Timeliness of delivery
Customer service
Quality of product or service
Total cost
Technical support
Attitude of personnel
Accuracy of delivery quantities

Industry
Region
Women or minority-ownership requirements
ISO 9000 registered
Risk score

2) Track Performance and Analyze Your Supplier Portfolio:

Managing existing supplier relationships in today's competitive economy is critical to the success of your business. How would it affect your business if a shipment didn't reach your warehouse? Would production be affected? Would inventory levels fall below levels of demand? Would your ability to deliver service to the customer suffer? No company can afford a missed shipment in today's just-in-time marketplace.

Identify all purchases from the same corporate family Approach the ultimate parent company for a volume purchase discount. Consolidate suppliers within a single industry Identify companies in your portfolio who are customers as well as suppliers.

Changes in their risk score
Changes in control
Business moves
Public filings such as suits, liens, judgments or bankruptcies
Disasters such as earthquake, fire or flood

Satisfactory past performance is not necessarily an indication that your supplier will continually perform at an acceptable level. On a periodic basis, depending on the importance of the supplier, requalify your suppliers using the same standards you'd use when qualifying a new supplier. And, verify the financial stability of all suppliers on a regular basis. Ask yourself the following:

• Are they upgrading their technology?
• Can they continue to meet increased demands for quantity and Managing Your Supplier Relationships quality?
• Have supplier attitudes or level of support changed recently?
• And, make sure you source new avenues of supply for back-up before it's too late.

In business planning, the two most commonly asked questions are: What business are we in? and What business should we be in? Every business must do some type of planning to help direct the company towards its ultimate goal. Below are some helpful hints and guidelines to help you develop a successful strategic plan.

1) Business Mission:

First, clearly define the mission and goals of your business. This will benefit both the customers and the employees of your organization. Customers will have confidence conducting business with your organization knowing that you'll be able to satisfy their ongoing needs. And, your employees will be able to contribute more successfully knowing they are part of a team striving to achieve a common goal.

2) Market Size and Growth Potential:

An essential part of your strategic plan is to identify your customers and potential customers. Size the market for your product or service and determine what "share" of this market you already have or expect to capture. Are new markets emerging for your product or service? Are existing ones growing? The answers to these questions will help you refine your strategic plan.

3) Customer Value Assessment:

Customer value assessment focuses on the needs of the customers. How customers perceive and receive value from your product or service is essential to the success of your business. What will the product or service do for your customer? Will it help improve revenues, decrease costs or help them become more efficient? Every company must determine how its customers define value, and move their organization to match those defined needs. This can be done using outside consultants and direct customer contact, as well as management's assessment.

4) Competitive Assessment:

A competitive assessment is critical to the creation of any strategic plan. Investigate four basic areas within each of your competitors:

• Strengths - Assess what the competition does well, and why.
• Weaknesses - Look for vulnerable areas that could be exploited.
• Opportunities - Identify areas in which your competition is not satisfying customer needs. Look for cost-effective ways to address these needs and communicate to the customers. needs which are not being completely satisfied by your competition.
• Threats - Understand areas in which your competition meets customer needs more effectively than you, or areas that threaten your share of the market.

Once customer value has been assessed, establish a tactical plan to improve the perception and delivery of value to your customers. In today's economy, every business must maximize the value from every dollar they spend. Your product or service should be viewed as an investment for your customers. They should feel that their business will improve from the use of your product or service. Map out each area for which you create customer value, and develop a plan to improve in each of those areas.

6) Costs:

A financial analysis is a critical component of any strategic plan. Does it make good economic sense to follow your plan or are you throwing good money after bad? Each area of the plan must be analyzed to determine the best way to finance the investment in your business. Can the plan be funded using internal financing, or should you seek outside financing? Would it be more cost-effective to look into a joint venture? Is a merger or acquisition the way to go? Can you outsource a capability that is not one of your core competencies?

7) Monitor the Plan:

The last component of the strategic plan is an outline to monitor its progress. You may need to be make adjustments to accommodate changing customer needs, changes in the perceived value, changes to internal goals or economic factors that would prohibit the project's completion.

About ISO 9000

What is ISO 9000
Why is ISO 9000 Important
Where is ISO 9000 Currently
The Most Important External Benefits of Obtaining Certification
The Most Important Internal Benefits of Obtaining Certification
Dun & Bradstreet ISO 9000 Information Services
ISO 9000 Survey: Participants Reap Benefits
What is ISO 9000?

Why is ISO 9000 Important?

Where is ISO 9000 Currently?

Industrial and Commercial Machinery and Computer Equipment
Chemicals and Allied Products
Measuring, Analyzing and Controlling Instruments
Electronic and Other Electrical Equipment and Components

1. Higher Perceived Quality in Marketplace
2. Improved Customer Satisfaction
3. Competitive Edge
4. Reduces Customer Quality Audits
5. Increases Market Share

(Results of a 1996 Irwin Professional Publishing, Dun & Bradstreet Survey of 1,880 companies who had attained registration)

The Most Important Internal Benefits of Registration

1. Greater Quality Awareness
2. Positive "Cultural" Change
3. Increased Operational Efficiency/Production

(Results of a 1996 Irwin Professional Publishing, Dun & Bradstreet Survey of 1,880 companies who had attained registration)

Who exports?

Did you know... U.S. exports have more than doubled since 1987 to $584 billion in 1995. Exports in 1995 grew 14%, far outpacing overall GDP growth of 2% to 3%.

More than 150,000 U.S. firms presently export, primarily manufacturers and wholesalers. It is estimated that another 500,000 companies could export, but lack the knowledge to successfully explore and penetrate global markets. U.S. exports support more than 11million jobs, and for each $1 billion in exports, 17,000 jobs are created.

The top 50 U.S. exporters account for a third of the value of all exports, however, exporting is not limited to these multi-national companies. Many small and mid-sized companies have found exporting to be profitable. More than 85% of U.S. firms that export have less than 100 employees. Still, the larger a firm is, the more likely it is to export.

As long as a company's product or service has a market in a foreign country, it is a potential exporter.

D&B has products that help all exporters, large and small, identify where their best global markets are; how to identify and qualify global prospects; and how to assess the risks associated with doing business outside U.S. borders.

Growth Rates for U.S. Trade

	1993	1994	1995	2000
Exports	4.0%	8.5%	14.0%	8.5 - 10.0%
Imports	9.1%	12.1%	12.5%	7.5 - 9.0%

* Forecast (Source: Department of Commerce)

Tips to Help You Export More Successfully

Here are several steps to help you expand your business globally:

1) Assess Business Risk by Country:

GDP Growth
Exports GDP
Imports GDP

Political concerns are as critical as the economic drivers. Examples include:

Government Structure
Instability
Sanctions
Trade and Cultural Barriers

2) Understand Export Regulations:

Regulations vary greatly from country to country. Below are some of the more important regulations to consider when exploring global business opportunities:

• Anti-diversion, anti-boycott and anti-trust requirements Anti-diversion laws prevent businesses from diverting goods from their destination to another country or region. Anti-trust laws prohibit price-fixing and other anti-competitive behavior. Anti-boycott laws prohibit doing business in countries that have boycotts in place.
• U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
  This law prohibits bribing somebody in another country, to ensure that trading practices are equitable around the world.
• FDA and EPA restrictions
  When you are shipping food, cosmetics or drugs, these restrictions are intended to ensure the quality and safety of the product. Also, they ensure that the documentation to support these shipments is FDA and EPA approved.
• Import regulations of governments outside the U.S.
  Every government has its own import regulations. It's important to understand the import regulations of a particular country before you become an export partner.
• Customs benefits for exports
  If you're importing a product to a country that will be the manufacturing site, and you intend to export the finished goods to another country, you may be entitled to a reduction in duties or tariffs. Or, you may not have to pay duty at all.
• Intellectual property rights considerations
  These considerations deal mainly with trademarks, patents and copyrights. Make sure that you fully understand these regulations in the countries you wish to do business with, so you can comply with their registration requirements.
• Arbitration of disputes in international transactions
  Various associations hear and resolve disputes between importers and exporters.

Consult with your freight forwarder, banker and importing company to help you establish your export document checklist. The definitions below will help you get started:

• The commercial invoice: This is your standard bill, that you would send out to any customer.
• The packing slip: A detailed listing of everything that will be shipped.
• The bill of lading:
  There are two types. The first type is used when the title of the goods is not given to the shipper, but rather remains with the exporter. The second type of bill of lading is used when the actual title of goods is handed over to the shipper. The shipper carries the title with the goods, and submits both to the importer upon arrival.
• Export declarations:
  This document contains much of the information that is included on your invoice. These two official documents are required by the importer to ensure that the shipment can be admitted through their docks and approved by their inspectors.
• Certificate of origin:
  This document confirms the contents of the shipment. Also, it restates the origin of the goods to confirm that these goods are indeed from its declared origin.
• Legalization, consularization, or special documents:
  Some countries require that documents be approved, stamped and notarized by their consulate before being sent to the shipper.
• Postal service forms:
  If you're shipping or exporting by mail, learn about the required postal forms and regulations you must follow. Contact your local post office for more information.

When choosing a freight forwarder, make sure you have a clear picture of the company. How long have they been in business? Are they reputable? Is their financial condition strong? What's their reputation in the industry? Also, make sure that this freight forwarder has thorough knowledge of the areas of the world you are interested in doing business with.

What are the things you should look for? Ask yourself:

• What is their knowledge of local market regulations?
• Is this a reputable, stable firm?
• Do they have good financials and credit rating?
• What is their geographic/logistic specialty?
• How is their reputation worldwide?
• What are their automation capabilities?
• EDI capabilities?
• Are they customer service oriented?

Cash in advance
Letters of Credit
Bankers Acceptance
Documentary collection
Open account

What are the safest and most popular terms of sale? Confirmed irrevocable letters of credit with a sight draft are the terms of choice. The letter of credit guarantees from the importer's bank to the exporter's bank that the importer will pay once they see the goods and have assessed that the documentation is in order. It's the most popular and the least risky, however, it is expensive. A letter of credit with a time draft, can be used to create a banker's acceptance. In this scenario approval of the letter of credit proceeds in the same manner, however, once the goods and documents have been approved, the bank has a period of time to pay the invoice.

Finally, documentary collection is a potentially risky term of sale for the exporter because there's no guarantee that the importer will sight the goods when they arrive. Consequently, there's no guarantee that the exporter will be paid.

So, if you can afford to use irrevocable letters of credit when exporting, do so. They offer a guarantee, directly to your bank, that you will be paid once the goods have been received. For guidance in selecting the terms of sale most appropriate for your cross-border transactions, consult with your bank.

Corporate check payable overseas
Foreign currency corporate check payable overseas
Bank draft
Airmail payment order
Telex/Swift

6) Use Credit Insurance:

There are two types of credit insurance: multi-buyer and single buyer. In the interest of limiting risk, insurance companies have policies designed specially for the single buyer. If you're selling to a single buyer in Australia, for example, insurance companies can insure you with a single buyer exporting policy. If you're an exporter that deals in many countries and with many buyers or importers around the world, you'll need a multi-buyer policy. Umbrella policies and new-to-export policies are available, each having its nuances and intricacies.

As you begin to explore global markets for your business, use the above guidelines as a foundation for effective and efficient exporting.




Did You Know??

(Business items you may be unaware of, are curious about or simply have to know so as not to be outshone by an associate)

There are 4 basic types of teams.....

Intrafunctional Teams

Expansion of capabilities and responsibilities of leaders and employees in functional or departmental units. The result is streamlining of work processes and increased day-to-day decision making by employees

Known also as Ad-hoc Teams, these teams deal with specific problems and opportunities.

Permanent Teams that cut across different parts of the organization to monitor, standardize and improve work processes.

Type of teams that perform all or the great majority of their daily tasks without supervision, although they are not unmanaged. Examples include teams that run or make things. This form is still rarely found.

Working groups (staff, department, task forces, quality circles)

members interact primarily to share information, best practices or perspectives to help each individual perform within their own area of responsibility.

a group not focused on collective performance and interactions may actually detract from individual performance without delivering any collective benefits.

a group really trying to improve its performance impact requiring more clarity on purpose, goals and more work on a common approach.

Healthwatch

Vital Facts That can Save Your Heart and Your Life

What is atherosclerosis?

Arteriosclerosis is a general term for the thickening and hardening of arteries. Some hardening of arteries normally occurs when people grow older.

Atherosclerosis, a type of arteriosclerosis, comes from the Greek word athero (meaning gruel or paste) and sclerosis (hardness). It's characterized by deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium and fibrin (a clotting material in the blood) in the inner lining of an artery. The resulting buildup is called plaque.

Plaque may partially or totally block the blood's flow through an artery. Two things that can happen where plaque occurs are: 1) bleeding (hemorrhage) into the plaque, or 2) formation of a blood clot (thrombus) on the plaque's surface. If either of these occurs and blocks the entire artery, a heart attack or stroke may result.

Atherosclerosis affects large and medium-sized arteries. The type of artery and where the plaque develops varies with the individual.

Atherosclerosis is a slow, progressive disease that some evidence shows starts in childhood. In some people this disease progresses rapidly in their third decade; in others it doesn't become threatening until they're in their fifties or sixtes.

How does atherosclerosis start?

The development of atherosclerosis is a complex process. Precisely how atherosclerosis begins or what causes it isn't known, but several theories have been proposed.

Many scientists believe atherosclerosis begins because the innermost layer of the artery (endothelium) becomes damaged. As a result, over time fats, cholesterol, fibrin, platelets, cellular debris and calcium are deposited in the artery wall. Gradually these substances build up and even- tually narrow and block the artery, similar to scale forming on the insides of pipes.

Three of the possible causes of damage to the arterial walls are: 1) elevated levels of cholesterol and triglyceride in the blood, 2) high blood pressure and 3) cigarette smoke. Cigarette smoke particulady aggravates and accelerates the development of atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries, aorta and arteries of the legs.

Once cells in the artery wall are damaged, they may separate from the wall, exposing the tissue (collagen, smooth muscle and other tissue) underneath. Initially, platelets (elements in the blood that help form blood clots) stick to the collagen, which ultimately leads to the formation of plaque. Over time atherosclerosis increases, reducing the diameter of the artery. Eventually a blood clot may form at the site of damage, blocking the artery and stopping the normal flow of blood.

Scientists are studying other ways in which platelets may play a role in atherosclerosis. For example, they're involved in forming a group of substances called prostaglandins, one of which may damage arteries. They also contain a substance called "platelet growth factor," which can stimulate the growth of smooth muscle cells. These cells are normally present in the artery wall, but their abnormal growth and proliferation is believed to be one of the earliest events in developing atherosclerosis.

One of the more recent theories suggests that plasma lipoproteins are trapped within the artery wall. When this happens and they increasingly accumulate, they are oxidized, which leads to "modified" lipoproteins that are rapidly taken up by macrophages. This, in turn, leads to the formation of foam cells and the development of a fatty streak.

What is cholesterol and where does it come from?

Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all the body's cells. It's used to form cell membranes, certain hormones and other necessary substances.

People get cholesterol in two ways. The body - primarily the liver - produces varying amounts, usually about 1,000 mg a day. An additional 400 to 500 mg or more can come directly from foods. Foods from animals, especially egg yolks, meat, fish, poultry and whole milk dairy products, contain it; foods from plants don't. Typically the body makes all the cholesterol it needs, so it's not something that people need to consume to maintain their health.

Besides being present in human tissues, cholesterol is also found in the bloodstream. The blood transports it to and from various parts of the body. Hypercholesterolemia is the term for high levels of cholesterol in the blood.

How is cholesterol carried in the blood?

Cholesterol and other fats can't dissolve in blood and must be transported by special "carriers" called lipoproteins, which are created by the liver. Lipoproteins transport cholesterol and triglycerides, which are found in foods and made by the body.

The process starts when cholesterol and fats in food go to the intestine to be digested and absorbed. Chylomicrons (fatty particles containing mainly triglycerides, but also cholesterol, phospholipids and protein) are produced in the intestinal wall. When the chylomicrons enter the bloodstream, they contact binding sites on capillaries. Many of their triglycerides break down and are released into the circulation. The remainder of the chylomicron (the "chylomicron remnant"), now richer in cholesterol, continues in circulation until it reaches the liver and is absorbed.

The liver then produces very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), the largest type of lipoprotein. VLDL carries triglycerides made in the liver from fatty acids, carbohydrates, alcohol and some cholesterol. VLDL is released into the bloodstream and, like chylomicrons, is transported to tissue capillaries where the triglycerides are broken down and either used for energy or stored by muscle or fat cells.

After VLDL releases its triglycerides, what remains is a "VLDL remnant" called intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL). Some IDL is removed from circulation by the liver; the rest is transformed into low density lipoprotein (LDL).

LDL is the major cholesterol carrier in the blood; about 60 to 80 percent of the body's cholesterol is carried by LDL. Some of this cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream is used by tissues to build cells, some is returned to the liver; but if there's too much LDL cholesterol circulating in the blood, cholesterol may also be deposited in artery walls causing plaques and atherosclerosis. The tendency for high levels of LDL to produce arterial deposits is why LDL is often called "bad" cholesterol and why lower levels of LDL reflect a reduced risk of heart disease.

Another type of lipoprotein is high density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL is a flat, disklike particle produced primarily in the liver and intestines and released into the bloodstream. As VLDL and chylomicron particles release their triglycerides into the body's cells, fragments containing proteins, fats and cholesterol break away. It's thought that HDL picks up the cholesterol and bdngs it back to the liver for reprocessing or excretion. Some researchers believe HDL may also remove excess cholesterol from fat-sated cells, possibly even those in artery walls. Because HDL clears cholesterol out of the system and high levels of it are associ- ated with a decreased risk of heart disease, HDL is often called "good" cholesterol.

The levels of HDL and LDL in the blood are measured to evaluate the risk of atherosclerosis.

What is known about HDL and triglyceride levels?

As a rule, women have higher HDL levels than men. The female sex hormone estrogen tends to raise HDL, which may help to explain why premenopausal women are usually protected from developing heart disease. Estrogen production is highest during the childbearing years. Triglyceride levels normally range from about 50 to 250 mg/dI, depending on age and sex. As people tend to get older (or fatter or both), their triglyceride and cholesterol levels tend to rise. Women also tend to have higher triglyceride levels. An elevated blood triglyceride level and lower HDL is often accompanied by an increase in LDL and total cholesterol.

Several clinical studies have shown that an unusually large number of people with coronary heart disease also have high levels of triglycerides in the blood (hypertriglyceridemia). However, some people with this problem seem remarkably free from atherosclerosis. Thus elevated triglycerides, which are often measured along with HDL and LDL, may not directly cause atherosclerosis but may accompany other abnormalities that speed its development.

Has there been any recent progress in research?

Research aimed at finding ways to prevent or reverse atherosclerosis is now being done. One of the most promising areas of research is in finding ways to control elevated levels of cholesterol and other fats in the blood.

Three recent advances have been especially dramatic. One is the discovery of cell-surface receptors for LDL by 1985 Nobel laureates Drs. Joseph Goldstein and Michael Brown. These receptors bind LDL circulating through the bloodstream, allowing the LDL and its cholesterol to enter cells. Research has shown that when the amount of cholesterol within cells builds up, the number of these receptors on cell surfaces is reduced and blood levels of LDL increase. This can lead to more cholesterol being available for deposit in artery walls.

Another recent research finding has resulted from the Coronary Primary Prevention Tdal (CPPT). It showed that lowering a high level of blood cholesterol reduces deaths from heart attack.

A final important advance in recent years has been the development of a new class of cholesterol-lowering drugs. These compounds either block the synthesis of cholesterol by the body's cells, or force its elimination by preventing its absorption from the intestine.

Of course many fundamental questions remain. Medical scientists are continuing to search for answers by studying life at its most basic level - the cell.

Even though much more work needs to be done, scientists have found some answers. For instance, they've found a definite relationship between the amount of cholesterol in the bloodstream and coronary artery disease (blockage of the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle itself). A large body of scientific evidence shows that a diet high in saturated fats and cholesterol can raise blood cholesterol levels and so contribute to atherosclerosis.

The problem of high blood cholesterol isn't limited to adults. Millions of children also have elevated levels, and thus may be at increased risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease in later life.

That's why the American Heart Association recommends that healthy adults and children over the age of two eat foods low in saturated fats and cholesterol. Eating a proper diet helps reduce the risk of high blood cholesterol and thus the risk of heart attack.

What is Aromatherapy?

Essential oils are the vital life essence of aromatic plants and flowers in a condensed form. Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for therapeutic effects. Essential oils have been revered for their fragrance and their restorative effects on the body, mind, and spirit for thousands of years.

Essential Oil Blend.

Pure essential oils are blended for harmonious, combined effect and fragrance. Skillful blending balances the therapeutic effect and aromatic quality of individual essential oils. Ancient Healing Art creates balanced blends to promote:

• calmness
• emotional and hormonal balance
• stress relief
• rejuvenation, and more.

The scent of essential oils is conveyed by the olfactory nerve to areas of the brain that can influence emotions and hormonal response.

When used in a bath or massage, the oils are absorbed through the skin and carried by body fluids to the main body systems; such as the nervous and muscular systems for a healing effect.

Ways to benefit from aromatherapy.

By breathing the aromatic vapors using an aroma diffuser or air freshener by absorbing diluted oils through the skin in a bath or massage

Disclaimer

Pure, concentrated plant extracts have been used for centuries and knowledge of their special properties has been collected throughout many ages. We do not recommend use of aromatherapy as a substitute for medical care. Ancient Healing Art makes no therapeutic claims and accepts no liability. We simply suggest traditional uses based on the wisdom of those who lived in harmony with nature.

Global Emergency Medical Services

Have you traveled overseas and wondered what you would do if you got sick or injured?
Did you know that four of every twenty international travelers experience a medical problem?
The problems obtaining medical services outside the US are numerous:

• There is often a language or cultural difference
• Medications standards and names are different
• Paying for services has it's complexities
• Physician certifications can be very different than in the US.

Finally, someone saying what's been on my mind!

Slow Golf

To every golfer that's been bedevilled by slow play, the following letter from a country club committeeman to one of its club members should cheer you up.

Dear Sir,

You play slow.

I know, because I play behind you.

That's me out in the fairway chipping pine cones into the cart. I've watched you shuffle to your ball, calculate the distance, ask your buddy if he stepped off 30 yards or 31, address the ball, decide you need the Railer, not the Groove Thing, return to your cart, wipe off the club you didn't hit, take the new club, walk back to your ball, ask nobody in particular if we're rolling them over today, roll it over, and finally begin your 12-step pre-shot routine, until a bird chirps and, because you're a truly committed champion, re-routine. Now you're up on the green circling, squatting, consulting, cleaning, plumbing, marking and whining about what is inevitably a never-had-a-chancer. "Hey," you tell me later, "there was nowhere to go. Relax."

I'll give you relax.

Let me offer two pieces of advice designed to help you play better and reduce the number of on-course assaults this year by at least one. Speed. Up.

Here are 18 ways you might do that:

1. Take a caddie. Walking directly to your golf ball after you hit it is an experience every member should have once or twice in his lifetime. The Committee believes Casey Martin should get a cart. Everybody else walks.
2. Play the ball down. It's kind of like using the short form in your taxes. Painful, unfair, maddening. But so quick.
3. Take no mulligans. It's not the second shot that consumes the time, it's the discussion about whether you can play the first, after you hit the second OB, that eats up the minutes. And we don't care what they do at Winged Foot.
4. Practice expressions like, "What the hell, it's about 170, I think I'll just hit what I've got in my hand here."
5. Never throw grass in the air and ask your buddy if he thinks the air is heavy.
6. Take three clubs where you go. The one you think you'll hit. Another one. And another one. When you get to your ball use one of them.
7. On wedge shots, take all three wedges. It saves steps and makes you feel better about what you paid for the one that looks like a parking meter, and, since it's harder to forget three clubs than one, helps you avoid the embarrassment of riding the course backward asking people if they've seen an Alien.
8. Don't ask anybody but your caddie about anything. Your playing partners will lie. A lot of them don't want you to do too well.
9. If you ride to your cart-partner's ball and your ball is within 25 yards, leave him and walk. The club can provide an instruction manual on how walking is done if you need one.
10. Don't replace headcovers unless you are playing persimmon woods. If you are, replace your woods.
11. Don't tell anyone about your A.J. Tech shaft. They're no more interested in that than your Zanga tie.
12. Keep score in your head. ("I'm one over 5s, I'm two over 5s, I'm four over 5s after three . . . " Like that.) Whatever you do, don't be marking your scorecard next to the green I'm hitting toward. For your sake.
13. Approach a putt the way you would a member of the opposite sex. You wouldn't go walking around looking at their backside. You'd gaze into their eyes, maybe notice a curve or two, and then test the chemistry. If it's bad, you won't make it anyway.
14. Plumb nothing.
15. If your index is within a shot or two of your opponent's, play level. It will save you from answering questions such as, "Herb, was that an 8 for a 7 or an 8 for a 6?" while the seasons change.
16. Don't play with slow players. We believe they'll speed up if they have no one to ask about the grain.
17. Disregard everything you've ever seen on TV. If you were meant to act like a pro, there'd be a courtesy car in your driveway.
18. Answer this question: What do you call 400 slow golfers sky-diving from an airplane? (Correct answer: Skeet.)

Sincerely,

Your rapidly aging club buddy

Feel better, now?

Travel

How about a river boat cruise?

The Delta Queen Steamboat Company operates three steamboats on the Mississippi River, running from New Orleans to as far north as Minneapolis. There are a wide variety of tours and schedules to choose from. Each boat is like a floating 5 star hotel, offering outstanding food, evening entertainment, and other amenities you would normally expect.

The boats stop at all the important sites along the way, including historical sites, cities, and points of interest. So, if your are interested in a combination of relaxation, exploration, and great dinning, you should seriously consider a steamboat cruise. One of our associates is taking a vacation cruise this summer on the American Queen steamboat, so we'll update you with the latest details upon his return. If you would like information in the mean time, you can contact the Delta Queen Steamboat Company at 800-543-1949, or contact your local travel agent.

How about a cruise to Alaska?

One of the most popular cruise destinations in the world is Alaska, an often overwhelming landscape of glaciers and endless forests, towering mountains and isolated villages, whales, bears, and the rare bald eagle.

When to go: The cruise season in Alaska runs from May to September, with July and August the most popular months. May is best for wildflowers and September is great for the fall foliage, but the weather may be fickle.

Selecting a Ship: More than 30 ships from 13 cruise lines sail in Alaska's waters. The ships range from the medium size (800 to 1500 passengers) to mega-size (2000 and more) to smaller, nature oriented ships with fewer than 200 passengers. The medium size and mega-ships are floating resorts with a wealth of entertainment facilities and organized activities. The focus of these cruises as much on the shipboard activities as it is on the passing landscape of Alaska. The smaller ships are focuses more on nature and cultural activities. They can also get closer to shore and enter some fjords that may be too small for the larger liners. However, the small ships do not have the resort facilities of the larger ships such as nightclubs, casinos, shops and spas. Therefore, you should choose your ship on the basis of what kind of cruise experience you want.

Which itinerary? There are two major routes. The first is the seven day Vancouver-to-Vancouver cruise that includes stops at Juneau, the capital of Alaska; Ketchikan, a colorful fish packing port; Glacier Bay National Park; and Sitka, the former Russian frontier outpost. This is a good introduction to the scenic wonders of southeastern Alaska and Glacier Bay, although some ships call on Hubbard Glacier instead. The other is a seven to 10 day itinerary from Vancouver-to-Seward (or the reverse), which takes in more glaciers and more of the Alaskan scenery north of the Panhandle. If you plan to take in a land tour of Alaska, then this itinerary is better suited.

Pre- and post- cruise travel: In Alaska, Denali National Park is the major attraction. The cruise lines offer various optional land packages that include train trips to Denali; stays in lodges there or near Mount McKinley and animal spotting treks into the wilderness. All are worthwhile and the only limit is your time and budget.

Shore Excursions: You can fish for king salmon in Ketchikan, fly over the Mendenhall Glaciers near Juneau, pan for gold in an ice cold creek outside of Skagway, enjoy Native American and Russian in Sitka and learn about wildlife through talks by naturalists. These can be booked on board the ship, with some lines do allow you to pre-book the more popular excursions. the prices range from about $20 for a half day city tour to the more expensive helicopter rides and adventure trips.

When to book: Quite simply, now is the time. Alaska cruises are limited in number and season, and good cabins often sell out by spring. Cruiselines also offer the best discounts to people who book early.

For tranquility and rest there's nothing quite like Bermuda

The fact that Bermuda--just two hours by air from New York--has maintained its English character through the years is obviously part of its appeal.

More importantly, however, Bermuda means sun, sea, and sand. This bastion of Britain boasts a mild climate year-round, pink beaches, turquoise waters, coral reefs, 17th-century villages, and splendid golf courses. Don't come here expecting the Caribbean.

On Bermuda's 20 square miles, you will find neither towering mountains, glorious rain forests, nor exotic volcanoes. Instead,pastel cottages, quaint shops, and manicured gardens are indicative of a more staid, suburban way of life. Most of the island is residential, the speed limit is 20 miles per hour, and the majority of visitors are over 40 years old.

IOMA The Institute of Management and Administration