Garden Landscape Ideas – what do they mean?

Posted by nunum on 9th June 2010

The exterior of the house and came outside to receive great attention, sometimes in the past. Landscape ideas are better than the garden today, a house that is accepted by the owners. The eyes of 'flat are not only decided by it. The furniture, curtains and interior are important, but alone can not complete the look of the house. The exterior of the house and how they are kept outside, is what creates the first impression.Ideas for the landscape has recently become popular.

With several magazines and the Internet landscape offers a world of information on landscape design, you have several choices when it comes to garden design of your landscape. The Internet offers a wealth of information with pictures of landscape ideas expense of others and the final Output des

Some years ago when one of the landscapes, the first thing that came to mind thinkingwas the enormous cost and burden on resources. With access to information so that you can now build the house, his creativity, and time, and landscape design alone, without the application of professional involved.

The landscape design shall take into account a number of factors. The plan should be designed to allow the best use of available resources. Natural elements such as sunlight, water, wind flow, the land must allits due importance. The landscape design for garden, keeping in mind the obligation of the owner, the natural elements and a variety of other factors. Therefore, it is neither feasible nor useful, others lead a landscape design used by anyone, as for your garden. Your garden has its unique characteristics, thus laying the ideas of landscape in practice has, so that the best use of available resources to make the beauty of your garden.Make changes to suit your specific needs.

Planning is the first step to a successful project of landscape design. You must know your specific needs and make a plan that takes care of everything. Help with a landscape architect would be required for professional help before all the loopholes in the plan and make a big exit, this would be.

After the planting of trees of different species and is a wonderful landscape and inexpensive idea that beauty is theirGarden. Plants and trees must be carefully selected so that they complement each other. Plants that do not require too much maintenance are a good choice. You could combine flowering plants and trees that have dense foliage. A lawn and a fountain are just some of the best landscape ideas that you can consider for your garden. Consulting a professional landscape architect will help bring new ideas to make your landscape project.

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6Jun

Benefits of Using Modular Trade Show Exhibits

Posted by nunum on 7th June 2010

While there are many benefits to various styles of trade show stands, modular exhibits offer superb flexibility and configurability. Modular exhibits ensure that a company’s display will stand out from the rest, as no two exhibits will be the same.

Exhibits should be used as a highly functional marketing tool with elements such as work stations and spaces for demos, products, presentations and storage that ensure each exhibit matches the company’s personality and needs. Additionally, the varying types of modular exhibit systems are compatible so they can be combined to create a unique design that helps the company achieve its marketing goals.

Types Of Modular Exhibits

There are a variety of options to choose from when selecting modular trade show stands. Many have unique advantages including ease of use, portability, use of lightweight material and the ability to use them in multiple configurations. Each modular exhibit can be customized and tailored to meet a company’s unique marketing needs.

Specialized sizes including ten-foot and twenty-foot exhibits ensure there is a size and shape for every company’s needs. Also available are modular tables and kiosks that add function to trade show stands, offering companies an accessible surface for taking leads and displaying products. These additional accessories enhance the performance of the exhibit.

Design, quality, usability and ease of use are the key elements in creating trade show stands that will attract visitors. The use of accessories and components such as graphics, AV equipment and shelving offers further appeal to modular trade show exhibits, allowing companies more room for product display or interactive presentations.

Flexibility And Configurability

Although exhibitions can be a vital aspect of a company’s marketing efforts, it is also important for some companies to be able to choose trade show exhibits that are flexible with the ability to adapt to various booth sizes and graphic changes.

Modular trade show stands can be rearranged into new designs and configurations to meet a company’s evolving needs. For example, a twenty-foot display can always be divided into two ten-foot inline displays or ten more feet can be added to an existing ten-foot display. Or, if a company already has an inline display, they can purchase or rent additional parts to create an island exhibit.

There is always an option of revitalizing a modular exhibit with graphics to create a new marketing message or introduce a new product or service to the show attendees.

Compact And Customizable

Modular trade show exhibits have the ability to fold down into a small size for further convenience. This aspect allows for shipping and storing the exhibits at a fraction of the cost of traditional displays.

Renting a modular exhibit can also be an advantageous choice for some companies as this will ensure the company is able to change their look each year, as well as respond quickly to evolving budgets, branding and products.

Modular exhibits offer companies a variety of options in customizing the exhibit to suit evolving needs and marketing campaigns. Available in a multitude of sizes, styles and configurations, these options allow companies to achieve a custom design at a budget-friendly value.

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6Jun

Life Cycle Management – A Modern Approach For Business Efficiency

Posted by nunum on 5th June 2010

Just as biological processes and human life move through progressive stages of development, so too do products, systems and the set of management strategies that apply to each phase. The stages that scope and bound this process from initial inception to death is know as the life cycle. Life cycle management is the analysis of each stage of the life cycle to adjust processes according to a graded set of criteria. This criterion is weighted according to economic, social and environmental importance.

It is thought, that by analyzing each phase of the process, and investigating the input and output stages that a superior outcome can be produced. Companies and governments are adopting more progressive life cycle management techniques to not only improve productivity, profitability and sustainability but to minimize the social and environmental consequences of the process.

Life cycle management requires the ability to model and analyze the variables that comprise each stage of the process. This applies to the input and output level including stakeholder objectives, the analysis, design, development, procurement, implementation, logistics and waste disposal requirements. By knowing the consequences of each selected variable, opportunity costs and alternative scenarios can be graded according to best practice criteria. This can involve tradeoffs that are adjusted according to organizations objectives after considering the social, economic and environmental consequences. If the cost of producing cheaper packaging for a product results in difficulty disposing of the packaging, tradeoffs take place to balance environmental with economic objectives. This is an example of the process at work.

Life cycle management draws heavily on best practices in other industries. By using successful case studies, process improvements, and trends from other markets, companies can model processes by using a synergy of characteristics that can be adapted for company best fit. This progressive outlook can help streamline company processes and to produce superior economic, environmental and social outcomes.

The changing business landscape in response to the environmental legislative requirements is forcing companies to become more accountable. In the past, companies have not faced stringent requirements or scrutiny over their business practices. With the emerging movement towards environmental accountability, government and societal pressure is forcing big business to consider the implications. This is helping to put life cycle management of the agenda of the public policy decision making process.

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6Jun

How To Choose The Best PDA

Posted by nunum on 4th June 2010

Looking for a good Pocket PC PDA phone but stumbled upon to choose which one over the vast models out there in the market or want to know how to choose the best PDA or Pocket PC Phone? Read on then..

PDA is an old term which was widely used for devices that had a touch screen and basic features of holding Contacts, Appointments, Notes and other simple data. Now Windows Mobile Devices have replaced them or at least most of them.

The history of Windows Mobile begins with Windows Mobile 2002 editions and then came 2003 editions with built-in phone capabilities. On the onset of Windows Mobile 5, Microsoft had introduced whole lot of power and features to the devices. And the competing market bought out varitey of devices with ultimate features to keep you connected always. Recently Windows Mobile 6 has been introduced with a little bit of extra eye candy and improved security and other features too.

Hope you’ve got an overview of the Windows Mobile devices. Now if you plan to go for a Windows Mobile Pocket PC, make sure you opt for Windows Mobile 6 device. Most Windows Mobile 5 devices have official or un-official upgrades to Windows Mobile 6 edition. So in case if you’re buying an old Pocket PC, make sure an upgrade is available over the internet. In case if you require assistance, our Exper’s Help section is always open for your request.

Which version to go for?

Windows Mobile 6 devices are of three varieties. A Classic version without phone capabilities. Never opt for this. There is a Standard version without a touch screen but with a phone capability, commonly refered to as a smartphone. Smartphones are close to Pocket PC devices and the lack of touch screen will limit your flexibility and possibilities. Go for this only if you cant be without a number keypad just in case if you give priority for calls and need Email and othe Office outlook support. There is a Profesional version which has a touch screen and commmonly refered as a Pocket PC. This is the most powered device. Even some Pocket PC devices come with a qwerty keyboard or normal number keypad. If you need complete flexibilty of having the power close to a Desktop PC in hand, then Windows Mobile 6 Professional device will be your right choice! They are not expensive as well!

Decided the version. Then?

Classic and Standard version are basically for beginners and they don’t have much varities over there or at least, they don’t vary much as a Pocket PC. So we are going to focus on choosing a best Pocket PC over here!

Microsoft says there are over 60 different manufacturers or companies making and selling Windows Mobile devices. The top ones who fly in the market are HTC, O2, iMate, Eten, Asus, HP and some more.. Dell was here quite a while ago but they have dropped their plans for manufacturing future devices. HTC – High Tech Computer Corporation is steady in the market by releasing new models every year more than once! Their devices are re-branded and sold in various hybrid names by other companies and carriers/mobile operators as well. So it is really a tough time to choose the best Pocket PC for you.

To narow the choice, you need to first focus on your need! A business user or a fancy life style user or a rugged user. Rugged Pocket PC devices are too heavy and ruggedised really. These rugged Pocket PCs are mainly for those who go on trekking and high-terrains and also in some industries. These Pocket PCs will not be your choice as the Industrial management will decide their choice. So leave them out and come to the normal ones. Some devices have a very pleasing look while others are more suited for the business class.

QWERTY or not?

QWERTY keybpard is a slide-out keyboard with all buttons of a basic keyboard aligned tightly! When you slide-out the keyboard, the device can be tilted to horizontal or landscape orientation. This is very useful if you type a lot for the sms or text documents mainly. Various third-party virtual keyboards are available in the market and so you can really manage or get used to it rather than having a qwerty keyboarded Pocket PC. So if you need it, the choice of device is further narrowed down.

Size and Dimensions

Different Pocket PCs are made with different dimension aspects. Some with curvy edges and others with smooth and sharp edges too. So as per your taste, narrow down the choices further.

Screen Size

Just two! VGA and qVGA. VGA Pocket PC will have a resolution of 640×480 and so provide much screen clearity than the qVGA or quater VGA Pocket PC which has only 240×320 resolution. But the VGA Pocket PC is usually a slight bigger and heavy than the qVGA. Very few Pocket PC, like the ones made by Eten offer a VGA resolution on a smaller screen size! So choosing for a VGA or qVGA should narrow your choices further down!

Camera a must?

Since Nokia or some other company introduced the Camera in a Mobile device for marketing, there is a good race between them ending up in having a digital camera with phone rather than phone with camera! Yes, the normal phones are now coming up with real high Mega Pixels of Camera. But the race has not started yet in Windows Mobile Pocket PC devices. They come with a standard 1.9 or 2 Megapixel with a little more than poor picture quality. So if you need a very good camera, carry a digital camera in your Pocket along with a Pocket PC or go for a normal phone itself!

Processors, RAM matter?

Very few variations are here, Intel PXA, Texas Instruments OMAP, and few. Intel PXA with 416 Mhz works the same speed of 200 Mhz OMAP. Really there wont be much noticable difference here. Instead, if there is a device with much higher RAM memory, go for it. At least they help you running many applications than others!

Connectivity issues!

Well.. WiFi, Bluetooh 2.0, Tri/Quad Band GSM has become a basic feature of a Pocket PC. Anyway it is better to verify if the final narrowed down choices of Pocket PC has them. Additionally 3G, HSDPA, UMTS are recent advancements allowing better speeds in browsing and downloads but for a quite high price. So wisely make your option if you need them really!

So by now we guess have covered almost the important criteria by which the right Pocket PC for you can be chosen. Any thoughts or suggestion on this guide is welcomed.

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6Jun

Asking Hypnotic Trance-Inducing Questions

Posted by nunum on 2nd June 2010

The purpose of asking hypnotic, trance-inducing questions is to put the person in a position of accessing useful and meaningful information. It just so happens that such questions are hypnotic, even though any kind of hypnotic trance is not the intent of asking such provocative questions. Asking a question can put a person into a hypnotic-like trance state. You can tell they are in a trance because their eyes will move around as they access the information required to answer the question. As they access that information, they are in a trance state. A trance state is generally highly focused, though relaxed. Even as you read these words, you are in somewhat of a trance as you are probably (and hopefully) unawares of your surroundings. You are focused on the translation and interpretation of these symbols called letters and words into meanings. When a person is accessing internal information they are often not aware of their external surroundings. A good question will require a person to focus their attention on their internal landscape to gather the information. During this time, they will be mildly, or in some cases extremely, unaware of their external environment and very likely in a hypnotic-like trance state.

The purpose of asking hypnotic, trance-inducing questions is to put the person in a position of accessing useful and meaningful information. It just so happens that such questions are hypnotic, even though any kind of hypnotic trance is not the intent of asking such provocative questions. For example, the question “where would you like to go to dinner tonight” is really not provocative and does not require any kind of depth to access the information. The question “How would you describe your first dinner date” does require some remembering; while actually remembering and gathering that information, a person will be focused in a hypnotic trance-like state.

Asking any question necessarily directs a person’s mind in a particular direction; as such, any question is a suggestion, in the hypnotic use of that term. Hypnotic suggestions are simply words which automatically conjure up images. For example, when I ask “can you imagine yourself sitting on the back of a white winged horse flying through the sky” you must necessarily entertain that image in your mind to understand it at all. That question directed your mind to a particular image. I can ask the question “do you think it might rain today?” on a perfectly clear day but still the mind of the listener will be taken to the image of a rainy day. That’s how suggestion works. It takes the mind in a particular direction. In a like fashion, the mind does not imagine negatives so the statement “don’t forget to lock the door only conjures up images of forgetting to lock the door. A much better suggestive statement would be “remember to lock the doors.”

This information can become practical when dealing with others because it is a way of directing their attention to a topic you want. For example, let’s say you are dealing with an employee who has made a mistake in work. Rather than focus on the mistake, you can ask “what would it look like if you did it correctly?” That question requires the person to access a mental image of something which actually did not happen, but could have – and should have. The question leads the mind to a mental image of correct action which is a much better reinforcement that rehashing the mistake. If a teenager is being oppositional, a parent can ask “let me ask you this, what would need to happen for you to be more cooperative?” This question requires the teenager to access images of cooperative behavior to convey to the parent what might be needed for that behavior to occur. This is much better than “stop being oppositional” because, again, the mind does not visualize negatives. The word “stop” cannot be visualized but “being oppositional” certainly can be.

There are two general formats for asking these kinds of penetrating, trance-inducing questions. Both formats rely heavily on the single, simple word “if.” I like to refer to “if” as “Imagination Fascination” because using “if” requires the mind to imagine something– and hopefully become quite fascinated in that imagination, which is a trance state. The first question begins with “what would happen if” and the second question begins with “what prevents (behavior or action) from happening. The second question does not use “if” directly, but the need to become fascinated with an imagination is still necessary. If a person says they can’t do something (or won’t do something), a good question to ask is “what prevents you from doing that?” Or, you could ask “what would happen if you did do it?” Both questions require a high degree of internal focus to answer, which is often why it’s a difficult question to answer. More often that not “I don’t know” is the response. In such cases you can say “take a guess.” Whatever comes up out of that guess arises from their internal machinations and is useful information.

These two formats: “what would happen if…….” and “what prevents……” are hypnotic trance inducing questions and it may take a person a several minutes to respond adequately. You can tell if they are processing the information by observing their eyes. Our eyes tend to move up left, down right or across left or right…when we are accessing internal experience. A person’s eyes can actually reveal a whole strategy of thinking simply by responding to one question. For example, when asking a person who wants to stop smoking “what prevents you from quitting” you may be able to observe their eyes move up right then down left, then up left then up right and then to the right center and then again up right….There can be a lot of movement as the person accesses internal mental states necessary to answer that question.

Eye movements tend to correlate to different sensory channels. Up right tends to be visual constructions, i.e., imaginations. Up left tends to be remembered visual experiences, i.e., memories. Down right is generally feelings and down left is generally internal dialogue. Centered and over to the right is generally constructed (imagined) auditory and centered over to the right is generally remembered auditory. Straight on centered is generally visual constructed or remembered. It often takes some calibration to find out what any particular persons eye movements represent. You can ask a simple question like “do you remember what you had for lunch last week” and you’ll find out what eye movements represent remembered. Then you can ask “what will you be doing next Friday night” and you can then observe eye movements for constructed or imagined experience.

When you ask a person these kinds of suggestive questions, you are leading them; you are a leader. Take some time to observe people’s eyes as they think about answers to questions; then practice asking these hypnotic trance-inducing questions. You’ll find them effective tools for gathering meaningful information and directing a person’s attention to content rich regions of their mind.

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6Jun

Long-Term Financing Policy, Capital Structure, Risk Management Policy and Acquisition Analysis

Posted by nunum on 31st May 2010

Cooper Industries [Cooper], founded in 1919, by the mid 1950’s was known as the leading producer of natural gas well extraction engines and compressors. Cooper executed several acquisitions to expand its business and broaden its diversification to gain market share. Cooper’s management was highly concerned about their need to diversify since they relied heavily on the sale of oil and gas tools to industrial customers.

Likewise, earnings volatility was caused by the cyclical nature of heavy machinery and equipment sales. Regrettably, the effort to reduce the earnings volatility for Cooper Industries was not successful since sales were entirely concentrated the same industry. By 1959, Cooper ceased operations in four of the acquired companies that broadened their market, yet they did not satisfy the need to diversify the company. In order to avoid any more ineffective acquisitions, Cooper developed three criteria that must to be met for all future acquisitions, Cooper Industries, Inc.- Case (1974). Industry choice should permit Cooper major player status · Industry should be stable and enable sales of “small ticket” items.

Industry leading firms would be acquired Only acquire industry leader Cooper implemented these criteria by acquiring Lufkin Rule Company in 1967. The new strategy would ensure that Cooper’s acquisitions benefited them and their shareholders. Cooper’s next step was to acquire Nicholson File Company [Nicholson]. This paper is going to further expand and analyze this acquisition. Meeting the Criteria Nicholson as one of the largest domestic manufacturers of hand tools, led in its two main products areas: files and rasps. It had 50% share of the $50 million market for files and rasps where they had established excellent reputation for quality and brand name. Its hand saw and saw blades also had excellent reputation for quality and held a respectable 9% share of a $200 million market. Nicholson’s best asset, their distribution system, gave them a competitive advantage that was attractive to Cooper.

Aside from these attributes Nicholson was in financial trouble. Their common stock was trading at $23 to $32 per share well below its book value of $51.25 per share. The company reflected a low price-earnings ratio of 10-14 compared to 14-17 times earning for other leading hand tool companies. Every aspects of Nicholson’s business met the acquisition criterion that was previously established by Cooper.

Benefits of Acquisition

Cooper analyzed the benefits of merging with Nicholson. Cooper estimated that Nicholson’s cost of good sold could be reduced from 69% of sales to 65%. The acquisition would eliminate the sales and advertising duplication, which would lower the general and administrative expenses from 22% of sales to 19%. In addition, “75% of Nicholson’s sales were to the industrial market and only 25% to the consumer market” (page 5) compared to the inverse for Cooper, since they distributed between the consumer market at 25% and industrial market at 75%.

Synergies

Synergy can be defined as the value that is created by combining companies, which yields a result greater than the value of these companies as separate entities. It is important to recognize the synergy that existed with the two corporations. The acquisition would provide a greater marketability for both of these companies. Both of these companies will improve their profit margin by working together instead of as competitors. When companies are acquired, competition should be reduced giving companies better opportunities to advantageously control price. In addition, the acquisition will provide growth. With each of these product lines, both of these companies together can achieve greater sales expansion. Improved distribution methods by Nicholson to Cooper would reduce operating costs to the venture as a whole.

Capital Structure

Cooper Industries should structure the deal to finance the acquisition of Nicholson. Cooper has capital structure options to finance this acquisition. They can issue debt, arrange lease financing, bond swapping, offer preferred stocks, warrants, convertible bonds and callers. These selections offer investment options for Cooper.

“Typical financing decisions include how much debt and equity to sell, what types of debt and equity to sell, and when to sell debt and equity. Just as the net present value criterion was used to evaluate capital budgeting projects, we now want to use the same criterion to evaluate financing decisions” A five-year projection (Exhibit H) has been created to demonstrate the desired progress toward the projected goal of this acquisition in regards to the synergies. Appendix A illustrates the combined financial statements without synergies in detail. In 1972, the true effect of the acquisition is felt with the increase in net income and then leveling out as the year’s progress. Earnings per share were greatly impacted by 1972. This merger also impacts long-term debts. In order to acquire Nicholson File Company, Cooper Industries would have to look for a way of long-term financing, thereby increasing its debt and debt/equity ratio.

The Cooper/Nicholson acquisition has a positive impact on both companies and it is believed that the two companies have great synergistic value. The acquisition will not only reduce operating costs but it will also reduce additional selling and administrative expenses, as well. The SG&A expenses should decrease by 10% the first year and should experience no increase in them in years after. Revenue too had a 5% increase and it too stabilized into having a consistent increase of 8% every year. The 5-year projection after the acquisition provides a positive glimpse for the future.

Pursuant to due diligence, we have compiled the following report evaluating these financing options:

· Exhibit A Income Statement Balance Sheet without Synergies

· Exhibit B Income Statement Balance Sheet with Synergies Financing With Bonds

· Exhibit C Income Statement Balance Sheet with Synergies Financing with Cooper Common Stock

· Exhibit D Income Statement Balance Sheet with Synergies Financing with Cooper Preferred Stock

· Exhibit E Summary Combined with Synergies Financing With Bonds

· Exhibit F Summary Combined with Synergies Financing With Cooper Common Stock

· Exhibit G Summary Combined with Synergies Financing With Cooper Preferred Stock

· Exhibit H 5-Year Projection Income Statement and Balance Sheet

· Exhibit I Net Present Value Calculations

This team of authors recommends a bond issue as the preferred capital financing structure for a variety of reasons. Debt capital used more than equity capital causes a higher debt to equity ratio, partners.financenter.com (2004). As this ratio increases then the financial leverage of the business increases to a point. The maximum ratio of debt to equity is achieved when a firm can no longer service its debt. The inability of a firm to service or pay its debts is termed as insolvent. Debt capital, the assumed interest rate of 8% is used, with a twenty-year term and a sinking fund for future debt retirement over the term of the debt commencing in year one or 1972.

This usage of debt rather than equity to finance the acquisition of Nicholson causes a greater return on shareholder equity since the use of other peoples money (OPM) causes a magnification on return of the existing capital structure. If the Firm were to issue more stock in lieu of debt then the existing equity structure would be diluted and the return on shareholder’s equity reduced. The objective of the Firm would be to maximize shareholders’ wealth and debt-financing structure achieves the objective better than the issuance of more shares of stock. Another cause for debt issue for the financing is linked to the United States Tax Code allowing companies to expense interest expense as a financing expense accounted for in the statement of cash flows where it is deducted from net income before taxes prior to federal income tax calculation. The boon of tax benefit is not available in many other foreign nations where interest expense is not a tax preference item.

Therefore, the 8% interest expense will reduce net income before interest and taxes dollar for dollar and subsequent income taxes at 34¢ on the dollar of earnings before interest and taxes. Furthermore, as the Firm grows, the debt to equity ratio will probably change assuming profitability and the assumptions are mainly correct. As profits are generated over time and they are kept in the Firm in the form of retained earnings at that point in time will have dropped and the total equity in the company will have grown. This is exactly what most companies look for in a merger or acquisition.

Since the acquirer and Nicholson are both companies heavily laden with inventory and that inventory needs to be financed either by cash or accounts payable to the extent that this case was analyzed prior to the new Wal-Mart/Dell Computer method of working capital financing. In this model, the vendor does not bill the purchaser (Wal-Mart or Dell or the Firm) prior to purchase but the customer thereby avoiding the need to finance. In the case of the Firm, inventory is a requirement. Depending on the industry and to the extent that cash is generated by it leveraging is needed more or less. In other words, the more cash generated from operations the less leverage required during the operations of a company notwithstanding the acquisitions. To the extent that the bond underwriters will issue bonds and the bonds will be graded (priced) to the extent of the debt to equity ratio, solvency and future value is key.

That key is the cost of capital. The team of authors have assumed a rate of 8% annually flat over the 5 year pro-forma.

Thanks To : Prudential Insurance Curve Test

5May

5 Great Online Photography Classes

Posted by nunum on 27th May 2010


Image : http://www.flickr.com

Are you interested in learning about photography, but are not sure where to begin? Are you limited for time, and want to find a class that will fit your busy schedule? What if I tell you that there are several online photography classes available for you that will allow you to learn on your own time and fit your budget.

If you are really looking to learn photography, here are 5 of the best courses available to you:

1. BetterPhoto

Whether you are looking to become a professional photographer or just looking to take better pictures, you will find whatever you need at BetterPhoto. Classes are taught by professionals and allow you to get as involved and experienced as you would like. Learn everything from the fundamentals to how to create the right composition and find just the right lighting for your images. Courses are available in 4 or 8-week sessions and divided into different skill levels.

2. Not Your Normal Photography

If you are looking for something a little more flexible, Not Your Normal Photography offers a free E-Book and free 6-day E-course. You can learn how to find the right markets for your photos while developing your own style of photography. The online photography classes available to you can provide not only real experience, but also help provide a great second income.

3. New York Institute of Photography

If you are serious about learning photography in order to become a professional, check out the New York Institute of Photography. Begun in 1910, it is one of the oldest and largest schools of photography and now offers virtual classes. Even listen to some lectures on podcast. No matter what you are looking for, the New York Institute has the experience to help you achieve your dreams. They have helped thousands of students develop their individual potential.

4. Picture Perfect School of Photography

Digital Film/Photography Courses are available in 4 or 8-week sessions. Classes are available in Wildlife Photography, Portraits, Lighting, Color Usage and many other subjects. Learn how to take pictures of food, flowers, pets and numerous other subjects. You will only be limited by your imagination once you learn the secrets of great photography. Even learn how to develop your own photos in a darkroom.

5. Photography Institute

If you are looking for a professional course with an economical price, check out the Photography Institute. You can receive your own diploma in photography with experience in new cutting-edge styles and designs. For under $1000 you can have professional training and learn a field which can provide you with an income for the rest of your life.

If you truly have a passion for photography, you owe it to yourself to check out these online photography classes! The only thing holding you back is you!

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5May

Low Water Use Idea Book – A Dry Streambed Can Add Interest to a Drought Tolerant Landscape

Posted by nunum on 21st May 2010

One of the keys to a successful xeriscape design is making sure that there is still interest in the front yard. Because curb appeal is so important and can greatly effect the value of your home, a thoughtful design is crucial.

Most front yards are currently dominated by an emerald swath of grass. This is great for curb appeal because it is verdant, clean, and manicured. However, it is terrible for the water bill and requires a lot of maintenance. With current water restrictions drastically limiting the use of spray irrigation systems (aka sprinklers) many lawns will become unattractive browning eyesores.

Instead of the lawn, we’ll explore a series of low water use design options for your front yard and publish them as our Low Water Use Idea Book. One of the first things that comes to mind, typically in a negative way, is to use rock. This brings up horrifying mental images of 1970’s brick red crushed lava rock yards. The more modern and much more attractive alternative is the dry streambed.

A well designed dry riverbeds can be a very ornamental addition to a low water use garden, but a poorly designed one can be ugly and unnatural. Here are a few things to think about when planning a dry riverbed:

First, imagine an actual dry stream. Instinctively, we know when we are looking at something designed by nature, but what are we actually seeing? Paying attention to nature can make all the difference between a dry streambed that looks awful and one that increases the curb appeal of your home.

1) Streams happen at low spots because that is how water flows. Because of this, your streambed needs to be carved out in a gentle “u” shape. This sounds obvious but is the most overlooked element of a well-designed dry riverbed.

2) Water sculpts real streams. In times when the stream is high, it carves away at the streambank, leaving behind larger boulders that are carved into the banks, not placed next to them! As a stream goes around a bend, the water at the outside edge of the stream has to move faster, so that side is typically carved, while the slower moving inner edge is where silt and sand is deposited. Think about this and use larger stone where the stream is carving and small pebbles on the inside bend where the stream is depositing.

3) As the water flow lessens through the spring, the heavier cobbles fall out of the flow, getting deposited towards the outside of the streambed while the middle of the stream is still flowing. As this continues, the middle of the stream becomes a pattern of smaller cobbles and gravel. A common mistake is only using one size of smaller material for the center of the stream. Use a minimum of two sizes of boulders and three sizes of cobble or gravel.

4) Real boulders don’t sit on the ground. Instead they are buried partially. For a natural look, boulders should be buried a minimum of 1/3 of the way in the ground.

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5May

Science and Society – How Science Changes Our Lives

Posted by nunum on 20th May 2010

Science is a relatively isolated island in the societal landscape. As every other community, practicing scientists speak a dialect of the common language.

One of the tasks of science (and scientists) is, according to one of the theoretical legacies of Marx, to show that the true nature of things is different that its daily and sometimes (alienated) appearance (The development of Science; an introduction to the philosophy of science – Gerard de Vries).

Marx — the example set out in the book — was in that case a scientist who changed our thought on labor. According to Marx, human labor is exploited by capitalists. To “see” this relation you need to dig under the “apparent” superficial level. Then after economic analysis you observe that the real relation between wage and labor is deviated because of entrepreneurial profit. The cause being that workers need to pay more for a product than the wage they receive when making this (same) product.

Marx changed economic thought, but also society. His influence was paramount. Of course his background and ideology explained the direction of his theoretical thoughts, but his study was credible, based on available information of that time and based on the spirit of the time.

And this is — whether you agree with Marx or not — the way the scientific influence on society should be. Based on hard work, evidence, a vision and credibility. If your point is new, credible, innovative, challenging or otherwise interesting, there will always be someone who will catch the point and bring it to the market. If not — like the recent Pluto discussion — the credibility of science is at stake.

© 2006 Hans Bool

Thanks To : Prudential Insurance Vegetable Juice

Categories: Uncategorized
5May

#1 Talent Management Skill – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner For Zoomers and Super Zoomers

Posted by nunum on 17th May 2010

Feedback — the #1 talent management skill, is the Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner of Champions

Super Zoomers, like Art Cowie, MCIP, 74-year-old landscape architect, urban planner and developer in the City of Vancouver uses the power of feedback to keep themselves alert, relevant and creative. Art has designed and is in the middle building an award winning fourplex on Vancouver’s latest Translink route.
Zoomer, Jan Dickson, 54, an accomplished business professional, is widening her horizons by learning how to express herself in her art works.
Wise Zoomers and Super Zoomers, threatened by the events of this Great Disruption, stop, look, listen. We then assess the feedback we are getting from this evolving world, then act to increase our sense of power, joy, health and abundance.  The most powerful way of talent managing oneself and others to improve, is by giving and receiving feedback.

We have grown up in a society in which criticism has been freely given with the intent to diminish the person. We associate feedback with negative, bad, scary or hurtful.Feedback, (a) when given competently, (b) with the intention to help and (c) with an attitude of respect is one of the most powerful tools people can develop. If you’re not giving and receiving feedback, then acting on it, you are falling behind. You are becoming more vulnerable to becoming irrelevant and de-valued.

A Self-Assessment – how am I doing?

Here is a little survey with which I can gain some awareness about my approach toward feedback. The intention is for me to become more skilled in this most influential, people-connecting tool. When going through this survey think about “dicey” situations in which I am about to give and/or receive feedback.

Place a check beside the phrase that mostly fits me.
1.When disclosing my thoughts and feelings, I . . .

_Feel quite fearful and often hold back

_Have confidence that the feedback will free up energy and open doors.

2. When I have a gut feeling . . .

_I usually take the risk to act on it.

_I often don’t act on it, and I tend to let things slide.

3. When dealing with the “brutal facts” of people’s behaviours, I think most people . . .

_can deal with the “facts” so I’ll say what I think and invite others to do the same.

_can’t deal with it, so I’ll hold back from expressing my views directly

4.  If I think I’m not an “expert”, or “it’s not my place” . . .

_I’ll keep my opinions to myself

_I’ll express my point of view because I believe it’s my responsibility to the company.

5  When I think I’m right . . .

_Including other’s points-of-view just wastes time and can confuse the issue.

_Including other’s points of view often helps me make better choices.

6.  An expert should . . .

_involve others in problems and strategies that affect them.

_use their expertise to lay out the best solutions.

7.  I think the best way to advance my career is by . . .

_offering my team and my company a different perspective on problems.

_acting the way I think my team and company expects me to.

8. Silos, politics, and competition for resources are . . .

_business realities, so why fight that fact.

_best dealt by creating alignment, collaboration and partnership even though that is difficult to do.

9.  When dealing with people with negative attitudes and low performance . . .

_I’d prefer to confront them in order to reduce the negativity and increase performance.

_I’d rather just let it go, that’s just the way it is.

10.  I spend a lot of my time . . .

_reacting to the daily onslaught of problems.

_engaging in processes that  resolve the inevitable challenges of a business.

11. A company’s sustainable financial success is founded on. . .

_relationships with customers and employees who know, like, respect, value us.

_giving customers the best price and employees fair wages.

12. Solving problems and decision-making . . .

_is the leader’s job, everyone else is paid to get their jobs done.

_Is every stakeholder’s responsibility. They should be involved in problem-solving.

Now, having gone through this survey, write a 1-2 sentence summary of my approach to feedback.

Do I think I give and receive feedback well and consistently.
Do I avoid or engage in receiving and giving feedback?
Am I direct, indirect or not expressive of my opinions?
One thing I should “stop doing to become more skillful to advance my career?

One thing I should “start doing?”

Thanks To : Soy Protein Moisturizer Ball Pein Hammer

Categories: Uncategorized
5May