The following post is inspired by the request at problogger.net for articles surounding the theme, “Blogging Goals.” In last weeks episode, I used Frank Lloyd Wright’s quotes as inspiration on the topic ‘effective blogging.’ This week, I’ll use another one of his quotes to start into the topic ‘blogging goals’ where I will argue that an important goal for any blogger is to avoid automation which ensures originality and prevents the loss of precious ‘blogging mojo’. » Read the rest of the entry..

The following is a piece of spam I received today. Due to the anti spam set up I use here at MaxPower, I am sure that this comment was hand written by a real human. It was posted on my social bookmarking page. In it Charles asks some good questions. Here we go:

Hello

I just got an email about an ebook download(for sale) about how to profit from bookmark sites.
But, before i go rushing to link up, I must ask what a website needs to be, before it is seen as a winner. I realise writing an article which is informative and useful before it can get bookmarked.

How about the site itself, should it have certain requirement before being considered?.

I would like a review from you if possible to see if my site might be seen as being good or adequate.

I am in need of some traffic and how to go about doing the right things to achieve it through bookmaker sites. It is difficult to get an idea of how to make it more exciting to visitors in an article.

Your honest opinions will be much apreciated

I hope I am not asking too much

charles

Here is my reply: » Read the rest of the entry..

When you send or bring your passport to an embassy, consulate or high commission for the stamp or sticker required by a given country, it’s natural to assume that you will get exactly what you ask and pay for. But an issuing officer can sometimes make a mistake. If that happens, the onus is on you to discover it and have it corrected.

Take the case of Jean Pierre Hamelin of Midland, Ont., who on arrival in Mumbai India was told by immigration officials that his visa (recently acquired) was expired. He was ordered to reboard the plane he came on wrecking his travel plans. Even though Mr. Hamelin when through all the proper procedures to secure a visa, the visa was issued incorrectly and Mr. Hamelin neglected to check it before leaving for India.

�the conditions of contract for international air tickets make travellers responsible for having all necessary documents. Someone denied entry to a country can’t claim a refund from the airline and must bear the cost of being flown out.

He did not get much sympathy from the Indian consulate here in Toronto either,

The Indian consulate says it was Hamelin’s responsibility to check the visa when he received it and to ask for a change if one was required. “He can read. He’s an educated person,” says S. R. Grover, acting consul-general.

When planning for your next trip, make sure you check out with the Foreign Affairs Canada website, voyage.gc.ca to find out if you need a passport, visa or other documents. Make sure to check well in advance of your planned travel. It is also important to make sure that your passport be valid for six months beyond the end of your stay in a country, as some places will bar entrance. Be very aware of when you can enter and when you have to leave the country.

References: Globe and Mail on Saturday, April 23, 2005 Page T8, by By DOUGLAS MCARTHUR