Creating successful team charters

How many times have you been on, or heard about a team that got frustrated? Or felt like they weren’t making progress? Or weren’t completely clear on what they were expected to do? Or didn’t feel like they had support from those above them? If you are like me and most people I know, you are nodding yes to one or more of the questions above. There is one single thing that can alleviate or eliminate these challenges and get the team off to a solid start. That single thing is a team charter. What is a Team Charter? A charter is a document that describes the purpose, boundaries and agreements of the team (the details are below). It is co-created by whoever is sponsoring or forming the team and by those who will be on the team. The power of this document comes from the conversation and agreements that are recorded on it. Because the power comes from the agreements that are reached, the format of the document itself is less important than the conversation. Whatever the format, the components in the next section should be considered. What is Included? Team charters should address the following areas and answer the related questions. • Purpose and Alignment. Why is this team being formed? What purpose will it serve? What challenge, problem, issue or opportunity will it address? How is the work of this team in alignment with the larger goals and strategies of the organization? • Goals and Expectations. What are the specific goals for this team? When will we know we have completed their work? Who are Customers and Stakeholders of the team’s work? What are their needs and expectations? What are the obstacles or challenges that can be seen at the start? Make sure to state the goals clearly with measurable outcomes and timelines. • Roles. Who is the team leader? What is their role? Who is responsible for facilitation, logistics, and information management? Who will be responsible for communication to stakeholders and the team sponsor? How will each person be involved in decision making? • Approach. How and when will the team meet? What are the norms or ground rules that the team will agree to? How we make decisions? How will we hold each other accountable for these things and for task completion? Who will communicate team progress and to whom? Your charter should also include a high level look at the major phases or milestones in the life of the team and outline those. • Skills and expertise required. Make a listing of the skills and expertise that will be required for team success. Identify the individual on the team that can provide those skills and perspectives. Identify any gaps in skills and determine a way to attach those skills to the team through other resources. Adding these skills doesn’t mean you have to add people to the team. It means that subject matter experts can best be identified and invited to participate in the beginning and a charter helps make that happen. • Resources needed. What budget of time and money will be needed for this project? What other resources will be required? • Authority. What level of authority on spending does the team have? What authority do they have for other resources? What approvals will be required and by who? • Agreement. Once all of these questions and items have been documented, your charter should be signed by the team sponsor and each team member. This will cement the agreement and make it easier to hold people accountable. It also ensures that every team member understands and is on board with the complete charter. How do I Implement a Team Charter? Because there is some structure required, typically a leader who is forming or sponsoring a team would initiate the process. If this doesn’t happen in your organization don’t use that as an excuse! Whatever your role you can gain support for having a conversation that leads you to the clarity and agreements that a charter will provide. Get the team together along with the leader who formed and/or is sponsoring your team. Have a conversation about the eight items above, documenting your agreements. You may be able to finalize a charter in one meeting, or it might require people to gather more information before finishing - do what makes sense given the size, complexity and importance of the team’s output. Remember all time invested here will be repaid many times. Resist the urge and tendency to “get this done and get on with the work.” Once the document is created, have all parties sign it as a way to signify commitment to each other. Then keep the document fresh by referring to it in team meetings and making sure that you stay on-track with the boundaries and guidance it provides. Recognize too that as time moves forward you may need to make adjustments, clarifications or changes to the charter. This is perfectly fine as long as all team members and the leader and sponsor are in agreement and “sign on” to the changes. Be Forewarned Will creating a team charter take time? Absolutely. Will some people want to stop talking and get started? For sure. Recognize these facts but remember an even bigger one – time spent collaboratively building a charter will be repaid in reduced frustration, improved productivity and better results.

Moving utilities

Planning is closely associated with moving. The outcome of your move will depend on how you planned the whole idea. Proper disconnection and connection have much to do with giving your family a comfortable move. Deal with this well ahead of your move so that you do not face inconveniences on your move to your relocated place. Utility Companies Remember to get in touch with the customer service departments of utility companies you use at least two weeks before you move. This will be an assurance that once you get to your new destination, there won’t be much problem concerning utilities. On the moving day keep your utilities working till the very last minute. There may be emergencies. Make arrangements to have your electric, gas and phone connected till you are completely set to move out. Utility disconnection at the proper timing will make a huge difference. Contact your utility company and get the details for disconnection. Make sure you do so at least two to four weeks ahead of your scheduled move. This will save you from paying late notification charges. Moreover the company also gets to take the final reading of water, gas, electric and meters. Remember to get a copy of the bill or record. In case you have any pending bills, clear them. Likewise if there are any deposits made with the utility companies get back your money before setting out. Find out about the transferring services. For short distances, the companies may be able to transfer your services to your new home but if you are moving somewhere far, you may have to deal with a new company. In order to avoid unwanted late fees, make sure that a forwarding address is sent to the supply companies where they can send final invoices. Helpful tips Once you have moved, keep your electrical appliances in room temperature before plugging them in. Remember to take off the glass plate from your microwave and tape it before you start off. Keep in mind the location of the TV, phone and internet connection. Don’t forget to carry your local phone directories. You may want to get in touch with the people from your old neighborhood. There is no need to worry about water and sewer service as they can be directly arranged through the relevant town or city department. Garbage pickup and recycling also fall into the same category. The charges for it will be included in the property tax bill. There is nothing that is of lesser importance when you decide to move to a new location. Equal attention has to be given to every aspect of things related to your move. Do all the dealings that have to be done, meet the concerned people, research on whatever requires an in dept study and make your moving free of problems. Keep in mind that it is always best to avoid last minute hassles. Never forget to give priority to planning and working on it well ahead of time.

Steroids in baseball

The pharmaceutical anabolic steroids are believed to have been inadvertently discovered by German scientists in the early 1930s. Anabolic steroids or androgenic steroids are the synthetic derivatives of testosterone that promote muscle and bone growth. These steroids are medically used to treat uncontrolled weight loss in wasting diseases. However, these steroids are often used by bodybuilders, athletes, and sports persons to increase their muscle mass, strength, and stamina. The first known use of anabolic steroid — testosterone propionate was mentioned in US weightlifting/bodybuilding magazine, Strength and Health magazine in 1938. The International Amateur Athletic Federation, now the International Association of Athletics Federations, became the first international governing body of sport to ban anabolic steroids in sports. These drugs were banned by FIFA, Union Cycliste Internationale (cycling), and International Olympic Committee in 1966-67. However, Major League Baseball remained lenient about the use of steroids in baseball. The use of steroids in baseball became hotly debatable in the mid 1990s. Steroids in baseball became hot subject of sports news, magazines, and rumors. Though, a 1988 US federal law declared the use and distribution of anabolic steroid drugs for nontherapeutic illegal, Major League Baseball did not test for steroids in baseball until 2003. The was a drastic rise in home runs since 1995 that greatly contributed to strengthening the influence of steroids in baseball; Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, and Barry Bonds had all stunningly surpassed the home run record set by Roger Maris - whose 61 homers in 1961 had not been challenged in over 30 years. Often, post 1994 period is referred to as “Steroids Era.” There were a number of stories on steroids in baseball. The first evidence of steroids in baseball came out when a bottle of a nutritional supplement was found in Mark McGwireґs locker; the bottle was found containing Androstendione, a prohormone. Ken Caminiti revealed to Sports Illustrated that he won the 1996 NL MVP award while on steroids. He also revealed that 50% of the players in the league were using steroids. In a book published during steroids in baseball imbroglio, Jose Canseco admitted using steroids and also revealed that 85% of all players in MLB were using steroids. The fact was “eye-opener” for MLB. The Journalists Lance Williams and Mark Fainaru-Wada exposed the BALCO scandal associated with steroids in baseball & other sports in 2003. The nutrition center BALCO, was accused of distributing steroids to many star players, like Barry Bonds, Jason Giambi, Gary Sheffield, Benito Santiago, Jeremy Giambi, Bobby Estalella, and Armando Rios. The most famous instances of steroids in baseball are that of Jason Giambi and Barry Bonds, who were suspected of using anabolic steroids in baseball. Giambi admitted before a U. S. grand jury that he used a duo of undetectable steroids known respectively as "the cream" and “the clear.” He also admitted that he received the drugs from his personal trainer Greg Anderson during the 2003 season. On the other hand, Bonds revealed that his trainer told him the substances were the nutritional supplement flaxseed oil and a pain-relieving balm for his arthritis. The Major League Baseball conducted random testing steroids in baseball in 2003. The League toughened its policies a bit on the use of steroids in baseball. The players, such as Ryan Franklin and others were suspended for ten days, but a Congressional panel argued that the penalties were not tough enough, and took action. Thus, several top players, such as Rafael Palmeiro, McGwire, Sosa, Canseco and Curt Schilling were testified in front of Congress on March 17, 2005. Congress has been continuously pressuring MLB for instituting a comprehensive testing policy for its players.

How to get affordable car insurance in wisconsin

Good behavior pays off, especially when you’re trying to get affordable car insurance in Wisconsin. Asking your auto insurance agent about good driver rewards, i. e. discounts on WI car insurance for those drivers with stellar driving records, is a great way to save money on auto coverage. In Wisconsin, you may want to talk with a car insurance company about good driver discounts after you’ve gotten your free online car insurance quote. What if you don’t have a good driving record? Below are a few tips to help you fix that. •Pay attention to traffic laws. Don’t run red lights, don’t ignore road signs, and don’t pass other vehicles in areas where it’s not allowed. •Obey the speed limit. This is a crucial traffic law that many drivers tend to ignore, or forget about. It’s easy to get caught up in your thoughts or with the radio, but speeding not only gets you pulled over and ticketed, but it also causes car accidents. •Satisfy court judgments. If you’ve been ticketed for any reason, make sure you promptly meet the requirements to satisfy the court judgment. This usually means paying a fine, but some locations may have other ideas for you. •Enroll in a defensive driving course. Sometimes enrolling in a defensive driving course is required to meet court requirements, and sometimes you can enroll in such a course to delete points from your driving record. Even if neither situation applies to you, car insurance companies love to see you’re trying to improve your driving skills. Simply put, drive safely and obey the law. Remember, it takes time to improve your driving record; however, it’s certainly worth it. In addition to this helpful money-saving point, EZQuoteGuide provides a great number of tips to help you save money on auto coverage in Wisconsin. They even supply free online car insurance quotes to help you decide which auto insurer, and policy, to choose.

Croscill bedding

Croscill is one of the most popular names in bedding. Croscill is known for their high quality, luxurious and unique bedding ensembles. Begun in 1946, Croscill initially started out selling window treatments. From their first designs they became an industry standard for kitchen, bath and bedroom window treatments. Croscill continued on this path until the late 1960’s when they introduced their first comforter set. This set named “Arsenic and Old Lace” offered matching window treatments which at that time was never done before. Continuing with the successful trend Croscill began manufacturing coordinated bed skirts, window treatments and bedding ensembles through the ‘70’s and 80’s. Over time they added pillows, window shades, and even wallpaper and lamps. Croscill was quickly becoming a company that set standards in the bedding industry. The final key to the success of the Croscill Company was the 1993 addition of matching bathroom accessories. By offering complete decorating options from bedroom to bathroom a customer could design their homes in a way that previously only an interior decorator could provide. The consumer continues to be impressed by their ability to choose a Croscill comforter set and seamlessly integrate the theme throughout their living space. Today Croscill offers nearly a hundred different bedding ensembles. Each Croscill ensemble includes matching comforter sets, sheet sets, shams, throw pillows, window treatments, and table covers. Some sets even offer coordinating wallpaper borders and bath accessories. Croscill’s newest line is, Wisteria. Wisteria is a floral ensemble with a pale blue photo-framed comforter. This accents the sheets and pillows which have a floral design highlighting Wisteria flowers. The sheets and pillows are deigned with gold and off-white which are beautiful when paired with the pale blue comforter. The Wisteria line is one of Croscill’s ensembles that can include a matching bathroom design, including shower curtain, towels and accessories. Croscill also offers bedding designs in all of the most popular trends. Croscill’s Southwest designs include, Alpine, Big Sky and Grand Teton. Their Luxury ensembles include Antoinette, Bellissima and New Castle. Croscill also offers contemporary designs including Presidio, Metro, and Boxwood. A few of their floral designs are Greenwich Court, Heritage Crewel, and Pavilion. Finally their beautiful tropical motifs include British Colonial, Fandango, and Grand Cayman. Croscill Bedding has a very wide appeal due to their wide variety of designs and quality workmanship. Though Croscill is among the finest bedding available they will not break the bank either. Their ensembles are available at a very affordable price. Croscill’s 60 years experience in the linens industry and their attention to detail, quality and value make them an excellent choice for your next bedding purchase.

Consolidate debt to gain financial ground

You know you are in trouble. There are piles of opened bills sitting there on the table, and even more on the dresser that you haven’t even bothered to open. Your family and your friends aren’t going to loan it to you. You have spent more than you can realistically expect to earn any time in the foreseeable future, and you simply can’t bet on winning the lotto. So, is there really anything you can do to help yourself get out of this mess you have made? Maybe, just maybe, you should consider consolidating debts or seeking credit counseling. Debt consolidation has become a household word and ever popular method to tackling outstanding debts. While it got its start on the internet during the dot-com boom, debt consolidators have also taken to advertising on television and radio spots. The increased exposure from the ads brought about more awareness of the concepts that drive the debt consolidation agencies and as a result has encouraged people to look for ways of crawling out from underneath all the consumer and student loan debts. There are, like anything, good and bad debt consolidation agencies. With the increased publicity and advertising, the government has became more and more aware of the differences between the agencies and some agencies have found themselves facing costly lawsuits. Understanding debt consolidation is important before one actually looks to it as a solution. Debt consolidation is taking and lumping all of the outstanding bills you might have – consumer/credit card debt, student loans, personal loans, etc. and taking those debts to the debt consolidation representative. The representative will then communicate with each of the debtors and ask them to cooperate with creating better terms – sometimes this means lower interest, lower payments over longer periods of time, etc. Consolidating debt does not erase valid debt, but instead the work to find a solution to repaying the debt that better meets your personal and financial needs. New buzzwords given to the concept include debt negotiation or debt settlement. Regardless of the name given to it, the concept and procedure remain the same. You may wonder if the consolidate debt solution is too good to be true. That depends. As is the case with almost any financial topic, debt reduction has its cheerleaders and its critics. As a consumer it is really your responsibility to look carefully at the pros and cons and make the best possible decision for your particular circumstance. You will need to research companies and find one that seems worth taking a chance on. Ask agencies like the Better Business Bureau for their recommendations based upon complaints and feedback they have received. You may decide that rather than take your debts to another agency, you will save yourself the fee and speak one-on-one with your creditors. Many creditors will appreciate the sincere effort you are making and work with you. Once you have your current financial woes under control, consider taking some classes in how to better create a budget and financial plan that will let you avoid future trouble. You will be very glad you did.

Coping with job stress and heart disease

Everyone knows that job stress has an obvious negative implication on health, specifically, the cardiovascular system. While various studies have been conducted and validated to establish that job strain increases the risk of a first coronary heart disease, little was known about the connection between stressful jobs and recurrent coronary heart disease. Recently, however, scientists have decided to bring their research to the next level by studying nearly a thousand men and women who returned to work after having a heart attack. Observations were made for the first six weeks after their return to their jobs, and the again two years later. Early findings show that the people who return to a chronically stressful job after a heart attack are twice as likely to experience another heart attack than those with stress-free jobs. Job strain, as specifically defined by researchers, involves high psychological demands with low decision control. If the stress of the job doesn't change upon return to work, there is a much higher risk of having another heart attack or developing angina and coronary heart disease. A heart attack occurs when a blood vessel that supplies blood to the heart becomes blocked. Due to the lack of blood flow, it results in a permanent damage to the heart. Blood vessels are blocked by advancing atherosclerotic plaque lesions, a sudden formation of a blood clot, or from the spasming of a coronary artery, which supplies blood to the heart. Many people have the notion that a heart attack is caused by a slow, progressive build-up of plaque. To think that a blood vessel takes a lifetime to become completely clogged is simply not true for most cases of heart attacks. When an unstable, atherosclerotic plaque lesion, filled with cholesterol and fat, suddenly breaks apart, thus forming an open wound within the artery wall, a heart attack occurs. Blood platelets and clotting proteins rush to the wound and form a clot, called a thrombus. In a matter of moments, the clot can enlarge and may cause obstruction of blood flow to the heart with resultant angina (chest pain). If the blood flow becomes completely obstructed, a heart attack ensues. In addition to the evidence linking workplace stress and heart disease was another study on the occurrence of cardiac events and heart attacks on Monday than any other day of the week. A study carried out by Japan's Tokyo Women's Medical University and published in the American Journal of Hypertension showed that many workers suffer a significant increase in blood pressure as they return to the office after the weekend. High blood pressure is associated with a greater risk of suffering a heart attack or a stroke, and the results could help to explain why there are more heart attacks on Mondays than at any other time of the week. While workplace stress can have a negative impact on your health, marriage, on the other hand, can be good for your health. However, it is important to be more specific as a bad marriage can increase the risk of heart disease as compared with married couples who are having great relationships.

Popular hawaii vacation rental features

Are you in the process of making your reservations for a Hawaiian vacation rental? If so, have you taken the time to examine rental features? One of the best ways to go about finding and choosing the vacation rental that is best for you and your needs is by examining all rental features. A few popular features, that you may want to be on the lookout for, are outlined below for your convenience. One feature commonly offered with Hawaii vacation rentals is that of a washer and dryer. Whether you have your own personal laundry room or a community laundry room, which is common with vacation condos and apartment rentals, you may appreciate the opportunity to do laundry. Having access to a washer and dryer can significantly reduce the number of clothes that you need to pack. If you are taking an extended Hawaii vacation, it is advised that you look for washer and dryer access. Cable television and satellite television are common features found with many Hawaii vacation rentals. Although you may not plan to watch too much television, it is nice to have. You may want to check the weather or you may enjoy watching a movie if the weather isn’t the greatest or if you just want to stay in. In addition to television programming, it is also common to see other entertainment features, such as DVD players, stereo systems, as well as video gaming consoles. In keeping with entertainment, there are a large number of Hawaii vacation rentals that come with internet access. In fact, many have high-speed internet access. This is ideal for all vacationers who are traveling for work related purposes. Even if you are traveling for pleasure, you may enjoy the option of communicating with your friends and family back home in a cheap and easy way. Although internet access is a common Hawaiian vacation rental feature, you aren’t always supplied with a computer. Many online travel websites consider vacation rental views as a feature too. What is nice about Hawaii vacation rentals is that many are located in beautiful areas. It is common to get an ocean view or a mountain view. If you are truly looking to experience Hawaii, you will want to examine all Hawaiian vacation rentals and their views. Many say that you never truly experience Hawaii until you are able to wake up, lookout your window, and see the ocean first thing in the morning. In keeping with the view, many Hawaii vacation rentals have what is commonly referred to as outdoor resting areas. If you are looking to rent a Hawaiian vacation home, cottage, or villa, you may have you own private garden or patio area. Even if you rent a vacation condo or vacation apartment, you will likely gain access to a community area. These areas are ideal for relaxation, socializing, as well as eating outdoors. The weather in Hawaii is almost always warm and beautiful; therefore, you may want to spend every waking moment of your vacation outdoors and a patio or garden area will allow you to do so. Swimming pools are another one of the many features associated with Hawaii vacation rentals. Although a popular feature, not all rental properties come equipped with them. If you would like to have a swimming pool on your next Hawaiian vacation, it is important that you thoroughly examine all rental features. For private swimming pool access, you will want to examine private Hawaiian vacation rentals, such as homes, cottages, and villas. It is not uncommon for apartment renters and condo renters to have swimming pool access, but in a community swimming pool. The same can be said for hot tubs. The above mentioned features are just a few of the many that you will commonly find associated with Hawaii vacation rentals. As a reminder, these features are popular, but there are no guarantees. That is why it is important that you thoroughly read though all Hawaiian vacation rental descriptions, including the list of features and other inclusions.

Looking for wheelchair lift vans

Wheelchair lift vans can be difficult to find because of their specialized function. These vans are made especially to accommodate wheelchair bound individuals. Wheelchair lift vans are designed in such a way that it will be able to allow wheelchairs to be lifted up and become part of the seating of the said van. This makes it possible for such people on wheelchairs to have access to a specialized mode of transportation that will enable them to travel around in a convenient manner. But when one cannot be found, most people usually rely on having any regular van modified to allow a wheelchair to be accessed into it. Wheelchair lift vans are included in a range of vehicles that have been modified in order to allow access by individuals who use wheelchairs in their day-to-day routine. The usual modifications made on such vans are lowering the floor and adding a special ramp so that the chair can easily be rolled into the van. Another modification is adding a motorized lift that is capable of picking the wheelchair up from ground level to the same level as the floor of the van. AMS Vans has pictures of what a lowered floor conversion looks like. A van must undergo through an intense modification process that requires pinpoint planning in order for it to become wheelchair accessible. If utmost care is not taken during the modification work, there is a big chance that the sloppy work will result in a vehicle that can become completely undriveable. When looking for your wheelchair van or planning to have one modified, it is recommended that you deal solely with a known member of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association when trying to acquire a wheelchair accessible van. There are general steps that manufacturers follow in converting a regular van into a wheelchair accessible vehicle. These steps may differ greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer. All manufacturers or dealers of wheelchair lift vans should be closely aware of what takes place and what is needed during their conversion process. These manufacturers must be able to answer all questions that individuals may ask about the conversion process. Most van conversions to become wheelchair accessible usually change the usual parts of the van. First of all, the original van floor is generally removed. Front seating is specially modified in such a way so as to allow easy access when using a wheelchair. A special means of external access added, which is most often a ramp, a motorized lift, or turning seat. The van suspension is then stiffened to allow for the extra weight of wheelchairs, usually those that are powered by a motor. It may also be necessary for gas tanks to be modified or replaced with custom models. After the conversion process, these modified vehicles are then tested to ensure safe and ideal operation.

Get that search engine working for you

Marketing tools don’t come any bigger than the internet today. When you want to make a name and presence for yourself you must start with an online presence. With a website you are able to open your doors to a whole new world of clients. But just gaining access to them by building a website is not enough as you need to promote it in order to bring your site to your customer’s attention. That is when search engine optimization comes into play. Search engine optimization involves techniques for obtaining higher search rankings when web surfers query keywords related to your website. Search engines are very important tools for bringing traffic to your website that can be very beneficial to your business. Search engines provide traffic that is relevant to your sites content which means conversions tend to be higher. These customers can also become very loyal and continue to return on a regular basis. That of course depends on the skill with which you offer your services. Before you get those customers for life the first task is getting them to visit for the first time. Many web surfers today turn to search engines when they are considering a purchase or looking for information on a given product or service. This is a fast paced world that we live in and visitors are expecting results that are just as fast. You must provide the information and products on your website in a way that visitors can find it quickly and easily when they arrive. Only when your website does this will it be popular with web surfers. What a search engine does is evaluate the contents of individual websites and provide rankings of them relevant to key words. The website content plays a very significant role in where it ranks for searches. The search engines evaluate the content of the site and rank it on its relevancy to key searches and ease of access to the information. That means that the content of a site must be relevant to its niche, rich in keywords and frequently updated with new relevant content to get high search engine rankings and with that more visitors. So really when you use search engine optimization you are promoting your website in the best possible way. It will result in more links to your website and a higher search engine ranking. With both of those working, traffic will also increase as a result. Search engine optimization is in essence an effort to become more popular within your niche on the internet. It is a popularity contest with the winner gaining the traffic. So search engine optimization can either be your best friend or your worst enemy just depending on if you utilize it or not. By getting the search engines working for you, you will gain not just traffic, but free, organic traffic and that is the best kind to have. Another thing worth pointing out is that the traffic from search engines is not only free, but highly relevant to the content of your site. That means better quality of traffic with higher conversions.

Important things to know about alcohol abuse and alcohol testing

While alcohol consumption is considered to be a recreational activity for adults, it can carry with it potential health hazards including dependence, addiction, liver damage and all kinds of different accidents. Alcohol test kits can help put a stop to irresponsible drinking, and reduces the amount of workplace accidents, drunk driving arrests and accidents and binge drinking-related deaths. Signs of Alcohol Abuse Someone under the influence of alcohol typically exhibits very characteristic signs including glassy eyes, irritability, memory loss, decreased hygiene, job performance and school performance, argumentative behavior and decline in relationships. Signs of Alcohol Addiction People who consume 15 or more drinks per week are prone to developing alcohol dependence or becoming alcoholics. Symptoms of alcoholism include excuse-making behavior in order to drink, violent outbursts, tendency to hide drinking habits, forgetting meals, nausea, confusion, decline in physical appearance, inability to quit drinking and drinking alone. Signs of Alcohol Poisoning Alcohol poisoning is very serious. A person suffering from alcohol poisoning requires immediate medical attention, as death can result. Some signs and symptoms to watch for that indicates alcohol poisoning include confusion, seizures, vomiting in sleep, hypothermia and irregular or slowed breathing. If someone has drank a large quantity of alcohol and exhibits these symptoms, call 911 immediately. Alcohol Testing There are several different types of alcohol detection tests for use both in the home and in the workplace. The most popular include the breath analyzer and a saliva screen test. Both of these alcohol drug test kits provide fast and easy-to-read results with lab-accuracy. Alcohol testing kits are valuable tools that help to keep people responsible for their drinking behaviors. Likewise, alcohol testing can help businesses maintain a safe and healthy work environment for their employees, lowering the amount of onsite accidents and saving companies money. Alcoholism is damaging to a company’s production rate and reputation, by increasing losses due to sick days, lowered productivity, onsite accidents, worker’s compensation claims and insurance claims. This is precisely the reason many companies opt to incorporate alcohol drug testing into their procedures. Some industries are required to enforce the use of alcohol drug test kits. Such an industry is the Department of Transportation, which is government mandated to comply with alcohol and drug testing regulations. DOT alcohol & drug tests keep the public safe and the Department of Transportation accountable. Parents can also benefit from alcohol tests. A simple breathalyzer test can determine whether or not your teen has been drinking, and if so how much. A simple alcohol drug test can help you either lay your fears to rest as a parent or seek appropriate help for your child should the need arise.

Shopping for a mattress get in the now

It still amazes me to see that in almost every walk of life, consumers are looking for the latest and greatest on the market. Except when shopping for a mattress, it still seems that people are drawn to the 'same old same old' one mattress fits all coils and springs. Ouch! But that's not the big kicker; the big deal comes when you actually price these mattresses. To get a top quality coils and springs mattress you have to pay between $1500US -$3000US to get the comfort levels you want and then you are still really buying an expensive foundation with a memory foam pillow top, which is what is providing the comfort you feel. So, let's say you spend $2000US, you now own a 100lb wooden box filled with coils and springs and what sold you was the $200US pillow top. So why not just take the time to really see what options are out there? You will find so many other choices that take advantage of our newest technology, are not only half the price but provide a much healthier environment for you to sleep. All the new types of mattresses and beds are specifically designed sleep systems that provide the right support to minimize pressure to acceptable levels for different body types and sleeping postures, maintaining back and spine alignment. The coils and springs mattresses can only say this when they come with the memory foam pillow top. The coils and springs can't really "fill in the gaps" to support the parts of your body that do not sink into the coils, such as your lower back. Coils and springs mattresses' biggest claim to fame is that the coils work independently so when you move, your partner doesn't. Great, but how much does that matter if you're not comfortable and you wake up tired and stiff? And in all honesty, I don't know anyone who actually "bowls" in bed. So what are the options out there? There are four different types of new technology sleep systems that really are a great bang for the buck and are very affordable and provide many health and convenient benefits compared to coils and springs. 1) Air Mattress Beds - Air Mattress Beds cradle and cushion your body, providing more even weight distribution without the poking and prodding possible from a standard coil spring mattress. Easy to use handheld controls and a state of the art ultra-quiet air inflation system allow each sleeper to quickly adjust the firmness of their side of the air bed to the perfect comfort level, with just the touch of a button. Imagine, now couples can individually adjust each side of the air bed to the exact firmness and comfort level each partner prefers. (Tip: Look for horizontal baffling and contoured foam edges for quality construction.) 2) Adjustable Beds - Now any sincere mattress salesman won't push the watching TV or reading in bed, it's not something that we should recommend. But with today's lifestyles this has become a normal way of life for some people. So if that's the case then you really should think about doing it right! With the touch of a button, adjustable beds move into hundreds of relaxing positions. All without creating pressure, stress or strain on your body. Touch a button again and experience a new concept in comfort, while your own personal massage system helps to relieve tired, sore muscles, and reduce everyday tension and fatigue. Encourage restful sleep through relaxation. (Tip: Concentrate on the frame construction, don't fall for the "mattress included" it's rarely of any quality.) 3) Latex Beds - Latex mattresses provide the most comfortable sleep surface in the world. Already immensely popular in Europe, Latex Mattresses are beginning to boom here in the United States. More and more Americans are learning about the tremendous advantages of Latex Mattresses everyday. The Talalay Process produces the highest quality, most resilient and consistent latex foam in the industry. Its consistent cell structure and exact density result in the most even firmness and feel possible. You can also buy Natural latex products. (Tip: Look for US made foam with layered construction, as this gives you quality foam and creates a variety of comfort levels to choose from.) 4) Memory Foam Beds - Well I think the word is out on this one, I'm sure you've heard all the NASA explanations of why this is used in the Space Shuttle and seen the "handprint" pictures. But, in case you haven't, Visco Elastic Memory Foam Mattresses utilize amazing, space age and NASA developed Visco Elastic Memory Foam. Visco Elastic Memory Foam is temperature sensitive. It actually reacts to the heat produced by your body, conforming to your body in a way no other material can. Where your body is making the most contact with the memory foam, the foam reacts and becomes softer. Where your body is making less contact, the foam stays cooler and remains more firm. The result is pressure being evenly distributed throughout the sleeper's body, leading to fewer pressure points and a more restorative sleep. (Tip: Again, look out for problem European foam; US made Sensus with layered construction for the same quality and comfort level benefits.) All of these new age sleep systems can be purchased for a fraction of what a coils and springs mattress goes for and depending on the mattress, you can adjust the foam layers to personalize your comfort level as you please. And don't forget about the many major sleep benefits from all the sleep system technology. You just can't miss, if you have to purchase a mattress or sleep system, you owe it to yourself to check these out, not only for your health but for your pocketbook too, ouch again! Tune in to my next articles where I'll break down what to look for in each of the new age sleep systems.

Can headaches be caused by sitting at a computer

: Has it ever occurred to you that while you are happily typing away on your computer for hours on end you are actually creating a problem in your neck that can lead to chronic migraine headaches or tension headaches? If you suffer from migraine headaches or tension headaches it may be something you should investigate. When a person with migraine headaches or tension headaches visits a chiropractor for their pain what does the chiropractor typically do for that patient? The usual treatment for most headache patients is to manipulate, or adjust, the neck. Chiropractors teach us that most headaches come from neck problems, and that by adjusting or manipulating the neck tension and migraine headaches can be relieved or cured. Over 80% of headache patients that receive chiropractic treatment show improvement that ranges from slight improvement up to complete elimination of their headache pain. If this is the case then it seems logical that the majority of migraine headaches or tension headaches originate from spinal (neck) problems. It also seems logical that if we knew what was causing these neck problems, and eliminated what was causing them, we could also eliminate the headaches, both migraine and tension. As a chiropractor for 25 years I have treated many patients with migraine headaches and tension headaches. After examining thousands of patients I discovered that as many as 95% who were experiencing headaches had one thing in common, a reversed cervical (neck) curve. From the side view a normal neck should have a slight curve in it. But in my experience as a chiropractor I estimate that approximately 95% of my patients with headaches had either a lessening of that curve, no curve at all, or a curve that was completely reversed. When these “poor neck curvatures” were treated with chiropractic adjustments most showed great improvement. Chiropractors know that headaches can be caused by “poor neck posture,” so the next question becomes “can sitting at a computer cause poor neck posture?” If the answer is yes, then it’s obvious that sitting at a computer can and does cause headaches. People usually develop poor neck curvatures because of poor posture habits. Anything a person does that places their head in a position forward to their body will lessen or reverse their normal neck curve. And poor neck curvatures DO cause headaches. Chiropractors have been teaching this for decades. The types of activities that can lead to poor neck posture include sitting at a computer for extended periods of time, reading with the head bent forward, sitting while slouching in a chair or on a couch, sleeping with the head or neck in odd positions, or any other activity that places the head in a position forward to the body. So, to answer our original question, yes, headaches can be caused by sitting at a computer. Sitting at a computer can cause an abnormal neck curvature to develop which can cause headaches. Good posture can surely prevent the development of poor neck posture, which would seem to be the best remedy, but what can be done if the lessening or reversal of the neck curve has already been developed? Obviously, chiropractic treatment is an option that could be considered. But there are many other alternative treatments for tension or migraine headaches. Most people just take a pain pill. But are pain pills the best approach? They surely are in some cases, but there are many other headache treatment options that don’t require the use of potentially harmful drugs. All drugs have side effects, some of which can end up being worse than the headaches themselves. Before treating your health problems with drugs it is wise to seek the advice of a health professional. There are many natural remedies for migraine headaches or tension headaches. These include stress and tension reduction, ice therapy (used at the base of the skull), eliminating food triggers, getting the proper amount of rest, biofeedback, headache pillows or cushions, exercise and many others. Some of these may help relieve headaches, both migraine and tension, and could be investigated further.

Geocaching a great way to get outdoors

If you’re tired of hiking the same trail or picnicking at the same park, then Geocaching may be exactly what you’re looking for. Geocaching, pronounced gee-o-cashing, is the high tech version of a treasure hunt. Armed with nothing but a handheld GPS unit and a thirst for excitement, you’re off for new adventures and the likelihood of finding a hidden cache. Here’s how it works. Geocachers seek out hidden treasures utilizing GPS coordinates posted on the Internet by those hiding the cache. So to geocache, you’ll need a handheld GPS receiver. GPS, which stands for Global Positioning System, is the only system today able to show you your exact position on the Earth anytime, in any weather, anywhere. GPS satellites, 24 in all, orbit at over 11,000 miles above the Earth. The satellites transmit signals that can be detected by anyone with a GPS receiver. Using the receiver, you can determine your location with great precision. But just as important, you’ll be able to locate other things too, such as a geocache. There are a variety of GPS receiver models to choose from starting at about $100. Once you’ve got a GPS unit, you’ll need to know where the caches are hidden (hint: they’re everywhere). When a cache is hidden, the cache’s coordinates are submitted to a website for all to see ( geocaching). Enter the coordinates into your GPS and you’re ready to go. Did I mention there are more than 100,000 caches in over 200 countries? Sounds easy, doesn’t it? Armed with a GPS and the coordinates, how tough can it be? In an urban area, easy access is typically available in the way of roads and trails. But what about on a mountain? What if there aren’t roads nearby? It’s entirely possible to be a few hundred feet from something and not be able to reach it (across a river or two hundred feet below the cliff you’re on are good examples). After you try to find a few caches, you’ll understand a number of the nuances of actually finding the cache. That’s the fun part. Once you find the cache, there are a couple of simple rules. Sign the logbook and if you take something from the cache, be sure to leave something. But what about placing a cache? That’s fun too. Just be sure to follow the rules as outlined at geocaching. Once you’re a seasoned geocacher, you’ll try your hand at travel bugs, geo-teaming and benchmark hunting. If you have only a couple hours to search for a cache, try to find one that is close by. If you have a couple days, take a family trip and make an overnight adventure out of it. Using your GPS along with your sense of adventure, you are bound to spend more time out of doors with people you enjoy. What could be better? Use this information and you’ll Get It Right The First Time. Get Outdoors!

Tricks to eat fast food

Nowadays, the easiest and the cheapest way to dine-in is at the fast food restaurants. Such restaurants are available everywhere. It's the handiest restaurant accessible in the neighborhood. Those who can't cook due to their tight schedule mostly order their meal from fast food restaurants. They just ring the delivery service, and the food will be delivered in just a few minutes, ready to be eaten. What an easy life. Apart from its convenience, fast food is also known as unhealthy and a weight gainer. High calories, sodium and fat are the culprits of its unhealthiness. It's often lack of important vitamins and minerals too. If you are among those who are reluctant to eat fast food, here are some tricks to help you eat nutritious and less fattening fast food. * Don't eat big size food (there are some restaurant selling big size food, such as McDonald's Big Mac). * Choose the healthiest foods available in the menus. This will help you maintain your diet, as you will not be tempted to unhealthy food. * Eliminate high fat and calorie sauces and dressing of your food. * Instead of taking sodas, change it with water or low fat milk * Eat not more than 1,500 calories a day Here are some menus for the day which consist of less than 1,500 calories: Breakfast Your 300-350-calorie breakfast: * Muffin (150 calories) plus scrambled eggs (16 calories) * Croissant with egg and cheese (350 calories). Avoid sausage as it will increases 260 calories * Egg sandwich (300 calories). All sandwiches usually contain 300-350 calories. Avoid bacon as it has more than 300 calories. Lunch Your 400-450-calorie lunch: * Grilled chicken (400 calories) * Four chicken nuggets and small portion of french fries (420 calories) * Grilled potatoes with chili sauce and cheese (395 calories) * Sandwich with chicken inside (300 calories) and salad with low fat dressing ( 125 calories) * Individual chicken popcorn (450 calories) * Two slices of thin flat slight cheese pizza (200 calories each slice). The most important thing in consuming pizza is to eat thin flat slight pizza with less topping to minimize the calories (unnecessary for vegetables topping). Dinner Your 500-calorie dinner: * Plain hamburger, 1 portion of french fries (children's package) and diet drink (530 calories) * Three slices of pizza by reducing the fatty cheese (500 calories). * Original chicken breast and mashed potatoes (500 calories) * Meatloaf (310 calories) with potatoes salad ( 200 calories) * Marinated grilled chicken sandwich (470 calories without mayonnaise) If you want to make another choice, here is the list of some healthy fast food you might want to choose: *Single hamburger (regular or children's size) *Fruit or fruit and yogurt *Whole wheat rolls *Baked potato (with vegetables instead of cheese, butter or sour cream) *Low fat deli sandwiches on wheat bread or on pita bread *Wraps on whole wheat tortillas (without dressing)

Jupiter melody ionized water at a moment s notice

The Jupiter Melody JP104 Water Ionizer is all that is needed for you to receive energized, healthy, antioxidant, alkaline water at a moments notice. This model has been outfitted with the ground breaking Biostone filter , which enhances the water which is dispensed to you by increasing its moisture level and increasing its capability to preserve negative ion charges. The success of this process is due to the usage of the ceramic Tourmaline in the filtration process, as well as the built in coral calcium. During the progression of the ionization procedure the tourmaline releases infrared energy to make certain that the efficiency level of the water is increased. Additionally this procedure implies that all water that travels through the filter, including the water which does not go through the process of ionization, will be able to increase their rapidity of incorporation, hydration and energy transmission. The Jupiter Melody Water Ionizer has a wide range of positive attributes all of which contribute to the acknowledgement by its competition that this water ionizer is ground breaking in the area of water purification units. To add to that there is the knowledge that it is produced by Jupiter Science, which ensures that you have the safeguard of trading with Korea's longest lasting and biggest reputable water ionizer producer. An explanation of the Jupiter Melody Water Ionizer's Features: Your ionizer has a built in automatic reversed cleaning program. This makes sure that any particle that can find its way all the way through the filter is not caught inside the ionizing area. The magnetic field within the compartment is inverted to ensure that any minerals that have become actively attached to a Titanium plate are repulsed and expelled from the unit. This system helps to prolong the life of the ionizer and the Jupiter Melody only ever dispenses ionized water from the alkaline spout. There is no wait for your water even if your Jupiter Melody is in its cleaning phase. You are provided with a choice of different pH levels for your water and therefore are afforded a greater amount of choice. This array of options lets you to get the beneficial effects of using higher pH levels when cooking, since high alkaline pH water helps to make greener greens, fluffier rice and more tasty coffee and tea. The availability of acidic water makes sure that you can benefits of acidic water. It can be an aid for your skin and your plants as well as a useful help with household hygiene and much more. Ionized water can also help with the digestion of copious amounts of different supplements and can perhaps reduce the dose amount that is necessary. The filtration process utilizes the 0.01 micron 3-stage method as well as the Biostone Infrared which guarantees that the water will be filtered of all contaminants and your water is also prepared by lessening of surface pressure for the utmost negative ion manufacture during the process of ionization. Coral calcium is inserted into the water mechanically. The Jupiter Melody Water Ionizer also makes use of large 5-plate polymer ion plated, platinum coated, titanium ionizing plates . Jupiter Science and Toyo Water of Japan worked in partnership to bring into being the best arrangement of polymer bonded platinum coated Titanium plates that are available. This drastically improves the duration of the plates, which are at the core of the Jupiter Melody Water Ionizer structure. The use of incorporated computer circuitry in your water ionizer means that you have a far wider choice of what water you can have. Without that circuitry the pH of your water is limited by the pH of the water that is coming into your ionizer and you will be unable to correct the setting to get water of the optimal pH. This circuitry permits hot water and low pressure protection to be automatic utilities as well. There is a liquid crystal display that shows filter usage even though it is not a definite gauge of filter life, it is a helpful indication of what endurance your ionizer. The Jupiter Melody Water Ionizer has a ј” inlet pipe which is visually superior, to the 3/8" pipe used by other water ionization units.

The wonders of short run printing

Oftentimes, businesses don’t always need large quantity of printing needs. There are times when they only need a hundred or even less. When the need for little yet fast printed materials arises, business owners are often confronted with financial problems. This is because in the business world, the more you order the cheaper the price so if you need only a few copies that would cost you quite a bunch of money. It could be a big problem for you especially if you need the printed materials so badly but you do not have the money to compensate for it. Fortunately, printers and customers alike are seeing the value of short run printing. Both printers and customers have to work together to be able to minimize the cost of printing in small quantities while maintaining high quality print outs. That is why most printers carry out their work using state-of-the-art equipment to make sure of consistently good results, no matter what the size of the order. Short run printing is not only confided in the scope of black and white prints. With the highly competitive market that we have today, it is amazing to know that color printing is also available in short run prints. Businesses need catchy and captivating print materials and the only way to achieve that goal is to have those cards, newsletters or brochures printed in colors. Aside from being cost effective and available in just a short period of time, short run printing services reduces risk of obsolescence for time sensitive printed materials, increases cash flow by getting the marketing materials out faster and lowers inventory cost of your products. Having your promotional materials out as soon as possible can not only offer better sales but also a good boost in your company image. After all, the last thing that you would want for your business is to loose customers because of failure to immediately inform them of your special events. Obviously, you would not want to miss this opportunity to entice customers. But if you were not able to release those flyers or posters in time you might just loose a number of them. Nevertheless, choosing the right short run printing requires a considerable amount of skill. It involves both time and patience to come up with the right results. As part of the growth of online sales, short run printing retailers has brought their services in the virtual market making it much better and faster for individuals to get hold of their service. One of the big advantages that online short run printing businesses have over traditional short run printing services is the capacity to adjust in response to changes in the marketplace. Hence, it is now time for us to appreciate and take advantage of these printing services that we have previously could only dream about.

Selling real estate 1st impressions ten keys to maximizing profit

: Now that you have decided to sell your home, how will you turn your home into the most valuable asset it can be? Selling Real Estate - The Ten Keys to Maximizing Profit is essential reading before you list your home. No matter if you are selling your home yourself, using a discount commissioned broker, or a fully-commissioned one, brush up on these common sense, low cost tips and you will increase the overall monetary return when you sell your house. How do we know? After twenty years of being a buyer's agent and broker, we know that most houses would either sell more quickly or for more money if the homeowners had followed some common sense, time-tested real estate tips. First of all, it makes the buyer's agent job much easier if a house is showcase ready. While a particular buyer may not like your home for many different reasons, a buyer's agent is much more likely to bring other buyers back to a home that shows well.

In the small community of real estate agents, word does get out pretty quickly when a home on the market is showcase ready. First Impressions - What I'm about to tell you may seem minor and easily overlooked, but this advice goes hand-in-hand with the very well known concept of Curb Appeal. Whereas curb appeal is the very first gut feeling a potential buyer has about your house, the buyer's first impression lasts as they walk up to the front door to the point when the door first opens.

With this in mind, the front door should be especially sharp, since it is the entryway into the house. Polish the door fixture so it gleams. If the door needs refinishing or repainting, make sure to get that done. If you have a cute, little plaque or shingle with your family name on it, remove it. Even if it is just on the mailbox. You can always put it up again once you move.

It is important to make your house anonymous as if the house already belongs to the next owner. Buy a new, plush door mat, too. This is something else you can take with you once you move. Make sure the lock works easily and the key fits properly. When a homebuyer comes to visit your home, the agent uses the key from the lock box to unlock the door. If there is trouble working the lock while everyone else stands around waiting, this sends a negative first impression to prospective home buyers.

If the lock is sticky, sometimes a shot of graphite in the keyhole is all that is needed. Then, there is the entry way. Are there shoes or other clutter in the foyer, does the first impression of the inside of your home impress a buyer of things to come set them up for a polite, but quick tour of your home? In any housing market, but especially in a buyer's market, your house is in competition with all the other houses on sale in your neighborhood.

How your home competes is key to turning a prospective buyer in to a buyer with an offer. A first impression will not last, if the rest of your home is not presentable. Many home sellers wonder what trade-offs to make, how much budget to allocate to get their home ready to list and sell. The starting place is to think like a buyer, put yourself in your buyers shoes, walk across the street from your house and walk up to the front door, make notes of all the things that you'd want to see fixed if you were going to buy your own house. Then, step-by-step, work through the other ten keys to selling real estate and maximizing your profits.

Steel hunting blades and other options available to hunters and fishermen

Hunting knives, tactical knives and pocket knives are the type of tools that every hunter needs at some point or another. When it comes time to prepare your game for transport off the mountain or to take care of some camping basics like cutting or chopping, it is important to have a sturdy, reliable hunting knife that you can count on to last for several hunting seasons. If the tactical knife or pocket knife is perpetually dull or flimsy it is very unlikely that you will enjoy your time hunting and may in fact result in a lack-luster hunting season. That is why it is important to make sure to always have the right blade on you at all times, and to choose the right blade. Many people do not know that there is more than one blade type, when really there are three main blades that a person can choose from, depending on their individual needs. Drop Point Blade Hunting Knives The drop point blade is the most popular type of tactical knife blade on the market today. The drop point has a sharp curve to the blade and it is forged of a thick, durable steel blade that can stand up to just about anything. The edge of the drop point blade makes it one of the most utilitarian of the three knives mentioned here. It can be used to jab or point as well as slice, and it is very useful for efficiently skinning game after it has been killed. Clip Point Blade Hunting Knives The clip point blade is another one of the more popular types of hunting knives out there. Although the clip point is not nearly as popular as the drop point blade, the clip point blade is made of thinner steel and the blade is flat, with a point to it. The clip point blade is perfect for skinning game as well, but the clip point blade is also perfect for other uses that are not related to hunting, like cutting ropes or branches or other things of that nature. The clip point blade is a useful knives for hunters to have, and is one of the most commonly used and carried types of hunting blades out there. The Skinning Knife Skinning knives are other popular hunting knives, although they are not nearly as multipurpose as some of the other tactical knives on the market. Skinning knives are just for that, removing the skin of a game animal from the meat. Skinning takes a certain type of blade in order for the meat to be as well preserved as possible. If you find that you lose a lot of your game during the skinning process, you may want to consider purchasing a skinning knife in addition to a more tactical blade. Having reliable hunting knives is an important element of successful hunting, whether you are a big game hunter, waterfowl hunter or fisherman. By knowing the various blade types available you can determine which best fits your needs and your use level. Remember that there is more to a knife than the style of its handle or its price. The craftsmanship and style of the blade are the fundamental elements that will make the hunting knife a valuable addition to your hunting equipment. ~Ben Anton, 2007

Change your life in minutes

In this hectic world we live in it can seem sometimes as though we are expected to be all things to all people, occupying such diverse roles as spouse, parent, and employee to name just a few. As we race from car-pooling to baseball game, from breakfast meeting to midnight shift, it can be difficult to find time for ourselves. And when we do, we are oftentimes too exhausted to do anything very constructive with it. Don’t you sometimes wish you were someone else entirely? We often look so hard to find, in our harried lives, some time to find our own unique identities, and there’s little doubt that searching for yourself can be an exhausting task. With the double fatigue of the daily activities that life necessitates and this more personal work, it’s no wonder that we seek some light relief sometimes. If only there were an easy way to experience the excitement of other lives without having to extricate ourselves from the comfort of the couch to do so. Thankfully our world had limitless possibilities, and even better – most of these can be enjoyed without too much exertion. Even if the financial strains are pulling on your life, there are still great ways to have fun, ease tension and explore new possibilities without spending a fortune for the privilege. Don’t think it’s possible? Then give free online games a shot! The wide variety of free online games available today means that there is always a convenient way to lose yourself in some other life without sacrificing your own! Whether you’ve always wanted to be a pop star or drive a racecar, there are hundreds of free role-playing games available online to help you shake the responsibilities of your own life from your shoulders while you explore other worlds. Rekindle your inner child by playing make believe with surreal online pets or try a power trip on for size as you manage a string of popular rock bands. Whatever fantastic life you long for, there is a free online game that can help you try it out for size. And offering a unique combination of relaxation and excitement, you will return to your non-virtual world refreshed and ready for anything. So take some well-deserved time out and go play for a while with some free online games. It won’t cost you a thing, and it might just change your life!

Flowerless no problems grow your own organic flowers part 2

Organic pest control In our opinion pests are a part of nature and should be tolerated, they add to your gardens diversity, organic flowers by definition, will not be like the blemish free supermarket produce that are odorless. Organic flowers will have beautiful flagrances and sweet aromas that you will love. However there are a few useful tips if you really must get rid of those pesky buggers One of the best solutions is to buy or lure ladybirds (ladybugs) to spread throughout your garden. Ladybirds are particularly fond of the following plants that you can add to your garden, fennel, dill, cilantro, caraway, angelica, tansy, wild carrot & yarrow. Ants and termites You can kill these with an old fashioned trick, boiling water Aphids Gardeners best friend the ladybird also try organic insecticidal soap Caterpillars Hand pick off individual flowers or try using the organic derris pesticide Slugs and snails Another old fashioned trick that does work, set up traps containing beer, barriers can also be helpful Organic disease control Most of the diseases are fairly simple to deal with, It is always sensible to try to prevent the diseases from taking hold and spreading in the first place, rather than treating them when they occur. You can treat black spot a common fungal disease of roses by pruning the bush roses into a goblet shape, use disease resistant cultivars and dust affected plants with sulphur A new all-round concentrate, serenade garden disease control is an excellent, economical alternative for gardeners, this organic fungicide provides effective disease control against many important garden problems such as mildews, molds, blights, leaf spots, rusts, whilst protecting roses and other flower varieties. Beneficial predators in your garden The best way to protect your flowers and promote healthy growth in your garden is to introduce or lure beneficial predators, a good way of doing this is to section a part of your garden off for a natural area containing a pond. Let natural weeds and plants grow here and do not prune, cut or tidy. List of beneficial predators Anthocorid bug, Bats, Birds, Centipedes, Earwigs, Frogs, Toads and newts, Beetles, harvestman, Hedgehogs, Hoverflies, Lacewings, Ladybirds (ladybugs), Mites, Nematodes, Parasitic wasps, Slow worm, Spiders, Tachinid flies and Wasps.

Dallas limo dallas limos airport transportation dallas dallas car

Limousine service in Dallas have been hired nowadays for almost every occasion whether it is a wedding, night-out, anniversary, corporate meeting, and receiving guests from airport, birthdays, or bachelor’s party. The reason being the elegance, grace and the reputation that limo lends to your arrival at any place or event. You can hire any Dallas car service which would be really cheaper in comparison to the limousine service but the awe that would be created amongst your kith and kin on your alighting from the limo will be unmatchable. Dallas limousine service is one of the best providers of limo service in Dallas and above all it is renowned for the most cost-effective Dallas car service. You can even hire Dallas limo even if you are not in Dallas as the company is the premier worldwide limo service provider. The exclusive worldwide limo services provided by the company include: • Dallas car service • DFW limo • Dallas bus charter • Dallas limos • Airport transportation Dallas Whether it is a short trip to the airport or a long trip to different states the best car hire will be of limo. Limo hire is not only for style statement since limo is the luxurious of all the Dallas car service. Dallas limo service will be your first and last stop once you have enjoyed its Dallas limo service as it provides additional luxury services along with car. Limousine service in Dallas has been on increase due to its great demand in business sector. Most of the big business groups hire DFW limo to receive and escort their foreign business delegates. Limos make a great impression on the business clients and increase the reputation of the company which in turn brings in more business. business transportation should not only be on time but it must have look of great elegance and make a style statement of the company in the eyes of the other business associates and competitors in the market and for this best car service to be hired is limo. If your business is Dallas based or you have to arrange a business trip for your company even outside Dallas, Dallas limousine will be the best option as it ensures comfort and luxury of time and space to your travel. Dallas limousine service is easy to hire and offers airport transportation Dallas, DFW limo service, Dallas bus charter within the Dallas and even outside the state. You can even hire limousine service Dallas on hourly basis. You can opt for this service when you are not sure about the destinations you will be visiting in your hired Dallas limo. Also, the Dallas limo service provider avails you their additional service of a trained chauffeur who knows all the geographical routes and is an expert driver who assures you timely reach to your desired destination. You can even hire the service of bus charter for a large group of people who are going on a party or a trip. if you are interested in hiring luxurious worldwide limousine services, you can log on to dfwtransit

Cheaper is not always better

I work for a large insurance firm in the northwest, in an office with over 500 other employees. Management recently decided to replace our existing phone system as the old system was no longer meeting our needs. I and my co-workers were under the impression that they were going to update the system, as in "make an improvement", and that we would have late model phones with technological advancements galore. Boy, were we in for a surprise. One day a few weeks ago, we all came in to find new phones on our desks. These were not the state-of-the-art communication devices we had in mind. Instead of the sleek, sophisticated, caller IDing, multi-line handling, LCD displaying wonders of the modern age we all dreamed of, there was a simple phone with a keypad on the receiver...not unlike what you might have had at home 15 years ago. In addition to the new phone, there was a sheet which explained in graphically painful detail exactly which series of buttons one would have to push in order to make this thing function properly. We had to now enter a digit to put someone on hold, enter a three digit code to transfer someone (one digit, dial tone, two digits) and enter a ridiculously long series of numbers to access our voicemail. Needless to say, we were in shock. I knew it wouldn't take long before the roars of complaining would drown out the usual office din. Sure enough, by lunchtime our office manager came in to tell everyone that we were simply going to "try it out for a while" and that the company had saved thousands by choosing this option. I and the other employees were fairly certain that we had already lost thousands in reduced productivity that morning alone. Oh, well...it's their company, we just bring in the money for them. For the next few days, we tried to get used to saying "hold, please, while I transfer you", removing the receiver from our faces and trying not to curse as we made a lame-duck attempt at pressing keys, listening and pressing more keys. It was a nightmare. We were getting pretty fed up with it, but just assumed that this was what we would have to deal with. Then, out of the blue, we came in one day to find real phones with real features at our desks. No more looking at the receiver while we frantically tried to key in numbers fast enough not to drop the call. No more ten digit voicemail "pins". No more of having no idea who was calling or where the call came from. Ahhhh, relief at last. Later the same day, we heard a rumor circulating around the office that the VP of operations had returned from a two week trip to New York. His words, upon seeing one of the phones management had originally purchased on his desk were, "get rid of them". All it took were those four words from a higher-up to set things right. Unbelievable.

5 Big advantages of pc games on demand

Not to knock PlayStation 2 or Xbox 360, but I have a decent PC. The consoles are okay for the kids, but I am happy with a keyboard and mouse. I play online games to relax between work sessions on the computer. I don't want to get up from the machine to play. Thankfully, there are games on demand made for my PC. Here are some of the reasons PC games on demand are going to change the way most of us play the latest video and audio intensive games: 1. Instant Gratification. I can demo the latest games to see what appeals to me. When I find a winner, I can purchase on the spot and download the entire game instantly. No waits. No trips to the mall to find the game I want - if they have it in stock. 2. New technology takes care of the install. Some PC games can be a bear to install from a CD or DVD. Why bother. I downloaded a fast free player from Triton ( playtriton), and I am using the latest streaming technology to start playing the hottest games on the net. 3. I can begin playing full games within minutes of purchase. Triton's player will download and install your new game in the background using the fastest streaming delivery media available today. You don't have to wait for the entire game to download before you begin play. 4. Automatic updates. When you login to your game, Triton automatically makes sure you have the latest and greatest version of your game and player. No more searching the Internet for updates. You get yours automatically in the background. 5. Worldwide availability. No matter where you live in the world, if you have a good PC and a broadband Internet connection, you have access to the best games at the same time as anyone else. It doesn't matter if your local computer store carries the game you want or if they sold out before you went to buy. You are in control. As PCs get more powerful, and broadband becomes the international standard for accessing the Internet, it only makes sense to move to a faster, more economical delivery method for cutting edge games.

Are steroids in baseball illegal

The pharmaceutical anabolic steroids are believed to have been inadvertently discovered by German scientists in the early 1930s. Anabolic steroids or androgenic steroids are the synthetic derivatives of testosterone that promote muscle and bone growth. These steroids are medically used to treat uncontrolled weight loss in wasting diseases. However, these steroids are often used by bodybuilders, athletes, and sports persons to increase their muscle mass, strength, and stamina. The first known use of anabolic steroid — testosterone propionate was mentioned in US weightlifting/bodybuilding magazine, Strength and Health magazine in 1938. The International Amateur Athletic Federation, now the International Association of Athletics Federations, became the first international governing body of sport to ban anabolic steroids in sports. These drugs were banned by FIFA, Union Cycliste Internationale (cycling), and International Olympic Committee in 1966-67. However, Major League Baseball remained lenient about the use of steroids in baseball. The use of steroids in baseball became hotly debatable in the mid 1990s. Steroids in baseball became hot subject of sports news, magazines, and rumors. Though, a 1988 US federal law declared the use and distribution of anabolic steroid drugs for nontherapeutic illegal, Major League Baseball did not test for steroids in baseball until 2003. The was a drastic rise in home runs since 1995 that greatly contributed to strengthening the influence of steroids in baseball; Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, and Barry Bonds had all stunningly surpassed the home run record set by Roger Maris - whose 61 homers in 1961 had not been challenged in over 30 years. Often, post 1994 period is referred to as “Steroids Era.” There were a number of stories on steroids in baseball. The first evidence of steroids in baseball came out when a bottle of a nutritional supplement was found in Mark McGwireґs locker; the bottle was found containing Androstendione, a prohormone. Ken Caminiti revealed to Sports Illustrated that he won the 1996 NL MVP award while on steroids. He also revealed that 50% of the players in the league were using steroids. In a book published during steroids in baseball imbroglio, Jose Canseco admitted using steroids and also revealed that 85% of all players in MLB were using steroids. The fact was “eye-opener” for MLB. The Journalists Lance Williams and Mark Fainaru-Wada exposed the BALCO scandal associated with steroids in baseball & other sports in 2003. The nutrition center BALCO, was accused of distributing steroids to many star players, like Barry Bonds, Jason Giambi, Gary Sheffield, Benito Santiago, Jeremy Giambi, Bobby Estalella, and Armando Rios. The most famous instances of steroids in baseball are that of Jason Giambi and Barry Bonds, who were suspected of using anabolic steroids in baseball. Giambi admitted before a U. S. grand jury that he used a duo of undetectable steroids known respectively as "the cream" and “the clear.” He also admitted that he received the drugs from his personal trainer Greg Anderson during the 2003 season. On the other hand, Bonds revealed that his trainer told him the substances were the nutritional supplement flaxseed oil and a pain-relieving balm for his arthritis. The Major League Baseball conducted random testing steroids in baseball in 2003. The League toughened its policies a bit on the use of steroids in baseball. The players, such as Ryan Franklin and others were suspended for ten days, but a Congressional panel argued that the penalties were not tough enough, and took action. Thus, several top players, such as Rafael Palmeiro, McGwire, Sosa, Canseco and Curt Schilling were testified in front of Congress on March 17, 2005. Congress has been continuously pressuring MLB for instituting a comprehensive testing policy for its players.

Reaching a target audience through craigslist

Reaching a Target Audience through Craigslist The key to any successful Internet marketing campaign is reaching a target audience. Craigslist reaches a large audience but the size of this audience may not exactly translate to the advertiser being able to reach members of their target audience. There are, however, ways to help advertisers reach their target audience through Craigslist. This article will discuss how the discussion forums and the search feature can both be utilized to find the target audience. Find the Target Audience in Discussion Forums The discussion forums featured on Craigslist provide an excellent opportunity for users to find their target audience. This is important because misdirected advertising that does not reach the target audience is useless. Advertising on Craigslist is free but this does not mean business owners have nothing to lose by advertising on Craigslist without doing market research first. Time, energy and other resources can all be wasted when care is not taken to reach the target audience. Visiting the discussion forums allows an Internet marketer to reach the target audience by providing insight into the members of the community and what they are looking for in products and services. Through visiting these forums, advertisers can simply lurk and take careful note of the ensuing conversations. This can provide a great deal of insight into the thoughts of the target audience including information on how to win over this audience. Advertisers who actively participate in these forums can further capitalize by engaging members of the community in conversation and soliciting feedback from them. All of this information can be used to target advertising specifically to the members of the target audience. Hiring search engine optimization (SEO) specialist to assist in creating advertisements is a worthwhile investment. This is because an SEO specialist can provide useful information on how the advertisement should be structured. Additionally, they may have an SEO writer on staff that is capable of writing advertising that is not only engaging but also optimized for search engines. Use the Search Feature to Find the Target Audience The search feature on Craigslist can also provide valuable insight which can help advertisers to locate their target audience. Advertisers can start this process by entering keywords related to their products or services to search in various sections of Craigslist. During this time, take note of competitors’ advertisements which are returned during these searches and the sections in which these advertisements are placed. If competitors’ advertisements appear in sections which appear logical, it might be worthwhile to consider placing your own advertisements in these sections to ensure target audience members find your advertisement when searching these sections. Next carefully examine all advertisements by competitors. Pay particular attention to the keywords used in the advertisements. This is important because savvy Internet marketers recognize the need to optimize their advertisements for the same keywords being used by competitors. Failure to do so may result in potential customers only viewing the competitors’ advertisements when searching for these particular keywords. Hiring a SEO firm might be useful in this situation. They can not only provide you with a set of new keywords but can also help you to optimize your advertisement for both sets of keywords. The copy for advertisements should be optimized for the keywords but should also be informative and enticing. An SEO firm with an on staff SEO copywriter can be especially helpful in this capacity. Word count 568

Smart cycling

Learning to ride a bike is a rite of passage. It's a skill that takes us from three-wheeler to two-wheeler, from sidewalk to street. It's also one of the easiest of life's lessons to learn, but it does take effort to learn how to ride well. Body position Smart cycling starts with proper body positioning. Some people like to ride with their bodies in a low position, but this is not the correct posture. It is best to sit as tightly as possible, and in a narrow posture to reduce wind friction. You and your bike will obtain maximum efficiency when your body is completely lined with the bicycle frame. Knees The position of your knees is equally important. The correct riding posture will have you sitting comfortably with your knees bent at right angles. This posture will make your body more aerodynamic and streamlined, and will reduce the strain on your legs. The best way to arrive at the correct knee position is the traditional method of placing your bike on a trainer and sitting square on the saddle. Place your heels on the pedals and pedal backwards. The right height will have your knees straightening with minimal hip movement. It may take some time to get the position just right, but it is time well spent. When you find the right height, adjust the height of your saddle and secure it. Arms Your arms need to be positioned properly in order to cycle smart. When riding, your hands should be placed over the brake lever hood. This is a neutral position that will allow you to apply the brakes comfortably. Make sure that your hands are not angled in any position while you are holding the brake lever hood. Straight positions are best for smart cycling. When choosing your bike, make sure that the handlebar is not too wide. Adjust it so the distance between the top of the saddle and the handle bar is not more than four knuckles. Many riders believe that the best way to ride is to have a bike custom-built. They are not necessarily wrong, but the real source of smart cycling is in body adjustment. Even if you have a custom bike, you will have to learn to hold your body in the proper position to get optimal performance from your cycle. Weight should be shifted so that most of it is placed on the back wheel, to increase pedaling rate and maximize bike control. Chances are, you will change and upgrade bicycles as you age. But if you choose to keep your bike for the long haul, you'll need to adjust your riding position as your body reacts to natural aging processes and loss of flexibility. This will give you a more pleasant riding experience and reduce the strain on your body. Going from three-wheeler to street cycle is just the beginning. Smart cycling is about how you ride, not necessarily what you ride.

Where businesses fall short

1. No vision. Successful businesses have a clear vision or picture of their business purpose and mission. Your vision serves as a roadmap to help you see where you are today in relationship to where you want to be tomorrow. Your business plan serves as the mechanism that will help you to bridge the gap. When you don't have a clear vision as to why you're in business or where you intend to take your business, it's like taking a road trip without a map. When you don't know where you're going, you'll waste a lot of time, money, and energy trying to find the right road leading to your destination. A well-defined vision will help you stay focused and on track. 2. No niche. One of the most common reasons for business failure stems from having a poorly defined niche. A niche can refer to a target market or to an area of specialization. When businesses fail to target a specific group of consumers, they risk being attractive to no one. Perhaps it has its underpinnings in the saying, “You can't please everyone.” The more narrowly you market your business, the better your chances of generating new business. Market yourself as an expert in a specialty, while showcasing yourself to a narrow market that you can most benefit. 3. No business plan. Your business plan is your strategy. It includes many important items like defining your business niche and target market, your marketing plan, financial projections, staffing, investments, as well as the benefits and features of your products and services. Referring back to your vision for your business, it is your business plan that provides the strategies to move you from where you are today to where you want to be in the future. If you don't have a business plan to follow, your chances of achieving success are greatly diminished. Plans have a way of becoming reality. Craft your plan carefully and use it to guide your progress forward. 4. No marketing plan. A marketing plan outlines the steps you intend to take to sell your product or service. As one component of the overall business plan, it identifies your niche, your product or service benefits, the strategies you'll employ to reach your target market, as well as how much you intend to spend. Marketing is fundamental to your company's success. Without it, you won't have any customers or clients. For this reason, it's critical to spend the extra effort to develop one. 5. No marketing calendar. This item is a subset of the overall marketing plan. It is critical to any marketing effort in that it schedules when you intend to implement various marketing strategies. By having a calendar, you'll be more organized about how you go about marketing. Also, it provides a way to track what you've done and the results of your efforts. Marketing is not a one-time effort, but rather something that must be done consistently over time. A calendar is critical to staying on target and on track with your marketing plan. 6. No action. Taking action is the foundation of progress. Without it you will have no clients and ultimately no business. Sometimes business owners get caught up in process so that they are unable to make decisions. Other times they suffer from being perfectionists and don't implement ideas because they don't think they are good enough. Anything that prevents you from moving forward will lead you down the path to failure. Until decisions are made, flow is stopped and that usually means your business is blocked as well. Until you put your products or services out there, you're never going to make sales. It's better to take some action, risking an outcome you might not desire, than to stop and stagnate. 7. No customer service program. You're in business only because you have customers or clients. In order to get business and to maintain it, it's important to have a customer service program. A program can include anything from the methods you use to gain new clients, to how you service them once they are your clients. It includes follow up visits or calls, providing information to them about current or new products and services, and, most importantly, kind, courteous, and prompt service when they have a problem or issue. It's expensive to get new clients. It's better and easier to retain the one's you have by employing an outstanding customer service program. 8. No strategic partners. Successful business owners don't go it alone. They associate, partner, and network with other highly successful and exceptional people. Partnering with others is a way to quickly expand the reach of your own business. There's a wonderful synergy that comes with doing things with others. There are more ideas, more knowledge, and more resources to create products and services. While you can be successful on your own, you can do more and do it more quickly when you work with others. 9. No ways of monitoring progress. You cannot manage what you cannot monitor or measure. Every business needs to identify its key success factors. It might be the number of products sold, the number of service hours provided, the number of signups generated from an email campaign, or even the perception of your business in the local community. The only way you can improve your business and attain the success you desire, is by measuring the results of your actions. You'll be able to identify what is working and also where the shortfalls exist. You can use any number of methods including internal operating checklists, customer surveys, and even peer reviews - feedback from your alliance partners or competitors. This valuable feedback will be extremely useful in realigning your business efforts in the direction that maximizes success. 10. No professional approach. Successful businesses develop systems to deal with all aspects of business operations. Whether it's a system for marketing products or services, or a system for dealing with customer orders or complaints, policies and procedures serve to make business run more smoothly. Your systems will cultivate a sense of confidence and trust in the hearts and minds of prospects and current customers that they will be dealt with in a consistent and professional manner. 11. No commitment to learning. There is no place for complacency when it comes to being an entrepreneur. Successful business owners search constantly for new and better ways to get clients as well as to serve the ones they already have. They are aware of the latest trends and ideas so they can create products and services which best serve the changing needs of their target market. They learn about and implement processes that increase the effectiveness of their day-to-day operations. By committing yourself to learning and to implementing what you learn, you're committing yourself to success in all parts of your business. 12. No follow up. Business owners that don't follow up with clients and customers are perceived as inattentive, uncaring, and unprofessional. Lack of follow up is a surefire way to lose clients and to ensure that you won't be referred any new ones. Whether it's returning phone calls, following up with emails, or delivering a product or service to the client as promised, make sure that you complete these tasks. Following up is fundamental to creating great, long-term customer relationships. Not only does it show that you respect your clients, it is a standard of excellence among business professionals. 13. No consistency. Consistent action is one of the most important habits to cultivate if you truly desire business success. First, you must be committed to the long-term - that it will take time to build up your business. But more importantly, you must be committed to taking consistent action - taking the steps to market yourself on a regular basis. The only way to be heard above the “noise' of thousands of other marketing messages is for potential customers to see and hear about you on a regular basis. Each day, commit yourself to taking one action that will increase your visibility or credibility. You'll be surprised at how quickly these little steps build into much larger successes. 14. No way to monitor website activity. The success of your website is dependent on multiple visits and repeat visits to your website. In order to determine the effectiveness of your website, it's important to monitor which parts of your website are attracting the most traffic. Successful companies use various tracking software programs to see which pages are visited most often and which links are clicked most frequently. This valuable information will tell you what is and is not working. If something isn't drawing the attention you desire, it's important to make changes and quickly. Making changes to your website is one of the easiest things to do to keep your business moving forward. 15. Not willing to ask for the sale. Without sales, you won't be in business. No matter how skillful you are with running the day-to-day business operations, if you don't sell your products or services, you won't need to worry about running a business for long. All of the marketing efforts in the world won't create customers who are beating down your door to buy from you. Your marketing effort must extend beyond the regularly scheduled activities on your marketing calendar. Being confident in what you are selling, being skillful in conveying benefits and features, and managing objections are key to making sales. The most important action to take, however, is simply to ask for the sale. © Copyright 2004 by Alicia Smith

Beginner s winemaking

It's important to do some homework and learn exactly what's entailed before undertaking the hobby of winemaking. It is not something that can be simply plunged into and then learned along the way. Without the vital research required to have the necessary foreknowledge of each and every critical winemaking step and process, failure is a certainty. When it comes to winemaking, failure can taste as awful as success is sweet. Winemaking is a fun hobby that can easily be done in one's spare time and at the end of the process--provided everything goes well--there will be a glorious result. Many people find winemaking to be an addictive past time, because no matter how well they might do they always envision room for improvement, in the next batch. As more is learned about wine making and as more wine making experience is gained the wine will get better and better. As more and more tips and tricks are learned to help improve the final product, and endless process begins of improving the next batch, and then the next batch, and then the next, and so on. The vast majority of wines are made from grapes for a very good reason: the grape has nearly all of the ingredients necessary to making wine already infused into it. Success in winemaking entirely wrapped up in the balance of chemicals, and the grape has many of the necessary chemicals in it already, in balanced ideal for winemaking. The right balance of sugar, tannin, moisture and nutrients, are vital to create a quality wine, and it just so happens that the grape perfectly fits the bill. This natural balance allows the grape to ferment exactly as it needs to for successful winemaking. However, selecting the proper grape is only the beginning of a successful winemaking journey. There are of course many different grapes that can be used in different combinations. As the hobbyist becomes more skilled at winemaking they may want to try adding a bit of some other fruits to the mixture to give the wine some extra depth and flavoring. Reading about the different grapes that can be used in winemaking and how they affect the outcome of the wine making process can be enormously helpful. Knowing what kind of wine the maker prefers will give them a good idea of which direction to set out in. As with any hobby it is important to keep close in mind that winemaking is supposed to be fun. Mistakes are bound to be made, and no one takes up winemaking without making a few along the way. Don't let mistakes destroy the fun of the hobby. Rather, learn from them and seek to correct them.