailed course will provide you with everything you need to know about the basics of fundraising. Although Fundraising 101 is geared towards the novice, even those with past fundraising experience will find useful ideas and the latest information. Fundraising is a fulfilling and worthwhile endeavor, it can also be overwhelming and confusing if you are not sure where to start or how to stay on track. With the magnitude of charities out there soliciting funds from givers it also becomes a difficult task to make your own group stand out from the others. Convincing potential contributors to rally to your cause requires the efforts of several dedicated individuals and substantial organization long before you ever ask that defining question--'Would you please help with your donation?' Making full use of this course in its entirety is the first step in turning the dreaded response ' I gave at the office,' into the much desired 'Sure, I can donate!' http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/32862.htm Wed, 11 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT D. Mithaug How to Build Your Own Business Finding quality daycare these days is not always easy. Working parents are constantly seeking educated and experienced childcare providers to meet the needs of their children. There has been and always will be a need for home daycare settings for children, and for those willing to start a home daycare business, there is already an existing market waiting for your services. Creating a safe, stimulating, and caring environment for children is one of the most important aspects of starting a home daycare business. Becoming a childcare professional requires a little bit of research, the ability to obtain adequate licensing, and the capability of learning how to run and operate a business from your home. This course provides individuals with the basics necessary to start a home daycare business - from defining your aptitudes, motivations, and capabilities to the necessary legal requirements involved in starting a home daycare business. This course will help interested individuals learn about training, insurance, startup needs and costs as well as the need to assess what age groups might be best suited to your personality. From setting ground rules to dealing with parents and providing nutritious meals and stimulating activities for children of all ages, this home daycare business course will take you through every step of the process to ensure your success. From learning about first aid training to dealing with behavior problems and difficult parents, students of this home daycare business course will learn how to start, maintain and grow their business step by step. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550140.htm Sun, 25 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT A. Pharris How to Build Your Own Business Good customer service is not about satisfying the cu stomer, it is about 'wowing' the customer! It's about making the customer walk in, do business, and walk out again absolutely stunned that their transaction was so enjoyable. Customer service is a crucial buzzword in the corporate world today. Just about every company seems to understand just how important customer service is and many have started to find ways to improve and measure customer service. In this course we are going to look at what customer service is and isn't and identify how you can understand and provide good customer service. Many businesses want to achieve 'good customer service'. Right now that's the brass ring of business training and vision-casting and many companies are analyzing their current mission and realigning it to be increasingly customer-focused. Do you give return business to a company that provides poor customer service support? Probably not! You and everyone else want better customer service, and it's one of the driving forces of why consumers shop at one place and not another. This course will show you and your employees how to give not just 'good' or 'average' service but great customer service. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/31686.htm Wed, 24 Oct 2007 17:12:53 GMT D. Salazar How to Build Your Own Business Whether a full-time mom, a young business person or simply someone looking to build a growing and viable business, an errand service is ideal for those with an entrepreneurial spirit. Small upstart dollars, flexibility and a growing industry are just some of the benefits to this business. This course will help you to get the upstart information under your belt necessary for starting your own personal concierge service. You will gain practical business knowledge, insights into what is driving this new industry, information on how to best position yourself within it, how to market yourself and much more. You will learn what to do to make yourself stand out in the crowd and how to grow your new business. The business is ideal for stay at home mothers, part-time artists and others who want a different pace to their livelihood. A personal errand service can be started with relatively small capital and can be expanded to your personal comfort level and in your timing. And remember, if you run your service as a business, then you will eventually expand it, eventually hire others to do the daily errands that you begin doing, and eventually become truly an executive of your own business. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550099.htm Mon, 8 Sep 2008 10:19:51 GMT S. Walker How to Build Your Own Business Diversity training is not a new concept, but one that many organizations have been implementing into their training programs. The idea is that when employees are exposed to a variety of different cultures, individuals with different sexual preferences and people with various personalities, conflict may occur. Diversity training is designed to assist people in dealing with these various situations so that civil rights violations do not occur. Diversity training has been utilized in the workplace for quite some time, but often under different names such as: Race Relations Training Cross-Cultural Training Multicultural Education Diversity extends far beyond race relations in the workplace. It is not only the acceptance of people of color that upper management and CEOs are worried about, it's the acceptance of women, homosexuals and even aging individuals in the workplace. Although there are often several complaints that exist due to the diversification in employees who are hired, such as older employees don't feel as though things work as smoothly as they used to; white males complain about being overlooked for promotions; work isn't as much fun with all of the sexual harassment laws and the many other complaints that people can come up with when presented with a diverse workplace. However, diversification ensures that with properly managed employees and managers in leadership positions, the business can do nothing but grow when they expand the personalities, the racial backgrounds and the genders in the workplace. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550245.htm Sat, 4 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT M. Money How to Build Your Own Business Speaking in front of a group of people is one of the most common fears people experience. In fact, it may be more feared than death...or even spiders . Yet being able to present ourselves, our companies, our ideas and products to others is one of the most essential skills to have in life. The ability to communicate our ideas effectively helps other people catch our enthusiasm--and without that enthusiasm and support of others, many great projects would never get off the ground. During the course of this training, we will discuss exactly what a presentation is and how improving your public speaking skills can positively influence many different aspects of your life. We will talk about understanding the situation at hand, knowing your audience, and believing in your subject matter. Then, we will present strategies for researching, organizing, and developing your presentation. We'll also discuss some techniques to help you deliver a confident presentation and review what you can do in the future to improve your presentations skills for the long-term, making each future presentation you do, easier on you and more rewarding for those attending. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550101.htm Sun, 27 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT D. Mithaug How to Build Your Own Business Business ethics is an important part of any industry. Students or managers, unfamiliar with many ethical challenges, behaviors, or regulations will find themselves struggling in business industries that include finance, accounting or human resource management, marketing and retail. Today's managers must necessarily concern themselves with ethical issues, because unethical behavior creates legal risks and damage to businesses as well as employees and consumers. Business ethics have become an integral part of business education in general. A student or manager who is well-versed in ethical behavior in practices, not only in the domestic market but internationally, will find him or herself better prepared to deal with issues or situations that may arise that don't always involve easy answers or decisions. Each one of us, from the individual consumer to the CEO of an international corporation, is affected in some way by business ethics during the course of his or her life. Therefore, everyone has a stake in the ramifications resulting from unethical business decisions. This business ethics course offers an introduction into the concept of values, morality, as well as cultural beliefs and upbringing in all areas of business, from consumer rights to corporate social responsibility. Decisions made by shift managers or corporate presidents may affect thousands of individuals or entire communities. Consumers today expect and demand integrity, honesty, and transparency in all levels of their environment. Understanding those expectations is the key to communicating core values and behavior not only to employees, but society in general. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550088.htm Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:32:09 GMT D. Salazar How to Build Your Own Business 'Accounting and Bookkeeping 101 for Everyone' is a course that covers the fundamentals of accounting with the newcomer in mind. Accounting is more than just memorizing terms and procedures; it's a whole new way of thinking about finances. This course assumes students have no prior knowledge about accounting or finance, and delivers lessons and examples to build accounting skills. Specifically, this class addresses accounting terminology, revenue, expenses, net income, the accounting equation, debits, credits, and balancing the accounting formula, the accounting structure, the accounting cycle, journals, ledgers, the trial balance and more. It also guides students to learn how to read financial statements properly, and how to grab meaningful information from the balance sheet, income statements and cash flow statements. After completing this course, you will have a solid understanding of accounting in today's world. By applying the concepts learned in this course, you will understand the processes behind Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable, you will understand how and why financial transactions are documented, you will know what cash flow is and how to improve it, you will know what profit is, how it's interpreted, and what influences its growth. Moreover, you will know where the money in the company you work for, or own, goes. Learn accounting now and achieve a skill that is an invaluable (if not required) asset to your professional development. This course is complete and comprehensive, and covers all the fundamentals of accounting, and includes full video to help you master the concepts covered! So join us today! And let's learn the fundamentals of accounting! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/30302.htm Sun, 1 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT J. Tsung How to Build Your Own Business Every time you trade an item, attend a sporting event or buy a soda, you enter the world of contracting. When an exchange is made willingly a contract exists. But do you know how US law interprets and enforces contracts? We've designed an introductory course to help you understand the components, processes, and legal impacts of contracts. This 11-lesson course will take a broad, yet detailed view of contract law in the United States. In this course we will begin by examining contract basics by explaining what a contract is and the various contract types. Key elements to most contracts are covered , along with an explanation of how US law governs contractual activity. We'll discuss enforcement and dispute resolution options, and the three critical requirements of a contract - offer, consideration and acceptance. We will explain who can enter a contract, how to approach negotiation and designing a written contract. This course will also examine unfair and improper contracts that could be challenged; focus on contract termination, covering breach, voiding and rescission claims; and provide details on special contract situations, including real estate, financing and social contracts. We conclude with an examination of contract law governing Internet use. When completed, each student will gain an edge when buying a car or home, getting a job, and handling everyday agreements. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550180.htm Sun, 5 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT M. Coburn How to Build Your Own Business The idea of running one's own business is the dream of hundreds of thousands of Americans. The reasons for opening your own business are myriad; to be your own boss, to set your own hours, to do what you want to do, to provide a product or service where you perceive a need, to follow your passion. Any one of these reasons are good ones for opening your own business. There are really only a few real reasons for not just jumping into the process and opening your doors to new customers and your heart to an entirely new and wonderful way of life. The biggest reason is fear; fear based on lack of information. When you do not know how to do something, there is underlying fear that it will likely be done wrong. In order to tackle your fear, you need knowledge and that is what this course on Retail Business will give you. By going through Retail Business you will discover whether or not you have the true entrepreneurial spirit to leave the corporate world and all that goes with it, and enter into your new world of Business Owner. The beauty of being a business owner is that you will never be bored, you will spend time doing the things that you love, and perhaps even with the people you love if you decide to join forces. This course will take you through the lists of things that you need to do or consider before you open your doors. Once you have completed the course, you will have enough information to decide whether or not business ownership is for you. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550124.htm Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:07:23 GMT J. Borland How to Build Your Own Business Learn the basics of Employment Law , the potential pitfalls and ways to keep yourself out of court so that you can grow your business by hiring, evaluating, and managing employees. This course will discuss all the necessary information you need to know about employees and independent consultants, what benefits you are responsible for, taxes, discrimination issues, unionization, and workplace safety. You will learn the ins and outs of how to advertise a job position, and how to effectively interview so that your hiring process goes smoothly. Learn good evaluation techniques and how to resolve problems before they become really big issues. However, not everyone is in the right place, and you may have to terminate someone from your employment, and this class will help you to do it the right way. Employment laws are both at the federal and state levels and every business owner is responsible for them. While this course is NOT a replacement for knowing and understanding the employment laws that affect your business, this course will reveal the most common employment laws and how they can affect the way you do business. This course is a must for anyone who wishes to learn how to be an effective employer, supervisor, or manager and will be of benefit to any small business owner or a corporate executive, manager, supervisor, or human resource specialist. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550199.htm Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT D. Salazar How to Build Your Own Business The idea of leadership is one that seems to constantly change. What was once valued in a leader in past centuries, is no longer valued in our modern era. So then, how do we define leadership? And is leadership the same as supervision ? In this Leadership and Supervision course, you will learn not only what makes a great leader, but how a person's attributes and skills can affect their leadership abilities. We will also address the roles of problem solving and planning in the scope of leadership, as well as define the role supervision plays in leadership (and vice versa). This course features several historical examples of real-life leaders and how their skills were able to cement their place in history as some of history's greatest leaders. All the leaders are addressed in-depth to give those taking this course a practical example to base their own leadership traits. For anyone who thinks they may be a leader, and for all of those who want to be one, this course will give you a practical guide to becoming a powerful and respected leader. At the end of this course, you'll be able to apply what you have learned in a final exam that can show you if you have what it takes to be a leader that history will remember. So...what kind of leader are you? And what can you do to improve upon your leadership skills? Join us today, and let's find out. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550075.htm Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT D. Salazar How to Build Your Own Business Conflict Resolution: In the Workplace and Beyond Did you know that a little conflict in your office today can shut down your entire operation tomorrow? That is no exaggeration! Workplace conflict costs. It starts by reducing productivity and employee health. It will finish your business by reducing customer loyalty and profitability. In this self-paced course you will learn how you can avoid conflict from developing, and methods you can use to resolve conflicts that are occurring and affecting your workplace. Animosity. Dissent. Anger. Frustration. Rage. Disagreements. Differences of opinion. Yelling. Personal attack. Vindictiveness. Conflict. They make great TV but a terrible work environment. Enroll today and learn how to put a stop to it now. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550238.htm Sat, 4 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT M. Money How to Build Your Own Business We live in world where communication is paramount to survival. In a work environment where communication is equated with the professionalism and efficiency of an individual, would you jeopardize your career because of bad writing? Do you want the embarrassment of sending out a poorly written email to your peers? Can you risk sending out badly written communications to customers and putting your company's reputation on the line? Of course not, no one aspires to be a bad writer. No one wants to communicate badly. This crash course in business communication may help remedy your writing woes. From the basic do's and don'ts of business communication to the nitty-gritty of formatting, punctuation, tone and language--this course covers all the fundamentals. As a one stop guide to a professional's writing career, the class is ideal for assistants, secretaries, executives, managers, and senior managers of any company or organization. Learn about the common mistakes we make when writing a business letter. Learn how often people mistake 'affect' for 'effect', and 'except' for 'accept'. Learn about how to write business emails. This course will also give you insights into your reader's mind. Who are they? What do they want? How can you effectively reach out to them? So join us today! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550257.htm Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A. Raley How to Build Your Own Business This course takes a look at business structures around the world with an emphasis in both similarities and differences based on culture, tradition, politics, social responsibility, and economics. It is designed to give the student an overview of both the advantages and the possible pitfalls of doing business on foreign soil from their own business or industry's base of operations and how best to generate future trends as well as plan for possible outcomes. This is a strategic level course. This class is for students who have dealings in foreign countries, hold positions in companies that have or may open foreign subsidiaries, or want to expand their strategic mindset in order to expand operations into the global marketplace or are already working abroad and wish to expand their negotiating skill set. Prospective students should have some prior business experience or have lived in another country besides their own for at least six months. This class will use readings and other material found primarily on the Globalization 101 website and all other materials will be provided by the instructor or obtained from the Internet. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33442.htm Mon, 10 Dec 2007 12:11:42 GMT R. McCarthy How to Build Your Own Business Wedding Planning/Consulting and Directing is a fun and fast growing industry. Every day people are in need of assistance in planning their special day. This course will cover every aspect of wedding planning from the definition of a wedding planner all the way to directing the Wedding Day Events. If you are serious about starting a new career as a Wedding Planner/Consultant then this class is a must. I am the owner of a successful Wedding/Event Company and author of The Little Wedding Handbook for Brides and Grooms. Don't fall for other classes written by someone just getting into the industry or spend money uselessly on a seminar when you can get everything you need right here. I will tell you the ins and outs of wedding planning and what it takes to be a successful wedding business owner. You will learn the secrets of trade shows, how to deal with hostile and diverse clients, creating a budget for every wedding, how to get your client to sign on with your company, getting your business up and running successfully and legally, and so much more. You will get experience in creating your business forms to making your company successful, choosing what works for you in dealing with clients in your locale, dressing for different types of weddings, working with wedding/event vendors in your area, growing your business, and becoming a well known Wedding Consultant in your area. You will even get the opportunity to plan an event!!!! We will even cover where Bridal Consultants go to continue their education in this ever growing industry. The associations that you definitely need to be in and what to do to insure your clientele will continue to grow and prosper. Start today and be on your way to a new career in the Wedding/Bridal Industry! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/6950.htm Thu, 20 Feb 2003 18:19:21 GMT P. Hansen How to Build Your Own Business Retirement for many of us can already be a fact of life. For others, it is looming on the horizon and the closer we get the more uneasy we feel about that next step. We are filled with questions about just how we will pay for our retirement. What will it cost? How much will you get from Social Security? What if you do not wish to quit working entirely, but are being forced into retirement by your company? Are you ready for retirement emotionally? There are many questions about retirement, mainly because retirement is now considered a phase of our lives rather than a couple years spent marking time after we stop working. The latest statistics indicate that most people who retire today can look forward to decades of time spent in retirement, and with that much time on our hands, it is imperative that we plan carefully. We need to develop a financial plan. We need to develop a health and exercise plan. We need to develop and emotional and social support plan. This online class will address a number of these issues and give you a place to start. Financial concerns regarding IRA's, insurance, and what you should do with your house will be addressed. Specific health recommendations will be made to maximize your physical condition during retirement. And what about your social and family relationships? Most of us have allowed these very important relationships to lapse when our happiness during retirement is actually based on them. Finally, we will talk about how to prepare for retirement and what you will do with your time. There are many of us who really wanted to do something else with our lives. Once you retire from your 'real' job, you may be very pleasantly surprised to realize that you can now finally pursue the life of your dreams. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550163.htm Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT M. Coburn How to Build Your Own Business Marketing a company's products and services to potential and existing customers is not only necessary, but a key ingredient to growing sales. Outreach marketing is the facet of marketing in which a company representative actively seeks out potential leads by meeting with local businesses or the public, speaking at local events, or getting involved with the local chamber of commerce. By networking and creating a lead base you are opening doors for your business and others. You need not spend an immense amount of money all the time to market your products and services, but by working smarter, and connecting with the right people you can generate business and that is priceless. Marketing in a sense is building relationships, and through those relationships you can gain viable resources that will contribute to your success. In this course you will learn how to increase business sales. Topics covered include: Outreach Marketing for Your Business Type, How Outreach Marketing Can Drive Sales, Approaching Outreach Marketing Contacts for the First Time, Follow Up and Maintaining a Rapport, Marketing and Advertising Working Together, Incorporating a Referral Program into Your Marketing Plan, Outreach Marketing Via Online Sources, Tracking Outreach Marketing Success, and Other Marketing Successes. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550171.htm Mon, 5 Jan 2009 13:44:20 GMT C. Addington How to Build Your Own Business Team Management Is -- Designing and Developing a Team Committed to a Common Purpose 'No man will ever make a great leader who wants to do it all by himself or to get all the credit for doing it.' (Andrew Carnegie) 'Managing' used to be just telling people what to do and getting merchandise out the door. But as time marched on, workplace conditions changed again and again -- and workplace complications paralleled the pace of these changes. Today's working world requires much more of the average supervisor or manager than simply setting goals backed up by ultimatums. Managers need to be team leaders. They need to understand and accommodate their employees' different working styles and personalities. In a team oriented atmosphere, individuals contribute to the overall success of an organization while working with other team members to attain the objectives of the team and organization as a whole. A team is not just a collection of individuals. It is so much more. The total 'team' being far greater than the sum of its parts. A properly developed and managed team synergistically harnesses its individual members' talents, experience and energies. It really is the together part that makes a great team. For example: R Teams intensify focus on the task at hand R Teams do work that ordinary workgroups can't do. R Teams make better use of resources. They are a way for an organization to focus its most important resource, its brainpower, directly on its problems. R Teams mean improved production. As they straddle all the functions contributing to a process, teams naturally understand all steps needed to improve production. Join our insightful Team Management in Business course today! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550168.htm Sat, 7 Mar 2009 10:20:26 GMT D. Salazar How to Build Your Own Business Public relations can contribute immensely to the success of a business large or small. In short, it is a message, an image, a story or a brand, that is vital to communicate and can grow a business. A solid and well thought out public relations plan can bring awareness to a company's products and services. But can also provide a wealth of exposure that is necessary to keep a business alive. Not only can public relations be your number one fan, it can provide low cost or no cost advertising that is easy on a budget. The role that public relations will play for your particular business, or organization will depend on your goals and what you intend to accomplish. In a marketing plan there are four major components a. public relations b. marketing, c. advertising and d. selling. These are four distinct areas that are interrelated but play unique roles. While we will briefly touch on the relationships of each and how they affect one another, this course will primarily focus on the Public Relations actions your business can take that can contribute to business success. Topics will include: Tools for Public Relations, Your Message, Your Story and What You are Trying to Accomplish Using the Internet, Putting Together a PR Plan, Sample Press Releases, and the Importance of a Media List and Media Relationships, Reaching Your Audience, Events that Draw Press, and Media Attention, Avoiding Bad Customer Service Can Mean Avoiding Bad Press, The Role That Marketing Plays in Your Business http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550174.htm Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT C. Addington How to Build Your Own Business ~Part Lender, Part Real Estate Aficionado~ In this course we will discover the workings of mortgage bankers/broker specialists and the unique role they play in partnering with individuals when they make one of the most important purchases of their entire lives--that of buying property. While somewhat technical, the training to become a mortgage banker/broker entails a good amount of knowledge in such areas of lending as: mortgage types, interest rate structures, and matching loan instruments to individuals based upon the nature of their personal financial situations. To assess whether an individual would make a good mortgage loan candidate, mortgage bankers/brokers spend a great deal of time evaluating clients' credit backgrounds, income statements and additional financial factors. Further, with new onuses in place whereby bankers/brokers are being required to critically analyze an individual's credit background prior to granting him/her a mortgage loan, it is more important than ever, that there be well-qualified mortgage bankers/brokers helping consumers navigate through the home finance lending process. And with the help of this Mortgage Banker/Broker course, we have gone to great lengths to familiarize you with the major tenets with which a mortgage banker needs to be well acquainted from credit applications and pre mortgage loan approvals to interest rate fluctuations and subprime markets. And in light of the current US economic crisis, it is very important for mortgage bankers/brokers to be fully up not only on the regulations and legislations affecting the mortgage industry but also on the steps clients can take to avoid negative pitfalls and reduce unnecessary costs. Hence, as you explore the career options that exist within the mortgage lending field, we believe you will find this cross-section of mortgage-related tools, steps, and activities to be both helpful and applicable to the daily work performed by bankers/brokers. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550183.htm Sun, 5 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT J. Borland How to Build Your Own Business Estate planning was once a buzz phrase reserved only for the wealthy. However, today many people are beginning to realize that estate planning is important for everyone. Anyone who has assets, no matter how small or wants their medical wishes carried out should have an estate plan. If you have no easily identifiable heirs, the lack of a proper estate plan and/or will could result in all your property ending up in the hands of the government rather than in the hands of those you designate. Your life insurance policy may clearly assign the beneficiaries of that money, but it does not account for the other assets you may have, including cash, your home, real estate, car, bank accounts, valuable collections and other belongings. Without a proper estate plan you could be kept on life support indefinitely, or be forced to endure painful life saving procedures that would only serve to prolong a debilitating terminal illness. Some find the idea of estate planning morbid or negative and prefer to ignore it rather than think about it, but this is simply avoidance of the facts of life. Others take a 'lets just get it over with' approach to estate planning; this is also not recommended because errors could be made when creating a 'rushed' plan. It is wise to put a well thought out estate plan in place that you feel confident about, put it aside, and get about the business of living and enjoying your life. It will give you peace of mind to know that when the time comes your assets will be distributed as you desire and your medical wishes will be carried out in accordance with your beliefs. Creating a simple estate plan is much easier than you think and can be done in a relatively short period of time, if you know how. This course will teach you how. You will be given information on particulars of estate planning such as how-to properly plan for the future distribution of your assets, how-to establish a power of attorney, create a Will in Testament and prepare a Living Will. This course will also cover trust funds, how best to incorporate charitable giving into your plan and how-to take proper inventory of the assets you have now. Lastly, there is a lesson for singles and their special requirements. Making full use of this course, in its entirety, is the first step in setting your future affairs in place so that you may fully focus on enjoying your life to the fullest. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550178.htm Sun, 12 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT C. Addington How to Build Your Own Business There are many aspects that need to be covered when running a successful business. One of the most important aspects in any business is of course, payroll management. The members of the business involved in payroll management have unique responsibilities to ensure that the business operations can maintain momentum. In essence, the payroll management team are at the heart of any business. While managing the payroll may seem easy enough, it is actually a complicated process involving finance and record keeping. Payroll Management 101 provides you with the information and guidance to become a key member of the payroll management team. The curriculum is designed to give an overview of all the core skills you will be required to attain in an easy to read manner. Most importantly, Payroll Management 101 provides you with the tools to quickly start using your new vocational skills in an operational environment. By covering the topics contained in Payroll Management 101, you can be assured that you will have the necessary skills and abilities to tackle just about any payroll projects you are assigned. The course has been designed to assist not only people involved solely in payroll management, but also for small business owners, and business people looking to get the edge over their competitors. Written for both seasoned professionals and business newcomers Payroll Management 101 is sure to provide you with all you need to know. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550184.htm Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT D. Salazar How to Build Your Own Business Today's business marketing efforts require an internet presence, an active campaign and a steady attention to the details of your company's internet marketing efforts. Don't let your company get left behind in the marketplace of ideas and sales. UniversalClassand#8482; offers this terrific introductory course to internet marketing to help you get up to speed on this important and detailed topic. You don't have to be a computer genius to make internet marketing work for your company, and you don't have to spend a boat load of marketing dollars to have a decent online presence. This course will help you to easily understand the importance of such things as your company's email marketing list, search engine advertising and blogs. You will gain an understanding of how to make your B2B relationships help you to build an increased internet presence and how such relationships help to build your online marketing efforts. You will walk away from this course with a working knowledge of how to plug your company into social networks, e-books and Adwords. You will know how to implement full SEO for your company's site; what to pay for and where to find good help with it. You will learn how to carve out an internet niche for your company and why that is important to your online success. This course covers these basics along with link exchanges, expanding business relationships, using your personal network to expand your internet marketing, details and#8211; important details, and so much more. So, relax, learn and know that at the end of the course you will no longer be intimidated by the technicalities of the web and its marketing avenues; indeed, you will be ready to plunge your company forward into this important marketplace of 21 st century capitalism. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550188.htm Mon, 1 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT C. Addington How to Build Your Own Business This course focuses on workplace safety, health, and inspection. Throughout this course you will learn what workplace safety is, why it is important and how it affects a business. Common areas of workplace safety are discussed, including office safety, workplace hazards, and other areas. Additionally, you will learn preventative measures to help create a safer work environment which will benefit everyone. We will also deal with mental health issues, workplace violence, health and wellness initiatives, and drug free workplaces. You will also learn the ins and outs of conducting a routine inspection, filing reports, and the importance of creating a workplace safety committee. Tips, lists, suggestions, and helpful tools will be provided so by the time you finish this course you will have a thorough understanding of what is involved in workplace safety and how to create a safer and healthier work environment. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550195.htm Wed, 24 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT D. Salazar How to Build Your Own Business Whether you are already running a business, have yet to start one or have been hired to support a business owner, it is important to know the basics of the business administrative process. This course will trace a path through the inception, setup and growth of a typical business. It is separated into three sections: Getting Started, Setup/Administrative and Growing Your Business. Each section has valuable information including: creating a business name, whether or not to write a business plan, office supply lists, checklists and much more. So, no matter what part you play, by the end, you should have a firm grasp of what it takes to start, run and grow a business. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550194.htm Wed, 24 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT D. Salazar How to Build Your Own Business How can you make a significant difference in your organization? One way is to be part of a project that improves the company's performance or launches it in a new direction. The business analyst (BA) plays a key role in the development and execution of company projects. Maybe it's a new product launch or a change to a more efficient software package. The BA is responsible for gathering input, analyzing the needs of the project, documenting the criteria to be met, sharing information among project team members and presenting findings to company executives. This course will provide a solid foundation for a career in business analysis. We explore the strategy, phases, components and process a BA uses to develop a project. From conducting an enterprise analysis to assessing the solution's implementation, you will learn the basics of how to manage the process and determine the appropriate parties to be involved. We look at project requirements (the needs that must be fulfilled to complete the initiative), how to develop a communications plan, distributing work responsibilities, creating a business model and more. The course finishes with a discussion about tasks that the BA encounters when the solution is put into place. When you are finished, you'll have a broad understanding that can launch your career in business analysis. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550200.htm Tue, 19 May 2009 13:02:19 GMT D. Salazar How to Build Your Own Business Managerial accounting is not as widely used as other forms of accounting, nor is it as known. While companies concern themselves with financial accounting methods like audits, budgets and financial statements, they often completely ignore the forward-thinking methods of managerial accounting. Managerial accounting is a form of accounting that deals not only with financial information, but information that is not always easy to quantify into numbers and reports. Things like employee performance, efficiency, product rates and customer satisfaction stats are all things that managerial accountants deal with. They take that information and put it into reports that are easy for managers to understand. By doing this, managerial accountants help managers make the important decisions to turn the company in a new direction, or help it continue on as a profitable and respected organization. Financial accounting looks at the company as a whole. The net profit of the company, the revenue and expenses of the company and more. It does not look at the parts that make up the whole. This is what managerial accounting does. It takes the company and breaks it into parts that can be studied and analyzed. Maybe one department is bringing down the rest like a lead weight attached to a strong chain. If this is happening, the methods of managerial accounting will find it and that will help managers take the information and use it to make the company better and more efficient as a result. Managerial accounting is not new, but it is revolutionary and despite originating over 100 years ago, companies are only now realizing the true power of this amazing form of company management. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550197.htm Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT D. Salazar How to Build Your Own Business Business Credit 101 provides potential and current business owners with the necessary knowledge to successfully use credit within their business. There are many reasons why business operators rely on credit to maximize their business potential, but it is necessary to have an insight into the business credit arena to ensure that business credit is used effectively. This course takes you through the basics of business credit giving you an opportunity to understand what business credit is, how to obtain business credit, the best type of business credit and even explores the taxation aspects of business credit. Business Credit 101 will provide aspiring and current business owners the necessary knowledge to effectively manage their business credit and financial needs. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550203.htm Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:52:38 GMT C. Addington How to Build Your Own Business These days, everyone can benefit from an online presence, and that means developing a website. This course covers a basic introduction of how to create your own website page-by-page using HTML, a common website coding process. From basic HTML definitions to different types of websites, this course offers novice website builders information regarding the foundation of HTML basics and the difference between using HTML to design your website and using popular forms of webpage building software. The course also explains the difference between different graphics and images, and when to use each. Learn how to lay out and format your webpage, as well as some common mistakes to avoid when designing a website. From the five most important tags necessary for web page creation to search engine optimization, this course gives new webpage builders enough information to get started. When you're finished building, you're going to need to know how to enhance your website as well as launch it. The course offers students information regarding registration of websites to finding the right web host. From internal links to outbound links and from organizing your webpage structure to choosing the right heading and font sizes, this course will help any student get started creating webpages and offers enough HTML to help you on your way to developing a well thought out, organized and attractive website that will suit almost any need. We'll teach you the difference between HTML and WYSIWYG and provide you with the tools to know which is best for you. Have some fun and design your own website starting with the basics offered in this course. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550192.htm Tue, 19 May 2009 13:01:20 GMT S. Mellencamp How to Build Your Own Business If you have ever dreamed of being a freelance writer this course is for you. Get started today learning about this exciting field and in no time you can be on your way to earning a living, extra income, and more, by doing something that you love and#8211; writing! Chock-full of all the inside information you need to understand the career field and be successful in it, this course can teach you what freelancing writing is, how much you can expect to make, how to find markets, creating successful queries, what to do once you get an assignment, and how to market your skills. You will also learn some of the tools of the trade that will help you be successful, such as how to build a portfolio, where to get ideas and topics from, common writing rules that are outdated, and various ways you can increase your earnings as a writer. This course will not only give you a look at everything you need to know to become a freelance writer, but when you finish, you will be ready to put what you learn into action to build a freelance writing career. Whether you would like to freelance on a full time basis, do it to supplement your current income, or learn freelance writing skills to get your product or service noticed, this is the place to start! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550289.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt How to Build Your Own Business There you are, cold-calling yet another sales prospect. Your verbal pitch is pure gold; your prospect is attentive--interested--and seems ready to buy. But just as you're about to close the deal, you hear that eternal refrain: ' Send me something in writing!' And the line goes dead. What do you do now? Oh, we're so glad you askedand#8230; This SALES, MARKETING and ADVERTISING WRITING course will demonstrate that virtually every sale depends on the written wordand#8230;ranging from a three-word caption in a movie poster, to a multi-page booklet that covers every conceivable aspect of a product. It will also demonstrate that when used properly, the written word can be your least expensive yet hardest-working employee, willing to work in any number of formats to bring in millions in revenue. When used improperlyand#8230; or not used at alland#8230;the written word can cost you millions. The ability to write all three subjects effectively is crucial to success in any businessand#8230;and, in fact, life itselfand#8230;for what is a resume if not an and#8216;advertisement' for oneself? While Sales, Marketing, and Advertising are often considered separate entities within the business world, they do in fact influence each other, and are dependent on each other. Without properly written Marketing materials, crucial time and resources are lost as a product or service is presented to the wrong consumersand#8230;.or the right consumers in the wrong manner. Without effective Advertising copy, consumers are oblivious to the product or service's existenceand#8230;or, worse, notice it in a negative light. A savvy sales professional may be able to initiate a sale through mere spoken words, but without well-written sales materials to back them up, such sales will be few, and the company and#8216;dies on the vine' for lack of income. Proper business writing can, and should, combine these three elements. But since these three crucial business elements tend to flow sequentially--a product or service is marketed, then advertised, then sold--the course will duplicate this and#8216;flow', with examples of marketing writing, advertising copy, and sales materials. We will define each element and its influence and dependence on the others, then demonstrate its place in the business cycle. We will show you the words to use, and as many formats as possible. Mastery of these three elements of business writing will ensure you're a creative employee that your company can't afford to lose, or will ensure that your own business soars to the top. It can also enhance your life in other ways--the properly written and#8216;personal ad' might just catch the attention of and#8216;Mr. or Ms. Right'! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550287.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt How to Build Your Own Business Can you predict which direction corn prices will go? Are you the type of person who enjoys taking risks? Do you want to be a part of an often fast-paced, emotional environment? A career in futures trading can lead to a great income and a large bank account. You can trade with your own account or manage a portfolio for a group of clients. When trades go the right way, it can be one of the most exciting industries to be a part of. But it's not for everyone. There are significant financial risks, and trading without a firm knowledge of the marketplace can lead to a rapid loss of money. Not sure how it works? Well, if you're looking for a general understanding of the commodity and futures market, this course is for you. Commodity Markets and Futures Trading is a 13-part course that takes you through the history and regulations of the marketplace, how trading works, exchanges and trading participants, and trading strategies and systems. You'll learn the lingo and how to read a chart. When you complete the course, you'll have the knowledge to take the next steps in becoming a futures trader. If you think you have the patience to hold on while the market moves against you; if you can stomach a disappointing loss and move ahead with your trading strategy; if you have money to risk while you learn the ropes, then you may have the qualities to become a futures trader. Start by learning the basics with this informative course. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550212.htm Tue, 3 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT J. Borland How to Build Your Own Business Do you hear stirring speeches that inspire to go out and take to heart what the speaker was talking about? Do you wonder how some people can sell nearly anything simply by how they talk? If you do, then chances are you are wondering about being persuasive. Being persuasive is one of the greatest skills you can have, because a true master of persuasion can convince people to do nearly anything. Every great politician, army general, business leader and community organizer have been experts at persuasion because they have to inspire you to follow them. You too can be an expert at persuasion. In fact, you can learn to be an expert in the most difficult type of persuasion: written persuasion . Being an expert at written persuasion means you have the ability to convince people not with your verbal skills, but with your written skills. Whether it is a business proposal, letter to the editor, advertisement, or even an essay, you will have the ability thanks to this comprehensive online course on how to persuade people with your written words. By utilizing the tools within this Persuasive Writing Techniques class, you will find everything in your life increases, from your potential pay as you begin impressing bosses with your persuasive writing, to purchasing cars because you will know the persuasion tricks before they happen to you. Learning persuasion techniques can be one of the best skills you ever develop for yourself. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550210.htm Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT C. Addington How to Build Your Own Business Every small business owner or new entrepreneur knows that the success of their company will depend largely on the effectiveness of their sales team. After all, if you are not selling something, then you can hardly call yourself 'in business' since business is by definition an exchange of goods or services for money. The key to increasing your company's exchange with the buying world rests with your salespeople. Creating an effective sales team, however, is more than just wanting a good team or hiring strong personalities. In many ways it is an ongoing process and simultaneously a work of art in progress. A team that flows well together, serves the public and the company and is highly motivated for their own purposes is one that will perform and exceed your goals. But there is even more to it. In this course, you will learn how to conduct a staff search, how to screen your applicants for top selling personality traits, how to avoid character traps by looking for right attitudes and right thinking patterns, how to retain a top seller and much more. This course addresses generational and cultural concerns along with issues of sex in the workplace. We will cover issues of motivation which vary depending on personality and age as well as how to find the best and the brightest for your company. At the end of this course, you will know what to look for in top salespeople, how to recruit them and how to retain them. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550216.htm Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT C. Addington How to Build Your Own Business Today's consumers have a variety of options for shopping, obtaining services and getting the help they need. They can use catalogs, the mail, the Internet and face-to-face contact, yet telephone customer service is still the first choice for most customers when they have questions or a problem that needs to be resolved. In order to ensure your customers or clients are happy with the customer service they receive, it's even more important for you to provide exceptional customer service, including outstanding telephone service. Consumers expect better service than ever before, and the limitations of telephone communications don't exempt you from offering them the satisfaction and resolution they demand. This course focuses on honing outstanding telephone customer service skills in order to meet customer needs and presenting a professional, knowledgeable image that reflects well on your company. When you have finished this course, you will know everything you need to make your customers feel valued and satisfied even under the most difficult circumstances. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550225.htm Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:49:15 GMT C. Addington How to Build Your Own Business Think back to the last time you went to a convention, a wedding, or an off-site business meeting. Everything you saw--from the sign-up posts, to the table decorations, to the folders you've been handed--had to be created by someone. That someone would be an event planner. This is someone who plans events--large or small, corporate or social. Any event you have ever attended had someone at the helm who shouldered the responsibility of looking after every minute detail, from the key-note speaker all the way down to how many knives, forks, and spoons were needed for the meal you ate. This course will take you into the world of special event planning, giving you a very accurate behind-the-scenes look at a career that is almost invisible, but so very important. Whether you are looking to plan a family reunion, a wedding, an off-site meeting, or a giant product launch, this course will give you the necessary information and insight into what you need to know to pull off a successful event. Perhaps you are looking for a change of career. If so, this course will illustrate in great detail the qualities you must possess to be a successful special event planner and exactly what the job entails. This is one of the most versatile jobs in the hospitality field, and people with drastically different backgrounds will find that they have the perfect experience to step into their new role as a Special Event Planner . This course is designed to assist both the seasoned and novice Event Planner become better organized, save both time and money, and enjoy the entire process. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550226.htm Thu, 2 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT T. Long Sports and Activities How to Build Your Own Business Quality in a service or product is not what you put into it. It is what the client or customer gets out of it. (Peter Drucker) We are exposed to customer service (of one kind or another) at least once a day, every day of the week, fifty-two weeks of the year. There is times when individuals, organizations and companies take the provision of good service, and the people who deliver it, for granted. We should not and#8211; giving top quality Customer Service is an art form. Customers love and cherish companies that treat them the way they (the customer) want to be treated. People are now prepared to pay more for good service. So the providers of the good service and#8211; YOU and#8211; are gems beyond price these days. Whatever your reasons for considering this course, we can promise you that you will get even more than you might have thought from its contents. You will most likely pick up things you might not have considered before, or even been aware of and#8211; CRM for example! This course will focus on these topics: 1. A Customer Centered/Focused Organization How important is good customer service really? The evolution of Customer Service, TQM, Perceptions, The and#8216;Hot Button' of the and#8216;90s 2. Taking an honest look at your own customer service Your current customer service profile, Self-evaluation and#8211; honestly! How does your company rate? Protocols, How do you and your company deal with Feelings? 3. Your company's Customer Service focus In-focused, Customer-Focused, The 3 Basic Elements of Excellent Service, Are you friendly to customers? Customer Friendly Reflections, Expanding your understand of your Company's Definition of Service 4. Developing a Winning Customer Service Strategy What are your current Customer Service Strategies? Key Strategies , Top Down Approach, Actually using the Feedback you ask for, Know thyself and it shall be true! The creation of client centric practices, The sheer economic necessity of Top Customer Service 5. The 'Plus's' of exceptional Customer Service Critical success factors , Consistency, Criteria, Recognizing Excellence/Reward and Recognition Factors, Awareness, Education 6. The WOW Customer Service Training and Service Excellence The wisdom of choosing appropriate training, Brainstorming and Problem Solving Customer Service Enhancers, TIPS - The Coaching Approach, The Listen and Learn Approach 7. Which is the way to go: Surveys/Questionnaires, Interviews or Focus groups? Surveys, Questionnaires, Interviews, Focus Groups, Who should conduct or run them? Which one should you use? HOW TO prepare a Top Customer Service Survey 8. Acquiring Customers and Keeping Them Put yourself in the customers shoes, What does my customer actually want? Standards and#8211; making, measuring and managing, What you can measure you can manage, Reinventing your processes to suit the customer, Quality Groups What NOT to Do if you want to keep your customers 9. Those and#8216;Extras' and Miscellaneous Factors Body Language, It's How You Say It that really counts, Your computer isn't always your best friend, The differences between data and information, The 2 'E's' and#8211; Ethics and Espionage 10. When the Going Becomes Rough -- What to Do! When you need to say NO and how to say it! Seeing Red and Dealing with It! Take the Initiative and Bounce Back 11. Working in the World of the WEB! The Internet has changed the rules and HOW! Automating the personal touch? Clicking with your Customers, Developing Trust and Loyalty and#8211; online, Customer Acquisition, Some rules for staying on the road to Success with E-Commerce 12. CRM and#8211; It's not just an Option and#8211; It's here to STAY! Exactly what is CRM? Is it the Latest and Greatest? How do we use it? Automating the personal touch, Defining the technical requirements, Choosing the right CRM tools, The amazing power of CRM, The correct CRM program for you, What defines success with CRM? 13. Customer Service Management Options of the Future! People Orientated? Technology Orientated? Strategies, How to best organize Customer Service for the future http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550271.htm Sun, 31 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT D. Salazar How to Build Your Own Business Taekwondo, also commonly written Tae Kwon Do, is a centuries- old discipline for health, relaxation, meditation and self-defense. It can be learned by anyone, regardless of age or physical condition. Through practice, one finds a greater sense of well-being as well as improved concentration. Physically, Taekwondo will help you control your weight, tone your body, and improve your cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Your body will have more energy, and your physical strength, flexibility and coordination will improve as well. Taekwondo will also help you maintain good mental health by giving you a positive way of releasing everyday stress and tension. You can release some of that pent up hostility and frustration in a morally acceptable and productive manner. The end result is a healthier mind along with a healthier body. This course offers information from stretching to increase flexibility through training and competition. Although each Taekwondo club or school will be different, a Taekwondo student can typically expect to take part in most or all of the following: Learning the techniques and curriculum of Taekwondo Both anaerobic and aerobic workout, including stretching Self-defense techniques Poomse, or patterns (also called forms) -- either tul, hyung, palgwe, or taeguk Kyorugi (Sparring), including 3,2 and 1 step-sparring and/or free-style, arranged, point, hoshinsul and much more Relaxation exercises Breaking (using techniques to break boards for testing, training and martial arts demonstrations) Exams to progress to the next rank A focus on mental and ethical discipline, justice, etiquette, respect, and self confidence. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33560.htm Wed, 20 Feb 2008 11:16:17 GMT S. Richards Sports and Activities Did you know that up to 75% of all health problems are linked to stress? Would you be interested in learning to solve many health problems in a natural way? Reflexology is a therapy using gentle pressure and manipulation of feet or hands in the belief that pressure applied to specific points can benefit other body systems. How would you like to easily build Reflexology into your life and reduce stress? In this self-paced online course you will discover the art of reflexology and learn to apply the techniques. Through 8 relaxation techniques, you will be taught how to perform reflexology treatments like a professional plus learn the art of working with your hands, the different patterns used in a full foot reflexology session and working reflex areas in the hand to target specific body systems. Perhaps you would like to learn how to perform reflexology on family or friends? Perhaps you are thinking of pursuing a career in reflexology or another medically related field that requires an understanding of anatomy and physiology? You have found the right place! Let your fingers do the walking. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/30446.htm Sun, 1 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT B. Wills Sports and Activities How to coach little league baseball is an ideal guide for any coach or parent of young players. Whether you are new to coaching youth baseball or looking for ways to improve your techniques, this course will help move you and your young team towards a great season! For over sixty years, the non-profit organization known as Little League Baseball, Incorporated, has become the de facto starting point for children interested in the game of baseball in the United States. In order to accomplish the goal of promoting skill development and good sportsmanship essential to baseball, it becomes important to have coaches that understand how to impart knowledge to their players regarding how the game should be properly played. This course will provide this information. This course focuses on the skills, drills, and attitudes that are core to establishing a good Little League Baseball team. Each of the lessons in this course will cover a certain aspect that is integral to Little League Baseball. We will examine how to get involved; how to form a team; how to get the equipment needed; and ways to coach various game-related and character-building skills, such as batting, pitching, base-running, conditioning, catching, and running practices. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33315.htm Mon, 29 Oct 2007 11:31:36 GMT S. Richards Sports and Activities Reading Body Language, Using it to Your Advantage H aving the ability to read body language can go a long way in helping you throughout your life. You can learn to understand the cues, or signs, that people show when they tell a lie, or when they are unsure of themselves. Knowing what to look for and how to use this information can be helpful in your personal life, as well as in your career. Being able to read body language can help you ace a job interview. It can make a date go smoother and it can help you excel at reaching your goals. In this course you will learn what body language is, about different emotions, how to read body language and how to use the information to your personal and career advantage. You'll learn about cultural differences as it pertains to body language, the power of first impressions and intuition and how to ask the questions and be an active listener when you get responses. Don't shake another hand until you have learned all you can from the information in this course! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550242.htm Sat, 4 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT M. Money Sports and Activities Hair styling and hair braiding is not a recent trend. The word Braid means a complex pattern created by intertwining three or more strands. A braid can be formed by any flexible material such as fibers, wire, thread, or hair. This course will cover all aspects and types of hair braiding. With a little work and practice, you will become an expert as this self-paced course is designed to help individuals who would like to do hair braiding on their own and for the aspiring hair braiders who would like to start a hair braiding salon. This course includes instructional photos making the learning process easy. Course topics include: Lesson 1: History of Hair Braiding Lesson 2: Hair Braiding Accessories Lesson 3: Preparations for Hair Braiding Lesson 4: Simple Hair Braiding Styles I Lesson 5: Simple Hair Braiding Styles II Lesson 6: French Braids and 5 Strands Braiding Lesson 7: Different Types of Hair Buns Lesson 8: English, Dutch, Cornrows, and Pig Tail Braiding Styles Lesson 9: Updo Hair Styles Lesson 10: Basic Fishtail Braids Lesson 11: Licensing, Regulations, and Tips for Hair Braiding http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550115.htm Sun, 25 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT S. Walker Sports and Activities Acupuncture, just like other Complementary Medicines, has taken the West by storm, especially so over the last few decades- and not just in regard to treating human beings either! Once considered strange by Westerners, acupuncture is now regarded more or less as mainline therapy and#8211; as a matter of fact it now plays an important role in the therapy regimen of many hospitals across the Western World. Are you possibly thinking of training as an acupuncturist? DO THIS COURSE FIRST! Are you considering having treatment yourself or having a pet treated? DO THIS COURSE FIRST! It will help you decide the most appropriate steps to take. Are you possibly interested in self-administering acupuncture? MOST CERTAINLY DO THIS COURSE FIRST! You will find in this course a lot of the and#8216;bits and pieces' you may have wondered about with regard to acupuncture generally and specific types of acupuncture in particular and#8211; i.e. the differences between Chinese and Japanese acupuncture and#8211; is there anything different about Korean acupuncture and what on earth is and#8216;Tibetan Golden Needle Therapy'? Can your pets have acupuncture treatment safely? Is there any reliable evidence anywhere to attest to the efficacy of acupuncture treatment? Have you wondered how many conditions and symptoms acupuncture can actually be used for? What can you generally expect in a typical consultation and#8211; adult or child? Whatever your query -- Whatever your interest -- this course will certainly be the answer! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550220.htm Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT B. Wills Sports and Activities Meditation is a practice by which a person achieves a greater sense of awareness, wisdom, introspection, and a deeper sense of relaxation. Practiced for millennia, it is the discipline of concentrating on a single object, thought, sound, movement, or on attention itself. Many people meditate to achieve a greater sense of spiritual awareness and understanding of their professed religion, but it can be practiced by anyone regardless of their religious beliefs and background. In this course, we will explore the various techniques of meditation, such as sitting, standing, and yoga. Becoming aware of your thoughts, surroundings, sounds, smells, bodily movements, and especially your breath are fundamental techniques of meditation. The basic objective is to be present and#8211; here and now. It is the act of being precisely in the moment, neither controlling your mind rigidly nor letting it go completely, but being aware of who you are and where you are. Meditation is, fist and foremost, about being comfortable and at peace. As we explore the several techniques of practicing meditation, you can pick and choose those practices that make you comfortable. It is important to leave your preconceived notions of meditation behind you, keep an open mind, and be willing to learn the art of meditation. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550126.htm Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:06:24 GMT B. Wills Sports and Activities Stress is one of the most common words used in society today and a phenomenon that each one of us will experience at some point in our life. Stress affects people of all ages, professions and life situations. While we have an innate understanding of stress and what it feels like to be stressed, defining stress can be tricky because we all react to it in different ways. However, stress can be defined as a physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension caused by our exposure to different incidence or occurrences in our lives. When we respond positively to these incidence or occurrences we do not feel stress. However, the minute we are faced with an incidence or occurrences that we feel we cannot handle, we may feel our stress mounting. Stress is subjective to each individual; what can be considered a stressful event by one person may be less stressful to another. Therefore, stress is not caused by the event itself, but how an individual interprets the situation and deals with it. When an individual cannot cope with the demands placed on them and begins to feel negatively, this is considered a stress response. Even though stress has become part of our everyday life; excessive stress can affect a person's health and emotional stability. It can also affect our overall quality of life by reducing productivity, creating, or exacerbat ing , existing health problems, and contributing to premature aging. So what do we do about stress in our lives? How do we deal with it? Prevent it? This course comes in. Working through the lessons in this course will help you understand the origins of your stress and provide you with a practical approach for reducing stress in your life and thus, improving your health and emotional well being. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550250.htm Sat, 4 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT M. Money Sports and Activities This Personal Protective Equipment Course is designed to help those working in the various industries that utilize PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) as a means to protect the worker from the natural harm that comes into their work area. This online class discusses the various hazards that personal protective equipment is designed to protect the worker from and outlines the various pieces of personal protective equipment, such as hand wear, footwear, face protection, eye protection, garments, partial garments and other equipment used to protect the physical body, eyesight and hearing for workers who work in various capacities. The types of personal protective equipment vary with job descriptions and are described in detail, according to body parts protected. Each item is defined in terms of its use, its common function, and the materials utilized to make the various parts of personal protective equipment. This course also includes separate modules for different job descriptions--such as firefighters, construction workers, beekeepers, the military and even the police department. Those working in firefighting, as is shown in the course, wear completely different personal protective equipment as do workers working in a chemistry laboratory or in a beekeeping facility. The equipment is explained, the materials they are made of is discussed and the standards to which they must adhere to is explained. Personal protective equipment must be tested for its ability to maintain its integrity and properly do its job. Standards are discussed in this course and vary depending upon which type of equipment a person is dealing with. We'll identify the standards and their varying degrees of protectability for various uses. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550185.htm Tue, 19 May 2009 13:01:44 GMT J. Borland Sports and Activities