A good blog has no ending.

Oracle, the world's third-largest software maker

2007-06-27T05:42:50+02:00

Product sales from recent buys boost Oracle profit

Oracle, the world's third-largest software maker, reported on Tuesday higher quarterly profit as sales of products it acquired over the past year helped boost earnings.

The business software provider reported fiscal fourth-quarter net income of $1.6 billion, or 31 cents per share, compared with $1.3 billion, or 24 cents, a year earlier.

Excluding items, Oracle made a per-share profit of 37 cents. Analysts were expecting a per-share profit excluding items of 35 cents, the average forecast based on Reuters Estimates.

Revenue rose to $5.83 billion from $4.85 billion.
The results were buoyed by sales of products that were not in the product lineup a year ago. Oracle added them when it bought Hyperion Solutions, Stellent, MetaSolv and several other software makers over the past year.

Oracle trades at about 17 times the average forecast for next year's earnings per share, in line with the future price-to-earnings ratio for Microsoft also 17.

Technology services company IBM, the No. 2 software maker, trades at 14 times. Oracle is the leader in databases, ahead of IBM, and No. 2 in business applications behind Germany's SAP, which trades at 20 times estimated 2008 earnings.

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Attorney is harder than finding a husband or wife

2007-06-27T05:35:29+02:00

8 Resources to Help you Find a Good Attorney

It may seem ridiculous but according to those in the know often finding an attorney is harder than finding a husband or wife. An attorney is the one who will ensure that your business stays on the right side of the law, and draft all agreements and contracts so that your interests are protected at all times. If the attorney is to represent you in court you need to have a special relationship with him or her so that they understand you in totality and give you the best representation possible. Remember an attorney is not to be contacted when in trouble but much before he can keep you out of trouble by looking after legal aspects of your work and personal affairs.

So, you must choose an attorney with great care.

Ways to locate attorneys are:

1. One way of ensuring you get an attorney of standing is to seek referrals from friends, family members and others in your business. Weigh recommendations carefully because some people may have vested interests. Be sharp.

2. Use a lawyer referral service. The state or bar association will be able to recommend a lawyer referral service to you. Or you could find one from the World Wide Web there are lawyer directories like http://aol.lawyers.com/ .]

3. By searching through a public directory like the Martindale Hubbell Law Directory. This directory lists lawyers that practice in the US and 159 other countries. See: http://www.martindale.com/ .

4. You could visit courts in sessions and watch lawyers in action and decide you like x or y and then find out all you can about them.

5. Read about prominent cases in newspapers and magazines to locate a suitable lawyer.

6. Check out local Bar Associations and look through their membership rosters. The American Bar Association has a website with in depth information on law and attorneys.

7. Surf through websites that have information on law as well as lawyers for the state you live in and choose an attorney who has expertise in your area of work.

8. Through advertisements placed by law firms or individual attorneys.

You must be practical and sensible when you need to choose an attorney to handle your affairs. According to experts avoid selecting an attorney from advertisements and self promotional articles in magazines. Attorneys must be chosen from reliable recommendations.

Be sure to check the attorney's credentials, qualifications, and whether or not he has the membership to the right law associations. Find out his rate, successes, failures, dependability, and whether he handles the cases himself or has a battery of assistants who do his work.

Avoid smooth talkers, those who will not meet your eye while speaking to you, those that dismiss you with a handshake, cup of coffee and a smile. A true attorney is one who will take time to discuss your needs in detail, go over the pros and cons of your case, and give you a clear idea of whether or not you have a chance to win your case.

An attorney will be a partner in your life in many ways. So select with care

About Author: Aaron Brooks is a freelance writer for Attorney, the premier website to find Attorney Directory including topics on civil right, litigation, defense, attorney power, legal services, prosecuting all crimes and much more.

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This is a successful and well-known strategy

2007-06-27T05:20:11+02:00

Marketing Ethics and the Internet

by: Forrest Hagstrom

When selling products online, it is necessary to use powerful words in your sales materials to get the readers attention. Doing this will pull the reader into the sales copy, will stimulate their interest and desire for your product or service and finally, will propel your potential customer into taking the action you want, which is usually to click the buy button or to sign up for whatever you may be offering such as a newsletter, mailing list, priority announcement list etc.

This is a successful and well-known strategy in copywriting and used by successful marketers known as the "AIDA" principle which, is an acronym for Attention, Interest, Desire and Action.

Properly learning and applying this strategy will give you a major advantage when trying to grow your business however, there is an increasing number of marketers who over-hype their sales copy to the point where they are actually making false claims and promising benefits the product either doesn't provide or just barely touches on what has been promised.

Unless you are already familiar with the merchant and the quality of his/her usual offerings or are following the recommendation of a trusted source, you may want to take some extra steps to make sure your online buying experience will be a good one.

Do a check on the merchant's website and if there is anything you don't understand or, if you have any questions about the product and it's benefits then simply contact customer support.

A reputable merchant should have their contact info posted somewhere at the site and by contacting them, you will notice the degree of professionalism and the level of support you will likely have if you should purchase the product. This tactic should be a good indicator in telling you if you should steer clear.

You may also want to visit popular forums within the related niche to see what others are saying about the product.

People are usually more than happy to share their experiences and there may already be on-going discussions or you can start your own thread to ask if anyone has experience with the product.

In closing, it is important to remember that common sense is still the order of the day and the practice of healthy skepticism will go a long way to making sure you will be happy with what you have paid for. If the claims made sound too outrageous to be believable, there is a good chance those claims have been grossly exaggerated or are not true.

About The Author
Forrest Hagstrom is an online marketer, CEO of Impetus Marketing and the publisher of "The Impetus Driving Force Report" a weekly newsletter bringing you the latest trends in Internet Marketing, recommended resources and "How To" advice with an emphasis on getting started and growing your business.

Don't even Think about doing any more Affiliate Marketing until you read this Hot New Report! http://www.ImpetusMarketing.com

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Addiction experts also strongly opposed the idea

2007-06-25T05:56:24+02:00

Experts oppose video game addiction designation

Doctors backed away on Sunday from a controversial proposal to designate video game addiction as a mental disorder akin to alcoholism, saying psychiatrists should study the issue more.

Addiction experts also strongly opposed the idea at a debate at the American Medical Association's annual meeting. They said more study is needed before excessive use of video and online games--a problem that affects about 10 percent of players--could be considered a mental illness.

"There is nothing here to suggest that this is a complex physiological disease state akin to alcoholism or other substance abuse disorders, and it doesn't get to have the word addiction attached to it," said Dr. Stuart Gitlow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine and Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York.

A committee of the influential physicians' group had proposed video game addiction be listed as a mental disorder in the American Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders, a guide used by the American Psychiatric Association in diagnosing mental illness.

Such a move would ease the path for insurance coverage of video game addiction.

Even before debate on the subject began, the committee that made the proposal backed away from its position, and instead recommended that the American Psychiatric Association consider the change when it revises its next diagnostic manual in 5 years.

The psychiatrist group has said if the science warrants, it could be considered for inclusion in the next diagnostic manual, which will be published in 2012.

While occasional use of video games is harmless and may even help with some disorders like autism, doctors said in extreme cases it can interfere with day-to-day necessities like working, showering or even eating.

"Working with this problem is no different than working with alcoholic patients. The same denial, the same rationalization, the same inability to give it up," Dr. Thomas Allen of the Osler Medical Center in Towson, Md.

Dr. Louis Kraus of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and a psychiatrist at Rush University Medical Center, said it is not yet clear whether video games are addictive.

"It's not necessarily a cause-and-effect type issue. There may be certain kids who have a compulsive component to what they are doing," he said in an interview.

But addictive or not, too much time spent playing video games takes away from other important activities.

"The more time kids spend on video games, the less time they will have socializing, the less time they will have with their families, the less time they will have exercising," Kraus said. "They can make up academic deficits, but they can't make up the social ones."

Read more news here :Experts oppose video game addiction designation

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For everyday computer user things like administrator control or enhanced security

2007-06-25T05:30:24+02:00

7 Must Knows for Windows Vista Newbies

Not all computer users are tech savvy and attuned to blogs, forum discussions, and reviews of the great new expectation of 2006 the Windows Vista Release. For everyday computer user things like administrator control or enhanced security has little or no meaning. All he or she looks for is a computer that works smoothly, allows them to enjoy the World Wide Web and simple functions like email, photos, and perhaps online shopping.

According to those in the know Windows Vista is all set to open many doors of delight.

. According to Bill Gates, Microsoft is planning to allow DirectTV subscribers to “move shows from their set top boxes to Windows PCs, or even the Xbox 360 or other mobile devices. This is to be a part of the “Plays for Sure” plan.

2. Vista is all set to have a swanky new Messenger which will steal minds and hearts of users and function smoothly too.

3. Music played on a PC will reach new levels with the swanky new Windows Media Player 11 which is being launched with Windows Vista. This will sort, file, and mix and match music according to the likes of the user. You can view the music according to say genre or even type.

4. The Windows Vista Media Center will allow uninterrupted viewing of high definition digital cable.

5. Vista is designed with futuristic photo editing tools that will change the way photos are viewed or stored or shared. Every Vista user will have enhanced features and will be able to edit and print studio quality photographs. Photos can be sorted by date, keywords, or any other individual system.

6. That Vista graphics will be state of art is well known but inbuilt in Vista is Flip 3D a tool that will allow users to shift among multiple open windows and a side bar that will run in the corner continuously.

7. Vista users will be able to use a new slideshow to mix video images and still photos.

8. As far as gaming is concerned Vista reaches for new heights with enhanced graphics, 3D effects, and real to life projections. Gaming will take on new dimensions with the launch of Windows Vista.

Vista is being promoted by Microsoft as the ultimate OS, what the release will bring will be known only when the actual system is released towards the end of 2006. Fairly advanced Vista users will have to tweak their hardware systems or purchase a new dream machine. The Windows Vista according to promos is all set to bring “clarity to the world” and open new vistas in computing. The program addresses needs at all levels personal and professional and the system is such that it can be tweaked to suit individual needs.

The keys for Vista according to an FAQ constructed by http://www.winsupersite.com/faq/vista.asp are connected, clear, and confident, stating that Windows Vista will take you to new levels of connectivity, give you the user clarity in the interface and the ways in which you organize your work, and ensure that you are confident always that your privacy and data is protected at all times.
Vista is all set to conquer new vistas in computing.

About Author:
Aaron Brooks is a freelance writer for 1888SoftwareDownloads , the premier website to find Free Software Downloads including free anti-virus software, free spyware detection software, free toolbars, free chat software and more.

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Flooring is an important part of the interiors of any commercial complex

2007-06-25T05:23:47+02:00

Designer Commercial Flooring Adds Grace to Perfect Ambience

by: Stephen Robins

Flooring is an important part of the interiors of any commercial complex. Be it your office, a restaurant or a discotheque, commercial flooring is meant to adorn every place and inch of that area. If the commercial flooring is of your type, then nothing can be best than this. The basic idea of applying any form of commercial flooring is to lend a meaning to the ambience of a place. Apart from giving a basic meaning, it is meant to glorify the commercial area so that it becomes inviting to visitors. Many people visit a restaurant or any other commercial complex because of its interiors.

Everything has to be best for your commercial area, as more and more visitors to that place means you will reap benefits. You would want that commercial flooring applied to your place should be of excellent quality, long lasting and looks beautiful with the other interiors of complex. It is quite natural that everyone wants to have the best and settling for the next is out of question in this case. As far as the commercial flooring is concerned, you are required to carefully select the type of flooring needed that can match up with the interiors. A variety of commercial flooring is available in the market. Hardwood, vinyl composite tiles, carpeted, linoleum, luxury solid vinyl, ceramic tile, granite, marble and solid vinyl are some of them.

Selection of the commercial flooring is all the more important. You are required to do a market search for best commercial flooring manufacturer and a commercial flooring contractor. These two people will be responsible for transforming the looks of your commercial complex. Commercial flooring manufacturer would have a variety of commercial flooring and in different colors. You can choose the color according to your preferences, so that it can give a wholesome feeling. Grey, cocoa, brown shades, green, pistachio, blue, cherry, black and golden oak are some of the colors that can fit your preferred choice.

Whatever type of commercial flooring is selected, all it matters is the effect that you get after applying the flooring. Perfection is what is needed in the matters of interiors of a commercial complex. It is because interiors will indirectly get you more and more customers. Just think of this case that fits in the matter of a restaurant. If the combination of ambience and food is perfect, then you would be a hit in among the crowds. Moreover, commercial flooring applied to the commercial complex reflects your taste. It shows that how concerned and particular you are in the matter of choosing best commercial flooring.

Nothing can be best than the thing that you get the best commercial flooring at a budgeted rate. It is not just you, but most of the people likes that their work should be done in less money. You will be a lucky chap, if you get designer commercial flooring within your allocated amount. Variety of commercial flooring manufacturers is present in the market, who offers designer commercial flooring at affordable rates. You just have to take care that the commercial flooring should be designer, classy and elegant at the same time.

About The Author
Stephen Robins loves doing up and designing house interiors. He has been involved with advising people in finding out and using the best carpets for decorating their house and workplaces. If you want more information about Commercial flooring, Commercial Flooring Contractor, Vinyl flooring in New York visit http://www.citycarpet.com.

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The U.S. Department of Commerce removed the employee

2007-06-19T05:55:10+02:00

Perspective: From googling to firing?

perspective An employee recently argued that he was improperly terminated based on his employer's Google search relating to his prior work background. Should such an argument stick?

Well, it did not in the case of Mullins v. Department of Commerce, decided earlier this month (PDF) by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. However, rather than creating any sort of bright-line rule, the Federal Circuit Court found that there were ample, independent reasons for the termination. This begs a bigger question, which I will touch on below. First, let's get to the facts of this case.

The U.S. Department of Commerce removed the employee, David M. Mullins, from his position of facilities engineering technician at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Weather Forecast Office in Indianapolis. He was removed because of his alleged misuse of a government vehicle, official time and a government-issued credit card. He also allegedly falsified travel documents.

Indeed, in a 23-page notice of proposed removal, the employee's supervisor provided 78 instances when the Commerce Department suspected misuse of a government vehicle by the employee. The notice also described 16 alleged occasions of misuse of official time.

Based on credit card records, the employee apparently traveled in a single day anywhere from tens to hundreds of miles from his assigned duty location. The notice also included details alleging four instances of unauthorized cash withdrawals on a government-issued travel credit card, and five falsifications of official travel documents.

All of this alleged misconduct cost the Commerce Department about $6,400. The supervisor determined that the employee's position required trust. Because she perceived that that trust had been violated, she authorized his removal from the position.

The employee argued that "his guaranteed right to fundamental fairness was seriously violated" when his supervisor used Google to search his name and learned that he previously had been removed from a position by the U.S. Air Force. He was concerned that she improperly considered this information.

However, the court disagreed, in part because it found that the employee himself told his supervisor that he had been subject to employment proceedings before.

Here, the employee's due process rights were not infringed because those prior proceedings did not affect the removal decision by his supervisor, according to the court. In fact, prior to the Google search, his supervisor already had outlined 102 specifications to support the charges of misuse and misconduct against him. Accordingly, the court found that his removal by his supervisor should be affirmed.

Still, what if an employer wants to terminate an employee simply based on information it learns as a result of a Google or equivalent search? The answer here may be a classic lawyer's answer: it depends.

If the employer hunts down information on the Internet as a pretext for firing an employee for a truly improper motive--for example, discrimination based on race, gender or age--such conduct would not be embraced by the law.

Read more news here :Perspective: From googling to firing?

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Computers have changed the world.

2007-06-19T05:39:29+02:00

Top 10 Technology Milestones in 2006

Computers have changed the world. The world view is now driven by cyber space and "virtual functioning" has embraced just about every aspect of life from finance and trade to marriage, pets, and dating. According to tech gurus the year 2006 was a "turning point" for the IT industry. Winds of change blew through all aspects hardware, software, and accessories. Internet donned a new mantle and the genX processors redefined PCs and their functioning. Transition was the by-line and new platforms and processors dominated computing along with introduction of a new generation of consoles. Video gaming reached for the skies with new technology, accessories, and futuristic games.

Among the main hues in IT were a few distinctive milestones:

1. Vista was launched and welcomed by some and rejected by others. Initial reactions were positive and industry watchers have adopted a "wait and see" policy before pronouncing opinions or accolades.
2. Linux received a much needed support from software giants.

3. Google introduced many strategic innovations and purchased YouTube to become No 1 in the cyber world.

4. Dell recalled 4 million laptop batteries after reports that the lithium-ion batteries would short-circuit and catch fire. Dells action was quickly followed by other leading manufacturers like Apple, lenovo, and Toshiba.

5. Technology reached new heights with video streaming, downloadable movies, MP3 music, and more. GenX computers and peripherals waved in a new era of media entertainment and learning systems.

6. Open source software created waves and the whole industry readied itself for a new work order.

7. Gaming consoles like Xbox 360, Sony Play stations, and Nintendo delighted gamers world wide and the new consoles took gaming towards new horizons.

8. Apple made history with the launch of a Mac Pc that runs on Intel chips.

9. Hp was rocked by a "spy" scandal followed by the resignation of Chairman Patricia Dunn.

10. Microsoft saw changes with Bill Gates exiting business activities to focus on philanthropic projects.

Introduced into the burgeoning computer bazaar were hi-tech graphics cards, key boards that could even think for you, wireless mouse that will abide by all you command, gaming accessories, sound cards, graphic cards, headphones, computer furniture, lighting, and more.

Popularly termed to be the "year of change for computing and video gaming," 2006 changed the way the world perceived computers and the World Wide Web. The IT and related industries are all poised for further growth and the year 2007 is all set to spring a few delights.

About Author:

Barry Allen is a freelance writer for 1888SoftwareDownloads, the premier website to find Free Software Downloads including free anti-virus software, free spyware detection software, free toolbars, free chat software and more.

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Operating Lines of Credit and Letters of Credit

2007-06-19T05:29:28+02:00

Bank Operating Line of Credit and Letters of Credit

by: Jay Chatterjee

Banking - Business Loan Application

Operating Lines of Credit and Letters of Credit

You are probably wondering what a series on business banking essentials is doing on a natural health website.

Well, stress caused by financial worries will eventually adversely affect your health. Many business owners operate under constant financial pressure, and this series on commercial banking and commercial finance will arm them with the knowledge that they need to deal confidently with diverse business situations, and with their bank managers. Knowledge is comforting, it is the fear of the unknown that is stressful.

How can I help you? I obtained my Chartered Accountant designation (I'm retired now) in Australia. Upon moving to Canada, I worked for a wholly owned Canadian subsidiary of an American bank. Over time, I rose to become the Senior Vice-President responsible for the commercial finance division. This division granted flexible operating lines of credit, which included letters of credit for importers. In this career, I encountered numerous different types of businesses including trading, manufacturing and importing.

This is not intended to be a detailed accounting or banking course. I have put together the essential information you need in order to give yourself the best chance of succeeding in your business. I shall tell you what your bank manager would like to hear from you at your meetings. I shall tell you the early warning signs that your business needs positive action.

These comments are not for retail business; they apply to wholesalers, importers and manufacturers.

To cover the vast amount of banking information, even in thumbnail format, I shall break it down into various segments. Some will apply to your business, others may not. I am intentionally phrasing the segments in very simple layman's terms. I would advise you to discuss my advice with your accountant, or even your banker, before you decide to act on it.

This first segment deals with the initial loan application. It is assumed that you are applying for an operating line of credit, which may, or may not, include letters of credit. The actual loan within the line of credit will fluctuate at different times, depending on the cashflow, but the bank will put an upper limit which you cannot exceed without special authorization. The limit of the operating line of credit is determined by the bank after evaluating various aspects of your business, including your equity in it.

There is certain basic information that the financial institution requires in order to make the decision to finance your business. You must come to the appointment with the bank armed with this information, ideally accompanied by your accountant who prepared the information package.

" Financial Statements for the past three years

" Pro forma financial statement for the year to date

" Cashflow projections for the current year

" List of aged accounts receivable

" List of aged accounts payable

" Summary of inventory

From the above documents, the bank will ascertain whether your business was profitable in the past, and whether it appears to be profitable this year.

The cashflow projections will show how high the financial involvement will peak at, and how well the loan will be collateralized at any given time.

The accounts receivable list will disclose the quality of the customers and whether a significant percentage of them is delinquent.

The accounts payable list will reveal whether your business is up-to-date with its payments to suppliers.

The inventory summary will show the nature of the inventory and give an indication of whether it can be sold readily.

In addition to examining the above documentation in detail, be aware that a credit check will be done on the business to ascertain if there is any outstanding litigation, and as to its creditworthiness.

Knowing all this, be sure to have satisfactory explanations for any aspects that may appear detrimental to the bank.

It is important to keep in mind that the ideal customer for an operating line of credit, as far as the bank is concerned, is one who:

" Is profitable

" Needs the credit to finance profitable growth

" Does not require too high a loan/equity ratio

" Has adequate collateral to cover the loan at all times

" Has collateral that can be liquidated easily

" Has excellent credit rating

Your strategy? When making the loan application:

" stress the good value of the assets that support the equity of the business.

" Point out that the inventory is current, or can easily be sold.

" Explain that your accounts receivable are up-to-date and that delinquent receivables have been provided for.

" If you have unencumbered fixed assets, point out that there is additional collateral for the bank in them.

" Advise the bank that you have adequate fire insurance to protect the assets, and personal life insurance that could be used to protect the bank, if necessary.

" Recognise that the banker looks to collateral to repay the loan if the business fails. The banker is not really interested in intangible assets, such as goodwill, even though they could be very valuable.

About The Author
Jay Chatterjee & his partner, Roshmi Raychaudhuri, maintain a site http://www.youngagainforever.com on natural health information and remedies. Stress plays an important part in health, and finances play an important part in causing stress. In order to use natural techniques to improve finances (such as meditation and mental concentration), one has to understand the basic principles of finance.

Jay is an ex-commercial finance executive.

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IBM customers and partners will be able to log on to the Jazz.net

2007-06-11T05:51:29+02:00

IBM's Jazz project invites outsiders to jam

BM likes open source so much, it's adopting the out-in-the-open process for its own product development--to a point.

As part of its Jazz project, the computing giant is expected to announce Monday at its Rational Software Development Conference in Orlando, Fla., plans to use an open-source style process during the building of its forthcoming collaborative development product.

IBM customers and partners will be able to log on to the Jazz.net Web site, where IBM will host the code and related documentation.

"We want to do it in an open and transparent way so that customers can get access to the (product) requirements and help us shape it," said Scott Hebner, vice president of marketing and strategy at IBM Rational.
While the project will initially be limited to IBM customers and partners, the company intends to open up the process more over time, Hebner said. This sort of open-source methodology is already used in projects like the Apache Foundation and at the Java Community Process where Sun Microsystems engineers release regular "builds" of Java software under development.

The collaborative development product at IBM will be based on its Jazz platform, Eclipse-based server and client software designed to make teams of developers be more productive.

Also on Monday, IBM plans to release a beta version of IBM Team Concert, a commercial product based on the Jazz platform. It is aimed at allowing different members of a geographically spread-out development team to share information, such as application requirements and defects, to give them good "visibility" into the application development process, Hebner said.

Read more news here :IBM's Jazz project invites outsiders to jam

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Today businesses function with technology which boosts their efficacy.

2007-06-11T05:37:26+02:00

6 Ways Microsoft Windows Vista Will Increase Business Efficacy

Today businesses function with technology which boosts their efficacy. Technology is integral to smooth functioning of factories as well as offices. Communications and instant access to information has enabled a computerized business world to leap ahead in efficacy and globalization.

Computers in business increase efficacy and Microsoft has been promoting Vista as a must have for businesses. However, Mark Casazza, director of academic information for the City University in New York feels otherwise, “…From what I have heard Vista is not going to provide any functionality to business users….”

Vista has supporters as well as critics but as far as businesses are concerned Vista is, according to Microsoft promos and bazaar talk offering:

1. High level security. Most companies spend thousands of dollars in securing their business data as with the advent of the World Wide Web cyber thievery is at an all time high. Vista is designed to provide multiple layers of protection. It will protect the business from external attacks and there are ways in which crucial information and data can be protected by creating a fortress of authorized access. If external threats to business plans and data are protected from competitors then the business is all set to thrive.

2. The way information is used will change dramatically as Vista has inbuilt modules that increase many fold the use of knowledge and resources. The system is user friendly, quick, and secure. So, web site data and availability as well as the corporate servers are function in tandem and efficiently.

3. Vista lends power to a workforce that is mobile. Workers in the field can get ready and instant access to company data and corporate systems using hand held devices. In fact with Vista computer files can be accessed remotely even if the computer has been shut down. Wireless connections, networking between colleagues and synchronization of mobile resources all contribute towards the streamlining of business processes.

4. Vista has been designed such that business operating systems become easier to deploy, manage, and support. The imaging technology enables creation of an operating system image for deployment to computers throughout the world. This means great increases in efficacy and reduction in IT costs. Vista has an early version of the Application Compatibility Toolkit that can be used to test compatibility of existing systems with Vista.

5. Management automation is integral to Vista and this grants greater degree of control across an organization and lends consistency. The Event Viewer assists IT department to view, prioritize, and respond to change. It also makes sure that removable storage devices are not accessible to unauthorized personnel.

6. The latest diagnostic, self-help, and remote assistance systems in Vista work towards a great reduction in maintenance costs especially manual labor. Vista is empowered to detect and correct automatically hardware problems, networking glitches, power transition, resource exhaustion, booting, crashes, and other system failures.

In the global business environment of today Vista will offer an “edge” to business enterprises. It drives efficacy, networking, collaboration, and communication. Whether or not these projections will be a functional reality will be known when Vista is released in its final form to businesses.

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Email marketing is more commonly associated with the use of an autoresponder service

2007-06-11T05:28:27+02:00

How To Take The First Steps With Autoresponders

by: Ian Simpson

One of the most effective forms of low-cost Internet marketing is using email to reach a targeted audience. Whilst email marketing has undergone changes over the years, in particular, the outlawing of spam email, it still has great appeal and is one of the most widely-used internet marketing techniques. It's quite simply the best way to keep in touch with your customers on a regular basis on autopilot. Providing you respect the spam laws and use email properly, you will have a trouble free email marketing business.

Email marketing is more commonly associated with the use of an autoresponder service which allows you to import your email messages into the autoresponder and send them out to your customers at a fixed date and time - you could have a series of messages sent over a period of weeks, months or even years, if you wanted. The exciting thing is that once the autoresponder has been set up, that part of your business will run hands free, allowing you to concentrate on other important things.

The costs associated with an autoresponder vary considerably from free up to $100 a month. Try to avoid free autoresponders where possible, although they are free they come at a price! The price being the restrictions on usage and the fact that they will nearly always carry an advert of some sort on your message which can distract your recipient from the real reason why they have received the message. Also, it isn't necessary to pay a silly price for an autoresponder, big companies may want to pay top price because they can afford to but as an individual, you do not need to. Excellent, cost effective autoresponder services can be obtained from aweber.com or getresponse.com. These are web based programs so they will work for you 24/7.

You could of course, use a desktop based autoresponder such as Mailloop. This type of program is a software application that is installed on your computer and it allows you to manage your email campaigns from your desktop. You just have to be aware that you will need to leave your computer running all the time or else you will not be able to receive or send emails automatically. But it's a great way to have a series of autoresponders for a one time payment and no recurring fees.

So, having decided on using autoresponders for your email business, what do you do with one? Well, building up a customer database should be a priority so initially you will want to create a form for your website that allows potential subscribers to insert their details and when they agree to subscribe, they are automatically enrolled onto an email course that you will have loaded into the autoresponder. The course can as long as you want it to be and sent automatically over a period of time - this is where the automation of your email business will come into its own. It is essential that any information that you send to your subscribers is of value and instructive. It's no good sending rubbish, you will lose your subscriber quicker than you got him! Quality email courses that you could use can be found in the Turbomembership.com.

If you offered a 14-day email course on internet marketing for example, then you could provide links to various marketing ebooks or resources. In each email would be a link to a different ebook. Of course each link would have your unique affiliate code. The unique Turbomembership.com affiliate program provides quality marketing ebooks and software scripts that you can re-sell at 95% commission.

This is just one of the many ways that you can use autoresponders in your email marketing business. Finding and using the right autoresponder service, setting up your autoresponder and loading it with quality information is just the tip of the iceburg where marketing is concerned. But it's a good place to start and gain the necessary experience for future marketing projects.

About The Author
Ian Simpson reviews and writes about software and informational products on the internet. Great marketing resources can be found at http://information4income.com/sfpr.

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The net result of this proposal is that small Webcasters would be guaranteed

2007-05-23T06:01:01+02:00

Music industry offers deal to small Webcasters

Facing an outcry over imminent royalty fee increases for Internet radio operators, the music industry body that lobbied for the changes has attempted a peace offering.

SoundExchange, the nonprofit group that collects the fees on behalf of hundreds of major and independent record companies, said on Tuesday that it would give "small" Webcasters the option of paying "below market" royalty rates on the songs they play--that is, by keeping the required royalty rates essentially the same as they are under a 2002 law called the Small Webcaster Settlement Act.

"The net result of this proposal is that small Webcasters would be guaranteed no increase in royalty payments for 13 years, from 1998 to 2010," SoundExchange general counsel Michael Huppe said in a statement.

Webcasters that fall in the "small" category would be required to pay 10 percent of all gross revenue up to $250,000 and 12 percent for all gross revenue above that amount. Those rates would hold until 2010 and be retroactive to 2006, SoundExchange said.

It was not immediately clear what the revenue cutoff would be in determining which businesses qualify as small, and SoundExchange representatives did not immediately respond to requests for clarification.

Either way, a coalition called SaveNetRadio, which is composed of Webcasters, listeners and artists, said the idea of offering privileges to companies that keep their revenue below government-set caps would stunt the growth of smaller firms and gut the Internet radio industry. The group also argued that by broadcast radio standards, even the largest Webcasters, such as the Internet radio divisions of Yahoo and AOL, would be considered small broadcasters.

"Under government-set revenue caps, Webcasters will invest less, innovate less and promote less," SaveNetRadio spokesman Jake Ward said in a statement. "Under this proposal, Internet radio would become a lousy long-term business, unable to compete effectively against big broadcast and big satellite radio--artists, Webcasters and listeners be damned."

Read more news here :Music industry offers deal to small Webcasters

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It is always heart breaking to leave the familiar behind

2007-05-23T05:49:23+02:00

Make a Move an Adventure

A move causes conflicting emotions. A part of you experiences the thrill of the move and you look forward to a new home and life. Another part of you is sad, it is always heart breaking to leave the familiar behind and say goodbyes.

Moving does not have to be hard or tiresome. If you decide I am not going to get bogged down by doubts, regrets, or fear you can move with no heartache. Make moving an adventure for yourself and the whole family.

If you put some though into it moving can be fun :

# Clear your mind and heart of the "old" set a day just to say your good byes. Visit friends, neighbors, familiar places and relive the nostalgia. Have lunch with friends or colleagues at your favorite café or restaurant. If you have kids arrange a nice party for them invite all their friends over.
# On the day you are leaving buy small gifts for the family and yourself. Take pictures of everyone in the home and area around it.
# Take the kids for a last walk around the neighbor hood and say good bye to the trees, shrubs, animals, and people. Treat yourselves to a hot dog or ice cream while in the walk.
# Make choosing a new home a family affair. Let the whole family discuss options and study the new city and its areas. If it is not too expensive plan on all of you going house hunting over a holiday or week end.
# Plan to spend the last day at a hotel. Living away from home can erase some of the pain and the treat of staying in a hotel and eating out can be fun. An empty house can bring forth tears as it will echo of memories.
# Let the kids help in the moving. Assign duties for every one and packing and moving can take on a new dimension. Kids can mark boxes, maintain lists, answer phones, and send out e-mails about your moving away. If everyone is busy moving will be swift and easy.
# Think about driving down to your new home instead of flying. Plan the trip like a mini-vacation over 2/3 days. Camp out or stay in small towns on the way. Park alongside a river or brook and enjoy the silence of open spaces. Let the kids and pet dog run around with the wind.
# When you arrive at your new destination plan a memorable first day. Give each other welcome hugs and kisses, take photographs, have a new home cake cutting ceremony, stay together in the living or family room and toast marshmallows, relate stories, sing songs and begin weaving new bonds of love and joy.

Explore the new environs. Discover where the best ice cream is sold, make new friends, say "hello" to the neighborhood by taking walks. Introduce yourself and your family to the local chemist and merchant. Visit the school, library, local "Y" and pizza parlor.

Start a whole new chapter in your life with a big grin.

About Author:

Aaron Brooks is a freelance writer for http://www.1888MovingCompanies.com, the premier website to find help on Moving including topics on moving companies search, compare movers, moving insurance, auto transport, moving tips and more.

Comments

This is a very high number and most fires in the kitchen

2007-05-23T05:43:03+02:00

Fire Blanket Safety in the Home

by: Mark Fynn

While many of those employed in the emergency services can see the importance of having a fire blanket in the home the same cannot be said for the general public. It is an unfortunate fact most people either ignore the dangers associated with home fires or they just do not realize the dangers that exist.

Most house fires start in the kitchen which accounts for almost 28 percent of all fires in the home. This is a very high number and most fires in the kitchen are caused by either a lack of concentration or because the person was interrupted by an unexpected occurrence. This could be something simple such as the telephone ringing, a caller at the door or maybe one of your children needs your immediate attention.

One of the main causes of fire in the kitchen is when dealing with very hot oil. If not monitored it can reach such high temperatures as to catch alight in an instant. When this happens instant panic will set-in as you try to find a very quick solution while under intense stress and trauma. Most people would dampen a towel under the tap and throw the soaking material over the flames. Smothering the fire does work because it starves the flames of the oxygen they need. But using a small towel to do it causes more danger.

Many people who have tried this method have the burn scars to prove it. The problem is that you feel you have to get very close to the fire to douse the flames. If you miss you may not get a second chance so you get as close as you can get. This is where the severe burning takes place. It may not be the actual flames that cause the skin damage, it could be just the intense heat. Other people have been burned because they may have missed the target and try to retrieve the cloth to try again. This time you may have a partly burning cloth to contend with as well as a fire that is on the verge of getting out of control.

Fire blankets are recommended by all the emergency services and people involved in health and safety. They immediately know the safety benefits that fire blankets can bring when used correctly. They should be made easily accessible near an exit doorway. Never hide them away in draws or cupboards and expect to find them easily when a fire takes hold. Placing them near to an exit ensures that you have away out should the fire blanket not be enough or if things go wrong.

Fire blankets are also ideal for covering someone who has actually caught fire and can also be worn over the head if you need to pass an area that is on fire or where extreme temperatures are causing difficulty. Protecting the vital organs is the most important factor when you are confronted with fire.

Fire blankets can be purchased in many DIY stores and hardware shops and the costs varies with the type and size you need. Many of the fire blankets can be reusable after washing though you will need to check the supporting documents for confirmation of this.

Every home should have a fire blanket located in the kitchen or where cooking takes place. When you consider the minimal cost to purchase one against the protection they provide for your home, your personal effects and of course your loved ones they will be one of the best investments you can ever make.

About The Author
Mark Fynn writes many articles for specialist web sites and you can find more information about fire blankets here http://www.fire-blankets.net.

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A new Internet tool to help individuals and communities curb

2007-05-15T06:27:56+02:00

On the Web, an advanced carbon calculator for personal use A new Internet tool to help individuals and communities curb their role in adding global-warming carbon emissions will be announced Tuesday at a conference in New York of mayors from around the world, said a person who built the Web technology.

Many environmental groups offer simple carbon calculators on the Web, which allow people to figure the carbon dioxide production from daily routines like driving a car or lighting a house. "But this is serious software, serious quantitative methods and social networking technology brought to the green world," said Ron Dembo, the chief executive of Zerofootprint, a nonprofit group that provides information and services to combat global warming.

Dembo, a founder of an analytics software company and a former computer scientist at Yale University, said details of the Web service would be described today at the C40 Large Cities Climate Summit, by David Miller, the mayor of Toronto.

The Web service, called GoZero Footprint City Calculator, is a collaboration of Zerofootprint and Business Objects, a maker of business intelligence software. Bernard Liautaud, the chairman of Business Objects, said that his company had joined the project as an initial step in using its software to help people on the Web create a "collective intelligence" to address humanitarian issues.

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The ABCs of online learning are simple

2007-05-15T06:13:35+02:00

The ABCs of Online Colleges and Learning The World Wide Web is a blessing it has taken learning out of the confines of walls to reach students in any corner of the universe. Now learning has opened several doors to the working, elderly, and others. Learning in no more the bastion of college goers.

Just anyone can decide they want to further their education and there are colleges and courses for the asking. From a doctorate degree to a diploma one can sign up for just about anything.

The ABCs of online learning are simple:

» The first step is to determine what you want to learn. Think should I do a degree that will propel me forward in my career or do I have the luxury of learning for pure pleasure.

» Surf the net and see what experts, students, and teachers have to say about online learning and its mechanics.

» Surf the World Wide web and find out as much as possible about the many colleges and the courses they offer. Review carefully the courses, find out about accreditation, and what the course you are interested in entails. Information regarding accreditation can be gained at http://www.worldwidelearn.com/accreditation/index.html .

» Learn as much as you can about fees. Find out if students of x, y, or z university are eligible for federally funded loans.

» Be sure to make a comparison between universities offer the course you wish to do. Read the prospectus thoroughly for each universities and find answers to any questions that arise in your mind.

» Determine whether you have in place: the fundamental qualifications for eligibility; if you have all the computer facilities online studying requires. You will need a reliable internet connection, software (if you don't have it the college will send you a CD), the necessary tech support, a student tutorial to familiarize you with online learning, an online writing center, online library membership , and a reliable support system.

» Learn from former students what the intricacies of online learning are.

» Find out from your HR people what value the course you are considering will add to you career.

» Closely study your daily schedule and determine when you will be able to devote time for the course.

» Know what online learning management systems are. Determine whether you can meet the course work requirements.

If you have any doubts consult counselors every university has. Study carefully what the degree or diploma your earning through the online course is worth. And know whether it will be a step stone to success.

Adult learning has become essential in the fast paced environment of today. With technology and working systems evolving it is important for the young and old to keep pace with innovations and developments. In the race for success continued learning and training has become essential. Learning molds the way we think and prepares us for the new world.

About the Author:
Aaron Brooks is a freelance writer for Online Colleges, the premier website to find top ranking colleges online directory including topics on public colleges, private colleges, online college, college course online, information on college costs, financial aid, degrees awarded, enrollments and more.

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A constant zest for lifelong learning will help you stay ahead in the present and continuously for the future.

2007-05-15T06:08:19+02:00

Your Future Today

Your future is important. It is so important that you need to work on it, today. While they say that the only thing constant about life is change, prepare yourself for this and you have it made. The most important tool you will need on this endeavor is a good education. A constant zest for lifelong learning will help you stay ahead in the present and continuously for the future.

To take the first step toward this, it is important to choose the right vocational school. Not just any vocational school will do. Make sure that you choose to invest your time, effort and future in an accredited vocational school.

Vocation schools are a dime a dozen. Before choosing and enrolling at a vocational school, make sure that the vocational school is accredited with the right organizations. Also, you may find yourself applying for a job that will require from their applicants a degree or at least a certification that you are currently or will enroll at an accredited vocational school.

Don't waste your time, energy and money on second rate vocational schools. Make a vocational school's proper accreditation a main criteria in choosing a vocational school for you. The whole purpose of enrolling and learning at a vocational school is to be enabled and ready to be a productive part of society through the school's skill teaching processes. There is no point in going through this whole process if you are not assured of ready employment afterward.

To avoid this and prevent this from happening, take a look and take note of the accredited vocational schools of prospective employers. It will also be helpful to take closer look at the accreditation of vocational schools you may be interested in attending. To help you get a jumpstart for your search in the right direction of accredited vocational schools, check out the links below.

Arizona Community

Are you in the Arizona area, in search of an accredited vocational school? Then http://www.arizonacommunity.net is the best place to start your search. Log on to this helpful portal to find accredited vocational schools in your area. They have an extensive listing of helpful information to get you one step closer to finding an accredited vocational school.

Vocational School Directory

The name of this site says it all. Find anything and everything about vocational schools through http://www.vocationalschooldirectory.com Their extensive listing will afford you various possibilities for accredited vocational schools you can choose from.

About The Author

This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on Vocational Schools & other useful information, please visit http://vocational-schools.articlekeep.com.

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Microsoft plans to release seven security bulletins, including a fix for a zero-day flaw in Windows

2007-05-04T08:06:27+02:00

Microsoft to patch zero-day DNS flaw Microsoft on Tuesday plans to release seven security bulletins, including a fix for a zero-day flaw in Windows that is already being used in cyberattacks.

The bulletins, part of Microsoft's monthly patch cycle, are slated to provide fixes for an undisclosed number of security vulnerabilities in Windows, Office, Exchange and BizTalk, Microsoft said on its Web site Thursday. The issue affecting BizTalk also relates to "Capicom," a developer component to add cryptography to applications.

Each of the four product families is scheduled to get at least one "critical" update, Microsoft's highest severity rating, the company said. Microsoft plans to release two bulletins related to issues in Windows and three related to Office, with one remaining for both Exchange and BizTalk, it said.

Security issues tagged as critical typically could allow an attacker to gain full control of an affected system with very little, if any, action by the user.

Microsoft's updates will include a patch for a vulnerability in the Windows domain name system, or DNS. The security vulnerability affects Windows 2000 Server and Windows Server 2003. Microsoft warned of the problem last month and has said it was being used in "limited" attacks.

Read more news here : Microsoft to patch zero-day DNS flaw

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Packing tips you may find useful

2007-05-04T07:57:58+02:00

10 Tips on how to pack a self storage

Once you have leased a self-storage unit the next step is to pack it right. Sit down calmly and make a list of what you want to store in the self-storage unit. Mark against each object when you are likely to need it. This will provide a kind of guideline on where to place objects you may need to retrieve fairly soon. The advantage of this exercise is that objects you are likely to need can be stored in front or at the top so that you can take it out easily.

Here are a few packing tips you may find useful:

1. Pack in boxes that are tough, water resistant, and of more or less uniform size. The trick is to stack heavier things at the bottom followed by lighter ones, and at the top stack fragile breakables.

2. If you are opting for a large unit then you can leave space between the furniture and boxes so that accessibility is maintained.

3. Fill all boxes to the brim and use old sheets, towels, and newspapers as packing. When boxes are half or three fourths full they will collapse when other boxes are placed on them.

4. Treat all metal objects with rust protectors and things like books with boric powder or tobacco leaves to protect them from insect attack. Look up preservation of books and follow the instructions.

5. To secure valuable things ensure they are put right at the back or at the very bottom. This makes it hard for thieves to take things away.

6. If you are required to provide your own locks then choose a padlock that is of quality and hard to open with a hair clip.

7. Put down de humidifiers and allow for air to circulate inside the locker. Lay down plastic sheeting on the floor of the unit and places the boxes on a wooden pallet this will keep boxes from suffering water related damage.

8. Leave the doors of all appliances ajar this prevents fungal growth. Use the space in appliances to store small things.

9. Refrain from storing any inflammables in the unit. Read the safety manual thoroughly before placing objects in the unit.

10. Maintain a diary and record which boxes are placed where and what each box contains. Stick labels on each box with a coding that matches your list. Never mark the contents on the label. Never say "painting by Monet," on top of a box, will you just be asking for trouble.

Most companies charge extra for packing the units. So, if you want to make a saving then be prepared to do the packing yourself. Use the space efficiently, experts recommend that you fill the unit completely.

Take the advice of the storage unit staff. Since they deal with units daily they can offer you valuable advice. Always value the goods correctly this will ensure that you get sufficient insurance cover.

Observe all the rules of the units and always register at the reception when you access the self-storage unit. This procedure helps maintain safety and security.

About Author:

Aaron Brooks is a freelance writer for http://www.1888MovingCompanies.com, the premier website to find help on Moving including topics on moving companies search, compare movers, moving insurance, auto transport, moving tips and more.

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Money does not come easily

2007-05-04T07:49:29+02:00

Why Do Most People Fail?
by: Stuart Ramsay

Chances are you know of someone who has tried a work from home business opportunity or two and failed. Perhaps you are one of them?

Let me share a sad statistical fact with you.

Out of every 100 people who begin a new work from home opportunity:

96 will do nothing with the information that they have bought and been given!

2 will begin to do something with the information, but will give up.

2 will be persistent at their work from home opportunity and will secure for themselves and family an amazing second income or substantial full time income.

This is an unbelievable fact. The majority of the 98 who did nothing and gave up will more than likely have negative things to say about the respective work from home opportunity they tried. This is because they know that they have failed and have given up. It is basic human psychology to be negative towards something you have not been successful at. So the result is that you have 98 people with negative things to say and only 2 with nothing but positive and encouraging words to pass on. In such a situation it is difficult to hear the positive message over the negative one.

And this is exactly why we are a society of cynics and non-believers!

People who are successful at work from home opportunities are not more intelligent than you or have some magical gift that you do not possess. They just decided to act on the information they were given, learnt it and then did it. You see, whilst so many of us wish for something better, only a few of us are willing to do what it takes to be a successful work from home business owner. Money does not come easily, I can assure of that. It can do over time, but you really have to want it and really have to work at it.

About The Author

Stuart Ramsay has successfully fired his boss and now enjoys working from home. He is passionate about online business and shares his passion with others. For genuine work from home opportunities as well as a free newsletter & bonus, please visit http://www.officialwealth4u.com.

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Mozilla on Thursday launched Thunderbird 2

2007-04-20T06:28:57+02:00

Mozilla Thunderbird 2 takes flight

Mozilla on Thursday launched Thunderbird 2, the latest version of its free, open-source e-mail client featuring message tagging and customization.

Thunderbird 2, with its enhanced features, is intended to ease the organization of e-mail via message tags, advanced folder viewing, and speedier inbox and message searching.

Under its message tagging feature, users can assign single or multiple custom tags to their e-mail, such as "from mom" or "weekend projects." Users would also be able to assign default tags, as well.

Read more news here : Mozilla Thunderbird 2 takes flight

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Reap the benefits of self-storage but protect your interests.

2007-04-20T06:07:37+02:00

A useful check list when considering a storage facility

Self-storage is a popular option with people who are moving, expanding, or are collectors. Long term lease of self-storage benefits those who want to store things that are too large or too many to keep at home or in the office and yet valuable enough to retain and not give away.

Once you have decided that a storage unit is essential to your smooth function you need to make up your mind whether you would like self-storage or pick up and delivery storage.

Use a check list like the one we have designed when considering a storage unit :

1. Determine how far the unit is from where you are and whether the roads are accessible even in bad weather. Also check out whether the area is prone to flooding.

2. Find out whether the self-storage company offers any discounts and whether they offer free pick up of items.

3. Make a list of the number and size of things you wish to store and then check out the various sizes of units on offer. Choose one that will accommodate your things comfortably. Also consider whether in the near future you may be adding many more things to the unit. If yes, then opt for a larger unit.

4. Be sure to check the facility at least twice. Determine whether the units are clean and whether the surroundings show any signs of rat droppings or insects like white ants or cockroaches.

5. Ask about security arrangements. Find out whether the facility has 24 hr guards, surveillance cameras, inspections, smoke detectors, or alarms installed.

6. Find out whether the lock and keys will be provided or whether you will need to bring your own.

7. Find out about insuring your things and also whether the facility is maintained in accordance with rules and regulations of safety.

8. Find out whether you will have 24/7 access or whether they facility will charge you for operating your unit at inconvenient times.

9. Many units have climate control find out as much as you can about whether the unit has climate control and about humidity control.

10. Be sure to ask whether they have had any break ins .

11. Ask for references from users and do check them out.

As a user it is up to you to ensure that your things remain safe. So, before signing a lease or making payment ask to read the contract and check online whether there are any complaints about the company or negative comments. Sites which give information are: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/movers/storage_lockers.html and http://www.complaints.com/directory/2005/april/6/12.htm .

Be a knowledgeable person and make the effort to determine how reliable the companies are and do a comparison shopping before choosing a service.

Reap the benefits of self-storage but protect your interests.

About Author:

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Why publish? Heck, why not?

2007-04-20T05:56:43+02:00

Why Do We Publish?

A major "character" in Mark Salzman's first autobiography is his father. Sometimes his father paints. But his father hates painting. He likes it when his painting is done. He likes having painted. But the act of painting itself is, in his opinion, a big pain in the backside.

Nobody reading this approaches writing like that, do they? I know I don't. Of all my experiences as an author, whacking those words down onto the paper is the best of the best. Always has been, always will be. Even though I cut most of them. I like creating.

I've quoted Hemingway before. Long periods of thinking, short periods of writing. These days, my thinking takes longer and my periods of writing are getting less frequent, but both still happen, and I still love creating something from nothing.

If it weren't for me, you would never read the words you're reading right now. Nobody else would ever write them. And they contain my thoughts. Through time and space, better than telepathy, you hear what I'm saying.

So, there's one reason to write, isn't it? The biggie, if you ask me. I write what I do because I can't NOT write it. I may be clarifying my thoughts in my own head. But, most certainly, I'm just so moved by those thoughts that I must put them on paper. They're in me and they have to get out, kinda like those critters in the ALIEN movies.

Is this the only reason to write? Because I want to zap my thoughts into your heads? I don't know. But let me change the question. Is this a reason to publish? Why not write your books and stick them in a filing cabinet like Sean Connery did in the film FINDING FORRESTER? Write it, express it, file it away. Why publish it?

(It's okay if you haven't seen this obscure little gem. I will explain all.)

In fact, there are writers who do exactly that. Some fear rejection or criticism. We hear about them whenever we pop into a writing workshop. But I don't think there are very many of them. I have trouble picturing someone who can spend months (years?) doing something as essentially egotistical as writing a novel, but who is fundamentally lacking in any sort of self-confidence. Naw, they're thinking posterity but lack the stones to admit it.

At times I've got an inferiority complex I wouldn't dream of whacking onto your shoulders, but it was absent when I wrote my books. During the act of writing itself, you think, "My words are better than your words." You do. You feel that you must record your thoughts because they're that much better than most. That's what writing is. So, I would say that by definition the author isn't ALWAYS plagued by self-doubt.

In FINDING FORRESTER, the Sean Connery character won the Pulitzer with his first book, saw that every reviewer misunderstood him, and decided they could all get stuffed. This is a movie, a work of fiction, but I understand the attitude. I once wrote a true story, where the main character was Michael LaRocca, only to have a critic slam the main character as "unbelievable." Apparently I don't act like real people.

I could never shove all my writing in a filing cabinet, unpub- lished, and tell the establishment to get stuffed. But yep, there are stupid people in the world, and some of them review books.

So, we've identified two groups who won't be seeking publication. Hopelessly insecure and hopelessly arrogant. But, like Aristotle, I prefer moderation. You still may be wondering why I seek publi- cation. So do I. Let my exploration of this question continue.

I've hit best-seller status for two different e-publishers with three different books. Minor thrills at the time, but there's no way I could call them enough of a reward for what I put into writing.

You're an author. You know what I'm talking about. We all but kill ourselves to make our books. And let's be blunt here. Unless you're going to throw Rowling/King/Clancy/Grisham money at me -- and you're NOT -- money isn't sufficient reason to publish.

Publishing isn't just a case of sending it to a publisher, signing a contract, and being done.

Next up is editing, which is a blast. Not at the time, perhaps. Any editor worth a damn will beat you over the head with every bad word choice you ever made. And you made hundreds! But at the end of that gauntlet, you know you are da bomb.

Seeing my cover art is almost always awesome. Yes, I did say "almost." One bad experience among eight. It happens. But if you've worked with a publisher, you know what I mean. You log onto the Internet one morning, not fully conscious, amazed that you poured that first cup of coffee without burning off your naughty bits. You pop open an email and see cover art that almost makes your head explode. You get this big rush, thinking, "Someone understands my writing!" What you don't realize, naive little author, is that some artists don't even read the books they do the art for. But still. The art rocks your world. Feel that. I always enjoy clicking those email attachments and seeing MY book covers.

Then comes marketing. Biggest pain in the... Well, let's just say it makes me want to not publish sometimes. So why publish?

I've entered the EPPIES three times, and been a finalist three times. The second time one of my books was an EPPIE finalist, I made some wisecrack in an author's egroup about how "finalist" is a synonym for "loser" and was raked over the coals.

Oops!

(Maybe I annoyed entrants who weren't finalists. I'd always wondered if they existed...)

So let's say I'm not publishing for money or awards. They sing a siren song to new authors which this jaded old bastard quit hearing long ago. I got all that out of my system in the previous millenium. So why do I still publish? What are my rewards? Let me mention a few.

A psychologist turned English teacher formed a women's reading group at the university where we once worked together in China. Her concept was women readers, women writers. But the first book the group ever discussed was my very own RISING FROM THE ASHES, which is about Mom. My only foray into "women's literature." I couldn't attend the reading group, since I'm a guy, but my wife was there. What I learned about my book is priceless, as is knowing what those young students discussed because of my writing. Issues of such depth that I'd be proud to inspire any student, in any country, in any language, to tackle them.

I used to work on North Carolina hog farms. I enjoyed the company of some damn fine people at every one of them. Hog farming is hard work. This isn't the backyard family farm, folks, this is 13 people with 98 boars, 3500 sows, and all the babies they can make. One of my toughest coworkers was a lesbian who could break Xena in half, and my one foray into writing horror gave her nightmares.

I don't consider myself a poet, and I believe most of the reading world agrees with me. But I have published 6 poems. There is one that a hog farm coworker insists will be read at his funeral. Don't ask me why he was planning his funeral during our lunch break because I have no idea. But, well, I guess I'm invited, in a manner of speaking.

Master Pizza, 30th Street, Tampa, Florida. A bunch of drunken Italian relatives reading one of my less-than-serious poems ALOUD between pitchers of beer. It was like a Joe Dolce moment.

I was working as a security guard in a particularly unpleasant place. This was 20 years ago, I think. A fellow guard read one of my short stories. It is, by far, the most allegorical thing I've ever written. I can't tell you how many times I've thought about throwing it out. But then, I remember Bob's words. "This is me. This is my life." Me too, old pal, and I don't care if you and I are the only two readers to have any idea what I'm talking about. {Scapegoat Bob!}

I've written some pretty heady volumes, but I've also written quite a few short works. I've heard from numerous students here in China that, "This is the first book in English I've ever finished reading." When I write, I certainly never set out to help anyone learn English. (Some of my editors may claim I never learned the language.) And, students will LIE to teachers. But I've decided that at least one was telling the truth.

When I left the US, I embarked on several journeys. Learning to live in China. Learning to love again. Taking another shot at the writer dream. And, eventually, teaching. After all that, I tried my hand at writing humor for the first time. Every time I hear my wife laugh at something I've written, I file it away as a reason to keep writing.

I've written one play in my life. I was young, and quite hooked on the album (pre-CD days) JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. So, you guessed it, I tackled JC. I wrote something that nobody can read without having a powerful reaction. Readers love it or they hate it. I'm proud of that. And hey, it's only one act long. I have a short attention span.

I loaned Clint "Two Dawgs" Hill my very first book. My cousin. He took it to Durham (North Carolina) and loaned it to a bunch of hippie buddies. He asked for another, because the first one fell apart from overuse. That's why we publish. People all but fighting for the chance to read my words. And heck, the book wasn't even good yet. It's 20 years older now.

I mention all this for the jaded old bastards who have a few novels and bit of minor success under their belts. Nobody else is reading this anymore, are they?

So, maybe this is why we don't just stop when the book is written, stick it in a drawer, and uncork the champagne. Although I do hope you uncorked the champagne. This planet contains far too many people who "want to be authors" but who haven't written a book. Never have, never will. Meanwhile, you and I are sitting here knowing we had no choice. We had to write.

Why publish? Heck, why not?

About The Author

Michael LaRocca
Who Moved My Rice?
http://www.chinarice.org
You can't eat grits with chopsticks.

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Look after your computer and your peace of mind and work will be undisturbed.

2007-04-04T08:10:11+02:00

Tips to avoid viruses
Earlier viruses meant an ailment which had no definition and worked its way out of the human system in 3-5 days. Today when one talks of viruses it largely means those that harm computers. Techies work round the clock to create defenses to new viruses. A virus can slow down the computer, prevent functions, damage software, steal files, introduce spyware, and more. They are thieves and murders of technology.

As a computer user you can take a few simple and practical measures to protect yourself.

1. Instant messaging is useful and harmless if you use the latest version, and never ever download a file from a person you don't know or a friend who is a known prankster. It is attachments that carry viruses.

2. Keep abreast of new developments and update your computer software and hardware. If you are using Windows you can go to Microsoft Update and get your computer scanned and get patches as well as high priority updates.

3. Use the latest versions of antivirus software, a firewall, and anti-spyware / adware programs.

4. Help prevent spamming. Learn about dos and don'ts of spamming and report spams.

5. Protect your work by introducing a password as well as taking all steps to ensure that only you can access administrator functions.

6. Keep your peace of mind by creating a "back up" schedule for the computer.

7. Never give in to phishing even if it seems like real.

8. Prevent invaders who tempt you with goodies by using Cyberhawk, AVGantivirus, or Avast. These are efficient and free.

9. Use wireless connections and broadband connections to the internet with care. Thieves can steal your IP address and much more.

10. Learn about which files are likely virus carriers. Mostly files with only data do not carry a virus and end with extensions like .txt, .csv, .gif, .jpg, .mp3 and so on. Files that have extensions like .doc, .exe , or.htm can carry viruses.

What you need to know about and watch out for are: viruses, worms, Trojan horses, adware, spyware, and phising. Don't install applications just because they are in vogue. Only install those you are likely to use. Never install file transfer or file sharing services or remote access to your systems. Further more always shut down when your computer is not in use. Be sure to log off from your internet connection. Try and store important documents on CDs, DVDs, or pen drives. Please store back ups in a safe place away from your computers. Never download files from unknown sources. Many offer temptations like flash games, music, movies, or videos free. Nothing in life is free and that is an established norm. Freebies always come at a price.

Look after your computer and your peace of mind and work will be undisturbed.

Andrew Bermam is a freelance writer for www.1888SoftwareDownloads.com , the premier website to find Free Software Downloads including free anti-virus software, free spyware detection software, free toolbars, free chat software and more.

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Happiness is about freedom and it begins in the mind….

2007-04-04T08:06:53+02:00

Happiness Is About Freedom… Are You Free?

by: Piercarla Garusi

The Dalai Lama, in his book The Art of Happiness, says that the very purpose of life is happiness, and I am sure you agree with that. And what is happiness?

Happiness is about freedom and it begins in the mind…

In order to be happy you need to be yourself, live by your values, be true to yourself and choose how you want to live; you need to know what you want, what makes you happy, so that you can create the life you want; you need to feel good about yourself and about in general.

In order to be yourself, feel good, and live the life you want, you need to be free from the prison of the past and its old beliefs, from the prison of pressure from other people and their beliefs, and from the prison of your own mind.

The past: maybe you have experienced a difficult past, and perhaps there are beliefs linked to that past, things people said that prevented you from feeling good and feeling free to live the life you want; but you need to arrive at a point where you can say, ‘I have experienced…, so what?’ Are you going to free yourself from the past when you are maybe 80 years old? Wouldn’t it be nicer to actually live happily NOW? And how about choosing your beliefs?

Other people: over the years I have worked with various clients who had lost themselves along the way and felt a terrible hole inside; they had become a clone of someone else, in order to be ‘cool’ and fit in, but they had lost the most precious thing that any of us has: themselves and their soul.

So, be yourself, be authentic, and choose who you are, your values, your own rules and terms, your beliefs; find out what you like, what you want, the people you want in your life, what you like doing, how you want your life to be, and go for it; free yourself from the fear of being alone. Is it more important to be accepted by people who maybe have nothing in common with you and betray yourself, or be true to your soul?

And just know:

• It is very much OK to be who you are, and you are a wonder.
• Do not sell your soul; it is the most important asset you have got.
• Live a life you are proud of, and be a person you are proud of.

And how other people are, the way they behave and think, is simply what they choose. Always look at things with a critical eye and think with your own head; it is magnificent!

The prison of your own mind: by believing things told to you over the years, by having the same thoughts over and over, you can build a prison for yourself: a prison of fears, doubts, depression, anxiety, stress, frustration, anger, guilt, blame, shame, hatred… But you can change it with a simple shift in your awareness.

Your thoughts create your emotions, so in order to change the way you feel you need to change your neurology and have flexibility of thought.

If you try to ‘solve’ a problem in one way and it does not work, try another way. If you do the same, the results will be the same.

And if you do something that makes you feel bad, stop doing it; do something else.

Always look for new ways to look at things and problems, new ways of thinking; be a critic of everything; choose your thoughts, your beliefs, carefully. Do not tolerate any more negative feelings; choose to feel good; choose your freedom.

And use the extraordinary power of your unconscious mind, your mighty mind; use what works and let go of what does not; look at things with humour, laugh a lot and relax.

This is a wonderful world, you are an extraordinary person and your life can be truly phenomenal.

It is pure magic. Live it!

About The Author

Piercarla Garusi is a Life Coach, NLP Master Practitioner, Hypnotic Practitioner, Director of PG Coaching Ltd. She is passionate about helping you be well, be the extraordinary person you truly are, create a life that makes you truly happy. Please visit: http://www.pgcoaching.co.uk, info@pgcoaching.co.uk.

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FBI investigators have visited Second Life's Internet casinos at the invitation of the virtual world's creator Linden Lab

2007-04-04T08:03:18+02:00

FBI checks out gambling in 'Second Life'
FBI investigators have visited Second Life's Internet casinos at the invitation of the virtual world's creator Linden Lab, but the U.S. government has not decided on the legality of virtual gambling.

"We have invited the FBI several times to take a look around in Second Life and raise any concerns they would like, and we know of at least one instance that federal agents did look around in a virtual casino," said Ginsu Yoon, until recently Linden Lab's general counsel and currently vice president for business affairs.

Second Life is a popular online virtual world with millions of registered users and its own economy and currency, known as the Linden dollar, which can be exchanged for U.S. dollars.

Yoon said the company was seeking guidance on virtual gaming activity in Second Life but had not yet received clear rules from U.S. authorities.

The FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office for Northern California declined to comment.

Hundreds of casinos offering poker, slot machines and blackjack can easily be found in Second Life. While it is difficult to estimate the total size of the gambling economy in Second Life, the three largest poker casinos are earning profits of a modest $1,500 each per month, according to casino owners and people familiar with the industry.

The surge in Second Life gambling coincides with a crackdown in the real world by the U.S. government, which has arrested executives from offshore gambling Web sites.

Most lawyers agree that placing bets with Linden dollars likely violates U.S. antigambling statutes, which cover circumstances in which "something of value" is wagered. But the degree of Linden Lab's responsibility, and the likelihood of a crackdown, is uncertain.

"That's the risk; we have a set of unknowns, and we don't know how they're going to play out," said Brent Britton, an attorney specializing in emergent technology at the law firm Squire Sanders & Dempsey in Tampa, Fla.

Britton said Linden Lab could face criminal charges under the 1970 Illegal Gambling Business Act or the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. The latter law, passed last year, takes aim at credit card companies and other electronic funds transfers that enable Internet gambling.

Read more news here : FBI checks out gambling in 'Second Life'

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title-1907407

2007-03-15T07:06:28+01:00

Make a Move an Adventure

Moving does not have to be hard or tiresome. If you decide I am not going to get bogged down by doubts, regrets, or fear you can move with no heartache. Make moving an adventure for yourself and the whole family.

If you put some though into it moving can be fun :

Clear your mind and heart of the "old" set a day just to say your good byes. Visit friends, neighbors, familiar places and relive the nostalgia. Have lunch with friends or colleagues at your favorite café or restaurant. If you have kids arrange a nice party for them invite all their friends over.
On the day you are leaving buy small gifts for the family and yourself. Take pictures of everyone in the home and area around it.
Take the kids for a last walk around the neighbor hood and say good bye to the trees, shrubs, animals, and people. Treat yourselves to a hot dog or ice cream while in the walk.
Make choosing a new home a family affair. Let the whole family discuss options and study the new city and its areas. If it is not too expensive plan on all of you going house hunting over a holiday or week end.
Plan to spend the last day at a hotel. Living away from home can erase some of the pain and the treat of staying in a hotel and eating out can be fun. An empty house can bring forth tears as it will echo of memories.
Let the kids help in the moving. Assign duties for every one and packing and moving can take on a new dimension. Kids can mark boxes, maintain lists, answer phones, and send out e-mails about your moving away. If everyone is busy moving will be swift and easy.
Think about driving down to your new home instead of flying. Plan the trip like a mini-vacation over 2/3 days. Camp out or stay in small towns on the way. Park alongside a river or brook and enjoy the silence of open spaces. Let the kids and pet dog run around with the wind.
When you arrive at your new destination plan a memorable first day. Give each other welcome hugs and kisses, take photographs, have a new home cake cutting ceremony, stay together in the living or family room and toast marshmallows, relate stories, sing songs and begin weaving new bonds of love and joy. Explore the new environs. Discover where the best ice cream is sold, make new friends, say "hello" to the neighborhood by taking walks. Introduce yourself and your family to the local chemist and merchant. Visit the school, library, local "Y" and pizza parlor.

Start a whole new chapter in your life with a big grin.

About Author:

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What makes for a successful balance life?

2007-03-15T06:55:50+01:00

Balancing Your Work, Family and Social Life
By Gene Griessman, Ph.D.

Many of us have an image of personal balance as a set of scales in perfect balance every day. But that’s an unrealistic goal. You are in for a lot of frustration if you try to allocate within every day a predetermined portion of time for work, family and your social life. An illness may upset all your plans. A business project may demand peaks of intense work, followed by valleys of slow time.

Balance requires continual adjustments, like an acrobat on a high wire who constantly shifts his weight to the right and to the left. By focusing on four main areas of your life – emotional/spiritual needs, relationships, intellectual needs and physical needs – at work and away from work, you can begin to walk the high wire safely.

Here, drawn from my conversations with many high successful Americans, are ten ideas for balancing all aspects of your life:

1.Make an appointment with yourself. Banish from your mind the idea that everyone takes precedence over you. Don’t use your organizer or calendar just for appointments with others. Give yourself some prime time. Regularly do something you enjoy. It will recharge your batteries. Once you’ve put yourself on your calendar, guard those appointments. Kay Koplovitz founder of the USA cable television network, which is on the air 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year. Koplovitz ran the daily operations of the network for 21 years. For more than two decades, there was always some potential claim on her time. Therefore she vigilantly protected a scheduled tennis match just as she would a business appointment.

2.Care for your body. Having a high energy level is a trait held by many highly successful people. No matter what your present level of energy, you can increase it by following these steps:

Eat. Don’t skip meals. Your physical and mental energy depend upon nourishment. Irregular eating patterns can cause a frayed temper, depression, lack of creativity and a nervous stomach.

Exercise. Over and over again, highly successful people mention the benefit of exercise routines. Johnetta Cole, president of Bennett College for Women and former president of Spelman College, does a four-mile walk each morning. She calls it her mobile meditation. The benefits of exercise are mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. If you are healthier and have more stamina, you can work better and longer.

Rest. A psychologist who has studied creative people reports that they rest often and sleep a lot.

3.Cut some slack. You do not have to do everything. Just the right things. Publisher Steve Forbes taught me a lesson: “Don’t be a slave to your in-box. Just because there’s something there doesn’t mean you have to do it.” As a result, every evening, I extract from my long list to-do list just a few “musts” for the following day. If, but three o’clock the next day, I’ve crossed off all the “musts,” I know that everything else I do that day will be icing on the cake. It is a great psychological plus for me.

There is nothing wrong with pushing yourself hard, disciplining yourself to

do what needs to be done when you hold yourself to the highest standards. That builds up stamina and turns you into a pro. At time, though, you must forgive yourself. You will never become 100 percent efficient, nor should you expect to be. After something does not work, ask yourself, “Did I do my best? If you did, accept the outcome. All you can do is all you can do.

4.Blur the boundaries. Some very successful people achieve balance by setting aside times or days for family, recreation, hobbies or the like. They create boundaries around certain activities and protect them. Other individuals who are just as successful do just the opposite. They blur the boundaries. Says consultant Alan Weiss, “I work out of my home. In the afternoon, I might be watching my kids play at the pool or be out with my wife. On Saturday, or at ten o’clock on a weeknight, I might be working. I do things when the spirit moves me, and when they’re appropriate.”

Some jobs don’t lend themselves to this strategy. But blurring the boundaries is possible more often than you may think. One way is to involve people you care about in what you do. For example, many companies encourage employees to bring their spouses to conferences and annual meetings. It’s a good idea. If people who mean a great deal to you understand what you do, they can share more fully in your successes and failures. They also are more likely to be a good sounding board for your ideas.

5.Take a break. Many therapists believe that taking a break from a work routine can have major benefits for mental and physical health. Professional speaker and executive coach Barbara Pagano practices a kind of quick charge, by scheduling a day every few months with no agenda. For her, that means staying in her pajamas, unplugging the phone, watching old movie or reading a novel in bed. For that one day, nothing happens, except what she decides from hour to hour. Adds singer and composer Billy Joel, “There are times when you need to let the field lie fallow.” Joel is describing what farmers often do: let a plot rest so the soil can replenish itself.

6.Take the road less traveled. Occasionally, get off the expressway and take a side road, literally and figuratively. That road may take you to the library or to the golf course. Do something out of the ordinary to avoid the well-worn grooves of your life. Try a new route to work, a different radio station or a different cereal. Break out of your old mold occasionally, with a new way to dress or a different hobby. The road less traveled can be a reward after a demanding event, a carrot that you reward your self with or it can be a good way to loosen up before a big event. Bobby Dodd, the legendary football coach at Georgia Tech, knew the power of this concept. While other coaches were putting their teams through brutal twice-a-day practices, Dodd’s team did their drills and practices, but then took time to relax, play touch football and enjoy the bowl sites. Did the idea work? In six straight championships games!

7.Be still. Susan Taylor, editorial director of Essence, sees to it that she has quiet time every morning. She regards it as a time for centering – for being still and listening. She keeps a paper and pen with her to jot down ideas that come to her. The way you use solitary time should match your values, beliefs and temperament. Some individuals devote a regular time each day to visualize themselves attaining their goals and dreams. Others read, pray, meditate, do yoga or just contemplate a sunrise or sunset. Whatever form it takes, time spent alone can have an enormous payoff. Achievers talk about an inner strength they find and how it helps them put competing demands into perspective. They feel more confident about their choices and more self-reliant. They discover a sense of balance, a centeredness.

8.Be a peacetime patriot. Joe Posner has achieved wealth and recognition selling life insurance. Several years ago, Posner helped form an organization in his hometown of Rochester, NY to prepare underprivileged children for school and life and, he hopes, break the poverty cycle. You may find some equally worthy way to give something back through your church, hospital, civic club, alumni association or by doing some pro bono work. Or you may help individuals privately, even anonymously. There are powerful rewards for balancing personal interests with the needs of the common good. One of the most wonderful is the sheer joy that can come from giving. Another reward is the better world that you help create.

9.Do what you love to do. As a boy, Aaron Copeland spent hours listening to his sister practice the piano because he loved music. By following that love, he became America’s most famous composer of classical must. When I asked him years later if he had even been disappointed by that choice Copeland replied, “My life has been enchanting.” What a word to sum up a life. By itself, loving what you do does not ensure success. You need to be good at what you love. But if you love what you do, the time you spend becoming competent is less likely to be drudgery.

10.Focus on strategy. As important as it is, how to save time for balancing your life is not the ultimate question. That question is, “What am I saving time for?” Strategy has to do with being successful – but successful at what? If others pay your salary, being strategic generally means convincing them that you are spending your time in a way that benefits them. If there is a dispute over how you should use your time, either convince the people who can reward or punish you that your idea about using time is appropriate, or look for another job. The “what for?” question should also be asked about the life you live. It is truly a comprehensive question and gets at the question of wholeness.

So what makes for a successful balance life? I can think of no better definition than the one given by Ralph Waldo Emerson:

To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because I have lived. This is to have succeeded.

Gene Griessman, PhD, is an Atlanta-based author, workshop leader and speaker. His books include Time Tactics of Very Successful People and The Words Lincoln Lived By. To learn more about Dr. Griessman’s products and speaking engagements, visit him online at www.presidentlincoln.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gene_Griessman,_Ph.D.

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One of the proposals demands that HP adopt a more rigorous long-term compensation policy linked to executive performance.

2007-03-15T06:49:08+01:00

HP shareholders want exec pay more tied to performance

SANTA CLARA, CALIF.--Hewlett-Packard shareholders approved two proposals related to executive pay and antitakeover provisions, and vented some of their frustration with the company's board of directors at the company's annual meeting Wednesday.

The measures were only given preliminary approval and they are nonbinding, an HP representative said. One of the proposals demands that HP adopt a more rigorous long-term compensation policy linked to executive performance. The other would subject any future adoption of a "poison pill" antitakeover provision to a shareholder vote.

The poison pill proposal passed with 72.5 percent of the voted shares, and the executive pay proposal passed with 53.1 percent of the voted shares. HP had recommended against both proposals, and the company only promised to review its policies in statements distributed immediately following the close of the polls.

"As with most public companies, these are nonbinding proposals that were preliminarily approved by shareholder vote today. Once the votes are officially tallied, they will be reviewed and acted upon by the board, with the serious consideration they deserve," HP said in a statement.

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