Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Reach out and touch someone -- Coupons and promotions on your cell phone

Reach out and touch someone -- Coupons and promotions on your cell phone
by James Wong

It's lunchtime, and you can't decide what to have today. So you take a stroll outside, just to see what looks good at the various restaurants in the neighborhood. As you're walking along, browsing at the different menus displayed in the front of each restaurant, you get a notification signal on your mobile phone. It's the newly opened bistro on the corner, asking you if you want to receive a coupon and a menu. You respond with a Yes, and the files are sent straight to your phone. There's a full menu and a coupon for a free appetizer with your entree. Lunch sounds good -- let's give it a try. You've just taken part in a Bluetooth Marketing campaign.

So, aside from the funny name, what exactly is Bluetooth Marketing? How does it work? And what does this mean for the average consumer?

Most mobile phone shoppers have probably heard of Bluetooth by now. It's a standard feature on almost every new cell phone sold today, as well as many laptops and desktop computers. One of the more common uses for Bluetooth is to connect to a hands-free headset, but it can actually do a whole lot more. Bluetooth is really just a way for various devices to connect to each other and share information without the need for wires. So, with Bluetooth, your cell phone could also connect to your computer to synchronize your contacts list, transfer songs and ringtones, even upload those pictures you just took with your camera phone. What's more, if your friend also has a Bluetooth phone, you could easily send them your pictures, songs, videos, games, or other files stored in your phone, all without having to worry about having the right cables to connect.

So, what does this have to do with marketing? Well, through some clever use of technology, companies are now using Bluetooth to send their latest promotions to the mobile phone -- that ubiquitous device that almost everyone uses and carries with them at all times. How does it work?

A small, Bluetooth enabled file server, specially configured for this purpose, is mounted in a busy location. The server will continuously scan the area for Bluetooth enabled devices as they come within range (up to 100 meters). When found, it sends the user a message asking if they wish to receive the advertiser's content. This could be a coupon, a video, Java game or any other multimedia file. If the user responds with a Yes, the file is sent automatically. If they respond with a No, the server logs this decision, and will not ask the same user again the next time they come within range. This so called "blacklisting" feature ensures that users are not continuously bothered with requests to download things they don't want.

And, in contrast to SMS or text messaging, there is never a charge to send or receive files via Bluetooth. What's more, since files don't pass through any cellular carriers, Bluetooth Marketing works even where there is no cell signal, such as subway stations or other "dead" zones.

So what are the benefits and pitfalls, both for prospective businesses looking for a new and unique way to connect with their customers, and for consumers, who may view advertising on their cell phones as a sort of invasion of privacy?

For advertisers, Bluetooth Marketing allows them to send their promotions to people for very little cost. Aside from the initial purchase of the equipment, Bluetooth Marketing campaigns are essentially free to run. Because files sent by Bluetooth are free, it would not matter if a company sent 10 promotions or 10,000. More importantly, users who choose to accept the message inevitably take the time to look at it. This differentiates Bluetooth marketing from other types of advertising, which goes largely ignored by the target group. Advertisers also have the opportunity to market their products and services based on the proximity of the consumer. For example, restaurants can send coupons to people as they walk by; movie theaters can send video trailers of new releases to people standing in line, etc. What better time to send promotions to customers than when they are physically close?

Of course, from the point of view of the consumer, there may be fears that this technology may raise some privacy issues. Would people be spammed with ads they don't want as they're walking down the street? Will advertisers be able to record their cell phone numbers and use it for marketing purposes? And what if someone doesn't want to receive this kind of marketing -- ever?

In fact, the technology does incorporate ways to resolve these issues. Again, Bluetooth servers must always get permission first from users before any content is sent. And if the user refuses, the software remembers this, and will not ask again in the future. This ensures that only people wishing to receive content will get it -- a benefit to both advertiser and consumer. Also, personally identifiable information is never collected by the system. The server only detects each phone's MAC address, a unique hardware ID, but nothing else. It cannot collect phone numbers or any personal information from any user. People needn't be afraid that their private information is being compromised in any way. And, of course, users can always choose to never participate in any Bluetooth campaign by simply setting their Bluetooth to "invisible", so they won't be found in the first place.

Bluetooth Marketing has been popular in Europe for several years now, and is only now beginning to catch on in the United States. Besides just coupons and promotions, stores can get creative and offer free games or songs to reward customers, companies could use this technology to distribute bulletins to employees, or professionals can use Bluetooth to send business cards to potential clients, ensuring that they always have their correct contact details handy. The possibilities are vast. So the next time you're walking down the street and you get an unexpected message on your phone asking if you want a free cappuccino, just say Yes, and look around you. You may not have noticed the cafe on the corner, but they noticed you!




About The Author

James Wong

If you would like more information about Bluetooth Marketing, you may contact ZipZone Media, a New York based company specializing in this technology.

Their phone number is 1-718-969-2436

Website: http://www.zipzonemedia.com



Source: www.articlecity.com

Barbacoa � Grilled Sheep From Mexico

Barbacoa � Grilled Sheep From Mexico
by Chris McCarthy

Barbacoa � the name itself sounds as if it is time to celebrate. It is an open fire grilling process where a whole sheep is made to roast slowly so that each fleshy part acquires that flabbergasting taste of barbeque bonfire. However, the sheep can also be grilled traditionally in a pit covered with leaves. This barbeque specialty was developed in Mexico just after the Spanish conquest and it was referred to as Barbacoa de cabeza.

Regional discrimination in the art of cooking

In U.S, some portions of the head of the cow become the item to be grilled. In Northern Mexico, again it is the head of the cow, though goat meat or Cabrito is more preferred here. Lamb is the choice of the Central Mexicans and it is Cochinita Pibil (pit-style pork) in traditional Yucatan gastronomy dictionary.

Barbacoa and Barbeque

The word barbeque is an adoption from the word barbacoa. In both cases, meats are cooked following a proper grilling or roasting process. The flesh is allowed to roll well over the grilling equipment to allow the heat touch every part of the fleshy item. This helps to build that simmering and spicy experience which often makes you feel as if there is no end to an appetite.

South Texas Style Beef Barbacoa

Five brothers together make one palatable dish. Yes that�s the way it�s done. Garlic powder, black pepper, dried oregano, chili powder and salt � all mixed well and rubbed thoroughly and evenly on all sides of the meat. Your requirement is three quarts boiling water in a water pan, which allows the beef to be exposed to smoke at least for four hours and at a temperature between 225 to 275 degrees. Once you are to change the boiling water of the pan. After this is over, keep watch that the internal temperature of the beef does not exceed 160 � 170 degrees.

The next step would be to lay the beef in a foil-baking pan, seal it well with heavy-duty aluminum cover, and carefully place it in a preheated oven at a temperature of 325 degrees. The baking should continue for one hour and forty-five minutes. After everything is done just test the meat. You will see that the flesh tends to fall apart from the bone - yes, proper broiling method can really make the meat soft.

Now, it is the time to serve. The meat is chopped and shred into small pieces and then dished up with guacamole, salsa, and hot tortillas.

The queen of the Mexican bistro

Outside Mexico City, there are several places serving palatable barbacoa de borrego (lamb barbeque) and other provincial cooking varieties in a dozen of unbounded restaurants. Arroyo, one of Mexico�s famous restaurants is noted for its supply of pit-roasted barbacoa de borrego and consomme de Borrego. Such dishes are well complimented by soup made from the drippings of the roasting lamb and sheep.

Mexican barbacoa � a Mexico magnificence that can make the heat of an occasion rise to an extent when the rest of the party dance wildly with the pulsating music. When hot barbeque accompanies the heat of an occasion, nothing else is required to make the party more enjoying.




About The Author

Chris McCarthy is the owner on http://InsaneChicken.com. For condiments for your next grilling experience such as hot sauce, bbq sauce visit InsaneChicken Hot Sauce Store.



Source: www.articlecity.com

How You Can Help Your Child With Aspergers To Cope With Mainstream School

How You Can Help Your Child With Aspergers To Cope With Mainstream School
by Dave Angel

In this article I want to give some basic and easy to follow tips to help parents when their child is starting at school. As with so much in life preparation is the key and so you want to be taking action long before the first bell on the first day. Before the school year starts, you should take your child to the school for a trial run. Just so he or she can meet their teacher and learn what their day may look like.

This is also an excellent opportunity for you to "scout" around the school and look for potential challenges and positives. Pay attention to things like physical room sizes, the number of pupils per class, color and light issues around the school. You know best your child's issues and mannerisms so bear them in mind when you walk around the school. But don't overwhelm yourself trying to look out for EVERYTHING on the first visit. Just think about 1 or 2 particularly important issues for your child and keep an eye out for things related to them (e.g. if your child hates crowds look at the classroom and break time set-up if you can). If you aren't sure then ask your child before you go "what are the 2 most annoying things about school? or "is there anything you are afraid about the new school?"

When you visit it is a good time for you to introduce yourself to the teacher and let them know that you are there to help; providing just a basic overview of your child and what works best for them, as far as you know. Recognize that the teacher will have a number of children to deal with and that they want to help your child, but they may need to do things differently than you have at home. Let the teacher know that you are willing to support your child with homework assignments or any other projects that may come up. Be an advocate for your child but don't overwhelm the school or make demands on them that make it impossible for them to care for other children as well.

Also try to set up a practical means of communication with the teacher for when your child starts. For younger children this can be a "communication book" going back and forth between home and school. For older children it may mean swapping email addresses or mobile phone numbers with the various teachers that your child may be taught by. In my experience email is the best way as it's instant and does not rely on people remembering to pass phone messages to teachers � or teachers remembering to read and act on those messages!

Simple and effective communication systems are essential particularly at High School age. If you don't do this you can spend days trying to get hold of the teacher by leaving phone messages at the school. In the mean time behaviors may have got worse and also it becomes more difficult to understand and resolve problems the longer they are left for.

If your child is to be mainstreamed, they are likely going to need an aid with them throughout most of their mainstreamed classes. This person will be there to help them with difficult work and also monitor your child for overload; allowing them the opportunity to remove your child from the classroom prior to them displaying inappropriate behavior. Inappropriate behavior in the classroom is only going to make them a target for other children and it will serve them well to avoid that possibility.

So to summarize this article you should arrange to visit the school in plenty of time before the school year starts. When you visit remember to look for potential issues for your child and communicate with the teacher your willingness to work with them (and exchange contact details).




About The Author

Dave Angel is a social worker with families who have children on the Autistic Spectrum and is the author of a new e-book that answers the 46 most asked questions by parents of children with Asperger�s. To claim your free 7 day Mini-Course for parents of children with Asperger�s Syndrome visit http://www.parentingaspergers.com today.



Source: www.articlecity.com

The Iron Chef

The Iron Chef
by Kadence Buchanan

Do you remember that old television series about cooking called �Iron Chef� which ran from 1993 to 2002? Since over 300 episodes of that show have been aired (and are still actually in syndication today), I�m pretty sure that anyone remotely interested in the culinary arts will remember that show. So, who was your favorite chef on that landmark cooking program? Chances are, you will select Chen Kenichi, better known as Iron Chef Chinese. Kenichi was the only Iron Chef to be on the show from start to finish. In addition, Chen won the Iron Chef competition 67 times and is now widely regarded as one of the great chefs of the world.

Born on January 5, 1956, Chen is actually the son of another great chef, Chen Kenmin, who is known in Japan as the father of Sichuan cuisine.

You can tell his father�s influence on Chen by his choice of his special dish, �Prawns in Chili Sauce,� which was inspired by a similar dish introduced by his father in Japan. Naturally, where several generations of excellence are involved in the same area of endeavor, comparisons between father and son are inevitable. The same applied to the Chen father-and-son combo as well. But the spectacular success of the younger Chen on the Iron Chef series has established in many minds that he is the superior chef between the two.

Since leaving the show, Chen has continued to be a successful chef. He currently runs the restaurant chain Shisen Hanten in Japan, which is a huge commercial success, with outlets in Akasaka, Ikebukuro, Roppongi, Tokushima, Kure (Hiroshima Prefecture), Matsuyama and Hakata

Ironically, it was the success of Chen�s restaurant chain that almost prompted him to leave the show. Ironically, and this is a little known story, it was Chen�s rival on the show, the so-called Iron Chef French Hiroyuki Sakai, who prevailed up Chen to stay, smartly pointing out that the show would not be the same without Chen aboard, which was probably true. The two rivals shook hands and agreed as gentlemen that if either one of them left the show, so would the other. Both great chefs honored the gentleman�s agreement until the very last episode of the show�s decade-long run.




About The Author

Kadence Buchanan writes articles for http://wonderfulworldoffood.com/ - In addition, Kadence also writes articles for http://homeimprovementstation.com/ and http://theoutdoorslifestyle.com/.



Source: www.articlecity.com

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Looking Within To Learn How To Make Money

Looking Within To Learn How To Make Money
by Mario Churchill

Learning how to make money always starts with yourself; if you want to learn how to make money and become wealthy, you need to take a good look at your reflection first and honestly ask yourself what you can do to improve and enhance your strengths while reducing your weaknesses.

10 Tips for Learning How to Make Money by Looking Within

Know your interests. This will let you know what kind of your job you�ll be happiest of. Don�t think about its profit potential first. What you should really be concerned about is to search for any interest that will make you enjoy work and get paid for something you love and don�t mind to do!

Know your strengths and weaknesses in relation to your chosen field of profession. When you�ve identified your key interests, this will lead you to your chosen profession. And when that happens, it�s time to take a good look at your reflection and know what makes you strong and weak. Afterwards, we do things to improve our strengths and reduce or eliminate our weaknesses.

Invest effort in learning and gaining experience. Don�t stop learning new things. It doesn�t have to be directly connected with your chosen field all the time. Any educational opportunity is ultimately beneficial because it exercises your mind. And of course, you�ve heard about how experience is the best teacher, and it�s still true. That�s why you should do your best to gain as much experience in your preferred job.

Be ethical. Contrary to popular opinion, good guys don�t finish last often nowadays. In fact, it�s the big guys who are now leading the pack. You only have to look at Bill Gates and Warren Buffett to understand this.

Being ethical pays, but don�t do this just for the sake of higher returns. Do this because you know it�s right. Be fair to your clients, employees, employers, superiors, distributors, retailers, suppliers, and all other people who are working with you. Do unto them what you want them to do unto you in short.

Set standards for your company. Having standards is a way of motivating the people in your company or business to aim higher and do better. It also lets you know whether you�re making money or not, and if you are � whether you�re making as much as you should or not. If you aren�t, it lets you know what you�re doing right and what you�re doing wrong.

Think of your work or business as a plant. You need to nourish it if you want it to grow, blossom, and bear fruit. It will not survive solely on financial investment. For anything to become truly profitable, you first need to involve your body and soul into it.

Rule by example. Your employees play a key part in turning your company around, and if you want them to perform well, you need to show them that you can and will always do what you�re asking them to do.

And most importantly of all � don�t be afraid to take risks. If you focus too much on what you could lose, you might lose track completely of what you could gain if you take the risk. Instead of being impulsive, weigh your options carefully to ascertain which risks are foolish�and which ones aren�t. Use your heart to know which risks have great potential, but use your head to decide which is right.




About The Author

Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more information about an excellent business opportunity checkout http://www.starscapes.com



Source: www.articlecity.com

Enjoy A Cold Glass of White Wine In the Sun Without The Red Cheeks!.. No More Wine Allergies

Enjoy A Cold Glass of White Wine In the Sun Without The Red Cheeks!.. No More Wine Allergies
by Lucy Ross

The Red face, The itchy Skin, The almost hangover like symptoms coming on while you are still drinking, headaches, sneezing, irritation! Sound like you... or someone you know? Unlike Santa Clause... a flushed faces at a dinner party, or picnic is not so appealing, when it comes to drinking wine, some people are allergic... but you can still have your wine and drink it too!

So What Causes the Irritation.

Well the Majority of people have a reaction to white wine, this is due to the high levels of sulphides within white wine, ( or Preservative 220) this can cause a number of side effects, as mentioned above. One of the sure fire ways to combat feeling under the weather when drinking is firstly, not to over indulge, and secondly to keep your fluids up, And i mean water not more wine, simply by having a glass of wine between drinks, you help your body to keep its fluids up, and may reduce that dehydrated, hungover feeling.

How Sever Are Wine Allergies

Well wine allergies can have a range of reactions, depending on the severity of allergy a person has. Sulphur dioxide has had minor reactions, and in its pure form, deadly reactions, but you can avoid high levels of it when drinking wine.

For the average person reactions such as, flushing, wheezing, nausea, headaches, stomach pain, congestion, There are a few ways to combat certain symptoms, some may result in drinking certain types of wine, and some just thinking about what you drink.

Well it is known that high levels of sulfur dioxide can cause asthma attacks, and tightness of the chest and even anaphylactic shock, these is in extreme cases thou, but for those with sensitivity even minor exposure can cause some nasty side affects.

Allergies and Treatments

Look out for wines with a higher sulphur level, this is wines found in casks, and sweet white wine. So What is left to drink you ask, well red wine, sparkling wine, and dry white wines like chardonnay, they have lower amounts of these additives in them, you will also find organic wines have lower sulphur dioxide levels.

When it comes to a Blushing face when drinking wine, things get a bit trickier,

When you drink your body produces a number of chemicals, a lot of allergic people lack a chemical called alledalsehyde dehydroenase, which counter acts alcohols presents in the body, and for those people this means symptoms such as drowsiness nausea asthma and facial flushing. There is not really a lot that can be done against this, other then building up an immunity over time, this way symptoms will lessen as your body learns to cope with wine.

The Red Wine Head Ache

If you suffer from head aches when it comes to red wine, you may find the tannins in the red wine are triggering histamine production, the majority of people have no problem with histamine, but it can cause some to suffer from sever headaches.

So how can you counter act the infamous wine head ache your ask, well some suggest popping an aspirin an hour before drinking. And if that does not work, you can try drinking softer reds... and if all else fails try less reactive wines such as champagne and method traditionale sparkling.

So get those wine allergies under control, one you identify what it is in wines that irritates you, then you can drink, and feel good, and avoid those nasty side effects.




About The Author

Lucy Ross Is Webmaster from http://www.abc-of-worldfoodandwine.com She knows how important it is to get the right wine, and wine related products, and suffers from allergies her self!



Source: www.articlecity.com

Protecting Your Computer and Network

Protecting Your Computer and Network
by Aaron Weston

According to the latest research, Microsoft has found that cyber threats are getting more complex and advanced as "hackers" mature. How do you protect yourself against these threats? It's actually easier and cheaper then you think, and the payoff is high. In this article we'll address these challenges.

1. Get an antivirus program. Some worms, such as MyDoom, are capable of bringing entire networks to their knees. Some threats collect your personal information, such as passwords, and transmit them to a remote location. The cost associated with these threats is very high. To address these issues, several companies have released protections that are free for home use. Choose your program carefully as some promise the world, or have a reputation, but don't live up to the hype.

One unbiased test (http://www.techdo.com/?p=62) rated the top 20 virus programs against 175,000 virus definitions. The results may surprise you. Norton from Symantec, often perceived to be the best and requiring an annual fee for updates, is actually at the bottom of the list along with McAfee, easily surpassed by free offerings such as AVG, Avast! and AOL Active Virus Shield, using the top rated Kaspersky engine. In another test (http://www.thepcspy.com/articles/other/what_really_slows_windows_down/5), Norton takes three of the top six spots for programs that consume the most system resources. As you can see, you don't always get what you pay for and you may be leaving your system vulnerable.

At Northern Protocol Inc. we recommend AOL Active Virus Shield for Windows XP home use. Updates are free, response times are faster than Norton or McAfee, and it offers more comprehensive protection against threats. AVTest.org monitors response times of various vendors, and has found that Norton and McAfee are at the bottom of the list for releasing definitions. Your antivirus is only as good as it's definitions, and a slower response time and less effective detection increases the window for possible infection.

2. Get an anti-spyware program. Spyware threats are getting more complex. As browsers improve their security features, devious "script kiddies" have changed their tactics, now using Javascript to install threats, affecting any browser that has it enabled. So-called "free" software, such as screensavers, wallpapers and "smilies", to name a few, install spyware without your knowledge, burying the "agreement" in a lengthy license agreement that no-one ever reads before they click "accept". Some devious websites ask you to install "download managers" to access their files, which often have spyware (so-called "sponsor" software) embedded. Pay close attention to any installer that asks you to install "sponsor" software. Many antispyware programs and security suites are actually frauds, and often install spyware themselves. You can find a complete list at http://spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm.

There are several good programs out there, but the one we at Northern Protocol Inc. recommend the most is Prevx2.0. It requires a small annual fee to maintain the active protection component, but we find it extremely effective. Another good protection suite is AVG Anti-Malware which also requires a modest annual fee. Windows Defender is a good free alternative for users of genuine Windows products.

3. Install a firewall. Firewalls block intrusions from the outside, hiding your computer from the internet so that "hackers" don't know it's there. They can also block communications coming from within your network. Again, there are a lot of misconceptions in this realm. Norton and McAfee, while having a reputation, are actually sluggish and poor performers according to this review at http://www.informationweek.com/security/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=192201247&subSection=Security+Reviews. ZoneAlarm, while popular, is buggy and has hang ups of it's own, one being far too demanding of user involvement. One review (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1969207,00.asp), conducted by PC Magazine, rates Comodo Personal Firewall, a free firewall, as one of the best in it's class and is our recommendation as well.

A more effective solution, but more complex in installation, is to install an older computer as a firewall, running Smoothwall from http://www.smoothwall.org/. This solution is highly effective, inexpensive, and the one we use to protect our network.

4. Buy a router. Routers are inexpensive and in many cases offer built in firewalls that work in conjunction with the "NAT" firewall that is standard on all routers. What this does is take your IP address from the internet and translates it into internal addresses for your computer(s). This adds an extra layer of protection for your computer or network, putting one more obstacle in the way of any potential intruder. Northern Protocol Inc. recommends the use of Linksys or D-Link WBR or DIR series routers for the best performance.

5. Set the wireless security on your router. All too often people leave their wireless settings at default, leaving their networks wide open to attack. Log on to your router's control panel from any browser (192.168.1.1 for Linksys and 192.168.0.1 for D-Link) and set your wireless security settings.

First, change the password for the logon. Use a combination of upper and lower case letters and numbers, then test your password at http://www.microsoft.com/protect/yourself/password/checker.mspx for strength.

Second, enable encryption. In order, the preferred methods of encryption in terms of strength are WPA2, WPA and lastly WEP 128 bit. Some older network cards don't support WPA or WPA2, so either replace the card (recommended) or use WEP 128 bit. Create a key using the same guidelines as your administrator password, but make sure it's different.

Third, change the SSID (this is the name the router broadcasts to inquiring wireless devices). Ensure that it does not identify the make or model of your router and that it is not personally identifiable. It is preferable to disable broadcast altogether if you can remember the name and manually enter it into each computer's wireless configuration.

Fourth, if no other computers need to log on but your own, enable the MAC ID filter and enter in the MAC ID to each of your devices. This is a very effective solution, preventing all but your own devices from being able to log on to your router and obtain an address, even if they can figure out or already know the key. Each MAC ID is unique to every network device on the internet and thus no two devices have the same ID.

6. Update to the latest version of your browser. We recommend the use of either Opera or Internet Explorer 7, or both. These programs ensure that you have the latest security protections for your browsing experience, employing advanced techniques to prevent automatic installations of scripts, "phishing" scams, etc.

7. Update your operating system and software to the latest versions. As new threats and security flaws surface, Microsoft scrambles to get new fixes into the hands of it's users, and once a month releases a Malicious Software Removal Tool. Ensure that you have a genuine version of Windows, with Service Pack 2 installed for Windows XP, to be eligible for all the latest software updates. Research is showing that as operating systems become more secure, hackers are looking for alternative "attack vectors", or other software on your computer, as a means of attacking your system's security. Cover all your bases. Make sure that "Automatic Updates" are enabled on your machine(s).

8. Make regular backups. As backup solutions continually drop in price, there are no valid reasons to not perform regular backups. DVD burners, such as Pioneer and LG, are very inexpensive and reliable and can fit a large volume of data on a single CD or DVD. USB memory keys are also inexpensive, as are external hard drives. One folder that is very important to back up is your My Documents folder. Keep your backups away from the computer and in a safe place. Photographs can often never be replaced, so always keep current backups on hand.

Is your system infected? Do you need help employing any of the measures mentioned in this article? Call us at 705.812.2236. We remove the infections and protect you against future infections, without loss of data.

Learn more about security threats at http://www.npinc.ca/virus.htm.




About The Author

Aaron Weston is President of Northern Protocol Inc. (http://www.npinc.ca/) in Barrie, Ontario. Since 1997, Northern Protocol Inc. has provided cutting-edge solutions through bringing the results of ongoing research and experience to the doors of it's clients in Central Ontario.

This article is © 2007 Aaron Weston and may only be reproduced in it's entirety, without modification, with all links, bio and this text included.



Source: www.articlecity.com

Monday, May 12, 2008

Aspects of Offshore Outsourcing to Ukraine

Aspects of Offshore Outsourcing to Ukraine
by Ihor Pidruchny

(the article was written by Softheme's top management and reflects ten years experience in IT outsourcing)

Though Eastern Europe occupies only near 5% of world offshoring industry, it shows the highest growth. While the average growth within nearest 3 years will count 25%, Eastern Europe is expected to show nearly 35%.

This, combined with high level of IT services based on strong educational system and scientific heritage of the country, attracts many US, European and other clients to the Ukrainian offshore market. This article aims to depict few aspects of offshoring to Ukraine. We will show you how you can make the whole process of launching the development center or establishing relations with outsourcing services provider with less risks and money & time expenses.

Advantages of Offshoring to Ukraine

Offshoring to Ukraine has several strong advantages.

First of all, Ukraine's culture is very close to Western values, and it was forming during centuries when Ukraine was the trading and therefore cultural cross road between West and East. Secondly, people who work in IT industry fluently speak English, and some of them also know German, French and Italian, which helps maintaining clear communications with clients from many countries abroad.

As it was noticed before, Ukraine is a country with strong education system and scientific infrastructure, and it lies in the depth of Ukrainian culture: Ukrainian mental schemes presumes digging into the nature of things, establishing unvivid connections and correlations, following intensive way of development instead of extensive. This is especially important in IT, and most of offshoring clients remark the ability of Ukrainian engineers to mine new knowledge and find unobvious solutions to diverse problems. This means that work offshored to Ukraine can have higher intellectual level, which makes offshoring more intensive and therefore profitable.

Major Ukrainian cities have well developed infrastructure, which enables quick entrance onto the market without capital investments.

Disatvantages of Ukrainian Offshoring

Nevertheless, the coin has its back side. Reading about unfavourable areas, you'll also find our recommendations how to reduce risks and even step into more favourable conditions where others prefer not to operate.

Well developed infrastructure is limited only by major cities. Others don't have direct airline communication and modern hotels which can make your staying less comfortable. If you decide to explore any regional cities of Ukraine, you'll have to traavel by bus or train, and either rent an apartment for yourself or live in old hotels which are not marked with any stars. Despite this, we possess the examples of offshore development centers located in smaller (not main) cities and towns of Ukraine which help to reduce costs of ODC operating. Such cities are Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk and others. Every of such cities have one or few technical universities where quite strong IT specialists graduate.

Prices could be a disadvantage, too. Hourly rates vary from $15 to $30 and in many cases purchasing offshoring services in Ukraine makes no sence. On the other side, the rates are quite respective to the level of services, and the company wins when redirects more complicated projects and more intellectually complicated tasks to Ukrainian developers.

Bureacratic barriers is another disadvantage, if you decide to launch your own offshore development center. There will be issues concerning taxation, salaries and other things, which are usual to Ukraine but unusual for foreigners. In this case you will have to hire a good specialist on bookkeeping and corporate finance to guide you through relations with governmental organizations with minimum concerns.

Establishing Offshore Development Center

Launching ODC is a good choice for middle and big IT companies with annual turnover of $50 mln and more. Some aspects to which you should pay attention are:

* Property prices. Property market is highly speculative in Ukraine. As of April 2007, prices for purchasing office properties is $2,300 per square meter, for rent - $30+ per square meter per month.

* Situation on HR market. Workforce market demonstrates high intensivity. Much time is needed to find appropriate specialists and you'll have little time for decision making about every candidate due to high demand for IT sector specialists. Therefore you'll have to provide candidates with attractive promise including both material and non-material compensation and stimulation.

Finding an Offshore Outsourcing Service Provider

Finding a outsourcing company in Ukraine is a good solution when you want to minimize your investments and risks with high quality of services. Companies which give feedback about working with Ukrainian developers emphasize that at equally high level of final products communication style, management approaches and processes transparency play an important role in the total cost of each project. Offshore outsourcing suppliers pay more and more attention to how business processes are held in the providing company. Side by side with high technical quality, not all companies follow the paradigm of client-oriented management which can yield to additional risks. We recommend to pay attention to such issues:

* Is there a particluar person responsible for the communication processes in the company (account manager) and the final result?

* How staff is treated in the company? Due to great demand for IT specialists inadequate HR policy could cause to workforce flow.

* Transparency and accessibility of both top management and every team of the project. Transparency of team structure.

Comparing Ukraine to Other Global Offshoring Areas

Eastern Europe in all and particularly Ukraine has found its niche in the global offshore outsourcing market. It became to win in quality and "intellectuality" of provided services compared to the services. Due to culture which is closest to Western values, rising quality of management and constatly high level of software development Ukrainian hourly rates, which vary between $15 and $30, rise the total profitability of offshoring to Ukraine. Definitely, Ukraine cannot compete in price segment of India and South-East Asia, where rates are $8+, but it becomes strong in the mid-price segment of software development market with high level management, staff involvement and return on investment into human development mix.

Learn more about successful IT outsourcing:

http://www.softheme.com/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/src,5/




About The Author

Ihor Pidruchny works as Marketing & CR Manager at Softheme. He received his education in Kiev-Mohyla Academy, one of Europe's oldest universities, and works in project management, marketing & business development areas of IT industry.



Source: www.articlecity.com

I Love Italian Wine and Food - The Trentino-Alto Adige Region

I Love Italian Wine and Food - The Trentino-Alto Adige Region
by Levi Reiss

If you are looking for fine Italian wine and food, consider the Trentino-Alto Adige region of northern Italy. You may find a bargain, and I hope that you�ll have fun on this fact-filled wine education tour.

Trentino-Alto Adige is located in the center of Italy�s northern border. It touches both Switzerland and Austria. Among its tourist attractions are the Dolomite mountains, called �the most beautiful work of architecture even seen� by the famous architect Le Corbusier, glacier lakes, and Alpine forests. In fact the region is composed of two parts, Trentino in the south and Alto Adige in the north. Alto Adige belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire for centuries, where it was known as S�dtirol. Like many other parts of Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige was often invaded. Unlike most other parts of Italy, this area is officially bilingual; a sizable portion of its population about 925 thousand is German speaking.

Trentino-Alto Adige has plentiful forests, and the hillsides are covered with fruit trees. This is Italy�s major apple-producing region. Only about 15% of the land can be cultivated. Agricultural products include corn, wheat, oats, barley, and rye. In addition to beef and dairy cattle, mining and manufacturing are prevalent.

Trento is the administrative center of Trentino and Bolzano is the administrative center of Alto Adige. Both are tourist towns. Trentino was the site of the Council of Trent lasting almost twenty years in the middle of the 16th Century with a major impact on the Catholic Church. Both these cities, and many others in the region, have numerous churches and secular sites of interest to tourists.

Trentino-Alto Adige devotes about thirty thousand acres to grapevines, it ranks 16th among the 20 Italian regions. Its total annual wine production is about 25 million gallons, giving it a 14th place. About 55% of the wine production is red or ros�, leaving 45% for white. The region produces 8 DOC wines. DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, which may be translated as Denomination of Controlled Origin, presumably a high-quality wine. A whopping 79.1% of Trentino-Alto Adige wine carries the DOC designation, by far the highest percentage in Italy. Trentino-Alto Adige is home to almost four dozen major and secondary grape varieties, about half white and half red.

Widely grown international white grape varieties include Gew�rtztraminer, Pinot Bianco, often called Pinot Blanc outside of Italy, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, often called Pinot Gris outside of Italy, Sylvaner, and M�ller-Thurgau. In fact, some say Gew�rtztraminer originated in the Alto-Adige town of Termeno, known as Tramin in German. Italian white varieties include Nosiola, and Moscato Giallo, Trentino-Alto Adige�s version of the international Moscato (Muscat) grape.

Widely grown international red grape varieties include Pinot Nero, called Pinot Noir outside of Italy, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The best known strictly Italian red varieties are Schiava, Lagrein, Teroldego, and Marzemino.

Before reviewing the Trentino-Alto Adige wine and cheese 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 Ravioli della Val Pusteria, Rye Pasta with Spinach and Caraway Seeds. Then try Gulasch de Manzo, Beef, Potato, Onion, and Paprika Stew.

For dessert indulge yourself with Krapfen Tirolesi, Fried Pastry with Marmalade and Powdered Sugar. Did you notice that these specialties seem as Austrian as Italian?

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY While we have communicated with well over a thousand Italian wine producers and merchants to help prepare these articles, our policy is clear. All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.

Wine Reviewed

Concilio Pinot Nero Reserva 2002 12.5% alcohol about $15

I�ll start by quoting the marketing materials: �Pretty aromas of strawberry, pepper and earth lead to flavors that are soft and velvety. Good varietal characteristics demonstrated here in ths light-to-medium bodied, long finishing wine. Match to a grilled salmon or tuna.

And now for my thoughts. This wine has a cherry and tobacco nose and is mildly acidic. It tastes of tobacco. The wine is round, mouth-filling and somewhat robust. It is a bit older than most of the wines in this series, and frankly, it shows. Like many Pinot Noirs, it tasted of earth.

Once in a while I follow the producer�s suggestions. I felt this Pinot Noir was an excellent accompaniment to a grilled Atlantic salmon with steamed asparagus. The fish brought out the wine�s fruit flavors, and the wine did a great job of cutting the fish�s fattiness. I still remember the first time that I drank a Pinot Noir (Oregon, I believe) with salmon at the suggestion of a excellent fish restaurant. It�s a great combination when both the fish and the wine are high quality. I ended this meal with almond milk chocolate, washed down with a bit of wine. This latter combination is not classical, but the result was more than satisfactory.

My next tasting included beef stew and potatoes, zucchini and onions in a tomato sauce, and a commercially prepared moderately spicy �Turkish� salad based on red pepper, tomato, and onion. The wine was round, mouth-filling, a bit complex. The dominant taste was tobacco. But I was disappointed, the wine was short.

Asiago is a cheese whose characteristics differ widely depending on where it is made, and its aging. I happen to love a local Asiago that my neighborhood supermarket carries once in a while. It is relatively sharp. I am told that Wisconsin Asiago cheese typically has butterscotch undertones. The imported Asiago tasted with this wine was nutty and pleasantly acidic, but frankly not as good as the local version. The cheese brought out the earthy characteristics of the Pinot Noir. Interestingly enough, the wine immediately changed its flavor and became more acidic in the presence of a commercially prepared roasted butternut squash dip.

In a close call, my initial reaction was not to purchase this wine again. Then I changed my mind, I would purchase it again, but be quite careful in pairing the wine. There is a simple solution, serve it with a grilled, preferably Atlantic, salmon.




About The Author

Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet, but to be honest, he would rather just drink fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. His wine website is http://www.theworldwidewine.com.



Source: www.articlecity.com

5 Natural Stress Relief Techniques for Children

5 Natural Stress Relief Techniques for Children
by Michael Atma

Is your child stressed out? Some people think only adults experience stress, but it affects our children too. Here's how to help your child manage their emotions.

We often view our kids as happy-go-lucky beings without a care. But children can also experience stress. Not only do they get anxious about things in their own young world--school, friends, peer pressure--but they also can be deeply affected by outside factors such as war, natural disasters and other unsettling world events.

In fact, the list of contributors to childhood stress can be quite long. Many stressors are the result of family problems, like divorce, a death or a parent's job loss but there are also less obvious triggers such as moving to a new city or the birth of a new sibling.

As a parent, you can become attuned to what's a normal amount of anxiety for your child and what is not. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, use the following tools to help your child handle it better.

Tuning into Anxiety Attack symptoms

1. Tune in to their moods.

Pay attention to your child's behavior. Take the time to talk to your child to get to the root of the problem. Ask questions like "How are you feeling?" "What's happening at school?" or "How are things with your friends?"

When you show concern for their problems and issues, it's reassuring to them and they'll be more responsive to that attention.

2. Watch the same shows they do.

If you have younger children, you certainly don't want them watching the doom and gloom of daily news shows. Children's minds are like sponges in they absorb almost everything they see or hear.

They are especially sensitive to negative energy, pain or suffering. Shows like the news can be traumatizing and anxiety-producing for younger children.

It's important to discuss with them what they've seen. You can't tell them that it's never going to happen to them but you can say,"We're going to do everything we can to protect you". It's also a good idea to let them know whom to call and what to do in case of an emergency.

3. Focus on the positive.

There is obviously no way a child can be shielded from a major trauma such as a death in the family, a house fire or a natural disaster. Instead, help children count their blessings. Comfort and reassure them by saying, "We're strong and we're going to make it." "And as difficult as it may be, try to maintain everyday routines.

For many young victims of floods or fire, for example, going back to school, even in another city, can help bring some normalcy back to their disrupted lives. What can also help is to make sure children have positive outlets like physical activity, going to the movies or spending time with friends.

4. Lead by example.

Children often learn to deal with stress by mimicking how you respond in challenging times. Even if you don't tell your child that you're about to be laid off from your job or that you're worried that your marriage is on the verge of breaking up, they can still pick up on your stress.

They may not understand the underlying causes but they can hear the strained tone and elevated volume of your voice,which gives them the message that something's going on that may affect them too.

That's why it's so important to show them good coping skills. If you light a cigarette, have a drink, or use foul language when you're under pressure, your little one may internalize that as a coping method.

Instead, model healthy behavior during difficult times, such as writing in a journal, de-stressing in a hot bath, sharing how you feel

without blaming, or taking a walk.

5. Instill confidence.

When children are young, there are times when you will have to come to their defense and help them handle tough situations. But as they get older, you also have to let them champion themselves, which builds their confidence in their ability to resolve problems on their own.

One of your missions as a parent is to know when to step in and when to stand back. Your response will depend on the child's temperament, maturity and the situation.

For example, your third grader may be able to confront a taunting classmate on their own, but a serious case of bullying may warrant your intervention.

Still, always make sure your child knows you've got their back. Tell them, "Try it on your own first,but if you need help,let me know and I'll be there."

To Your Great Life and Health...




About The Author

Michael Atma is an internationally known author, speaker & success coach. Known as the person to talk to when you're ready to enjoy massive results, Michael offers simple yet proven strategies to improve the quality of your life in just minutes. Michael's writing comes straight from the front line of good health and successful living

Michael Atma had helped thousands of people to enjoy the benefits of natural stress relief that meditation brings. Michael has developed "The Ultimate Relaxation Program" which includes his highly acclaimed stress relief CD � The Ultimate Relaxation!

FREE details:=> http://www.theultimaterelaxation.com



Source: www.articlecity.com

Stuck For Gift Ideas To Fill Your Mans Stocking This Christmas?

Stuck For Gift Ideas To Fill Your Mans Stocking This Christmas?
by Sarah hague

Stuck for gift ideas to fill your mans stocking this Christmas? www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk has the answer to your Christmas gift and gadget needs!

With over 1000 gift ideas for men, women & children Find-me-a-gift.com

� Secure ordering

� Loyalty points

� Standard and UK next day delivery

� Same day dispatch for all orders placed before 3pm

� Easy to use checkout and registration

� The latest gift & gadgets

� Competitive prices

� Fantastic returns policy

Below is a few of our favourite stocking fillers for men this Christmas.

Racing grannies - Possibly the best wind-up toy ever invented, the Racing Grannies are to geriatric speedway what Ferrari is to Formula One. As anyone who has been on the receiving end of a Zimmer-frame will know, grannies are formidable movers with legendary stamina, and these delightful wind-ups are testament to their endurance. With expressions of steely determination and complete with go-faster cardigans, these two are just a few winds away from the race of their lives. It's time to have your own Grand National! http://www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk/racing-grannies.html

Arse Face Soap - Arse Face Soap is a hilarious bar of soap that's sure to add some fun to your bathroom. Arse Face Soap is a generous size with a fresh scent; clearly stating which side of the soap should be hygienically used for certain areas of your body!

This is a very funny gift for guys who do not have cleanliness at the top of their priority list and, let's face it; there are a lot of them out there.http://www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk/gifts-for-men/personal-gift/arse-face-soap.html

Jim�ll fix it badge - If you grew up in the '70 or '80 chances are that you grew up watching Jimmy Savile on the BBC's Jim'll Fix It show. Every week thousand of hopeful kids and grown ups alike would put pen to paper and compose their begging letters: "Dear Jim, will you fix it for me to spend a night in an igloo / be a pantomime horse / drive a crane... (You get the idea)" The show often received over 3,000 letters a day! Jim would "fix it" for several lucky children's wishes to come true each week, this usually involved such treats as watching a troupe of Cub Scouts eating their entire packed lunch on a roller coater (and then being sick!) or similar, and finally the lucky participants would be presented with a "Jim fixed it for me" medal, the famous Jim'll Fix It Badge! Well now after all these years we can finally put things right... in association with Sir Jimmy Savile himself... Jim'll Fix It Soap On A Rope (or a ribbon to more accurate), just like the real thing only crafted from finest soap!http://www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk/jim-ll-fix-it-soap-on-a-rope.html

USB cup warmer - In case you didn't know, the USB Cup Warmer is the hottest thing to hit the office since the water cooler. Pun intended, folks. "But what is it?" I hear the simpler of you ask. It's easy. It's a metal plate that plugs into your computer. You put your tea or coffee on it. Your hot drink stays hot. No need for plugs or batteries. Genius. You're not crazy. You like hot drinks and you like to drink them at the intended temperature. Why do your co-workers, friends and family insist on bothering you when you're trying to drink them? I don't know, but I do know that the USB Cup Warmer will mean you never suffer the misfortune of cold hot drinks ever again. The perfect present for yourself or anyone at all! http://www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk/gifts-for-men/work-gift/usb-cup-warmer.html

Ball scratcher - The Executive Ball Scratcher is every gentleman's executive dream. Ball Scratcher's do the one job that the executive gentleman has to do himself: Scratch their balls!http://www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk/gifts-for-men/personal-gift/executives-ball-scratcher.html

Booby stress relievers - The Boob Stress Chest is the brand-new improvement on the classic booby stress reliever. Tired hands? Aching wrists? Stressed out? These boobs will gently soothe your body and mind back to chilled out bliss!http://www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk/gifts-for-men/personal-gift/boob-stress-relievers.html

Pretty Polly � swearing parrot - Good old Not So Pretty Polly. Our boy's living proof that if you shouldn't always say the first thing that pops into your head. You've got to be so careful what you say these days, but luckily for us Polly the Insulting Parrot isn't, and lets them rip with one insensitive and rude wisecrack after another. http://www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk/gifts-for-men/men/not-so-pretty-polly-swearing-parrot.html

Orgasmatron - Orgasmatron Head Massager is truly amazing. It doesn't look much, some say it looks a little weird but it really does give you surprising sensations. Within seconds it can give you goose bumps, hairs on the back of your neck stand up, your spine tingles and you can feel trance states of ecstasy. The feeling the Orgasmatron head massager gives you is pure excitement. Consider it "exercise for the hairs on the back of your neck. "The Orgasmatron's smooth tips glide across the surface of your scalp, sending sparkling sensations thru your entire body.http://www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk/gifts-for-men/personal-gift/orgasmatron-head-massager.html

Potty Putter - Introducing Potty Putter! The toilet time golf game that lets you practice your putting while going to the bathroom. If you're a golfer who can't get enough practice time, then Potty Putter is for you! Now you can sink putts where no one else has sunk them before - in the bathroom!http://www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk/gifts-for-men/men/potty-putter.html

Finger drums - Now you can be the ultimate office enemy.....just keep practicing your drum rolls in important meetings...or when someone is trying to pour their heart out to you!! Fingers are used instead of sticks with this superb tiny electronic drum kit. Each replica drum is touch sensitive and plays a digital drum sound when touched. It even includes a cymbal, and a bass drum with pedal.http://www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk/finger-drums.html

To see our full range of fabulous Christmas gift ideas please click below

http://www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk/

If you need any other information please email me sarah@findmeagift.co.uk




About The Author

Sarah Hague

Find me a gift ltd is the owner of this article

If you need any further information please contact sarah@findmeagift.com

http://www.find-me-me-a-gift.co.uk



Source: www.articlecity.com

The Duty of Disclosure

The Duty of Disclosure
by Luke Ashworth

The duty is on the insured to disclosure any material fact to the insurer. Basically the insured should know their own details. The life insurance insurer who may know nothing about the insured to begin with can not be expected to ask all the relevant questions. So whilst the insurer should ask sensible questions it is under UK law still incumbent of the insured to advise a material fact.

A material fact is basically any fact which may make an insurer charge more or less premium or a fact which may make the insurer decline or accept the risk or only take the risk subject to additional conditions.

As an insured you can not hide a material fact simply because the insurer did not ask the right question.

So initially the onus is on you to provide all relevant information. However the law is also there to protect you as well. There have been several agreements between the major life insurance insurers and governing bodies and trade associations whereby insurers are required to point out your obligations to advise material facts. Insurers are expected to ask questions about those matters which have commonly proved to be material.

Generally courts would not expect you to disclose a fact which on the face of it would not be considered material on its own. There was a case where a person was having occasional headaches but thought they were just that and did not attribute anything else to the matter. Now an experienced doctor may consider the headaches as perhaps the possible on set of symptoms of a more serious nature and therefore request further investigation. But in that particular case the court held that the insured had no reason to believe the worse. He had no reason to believe that these headaches might be a material fact instead he thought that they were just an occasional headache. The court held that a reasonable man would not be expected to know that the occasional headache might be material. So the insured knew of the fact but would not have been expected to know that it was material.

The courts however considered that an insured whose doctor had sent him to the hospital for a kidney problem should have advised his insurer even if the insured was not aware how serious the situation might have been at the time. The question of materiality was not based on the insured�s ability to judge if the fact was material but on that of the life insurance insurer who had access to professional advice. In this case the insured knew of the fact and we assume also considered that it might be material, but decided to use his judgment on whether or not it was material. Another court case determined that the information is based on the insured�s knowledge and does not require him to make extensive investigation before answering the question.

The duty of disclosure continues until the contract of insurance is concluded. So information that you learn about whilst the proposal form is still being considered should be advised.

So as a general rule advise all details which could be material. It is not your job to decide what might or might not be material. If you learn of something late in the day before the contract is concluded then still advise it. If you do not then the risk is that the policy may not be valid and if a claim was presented it may not get paid.

The author is Keith Clark who acts as a compliance consultant for Free to Work Consultancy. Keith is a Fellow of the Charted Insurance Institute.

This article was written on the 15th February 2007. This article does not represent �financial advice� as each persons individual requirements will be unique to their needs. If there is something in the article which you which to rely on then please check those details with any person from whom you purchase a term life policy at the time of purchase. The views in this article represent those of the author and not those of Netbasic Limited.




About The Author

Luke Ashworth is the founder of Protected.co.uk which helps you search for life insurance via the website http://www.protected.co.uk



Source: www.articlecity.com

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Summertime and the Thieving is Easy!

Summertime and the Thieving is Easy!
by Martin Underwood

There is no doubt that the long lazy days of summer perk us all up and put a smile on our faces. No doubt either that the burglar is also perked up by summer because it is the season that many homeowners make things so easy for him.

The summer warmth means that it is time to open up the windows and let the breeze blow through the house. After all you are at home so what risk is there in opening up a window or two? Unfortunately many a homeowner has suddenly made the decision to take advantage of the weather to go out back and attend to a spell of gardening, forgetting that the windows at the front of the house are open.

Along comes Mr. Opportunist burglar. It does not take him long to size up the situation and see his opportunity. He may not even need to climb in through the window, he sees a couple of your items that are close, reaches in and takes them. The thief is not particularly looking for a rich haul, just something he can sell on to a fence to get him his fix for the day.

If he does climb into your home and rummage through your stuff, you will be unlikely to hear him; you are preoccupied with tending to your gladioli and hollyhocks.

Worse than leaving windows open and working in the back yard is making a trip to the store and leaving open windows. You are not safe by leaving upstairs windows open. Some burglars are very agile and it is no problem for them to climb on top of your garage or find some way to get in the window.

Burglars have also been known to climb in the open window of one room while the family sat in front of the TV in another room, no doubt with the sound turned up a little too loud.

Consider fitting window alarm screens. That way you can enjoy air blowing through your home and a good degree of protection. (You should not leave your home with the windows open even with alarm screens.)

Summer is vacation time, the great get-away. And that means more opportunity for the burglar. Before you leave for the big trip arrange with a neighbor that you trust to keep your lawns cut and your garden tidy. Ask you neighbor to pick up your mail and any flyers left in your porch, perhaps even park his or her car in your drive for part of the day. The idea is to make your home appear occupied.

Timer switches are not expensive and can be set to make a good job of switching on and off lights, TV sets and radios. Exterior lights should also be controlled by a timer. Activate your alarm system before you head off and have your home phone divert to your cell phone.

The longer summer days, in some neighborhoods, mean an increase of gangs and groups of teenagers hanging around street corners. Most of these mean no harm but sometimes can get a little rowdy. For others the longer days mean increased vandalism and petty crime. Not much you can do on your own, but by being an active member of your neighborhood watch you help prevent things getting out of hand.

Enjoy the summer, it is over much too soon, just take simple precautions to prevent the burglar from enjoying summer too much.




About The Author

Martin Underwood writes about all aspects of home security. He is a regular contributor to http://www.surveillanceforsecurity.com The site that presents reviews and information about the best in home security, personal security and vehicle security.



Source: www.articlecity.com

Organizing Your Schedule for Learning How to Accomplish 20 Times as Much

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




About The Author

Donald Mitchell is CEO of Mitchell and Company, a strategy and financial consulting firm in Weston, MA. He is coauthor of The 2,000 Percent Solution which shows you how to identify stalls and eliminate them. The 2,000 Percent Solution Workbook provides detailed advice on how to go through each step in the 2,000 percent solution process. Free excerpts from The 2,000 Percent Solution at: http://www.2000percentsolution.com.



Source: www.articlecity.com

The Internet And Security - How To Avoid The Pitfalls

The Internet And Security - How To Avoid The Pitfalls
by John Mailer

According to many Internet experts, Internet and security concerns are foremost on people's minds nowadays. With all of the security and Internet stories about identity theft, Internet worms, Trojan horse viruses, and spyware, everyone wants to make sure that they have the best Internet security available. The problem is that the Internet is still a fairly new technology. Even the most tech savvy of us usually don't know how it works, or how to adequately protect ourselves. In general, we are stuck taking the advice of anyone who will give it to us. We take their word about what are the best Internet and security solutions without really knowing how to investigate it ourselves. In general, we don't know where Internet security problems start, or how to fix them.

I have been researching Internet and security lately, and what I have found has surprised me. It turns out that Internet security and privacy have a lot more to do with the programs that you are running than what websites you go to. Users of Apple computers, for example, almost never get viruses. They are rarely exposed to worms, or identity theft problems provided that they adequately protect their passwords. The same goes for users of Linux. As a matter of fact, the only operating system which is routinely exposed to Internet and security threats is Windows. Anyone who uses Windows and is concerned about Internet and security Should really think about changing operating systems. It is easier to do than you might think.

The reason that Windows is such a Web security risk has a lot to do with the way that it is put together. Basically, is made to do everything for you. If you use Microsoft Mail, for example, it will automatically open files without asking you, never knowing whether or not a virus lurks inside. At every level, it is written with Internet and security concerns as an afterthought. This means that it is Completely filled with holes. When these holes are discovered, they will send out Internet and security bug fixes. Until someone is victimized, however, they usually have no idea that the programs are at risk.

Of course, Internet Web security is another problem altogether. A lot of Internet and security problems start in the computer, but other ones start with Internet transactions. E commerce security is not quite as good as a lot of the companies would have you believe. Often, passwords and financial information are stolen from Internet web sellers. No matter how good your own security is, if you buy from someone with a flawed system, you could be the victim.




About The Author

John Mailer has been an internet marketer for a number of years. Many of his articles are written to help new marketers looking for money making oppertunities online

http://www.howtostartonlinehomebusiness.com

http://instantonlinehomebusiness.com

http://www.basicsdogtraining.com



Source: www.articlecity.com

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Quantity Surveyor Jobs Are Up For Grabs

Quantity Surveyor Jobs Are Up For Grabs
by Brad Smith

The recruitment companies across the UK are bustling with activity these days. The reason? They are busy recruiting candidates for many positions such as site engineers, site managers, site foremans and quantity surveyors in some of the most reputable rail and constructions companies. These engineering recruitment agencies are on the look out for high-calibre candidates for both permanent and contractual arrangements. Hence, if you are an engineering graduate and willing to have a long-term career as a quantity surveyors, site engineer or site manager for leading rail and construction conglomerates in the UK, a bright and promising future awaits you.

As a candidate, it is up to you which recruitment agency you want to choose. However, we recommend you choose an agency with a renowned recruitment history and substantial experience in recruiting candidates for a wide-range of rail, construction and engineering jobs site engineers, site managers, site foremans and quantity surveyors.

When selecting a recruitment firm, as a candidate, you need to be sure that it takes care of its candidates even after their placement. Typically, the recruitment agency should be looking after your career, not just a job placement. As an efficient and responsible recruitment firm, Keyman nurtures the careers of site engineers, site managers, site foremans and quantity surveyors in some of the most reputable rail, construction and engineering companies across and outside the UK

Keyman has remained a major destination from the employers� standpoint as well. Specialising in the provision of experienced, high-calibre professionals to the rail, construction and engineering sectors, Keyman is leading the way for many engineering job aspirants in the UK. Having 30 years of formidable experience in construction recruitment and engineering recruitment, and being a well respected, established presence in the rail recruitment market place, Keyman is one of the most sough-after recruitment agencies in the UK.

Keyman offers a lasting and efficient recruitment solution for both employers and candidates alike. Log on to www.keyman.uk.com to view some of our most promising opportunities online.




About The Author

Brad Smith: For further details visit http://www.keyman.uk.com



Source: www.articlecity.com

Mediterranean Diet Pyramid

Mediterranean Diet Pyramid
by Sylvia Sideris

This Pyramid, which represents the optimal, traditional Mediterranean diet, is based on the dietary traditions of Crete and southern Italy in the 1960s.

It is structured in the light of nutrition research carried out in 1993 and presented by Professor Walter Willet during the 1993 International Conference on the Diets of the Mediterranean, held in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Mediterranean Diet Pyramid underlines the importance of the foods making up the principal food groups. Each of these individual food groups offers some, but not all, of the nutrients one needs. Food from one group cannot replace that of another group. All the groups are necessary for a healthy diet. The basic products of the Mediterranean diet, in descending order of quantity and frequency advised, are:

Grains: These form the base of the majority of meals in Mediterranean countries - bread (wholemeal or otherwise), pasta, couscous and rice.

Fruit and vegetables: Meals are more flavoursome when in-season products are selected and they are cooked very simply. In most Mediterranean countries the dessert is generally fruit.

Legumes and nuts: A wide variety of legumes and nuts, such as chickpeas, lentils, haricot beans, pine kernels, almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, etc. are used in cooking. Olive oil and olives: "Olive oil" and "Virgin olive oil" are used throughout the Mediterranean. The former is normally used for cooking. The latter, which is appropriate for all uses, is excellent when consumed raw to best appreciate its aroma and flavour and to benefit fully from all its natural components. The proportion of fats in the traditional diet of Crete observed by Professor Ancel Keys, was >40 were saturated fats, 3 monounsaturated (olive oil).

Dairy products: Cheese, yoghurt and other dairy products, with no special mention of milk.

Fish: offered as a first class protein, before eggs and poultry.

The highest point of the Pyramid, meaning that its consumption is least advised, is occupied by red meat and just slightly below, but also of little importance, are sweets and pastries.

Regular physical activity is vital to maintaining good health and optimal weight. Wine can be consumed in moderation, primarily with meals (1-2 glasses/day). It is optional and should be avoided whenever it puts the individuals or others at risk.




About The Author

Sylvia Sideris is a food enthusiast and the author of many articles about healthy food and recipes.You can get more information and Mediterranean Recipes if you visit: http://www.recipesonweb.com



Source: www.articlecity.com

Friday, May 9, 2008

Types Of Chocolate

Types Of Chocolate
by Jonathon Hardcastle

If you always like to accompany your cup of coffee with a chocolate cookie or other chocolate-based treat, or if you usually order a hot chocolate drink, you might not consider yourself a chocoholic, but you certainly make it to the fans' category. But even of chocolate is not your first choice when it comes to desert, you should probably by familiar with at least its main categories, just in case you are asked if you prefer couverture over white chocolate for your ice-cream glace.

- Dark Chocolate can contain anything from 30% to 75% cocoa solids. It has a slightly sweet flavor and a dark color and it is the chocolate type most used in cooking. For everyday cooking and the majority of the recipes for dark chocolate, choose one with around 50% cocoa solids. However, dark chocolate with a higher cocoa solid content will give a richer, more intense, flavor. This chocolate is often called luxury or continental chocolate and has a cocoa solid content of between 70-75%. Occasionally, cooking experts support that it is essential to use a better chocolate, but the recipe should specify when that is the case.

- Milk Chocolate, as its name suggests, contains milk and has lovely creamy, mild, and sweet flavor. It is mostly used as an eating chocolate, rather than in cooking. However it does have its place in chocolate cookery, especially for decorations, and when a milder, creamy flavor is required. It is more sensitive to heat than dark chocolate so care must be taken when melting it.

- White Chocolate contains lower cocoa butter content and cocoa solids. It can be quite temperamental when used in cooking. Always choose a luxury white cooking chocolate to avoid problems and take great care not to overheat when melting it. White chocolate is useful also for color contrast in decoration, creating a dramatic effect when it is placed over darker backgrounds.

- Couverture is the preferred chocolate for professional use, as it retains a high gloss after melting and cooling. Nevertheless, it requires tempering and is only available from specialist suppliers. In case it can be found to special cooking supply stores, it usually is more expensive than regular milk chocolate.

- Chocolate Glace is a chocolate-flavored cake covering which is an inferior product not generally used by true chocolate lovers. However, it has a high fat content, making it easier to handle when making some decorations such as curls or caraque. In case you do not want to compromise flavor too much, but have difficulty making the decorations with pure chocolate, try adding a few squares of chocolate-flavored cake covering to a good quality chocolate.

- Chocolate Chips are available in dark, milk, and white chocolate varieties, and are used primarily for baking and as decoration materials.

- Coco Powder is the powder left after the cocoa butter has been pressed from the roasted and ground beans. It is unsweetened and bitter in flavor. It gives good, strong chocolate flavor when used in cooking.




About The Author

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles for http://wonderfulworldoffood.com/ - In addition, Jonathon also writes articles for http://supershoppingtips.com/ and http://fitness-talk.net/.



Source: www.articlecity.com

Conversion Service Makes Life Simpler

Conversion Service Makes Life Simpler
by Amit Bhalla

At a time and space where deadlines are always for yesterday and each one of us is running against the clock, the efficiency and speed of any service is becoming of paramount importance. Most of the business and work these days is conducted over the internet and maintaining data and records in hard copy has been reduced to just a necessary protocol. Hence when any information is required we expect it to be available on the internet. The click of a mouse, a simple search on one of the popular search engines and we expect the results to be available at a moment�s notice. The same efficiency expectancy holds true for any information regarding conversion service that offers the conversion values for various measurements such as area, length, mass, temperature, speed and volume. A person can simply log onto a website that offers this kind of service and get all data easily available at his fingertips.

Also when a business is carried out in multi-locations spreading to different countries, it is always easier to transact on the basis on a single, uniform standard measurement for all objects. Conversion service helps a business do just that by easily making the conversion values available through a particular website. It is also a major advantage for people who are dealing with counterparts from other places where the same system of measurement is not followed. A simple task like enquiring about the weather and temperature at a particular place for comparison with another location can get confusing for some if it is in different systems of measurement like Celsius and Fahrenheit. A conversion service offered by any website solves any such inconvenience.

A new country, new place, new culture and new people can be intimidating for any person. Adding to the woes in the different measurements systems followed in the different countries which further hampers the day to day life of the newcomer. A conversion service can simplify life as far as the confusion with measurements is concerned and any concern regarding area, temperature, volume, mass, length and speed is easily sorted out through this service. The internet has truly helped in making the world a smaller place and conversion service adds to the convenience of getting to know a place better. It helps to do away with the confusion and fear regarding dealings in a foreign country and helps any person to achieve a certain level of self sufficiency.

Conversion service has opened up a whole new world for many people who are not very confident or comfortable about even the simplest mathematical calculations that are involved in converting data from one measurement to the other. Conversion service helps one keep in close touch with the world in terms of measurements and saves a person from ignorance and the resulting embarrassment. Now you don�t need to sport a blank look everytime people are conversing about acres while you are only comfortable with square yards. Conversion service makes sure that you are never out of place again.




About The Author

Amit Bhalla works to help all those who want information about the latest and the best, most happening places in the city. To know more about local search services delhi,search service delhi,Yellow Pages India, Local Search Service,Local search India conversion service visit http://www.myquest.in



Source: www.articlecity.com

Learning the Hard Way: The Essentials of Halloween Dog Costume Design

Learning the Hard Way: The Essentials of Halloween Dog Costume Design
by Melanie Light

Many dog clubs and animal organizations sponsor activities throughout the year where you and your pooch can bond. This is especially true at Halloween, when you and your dog will have an opportunity to take part in costume contests, parades, and other events to show off your creativity. Our local Humane Society, for example, has a "Howling Party," while our dog club has its annual "Fun Fair." Other organizations put on dog parades. The best part about all of these events is that you are able to show your dog off in costume!

Even if you are staying home this year and waiting on trick or treaters to come by, consider having your costumed dog go with you to the door. Or, if you have trained him to open the door to greet guests � even better! If this is the case, your dog should also be trained not to jump on guests when they arrive. A well-costumed dog greeter might have neighborhood children running away before they get their candy should he jump upon them.

Before I became a dog owner, I thought it was silly, unfair, and perhaps a bit inhumane to dress dogs up for Halloween. Since those days, I have become a dog owner and now realize dogs love to participate in all activities (except a trip to the veterinarian). Participating together in Halloween festivities with your favorite furry friend is another opportunity for you to cherish your time together.

WORDS OF WISDOM ABOUT DOG COSTUMES:

Over the years, I have learned a few lessons about dressing dogs up for Halloween. Every year when Halloween approached, I would work feverishly trying to create the perfect dog costume. Spending hours sewing together parts of old-fashioned mops, I attempted to make my terrier into an instant Komondor (a.k.a. Hungarian Sheepdog). For a day, I wanted him to feel like one of those amazing dogs with a Rasta-style hairdo. When people spotted him, they would exclaim, "Hey it's a dog in a dog costume!" But, I really thought, It's a dog in a people costume!

As I walked proudly down the street with him in his Komondor costume, he decided to shake until his costume des mops dragged along between us. From a distance, I thought he might get by looking like a street cleaner. But to my despair, he didn't. As crowds watched, he simply looked like a dog dragging a huge mop down the street � how embarrassing!

This is when I learned the first two essential rules for dog costumes:

1) Keep the costume light.

2) Keep the costume simple.

The next year, I had a puppy to dress up. Constructing an adorable lightweight costume was my only goal. Since the puppy loved carrying objects in her mouth, I covered a stick in leather for her to bite and carry. Then, I attempted to put a pair of panties on her. She frantically yelped, bounced, and wiggled them off, and consequently refused to let me near her with the undergarments in hand.

This is when I learned the third essential rule of dog costumes:

3) Always give your dog a trial run before assuming she will wear any costume you muster. Or, better yet, have your dog wear the costume around the house before Halloween so that she will get used to it. Don't learn the hard way.

The following year, I made plans to take my older dog to the Halloween dog parade again. Since I had learned from experience, I chose to fashion a costume that was simple, easy to make, and lightweight. My dog was going to be "a walking billboard!" I glued two rectangular pieces of foam core together with material in the center and was going to lay it over the top of my dog. This time, however, I was determined to be smart about it by letting him get used to it beforehand � following my own third rule.

It worked out great as he paced around the house and the billboard costume got some great laughs from friends and family members. I was happy that things would turn out better than the two years previous. As the parade began, we marched along together and he suddenly did the unexpected, as if he were planning it all along. He crouched down and the billboard became a non-flexible tent. He was able to walk right out of it, which got additional laughs from the crowd, but meant an immediate disqualification from the contest.

This is when I learned the fourth essential rule of dog costumes:

4) Expect the unexpected, even when you think you've thought of everything!

The following year, I tied a large helium balloon around the dog's mid-section and put a small lightweight blanket over him. The blanket had a little box sitting on it with two tiny stuffed animals. I had ribbons around the bottom of the balloon that I attached to the box. The costume was adorable, or so I believed. It was a balloon-ride costume. The bobbing balloon must have been more exciting to the other dogs because as soon as the other dogs got sight of him, they started pulling away from their owners in hot pursuit of the shiny red balloon. Fortunately, I had a pair of scissors and cut the string. Up, up, up it went. Bailey and I were free, but so was our balloon. And once again, we were disqualified from the parade, as had become a tradition.

This is when I learned the fifth and sixth essential rules of dog costumes:

5) Be prepared. Before you go to any gathering, think about what you should bring along In case something needs a quick fixing or if something goes wrong.

6) Bring your camera and have plenty of film. I wished I had gotten a picture of my dog in his balloon costume before I snipped the string. Check your camera batteries too. And, have a friend take some photos of you and your dog together � you'll enjoy them later.

Last year, however, I took the easy way out. I purchased a Superman costume from a costume shop. Most costume shops now carry such paraphernalia. The costume was lightweight, which was a plus. I decided I would just use the cape and keep the other parts of the costume as back up. So, once again, we were off to our annual dog club "Fun Fair," and one of the featured activities was a Halloween dog parade with an award for "Best Costume".

My dog was dressed upon arrival. I tied the cape under his chin and that was it. Kids shouted, "It's Super Dog!" Adults responded by shouting "Not original!" Someone walked up to me and asked, "What happened? We expected you, at least, to be original." Feeling guilty, I sat there not taking home any awards. But, it was the first time my "Super Dog" participated in his very first Halloween parade. To me, he looked great and I was so proud of him. Then towards the end of the night, we were called over, along with several other "Super Dogs" with the same attire, for a photo shoot.

Submitted 10/26/2006

Copyright (c) 2006 Melanie Light




About The Author

Melanie Light is an artist and art educator. She is site owner of Wheaten Works at http://www.wheatenworks.com, ArtZpet at http://www.artzpet.com and Petz Classic Dog Art at http://www.cafepress.com/petz . Her portfolio site can be found here: http://mlightart.com . You will find more artwork, gifts, and information on these sites.



Source: www.articlecity.com