Innovative Features in iPad Creates Ripples of Excitement in the Technology

The popularity of iPad among youngsters encourages iPad application developers to add more interactive applications to it. The App store itself is home to several thousands of iPad applications.

Some of the in-built applications developed by ipad Application Development team include:

iBook store - This application allows you to read books and buy it, if you are interested. All you have to do is just download the free application from the App store. Using this application you can browse through nearly 1.5 million books. You can buy the book and download it to your iPad on the spot. To read it in other devices you can make use of the iCloud app.

Do you have the habit of highlighting texts? In your iPad you can do it. By using reading tools you can highlight text or underline it. You can also make notes and search for the meaning of a word in the dictionary or on the web. By switching on the Voiceover tool, the iPad will read the book for you. Buy books from the iBook store and create an online library.

Photo gallery - The photo application can be used to shoot, view and manage snaps in a well mannered way. The application has tools to make slideshows, view photos and share photo stream. The tool to make slide show can assist in combining favourite shots with your favourite music and creating an attractive slide show. Watch the slide show on your iPad or on your HDTV.

Another exciting tool added to this application by the ipad Application Developers is view photo by location. You may have gone to Switzerland and take some interesting snaps. To locate it make use of the places feature. A map will appear with pins on the places you visited and photos u took. Tap the pin and enjoy the photos you had taken from the visited places right on your iPad. Pick the photos you want to share with your friends and use shared photo stream tool and iCloud to share it with your friends. Your friends can leave comments on the space provided.

Map app - This map app guides you and takes you to places which are not familiar. To find a cafe or a restaurant, follow the directions given on the map app. Maps speak the direction. Along with 3D view, it will show you signs and arrows. This makes it easy to identify the place to which you are headed. The traffic info tool in the map app gives real-time traffic conditions. This will assist in calculating the ETA. You can explore the world like never before by zooming, panning, and rotating the map around your city. The application developed by the ipad App Development made it possible to reach the nook and corner of the world with a single touch. Quite interesting!

The quest for more and more exciting and thrilling applications encourages the ipad Application Development department of different companies to concentrate on those fields that are yet to be exploited. Any applications that meet customers' needs are getting a warm welcome in the technology world.

How To Cut Through the Gimmicks and Lose Real Weight

You can find dozens of articles that deal with the minute details of weight loss. They will tell you things like eat exactly this many calories, do this many reps and sets in the gym, or increase your cardio by this many minutes per week. Well what I wanted to do was look at weight loss from a larger perspective. I want to provide a larger look at the situation, and what kind of mindset you can put yourself in in order to lose weight. Weight loss is a two-fold proposition. It is simply about input vs. output. Simply, you need to be burning more calories than you take in.

Intake

First of all, you have to cut calories. Now, I won't give you detailed diet plans because those are impossible to stick to. Instead, there are some basics that you can live your life by. First of all, your diet should consist primarily of lean protein, vegetables, and healthy complex carbohydrates. The protein will provide your muscles with energy and help you rebuild after a tough workout, while the vegetables and complex carbs will provide you with a full feeling for hours. This helps you eat less, and thus consume fewer calories. Make sure to check your labels for calorie information, even for fruits and vegetables. Every calorie counts when trying to lose weight, and I would hate to see you run a calorie surplus for the day because you ate an extra apple and banana.

Frequency

It is not enough to simply to eat the right foods. Timing also plays a role. Your body will immediately switch into survival mode once a meal is digested because it does not know when it's next meal is going to be. This is why your body stores fat instead of immediately using energy. This system can be overridden though, if you know the right secret. The secret here is to eat several small meals throughout the day, the total of which should just reach your calorie goal for the day. When eating multiple small meals you body is always digesting something. This helps you consume less but still feel full all day, and prevents your body from storing fat because it's not going into survival mode. Yes, it is difficult to eat often and consume the correct amount of calories over a whole day, so your best tool is going to be:

Portion Control

That's right, at the start of every day, week, or whatever frequency you choose, portion your meals up into separate containers. If you're doing this regularly that means that you're not going out to eat, which saves calories, and you're going to save a lot of money at the same time. If you know that you get to eat your next mini-meal in an hour, you have a lower risk of over-eating when you finally get that meal. When you constantly know what you're going to eat next and when, it's very liberating.

Give this diet plan a try. As a side note before we continue however, I want to express my distaste for the term "diet". What this plan is isn't a diet, it's a system of eating that helps you eat less. The term diet insinuates that it is temporary. If you go back to your old eating habits you will gain back every pound. That is how you got there in the first place. For this system to work, you have to stick with it long-term.

Workout

The other side of the weight loss equation is filled by working out. In order for your body to lose weight you must run a calorie deficit, which causes your body to use your fat stores for energy. Once your new eating plan is in place, you must sit down and plan out your attack on working out. Try different forms of cardio, and mix in some weight training at least twice per week. You may find that you like biking either inside or outside, or running inside or outside. Try all of them and see what you like the best. The goal here is to stick with this long-term, so you must enjoy what you are doing. For reference, I enjoy running outside the most with either music or talk radio on my iPod. This is very distracting, which is the point. If you get distracted with a song, you can easily run half a mile while it is playing. Anyway, start out slow. When I started running it was jogging half a mile, and then walking home. You quickly gain stamina though, so by the end of the first summer I was running 4 miles. It is very hard to do, but the runners high you get after your done makes it all worth it.

Another option for working out is by doing one the popular workout programs today such as p90x, insanity, or 10-minute trainer. These programs are popular because they work! They raise your intensity so that you can get done faster. If you click one of the links below you can learn more about these great programs!

Conclusion

And finally, the conclusion. If you follow this eating and workout plan, you will lose weight, plain and simple. The funny thing is, after a while of doing this it becomes routine, and you really get addicted. A low-calorie eating plan because normal, and you actually feel bad if you don't workout. It becomes second nature, and soon you will see real results. The results make you feel great. You will have more confidence, more drive, and a lot more energy. Good luck!

Completely Unbiased Review of the Polk PSWI225 Wireless Subwoofer

One thing is sure about the Polk PSWI225 subwoofer - its aesthetics are amazing. However, for a selling price tag of $400, such a product has to boast more than just aesthetics. This article will reveal all of its beneficial features and all of its drawbacks. Using this information, you can then choose whether or not the Polk subwoofer is worth the money.

Wireless transmitter

Wireless is a feature that certainly adds practicality to this subwoofer. Visualize installing a subwoofer without having to deal with wires everywhere! The wireless feature also improves this subwoofer's portability by a huge factor.

Interference, however, is often a problem with wireless devices. The PSWI225 transmits at 2.4 gigahertz, and we initially hypothesized that bringing other wireless devices such as laptops and mobiles phones in the vicinity of the subwoofer would cause at the very least some interference. We are delighted to announce, however, that in our assessments, we surrounded the subwoofer with a several wireless devices and did not notice any interference at all! This was a surprise compared to the usual interference we usually discover when testing wireless products. It seems like Polk took care of the interference issue - we have to hand it to them, they did a fantastic job.

Build Quality

For $400, the PSWI225 certainly has a top-of-the-line build quality. This product has an unbelievably high build quality. If you do choose to purchase this subwoofer, you're not going to be searching for a new one any time in the near future. Like every one of Polk's products, the PSWI225 has gone through the industry's most vigorous quality assessments. Polk subwoofers are constructed from the very beginning with the goal of lasting a lifetime.

Convenience and Portability

Here are some of the PSWI225 physical specs:

  • Height: 13"
  • Width: 12.5"
  • Depth: 12.5"
  • Weight: 27lbs

What these details mean is that, firstly, the subwoofer itself does not consume much room, and secondly, its low weight makes it easy to move around when installing it. Such a tiny subwoofer is ideal for smaller environments, and because of Polk's extremely modern technology, it can be placed anywhere in the room and its bass will stay the same. Merge this with the PSWI225's wireless feature and you've got an extremely portable and pragmatic subwoofer that will perform well in almost every possible setup/situation imaginable.

Floor Firing

The Polk PSWI225 is a floor firing subwoofer. This is a huge advantage to look for when looking for a subwoofer! The reason why floor firing subwoofers are so amazing is because they are very effective wherever you place them. You could place it in the corner, under the bed, or anywhere else you desire. This makes the PSWI225 even more convenient. Floor firing subwoofers fill the whole room with equal amounts of bass.

Note: For the Polk PSWI225 to perform as effectively as possible, it should be placed on a solid surface (e.g. Marble, Wood, Concrete, Tile). If you have a carpet surface, you could put a square wood plank beneath the subwoofer.

Butyl Rubber Surrounds

The PSWI225 has authentic Butyl Rubber surrounds which will help provide the ultimate sound experience for when listening to music or playing games. Such surrounds are also very durable - known to last for more than 20 years. Using this system, you can be sure to get very clear sound while keeping excellent levels of bass.

100 Watt Amplifier

With 100 Watts of continuous power derived from the amplifier, one can be sure that the PSWI225 will have sufficient power to provide the bass demanded of it. Also, the amplifier is able to source up to 200W of dynamic power, ensuring that the subwoofer will never lack the energy to perform effectively.

Furthermore, the amplifier is full of fancy features too: it comes with subwoofer volume control, adjustable low-pass crossover, and phase switch. These technical features are what enable you to possess a high degree of control over the Polk PSWI225.

Other Unique Features

  • Easy-to-access line- and speaker-level inputs
  • Driver materials, speaker geometry and enclosure designed to produce very clean and clear sounds
  • Rugged long-throw dynamic balance co-polymer driver
  • Onboard Polk Digital Logic: Intelligent auto-sensing technology that automatically chooses the appropriate low-pass filter

How to Be Irresistible to Women - 6 Hot Tips

Oh, here is that word... irresistible. Mmmmmm! Who does not have that goal? What man does not want women to have their hands all over him? There are so many ways you can accomplish this, even if there is only one special lady you are looking to get this attention from. It is not difficult at all, really, it isn't. A few tweaks here and there and you can have almost any woman you want pawing at you. So listen carefully to these six secrets and before you know it women will be pounding down your door to get to you.

1. Smell Good

Showers help in this department, but we are talking about spending a little extra bling bling on the after shave and cologne you choose to use. Smell is everything when it comes to being irresistible. Think about it in these terms. You walk into a restaurant and the scent of freshly grilled steak assaults your senses. Instantly your stomach begins to growl and you know right away what you are ordering. The same is true for women. If you walk past her wearing Calvin Klein instead of Old Spice, she knows she wants an order of you!

2. Be a Romantic

Whether you have a lady in your life already, or are having a potential long-term over to your place, romance is the key. Sure, sex is great--okay, a little better than this--but romance is irresistible. What is romantic, you ask? Start off with a dinner you prepare for just the two of you. Eat by candlelight with soft music playing in the background. Suggest a movie afterward, but not just any movie you see. There is not a woman on earth who doesn't love "An Officer and A Gentleman." Oh when Richard Gere comes into the factory dressed in his Navy whites and sweeps Debra Winger off her feet, carrying her off... *this* is romance. Take notes buddy, because after this she is putty in your hands. Stand her up, sweep her off her feet and carry her into your bedroom that is laden with rose petals. Oh yeah, that's what I'm talking about.

3. Show Your Adventurous Side

Women love adventure and unpredictability. So give her what she wants. Try something new as often as possible. When you pick her up for your date, cover her eyes with a blindfold. Won't she be surprised when you arrive for your skydiving lesson? The thrill of not knowing what you have planned combined with the adventure of the date itself sends your irresistibility level off the charts.

4. Thoughtfulness Goes a Long Way

Women love a thoughtful guy, so you better start thinking. You do not have to rush out to the jeweler and buy her a diamond bracelet. In fact, she will appreciate you more if you just present her with a Hallmark card that says, "You are so special to me," or something along those lines. This tells her you are thinking about her and have the ability to show how you feel. Talk about wow factor--this is definitely it.

5. The Dominance Factor

Okay, before we go any further with this secret, let us get one thing straight. Dominance does not mean you tie her up and tell her it is your way or the highway. You do not purchase a whip to keep her in line. Dominance in this context means you take the lead in situations. It means you are the alpha male as you are destined to be. You make the decisions, but you do not degrade her as a person. Although women have an unconscious attraction to dominant men, it does not mean you are aggressive in any manner. It simply means you take strong action to get what you want. This is what she finds irresistible about you.

6. Be Funny

Women will find you irresistible no matter what if you can make them laugh. They love to laugh, they love being positive. It does not matter how attractive she is, or if you think she is completely out of your league. If you can get her to giggle and smile, she is all yours my friend.

So here are the secrets to being completely irresistible to women. You see, they really are not as complicated as you thought they would be, are they? Implement them into your life today... right now. I promise you that you will have your choice of the opposite sex soon, very soon.

Understanding the Impact of Duplicate Website Content

When you begin to create a web presence for your work from home business, it can be tempting to look for short cuts to get things up and running. We all know that the best websites are fantastic sources of information, telling us things we don't know from news to how-to guides and articles.

The quickest way to create a rich website that is full of great content is to bring together some of the content that is already available online. But did you know that duplicate content on your website can seriously harm your reputation? Even copying just a few pages from a competing website can result in damage to your reputation, your search engine performance and - ultimately - your success.

The simple answer is to make sure that everything on your website is entirely unique. But, even if you spend the time and money creating an original online home for your business, you can still be affected by duplicate content. After all, there are hundreds of other people that might think it is a good idea to 'borrow' some of the work that you have done.

Read on to find out more about duplicate content, what constitutes online plagiarism, and the impact of this on your business. You will also learn more about what you should be doing to protect your website against the constant threat of content theft.

Why must your website content be unique?

As you browse the Internet, you will see that some websites include a statement on every page that tells you who owns the copyright. The reality is, though, that the copyright symbol and statement of ownership mean nothing.

As soon as somebody creates something, it is their intellectual property. There are no exceptions, and no further action is required.

Taking this information passing it off as your own is a criminal act. If that is not enough of a deterrent, duplicate content will also affect your search engine ranking. Search engine crawlers trawl the Internet, analysing the quality of web sites and their individual pages. These crawlers all have one goal - to find the pages that are the source of great information.

If a crawler thinks that your website is a source of valuable information that visitors will find useful, you will be placed higher in the search engine results. That means that you will attract more visitors and, in turn, more customers.

But the most important word here is source. If you are not the source of information but just a person that repeats it, search engine crawlers will either ignore your website altogether or actively downgrade your rank.

Search engines even grow concerned if you duplicate your own content. If pages on your website repeat the same information, you will appear to be making your site look bigger and more useful than it really is.

For more information on Google's attitudes to duplicate content, visit http://support.google.com/webmasters/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=66359

Protect Your Website Against Content Theft

There is little doubt that you need to invest the time that it takes to create a website full of valuable, original content. That is why so many businesses write blog posts, articles and web pages on a variety of subjects related to their business.

But if you are going to invest your resources in top quality content, what can you do to stop it from being stolen? After all, the Internet is a public place and putting valuable business assets online such as articles and blog posts is like leaving a window open to your home, or handing someone the code to your safe.

Unfortunately, there are very few ways to protect your content against theft. Some webmasters and business owners take drastic measures, such as switching off the ability for customers to right click on images, making it harder to save a copy. Although this is a moderately effective deterrent, it can interfere with the experience that your legitimate customers get.

Another common technique is to add hidden lines in content. These lines provide a date, time and credit for your content, but can't be easily seen by people who would plan to use the content for themselves.

Of course, this does not really help to protect your content, but instead makes it easier for you to identify websites that are using it without your permission. What's more, this is not easy for novice website owners to implement.

Thankfully, there is an easier way to make sure that your content is not copied.

Using CopyScape To Check If Your Website Has Been Copied

There is one free online tool that makes it easy to check for plagiarised (copied) versions of your content online. Copyscape allows you to enter the address of your website and automatically check for similar content on other domains. In just a few seconds, you can see if somebody has been copying your work.

In addition, CopyScape offers an affordable paid plan that constantly monitors your website and checks for copies around the web. This is a great way to get on with focusing on your website, safe in the knowledge that you will be notified if somebody else copies it.

Of course, another effective solution is to search Google every now and then for some key phrases from your website. Most people that steal content make no attempt to edit it, but leave it intact. That makes it incredibly easy to find!

Images Are Intellectual Property Too!

Finally, don't forget that images are also an important kind of intellectual property. With the advent of Google Image Search and other similar tools, it is easy for people to stumble on photos that you have taken and copy and paste them to their own websites having never seen your page.

At one time or another, most of us have used tools like Google Images to find some inspiration for website images, but using these photos without permission equates to theft of intellectual property.

If you are looking for royalty free images that you can use on your website, two great resources are Compfight and MorgueFile. Both of these sites are easily searchable to find the images that you need in high resolution.

If you find that somebody else is using your images without your permission, they are still subject to the laws of intellectual property.

What To Do If Your Website Has Been Copied

If you find that somebody else is using your work, without your permission, to improve their website, your first reaction will probably be anger.

I have been the victim of plagiarism before now, and felt prepared to pick up the phone and start shouting at the webmaster in question! The truth is, though, that this is rarely a productive solution.

But as you take time to think and plan a response, you have several options available to you. Make sure that you consider them all fully.

1. Do Nothing

Depending on the content and how duplication will affect you, you might decide to do nothing at all.

For example, if an image has been borrowed that is fairly generic, there may be little reason to be annoyed.

It is also important to note that, providing you are the original source of information and search engine crawlers found your website first, you have nothing to lose. Your search engine rank will remain unchanged, while the other site is seen as a duplicate and ranked down accordingly.

But if you do nothing, you give permission to people that steal content. It might be okay this time, but what happens when they steal more?

2. Contact The Offending Website To Ask For Credit

Often, it is enough to simply get in touch with the offending webmaster. Write a polite email that explains that you have found their website and have noticed that the content is duplicated.

Usually, you should ask for the content to be removed. Putting search engines aside, if a potential customer happens to find this duplicate content before they see yours, it is only natural that they would assume you are the duplicate, not the source.

But, particularly with regard to blog posts and articles, it can be a great idea to allow the content to be used, providing that you receive credit and a link back to your website. Simply put, you have very little to lose and if the offending webmaster just happens to find success, it could be helpful to have a link sending traffic back to your business.

3. Use A DMCA Notice To Stop Duplicate Content

If the situation cannot be resolved in a friendly, cooperative way, webmasters can now use recent legal changes to have the content removed.

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) is a specific set of regulations that applies to copyright and ownership of content on the web. This is the same law that is used to prevent music and film piracy, so you can be confident that it is taken very seriously!

The first step in pursuing a claim for removal of content under the DMCA is issuing a takedown notice. You can create your own using the templates available at mcanerin.com/en/articles/copyright-03.asp

Of course, particularly unprofessional and unhelpful webmasters may just ignore your notice, or not be accessible via email. If so, you should take steps to contact the web hosting provider that runs the offending website - they are also obliged to remove stolen content on their servers. You can find out which hosting provider the website uses by visiting whoishostingthis.com.

The Law Is On The Side of Content Creators

One blogger and e-book writer issued his own DMCA Takedown Notice after he found that his book was being illegally distributed around the web. In his post on the subject, he reports that the content was removed by the host in less than six minutes!

Duplicate content can harm your website and your reputation and, if you are unable to reach an amicable conclusion, it is good to know that the law is on your side. So start creating that rich original content now, safe in the knowledge that it is protected against theft!

Producing Video for Business - 10 Essential Tips

Video is the quickest growing - and most useful - communications channel today by far. From the incredible popularity of YouTube to marketing strategy, your business success depends on video.

But starting a production, you need to make the following informed decisions:

1. What's Your Objective? What's your video's goal? General info? Advertising and Marketing? Training and Instruction? Entertainment? The only way for your production to succeed is to be crystal clear about what you want viewers to do after they've seen your video.

2. Video Quality Reflects Your Company Quality: whatever your objective, the better your video production, the better it will attract viewers and achieve your objectives. From filming to editing, make sure every part is highest quality.

3. Get Video Professionals: hire an experienced video company, unless you are experienced in production and editing. The most successful people focus on core competence, and delegate the rest.

4. Better Video, Lower Cost: What's your scheduling deadline? The key to successful production is in planning or pre-production - and you need sufficient time.

5. Who Is Your Audience? Who will be watching your video? Employees? Potential customers? Students? For each and every audience, production needs to be planned and created for your audience.

6. Who Is On Camera? Who will be on camera? Real-life customers or other people? You and your employees? A professional host or actors? A mix of the above?

7. Show, Don't Tell - The best video shows rather than tells. When planning your production, figure out what visual images might support your message. A great way to boost the element is with animation or motion graphics.

8. Where to Film Your Video? Where will it be filmed? Know the pros and cons of on-location production versus in a studio, indoors versus outdoors, weather, etc. Creative, attractive locations are also a great way to boost the production value of your production.

9. Video: What You See and Hear: Video has two parts - what you see, and what you hear. For example, music can add a lot to retaining viewer attention and getting your message across.

10. How Will Your Video Be Shown? How do you plan to show the video? Streaming might have different production strategies than DVD. For example web video is usually shown on a much smaller screen, so hire an experienced web producer.

Now is the ideal time for you to take advantage of the world's fastest-growing communications tool.

Teach Online to Make Money

It's amazing how the internet has changed our way of daily lives. Hundreds of years ago, who would have thought that instant messaging would transform the education system in a fun and convenient way? That's right. Online teaching is not just an excellent means to augment your income. It is also a fantastic way to carry out your passion in teaching.

Why teach online?

For most teachers, flexibility in work schedule is the main reason to pursue this career. Unlike in traditional schools and universities, you don't have to be tied down to a particular session or class hours. You can choose students who have the same time availability as yours.

What are the requirements?

Native speakers of English are much needed in countries where the mentioned language has become a major part of the educational programs. You must have a certification in TESOL (Teach English to Speakers of Other Language) and TEFL (Teach English as Foreign Language). These are short-term courses that would train you how to teach children in natural and interactive ways. Aside from academic subjects such as Math and Science, online tutors of music are also very in-demand. Piano and violin lessons are also taught via Skype and YM nowadays.

What are the tools?

In formal schools, teachers and pupils stay together inside a classroom for hours. But in online teaching, the tutor and the student will conduct the lesson via video chat. Computer, stable internet connectivity and a Skype account are necessary. Choosing to work in a schooling website means that you will have to follow a module and set of instructions which they will provide to you. However, going solo means that you will have to compose your own lesson plans.

How can I find students?

The easiest way to do this is to post your resume in the most reputed online institutions and language bulletin boards. You will see that plenty of parents from China, Korea and Japan are also looking for tutors who can teach their children at an affordable price. Before you get hired, you will be given a chance to introduce your self with the child. If the kid likes your teaching style, they will hire you.

How much can I earn?

On average, most online tutors are receiving from $25 to $60 per hour depending on experience and certificates of training. You can possibly make lots of money from this career but you will have to work 50 to 60 hours a week. So the question is, do you want to spend all your time in this job and do nothing else but teach?

Conclusion

Teaching online is a fantastic way to have another stream of income. You can be employed on a full-time basis in a formal university then teach online when time permits. The best part is that it allows you to meet different types of people from the other side of the world.

Let's Have Some Fun and Laugh

So many times we get so busy in our lives that we forget to have fun. But learning to let go and have some fun and play can benefit our overall health. Not only does having some fun help us emotionally, it can benefit us physically. Having fun will cut our stress and worry and it will decrease hypertension and depression and enhance our energy level. When our body is in a constant state of stress it is damaging to our body, but when we reduce our stress and laugh and have fun it is beneficial to our well-being. So increase your play time and you will increase your longevity and have a good time while you are doing it.

Having fun will add joy to your life by stimulating your imagination, curiosity and creativity. Play will inspire you to think differently and have a sense of lightness so that you don't take things so seriously. Maybe you didn't have healthy role models for having fun. Some people just have an overly serious attitude and don't know how to take a break from their responsibilities. Some people think that they are too busy for something as trivial as having fun and don't give themselves permission to let go and have leisure time. It's not selfish to indulge in fun personal things. It doesn't take away from your family by giving some time to yourself. You may even be able to involve your family and friends in a fun activity. You don't have to have a lot of money to have fun either, just be creative. You shouldn't put off having a good time until later when you have more time, when you have taken care of your responsibilities or when other people's schedule fits with yours. Make time each day for yourself just to have fun.

Don't know how to have fun? Have an evening picnic by candlelight in the backyard or throw down a blanket and have a picnic in the living room (my kids love this), camp out in the backyard, take a walk at dawn to relish the sunrise, do something creative like paint (one of my favorites), write your significant other a love note, take a long bath in scented water with candles and soft music, play queen for a day and pamper yourself, sleep till noon because you stayed up late the night before with some friends, finger paint with your children, run in the rain, take an art class, go dancing or for a bike ride, learn some funny jokes, write yourself a positive message on your mirror in lipstick (don't be uptight, it will wash off), roller skate, fly a kite, engage in an old hobby, look at old pictures and laugh at how you used to look, play a board game, cook a comfort meal, rent or watch a funny movie, visit a zoo or museum, have friends over for a potluck, have a root beer float or eat something from your childhood that brings good memories, go play miniature golf, pick berries, look in the newspaper for local activities, ride a roller coaster, play with silly string or play with a hula hoop, go shopping, learn to play tennis (and laugh even when you have a hole in your racquet), learn yoga, go get a makeover, read a funny book, buy yourself some flowers, play with a child or go get an ice cream cone (or catch the ice cream truck) or anything that makes you smile. Just use your creativity to come up with other things that you would find fun. Having fun starts with a positive and happy attitude.

Ask yourself -

  • What do you like to do to have fun?
  • How do you feel when you are having fun?
  • What is keeping you from having fun?
  • What benefits do you get from laughing and having fun?
  • What new behavior do you need to develop to have more fun?
  • What new activity would you like to try that you think would be fun?
  • Thinking back, what were some things that you did that were really fun?
  • What can you do everyday to have some fun?
  • What have you been putting off that would create fun in your life?
  • Can you laugh at the silly things that happen in your life?
  • Will an attitude change of having more fun in life affect others in your life?

Remember the saying that "laughter is the best medicine?" Studies have shown that laughing and humor actually does help patients heal faster when they are ill. One study showed that after watching a funny movie 95% of participants had better blood flow and 70% had worse blood flow after watching something stressful. Laughing helps fight infections, helps control diabetes, eases pain, reduces allergic responses, lifts your mood and just plain feels good. So everyday have some fun... and laugh!

iPhones for Sale With Great Functionality

There are quite a few different iPhones for sale now, different models vary in upfront costs, so this can really affect your choice of handset.

There are variable features, options, functions, apps and the lot that you can use on different phones. For example the new iOS 5 operating system was released with the iPhone 4 but was extended to be able to be used with the iPhone 3gs for existing users. So a unit appears to be one thing at first, then suddenly it`s range in certain areas gets extended. This can sometimes be a reason to stick with an existing handset and investigate upgrades before trading it in for a new one!

The 3gs was a faster version of the iPhone 3g when it was released originally. The 3 megapixel camera was a vast improvement whilst not including a flash option. The tap and focus on parts of the screen was pretty useful especially with the YouTube upload facility too.

The touchscreen reaction facility means that the screen is electronically sensitive to your kinetic instructions. You can swipe, roll across and tap for enter all on the actual screen visuals. It seemed amazing at the time I must admit, there only needs to be the one actual clunky button.

Again amazingly, this little unit has great battery life, even compared to some of the later models which admittedly are running more functions on them. However, if you don`t want or need those extras then why bother running your battery down so much?

The iPhone 3gs also has a whopping 32gb for storing everything like music, videos, web searching facilities etc.

Whichever model you go for though, be sure to look at whether they are unlocked, iPhones for sale are not always, sometimes you are tied in to a pre existing contract.

There are also fake iPhones for sale and some that have been subjected to "jailbreaking" so be careful when buying the cheapest iPhones for sale.

The latest iPhone 4s has just been released at the time of writing and there is some debate about how versatile it is compared to other smartphones. Many users report that they are over the moon with it, whilst others report that it is not so good as they find other phones to be. The "s" in the name refers to the dramatically improved speed at which everything on the iPhone 4s works. From Wi-Fi to camera speed to virtually instant voice responses on Siri. This improvement is supposedly the result of the better 3g connection, a faster graphic chip and a 2x speed processor. When you are trawling the internet, looking at Emails or opening pages on url sites it all seems so much faster than before.

Now, Siri is the new voice recognition function that will interpret what you ask it, respond to you in a variety of ways and use the information to find you an answer and act upon it. For example, if you ask Siri to send a text to someone on your list it will do so, it will place a call for you, it will search the web for information for you and it can consult it`s gyroscopic function to give you directional information. However, when the Wi-Fi connection is interrupted or the 3g connection is slow for whatever reason then reports so far are that Siri is less than instant.

Now cameras on these phones vary in different conditions, especially low light conditions. Suffice it to say that the back camera on the 4s has 8MP which is one of the better ones. The pictures look as good as those taken from a stand alone camera rather than a multi use device.

The addition of the iOS 5 operating system sees the advent of greater online storage accessibility with icloud as well as 200 new features.

So all in all there are fantastic upgrades and features on these iPhones for sale, they will not suit everyone but boy they will suit most people.

Rocket Piano - Online Piano Lesson Program Review

Rocket Piano is affordable and one of the best piano learning program to anyone who wants to learn or improve piano playing skills and techniques. Whether you are beginner or advanced player, this online lessons will teach you how to play piano with new piano skills and methods. If you always wanted to learn how to play piano but didn't know where to start, then this lesson will give you good starting point to get you started. Rocket Piano program covers everything you ever wanted to know about playing the piano and offers instructions for beginners, advanced play, finger techniques and exercises, as well as lessons on how to play jazz and gospel music.

It is an amazing piano learning program that it will teach you to play piano like a professional. Even though you are beginner and don't know how to play, don't worry it starts from the very beginning. By the end of six lessons, you will be amazing that you will be already playing a song.

It explains everything very detail from online lessons, multiple e-books, listening to audio lessons, playing with the jam along tracks and watching video lessons. This multiple types of lessons will help to help learning style whichever you prefer to learn. It also provides you audio examples and video examples of how you should play that particular exercise and it will explain more in detail so you can understand easily.

Rocket Piano package consists of seven books, a DVD and audio and software CDs. This digital piano lesson pack has 7 books in printable pdf format and over 60 high quality video lessons. The books are nicely laid out and anyone could follow it easy. It is also including well designed games that will cover chord identification sight-reading, and pitch recognition. These games are excellent for ear training and these are very helpful and valuable materials for learning and playing piano.

This piano lesson is worth it to try immediately so you can learn how to play your favorite songs that you always wanted to play and to be able to play any songs that you love for your family and friends. You don't have to worry about making it to your teacher class on time; you can do your lessons on your spare time, on your pace, at your home. Give it a try this piano learning program when you can have it with just $39.95, less than the cost of just one private piano lesson. You get Rocket Piano once and get your piano lessons for your life time. Rocket Piano comes with 60 day risk-free money back guarantee, so I think it is worth to try now.

Transcontinental With the Vin Fiz

Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome's period music, returning its time portal-channeled visitors to the barnstorming era, seemed faint, as if its sound waves originated from the turn of the 20th century and attempted to penetrate the humidity-saturated air more indicative of summer than late September. Equally struggling to slice its way through the billowing white clouds and charcoal strata, the sun periodically succeeded in penetrating them before once again being camouflaged. Sandwiched between two wings on a tiny, corduroy-covered perch, Cal Rodgers must have negotiated skies such as these 100 years ago.

A hub for vintage aviation visitors, Old Rhinebeck draws its weekend population from surrounding northeastern states, but the rain-threatening weather had discouraged all but a handful from making the drive on September 17, 2011, as evidenced by the scatter of spectators occupying the wooden benches in front of the deep green field soon to serve as the Saturday, "History of Flight," air show's runway. It was not unlike the one Rodgers had used in Brooklyn, but his take off would not have returned him to the same location. Instead, it would have deposited him on the West Coast, clear across the country, and the current handful of spectators would have numbered in the thousands.

Despite the mild temperature, the multi-colored collage of gold-, auburn-, crimson-, and lemon-tinged, aerodrome perimeter trees indicated the fall of the year, but the date, adjusted for a century, would have signaled the dawn of transcontinental flight in a design whose lineage was visibly traceable to that of the original Wright Flyer. Ironically, that aircraft had only hopped 852 feet from the sands of Kill Devil Hill in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, on the longest of its manned, powered, controlled, and sustained, heavier-than-air flights the day the Wright Brothers had hand-propped aviation's engine. Cal Rodgers was intent on covering the distance from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

Parked, as always, on the other side of the white picked fence dividing the aerodrome's spectator and air operations sides were the three flyable airplanes, which represented its pioneer era: the Bleriot XI, the Hanriot, and the Curtiss Model D. The former had spanned the English Channel. The latter, in its Albany Flyer version, had aerially connected New York State's capitol with Manhattan. But the Wright Model EX employed by Cal Rodgers, represented by the replica in the Pioneer Hangar at the top of the hill, crossed the continent.

The aircraft, nevertheless, represented the beginning of transcontinental air service, a journey today routinely completed countless times in about five hours. But in 1911, without airframe or powerplant sophistication, nor navigation to guide it from one landing field to the next, what a beginning it was! It would have been a monumental achievement if it had been made in only five stops. However, the only "five" in its fight plan corresponded to the number of crashes-the major ones-and excluded the minor impacts, mishaps, tangles, weather delays and groundings, repairs, and complete aircraft rebuilds.

Born Calbraith Perry Rodgers on January 12, 1879, he kindled an interest in aviation and an intimacy with the predecessor of his intended airplane when he joined his cousin, Annapolis graduate and Navy pilot, John Rodgers, in Dayton, Ohio, in March of 1911. Chosen to fly a Wright design, John Rodgers himself completed his flight training there, while other officials assessed competing Curtiss aircraft elsewhere.

Sliding into the pilot's seat in a dually controlled Wright Model B, Cal Rodgers, taught by Wright graduate Arthur Welsh, paid $850 for his flight instruction.

Like a thoroughbred straining to be released from the starting gate, he needed to accomplish more than he had at the Chicago International Air Meet that August and the $50,000 offer made by publisher William Randolph Hearst for the first person to fly from either coast to the other within a 30-day period-valid for one year from October 10, 1910-would transform him from budding novice to transcontinental crosser. Although the contestant could only use a single aircraft, it could be rebuilt as many times as deemed necessary and had to include Chicago as one of its enroute stops.

"To all intents and purposes," according to the offer, "the contestant may rebuild the aeroplane on the way by substituting for damaged or broken parts good parts of other similar machines, but the prize winner must use the same machine throughout."

Aside from ushering in a new era, the feat was seen as promoting the advancement of aerial science and navigation, putting the United States "at the head of all aviation activities, just as America was the first to perfect the art of flying."

Augmenting the hitherto railroad-exclusive means of mail carriage, the higher-speed and longer-range airplanes developed as a result of the race were seen as the next step in air transportation progress.

Financial backing for the feat, secured from the Armour Meat Packing Company, stipulated that Rodgers' intended aircraft serve as a flying billboard, advertising its newly-introduced Vin Fiz grape soda on its rudder and wing underside, enabling all over whom it passed to view it. It also required that cards promoting the beverage be dropped whenever its flight path took it over large crowds. In exchange, Armour would provide a tri-car train following, initially to consist of two passenger coaches for enroute accommodation and a single "hangar car" for the tools, equipment, and parts needed for unexpected airplane repairs, as well as a Palmer-Singer touring car, so that mechanics could travel to remote landing sites.

Rodgers' monetary compensation varied according to population--$5.00 per mile east of the Mississippi River, where it was higher, and $4.00 west of it, where it was lower-but he was expected to pay for all fuel, oil, parts, spares, mechanic services, repairs, and the aircraft itself.

Because of his experience with Wright designs, he drew up its necessary specifications and performance requirements, in consultation with Naval Aviator John Rodgers, which included engine and fuel system access; a dual-purpose, footrest and spark plug advance lever; and a sufficient fuel supply for three-hour flights.

Despite Orville Wright's belief in his own design, he predicted, "You know, Cal, the damn plane will vibrate itself to pieces. It just can't tolerate a sustained flight of more than 100 miles." Remedially, he doubled the number of otherwise standard bracing wires.

The airplane, a specialized derivative of the Model R, or "Baby Wright," of 1910, was designated the Model EX, for "exhibition."

Christened the "Vin Fiz Flyer" by Amelia Swift of Memphis--who poured a bottle of its namesaked soda on the skids--the Wright Model EX would serve as Cal Rodgers' transcontinental carpet. Decked out in leather boots and a backward-warn cap, the 32-year-old, six-foot, four-inch, and cigar consuming daredevil presently mounted it at the flight's Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, origin on September 17, 1911. "I have a machine, which can fly 50 miles an hour in calm air," he proclaimed. "It's been tested under varying conditions and, if it is as good as it was there, there won't be a single thing to interfere with a perfect flight."

Amid the waning, autumn light, Rodgers adjusted his goggles and yelled, "Let 'er go!"

Unleashed into acceleration over the field by the airfoil-shaped propellers, the Wright Model EX surmounted the sky at 16:25, arcing into a climbing turn over the racetrack before setting course for the Pacific as the Atlantic receded behind it.

Passing over Coney Island and Flatbush at 800 feet, he overflew the Brooklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan's 23rd Street toward the Hudson River and Jersey City, always in view of the ubiquitous crowds which had gathered along his flight path.

Intercepting the Erie Terminal and its course-outlined railroad tracks, he failed to locate his own baggage-, sleeper-, and hangar-car following, forced instead to navigate his first leg without it. Crossing the Ramapo Mountains at 2,000 feet, he subsequently landed at Middleton Pleasure Grounds at 18:18, or six minutes before the train itself had reached the station, in the midst of a 10,000-strong onslaught of people.

The flight, having covered 84 miles in 105 minutes, had been flawless, and Rodgers was soon intercepted by the hangar car-stored touring automobile.

But the flawless first day took a turn on the second. Executing its bumpy take off roll the following morning at 06:21, the Vin Fiz surrendered to the sky with sufficient height to clear the field's obstructing willow tree, but not its wires. Fearing both collision and electrocution, Rodgers cut his engine, causing his life- and lift-giving airspeed to diminish and the aircraft to impact the ground.

As the masses ran to the site, the Model EX's condition was reflected by Rodgers' repeated exclamation of "My beautiful airplane! My beautiful airplane!" as is still-dazed eyes attempted to absorb the splintered wood and torn fabric images projected on to them.

The event was to become all too characteristic of his transcontinental traverse.

The threshold between September and October was crossed, but the county had not been. Indeed, he was not even half way there.

Tossed by 40-mph gale winds and pelted by rain, he attempted to realize the previous day's failed goal of meeting the Midwestern milestone, whose windy city seemed barricaded by current conditions.

Reduced to a particle in the midst of an electrically-charged storm, he searched for a gap in the onslaught's approaching clouds, later claiming, "The first thing I knew I was riding through an electric gridiron," ignorant of its potential effects on the frail bird he piloted.

Riding the corkscrewing currents like an out-of-control roller coaster, he dove, spun, and spiraled until he could safely return to the ground near Geneva, 20 miles off course.

Although the odds could not have been stacked higher against him, the feared outcome did not materialize-or, more precisely, was delayed until the following morning's take off from Huntington.

Of the elapsed 18 days, only eight had been spent in the air, during which he had covered 1,173 miles.
The final sector, from Hammond to Chicago's Grant Park, was an effortless, 26-mile hop, but took three days to dare because of the Canadian winds which would otherwise have clenched their fists round the fabric-covered machine.

His ground time was brief. Embarking on the second-or far longer-portion of his transcontinental flight, he leaped skyward at 16:01. Although the October deadline was now just round the corner, California was not. Aware that he could no longer realistically expect to win the $50,000 prize, he proclaimed, "I am bound for Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean. Prize or no prize, that's where I am bound and if canvas, steel, and wire, together with a little brawn, tendon, and brain, stick with me, I mean to get there."

Now pursuing a southerly flight plan, he traced his path through the Midwest, from Illinois to Texas. Other than the weather curves pitched by Mother Nature and the not unexpected maintenance glitches, the flights proceeded routinely. Extension of the Hearst prize's validity beyond the originally established October 10 deadline was, unsurprisingly, not granted.

The envisioned, but postponed quick sprint to Pasadena-and the journey's finishing line-occurred on November 5. A tiny streak in the sky over Pomona, spotted by a boy standing at the top of the Pasadena Grand Stand and excitedly blurting, "There it is," enlarged into a dual-propeller-pushing, grape-emblazoned biplane, which circled over the city before spiraling toward the white cloth marking the center of Tournament Park at 16:10, Pacific time, amidst a collected chorus of cheers expressing vicarious victory.

According to Otheman Stevens' coverage of the historical milestone in the November 6, 1911 edition of New York American, Rodgers, draped, toga-style, in the American flag and dubbed "the king of the air," was surrounded by "a maelstrom of fighting, screaming, out-of-their-minds-with-joy men, women, and children."
His first words, straining to penetrate the prevailing decibel level, emphasized a single fact. "One things is sure," he stated. "A cross-country flight cannot be made in thirty days."

Although he had failed to earn the Hearst prize because of it, he had nevertheless established a world distance record and will forever be credited with the first aerial crossing of the United States, as attested by the subsequently signed register in Pasadena's Hotel Maryland. 'C. P. Rodgers-New York to Pasadena by air," he wrote.

During the 49-day event, he had spent half the time in the air and the other half on the ground (24 and 25 days, respectively), having flown 4,231 miles in three days, ten hours, four minutes, at an average speed of 51.59 mph. He made 70 landings, of which 15 involved crashes and mishaps.

The Wright Model EX which ultimately touched down in Pasadena was, in essence, not the one which had departed from Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn. Indeed, along the transcontinental flight path lay an $18,000 trail of new engines, wings, fabric, wires, components, and parts, repackaged into a continually restored and resurrected airplane in the numerous roofless fields-turned-hangars across America. But perhaps it emphasized the fact that it had not been the muslin-covered wings which had carried Cal Rodgers from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Instead, it had been his determination, passion, stamina, and raw coverage, which more than anything had.

In his mind, however, he could not consider a true ocean-to-ocean crossing to have been completed without dipping his wheels in the very Pacific toward which he had flown, and chose Long Beach, 23 miles from Pasadena, for that baptism. As the shortest distance to be covered, it ironically became the longest to complete.

Taking to the dusk-laden skies at 16:57 on November 12 after an earlier attempt had been aborted due to a severed gas tank line, he lapsed into an unexplainable state of dreamy unconsciousness, powerless to correct the airplane's groundward plunge from 1,500 feet. Thrown from its confines when it bored into a soft field, he lay face down, pinned by his engine, and sustained facial burns, sprained ankles, and a concussion, equally ironically requiring his only hospital stay during what was technically no longer part of his transcontinental crossing.

Although he would need weeks to convalesce, and it would also take significant time to once again transform the shattered pile of wreckage into an airworthy mechanism, it seemed to prove a fact that had been demonstrated and proclaimed throughout his 49-day feat-namely, the airplane was made of wood, but Cal was made of iron.

Hobbling to the repackaged Vin Fiz a month later, on December 10, Rodgers stored the crutches needed for his leg injuries on the lower wing. Having traced that final Pacific link in his mind countless times, he finally attempted the physical act, departing from Compton, current location of the aircraft, at 15:44 and maintaining a southerly heading on the almost-walkable, nine-mile stroll to Long Beach.

Crossing Signal Hill and Devil's Gate, he visually absorbed the endless blue of he Pacific sprawled in front of him. Now escorted by a Bleriot and a homebuilt airplane at 1,500 feet, the Model EX disengaged itself from its altitude and entourage, gliding over the boardwalk before gently alighting on the sand in what may have been an anticlimactic moment following the brief, 16-minute aerial leap, but served as confirmation of spiritual triumph over matter and completion of a life purpose which may have been conceived long before he had.

Fishing for a match, Rodgers lit a cigar, ending the journey exactly the way it had begun almost three months and a continent earlier. The roaring crowd, triumphing over the restraining rope, closed the gap to the biplane and gently pushed it toward the surf cascading up on the sand, fulfilling his long-time wish of dipping his wheels in the Pacific and symbolically consummating his "ocean-to-ocean" crossing. Still perched on the throne sandwiched between its two wings, the "king of the air" reigned over his continental kingdom.

Yet, inevitably-and perhaps ironically-once a person completes his life's mission, he leaves it-in Rodgers' case, at least, by doing exactly what he loved-flying. Equally ironically, the flight could not have been shorter or more mundane.

Preparing to take Mabel White, a champion winner of a sightseeing flight in his aircraft, Rodgers elected to do a dry-run in his Model B from the sands of Long Beach on April 3, 1912, a little less than four months after his historic journey. Climbing over the pier and surmounting the sprawl of sea, he subsequently returned to the shore, dipping over the roller coaster marking it, and then flying westerly at 200 feet. Banking to the east, he initiated his final approach to Long Beach-and eternity.

Attempting to avoid a flock of seagulls in what was possibly aviation's first recorded bird strike-pitting nature's winged creations against man's artificial ones-he dove at a 45-degree angle, unable, despite desperate attempts, to arrest and correct the maneuver.

Boring through two feet of water and sand, the aircraft flipped over and became the anvil which pounded the last breath from his body at a spot, which was only 100 yards from where he had ended his historic flight, releasing his soul toward the sky in which he had paved the first transcontinental highway.

The Pakistani Media - Freedom With Responsibility?

From a government controlled TV channel and highly censored entertainment programs, to a modern day plethora of information and entertainment that stands up to international media, the Pakistani Media scene sprouted up in recent years as government pressure and censorship decreased and "Freedom of Expression" increased.

The last few years have been a turning point for the Pakistani Media. Changing trends and liberal mindsets have allowed the media to operate at such an open scale as never before seen in the country's history. From scantily dressed models in music videos to live discussions about taboo subjects, the Pakistani media has undergone a transformation and has now become a top notch competitor with foreign media. Needless to say, the media itself has played a pivotal role in changing the perceptions of the conservative masses. As conservative as it may be, cafes and clubs have sprouted up in all major cities with dance parties being common place now.

The media has grown tremendously, not only in the entertainment sector, but in the news and information sector as well. Several new news channels have been started up by the leading newspapers and they are broadcasting news as it breaks. From uncovering evils prevailing in a metropolis such as Karachi, to broadcasting live video feeds of violence erupting anywhere in the country. However, this freedom comes at a price. The media became a bit too comfortable showing graphic images on screen and in print, leading to new laws governing the showing of graphic imagery on-screen.

The question that comes to mind now is what's next? What's next for the Pakistani Media? From the looks of it, the media is expanding onto the next frontier of broadcasting. Recently, a leading cellular telecom company in Pakistan launched a service in which they are streaming TV channels through their GPRS or mobile internet service. Regardless of how successful this service is, it is a step in the right direction. Cellular telecom companies all over the world are broadcasting television content through their 3G networks. Webcasts or Online Telecasts of major events and news are also becoming increasingly popular among consumers.

In lieu of this, this is the next big thing for the Pakistani Media, as the concept of Web TV is already quite popular among the more tech savvy population. On the other side, the Government has started inserting some more red tape and regulations into the industry and its operation. This will no doubt hinder the development and freedom of the media but has also shrouded its future. Only time will tell where the media is headed now.

Restaurant Flooring - Resinous Flooring Types and Options

Today's restaurant customer has an excess of choice and a dearth of time and patience. His or her loyalty is to the brands and the stores that consistently deliver the fastest, easiest and most out of the ordinary experience.

While good food and excellent customer service are crucial for return business, the ambience of a restaurant is also important. You want customers to feel comfortable and enjoy their meals. Restaurant design sets the stage for customer's dining experience. Loud music, granite tables and carpet floors sets an entirely different mood than jazz, linen table cloths and polished concrete floors. While there several elements that go into creating a unique ambience in a restaurant, the choice of floor covering plays a major role.

Types of resinous flooring for restaurants:

a. Polished concrete flooring: Whether the existing concrete is polished or a layer of self-leveling concrete is applied, polished concrete floors offer an organic - natural feel to the ambiance. Polished concrete floors can be integrally colored, stained or dyed. This type of flooring is typically used in dining areas of the restaurant. Getting a custom look to a restaurant floor is the biggest factor. Color-matching, custom logos, creative patterns, way-finding design, and textures are what draw restaurant owners to choose concrete for their final surface. There are a variety of custom options that can be applied to concrete restaurant floors.

b. Lumiere, designer epoxy flooring: This type of flooring consists of blend of designer epoxy resin with metallic powder colorants integrally colored and installed in such a way that each floor becomes a piece of art in itself. No two floors can ever be the same with this type of flooring. Lumiere designer epoxy flooring is also used in dining areas. Usually one or two coats of polyurethane coating is applied to protect the surface.

c. Kwortz, decorative quartz flooring: This type of flooring is a blend of industrial grade epoxy resin and quartz granules applied in two or three layers for a total thickness of 1/8". Decorative quartz flooring can be installed as a cove base also. Therefore, it is usually applied in kitchens and restrooms. They are seamless floors with very high impermeability.

d. Polyurethane concrete floors: This type of flooring is a blend of polyurethane resin, portland cement and graded aggregates. Polyurethane cement floors are known for thermal shock resistance and therefore are very popular in food preparation areas.

Recently, polished concrete flooring was installed in Potbelly Sandwich shop in New York City.

"Our customers love the new design. And we love it because although the overall effect is leading-edge design and distinctive styling, the concept is cost-effective to implement - which will be vital as we franchise." - Gabby Yifrah, Project Manager, Potbelly Sandwich Shop.

Copyrights And Copying Off a Screen Print of Google Earth

Have you ever had one of your friends or family print off a Yahoo or Google Map to tell you how to get to a family event or party? It happens all the time, but did you know there's a good chance they are breaking copyright law? That sounds pretty funny doesn't it? However, you might be doing this in your small business if you are having a sale and you print off directions to your business on a flyer. I've even seen maps in the Yellow Pages which were printed right from Yahoo Maps, they even left in the copyright. That's interesting isn't it?

On one hand Yahoo maps is getting the credit, and it is an advertisement in itself for them, but it is also a copyright violation for the individual who printed it off. Yahoo and Google obviously expect people to print the screen for their maps, and they even have easy print versions, although it does contain the copyright at the bottom. Now then, what about using the satellite pictures of Google Earth, or the Street view and printing those off as well? Is that allowed? Obviously Google maintains the copyright. Let's discuss this for a few moments if we might. You see, in 1790 the first US copyright law was created covering;

Books
Charts
Maps

But over the years since it has come to cover a myriad of other things such as, but not limited to;

Engravings
Painting
Photographs
Motion Pictures
Radio and Television Broadcasts
Cable re-broadcasts
Music
Satellite Re-transmissions
Computer Software

Regardless of how that information is stored it is copyrightable. It is assumed to be copyrighted, and those that have created this information are entitled to that copyright. Not long ago, I was talking to a commercial real estate agent who copied off a file from a Street View on Google Maps, showing me a business location for sale. Interestingly enough he had that same picture on his website in the "for sale" listings. Now we are starting to get into trouble aren't we? All that information is protected by copyright law.

Some might say that Google wouldn't care, and that's probably true. After all, Google has copied off quite a bit of past period works, old books, and such for instance. Nevertheless, when someone starts putting this information on their website in the same medium in which Google had produced it they are violating copyrights even if Google isn't going to go after some lowly commercial real estate salesperson. Even if the entire industry starts doing it, it is doubtful that Google would want to file a lawsuit, or a series of lawsuits to stop it.

They don't need the bad publicity, but that doesn't make it all right. And therefore I hope you will please consider all this and think on it. If you'd like to discuss this at a much higher level, then please shoot me an e-mail.

Reference:

"How to Handle Basic Copyright and Trademark Problems," by Richard Dannay Chairman of the Practicing Law Institute Audio Cassette Program, New York, 1990, 4-cassettes on 7 sides 30-minutes each.

How to Build a Telecommuting Career

Greg Baker is the skeptical CFO of Logicalis International. But when he is sold on a concept he embraces it deeply. That is what happened when he included telecommuting in the company's recent wave of growth. Baker knew that during times of rapid growth it is easy to overspend, so he took the opposite approach by creating telecommuting policy to assist LI expansion plans.

Baker's growth strategy made room for the mobile world. Adopting telecommuting reduced fixed costs by eliminating several long-term leases on space and resulted in the need to purchase less office furniture and equipment. It gave Logicalis other advantages by helping expand the Logicalis talent pool. The company hired talent where they lived, shrinking relocation costs while attracting the best employees. They instituted the policy for all employees and increased employee retention, a further reduction in HR expense.

In Canada over 50% of Canadians have said they want to telecommute, listing it in importance only after salary. Despite that fact, only 10% of Canadians are telecommuters.

Unlike Logicalis International, Canadian corporations are slow to adopt telework. Gartner Group, in their June 2004 Dataquest, determined that Canada is following a more cautious approach, encouraging the more robust corporations to increase their competitive advantage by become the early adopters. But, like Logicalis, clever CFOs in Canada will not be left behind for long. To prepare, Canadian workers can watch and learn from their USA counterparts.

What Can Canadians Learn from Americans?

Primarily, Canadians can learn how to build careers while telecommuting. It is not enough to just telework. While being a virtual worker does change one's lifestyle, it needs to be managed differently if you are building a career. Remote employees should start with three key foci.

First, start with your performance review.

Allocate as much time to strong points as the "needs improvement" areas. A successful out of office employee is perceived as the 'go to' person for at least one area. Mary Nicholson, now Director at Universal Music Group, was part of Washington Mutual during the turbulent times of the mortgage meltdown. She survived several rocky moments at WaMu while telecommuting to Seattle from her home in Los Angeles because nobody knew corporate data dictionaries like her. She could work where she pleased because she was the "go to" person for those people who needed to understand data.

Second, think strategically about your career by using SMART goals.

Managers measure a telecommuter's tele-commitment, so be SMART. Now an industry standard, the ability to define goals that include Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-Sensitive (SMART) components provides a solid career framework, allowing the remote professional to continue towards career goals. On this every telecommuter must lead. Even managers who do not use SMART goals change and savvy professionals who stay ahead of the game are solid practitioners of SMART.

Third, know your technology options.

The biggest problem professionals face as telecommuters is awareness about the tools they need to get their jobs done effectively. A successful remote professional masters four essential tools, using them as easily as a pencil, sharpening them as they dull and replacing them when they have reached the end of the cycle.

  1. Virtual Conferencing: Today tools like Cisco's WebEx and Citrix's GoTo Meeting make it easier to be in the office while working away from the office. During the Washington Mutual integration into Chase I used WebEx to employ an expert from London England to mentor engineers through virtual classrooms. The engineers remained in Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle and New York while we met for real time joint sessions, broke into smaller working groups, came back to report to the larger groups, worked through issues as teams in real time, talked to each other over web cameras and had side conversations on trunked phone lines where we could reconfigure teams instantly according to needs. The key? I took the time to work with the people at WebEx to learn their tool well enough to manage the sessions. As you can guess, once you master the hard parts, doing worldwide presentations are a breeze.

  2. Technological Redundancy: Overlooking the simplest things can set up disaster. A professional telecommuter will plan for redundancy: an internet stick to compensate for those moments when the main internet connection is interrupted, running large presentations from two computers so that if one fails the other can take over, and storing email and key documents locally and remotely. All of these are important parts in creating the professional remote executive. It takes lots of behind the scenes effort to make things look effortless but the mark of a professional is found in the ability to compensate quickly for failures in technology and a mastery of the technology used to stay plugged in to the working environment.

  3. Security: Amateurs overlook this area often because it is complex and takes effort to know how to work with security features. Is it really needed? Well, a mismatch in connectivity can cause hours of downtime - your absence due to technical ignorance comes across to others as incompetence. It is important to understand the configuration of the office and its security protocols. Not knowing whether to choose between WEP40/ 128 bit hex or ascii or WPA2 Enterprise over LEAP can effectively make the most brilliant telecommuter the dumbest team player. Learn your security framework and know how to thrive in it.

  4. Telephone and Contact Management. - In a day of speed dialing and direct calling from contact lists a professional will always make sure their devices have the people called most often available and that accessibility is easy. Call forwarding, listing a current number in the corporate directory and leaving it on voice mail signals that you are someone who is keen to help every caller get in touch. When there is nobody sitting in the cube next to you it is critical that you run this show yourself. There will be times while waiting for your bagel that you will need to get a hold of a coworker to resolve a crisis. Don't be caught without that most basic of tools - the phone number.

To sum up
Building a career while working away from the pack takes talent and training beyond that which applies to the person in the next cube. Being a "go to" person who is available, being able to meet and take part in daily activity at the same level as those in the office, and using technology wisely are the foundations of success.

Start by knowing the environment, planning for the "gotchas" and adding that bit extra of talent so that people seek you out. This strategy, along with a bit of political wisdom, can give any telecommuter the advantages of using their own absence to make the heart of others grow fonder. Not only does distance does not have to be a barrier to career achievement, it can be a competitive advantage.

Do-It-Yourself Wedding 2

Once you've chosen your date and figured out your budget - both the budget you want to stick to and the budget you know you have to stick to, you should start working on your guest list and your ideas binder. You'll also want to approach your first string bridal party folks early and start talking to your first choice venues as soon as you've identified them so you make sure you don't miss out on a great location because you were asleep at the wheel.

Nailing down your guest list early is crucial. A modest wedding budget will stretch much farther if you have fifty guests instead of two hundred and fifty. By the same token, your fourteen bridesmaids and interpretive dance routine will feel a little silly if you realize you only have a guest list of twenty-five. Your guest list - not so much who is on it, but how many, will inform where you have your wedding, what time of day, what kind of food, what kind of wedding favors, and any number of other factors. Feel like your wedding will be ruined if you don't have the glitter infused, hydroponically grown calla lilies but just can't squeeze them into the budget and pay for the sit down dinner and cocktail hour for all of your guests? One of the most efficient ways to trim a wedding budget is to trim the guest list. Having the guest list in place early also helps you stay organized as the RSVPs and gifts start rolling in. A simple excel spreadsheet or other database will help you keep track of who is vegetarian, who needs a kosher meal, who gave you the awful gravy boat, and who sends their regrets. This information is invaluable both when talking to vendors and at thank-you note time when the dust clears.

But I thought planning my wedding would be fun?! When do I get to look at sparkly things and talk about tulle?! That, my friend, is what the big binder is for. Start an idea book for yourself. Anything that inspires you, put it in the binder. From wedding magazines to flower ideas to fabrics and music. Put those ideas in your book and don't be afraid to dream. You're still far enough out from your wedding that you don't have to decide on the mermaid gown or the princess cut just yet. Think about the crystals in the flower arrangements. Try out sparkly nail polishes. Let those ideas percolate for now. If you find a vendor you particularly like, get their card and talk to them about how far in advance they are getting bookings.

Oh yeah. You should probably also book your officiant. Particularly if you are having a religious ceremony, you'll want to make sure that you give yourself plenty of time to complete any premarital counseling required by your particular faith or officiant. While your head is whirling with all of this mediocre-to-un-fun stuff, have a little fun, too. If you're so inclined, throw an engagement party. Not only are they a smash, it's also a great opportunity to flex your fledgling party planning muscles and let your hair down a little before you buckle down in full on wedding insanity mode.

Wondrous Rock Performance With Disney Rock Star Mickey

Introduced as a cheerful, anthropomorphic black mouse with red shorts, yellow shoes, and white gloves, Mickey Mouse is probably one of the most recognizable animal characters that have been featured in comic books, movies, television series, and other merchandise by the Walt Disney Company. Due to the popularity of Mickey Mouse, his character has been featured in many video games, hands-on game products, and interactive toys, among others.

The Disney rock star mickey is simply rocktastic! The toy is adorable with sweet facial expression on the toy's fabric-covered face. Fisher Price made the toy's guitar and shoes from hard plastic components so the Disney rock star mickey is likely to hold up amazingly well with average play by a toddler. The toy is well constructed. You can see it from the way the doll is built. You are likely to find no loose, small parts that could pose choking hazards. Even teenagers and adult Disney fans would love having the Disney rock star mickey to add their collection.

Children ages 2 years & up would love to listen and watch Mickey kicks across the floor. Mickey will be happy to teach you new moves as well as classic ones to get you a step ahead to your dream of being a rock star! You can bob your head down while Mickey is singing his new tunes and sometimes dropping into a Mickety-Split.

Classic Rock Tunes with a Single Push

Unlike many other plush Mickey toys, that only work as objects of affection of our little ones, this Disney rock star mickey mechanic plush toy works to get the children off the couch and listen to Mickey's new tunes. You can press his right foot and mickey would perform his classic rock tune, "You Really Got Me." Simply press the right foot once more to see how mickey sings "M to the I Rock Star Remix." Get the children to watch it jamming on the floor, kicking out his best moves, delivering an energetic performance of genuine rock star while humming clever, mouse-style lyrics.

Learn How to Move Like Mickey

What if the song were finished before you can learn all his entire moves? Relax, you can press his nose to learn how Mickey kicks or bop his head. It enables children, teenagers, and adult to learn how to move like Mickey by pressing his nose. In total, Mickey introduces four moves that would get you on your feet. The Head-Bop and the Kick-Step might be the easiest moves, while the Mickety-Split might require more practice from you! Mickey can even play guitar using his snout! To learn his moves, all you need to do is push the nose and follow the steps.

Rock Band Duet

Now you can be a rock star too! You can buy the Rock Guitar which is sold separately, play the guitar, and start a rock duet with mickey. Have you learnt how to tune a guitar? Mickey can teach you how by pressing his nose. When every string has been tuned up, Mickey would be off rocking the world once again, playing cool music, saying phrases, and jamming on his string equipment. Mickey has taught you about how to do classic rock n' roll moves in style, and it is your turn to show him your moves, and how to do it right!

In the box

You can find Disney Rock Star Mickey along with plastic, non-removable sunglasses, a guitar, four AA batteries, and instructions for use. Recommended Ages for 2 Years & Up

Product Features:

• A couple of classic rock tunes You Really Got Me and M to the I Rock Star Remix
• Easy moves to follow
• Four moves: Head-Bop, the Kick-Step, the Mickety-Split
• Interactive Disney rock star mickey
• Mickey plays the guitar with his nose
• Simple mechanism; press right foot and Mickey sings, press nose and Mickey teaches you his moves
• You can start a band using separate Rock Star Guitar, which is sold separately
• dimensions 8.5 x 7 x 13.2 inches; 2 pounds
• Requires four A3 batteries, which is included. Phillips-head screwdriver to replace batteries

Urban or Suburban - The Oakville Versus Toronto Wedding Catering Edition

In the past, a young couple looking to tie the knot in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) may have kept their choices to such fabled downtown locations as the gazebo at the Music Garden. But couples these days know that they don't have to limit themselves to downtown locations or catering services. In Oakville, for instance, there are a wide range of services for weddings. So, what's changed?

1) The accessibility of farmers markets

Farmers markets are no longer the once-a-week, downtown affairs of yesteryear. Now, it seems, each community has its own market - and Oakville is no exception. Catering services in Oakville can easily pick up farm-fresh produce for their wedding clients at the local market.

2) Outlying areas are actually closer to farmer's fields

Many brides and grooms of today express a preference for local food. Although "local" can be hard to define, it often refers to the number of kilometers food travels from field to plate (or from field to banquet catering in Oakville!). Viewed in this light, the decision to host one's wedding, catering and all, in an outlying area of a major urban centre, can be viewed as a socially conscious decision, making suburban weddings more attractive to some.

3) The urban exodus

We hear constantly about how the average family with young children can no longer afford to live downtown, where the price to quality ratio has long posed a problem. As families move to the suburbs, our wedding catering and overall event planning practices may need to change as well. Depending on where guests live, it may be more central for a GTA couple to use wedding and catering services in Oakville, or another suburb, rather than in Toronto proper.

4) GTA's stellar public transit system

On the same note, the GTA is blessed with an extensive public transit system. The Oakville GO Station is undergoing a major renovation, which may in turn benefit users of catering services in Oakville next spring and summer.

5) Space

Downtowns are eclectic and fun, but also crowded. In a suburban setting, wedding guests may not have to jostle for parking or a seat on the bus. The wedding catering service may have more space to set up. Couples can choose from a wider variety of settings in which to celebrate, including Oakville's greenhouse garden and extensive network of Heritage Trails.

6) Waterfront, waterfront, waterfront

Most Canadian provinces and territories are surrounded by oceans, bays, lakes and other bodies of water, which explains why it has become somewhat of a tradition to get married by the waterfront. To this end, many wedding catering services in Oakville have waterfront facilities.

7) History

We sometimes forget that many of our suburbs were once separate farming villages. For instance, Montrealers used to vacation on the West Island, which was seen as an idyllic rural retreat. Likewise, Oakville has a long history of its own, separate from Toronto's. Wedding, catering and other plans can take advantage of its unique heritage.

These are just some of the factors that explain why some young couples today prefer to avail themselves of the wedding, catering and other services on offer in Oakville and other suburbs, rather than opting for a major urban centre like nearby Toronto.