Peppermint Sweets Gift
by S. Roberts
At Christmas time we all like to indulge in rich foods, such as Christmas pudding and Christmas Cake, sweets and candy. During the Second World War when food was rationed, children went without sweets. Sugar was rationed to 8oz (225g) per person per month. Sugar is the main ingredient of sweets, which is why they were so scarce and why they became a luxury item.
To make peppermint sweets you will need...
12 tablespoons of icing sugar
1 egg white
green food colouring (optional)
peppermint flavouring and cooking chocolate.
Remember to wash your hands and clean the work surfaces before you begin.
Method...
Add to a bowl the icing sugar, egg white, 4 drops of peppermint flavouring and 12 drops of green food colouring. Mix well and kneed the mixture to form a smooth ball. If the mixture is a little too wet add more icing sugar.
Roll the ball into a large sausage and slice into individual sweets. Use your hands to shape the sweets and leave them on a chopping board to dry.
Melt the chocolate in a dish in the microwave, it will only need a minute or two. Don't over do it, it just needs enough time to melt. If you do not have a microwave, you may need an adult to help. Stand a mixing bowl inside a pan of boiling water on the hob, keep the water simmering. Don�t let any water bubble over the side and into the chocolate because this spoils the chocolate. Be careful not to let the pan boil dry.
Dip each sweet into the chocolate half way, and leave it on some tinfoil until the chocolate sets.
To package your home made sweets you could buy a small metallic gift box or gift bag, or you could bundle the sweets in paper napkins tied up with ribbon or tinsel, these look a bit like mini Santa sacks.
A perfect Christmas gift for someone with a sweet tooth.
About The Author
SantasPostbag is in association with http://www.bigboystoyz.com Together keeping Christmas Magical
Choosing the Right Playground Safety Surfacing
Choosing the Right Playground Safety Surfacing
by Austin Stanfel
You�ll have a variety of different safety surfacing options including pour-in-place rubber, rubber mulch, rubber chips, wood fiber strips, artificial grass and compressed rubber tile. Now there is a difference when it comes to safety and durability. I�ll rank each type of surfacing on a scale of 1-5 from high, medium high, medium low and low (1) being the least safe or durable
5 for High
4 for Medium high
3 for Medium
2 for Medium low
1 for Low
(1) Wood fiber strips are the traditional surfacing material that has been used in playground safety for many years. However the durability is low with wood fiber, many playgrounds have surfacing that is moved or spread throughout a park causing a risk for fall heights. Many people who provide playground maintenance find that they often need to replace the wood strips several times a year. I give wood fiber strips a safety rating of 2 and a durability rating of 3.
(2) Pour-in-place was a growing trend in safety surfacing a few years ago because of its immobility and design options. You will find rounded edges or names that are designed into pour-in-place surfacing as well as different colors. The disadvantage with pour-in-place is that it will crack and fade within three years or less. You will also begin to see holes in the top layer (there are two layers) where the rubber has been worn. This is of extreme concern due to safety regulations on the minimum depth of surfacing for a given fall height. Since pour-in-place is fairly new, we�ve only seen this lack of durability within the past few years causing many people to stay away from this type of safety surfacing. I give pour-in-place a safety rating of 3 and a durability rating of 2.
(3) Rubber mulch is becoming the next generation of wood fiber � the same people that make this also make larger chunks that they refer to as rubber chips. Recycled material is sent through a unique process that cleans and colors the rubber so that it is completely safe for children and has color that lasts as much as seven years. I give rubber mulch and rubber chips a safety rating of 4 and a durability rating of 4.
(4) Artificial turf has been around for a while with some good improvements. The material is placed onto a base of spongy beads that act as a layer of cushioning, much like tilled dirt. Unlike dirt though � this base provides long-lasting safety for anyone who might fall and it allows water to flow freely throughout so that the turf doesn�t have water damage. I give artificial turf a safety rating of 4 and a durability rating of 5.
(5) Rubber Tiles are a well-established high-quality surfacing material. There�s only one manufacturer of rubber tiles that I would recommend: SofSurfaces has a patented locking system between tiles that created one massive surface for playground safety. This material is also very durable � SafSurfaces provides a solid 7 year guarantee on not only the color but the depth also. That�s THREE TIMES longer than the first three safety surfacing options. I give rubber tiles a safety rating of 5 and a durability rating of 5. If you budget allows � this is the ideal choice.
For more information and articles like this please visit us at http://www.creativesystems.com . Scroll down then click on �industry links�.
About The Author
Never Burn The Bottoms of Your Cookies Again!
Never Burn The Bottoms of Your Cookies Again!
by Monica Brooks
If you are like me, you love to bake cookies, but hate the all-too-familiar problem of burning the bottoms. During the past couple of years, I have discovered some techniques that have ended my burnt cookie bottoms frustrations. I know these techniques will work for you as well. Happy baking!
Oven Temperature
The first step on how not to burn cookies is to make sure your oven temperature is accurate by checking it with an oven thermometer. I bought one recently at a discount store for under $4.00. If your oven thermometer does not match your oven temperature setting, you will want to have your oven calibrated.
Oven�s Center Rack
Bake cookies on the oven�s center rack only. By using the oven�s center rack, your cookies will receive the same amount of heat on both sides of the cookies.
Baking or Pizza Stones
Bake cookies on flat baking or pizza stones. Baking stones are available at most specialty kitchen stores or online. They are much better for baking cookies than any metal pan because they are porous and allow air to circulate evenly through your cookies while they are baking.
Scoops
I recommend using scoops instead of spoons or your hands for placing cookie dough onto the baking stones. These are also available at most specialty kitchen stores or online. The scoops ensure your cookies will be the same size and will be beautifully round when they are baked. They also make releasing the cookie dough onto the baking stones easier than using spoons or your hands.
Parchment Paper
Always use parchment paper when baking cookies. Using parchment paper keeps your baking stones clean for easier clean-up. More importantly, it allows you to easily remove the cookies from the stone to the wire cooling racks without messing up the beautiful round shape of the cookies. Once the cookies are completely cooled, they easily peel from the parchment paper. No more scraping cookies!
About The Author
Cisco CCNA Certification Exams Retiring In November - Get Certified Now!
Cisco CCNA Certification Exams Retiring In November - Get Certified Now!
by Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933
If you�re working on the Cisco CCNA right now, or even thinking about it, there are changes coming to the CCNA program in November that you need to know about. No reason to worry, these changes are all good news for CCNA candidates.
And the first bit of good news is that you have plenty of time to take and pass the current CCNA exams. In this article, I will outline several advantages to taking the CCNA plunge now before these changes take effect.
The current CCNA exam (640-801) will not be phased out until November 6, which gives you more than enough time to get CCNA certified before then -- even if you haven�t started studying yet! Those of you who want to take the two-exam path to CCNA certification should know that the 640-811 ICND and 640-821 INTRO exams will be phased out on that same date.
Cisco�s taking the approach that the CCNA certification is no longer an entry-level certification, and this is a welcome change for CCNAs and CCNA candidates alike. I have been writing CCNA ebooks and teaching CCNA courses for several years, and I�ve always refused to call this an entry-level certification.
The new CCNA exam (640-802) looks to be even more demanding than the current exam, which is another reason to pick up the pace and get certified now! Here are just some of the new topics you�ll find on the 640-802 exam:
* Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol
* Switch security
* IP Version 6
* Router security
* Virtual Private Networks
* Wireless routing and more
Add these to the topics already found on the current CCNA exam, and you can see that the new CCNA exam will be even more demanding than the current version.
If you choose the two-exam path for the CCNA certification after November 6, you�ll need to take two ICND exams � ICND 1 (640-822) and ICND 2 (640-816). This is much tougher than the current path because the INTRO exam will be a thing of the past after November 6! (Passing the ICND 1 exam will earn you the new Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician certification, Cisco�s new entry-level certification.)
The CCNA will be even more valuable with these changes, so again, even if you�ve even been thinking about earning the CCNA � now is the time!
The new CCNA exams will actually be available on August 1, but again, I want to emphasize that the current CCNA exams will be available through November 6. My advice to those who want to get CCNA certified before the change is to book your exam now, make sure you choose the right exam number � and get started studying!
About The Author
For his FREE seven-part course, �How To Pass The CCNA�, visit the website and sign up today! Daily free CCNA, CCNP, Network+, Security+, and A+ certification questions, too!
Money Management And Payday Loans
Money Management And Payday Loans
by Max Hunter
There are a number of ways that people can use to manage money to stay out of debt and even establish savings over time.
Establish a Budget
The first, and maybe the most important step, is to set a budget for yourself and stick by it. Take a look at your household income and outgo. Set the budget up to accommodate your payday schedule. In other words, if you get paid once a month, then you have to budget accordingly so that you won�t run out of money before the end of the month. If you get paid every two weeks, or every week, figure out which of your bills have to be paid on each payday. It is absolutely essential to set some money aside for emergencies. Even if it is only $20 per payday, having some cushion will keep you from having to borrow money when something unforeseen occurs. There are all kinds of budget sheets available to help you figure things out and many of them are free on the Internet. However, it is not hard to make your own. Just make a list of your income and when it arrives, as well as a list of what has to be paid when. Check each item off and date it when it is paid. Don�t forget to budget adequate amounts for items like food, gas, entertainment, etc. If you have those items in your budget, it�s also a good way to track how much you are actually spending on them each month.
Get Organized
A good way to begin the budgeting process is to sort out all of your legal and financial papers and file them so you can find what you need when you need it. For example put bills that are due on the 10th of the month in one folder, and bills that are due on the 25th in another folder. Once you have paid a particular bill, shred it and dispose of it, in order to save confusion. Any other financial information, like savings accounts, mutual funds, etc. should also be stored in appropriately labeled folders. At the first of the year, when your tax documents start coming in, put them all in one folder with the tax forms. When April 15 rolls around, you won�t have to dig through piles of mail on your desk to come up with all of the appropriate documents and forms. Items like insurance policies should also be labeled and file so that you can readily find them if and when you need them.
Find Ways to Save Money
Do some brainstorming about your expenses and how you could possibly cut back on them. It is wise to write them down on paper because it is less easy to dismiss them that way. For example, can you cut down on the amount of gas you use by taking public transportation? If you eat out often, consider making more meals at home. Examine your buying habits. Do you go shopping when you are depressed? Do you go grocery shopping when you are hungry? Do you purchase items advertised on the shopping channel without every leaving your easy chair? These are all practices you can change. Find healthier activities for when you are feeling down � go for a long walk instead of going shopping. Make a grocery list and carefully plan what groceries you need for the coming week, then go to the store and buy them. Coupons can be advantageous if you buy name brand items, but store brands are often cheaper in the long run. Watch the weekly sales flyers in the local newspaper and buy items like meat when they are on sale. It�s handy to have something in the freezer to fix, and less costly in the long run than making a quick trip to the store after work and picking up only what you need for that night�s meal.
Find Ways to Make More Money
Get an extra part time job, or work overtime at your regular job, if possible. Clear out your attic or your garage and have a yard sale. You may be happily surprised at the amount of money you can bring in. These days, many people make money selling items through online auction sites like ebay, and don�t have to sort and tag and have people running all over your yard for a day. If there is a local farmer�s market, consider something you can sell there. If you have extra produce from your garden, or are a good baker, you will find that people are readily willing to buy things that you can grow or make. If you make extra money, don�t increase your expenses. Either use it to pay off bills, or put it away for savings.
Choose Credit Carefully
If you have to have a credit card, shop around for the best deal. Some credit cards have yearly fees that have to be paid whether you ever use the card or not. Interest rates vary widely. Make sure you know what the interest rate is and shop around for the lowest. If you charge something, pay it off before the end of the month, then it won�t cost you any interest on the card. Don�t use more than one credit card. It�s too easy to get into the cycle of living on the credit cards and never really paying more than the interest on them. This is a practice that will get you deeper into debt in the long run.
Payday Loans
If you have an emergency and need to get a payday loan, make sure you investigate and find the one that is the best deal for you. The amount of interest charged varies widely from company to company and so does the repayment period. Find the loan that gives you the most flexibility for the least fees. Try to never roll your payday loan over, but pay it off in full by the due date.
About The Author
Wedding Cost Saving Advice: Top 5 Tips For Weddings On A Shoestring Budget
Wedding Cost Saving Advice: Top 5 Tips For Weddings On A Shoestring Budget
by Helen Rankin
With the average wedding now costing �17,000, many couples are now looking for ways to have a �celebrity� stylish wedding, without the celebrity price tag. The first tip is simple � ask for a discount. The worst that can happen is that they say �No�. You might be a bit embarrassed, but what have you lost? We�ve pulled together 5 other top tips to help you create your dream wedding on a shoestring budget.
1. Choosing The Wedding Venue
Your venue is probably going to be the single biggest wedding expense that you�ll have to pay, with many of the more popular venues charging �2000 upwards. But you don�t need to spend this sort of money to have a fabulous venue.
Wedding Venue Cost Saving Tip:
Many village halls, golf and rugby clubs have suitable rooms available for a fraction of the price. The trick is to see past the existing d�cor and imagine it sprinkled with hundreds of fairy lights or candles � think of Ross�s wedding on the hit show Friends that Rachel ruined!
If you�ve found the wedding venue of your dreams, but it looks as if it will be out of your budget, don�t despair. Many venues offer significant discounts for mid-week or �out of season� weddings which can run into thousands of pounds.
2. Food At The Wedding
Deciding what kind of menu you want to offer for your wedding can be difficult enough without having to see the price tag that goes along with it!
Food Budget Cost Saving Tip:
There are lots of ways to cut back on your food budget, and still have a memorable day. Selecting a venue where you can bring in your own caterers is often a much better value than using the existing venue catering. You can even go as far as preparing all the food yourself, though be careful of taking too much.
If you don�t have a choice about which caterer you use, there are still ways that you can trim your spending costs. Try replacing the starter course with canap�s, instead of having both. Or, replace dessert with your wedding cake � so often wedding cake gets forgotten about because guests have already had so much to eat.
A new idea that brides are buzzing about is the wedding �cheese� cake. Literally, it is three slabs of cheese turned into a wedding cake for that special �cutting of the cake� photograph and ceremony. Why not combine the two instead of having a separate cheese and cake course? Or serve this with crackers, chutney and pate for your evening guests?
3. Drinks At The Wedding
To have a free bar, or cash bar? Such a difficult question to answer. Of course, it would be fantastic to offer a free bar to all your guests, all day, but with limited funds, it�s not a realistic option for most people.
Booze Budget Cost Saving Tip:
The ideal in this instance is to use a venue where you can bring your own booze. I was lucky enough to be able to do this at our wedding and managed to pop across to France and buy 180 bottles of wine and 240 beers, plus Pimms and cassis for under �500. We had stacks left and our guests were restricted to beer, wine or soft drinks, but no one seemed to mind.
Another option is to come to an arrangement with the hotel regarding corkage. A friend got married in a hotel, which charged �10 per bottle of wine. She arranged a flat fee of �500 for all of her beer and wine opening. Although it seems like a lot, it meant that she could afford to supply beer and wine for her guests.
4. Bridalwear
With most bridal dresses starting around �600 and running into thousands of pounds, this is a huge expense.
Bridalwear Cost Saving Tip:
You can still look fabulous for a fraction of the price and feel that you�re minimising the eco-footprint of your wedding by buying a �pre-loved� wedding dress.
Many charity shops have specialist �bridalwear� departments where you can purchase new and designer dresses that have been worn once. You can try the dresses on before buying and you�ll get a warm glow from doing something for �Charidee�.
If you�re a little braver, you can venture online, where there are some fantastic bargains to be had in the �pre-loved� lines. Take a look at some of the �For Sale� forums of the popular wedding websites and you�ll see bridal dresses, veils, tiaras and those Jimmy Choo shoes that you know you want for a fraction of the cost.
5. The Wedding Photography
Many couples feel that photography is a major part of the day and are prepared to pay upwards of �2000 for a beautifully presented wedding album. Photographers have confirmed that it isn�t the actual photography, which is the major part of this expense, but printing and preparation of the formal wedding albums.
Wedding Photography Cost Savings Tip:
Many photographers are prepared to attend your wedding day and then provide you with a DVD of your photos for around �600. With the DVD, you can then use some of the fantastic online services to prepare your own �Photo Book� - costing much less. Or, as many guests will no doubt have digital cameras with them, combine place cards with little notes asking them to share their wedding photos on your online directory.
Another excellent tip for having a photo keepsake of your wedding is to use several Instant Photo Guest Books, which combine Polaroid Instant Photos and hand-written sentiments from your guests. These photo guest books are ready to enjoy the �instant� your wedding is over -- and creating them adds great fun to the wedding reception!
About The Author
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Internet Merchant Certifications For Small And Home Based Businesses
Internet Merchant Certifications For Small And Home Based Businesses
by Christian Nilsson
How do you distinguish your website from all the other ones out there? And how do you get your customers to believe that you operate a serious business where they can feel comfortable shopping? Well the standard is increasingly turning to various forms of merchant certifications and seals of approvals for websites. But which one is right for you?
There are plenty of organizations out there that offer all kinds of certifications. Most of them are however very expensive or they only certify security of transactions or verify actual incorporation. In other words for most home based or new businesses there are not a lot of certification options out there. There are some exceptions of services though that focuses on giving a Seal of Approval to websites based on a good service history and other qualifications geared to the small and home based internet business rather than the large corporation.
An example of this type of certification is IBCIM.ORG, The International Bureau of Certified Internet Merchants. They operate the Merchant Certified Seal of Approval program where internet businesses from any country or industry can obtain a Seal of Approval to display on their website. The Seal is linked to an Instant Verification Page where the website�s customers can instantly go and verify membership and the certification status of the business. A seal such as this one is a powerful tool to enable businesses to compete online.
The bottom line for small businesses is to find way to stand out from the crowd and initiate that first sale which is precious when you are starting out. And the only way to do that is to make sure that your visitor is comfortable shopping on our site. In other words they have to trust you.
To learn more about an internet merchant certification visit http://www.ibcim.org.
About The Author
The Adverse Effects Of Technology - Part II
The Adverse Effects Of Technology - Part II
by Tim Bryce
My earlier article entitled "Adverse Effect of Technology" resulted in an avalanche of e-mail from readers, all predominantly favorable. In that article I put forth an observation that "As the use of technology increases, social skills decreases." I want to take this concept a little further herein.
Before we had computers and the sophisticated communication devices we now have in the work place, there was a lot of manual processing involved. Orders were processed manually, as were shipments, financial transactions, and many other business processes. All involved considerable paperwork with documents, reports, journals, logs, spreadsheets, etc. We of course used the latest technology of the day which included such things as typewriters, adding machines, filing systems, cash registers, and tabulating equipment. Nonetheless, the emphasis was on manual processing which meant we were forced to work together, like it or not, hence the need for better interpersonal communications. In other words, out of sheer necessity we were forced to socialize in order for the company to function properly. Since the business processes were so laborious, companies would worry about losing time on a task, hence the need for long range planning.
Today, electronic automation is used to implement just about every business process in a company. The idea of operating without computer support or electronic communications is unimaginable. True, such devices have been able to expedite the processes, but in doing so people no longer have to interact in order to fulfill their jobs, hence the breakdown in interpersonal communications. And because our tasks are not as laborious as they once were, the technology allows us to make changes on the fly. Consequently, long range planning has been sacrificed and reactionary management practices have taken their place. In reality, long range planning is still very much needed in order to remain competitive in a world economy, but this is not the mindset in today's corporate cultures anymore.
As I mentioned in my article, we have developed an overt dependency on our technology which results in three areas of concern: first, that a company comes to a standstill when the power is disrupted (we can no longer perform the business processes); second, it tends to emphasize short-term planning as opposed to long range (whereby we are content to perform small tasks), and; third, basic interpersonal relations are negatively affected because we are no longer forced to interact with others.
Again, I am most definitely not anti-technology, but neither am I anti-human socialization. If I have learned anything in the 30+ years of experience in the information systems industry, it is that people matter most of all; that it is people who use information, not technology; that projects and business processes are executed by human-beings, not robots; that it is the human-being which is of paramount importance in everything.
I have always found it rather easy to teach people technology, In fact, it is relatively easy to program a person to use a particular device. But it is much more difficult to teach them the socialization skills to effectively interact with others. This is why our corporate slogan remains, "Software for the finest computer - the Mind."
If you would like to discuss this with me in more depth, please do not hesitate to send me an e-mail.
About The Author
You can find his work on the Internet at:
http://www.phmainstreet.com/timbryce.htm
He can be contacted at: timb001@phmainstreet.com
Copyright © 2007 Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.
Oops Mama Fell � Get The Block and Tackle
Oops Mama Fell � Get The Block and Tackle
by Dale B. Adams
I�d rather leap down a flight of stairs blind-folded than to watch an elder fall. Falling is a very embarrassing experience for anybody and especially harmful to our seniors. As we age our bones become fragile and can break with ease. Once a bone gets broken such as a hipbone, it is all down hill from there. They may never fully recover. A senior falling can be the equivalent of a death sentence.
Almost half of our thoroughbred Americans fall every year. This statistic is way too high and needs to be lowered. By taking preventive measures we can greatly reduce this number.
Female caregivers have a disadvantage when caring for the elderly. As I was visiting some caregiver support groups I noticed some women caregivers were having trouble lifting their loved ones when they fall. They were pondering to rent a hoist because they weren�t strong enough to lift them. I suggested they search for some walking aids to prevent the falls.
Below are some useful tips that will assist you in preventing elders from falling.
1) Make sure they have a high protein diet to strengthen muscles.
2) Buy them a good pair of running shoes with good arch support.
3) Install high watt light bulbs so they can see better (As we age our eyes require more light.)
4) Ensure they have a good diet and take vitamins for proper nourishment.
5) Remove lamps because elders have a tendency to reach for items to stabilize themselves and lamps easily fall. (Install overhead lights)
6) Install night-lights in the bedroom and bathroom.
7) Assist them walking every opportunity you can.
8) Elevate their legs with a footstool so blood doesn�t linger there.
9) Install ledges or rails on wall areas where they often feel unsteady.
10) Get them a walker or other assistance.
11) Make the home handicap accessible. (Handicap showers have no ledges to climb over and offer a seat)
12) Inspect home for loose thresholds, moving rugs or other falling hazards.
13) Keep their ears clean to enable balance. (Consult your Doctor)
14) Be certain they have proper vision aids to see where they are going.
15) Encourage them to stretch their legs at times by bending over.
16) Rub their legs with lotion and massage those muscles to stimulate them.
17) Monitor their diet so they do not become overweight.
18) Offer them Tylenol to prevent aching muscles and bones.
19) Eliminate clutter and any unsafe or unneeded items for clear pathways.
20) Constantly search for ways to prevent falling before it happens.
By taking some of the steps above we can prevent many seniors from falling and allow them to keep on trucking. Christmas is coming soon and would be a perfect time to have granny sporting around in her new tennis shoes. Lets allow our seniors to safely enjoy their lives.
About The Author
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
A Practical Use Of Open Source Code Softwares
A Practical Use Of Open Source Code Softwares
by Roberto Sedycias
As we started the project of our web site, we knew that the proprietary software costs would be too high for our financial resources. Our only option then was to make use of Open Source Code softwares.
However, within the Open Source Code there are lots of softwares to choose from, and it�s up to the system analyst/programmer to pick the ones that best suit the project goals.
In our case, we picked Linux as our operating system. However we faced a big question: Which Linux distribution ? There are dozens of linux distributions, each one with specific advantages, sometimes with or without paid services.
We chose linux Slackware because we thought that it would suit better our needs, in terms of stability and reliability. Slackware is a conservative distribution, meaning that it only offers in its distribution package kernel versions and third party libraries, once it�s been proved to be stable and reliable. As a result, Slackware is one the most stable Linux operating system on the market. If the user wishes the most recent Linux kernel and libraries, we recommend to look for a different distribution.
Another reason for us picking Slackware, was because of its text interface, which at the beginning may become a bit difficult, in the long run however it offers a better understanding of the Linux environment. This way most of Slackware configurations are done thru text scripts.
Once it was set the operating system, we picked Apache as our web server. Apache is one of the most popular web server in the internet. For server programming language, we chose PHP. Also, a very popular programming language. Our experience with Apache/PHP proves that this setup is very reliable, working extremely well in our production environment. For workstation programming language, we chose javascript, which besides of having a simple syntax, it offers lots of resources.
Apache web server is really a complete web server. Also, it can become very complex with many configuration setups.
For our database, we picked Postgresql. This database has been made available to the public for more than 15 years, and besides of being well debugged, it offers so many resources that it has become one of the best database options from Open Source Code softwares. Extremely reliable, Postgresql has reported cases where there have been databases in production with over 4 terabytes. Besides all of that, Postresql is not the most popular Open Source Code database. A matter of marketing ? Probably.
As for the programming language PHP, we had to use an object oriented application structure. There are many PHP application structures being offered with Open Source Code license. Object oriented application is very important, because it makes programming very easy and scalable up to the point where the system may grow without many problems. Also, it helps to keep PHP code separated from HTML, with the help of some specific libraries, such as Smarty. We make use of Smarty library and we believe that it is a very important resource, which can even make web pages faster thru the use of its cache functions.
Also a very important set of libraries worth mentioning for PHP systems, is the PEAR libraries. In PEAR web site, among the many libraries being offered, there are the database interface DB and the MAIL_QUEUE, which sends emails thru the use of database.
As we came to the end of our project, we had to use some sort of real time database replication. For that we chose the DRBD and Heartbeat libraries. The use of database replication is very important and should not be postponed. Just after 3 months our system got into production, our server hard disk became bad. Thru the use of DRBD/Heartbeat we were able to put the system back into production within seconds, without loosing any data. DRBD/Heartbeat replication is done thru the use of a lan network between the server and slave nodes.
Our project also makes use of ImageMagick (enlarge and reduce images), Iptables (firewall), Tsearch2(text search in portgresql) and Mon (linux monitoring tasks).
Also a very important library worth mentioning is the pseudo APC compiler for PHP. Speed is always a critical factor for internet sites.
Our web site is already in production and based upon our experience we can say that the Open Source Code softwares we picked, proved to be extremely reliable and stable. Open Source Code softwares can certainly be an excellent option for developing web sites.
This article is under GNU FDL license and can be distributed without any previous authorization from the author. However the author�s name and all the URL�s (links) mentioned in the article and biography must be kept.
About The Author
This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the News Article section of page http://www.polomercantil.com.br/mp3-mp4-audio-portatil.php
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Organize Clutter Clusters For Increased Office Productivity
Organize Clutter Clusters For Increased Office Productivity
by Denise Landers
How can you make your work area more attractive so that you enjoy being there and can focus specifically on the work at hand? The more clutter you eliminate, the more peaceful the setting will be, and therefore the more productive your time will be.
Photos. You may consider a photo of loved ones as a pleasant reminder of why you work so hard, or as a conversation-starter to get acquainted with new clients. However, photos can quickly accumulate, lining windowsills and shelves, tacked to walls, and taking up valuable desk space. These photos have accumulated over the years, as new ones are added without replacing the older ones. If you like photos, keep just one or two current ones.
Giveaways. How often do you take something from a vendor�s display table just because it is free? Then you drop it on your desk. How many stress balls or letter openers do you need? When you have too many, they go into the drawers, onto the windowsills, etc. More than one has no useful purpose.
Memorabilia. Do you really need the little Eiffel Tower from Las Vegas, or the Florida seashell? Sometimes these end up in the office because they do not fit into the house d�cor. They can encourage chitchat as you exchange vacation stories, and then you wonder why interruptions take up so much of the day.
Certificates. Framed degrees and licenses lend credibility to an individual when they relate directly to the business being transacted. However, spreading around all the certificates you gather from continuing education classes gets to be overkill. Choose to display only the most significant documents if you�re in a situation where clients visit your workplace.
Books and CDs. Any books that are not related to your business and that are not used as references should be moved to another area, taken home, or donated. If you ordered a set of tapes for your business, have listened to them, and know that you will not do so again, consider selling them at a reduced price to someone else in the field. If you want to keep them for reference, find a way to store and catalog them instead of leaving individual disks strewn around.
Computers. Do you have an older printer stuck in a corner? Box unused computer hardware and store it. Donate older computer parts and get a tax deduction for a contribution to a local charity. What about the extra hard drive, cables, and phone cords? One spare of each item should be enough. How many stray CDs are laying around, and you have no idea what�s on them?
Artwork. Drawings by children and grandchildren are precious, but covering a bulletin board or the wall of an office does not lend itself to a professional feeling. If you want to display one or two sketches, frame and hang them. Let the others rotate on your refrigerator.
Miscellaneous. Tools laying around left over from a jobsite or related to a small repair do not need to stay in your desk area. Look around and see how many things are not related to the type of work you actually do in your office. This desk area should not be the company�s storage space.
Anything surrounding you that is not useful, beautiful, or treasured by you, should be disposed of in some manner because clutter is messy, inconvenient, and sometimes embarrassing. It affects your space, your time, and your peace of mind.
About The Author
Mozilla Download
Mozilla Download
by Jay Moncliff
The official name of the Mozilla Application Suite developed by the Mozilla Foundation. It is also the public and original name but got changed recently to SeaMonkey suite. In informal terms, the name found usage in combination with other phrases related to the now-defunct Netscape Communications Corporation and the various application software that were related to it.
The code base for Netscape Communicator Internet suite was given the Netscape Public License, which is a free software or open source license in 1998. The application developed from this was named Mozilla, as per the codename of the original Netscape Navigator, and was released finally on June 5, 2002.
The suite was well known as the free/open source base of the Netscape versions 6 and 7; its underlying code base became the base of many standalone applications. The Gecko layout engine requires a special mention here, since it contributed the most, even in the Mozilla Foundation's flagship products Firefox and Thunderbird. To distinguish the suite from the standalone products, the suite is marketed as "Mozilla Suite or Mozilla Application Suite.
Though the Mozilla Foundation maintains the suite no longer, it has been unofficially replaced by SeaMonkey, developed by the Mozilla community and based on the Mozilla source code.
The award-winning Web browser from Mozilla is now even faster, more secure, and totally customizable to one online needs. This is primarily because Mozilla download is now available in a total of forty-two languages ranging from Afrikaans to Turkish.
Mozilla download is available from a number of websites but it is always better to stick to a few; that includes CNet and the official Mozilla download site. The latter, however, also offers exclusive membership benefits for free to the Mozilla download user, allowing:
* Free access to Tips & Tricks for the Firefox Browser.
* Free Installation Guide & Videos.
* Free Technical Support.
* Free Downloadable Mozilla compliant software.
* Software news and other important information.
* An access to Members Only News and Help Forums.
Why should one go for a Mozilla download?
* Mozilla Firefox is guaranteed to provide faster and more secure browsing.
* Mozilla download brings forth an enhanced, automatic popup-blocking feature.
* Firefox and Google collaboration provides a smarter searching technology with a built in Google search toolbar with every Mozilla download.
* The probable security threat in the Firefox extension feature can be tackled very quickly and without any hassle after a Mozilla download.
* Mozilla download installs Firefox, the most secure web browser; it is because patches for security threats are available within no time at all.
* Any Mozilla download is customizable to an extent formerly unknown.
- Additional Benefits
* Free Firefox users guide
Mozilla download makes available a free copy of the FireFox users guide; an easy to read electronic book with step-by-step instructions on how to download, install and set-up the FireFox web browser as well as easy instructions on how to use tabs, download extensions and even make the browser perform faster.
* Free Firefox How To Video
Mozilla download provides an on-screen, step-by-step set of instructions for downloading and using Firefox. Narrations by the Firefox experts also explain the work-procedure and the consecutive steps in this Mozilla-download video.
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What Is ITV Ventuers?
What Is ITV Ventuers?
by Al Milligan
Consumers are surrounded by hundreds of advertisements every day. Everything from billboards to radio commercials to internet banners and television commercials. Over time companies have had to find new and unique ways to reach their consumers in order to provide them with the information necessary to make educated decisions about products and services. Only in recent years has the advertising industry really targeted consumers through infomercials on television, websites, and network marketing in order to pair consumers with the best products and services for their individual needs. ITV Ventures manages to achieve all of these targeted marketing strategies, bringing both ITV IBO�s (Independent Business Owners) and the consumers a direct-marketing, targeted approach to matching consumers with quality products.
ITV Ventures combines the best of targeted adverting through its combined media of infomercials, websites, and direct marketing. ITV is unique in its approach by directing advertising through channeled electronic avenues and creating infomercials for use in multiple mediums including targeted websites. The success of infomercials is undisputed and continues to revolutionize mass media sales and advertising. By creating long advertisements that not only tout the benefits of products, but educate the consumer about them as well, infomercials have risen to the top of quality, targeted advertising. ITV combines the proven success of infomercials with the accessibility and function of the internet and direct marketing to take this form of sales to the next level. By bringing informative sales to the internet, customers are able to access product lines and information on demand. ITV uses multiple mediums in order to better inform consumers about the products and create a system that provides consumers with the best possible conditions in which to make an educated decision.
ITV Ventures is dedicated to providing high quality products and services that positively impact the market and create return customers who are overwhelmingly satisfied with their products. Like most other infomercials, most of the products sold through ITV Ventures are not sold through any other sales source. Not only does this create a focused advertising market, but also provides quality control over the product. It also allows ITV to partner with consumers and provide financial rewards for sales through word of mouth and networking. ITV Ventures also provides the opportunity for consumers to get directly involved with sales and receive commission for not only the sales they provide, but also for sales from a guaranteed client base. Customers who watch the ITV television segments or use other access to order, are directed to sales associates and ITV Ventures partners who take direct orders and receive commissions for individual and repeat sales. ITV creates a network of passionate individuals who believe in their products and reap rewards from continued sales.
By combining multiple forms of advertising and informative mediums, ITV caters to every market. ITV Ventures targets various age groups and consumers through multiple streams of mediums, creating the best possible environments for sales of high quality products. And through these sales, ITV manages to not only provide excellent products and services, but also continues to reward its partners for their dedicated passion towards the industry.
About The Author
Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
by Sarah Russell
It�s happened to me. About a year ago, someone got a hold of my bank card numbers. Fortunately, the crook made some international purchase which immediately clued me in and my bank was quick to settle the whole thing. But most people aren�t so lucky. Identity theft is a serious crime that�s growing each year. Victims of identity theft can spend months, or even years, trying to repair a ruined credit history, which can compromise your chances of getting a new job, a bank loan, insurance or even rental housing. Follow these steps to help keep your identity safe:
Protect Your Credit Card Number When Making Purchases
Check your receipts after making a purchase with your credit or debit card. In most cases, the printed receipt hides all but the last 4 digits of your credit card account number, but some terminals still print receipts that show all 16 digits of your account number and the expiration date. If you get one of these receipts, black out the numbers entirely before throwing it away � this is all the information a thief needs to make charges using your card. You're also permitted by law to hide the first 12 digits of your account number on any copies of the receipt that the seller keeps.
It�s especially important to keep tabs on your receipts at restaurants. Think about it � you pay for your meal and then leave the signed receipt on your table for the waiter to pick up. But in a busy restaurant, it�s easy for a potential thief to �accidentally� bump your receipt off the table (or just steal it) and get your information. If the restaurant�s receipt shows all of your account information, black out the first 12 digits of your credit card number before leaving the restaurant.
Do You Really Need To Give Your Social Security Number?
Be very stringent about who you give your social security number to. You�ll probably need to share your number when you apply for credit or for a bank account, but sometimes a store or an organization will want to use it as an ID number, simply to identify you within their system. This is not only dangerous � it�s illegal. The law says that social security numbers aren't to be used as ID numbers. If you�re ever unsure about giving out your social security number, ask if there�s an alternative � there is in most cases.
Destroy Documents That Contain Sensitive Personal Information
Buy a paper shredder and use it to destroy any documents that contain credit card numbers, social security numbers, phone numbers, your date of birth and any other personal information before throwing them away. Any credit card offers should also be shredded � thieves can fill out the applications and open a line of credit without you ever knowing. Don�t think that throwing out these documents is enough � identity thieves aren't above going through the trash to find information that can help them get credit in your name.
If The Worst Happens
If you do become a victim of identity theft, take the following steps immediately:
* Contact your credit card companies to let them know what�s going on, close your accounts and ask to have new cards issued to you.
* Place a fraud alert on your file with any one of the three major credit bureaus. The other two will be notified automatically.
* File a police report. You may need it to show to creditors as proof of the crime.
* File a complaint with the FTC, which maintains a database of identity theft cases used by law enforcement agencies for their investigations.
It�s not fun to think about identity theft, but in this age of technology, you can�t afford not to. Identity thieves get smarter every day � just think of the recent rash of companies announcing that their client databases have been hacked into, exposing personal information. Some things are out of your control, but there are some simple precautions you can take to keep your personal information secured. Keeping your identity safe may be one of the most important things you do for your financial future.
About The Author
Bookkeepers New York: They Do It All!
Bookkeepers New York: They Do It All!
by Peter Terry
Do you find it extremely difficult to manage the different aspects of your business single handedly? Well this is understandable, a business demands huge amount of time, money, dedication and devotion and it is not possible on the part of the business owner to take care of all these at a time. Now there are different types of professional whose services you can hire for taking care of the different types of business needs. Finance, accounting and bookkeeping is one aspect of your business that you must not neglect at any cost. If you are one of those business owners who have an excellent knowledge about the proper handling of the financial aspect of your business, you are surely a fortunate person. However this is not the case every time, so business owners must make provision to hire the services of bookkeepers to take car of this work.
Bookkeepers are trained professionals who maintain the basic records of the financial transactions of a business. If you do not have a professional handling this, suddenly you will find that the tax paying season is one and you are not ready to pay the taxes properly. Last minute hassles and calculation of taxes often leady to chaos and you may end up committing blunder in your tax calculation. To know the exact amount of money that you will have to pay as tax, you must make sure that the record of all the financial transactions of your business are in proper order. If you are operating your business in New York, you can have access to the best bookkeepers New York who will do the work just perfectly for you.
The success of your business is very important, so while hiring the services of a bookkeeper from an accounting firm, you must make sure that you check the previous records of that professional. Ask for references and if the accountant is as capable as he claims, you will surely find this in the references provided by his earlier clients. If you happen to come across bookkeepers New York , whose services your friends hired, then you can come to know about their abilities first hand. You know exactly what to expect from them and how capable they are of handling the work for you. make sure to keep a tab of the work that they are doing from time to time and see if things are in order or not.
If you have the professional expertise to handle the bookkeeping of your business, then there is nothing better then that. Make sure that you write down the details about any monetary transaction that is done, no matter how small the transaction is. Prepare an invoice of everything and make sure that you do not give out payments to any person till the invoice is produced to you. All this may appear to be trivial things, but trust me one when you actually sit down to calculate all the transaction you will find that this small things are the ones that turn out to be more time consuming then the others.
About The Author
Monday, November 26, 2007
Engines Of Creation (Book Reviews)
Engines Of Creation (Book Reviews)
by Britt Gillette
Despite a massive assault by its critics, Engines of Creation is a truly revolutionary work, and Eric Drexler should be commended for launching a worldwide discussion on the topic of molecular manufacturing (MM), or molecular nanotechnology (MNT), as some refer to it. First of all, this is a book that needs to be updated, as the opening chapters deal in-depth with protein design and a later chapter tries to paint a picture of a future network of information known as "the Internet". But the remainder of the book is timeless. (Update: Since this review, Engines of Creation has been updated and replaced by �Engines of Creation 2.0�)
The true merit of Engines of Creation comes not from the argument of whether or not manipulation of individual molecules is possible. We already know that it is. Our bodies are filled with nature's own molecular machines. But the true worth of this book stems from its assumption that such technology will develop into a worldwide enterprise and will have enormous consequences for the human experience. The importance of the examination and study of those consequences cannot be overstated, and Drexler formed the Foresight Institute in an attempt to grapple with many of these issues. (Although personally, I recommend The Center for Responsible Nanotechnology as the best "think-tank" on molecular manufacturing's benefits and dangers).
The power to thoroughly and inexpensively control the structure of matter will effect every aspect of the human experience, and although it is a worthy endeavor to speculate on the implications for medicine, space exploration, ending poverty, etc., none of these benefits will be realized if we fail to work out a reasonable system of governance once molecular manufacturing becomes reality. The development of this technology will lead to the creation of new weapons of destructive power, possibly give rise to demagogues, and provide the conditions necessary to precipitate a dangerous, and possibly world-threatening, arms race between competing MM-enabled nation states. Although we have faced these concerns since the dawn of the Nuclear Age, it remains unclear as to whether or not the same principles of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) will still apply. Engines of Creation sparks the debate on how we will deal with the new problems that arise from man's ability to manipulate molecules, and in doing so, it provides an invaluable service to the human race.
Those concerned about our future and the world in which we live should read this book, because molecular manufacturing will define our future.
About The Author
To learn more about nanotechnology, please visit http://BrittGillette.com, a Christian perspective on the end times and emerging technologies. http://brittgillette.com/WordPress/?page_id=7
Niche Income Streams
Niche Income Streams
by Ricky Verijden
There's been a lot of hype surrounding the 'Business-opportunity' world of the internet with promises of wealth by simply firing up a few web pages, then wait for an avalanche of cash to hit the bank accounts.
Many believe it's easy money, a kind of 'Get Rich Quick' scheme. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Done correctly ebook publishing can seriously bring about massive changes to your current lifestyle.
We are not talking millions here either, but by creating several mini sites each earning a thousand a month could generate an enviable lifestyle. To do this we need to come up with endless ideas on how to create hot, niche-hungry information products.
Finding these niche info products can be a daunting task if you don't know where to look. The whole process can be both exasperating, and time consuming if you struggle to find the right material. But fear not. In this article I'm going to reveal where you can exploit as many niche markets as you want.
http://freekeywords.wordtracker.com/
Go in to the above site and start typing into the resource box niche topics that are relevant, or is of interest to you. Don't forget this is absolutely free and will produce a wealth of ideas. What we are aiming to do is to find a niche topic, then look for sub niches within the same category. So if you're interested in Fishing then type in "fishing" and make a note of all the sub categories within that niche. Example: Carp fishing, rod's and reels, fishing clubs etc. These are what potential customers will be hungry for. Information on a specific niche item within an overall topic.
http://www.dummies.com
Again feast yourself on this site. A great reference tool where you'll find masses of niche topics. Search through the titles and jot down anything that may be of interest to you and potentially can be turned into a profitable ebook. Don't forget, if you do come across a topic you could exploit, then go back into wordtracker and look for sub niches.
http://www.amazon.com
If you thought that Amazon was a place to visit for buying books and electronics etc, then think again. THINK NICHE. With it's huge resource library you simply log into Amazon and select 'Books' from the drop down menu then type in the topic you wish to exploit. If you're interested in cooking then all you need do is write down all the sub niches within the general topic of 'Cooking'.
Now don't think for a moment that you'll be competing against Amazon. Remember you will be producing a tight sub - niche ebook which will have a far higher perceived value because strangely as it may seem people will want the information NOW and not wait for up to 2 weeks for delivery. You could maybe sell the information for twenty dollars on Amazon whereas an instant downloadable ebook with an eye-catching title could fetch up to sixty dollars.
http://www.goarticles.com
This is the veritable 'Aladdin's Cave' of niche product goodies you'll find hard to find anywhere. Articles are the best way I believe, to go about finding tons of hot niche topics. Again go to the resource box type in your niche subject and feast yourself on hundreds of sub-niche ideas.
The secret here is to write down as many ideas as you can on subjects that interest you. Then go into wordtracker.com type in your topics. Now look for the sub-niches
and take note at how many people searched for that information over the past month. If the figure should be around five thousand, then you could have a potential lucrative ebook business in the making.
Now on to the final stage. You're going to have to put all this information together in order to create your ebook. On a sheet of paper decide on how many pages you going to write then jot down the headings for each chapter from the information you've gathered. The easiest way of writing is in the "Speak talk" form. Just like you would do, if explaining a subject to a friend.
However, if this is too daunting a task you can hire people to do this for you at http://www.elance.com/ For around five to six hundred bucks these freelance writers will get the job done for you.
You have the finished article in your hands. Now is the time to write up some articles and press releases on the subject of your ebook and post them all over the net. Do some pay per clicks then repeat the whole process by getting your next ebook off the ground.
There's no secret to making money if done correctly. Simply set up multiple streams of niche income generating ebooks and you too, could soon be living the dream.
About The Author
Ewen Chia�s Instant Bestsellers May Not Work For You
Ewen Chia�s Instant Bestsellers May Not Work For You
by Chang Wee Teo
If you are self-employed or looking to be so, one thing that you may not have considered is selling products, yours and otherwise, on the internet. Marketing is a difficult task even for trained professionals, and for people just jumping into a new field, marketing can be the tool that makes or breaks your new endeavors. No matter how good your new product or service is, if no one's heard of it, no one's going to try it, and your revenues will reflect that.
Ewen Chia's Instant Bestsellers Tele-Coaching Program is one of the tools that has been offered to new would-be entrepreneurs and so far the results are promising. Ewen Chia offers 10 years of experience in marketing instant profit-producing products, but the benefits offered by his program don't end there. Not only are there tips on marketing your own products and services, there are terrific insider tips on how to make your money off of new and upcoming trends. Ewen Chia's program has a great deal to recommend it, and for the budding online businessperson, this is a resource that should never be far from your fingertips.
The Ewen Chia�s Instant Bestsellers Tele-Coaching program comes with two modules. The first is an audio file that is easily accessible no matter what you are doing. You can pop it in if you have a long commute or pop in into your iPod. With this handy format, absorption of this important data is a breeze, and it's even easier with the second module. Module 2 is the audio transcript of audio, which gives you a chance to take notes and follow along. Many people learn differently and the Ewen Chia�s Instant Bestsellers Tele-Coaching program leads through example; the dual-pronged nature of this course is one that works to its advantage as it makes sure it packages information in a way that can be reached and assimilated by the maximum amount of people.
The question then becomes, what are you actually getting with this product? Unlike other make-money quick schemes, Ewen Chia's Instant Bestsellers Tele-coaching Program actually gives you good, concrete advice on how to start working independently and ensures that the product you end up backing is a good one. The modules are divided up into six sections, each one geared towards helping you break into a growing field.
Section A will make you aware of covert strategies regarding marketing, things that successful marketers only find out after years of trial and error.
Section B tells you how find the products to market, and how to judge the quality of the projects that you are getting involved with.
In Section C, you focus on product promotion in ways that are unique to this type of venture and you learn to take advantage of the media that you are using.
Section D gives you good and clear information on how to develop your product from idea into a full-blown marketing venture within 24 hours.
Section E, deals with copy writing and the packaging that is involved, something that many new entrepreneurs ignore to their cost.
In Section F, the Ewen Chia�s Instant Bestsellers Tele-Coaching Program clues you in on tips to get your product up to a professional level and fast; the promise of five figures in under 30 days is their promise and their techniques give you an idea of how that is possible.
Two of the things that recommends this venture are the two partners. Ewen Chia has ten years of experience in the realm of internet marketing and he has made his mark in an industry that is relatively new and unpredictable. Similarly, CW Teo offers the good experience coupled with several diverse avenues that have made his clients very wealthy individuals. Both of these men have the insider's information making money online and this valuable guide is something that shows off their media savvy.
Remember that these techniques do require a certain amount of self-motivation; while the strategies that the program provides are good ones, they only work if you are willing to put the effort into them!
If you are interested in making a mark in a new market that is bristling with potential, Ewen Chia's Instant Bestsellers Tele-Coaching conference may be for you. Take a look at the innovative prospects offered by this aggressive marketing strategy and judge the resulting profits for yourself!
About The Author
Ms.Free Product Samples of Stuff You Really Want will Stretch Your Budget
Ms.Free Product Samples of Stuff You Really Want will Stretch Your Budget
by Tina J Allen
I am sure that free samples and specials have been around since the first caveman tried to peddle his stone axes in exchange for bear hides or beer. Maybe Oog let his neighbor have one axe for free, and the tool proved so sturdy that soon his neighbor, and all of his neighbor's cousins, came back for more. After that, our talented caveman did not have to give away any more axes, but he benefited from taking a loss on his first few transactions.
Marketers and manufacturers know that consumers love to find a bargain. Its hard to make that first sale to a new customer, but once the shopper has been satisfied with one transaction, it will be much easier to count on that shopper's future loyalty. However, you may think of combing through magazines or newspapers to cut out coupons, or maybe getting little sample packs of shampoo or perfume in the aisle of your favorite store. That can be one way of collecting free samples, rebates, or discounts, but it is hit and miss, and may not be worth your time.
But now the internet makes it simple and convenient to find great offers for products you really want, and whenever you really want them! Many popular websites have been dedicated to posting free offers, coupons, and rebates online, and in periodic newsletters. Webmasters will affiliate themselves with marketing companies, and in return, they will have access to promotions as soon as they are made public. The offers will be posted on websites by category, and can usually be found with a quick search. Every webmaster wants to be the first to offer valuable, brand name products, and so they compete to keep their own websites updated with popular offers.
You may still think that searching for free samples, rebates, and coupons is a waste of time. But consider a sample of current offers that have been posted on our website and newsletter. I think that these offers have a broad appeal to men and women of many different ages.
One brand name beauty supplier offers large, two month product samples for free. You can select wrinkle cream, lip enhancer, and cellulite cream. All you have to pay is the low cost of shipping.
A major software company offers an instant, free download of office programs to promote their brand name. The office software suite includes a spreadsheet, word processor, and more, and it is totally compatible with the number one office software maker. You do not even have to enter any personal information. Simply download, install, and get productive!
One electronics store has discounted prices on some rebated computer accessories so that they end without cost. An online health store gives away bottles of HGH supplements so potential customers can have an opportunity to try them. An online jewelry store actually gives away a choice of sterling silver items.
Enjoy free sample, coupon, and rebate sites. You'll probably feel like a kid in a candy store! You may be able to grab a few luxuries, make yourself more productive, and even, stretch your budget! You could even find some great new products that you want to buy again, or a new favorite online store. Then you, and the advertiser, will be happy!
For more info please go http://mealticketonus.com
About The Author
Dear Office Dweller
Dear Office Dweller
by John Mehrmann
The following letter is a composite of feedback from road warriors in the field to the much respected and appreciated office dwellers who occupy the ivory towers, headquarters or maze of cubicles. The office dwellers are the curators of much needed scrolls, documents, data, financial information and other incredibly essential data and processes that enable the organization to function. The road warrior is the tireless face and voice at the front lines of the information supply chain, responsible for maintaining that delicate balance between the vision of the clients and the magic of what really happens behind the curtain.
"Did you get my electronic calendar invitation for our meeting in ten minutes?"
No, I did not get your electronic invitation for the meeting.
I am currently sitting in front of a very important client and giving my undivided attention. The Cell phone is turned to Vibrate and put away to avoid distraction. The laptop computer is turned off and in it's case. I have a pad and paper in front of me to take notes on highlights of our conversation. The client has my complete attention, especially when we are face to face. The client has specific needs and a vision of the future. I need to understand that vision and effectively communicate how our features will meet the needs of the client. When we are together, the client and I, we have one purpose that isolates us from the interruptions of the outside world. Our purpose is to find the best solution for a mutually beneficial business arrangement.
When the meeting is done, I will have to use my notes to draft a comprehensive document that I will send back to the ivory towers. This document must accurately convey the details of our conversation with the needs and vision of the client. It must accurately assess and explain the mutually beneficial business arrangement and establish the covenants or commitments of our conversation. My notes of those critical personal moments shared with the client will become the basis for a thesis that will be drafted many hours later in a hotel room in another city.
That electronic calendar invitation is buried amid two hundred and one other emails, many of which are from other clients. I will ready them all when I sit at my hotel room desk, eat my hotel cookie and drink my single serving hotel room coffee. The hotel has a Jacuzzi, pool and amenities that I will never see. What are the real amenities for a road warrior? High Speed internet connection, clean bed, hot shower and a continental breakfast are what constitute Home Sweet Home.
"Did you get the email with the attached 32MB Video of the receptionist's granddaughter's birthday party, the pictures from the company sponsored Bar-Be-Cue, the invitation to have your car washed in the parking lot or the plethora of other emails with embedded cartoons and enormous attachments?"
Some places still define high speed internet connection as a 56k modem or a single wireless router available from the hotel lobby. Hopefully the download will be complete before I finish packing my suitcase in the morning. I can't wait to read the internal company announcement about the hot lunch yesterday, accompanied by the gratuitous oversized images of greasy burgers, fries and pizza slices. I am tempted to send an email with embedded pictures of my bran muffin and banana but fear that the humor will only create another burdensome download to my fellow road warriors. Besides, somebody already beat me to the punch line and responded with a "Reply to All" message to HR that included a social security number and complete medical history. There will be at least ten to fifteen more "Reply to All" messages that simply say "Thank You", but I won't know that until I open them. I have worn the letters off of my delete key.
"Did you read the email that I just sent to you?"
Thank you for the phone call. I am now driving in bumper to bumper traffic with one hand on my cell phone so I can talk to you. In my other hand is a pen, ready to scribble notes on the printed directions that I downloaded from some mapping software three days ago. I know that this call must be really important if you take the time to write the email and then call to make sure that I see it and respond. Where am I?
On the passenger side of the car is a slowly wilting drive-through lunch. A cup of car temperature coffee is perched in the console beside my elbow. I am driving with my knees and trying to avoid that other erratic driver who does not seem to be paying attention to the road or traffic. Was that my exit?
That's right, my cell phone does get messages. I wonder if I can scroll through my messages and read the pinpoint text while simultaneously talking to you about the attached files. Can you hear me? I think that I found the email that you are talking about. Yes, this is the email. Was that a police officer that I just passed? Is it legal to talk on the cell phone while driving in this city? Better not take any chances, I have to hang up for now and call you back. I may not be able to talk on the cell phone, but I don't think that there are any laws about doing email or text messaging on your phone while driving, not yet anyway.
"I just sent you an IM, did you get it?"
Oh, you mean the Instant Message that you sent to ask me if I read the email that you called about while I am trying to drive? Sorry, I missed that one. Calculating route, when possible, please make a legal U-Turn. Oh, it is the agenda for the conference call that started five minutes ago. I need to provide a report and rolling forecast based on the staff meeting today? What meeting?
"Oh, we decided to change that feature three days ago. It is not available anymore."
I see, the features that I just explained to our client are no longer available. The new features will cost three times as much. The meeting that you just scheduled is for me to present how we are going to sell these expensive new features and to provide an updated forecast on the revised revenue. What, it is my turn to present? You do realize that I am hundreds of miles away right now, don't you? No, I can not email my presentation and review it with everyone by phone right now. Why? I have not started the presentation yet. I must have missed the announcement. What's that? Oh, you were not aware of the changes either and there was mp announcement. I understand completely, trust me, I really do.
So, we have a new company strategy and a new corporate direction. We have decided to reinvent ourselves. There will be a big meeting to unveil our new business plan and assigned goals. I got it. What's that? Oh, I need to submit my presentation on how I will achieve those goals and my plan must be sent before the close of business today. I'm sorry, you are breaking up. It must be a bad connection because I am close to the airport now. I do not know if you can hear me, but if you can then I want to you know that I will be boarding a plane soon and will call you again later from another city to find out what you are trying to tell me. Better yet, send an email.
"I bet you really enjoy those frequent flyer miles."
You really have no idea how much I look forward to taking my vacation, at home. After several weeks on the road and a different hotel room every night, I look forward to my own bed, the one that I picked out and paid for. These days we need to arrive at the airport at least two hours before the scheduled flight. This is not productive time. Imagine spending one quarter of your eight hour day in the office standing in line with your shoes in your hand. There is a line to check in, a line to go through security and a line at to board the plane. When you arrive, stand in line to collect your luggage and another line to get your rental car. Of course, you can bypass the line to collect your luggage if you do not travel with toothpaste, shaving cream, deodorant, any gels or liquids. You can identify those fellow passengers who have elected to expedite the cattle car processing by jettisoning their personal toiletries. It would be impolite to discuss how you can identify these passengers, just trust me on this one, you can.
Working on the computer on a tray table is only effective if you the proportionate arms of a Tyrannosaurus Rex and if the individual in front of you is incapable of reclining. More than likely, you will be staring at the liver pots in the bald patch on the top of the head in front of you for hours. Remember to bring large bills in exact change to pay for your wedge of wet cheese, two individually wrapped crackers and box of sixteen fabulous handpicked raisins. Ask for a receipt so you can expense your mid-air snack and then pay for the aisle or window seat next to you so you can claim it as entertainment expense if the snack is over your approved per diem.
If you fly as often as I do then you also get the benefit of memorizing the dialogue from abbreviated movies that you would not pay to see in the theatres. Of course, the bad language, violence and parental guidance scenes are all removed to make the movies safe for general audiences. Needless to say, we will never see Ozzy Osbourne on the eight inch monitors. Would you like to hear us recite the complete dialogue from "Coal Miner's Daughter" or "Vanity Fair"?
"You must hate your job."
On the contrary, I love it. The travel, the schedule, the hours and the inconveniences are sacrifices that must be made in the pursuit of a passion. Road warriors do not travel for the excitement of hotels, or for frequent flyer miles or because we enjoy the restaurants. The travel and time are a means to an end, and that end is something much more meaningful and personal. If you were to talk to us, really talk to us for a few hours, you would learn that the real passion is for family. For some road warriors that pursuit of accomplishment means a better life for a spouse or children at home. Every day away from home is a personal sacrifice that is an investment for the ones that are left behind. For other road warriors, the family is defined as the coworkers in the ivory towers. For these people it is the professional family and the success of the organization that keeps the fire burning within. For some other road warriors the extended family includes a special personal relationship with clients, and a true dedication to help each customer achieve their individual aspirations. For the vast majority of road warriors it is a combination of all of these things, the family at home, the family at work and the extended client family on the road.
We make sacrifices, but we are thankful to have the chance to do it and grateful to the people in the ivory tower. Office dwellers are a source of constant support and amusement, for this we salute you
Sincerely,
Your Devoted Road Warrior in the Field
_________________________________________
Words of Wisdom
"Do Not Disturb signs should be written in the language of the hotel maids."
- Tim Bedore
"The path to our destination is not always a straight one. We go down the wrong road, we get lost, we turn back. Maybe it doesn't matter which road we embark on. Maybe what matters is that we embark."
- Barbara Hall, Northern Exposure
"The road that we travel may be long and arduous, full of many challenges. Yet it is the same road that leads back home and that is never too far."
- John Mehrmann, Executive Blueprints Inc
About The Author
http://www.ExecutiveBlueprints.com
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Reboot, Recovery and Relief with Rollback Rx
Reboot, Recovery and Relief with Rollback Rx
by Jacob Henderson
Fixing computer problems is generally regarded as a delicate task that involves the risk of making things worse, or deleting data accidentally. With RollBack Rx system restore software the process of repairing computer problems is so easy that even someone who has basic knowledge of computers can maintain his or her pc. They will no longer have to depend on outside help to show them how to reconfigure their computers, perform a pc restore or reinstall the operating system, which is a tedious process.
Installing application or device drivers is something only trained technicians are expected to do, because if there is a situation where one of the installations go wrong, the entire process might have to be repeated, wasting time, money and worse still, increased downtime. That is about continuity of work. During this procedure, if data happens to be deleted then the user must work extra to recreate the whole thing, adding to the frustration.
Restore, Rollback And Retrieve
Imagine being able to fix computer problems with one keystroke! This is exactly what you can do with RollBack Rx system restore software. It protects and restores computer settings to whichever point in time you choose. The scheduled snapshot feature, which is the heart of Rollback Rx ensures that each and every PC can be updated, so that they function without any down time. You never have to wait for professional help to tweak a setting that appears simple enough. To repair computer issues, you need not reinstall operating systems with the fear that something might go wrong or that you might waste a lot of time. Instead, with the confidence that Rollback Rx is protecting your system, you can manage your time better towards other priorities related to your work. Additionally, you have the advantage of being able to control computers that are in remote locations, which means you don�t have to physically be present in front of the PC to fix computer problems. A problematic software upgrade, a virus, spyware can all be eliminated by rolling your pc back to a safe point where it functioned normally.
Easy To Maintain
Depending on the kind of work you use your computer for, Rollback Rx is available in different versions with additional features to suit different computing environments. Maintaining your PC has never been easier, since Rollback Rx lets you restore your computer as quickly as you can restart your computer. Whether it is a stand-alone computer or part of a network, fix computer problems with the click of a mouse, while retaining all the data you were working on right up to the moment the problem occurred!
About The Author
Rollback are available at http://www.horizondatasys.com/Default.aspx.
http://www.horizondatasys.com/195837.ihtml
http://www.horizondatasys.com/169614.ihtml
Market Cycles: How To Thrive In Different Market Conditions.
Market Cycles: How To Thrive In Different Market Conditions.
by Althaf Ahmed
Every market goes through trading cycles. There is no exception to this. Be it the Stock Market, The Futures or the Forex market. They all go through different phases. In this brief article, I wish to point out the different phases in the Forex market, identifying which, will help the trader know when to stay in the market and when to stay out.
Range Days: Historically, it has been seen that nearly 80% of the time, the market stays in a range. Range days are when the currency stays at a certain price limit and trades within it. For example, on a typical range day, the GBPUSD will stay within a low of 1.9600 to a high of 1.9675. This maybe the case for a day or, at times continue the whole week before a breakout appears. This is also called as “Calm before a Storm”.
Rally Days: Again, historical studies have proved that the market rallies only about 20% of the time and when it does, it creates new trends and levels. Rally days usually happen when price breaks out of the range and establishes a new high or low.
Strange Days: Strange days are those days when the market hardly moves at all. It is as if the financial world is on a vacation and simply not interested in trading. This is a rare phenomenon, yet is one of the phases of the market. Usually, when a market is well below the usual daily range, it is classified as Strange Days.
Here is a bit of statistics to help understand the market phases better. I have listed below, the 4 major pairs and their daily average range.
GBPUSD - 122 pips Daily Range
EURUSD - 84 pips Daily Range
USDCHF - 96 pips Daily Range
USDJPY - 78 pips Daily Range
In the above examples, when a pair falls below the daily movement, it is considered to be ranging and when it is way below it, it is considered to have entered the unknown land. If analyzed over a week, Range days occur at least 3 times a week. Generally 70-80% of the Mondays are ranging days.
Similarly, Rally days occur when price is above the normal daily range and happens only about 20% of the time in a week. The best day in the week is Tuesday, followed by Wednesday and Thursday. Tuesday, historically has had the best rally days.
Again, strange days occur less than often, and when price stays well below the range and when there is little movement. They happen, once or twice a month and are times when one should stay out of the market.
Lastly, I should add that the best days to trade are Tuesday and Wednesday followed by Thursday and the days to avoid trading are Monday and Friday.
About The Author