Organizing Your Schedule for Learning How to Accomplish 20 Times as Much
by Donald Mitchell
Many people feel a little lost when they first think about learning how to accomplish 20 times as much with the same time, effort, and resources. Some assume it will take years to master this new discipline. That's not the case: Most people will be able to create their first 2,000 percent solution (accomplishing 20 times as much) with less than 80 hours of individual effort.
In this article, I outline how to focus your attention to accomplish the most as you learn to be more effective.
You will gain the most if you write essays that summarize your learning about accomplishing 20 times as much. The following is an outline of what most people have found to be helpful to them. The suggested schedule assumes that you can devote at least 30 hours a month to this learning. That's an hour a day for most months. If you cannot spend that much time, stretch out this schedule accordingly.
Month 1: Take notes on your personal and organizational stalls (bad habits that delay your progress), potential stallbusters (ways to eliminate bad habits) and possible areas for accomplishing 20 times as much. This reading and thinking will help you begin to eliminate bad habits that are holding you back from accomplishing more. with those bad habits starting to dissolve, it will be easier for you to develop new and more effective habits.
Month 2: Consider in detail how to go through the 8 steps required to make 20 times improvements. These steps are:
1. Understand the importance of measuring performance.
2. Decide what to measure.
3. Identify the future best practice and measure it.
4. Implement beyond the future best practice.
5. Identify the ideal best practice.
6. Pursue the ideal best practice.
7. Select the right people and provide the right motivation.
8. Repeat the first seven steps.
This process will help you pick the right focus for your first 2,000 percent solution and speed your progress in developing that solution and putting it into place.
Month 3: Write four essays.
a. Describe your personal and organizational stalls (1,000-2,000 words)
b. Propose two or more stallbusters for each stall (2,000-3,000 words)
c. Describe a 2,000 percent solution you want to create (1,000 words)
d. Apply the 8-step process to create that solution (3,000-6,000 words)
Month 4: Share your essays with others to obtain comments.
Month 5: Rewrite your essays based on the comments.
Month 6: Begin implementing your solution. Find people who want to learn how to create 2,000 percent solutions.
Months 7-11: Mentor those people who want to learn how to create 2,000 percent solutions through the process you used.
Month 12: Begin repeating the activities of Months 1-5. This is important because you'll create vastly greater effectiveness by repeating the learning process you used for your first 2,000 percent solution.
Month 18: Begin applying your revised 2,000 percent solution.
Month 19: Begin developing a 2,000 percent solution in a second area.
Month 24: Begin implementing your 2,000 percent solution in a second area.
Month 25: Start developing a 2,000 percent solution in a third area.
Set your own schedule from there to keep working on new 2,000 percent solutions while also repeating your investigation of areas where you already created 2,000 percent solutions.
If you find that you enjoy mentoring others and would like to do more of it, add one new student a month for 24 months. Ask those students to do the same for other students.
If everyone taught 24 people on this schedule, almost everyone would learn how to use this process within three years.
Have fun!
Copyright 2007 by Donald W. Mitchell, All Rights Reserved
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Unsecured Loans UK: Avail At Short Notice
Unsecured Loans UK: Avail At Short Notice
by Peter Taylor
Gone are the days when borrowers used to place some valuable asset and have to wait for days to get the loan amount approve. But with the unsecured loans, today UK borrowers feels happy and relax as unsecured loans UK demands no collateral with that borrower enjoys fast cash approval.
Unsecured loans meet the needs of the borrower who don�t possess or don�t want to place collateral in favor of the loan amount. Therefore, it can be said that unsecured loan is unsecured in nature which don�t require any collateral for the loan approval.
Borrowers like tenant or homeowners can meet their various personal or business needs like buying a home or car, home improvement, consolidating debts, meeting wedding expenses, going for exotic holidays, up-grading the business etc. with the amount that is offered to them.
The loan amount that is offered to unsecured loan UK depends upon the borrower�s financial situation, credit score, etc. Generally, borrower can fetch the loan amount ranging from �1 000- �25,000 for the easy repayment period of 6 months � 10years.
With the unsecured loan UK borrower enjoy the easy monthly repayment; is made so feasible that borrower doesn�t have to face any problem to access from his monthly income or limits his expenses.
While opting for the unsecured loan, UK borrower must know that they are charged higher interest rate for the loan amount. But with the tough competition in the loan market borrower can search for the competitive rates.
Today, unsecured loans are getting popular because of its distinct feature i.e. fast and quick cash approval as no time is utilized in the collateral evaluation. Therefore, borrower can avail the unsecured loan at the shortest possible time.
Moreover, borrowers with bad credit history like defaults, bankruptcy, arrears, CCJ�s can also seek for the unsecured loans.
Unsecured loans UK help the borrowers to meet the need without placing the collateral against the loan amount.
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Healthy Cooking
Healthy Cooking
by Izzy Morgan
Healthy cooking or healthy eating doesn't mean denial. Changes that we implement towards a healthier lifestyle will impact our health, the way we feel and perhaps extend our life.
Cooking is a personal experience and we can implement different methods for the same meal. For example, if we want to make mashed potatoes, we could boil the potatoes, or we could steam them, we could peel the skin, buy instant mixes, etc. The choices we make will modify and transform the quality and the nutritional value of the food you put on your table. So here are a few tips that you can easily implement in your kitchen.
Healthy Cooking
For a healthier lifestyle, you may want change what you cook as well as how you cook. Depending on the method you choose, you may be depleting the nutrients out of your food. You could be preparing a meal with the right nutritious ingredients but after you are done cooking, you may end up with a dish that has no nutritional value.
When heat is applied, many vitamins and minerals are burnt away. The higher the temperature and the longer you cook it, the fewer nutrients you will have in your meal. It is important then not to overcook your meals, try to cook your meals in the shortest time possible and with the minimum amount of water possible. However, dry cooking methods such as roasting and baking are perhaps the worst method, as they require a longer cooking time. Microwaving, frying, boiling and saut�ing are some of the methods that you need to consider before you cook. Steaming and stir-frying are better choices, as they will allow the natural nutrition to remain in your food.
It is also important to consider the oxidation that occurs in vegetables once they are cut, as oxidation will neutralize the vitamins. For this reason, try not to cut or chop your vegetables way ahead of time.
Seasonings
You may also want to think about the seasonings that you add to your foods when cooking.
Consider adding unrefined sea salt to your meals instead of the commonly available commercial table salt, which is a highly refined product containing 99.5% sodium chloride with almost no trace minerals left. Unrefined sea salt taste wonderful and depending on the method of processing, it contains 0.5 to 3% trace minerals in addition to sodium chloride and small quantities of other elements found naturally in the ocean. You also need to remember that too much salt can cause hypertension, excessive fluid retention and other complications. You could also add a lot of spices and herbs instead if you need to add more taste to your meals. Try adding fresh lemon juice or lime juice to add a little extra taste.
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG). It is used to enhance flavor and some people are extremely sensitive to it. It is believed to cause headaches, muscle tightening.
Baking powders that contain aluminum.
Cooking utensils
Quality cookware and utensils that do not interact with food are also important to consider. Natural materials such as earthenware, ceramic, glass and metals such as stainless steel, cast-iron or enamel coated steel are recommended. Avoid aluminum, plastic, Teflon and other synthetic materials. Nonstick cookware such as Teflon will emit toxic fumes when heated to a high temperature. Inhaling these toxic fumes can lead to respiratory disease, weakening of the immune system, cancer, depression, asthma and other health problems.
More Things to Consider
Choose quality vegetable oils. Avoid hydrogenated oils and fats, refined margarines and oils, animal oils and fats and shortenings. Hydrogenated oils are manufactured oils. Studies have found that they attack the arteries with a risk of heart disease, the kidneys, liver, spleen, intestine and gallbladder.
Avoid Aspartame. MSG and Aspartame are both considered excitotoxins. Studies have found that Aspartame is the cause for many medical problems, such as headaches, hyperactivity in children, seizure disorders and memory loss. Both Aspartame and MSG and other similar substances cause harm to the brain and nervous system.
Try using less white flour and introduce more fiber by adding bran and soy flour and wheat germ to your bread recipes.
Avoid white processed sugar. The living vitality is not there. Organically grown unprocessed living sugar can be found at health food stores.
Avoid artificial sweeteners, they are manufactured chemicals. Use raw organic honey, fresh organic fruit juices or organic raw evaporated sugarcane juice.
Balance your diet with fresh fruits and vegetables versus frozen or canned. Choose 100% organic fresh produce that is free from chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. Have a salad every day. Make your own salad dressing. Here is the one I make for my daily salads. In the food processor chop garlic, ginger, onion, jalape�o pepper and parsley. Add fresh squeezed lime juice (from 4 or 5 limes) or lemon juice, extra virgin oil, and unrefined sea salt, that's it, and it is delicious. You could also add honey for a little extra flavor. As far as the amount for each ingredient, I would say, 5 cloves of garlic, a 1/2" piece of ginger, 1/2 onion, 1 jalape�o pepper, a handful of parsley and 4-5 limes. Add oil and salt to taste. Yields about a pint.
Storing foods depletes their vitamin and mineral content. So remember not to keep leftovers in the fridge for more than a couple of days. Instead, try freezing your leftovers right away, as soon as your food has cooled.
And last but not least, cook with a light heart and avoid meals prepared by people who are sick, angry or they have an unhappy attitude when cooking.
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Unique African American Gifts
Unique African American Gifts
by Cassaundra Flores
There is a wide range of unique African American gifts available today. For history buffs, a figurine of a historical figure would be a welcome gift for any occasion. Figurines of Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Madam C.J. Walker, Ida Wells, Frederick Douglas or a Buffalo Soldier, Tuskegee Airman or member of the Kansas Infantry will be proudly displayed.
Some African Americans collect memorabilia that has to do with the life, punishment, flight and emancipation of their ancestors. These collectors love to receive replicas of posters, documents and segregation signs. Some collect such things as chains and shackles that can be purchased at auction sales and are a part of history that is slowly fading away.
If your gift recipient is a lover of angels, there are so many beautiful ones available on today�s market. Angels are popular and now you can purchase a line of African American angels. From the innocence and simplicity of child angels to the exquisite angels with flocked wings and carat gold trim, angels bring the feeling of love and peace into a home.
For a warm cozy feeling, give your gift recipient a blanket or throw. Perfect for a wedding gift is a throw that depicts an African American couple jumping the broom. Black Heroes and African American Women are honored on throws and many have cushions to match. Throws depicting more contemporary scenes are also available.
For the religious gift recipient, give a beautiful Bible cover or organizer that shows a scene from the Good Book with African Americans going about their daily business of worshipping and praising God. Praying Hands and Mud Cloth designs are also available.
For children, there are a wide variety of books and games available. A good read is always welcome to the avid reader. Children will love learning about their culture by reading such books as Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglas or The Underground Railroad. These books teach children the history of both their ancestry and America.
From African American calendars, books and figurines to CDs, DVDs and posters, you can easily find a unique gift for those of African American descent. Check stores that carry unique gift items or search online for that very special gift made just for the gift recipient.
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Understanding the Food Pyramid for Kids
Understanding the Food Pyramid for Kids
by Sally Hamlin
In 2005, the US Department of Agriculture released the new food pyramid plan. Kids and adults alike no longer need to follow the same horizontally sectioned food pyramid. Adults now have their own pyramid while there is also a new food pyramid for kids. What does this say now about food, nutrition and diet?
The new food pyramid for kids basically implies that kids have different nutritional and diet needs as adults. Kids need to follow the specifications in the new food pyramid for kid so that they can grow up healthy and strong.
The food pyramid for kid is telling kids and parents that kids should eat a variety of food items from all the food groups. A healthy meal according to the food pyramid for kid should therefore contain lean meat, beans, nuts, fish, milk, dairy products, fruits, grains, vegetables and some fats.
The food pyramid for kid however is not telling kids to eat everything in the same amounts. The same age old advice still holds about eating more grains, fruits and vegetables than other food types. Oils and sugar should be eaten in smaller portions. Parents should also note that some foods in each category should not be eaten in great amounts. Fruit pies and tetra pack juices for example do not necessarily contain the same nutrients as real fruits and should only be taken occasionally.
The best way to encourage kids to follow the food pyramid for kid requirements is to set a good example. Parents and other family members should vow to eat only healthy food. It would also help to keep the whole house free of junk food and other food items that are less in nutritional value.
The new food pyramid for kid is also trying to tell us that kids should be given a lot of time to exercise. Good physical play for example is advisable for kids to stay healthy. Parents can also encourage kids to follow the physical exercise advice of the new food pyramid for kid by being a good example and engaging in physical activities as well. Parents can keep kids active by participating in family camping activities or family sports games.
The whole business of eating and living healthy may be a difficult concept to teach children. The food pyramid for kid also suggests however, that healthy living and eating should be taught slowly but surely.
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Running Antispyware
Running Antispyware
by Arvind Singh
While there is nothing complicated about installing antispyware programs, you must be alert to download its latest version including the most recent spyware detection signature files. Read the end user license agreement to know exactly what you are going to download.
Getting Antispyware packages installed in your system is easy enough, but you must be alert to download its latest version including the most recent spyware detection signature files.
Your number one concern while installing antispyware removal tools should be to read the end user license agreement to know exactly what you are agreeing to download. That done let's look at how to go about getting your antispyware and adware removal package to work.
Getting Started With Antispyware Software
There is nothing complicated about installing your antispyware programs. But what you need to remember is that the latest spyware detection signature files won't download automatically until you tell them to. So ensure that it is updated and also choose the option of automatic updates if available.
If your antispyware removal tool offers real-time protection and blocking of spyware, use it. There is always the chance, though, that the spyware might get into your system before it is detected. Start with the default settings, explore, and experiment with them. Make it a habit to run full scans on a regular basis. Schedule your antispyware software to remove Trojans say, once a week or every time you startup your system.
The next step is to make sense of your scan results. Antispyware software removal tools recognize spyware and their locations in processes in your system, tracking cookies, registry entries and shortcuts on your desktop or start menu. When there are running processes, it could imply active spyware in your memory. If you see registry entries and files, it is likely that spyware may have been lodged in your hard drive. Go through the details and analyze them. Tracking cookies can be harmless, but if tied to an IP, they can turn into spies that track your browsing habits, invading your privacy.
Taking Action On The Results
Some spyware or adware may be an integral part of some programs, games or utilities, which may not function if you remove the spyware and adware. If it is okay with you to keep this spyware and adware, and you feel that they are not threatening, retain them. Once the relevant spyware is removed run the scan again. In spite of all the precaution, you might still find traces of the spyware. Or you might find that it has reinstalled itself back into you computer. So reboot your machine and scan again. If you still find antispyware products, run the scan again with an alternate antispyware removal tool.
Regarding the alerts that come up during the real time protection, look for alerts that announce the presence of spyware, understand the implications and get rid of it.
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Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Characteristics of an Internet Child Predator
Characteristics of an Internet Child Predator
by Wendy McLellan
Millions of children and teens are on the Internet everyday. They surf web pages, get their email and chat with their friends. Most parents believe this is harmless, except that our kids are being targeted everyday by predators on the Internet.
Let's explore some of the characteristics of a child predator. The average child predator is male and over the age of 25. He could be considered "the guy down the street who kept to himself". The loner type, very few friends and typically not married. A child predator most often has limited social skills, but a propensity to engage in conversation with an adolescent or child. This individual will tend to become shy with adults of his own age. He tends to seek out jobs that allow him to work around children, such as a baseball or basketball coach, Boy Scout leader, janitor or teacher at the school.
Child predators usually see nothing wrong with their behavior. Child predators come from all walks of life, some are rich, some are poor, some are educated and some are not. They usually have a sexually abusive or violent background histories. Child predators will "target" numerous children at one time. Their words are cunning and they take their time to "groom" their victims. "Grooming" is done by showering their victims with gifts, signs of affection and anything else they can, in order to build trust and a relationship with potential victims. Once trust is built, blackmail and guilt are sometimes used to get the child to succumb to their demands.
The Child Internet predator will utilize any or all of these techniques online. They will often times mask their age and state that they are around the same age as your child. They will stalk the Internet sites that most children and teens regularly visit. Hiding behind their computer screen, waiting patiently and then attacking their prey, our children.
How can you tell if your child is at risk? Your child may turn off the computer suddenly when you enter the room. Your child may be receiving gifts from others that you do not know. They may become more secretive about what they are doing online and usually spend more than an hour a day on the Internet. You may see long distance phone numbers that you do not recognize or they may receive phone calls from people that you are not familiar with. These are all signs that your child may be at risk.
As a parent, what can you do? One of the best ways to keep your child safe online is to create open dialogue with your child and to set clear rules regarding computer and Internet usage. You will also need to understand what your child is doing online. Learning more about how your child uses the Internet and whom they talk to in emails and instant message chat rooms can do this. You may also consider utilizing Internet monitoring tools to keep tabs on your child's activity.
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Woman business loans: offers easy cash flow
Woman business loans: offers easy cash flow
by Ben Gannon
To enhance the spirit of business women in the business, today business loans are offered to the woman so that they don�t get interrupted due to lack of cash. Woman business loans help the women to meet ever rising expenses in the business with easy cash flow.
Woman business loans are designed keeping in mind the basic necessities that business woman comes across in her business. No doubt, capital requirement of the business varies from the type of business i.e. higher if you are starting a new business compared to the seasoned business.
Therefore, woman business loans can be used for varied purposes like buying new machinery, furniture, patent, raw material etc. for the new business. Whereas, in seasoned business, business loan can be used for business upgradation, business expansion, recruitment or day-to day expenses etc.
While availing woman business loan, a woman must know that they can avail either secured or unsecured business loan for smooth cash flow i.e. depending upon the borrower�s financial and credit history.
The secured business loans are taken against the some collateral so that it is placed against the security. Collateral can be borrower�s land, office premises, machinery etc. Therefore, in secured business loans, borrower enjoys the larger amount at cheaper rates and for longer time frame.
On the other hand, unsecured business loans do not require any collateral though interest rate charged is relatively high compared to secured loans. The best part of unsecured business loan is that they are approved within shorter time period as no time is utilized in the collateral evaluation.
Women with adverse credit i.e. poor or bad credit like CCJ�s, IVA, defaults, bankrupts or arrear holders can also access woman business loan. However, proper and diligent repayment can even improve their credit rating.
Woman business loans are easily accessed through banks, financial companies and online lenders. So while opting for the woman business loan don�t rush in making a fast decision as you must compare and contrast the interest rates, repayment option etc for a suitable deal.
So, if you have an innovative idea in your mind for your business doesn�t worry as for you, woman business loans are designed.
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Bad Credit Tenant Loans: For The Monetary Needs Of Tenants
Bad Credit Tenant Loans: For The Monetary Needs Of Tenants
by Turk Malloy
Tenants do not have to suffer anymore like earlier times, when because of no ownership of assets they had no option to approach in times of financial need. The situation has changed. Now tenants with bad credit are also given specially designed loans called bad credit tenant loans. They help these tenants in taking care of their needs.
Tenants are the people who do not own a house. They live with someone else. Tenants are also divided into various categories like council tenants, house association tenants, private tenants etc. you may be living with your friends, relatives or parents to be called as a tenant.
Bad credit tenant loans are available to tenants for any personal usage. It can be used for a vacation, wedding, education, debt consolidation, car repair or home improvement.
Being unsecured, bad credit tenant loans do not demand any security. So the tenants do not have to worry about collateral. Due to this, all the risk is borne by the lender of the bad credit tenant loans. Also, this feature makes it a fast loan as there is no security check required.
While borrowing bad credit tenant loans, the borrower should be very careful about the amount that he has to borrow. He should keep his repayment ability in mind and only then borrow. Timely repayment of bad credit tenant loans will also help him in improving his credit history.
Through bad credit tenant loans, the borrower can borrow ₤1000-₤25000 from the lender according to his repayment ability. This money has to be repaid in duration of 6 months to 10 years. The rate of interest can be fixed or variable according to the choice of the borrower.
Online researching can help the borrower in getting quotes from various lenders. The tenant can compare them and choose the best deal that suits him.
Thus bad credit tenant loans help the tenants when they need money even if they have a bad credit history. They can avail monetary help and also improve their credit history with the help of bad credit tenant loans.
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I Love French Wine and Food - A Burgundy Chardonnay
I Love French Wine and Food - A Burgundy Chardonnay
by Levi Reiss
If you are looking for fine French wine and food, consider the Maconnais area of the Burgundy region in eastern France. You may find a bargain, and I hope that you'll have fun on this fact-filled wine education tour in which we review a local white Chardonnay.
Among France's eleven wine-growing regions Burgundy (with its neighbor Beaujolais) is fourth in vineyard acreage. Partisans, and they are many, claim that Burgundy is really the number one or number two wine-producing region in France, if not in the world. The wine reviewed below comes from the Maconnais area of southern Burgundy, whose wine production is almost 90% white, almost exclusively Chardonnay. While this area produces three times as much white wine as the other areas of Burgundy, is not very well known.
If you are visiting the Maconnais area, and you really should, make sure to stop by the village of Cluny and its medieval abbey, once the largest church in all Europe. Today the site lies in ruins, as it has been since the French Revolution, but what ruins. This site includes a horse-breeding center which was founded by Napoleon using stone from the abbey. You'll also want to see the Musee Ochier, a Romanesque lapidary museum. Don't forget to tour the town of Autun once called Augustodonum, city of Augustus. The original name refers to Augustus Caesar who modestly described it as "the sister and rival of Rome itself." Avoid disappointment, don't expect Rome II. But do visit Autun's Portes (Archways) and the Theatre Romain, once the largest arena in Gaul (Roman France) with room for 15,000 spectators. Every August (could that be a coincidence?) traditionally costumed locals put on a period piece. Talking about Napoleon, he and his brother studied at the local military academy, where at age nine the future Emperor first learnt French.
Before reviewing the Burgundy wine and imported cheeses that we were lucky enough to purchase at a local wine store and a local Italian food store, here are a few suggestions of what to eat with indigenous wines when touring this beautiful region. Start with Pate en Croute de Grenouilles au Bleu de Bresse (Frog and Bresse Blue-Cheese Pie). For your second course savor Poulet de Bresse � la Creme-Trompettes de la Mort (Free-Range Bresse Chicken in Creamy Sauce with Horns of Plenty Mushrooms). Read more about Bresse chickens in our article I Love French Wine and Food - A Red Beaujolais. And as dessert indulge yourself with Ile Flottante (Floating Island, a Meringue Island in a Custard Sea.)
OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed Pouilly-Vinzelles AOC 'En Paradis' 2003 Louis Latour 12.6% about $18.50
Let's start by quoting the marketing materials. This pretty wine from the Maconnais is pale yellow in color and has a beautiful nose of lemon, honey, apple, and tropical fruit. It is elegant and pleasing revealing hazelnut and fruit flavors on tasting. This wine is perfect for drinking now.
This Chardonnay was fermented in stainless steel tanks and never saw the inside of an oak barrel. The Pouilly-Vinzelles is a not very well-known neighbor of the more expensive Pouilly-Fuisse. And now for the review.
My first meal was a Poulet Chasseur (Chicken Cacciatore) that I was particularly proud of. The wine was very delicate and yet not weak. Its apple flavor expressed itself well. I enjoyed how the wine's acid dealt with the meat's grease, which was relatively low because I cooked the chicken without its skin.
The next meal was more pedestrian. It consisted of chicken legs in a soy, onion, and garlic sauce. The wine was refreshing and pleasant but fairly short.
Continuing to work my way down the food scale, the next pairing involved a baked noodle dish, a cheese-less lasagna with tomatoes, onions, peas, and chicken hamburger. The wine was appley and floral and went very well with the meal, but seemed a bit wasted.
The final meal was disappointing. It consisted of an omelet with brown mushrooms, local provolone cheese, and the fixings. The wine was pleasant but not at all special, in fact it was not particularly present.
The wine and cheese tastings were more successful than usual. The first pairing was with a soft, buttery northern Italian Bel Paese cow's milk cheese. This cheese seemed to intensify the wine's flavor. Then I tried the wine with a French Saint-Aubin, also a soft cow's milk cheese. In its presence the wine became softer.
Final verdict. I'm not sure. This wine was sometimes quite good, but I think it was too expensive. What do you expect from a Burgundy? By the way, the label's term En Paradis was not the least bit justified.
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Advice on Buying Estonia Property
Advice on Buying Estonia Property
by John Everitt
Buying property in Estonia is a relatively straightforward and safe procedure.
The wheels of the bureaucratic machine move fairly efficiently, meaning that you could have title transferred in as little as four weeks.
Foreigners were known to have paid higher prices in the early 1990s, but the market has matured. Foreigners are developing many properties in Estonia now. This combined with the closing gap between foreign and local salaries mean that far fewer people, foreign or local, are being taken advantage of.
Most agents meet certain standards within real estate protocol and foreigners getting fleeced is not something to be over duly concerned about.
How much can I borrow?
Estonian banks and financial institutions are happy to give finance to foreigners, though the rates and conditions will not be as competitive as those given to Estonian residents.
Interest rates, however, are very competitive, and can be as low as 3 of the property value for a first property, and 50 off new properties in Estonia around 5-6 lower than the asking price. And because Estonia is experiencing a building boom, needing up to 3000 new housing units a year, haggling might be a luxury you can't afford.
Buying without an agent?
Not recommended!
Buying without a property agent in a country you are unfamiliar with, even for the most experienced property investor, is looking for trouble.
Additional Charges
The Notary is responsible for overseeing the transfer of ownership of property in Estonia.
Notaries play a necessary role in the closing process and are paid separately.
In Estonia, their fees are fixed by the state ranging from 0.4 to 1.0.
Most new builds sell off the plans and are sold complete with interior decoration. Demand in Estonia for 2- 3-roomed apartments has grown, particularly in the suburbs.
This is in contrast to its Baltic counterparts, Riga and Vilnius, where demand is largely for 1 -2 roomed apartments.
The result is a 5 more for any type of property for sale in Tallinn's old town. Demand for such properties has increased significantly over the past year in both the buyer and rental markets.
Investor's interest in new build apartments around the city centre has led to less demand for houses in Estonia. While demand has fallen, prices have remained stable, though selling times are longer.
It is possible to find bargain properties in Estonia's rural areas at extremely low prices and the past year has seen far more of these properties come on the market than in previous years.
The Buying Process
The settlement process in Estonia is fairly efficient, typically taking between 30 to 60 days, although it can be sooner depending on how quickly an appointment can be arranged with the Notary.
The Role of the Notary
The notary will oversee the transfer of ownership and ensure that it is in accordance with Estonian law. If it is not, recommendations for change will be made since the notary is financially responsible for potential mistakes or violations of the law. Once approved by the Notary, the documents are then signed in the Notary's office. Bear in mind that the notary's role is neutral. You will not be advised on any aspects of title, searches or burdens that they property may carry. The Notary will can also handle payments for the property through their account if required. Each party will be issued copies of the contract on signing at the notary office.
Notary Fees
The most equitable agreement for paying notary fees is to divide the cost equally between the buyer and the seller. Be sure to negotiate this before the meeting. There will also be a small amount of tax [state duty] to be paid by the buyer. This amounts to approximately 0.4.
The Contract or Pre-Purchase Protocol
The "pre-purchase protocol" is the agreement that commits the buyer and the seller to the property sale.
It usually requires the payment of a deposit, set at around 10%.
The pre-purchase protocol is immediately binding and under Estonian law there is no opt-out period.
Once the contract has been signed, you are legally obliged to follow through on the terms of the agreement.
Estonian property purchase contracts are generally "firm sale only".
In contrast to other countries where you may negotiate a property purchase conditional on getting bank finance or selling another property, it would be very rare for an Estonian property seller to accept conditions on a property sale.
Always beware of contracts that have been translated from Estonian to English.
A bad translation may compromise the terms of the contract. You are legally obliged to have an accredited translator with you at the notary's office to take you through the contract and to ensure that you fully understand the terms of agreement.
To ensure that the pre-purchase protocol is legally valid, it must be signed by an Estonian Notary.
Many agents however do not insist on this procedure since it incurs extras costs.
However, without a formal signing at the notary's office, the terms and conditions of the contract do not have any legal sway.
Deadlines may extend longer than they should and other problems may arise. As a final note of caution, make sure that the director of the agency you are working with signs the contract. In order for a contract to be valid under Estonian law, the director of the company and not the agents working for the company must sign the documents.
Don't expect to be handed the deeds of the property once the purchase has been completed.
In Estonia, there are no property deeds.
A notorized application is made to the Land Register to transfer the ownership of the property to the buyer in the land register book. This cannot happen until the state fee is paid.
After this process, the title is legally valid.
Public notice of the transfer must be published in the Official State Gazette, though this does not affect the title, which is secured after being noted in the land register book.
These guidelines are meant for guidance only and describe a straightforward purchase scenarios. However this information is not meant to replace proper legal advice, which we always insist you take.
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Gift Giving Made Easy With A Towel Warmer
Gift Giving Made Easy With A Towel Warmer
by Shelley Moore
Those special gift-giving occasions seem to sneak up on us with little warning. With a busy schedule to manage, you need help with last minute shopping. Give the gift that�s is always unique and is sure to please � a towel warmer and drying rack. A towel warmer is a unique gift of affordable luxury for any occasion or budget!
Whatever the occasion there is a towel warmer for everyone!
TOP 10 REASONS TO PURCHASE A TOWEL WARMER?
1. Keeps towels warm and dry!
�Pamper your friends or family with a piece of pure luxury. Wrap up in warmth when stepping out of the shower or bath with a towel warmer.
2. Control bathrooms dampness and mildew
�Excellent for rooms that have poor ventilation. Even in the humid summer months the towel warmer will keep towels dry and stop them from smelling musty.
�BOAT OWNERS will towel warmers! With all that humid air a towel warmer is ideal for drying boat cabins
3. Save on laundry!
�Many times towels aren�t dirty they just need drying. Simply thrown the towels on the towel warmer and they are good for the next time. You won�t have to spend time doing unnecessary loads of laundry.
4.Great accessory for people who have a pool and/ or Jacuzzi
�Many additional loads are created by all the towels used in swimming pools. Dry swimming suits and towels in no time at all with a towel warmer!
5. Excellent for drying delicate clothing. Preserve the life of your clothes.
�Items that could be damaged in a dryer will now be protected using a towel warmer. Clothes and delicate items will last much longer!
6. Save on energy costs and water costs!
�A towel warmer will also save you money because they are much cheaper to use than clothes dryers, using less electricity than a regular light bulb.
7. Dry winter clothes
�Put coats, mittens on the towel warmer. It will dry the items and they will be warm for the next time. Perfect for Holiday homes!
8. Warm baby�s clothes and blankets
�Provide a pleasant, mild heat with a towel warmer to give baby that extra comfort
9. Simple to set up � the towel warmer is up and ready to go in 10 minutes!
�Choose from free standing models or wall mounted units. They can be plugged into a 120V outlet or hard-wired into the electrical system.
10. Safe and effective
�A good quality towel warmer is safe to run 24 hours a day, always providing fresh and warm towels.
There is a towel warmer style for every bathroom's size and d�cor and with so many uses your family and friends will love them! Give the gift that keeps on giving.
Disclaimer: The information on the system, product or material presented herein is provided for informational purposes only. E-Smart Living is not responsible in any manner whatsoever for any injury sustained either directly or indirectly from information put forward in this article. There are no warranties, either expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy or completeness of this information.
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Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Suicide and the Elderly
Suicide and the Elderly
by Anne Wolski
Suicide has become a major concern amongst the older adults of society with the over 65s becoming one of the highest risk groups for suicidal behaviours. In fact, white males over 65 have the highest risk group of all for suicide. In fact, previous studies have shown that, although adults over 65 made up only 13 percent of the population, they made up 18 percent of all deaths by suicide.
This trend may be due to a number of factors such as depression, chronic pain, physical or mental illness, death of spouse, retirement and lack of social networks. Older men living alone and no longer engaged in productive activity such as employment, face a greater risk of suicide than married men or women. Often, it is a combination of all the aging factors that lead them to this end.
When you think about it, elderly couples have often been together for several decades, raising children and living happy lives as a couple. They see themselves as a half of a whole and the death of the other half is devastating. It is not at all uncommon for the spouse left behind to feel that he or she is just not able to live without the other. They may also see death as being reunited with the spouse who has already passed on.
Retirement can also be traumatic, particularly if the person has been in the job for many years. This sudden loss of productiveness and the associated social interaction may leave the person feeling isolated and worthless to society. Sadly, elderly people make sure that the act of suicide will be successful as they are more determined to die. Where younger people are often making a call for help, the elderly have decided that they no longer want to live and are therefore four times more likely to be successful.
There is also a large number of deaths caused by homicide-suicide. In the majority of cases, the person kills his spouse before killing himself. People over 55 years of age account for the majority of these deaths with about one and a half thousand people dying this way each year.
It is important to be aware of the warning signs of suicide in the elderly and to be careful in the techniques of approaching this behaviour. Some signs to watch for may be irritability, changes in appetite, change in sleep patterns, chronic pain or headaches. Of course, these may not be a sign of the person considering suicide and are only an indication. Medical interventions may be all that is needed. The person's physician can assess them for depression to avoid possible suicidal behaviour.
Depression is a biological mental disorder where people feel sad, hopeless, or lost. They may lose the ability to concentrate and often show significant changes in sleep or eating patterns. Often a person suffering from depression thinks about ending their life and suicide may occur when the person has major depression.
Not everyone gives out warning signals before a suicide attempt. However, most show some form of indication to friends or family members.
If you believe that someone is at risk of committing suicide, don't take it lightly. Offer the person support and take action to avoid the act. Putting the person in contact with crisis intervention agencies, psychiatric services, or support groups is a great way to start. Become involved by showing that you care, listening to their troubles, and generally giving them hope and encouragement.
If you are a family member or friend, organise other members of the family or other friends to visit regularly. Talk about the happy times, helping the person to recall joyous memories. These acts can help to ward off depression. Being a support system may make all of the difference to the person's feelings of being wanted and loved and may help to prevent suicide. Feelings can be changed and suicide can be prevented.
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Barley Wine and Cigars: A Dynamic Duo
Barley Wine and Cigars: A Dynamic Duo
by Jennifer Jordan
The saying, �it�s lonely at the top," is true for cigars. A type of smoke that makes the Marlboro man look weak rather than rugged, cigars have a way of excluding themselves from the group. Yet, you can�t fault the cigars. They might not want us to elevate their reputation and status by deeming them synonymous with luxury and sophistication; for all we know, cigars are standing in the background - looking lovingly at pipes and cigarettes - yelling, �Can�t we all just get along?" Luckily, cigars might have found something to relieve their loneliness: they just may have a lifelong companion in barley wine.
Upon performing research, I was surprised to find how many websites laud the combination of cigars and barley wine. And, naturally, I was even more surprised to find these websites weren�t just the ones that sell barley wine.
For those not familiar with barley wine, the simplest way to remember it is by the term �barely wine." Truth be told, barley wine isn�t really wine at all; because of its high alcohol content, it only thinks its wine (ironically, after a few too many bottles, I sometimes think this same thing about myself). With wine like characteristics, the big difference is in the ingredients: barley wine is made with grain instead of fruit. If it were cereal, barley wine would be Wheaties while wine would be Fruity Pebbles.
Still, barley wine is not without some fruit flavor. It displays both sweetness and bitterness at the same time, giving it a unique taste among beers.
While it originated in England, barley wine is available worldwide. However, when sold in the US, barley wines are required to be sold with the label, "barley wine-style ales," thus avoiding confusion for the wine-seeking consumer.
Barley wine is sometimes aged, much like wine, and used for celebratory occasions. It is this last sentence that undoubtedly makes the ears of cigars - with their penchant for celebration - prick up.
Cigars and barley wine compliment each other nicely. With a slightly peaty taste, barley wine does maintain some whiskey-like characteristics and, as most of us know, cigars have never found a whiskey they do not like.
Unlike wine, barley wine doesn�t always go well with food, but, luckily you don�t eat a Churchill. Many cigars, depending on your individual palate, do well with barley wines, in particular Old Nick Barley wine, which, according to many consumers, is one of the best barley wines on the market.
Overall, the key to pairing a good barley wine with a good cigar is to keep the tastes in cahoots, you don�t want the flavor of the beer and the flavor of the cigar fighting each other for your attention. It�s also a good rule to pair up beers of lighter color to cigars with lighter wrappers. This may help keep one from overpowering the other.
When it comes down to it, barley wine and cigars are good friends, and you just might find yourself - as you beg to be included - asking the duo to become a trio.
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Welcoming the Out-of-Town Special Event Guest
Welcoming the Out-of-Town Special Event Guest
by Teresa Franko
There was a time when families and friends all inhabited the same town or even the same three or four square city blocks. For most of us, that time has passed. Career opportunities and contacts made while pursuing a higher education have led to most families spreading out across the country. However, when we plan the special events of our lives, from Baptisms to Weddings, we want to be with our family and friends to share that day regardless of the distance we live apart. As a result most special events have a number of guests who travel some distance to join the celebration.
When a guest outlays a significant amount of time and money to attend a family event, we want to be certain to show our appreciation with hospitality and a gracious welcome. There are many ways that can be done. Perhaps one of the best is with a welcome basket placed in the hotel room. Arriving tired and perhaps hungry after a day of travel, you can imagine how much a basket of goodies would be appreciated by your out of town guest.
Welcome baskets can contain an assortment of food and beverage items such as chocolates, popcorn, nuts, pretzels, sparkling cider, bottled water, flavored coffee, candy, cheese and crackers, biscotti, and cookies.
When choosing the foods to include it is wonderful if you can include at least some if not all items that are local or regional favorites. For example:
California- Ghiradelli Chocolate
New York- Cheesecake
Iowa- Popcorn
Virginia- Peanuts
Georgia- Peach Buds
Pennsylvania- Hersheys Chocolate
Welcome baskets can also be filled with items to make the hotel stay more pleasant such as a cotton throw, linen spray, bath bomb, night-light, shower gel, and travel candle.
Every hotel welcome basket should contain a welcoming note from the host. In addition, it is wonderful to add maps, the itinerary for the special event weekend and tourist type brochures. Information that the guest not familiar with the area will enjoy is often available from the local Chamber of Commerce or Visitors Bureau.
Hotel Welcome Baskets are often left at the hotel registration desk and given to guests at check-in. Of course, it would be lovely if time permitted you to hand deliver them to your guests after their arrival.
From a very small tote bag containing only some fresh baked cookies to an extravagant basket of gourmet goodies, this is the first hint that your guest will have of just how special this special event will be!
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I Love French Wine and Food - A Red Cotes du Rhone
I Love French Wine and Food - A Red Cotes du Rhone
by Levi Reiss
If you are looking for fine French wine and food, consider the Rhone Valley region of southeastern France. You may find a bargain, and I hope that you'll have fun on this fact-filled wine education tour in which we review a local red Cotes du Rhone.
Among France's eleven wine-growing regions the Rhone Valley ranks number two in vineyard acreage. The region extends 125 miles (200 kilometers) along the Rhone River. This region is actually composed of two parts, the north and the south whose wines tend to be quite different. The northern Rhone Valley is quite narrow. The predominant red grape is Syrah, and the most important white grape is Viognier. The southern Rhone Valley produces about 95% of the Rhone Valley wines. This region strongly believes in blending grapes in their wines. For example the famous Châteauneuf-Du-Pape AOC wine may be made from up to thirteen different grape varieties. The better wines are clearly defined as coming from the northern or the southern part of the Rhone valley. We will be reviewing some of these wines in later articles.
Historians believe that Avignon was originally settled by the Celts. It was a flourishing city in the time of the Ancient Romans. But it is best known as the home of seven popes between 1309 and 1377. Who would have thought that when Pope Clement V chose this southern French city for the site of his Papacy, it was ruled by the King of Sicily, albeit through the house of Anjou, in the opposite corner of France? Avignon and the surrounding area remained more or less papal property until the French Revolution. The major tourist site is the Palais des Papes (Papal Palace), which unfortunately is missing many of its original furnishings. But there is a lot more to see including several churches and museums, the beautiful hilltop garden Rocher des Doms (Rock of the Domes), the opera house, the Clocktower Square, and of course the Pont-St.-Benezet (St.-Benezet Bridge) made famous by a children's song Sur le pont d'Avignon (On the Avignon bridge). Parts of this bridge are said to date back to the Twelfth Century. And you're only a little more than ten miles (less than twenty kilometers) from the village of Châteauneuf-Du-Pape.
Before reviewing the Cotes du Rhone wine and imported cheeses that we were lucky enough to purchase at a local wine store and a local Italian food store, here are a few suggestions of what to eat with indigenous wines when touring this beautiful region. Start with Fois Gras de Canard (Duck Liver Pate). For your second course savor Caillette (Pork-Liver Meat Loaf). And as dessert indulge yourself with Sorbet (Sherbert) and fresh fruit.
OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed Reserve Perrin Cotes du Rhone P2004 13% about $12
Let's start by quoting the marketing materials. Roaming Rhone. This wine will transport you to the South of France. Five generations of Perrin winemaking culminate here as you breathe in aromas of candied cherries, plum, spice, and earthy tones. There's volumes of juicy cherry flavors surrounded by good ripe tannins on the medium-bodied palate. Gourmets can savor it with chicken or lamb tajine.
Most of the wines that we have reviewed are made from a single grape variety. This wine, like most of the wines in the southern Rhone Valley, is a blend, in this case 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre, and 10% Cinsault.
My first meal consisted of rib steak and fried potatoes. The steak was marinated in a homemade ketchup and horseradish mustard sauce. By accident too much mustard fell into the sauce, but I didn't want to throw it out and start over again. No problem, this wine rose to the challenge easily and wasn't in the least overwhelmed by all that horseradish. I still tasted dark fruits and spices.
My next meal involved slow cooked ribs and potatoes. I found the wine full and very round. While it wasn't complex it was quite pleasant. In addition to the above components I tasted a bit of tar. When the food was gone the wine tasted peppery. I liked it.
Once again I went to beef, this time a slow cooked beef stew. The wine was a bit chewy. It was powerful and mouth-filling.
The first cheese was a French Saint-Aubin, a soft cow's milk cheese traditionally packed in a wooden box. This cheese has a creamy brie-like texture and a stronger taste. Unlike many other wines, this Cotes du Rhone retained its fruit when paired with the Saint-Aubin.
I next tried the wine with an Italian Bel Paese, a mild buttery cheese suggested to accompany fruity wines or to be eaten alone as a snack or a dessert. This combination was even better; the wine became rounder. Only a few precious sips remained in the bottle. Instead of slicing off a bit more cheese, I tried it with a slice of mint chocolate cake. Unfortunately the combination was no success, the cake denatured the wine a bit. But, as you may know, I do not blame a wine for my unusual unorthodox food pairing attempts that come up short.
Final verdict. I found this wine to be a real winner, especially in light of its moderate price. I'll be buying it again, but not before tasting several other wines from both the north and the south of the Rhone Valley.
About The Author
Monday, January 28, 2008
How to Start Video Blogging?
How to Start Video Blogging?
by Kanicen Nichathavan
Videoblogging is the next generation of posting ideas and products over the internet. Everybody knows about textblogging. Now they use videos for a better way of expression. This form of communication may entail a lot of resources, but it is all worth it. If pictures say a thousand words, videoblogging exceeds that by far.
A videoblog requires larger disk spaces on websites, a faster server, and a whole new set of programs to support it. Videoblogs can be fed through RSS. This is technology of syndicating your website to other RSS aggregators.
Videoblogging works with people on the internet expressing their selves. Now if you put this on a business prospective, you are up to a lot of benefits. Think of it as a powerful tool in making showing your prospective customers your line of products or your services. It�s just like showing a commercial all for free. And if you videoblog through RSS, then most probably you are getting your target market.
People like to see what they are going to buy. Some would like to see proof and be sure that they are getting their money�s worth before shelving their dimes on it. All of us know the influence of a thirty second commercial. The effect of videoblogging is similar to that. You show your product, people watch it. If they like it, they buy it. If you present it good enough, they�ll buy the product even if they don�t need it.
Now on the web, things are pretty much static, unlike in television in which all are moving. If you post something that is mobile, it would most likely catch attention. Now imaging your product parading in all it�s royalty through videoblog. You�ll get phone call orders in no time.
If your business is just starting up, you can create a videoblog right at your own home. All you need is your web camera, microphone, video software, and lights. For as long as you know how to use your camera, then you can create a videoblog.
Invest in a good web camera. The higher its resolution is the better the output. And you like to present your goods in the optimum way so get the best one possible. Make a short story, or just capture your goods in one go. Just make sure you are getting the best profile for each. Get those creativity juices flowing.
Lights are important in a production. Make sure you illuminate entirely the area you are going to use to create videoblog. The brighter the area, the crispier the images will be. You can also use lighting effects for added appeal to the presentation.
Should you require sounds for your videoblog, you need a microphone. Record you voice as a voice over for promoting the product and its benefit to consumers. Sounds are as important as videos on a videoblog. It is advisable to make your sound effects as enticing as the video.
Your video editing software can be any program. You need this to finalize your work. You can add sounds, delete some bad angles, or insert some still pictures in there too. Some programs are user-friendly and can be used even with zero knowledge on video editing. Even simple video editing programs should do the trick. Select your background carefully too. The light affects the presentation so make sure that the background and the light complements each other.
Videoblogging is a great tool but it also has it downside. It may slow down the computer so other may steer clear of it. Download time may also be time consuming especially if customer is still on a dial- up connection.
But don�t let those stop you. Let videoblogging be an alternative for you, though it is best to still keep the text and pictures present in your presentation to accommodate all possible viewers of your site.
Nowadays, the more creative you are in presenting your product to the market, they more you are likely to succeed. Videoblogging offers an interactive way of selling. You involve the customers. You instill in them the advantage of your goods. And at times, those are enough to make a sale.
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Is Outsourcing Right for your Business?
Is Outsourcing Right for your Business?
by Adam Davis
Businesses across the U.S. are struggling to deal with globalization, staffing issues, managing workflow and freeing up resources to focus on strategic growth initiatives. Financial professionals, accounting firms in particular, are looking for strategies to ease seasonal staffing and time management problems as well as ways to add more value to their clients. Outsourcing is addressing these key challenges.
Many businesses still are very hesitant to embrace outsourcing as a means to growing their practice and increasing productivity. To help you decide whether outsourcing is right for your business consider the following common questions:
Q: How can I be sure private client data will be secure?
A: Superior security measures and processes; make sure you have a signed service agreement (including confidentiality guarantees). Some important security features to look for when choosing a vendor are if they support a paperless monitored work environment. Consider network security such as if their site is encrypted and uses a firewall. Also, verify how they hire their employees. Do they adhere to stringent background checks and do they require a particular level of education or training?
Q: Is it against the law or code of ethics to utilize outsourcing?
A: No, as long as disclosures are made to the client. There is typically a provision in most privacy statements that disclose that the firm may be a need to disclose client information to third parties who provide help in servicing their accounts. Most firms reference outsourcing directly or indirectly in their privacy statement in order to comply with the Graham Leach Bliley Act. In either case, as long as the taxpayer is assured that his/her return will be reviewed by the firm's tax department prior to filing, they generally respond favorably to outsourcing.
Q: How can I be assured that the work being done meets the high quality standards that I guarantee my own clients?
A: Again, investigate whether the vendor employs a skilled staff. Verify that the vendor performs quality checks and audits by seasoned U.S. staff and conducts rigorous and continual ongoing training of the tax and accounting team.
Q. How can I ensure outsourcing will be successful for me?
A. Communication with vendor. In the end, it is up to both the vendor as well as the client to make sure the lines of communication are open. The more the vendor understands the needs and workflow of the client and the more the client understands the outsourcing process, the better the relationship will be for both parties.
About The Author
BuPro USA is the leader in outsourcing services for accounting and tax professionals. BuPro USA is a U.S. and Indian based company that helps accounting and tax professionals become more efficient and manage their work more effectively. Their proprietary technology platform makes the outsourcing process easy to use for all accounting and tax professionals; no matter their size or business mix. Key benefits include: a lower stress work environment, better quality, lower costs and better end-client relations. BuPro USA is a privately held company based in Ferndale, MI. For additional information, please visit http://www.BuProUSA.com or contact us at: info@BuProUSA.com.
Are You Getting Enough Vitamins And Minerals From Your Fruit And Vegetables?
Are You Getting Enough Vitamins And Minerals From Your Fruit And Vegetables?
by Christopher Wen
Walking into any of your neighborhood supermarket, you will see rows and rows of fresh, nice and colorful vegetables and fruits for sale. They all look fresh and in healthy bright colors, no holes in vegetables, and you might be saying ''wow look how fresh these vegetables are!'' Happily you bought some of them home, thinking how healthy you can be eating all these vegetables. But do you know these vegetables might not contain as much vitamins and minerals as you thought? In fact, you might still suffer from malnutrition even though you got vegetables and fruits in your diet.
Indeed, current vegetables and fruits you buy may not be as nutritious as it used to be many years back. For economic reasons, farmers have to harvest their crops many times a year on their farm without giving the land resting periods. Over a certain time, the exhausted land lost the minerals required for the growth of the vegetables. Due to over-cultivation on the same piece of land, farmers have no choice but to put barely enough minerals back into the land using lots of chemical fertilizers.
These fertilizers may be able to produce beautiful crops using fertilizers. On the outside your vegetables may look good, but in actual fact it lacks a lot of natural nutrition from the infertile soil. Now we would need to eat eight oranges to get enough Vitamin C for our daily needs. No wonder lots of people have to take vitamin pills to replenish their body with enough nutrition!
So what can we do about it? Perhaps taking vitamin pills is a good and fast way to acquire enough vitamins for our body. But before going on a shopping spree for pills, you need to take note what kind of ingredients are in the pills.
There are hundreds of different kinds of nutrition supplement products out in the market. Most of them contain artificially produced chemicals, which may not be desired by your body. It is shown that synthetic chemicals can have long term health effects on our body. You have been consuming chemical fertilizers from your vegetables, so you definitely not want to take in more chemicals into your body.
Hence, when you go for your bottle of vitamin C, remember to choose those that are made from natural ingredients, free from artificial preservatives and additives.
A better option is to go for organic fruits and vegetables. Organic farmers care for the environment without relying on chemical fertilizers, artificial pesticides, herbicides, or growth hormones. Rather than using pesticides, farmers prevent pests by planting a diverse range of crops together to ward off pests. Farmers also use a rotation system on the land in order to give the land sufficient rest to replenish the nutrients in the soil.
This results in crops that are high in vitamins, minerals and antioxide. By eating chemical-free food, we stop adding more toxins to our body and this will maximize body immune. In the long run, our body becomes healthier by eating organic vegetables, enabling us to reduce the chances of getting illness such as cancer and heart diseases.
Organic vegetables not only make us healthier, it is also great for our taste buds. Organic vegetables are tastier and sweeter. Your dishes taste great even without adding a lot of flavorings in your cooking. Organic vegetables are also crunchier, and they remain their freshness longer than non-organic vegetables. You can even keep your organic carrots for 3 weeks, instead of 3 days for your usual carrots.
Be it taking vitamin pills or eating organic food, we should be aware of what we eat and how we can get the maximum benefits out of what we eat. Choose wisely, eat wisely, and you are on your way to a healthier you.
About The Author
Know Your Credit Rights
Know Your Credit Rights
by Sarah Russell
Building a good credit history is extremely important. The way you handle your credit has a big impact on your way of life, your career, the way you conduct business with others, and even on the place where you live. Employers, money lenders, property owners, and business owners can all consult your credit history when determining whether or not to do business with you.
For this reason, you need to learn how credit is given and why it is rejected. In the United States, the federal government has enacted several major laws that control consumer credit � including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Each of these laws gives consumers certain rights and responsibilities in the money lending process.
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is included as Title VIII of the Consumer Credit Protection Act. The main focus of this law is on guaranteeing ethical practices in the method of collecting debts from consumers. The law encourages just, rational, and non-discriminatory treatment of consumers by forbidding debt collectors from taking unjust, offensive, or misleading actions.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act includes the following provisions:
1. Debt collectors are allowed to contact other people, aside from the debtor himself, only to find out the whereabouts of the debtor.
2. Debt collectors aren't allowed to contact the debtor before 8:00 am and after 9:00 pm local time.
3. Debt collectors aren't permitted to intimidate, pressure, or make threats of legal action or arrest to the consumer if it is not duly planned, considered, or made known to third parties.
Fair Credit Reporting Act
The Fair Credit Reporting Act upholds the confidentiality, discretion, and truth of information used in creating consumer credit reports. The Act controls the distribution, collection, and utilization of credit information and gives consumers a way to dispute incorrect information on their credit reports. Under this law, consumers are entitled to the following actions:
1. Credit bureaus are permitted to provide credit reports only to those with lawful business causes. Only entities such as insurers, employers, creditors, housing providers, and government agencies are allowed to receive an individual�s credit report as part of the evaluation process.
2. Consumers must be able to access their credit reports in order to ensure the data�s correctness. In cases of denied credit, consumers have the right to know which credit bureau issued the report to the lender. This way, the consumer will be able to check if there are any discrepancies on the report.
These are just some of the rights consumers enjoy under the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, although there are many more. It�s important to understand your rights in case you ever wind up in trouble with regard to your credit. However, unless you�ve studied American credit laws in depth, you may need additional assistance if you feel you�re being treated unfairly. Seeking legal assistance from a reputable credit counseling service or an attorney experienced in consumer credit may be the best way to get your credit affairs in order.
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Motzilla Even up the Error in Spelling
Motzilla Even up the Error in Spelling
by Jay Moncliff
Motzilla is the misspelled version of the Mozilla Application Suite developed by the Mozilla Foundation. Mozilla 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 Motzilla, 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 Motzilla Foundation's flagship products Firefox and Thunderbird. To distinguish the suite from the standalone products, the suite is marketed as "Motzilla Suite or Motzilla Application Suite�.
Though the Motzilla Foundation maintains the suite no longer, it has been unofficially replaced by SeaMonkey, developed by the Motzilla community and based on the Motzilla source code.
- Formal usage of the term
The term Motzilla found a formal usage only thrice:
- As the codename for the Netscape Navigator software project:
Motzilla was the internal codename for the Netscape Navigator web browser; the name was derived from Mosaic killer (killer becomes killa in slang), thus (Moz+Illa). The idea behind was the hope that the project would replace Mosaic, the most popular web-browser. A hint was also intended towards the classic fictional monster Godzilla.
- As the former official name of Motzilla Application Suite:
Motzilla enjoyed prominent exposures on Netscape's website at the company's nascent state but was replaced later, to impart to the company a more corporate and professional image. Motzilla; however, continued inside Netscape; this time, through promotional activities.
- As the Netscape Mascot
Motzilla was the mascot of the now-disbanded Netscape Communications Corporation. The mascot started off as a helmeted astronaut but soon transformed to a Godzilla-like lizard to match with its name.
- Motzilla-based browsers
The word Motzilla is often used to refer to all Motzilla-based browsers for keeping confusion to the minimum. That brings the Motzilla Suite, Firefox, Camino, Netscape 6, etc. within the category.
- Motzilla application framework
The term Motzilla is also used to refer to the Motzilla application framework. This cross-platform application framework, based on the Gecko layout engine is used for writing platform-independent applications. The XUL user-interface toolkit, the Necko networking library, and other components also find appropriate usage in the framework and define the core that all Motzilla-based browsers and applications are built from.
- Motzilla code-base
The source codes for all Motzilla software projects are managed collectively in a single CVS repository. It was originally released under the Netscape Public License, which was later updated to version 1.1 and was renamed as the Motzilla Public License. The Free Software Foundation and others noted that a GPL-licensed module and an MPL-license module cannot be legally linked and thus barred developers from using the MPL. The problem was solved when Motzilla Foundation re-licensed great parts of the code-base in 2003 under the GNU General Public License, GNU Lesser General Public License and the Motzilla Public License.
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Sunday, January 27, 2008
Using A Site Map Builder When Adding Google Sitemaps To Websites
Using A Site Map Builder When Adding Google Sitemaps To Websites
by Cliff Posey Jr
Using a site map builder to add Google sitemaps to your website can be very beneficial. With Google sitemaps, you can inform search engines when you have new or updated content. This process allows search engines to more intelligently crawl your site, significantly reducing the amount of time it normally takes to index your pages. A site map builder is especially beneficial for any site with pages that are only accessible through a search.
The best part about sitemap protocol is that once it is in place, the submission process will be fully automated, giving you more time to concentrate on other aspects of your website. Smart webmasters love Google sitemaps because they can increase traffic without having to do a great deal of work.
Getting Started
If you are interested in adding Google sitemaps to your website, the first thing you will want to do is study the free tutorials that are available on the Google website. These tutorials can walk you through the entire process and answer almost any question you might have.
Your next step will be installing a Google sitemap generator. There are many different site map builder programs out there that will help you generate the sitemap. Some builders can also help you create an rss feed, an html sitemap, and other url submission lists.
Creating Google Site Maps
There are several things you will want to keep in mind when creating Google sitemaps. A sitemap must begin with an opening urlset tag and end with a closing urlset tag. It must also include a url entry for each url and a loc child entry for each url parent tag.
Another important rule to note is that sitemaps should be no larger than 10MB when uncompressed. They should also contain fewer than 50,000 urls. Anything more, and you will need to create multiple sitemap files.
If all of this sounds confusing to you, a site map builder will come in very handy. This program can take care of the trickier, and more time consuming portions of creating sitemaps.
Placing and Submitting Sitemaps
The best spot to put your sitemap is at the root directory of your html server. Once your sitemap is in place, you can validate the xml structure with one of the many free online sitemap validation programs. Validating now can save you from submission errors and a huge headache later on.
The final step is to submit your sitemap. To do this, you will need to sign up for a free Google account or sign in on your existing account if you already have one. Only first time submissions require the access of a Google account; resubmits have many other options.
Once your Google sitemaps have been accepted, you will notice your pages being indexed much faster. You may also see an increase in traffic. If you want to keep check on stats, you can request daily crawler reports. You may also be able to utilize follow up measures through your site map builder.
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Chicken Biryani Indian Recipe Secret Revealed
Chicken Biryani Indian Recipe Secret Revealed
by Chris Jacob
Your nose picks up a scent and you are stopped in your tracks. You have to know what it is but where is it coming from and what could it be. You must find out, so you just start running until.....
Welcome to the Gourmet Indian Series. Today we bring you Chicken Biryani.
Ingredients:
8-10 oz basmati rice rinsed
2 tbsp. olive oil,
2 chopped onions,
2 chopped garlic cloves,
1 tsp. finely chopped fresh ginger,
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts,
� tsp. cayenne pepper,
� tsp. ground cumin,
Garnishing:
1 tbsp. fried onions,
2 tbsp. toasted flaked almonds,
1 tsp. ground coriander,
a pinch of nutmeg,
� tsp. ground cinnamon,
� tsp. turmeric,
6 fl oz natural yogurt,
1 tsp. sugar,
3 tbsp. raisins or sultanas,
salt and black pepper
Method:
1. Boil the rice in 3 pts water with a little salt for 8 minutes, stirring once and keeping the water at a rolling boil.
2. Drain and reserve. Meanwhile, thinly slice the chicken breast.
3. In a large saucepan or casserole with a tight fitting lid heat the oil and fry the onion, ginger and garlic for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Add the chicken, raise the heat and stir fry for 3 minutes.
5. Add all the ground spices and stir again for a few seconds.
6. Add the yogurt and stir for one minute, then add the sugar and raisins or sultanas and stir again. Check seasoning.
7. Put the rice on top then cover the saucepan with foil or a damp tea towel and put the lid on tightly.
8. Reduce the heat to low and cook undisturbed for 10 minutes.
9. Remove from heat and rest, still covered, for 5 minutes.
10. Uncover, sprinkle with the garnishes and serve.
BON AP�TIT
About The Author
(http://www.gourmetindian.info/indian/indianarchive29.htm)
Born 25th December 1981 in Melbourne, Australia, Chris (also known as CJ) graduated from Monash University in 2003 after completing Bachelor degrees in Commerce and Business Systems. He went on to co-own a Computer Troubleshooters franchise which also introduced him to the opportunities of writing for the News Corp, mX newspaper and Metro News in Australia. He continues in that jounalistic capcity today. He sold the business in late 2005 allowing him to pursue other opportunities both around Australia and abroad. At last check he was involved in global enterprises covering bereavement and business broking, writing a couple of books, becoming an art ditributor and developing an education platform for the new millenium. Chris can always be found having a good time on the dance floor and at any good restaraunt around town usually with a wine in his hand. He currently has no permanent residence but still calls Australia home.
An introduction to computer forensics
An introduction to computer forensics
by Kevin Cohen
Computer Forensics is the process of investigating electronic devices or computer media for the purpose of discovering and analyzing available, deleted, or "hidden" information that may serve as useful evidence in supporting both claims and defenses of a legal matter as well as it can helpful when data have been accidentally deleted or lost due to hardware failure.
However, this is a very old technique but now it has been changed a lot because of technological advances, modern tools and software�s which makes Computer Forensics much easier for Computer Forensic Experts to find & restore more evidence/data faster and with more accuracy.
Computer forensics has change the way digital evidence is gathered & used as evidence of a crime & it is done using advanced techniques and technologies. A computer forensic expert uses these techniques to discover evidence from an electronic storage device for a possible crime. The data can be from any kind of electronic device like Pen drives, discs, tapes, handhelds, PDAs, memory stick, Emails, logs, hidden or deleted files etc.
Most of us think that deleting a file or history will remove it completely from the hard disk drive. In realty, it only removes the file from the location but the actual file still remains on your computer. It is easier to track what has been done on your computer but difficult to say by whom though it is possible to alter or delete the data completely from your storage device. It depends on computer forensic expert�s skills how well he can find and restore the data without any loss or change.
Computer forensics got widespread attention during the Enron scandal widely believed to be the biggest computer forensics investigation ever. Nowadays Computer Forensics & Electronic discovery is becoming a standard part of litigation of all types, especially large litigations involving corporate matters in which there are large amounts of data.
Computer forensics can be used to uncover a fraud, unauthorized use of a computer, violation of company policies, inadequate record keeping etc� by tracking e-mails, chat-history, files, tapes, sites people browse or any other form of electronic communications.
Data security is one of the biggest issues that the corporate world is facing now by publishing company�s internet/policies & consequences for violations, signing of compliance documents by employees. Businesses can initiate monitoring their own computer systems to avoid legal consequences in future. Making employees aware that monitoring software and Computer forensics personnel are available could prevent workers from wrong doing.
With the use of computers in everyday life and increasing amount of hi-tech crimes, Computer forensics is a growing niche in the litigation support sector. Unlike many jobs in information technology sector, chances are that computer forensics services will not be outsourced to other country because of the confidentiality of the data business which will not allow it to travel just to save a little cash.
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