MP3/4

What to look for in cutting-edge technology for MP3 players

There are so many types of MP3 players out on the market today that it can be quite confusing to know what the best brands are for the price. In addition, many of the players come with different features and varying specs on things like the signal-to-noise ratio.

So how do you tell the good from the bad, and then the ugly?

First, consider your needs. What will you mainly use the player for? Listening to music while commuting to work or maybe while out pumping iron or on the treadmill. These factors can make a difference in the type and quality of MP3 player that you should buy.

After you have decided what your needs are, the next step is to consider what type of player is best for you. If you are going to be exercising, you will want a player that is not prone to loosing good sound quality due to excessive vibration

To save money on a player it would help to know how long you plan on listening to music at any given time. For some people this is not a quantifiable thing. For others they may have a pretty good idea. For example, you go to the gym for about forty-five minutes at a time. This is basically the only place that you anticipate using your player, and thus you would want an MP3 player that has enough memory to play enough songs that you won’t be hearing any song more than once. In this case you would want to go with a player that has roughly 32MB in it.

If however, you can’t predict how long you will be listening to your music at any time, then you may want to opt for the 64MB MP3 player. One of the biggest issues when choosing your player is the amount of memory. Just make sure you get enough for what you need.

Philip is a logistic consultant and owner of http://www.discount-tech.com where you can find the best quality and price for wholesale electronics sold to the individual or company.Idette Blog59316
Henrie Blog74356

My Big Fat Canadian Coin

I know, I know, my article title is a lot like a movie title of a romantic comedy that was quite popular a few years ago. But I really do have a big fat Canadian coin, and the interesting thing is that it now resides in the same medium size city that the author and star of that movie is from.

Im talking about Winnipeg, Canada. Not a big city, but we sure like our coins, and there are plenty of coin dealers here to choose from. We also have the Royal Canadian Mint right here in our city, which is really convenient for someone who likes most of the coins they sell.

I bought a few of my coins from the Royal Canadian Mint, but not my favorite one. My favorite coin was purchased from a small coin dealer that for one day setup shop in the local mall that I just happened to be at that day. I saw it and right away knew I had to have it, because it was the biggest shiniest coin I ever saw. It was a 10 ounce (0.625 pounds) four nines pure silver monster thats two inches across and ten millimeters thick (0.3937 inches).

It was almost closing time and they didnt take credit, so it was a quick run to the ATM and low and behold it was mine, all mine.

Now it is a couple years later and I now know there are even bigger coins out there that weigh even more. I dont care, this is a cool coin and feels and looks very substantial when I hold it. And the "ohs" and "awes" I get when I show children and adults alike is awesome.

Yeah, I have lots of shiny coins I bought in Winnipeg and on the web, all of which are beautiful in their own way. But this big fat Canadian coin, that almost got away, is my favorite and hopefully some day will be my sons favorite. After all, I cant take it with me. Or can I, I better go edit my will. See ya.

George AspreyHarmony Blog2772
Genevra Blog81873

Factors To Think About When Choosing A Broadband Internet Service

Undoubtedly, broadband is the future of internet, but there are other ways of getting onto the internet. If speed isn't something that you need to have, you may want to look for a company that offers dial up service. It is much slower than the broadband but it can be much cheaper. It isn't good enough if you need to download large files or watch videos, but if you just need to write email or get information from the internet, it can work just fine. Broadband internet providers, especially some of the smaller ones will more often than not offer dial up as well. The idea is that you don't have to pay for a service that you don't need. As a person deciding on a service provider, consider what the service will be used for and then make a decision to use broadband or dial up services.

However, if you decide to change from dial-up to broadband internet either because of business needs or for faster surfing speed at home. By and large, broadband internet refers to permanent connection at 256 Kbps or any transmission that is higher than that.

There are two significant benefits that a broadband internet can offer you. You are automatically connected to the internet by once you turn on your computer. Broadband providers usually offer unlimited surfing package, which means you can surf as long as you want for one flat price.

Hundreds of service providers offer broadband internet promising clients of "super fast" access to the internet. This can be misleading because some service providers do not meet these promises. That's why it is imperative to consider a few things before getting a package for your broadband connection.

How Broadband Speed Affects Your Internet Experience

When you acquire a broadband service, one of the things you often need to think about is the speed of broadband service being offered to you. Although your broadband provider may attempt to make it appear as if it's vital to have the fastest speed, you need to think about your needs for what you want to do with your Internet connection. Understanding your personal needs in broadband speeds will prevent you from buying too much or too little. Certainly, what most savings-minded people are interested in knowing is when broadband speed enters the realm of being too much. Generally speaking, if you're simply browsing the Internet, then you will enjoy the speed of broadband, but don't need to purchase the fastest connection possible. Most text-based documents such as e-mail, news sites, and similar sites, simply don't need connections that are superbly fast.

If you begin doing other activities, such as downloading music and watching online videos, then you might want to get something slightly faster than the basic broadband speed. Remember, a little goes a long way. But generally speaking, the amount of data any single web page will transfer information to you at will be at a slower speed than your broadband connection, so there's potential for wasted bandwidth.

In some situations, you may realize that you don't have enough broadband speed to support your activity. However, these are the extreme cases. If you have many Internet users who like to use the Internet at the same time, such as having high school students who regularly enjoy playing video games over the Internet, you will absolutely desire a faster connection. If you make many peer-to-peer downloads, download a lot of videos and music, or browse numerous pages at one time, you also may need a faster connection.

Last but not least, another thing to think about when deciding on what bandwidth speed is your upload speed. This will have an effect on any data you send out to the Internet, including sending e-mail, transferring files to remote servers, and hosting web pages. Generally speaking, if you plan to run your own website, get broadband with fast speeds for uploads. Or, better yet, have a remote hosting company host your website at fast speeds without increasing the price for your home connection. On the whole, for both uploads and downloads, you should cautiously assess how heavily you intend to use the Internet and purchase accordingly, and you'll end up getting what's just right for you.

Cindy Heller is a professional writer. To learn more about how to choose the right broadband provider, please visit http://www.internetbroadbandprovider.com.Guinna Blog73197
Henka Blog37646

Online Photo Sharing

Youve probably heard or have taken part in the raging trend of digital photos and online photo printing. But, did you know how photo sharing services can impact the way you exhibit priceless memories? Photo sharing services give budding photographers fun and flexible options for their images among other special features.

Many photo sharing services allow users to upload their digital photographs straight into their online galleries. Users can also add tags, headers, and even arrange prints in funky slideshows. Like MySpace, several photo sharing sites let you invite friends and loved ones to join your group and view new photos whenever you update your gallery.

6StarReviews.com notes that one photo sharing service, DropShots gives their customers a desktop application that makes drag-and-drop photo features a cinch. Many photo sharing services make the transfer-stage simple for those who arent experts in the technology department.

Another great photo sharing site is Fotki, which allows members friends and family to leave comments on their digital photo galleries. There is a world of opportunity in sharing digital memories and some of the best photo sharing services are recognizing the practical needs and entertainment-wants of avid photo fans.

Photo Sharing Services
Copyright (c) 2007
Kelly Liyakasa

Kelly Liyakasa is staff writer for 6StarReviews.com. Kelly Staller is site manager at 6StarReviews.com, a site dedicated to giving YOU, the consumer, the best product and service reviews around. If you like saving time and money by having someone else review leading sites and products, then visit us on the web at: http://6starreviews.com for more information.Helen Elizabeth Blog31731
Frederique Blog24377

Menu Planning When You're Short on Time

When my wife and I were engaged, we envisioned the romantic daily routines of married life: waking up together in the morning, taking walks together and of course making and eating great food together. Of course our house would be clean, our fridge fully stocked, and our daily menus perfectly planned.

Then reality set in.

I was finishing school and had a job on top of that, and of course she was working as well. We barely had enough time together to remember we were married, not to mention go through all the planning required to have that perfectly organized home you read about in all those magazines. We struggled to decide what to eat every night, and even though we always bought a cartload of groceries every week at the supermarket, we usually ended up throwing out much of it when it spoiled.

After two years of eating out, we eventually grew tired of all the restaurants in town and decided to try cooking again. We were visiting a friend and noticed a chart on their refrigerator: they had planned out dinner menus for two weeks of meals, and they would rotate a menu every other week. Monday was pasta, Tuesday was Chinese, etc. Below the menu they listed all the ingredients they would need for the meal and that served as their shopping list. So once a week they would go through the list, check off anything they already had, and then go shopping. We found out that they were spending about half as much on food every month as we were.

So we decided to try it. We sat down and planned dinners for three weeks. We tried to make one meal from the leftover ingredients of the night before, and we usually had enough leftovers for lunch the next day. It worked wonderfully! We saved hundreds of dollars a month, and by choosing easy recipes we saved time as well.

Not too long ago I started working for a company called DVO Enterprises. They have created a cookbook software program that makes things even easier. We can drag and drop recipes into a menu and the program automatically generates a shopping list, organized by store aisle. I can then look at the leftover ingredients from a meal and get suggested recipes for them. We even imported some of our favorite cookbooks into it, and some recipes from their site that looked good. I dont buy software very often, but this one has paid for itself many times over. Its called Cookn, and is available here: http://www.dvo.com/cookbooksoftware.html

Good luck with your menu planning!

David P. Owen is a student of Economics at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He is the owner and operator of CannonBooks, a library and research organization specializing in religious history and Americana. He is currently employed as a data analyst at DVO Enterprises in Alpine, Utah. (http://www.dvo.com)Honor Blog17850
Goldie Blog69402

Scholarship Essay Contests: 10 Sure-Fire Ways to Win in Essay Challenge

Scholarship essay contests are much in demand these days. For some, they are the first step towards a lucrative career, for others the only opportunity to find funds to finance their college education. And since there are a lot of students interested to get as much as $5000 for as little as 200 words, the competition gets tough and merciless.

Sure enough, the best competitors will be able to cut their way through the thickets of scholarship essay contests. If you would like to be one of them, stick to the following sure-fire ways to succeed in an essay challenge. They will help you write an award-winning scholarship essay that has no match.

1. Tune Yourself To The Challenge

As it was previously mentioned, scholarship essay contests are full of competitive spirit and strong ambitions. Thus, they ask for brand-new innovations, unusual approaches and creative thinking. To keep up with the raising standards of essay contests, dont hide behind the previously gained knowledge and hackneyed forms. Challenge yourself to exceed your past standards. Experiment, alter, and bring in something new in your scholarship essay.

2. Clarify Essay Contests Rules and Stick To Them

The first step you should take when writing your scholarship essay is to get as much information on entry rules, paper requirements, and deadlines as possible. As a rule, the necessary information is posted on the companys web site, the side of the package, or on the entry form itself. Simply keep your eyes open.

First, find information on where to send your entry, what forms you must include, and the exact nature of the essay question. Clarify the requirement for the essay paper format and stick to them from the very beginning of essay writing.

Second, put down the deadlines in your calendar or day planner. It will help you keep track of the writing process. One more useful organisation pattern is to include deadlines for topic generation, thesis statement, drafting the outline, the first draft and so on. This way you will never be short of time and will never miss a deadline.

3. Brainstorm Your Ideas

It may sound a little bit strange, but in scholarship essay contests it is the quantity of your essay ideas that really matters, not their quality. Thus, have a one-hour brainstorming session to collect your ideas. Find the most compelling ideas and organise them around a strong and clear thesis statement. With numerous supporting arguments and evidence, your thesis statement will sound more convincing, researched, and well-grounded.

4. Do Your Own Research

It goes without saying, that award winning scholarship essays must have a solid background and the topic investigation behind. Thus, do a lot of readings, deep into the historical importance of your essay topic, think of the true-to- life examples and persuasive arguments. The more proactive you will be, the more chances you will have to succeed!

5. Organize Your Notes

Be sure to attribute quotations and sources meticulously. Otherwise, you will be accused of plagiarism, or excluded from the participants list at the least. Surely, you dont want to suffer such a fate.

6. Make Your Introduction Inviting

The lively, compelling and inviting introduction is crucial for the winners scholarship essay. The introduction must interest the readers and invite them to keep on reading, tantalize and encourage the next step. To achieve this primary goal, use emotions, ask an intriguing question, surprise with an unusual fact. Anything that is uncommon and interesting will do.

7. Present Your Own Experience

One of the alluring ways to interest the readers in your scholarship essay is to focus on how your personal experience has shaped your view on the essay topic. It is a proven way to add an informal and friendly flair to your writing.

8. Fit In the Word Limit

At times it may be difficult to keep within the set word limit. But when taking part in scholarship essay contests, youve got to learn to be eloquent in as little words as possible.

One way to fit in the word limit is to kill the unnecessary adjectives and adverbs. The use of descriptive verbs and nouns is more preferable in this case. But when it is impossible to do without adjectives, make sure they are impressing, strong, and have the greatest influence on readers.

9. Consider Grammar, Spelling and Typography

Surely, it is a run-off-the-mill and annoying piece of advice youve learnt by heart long ago and are tired of hearing for the hundredth time. But, still, dont forget to edit and proofread you essay meticulously. Itll be a pity, if you will not take the major prize for a foolish grammar or spelling mistake.

10. Dont Stop At One Entry

If scholarship essay contests you are going to participate in have no limits on the number of entries an individual may send, take advantage of this loophole and send several different entries. Of course, make sure that your essays will be different and will present various points of view.

Now, you are ready to conquer the world of scholarship essays. With these handy tips you are bound to improve your chances of winning all kinds of scholarship essay contests.

Linda Correli is a staff writer for http://www.go2essay.com/ She specializes in writing History, Literature and English essays and book reports, as well as admission essays, personal statements and letters of recommendation.Grethel Blog88369
Fredia Blog81045

How To Find The Best Domain Names

Registering a domain name is a pretty straightforward matter. You find a web hosting site, register with them, look for a desired domain name, select one that suits your business or personal fancy, choose whats available and then you will be on your merry way to building the websites innards. Easy, right? Not exactly because there is more to it than just getting a name that is appropriate for the business or a personal preference. The steps mentioned earlier would result in an ill constructed site that is going to be nameless in the world wide web and will be doomed to failure on the get go. This crude way of doing things will get you nowhere fast. Now why would anyone want that?

There is a better approach in making a name for your business or yourself on the net. It will be a presence that will be felt and sensed by your target audience whether they are your customers, prospective clients or a particular group of people. Its easy enough to do this. You just have to know the right place to go on the web for help. Searching for the right domain for personal use or for a business is job best suited for professionals who understand the significance of internet jargons like keyword density, key phrases, search engine optimization, ranking and tags. What all these means is basically to have your site primed for search engines to find when people put in a search that concerns the subject, business identity or personal matter of your particular website.

Websites that exist for the sole purpose of locating or creating a new domain name for you are very reliable in terms of achieving their goal of increasing the likelihood that your site will come up on top of the list of sites when search engines spews out seek results. These so called domains finders are essential in any enterprise that is bent on achieving an online presence immediately. It is an established fact that search engines churn out sites that have been around for years. In other words, the age of a site does count when it comes to search results. How does this concern your site?

The domain finders are in the know as to which existing domains would not be reregistered or renewed by the current owners. Just imagine if your business coincides with a domain name that has been around for years. Youll have first dibs with that domain name through a domain finder, in effect, theyll claim it for you resulting in a well positioned new website with old rankings that will put you on top as quickly as when your site is ready. Another advantage of having a domain finder in your corner is that you can consolidate your entire site building needs from creating or finding a domain to the theme and content of your site. This would mean lesser legwork and lesser expenses since their comprehensive service would cover everything so you wont end up paying more.

Tom Takihi is the owner of the Domains Finders website. To gain more information, please visit http://www.domainsfinders.comHeida Blog29806
Gladi Blog20605

A High Achiever Almost Went Bankrupt Because He Did Not Know This

High Achievers have great strengths. They also have correspondingly great weaknesses. The very leadership style that worked so wonderfully in one situation may be self-defeating in another. This occurs most often when a gifted entrepreneur starts a business that grows quickly--perhaps too quickly. Let me give you an example.

Jim's once high profit margins were declining in spite of revenue well over three million. He owns an information technology consulting and networking integration firm. Three years ago he started small, with three employees.

A high achiever, Jim was highly motivated and during their daily contacts his enthusiasm and motivation rubbed off on his workers. Having good intuition about the needs of his business, Jim made all the decisions in the small company. His business grew fast as he built a reputation for producing electronic solutions for his clients. He grew to 25 workers and then his troubles began.

Jim became hard to get hold of. He spent most of his time responding to the urgent needs of his clients or putting out fires. He intended to make business plans but never got around to it.

Workers complained they no longer got enough direction to handle the increased amount of work. Employees needed a structure and a system to help them make decisions. Without any systems for processing the higher volume, they simply had to work harder and longer. They no longer felt valued by Jim. In the early years, the company attracted and kept excellent workers, then they stared having high turnover.

Jim lost some key clients due to mistakes having been made on some projects. They no longer trusted they will receive the reliable service they had enjoyed in the early days.

In spite of higher sales, as a result of the lost business, mistakes, and employee turnover, profit margins headed down fast.

What happened to this once successful company? The owner was using methods that worked successfully for him in the past, when the company was small, but became outmoded by the rapid growth of his company.

The company grew beyond Jim's wingspan--the area where he could make the right decision based on his instincts. When the company grew beyond this wingspan, Jim was in unfamiliar territory and his instincts lead him into making decisions that worked in the former situation but in the new circumstances were wrong decisions.

His impressive strengths that made him a high achiever and launched a successful electronics company no longer worked in his bigger company. To avoid disaster, Jim decided to change his leadership style. Jim hated the idea of down sizing his company, or hiring managers to manage for him. He chose to change his leadership style with the help of a coach.

Here are the specific shifts Jim made in his leadership style.

Jim became a good communicator. He had been a poor communicator. He tended to forget that people can't read his mind. He also tended to think faster than the average person.

So Jim learned to communicate with his workers like he does with customers--listen carefully, ask for constant feedback, and to slow down for 'detail thinkers.'Jim used special assessments to tell him how to best communicate with his workers.

Jim knows his purpose and role and hence does not need anybody's help in setting his goals; but most employees do need help in clarifying goals and objectives.

So Jim devoted time to help his people clarify their goals and objectives He created an atmosphere of trust where it is safe for everybody to admit their needs.

Being highly motivated, Jim does not need supervision but most employees do. So Jim started providing supervision and support for his people to meet their goals and objectives. He also provided a structure and a system to help his workers make decisions.

This took time, so Jim decided to give up his role of hand holding his clients. Realizing that this customer service contributed to his success, he hired specialists to take over this role.

This allowed Jim to cut down his excessive hours. He was encouraged to take care of himself first. After all, he was the foundation of his business. If he burned out, the business is sure to suffer.

In essence, Jim shifted from working in his business to working on his business--from personally providing customer service, to leading and managing his people. Now he has personal time for family and friends. These changes eliminated the chaos in his business and his profit margins are heading up.

Stan Mann, C.P.C. supports business owners, top executives and commission salespeople to substantially grow their business and have a balanced life. He is a Certified Professional Coach. For additional articles and resources please visit http://www.stanmann.comGinger Blog28451
Gennie Blog73793

Secured Loans: The solution for those with Less than Perfect Credit

Even if you are undergoing financial difficulties, you can get the finance you require by applying for a secured personal loan. For those who have bad credit the safest way of obtaining the money they need is to use their property as collateral. If done so, the lender wont pay so much attention to the borrowers credit score and history and will focus on the value of the asset used as collateral.

Uses and an Extra Benefit

There are many uses for secured loans, ranging from home improvements, going on vacations, paying for college, consolidating debt, etc. But there is another benefit you can obtain from a loan. The fact that you pay regularly your loan installments will be recorded in your credit history and thus, your credit score will start improving.

Collateral explained

In order to secure a personal loan, the borrower is required to provide an asset to guarantee the loan. This asset, known as collateral, usually has a higher value than the loan amount. The lender will have a legal right to repossess the property if the borrower fails to make the monthly payments on the loan.

As for the borrower, by providing collateral, he will be able to obtain a higher loan amount with a lower interest rate and a longer repayment program. Collateral can consist on a home or apartment, a vehicle, valuable titles or stocks, etc. The main purpose of collateral is to assure the lender that he will be able to collect the money owed by selling the asset if the borrower fails to comply with the loan terms.

Loan amount and equity

The loan amount will vary according to the value of the asset used as collateral. There are no limits as to the credit; the only limit is the propertys worth. Also, it is possible to borrow from the asset's equity. If the property has been already used as collateral, its value may be higher than the amount owed so youll be able to borrow the difference.

Loan duration

As regards to loan length, there are many repayment program alternatives ranging from 1 to 25 years and more. As always, this depends on the type of loan, the quality and value of the asset and the borrowers credit score and history. The interest rate will be affected by the loan length, longer repayment programs carry higher interests and the opposite is also true.

The solution for Bad Credit

Since the collateral is securing the loan, customers with bad credit score and history can apply for a secured personal loan with great possibilities of being approved. The truth is that if suitable collateral is offered, lenders rarely decline a loan application, however, the interest rate charged will be higher and the loan amount may be limited because of the higher risk involved in the transaction.

Refinance in the future

Keep in mind that once approved youll be able to refinance the loan in the future. Once your credit score gets better you shouldnt even doubt it, youll be able to obtain a much better deal and save thousands of dollars in interests and you may also be able to pay off your loan a lot sooner.

Bryan Quinn is a financial advisor with more than thirty years of experience in the field of finance who aids people undergoing financial problems and helps them obtain personal loans, home loans, student loans and grants, consolidation loans, car loans and many other financial products regardless of their credit situation. For more smart tips on Secured Personal Loans you can visit http://www.badcreditloanservices.com and also learn more about other financial options.Florette Blog92502
Gussy Blog52564

Make Your Wishes True with Poor Credit Secured Loans

Its quite true that your credit history matters a lot while taking any loan. Moreover, a good credit history fetches you more money. But does that simply mean that those who are having a poor credit history will not be able to satisfy their needs fully? If your answer is yes, you need to cross-check. If you have a bad credit history, you can equally get a loan with the help of poor credit secured loans.

A poor credit secured loan is meant for people who are unable to get any loan or face difficulty in availing unsecured loans due to their poor credit. These loans require you to offer your home or any other property as a security against the loan amount. Poor credit Secured loans caters to persons having bad credit history, or poor credit score, defaulters and arrears, people with CCJs, bankrupts etc.

With a secured poor credit loan, you can get amounts ranging between 5000 to 75000 depending upon your requirement as well as the collateral value. Being a secured loan, it offers a longer repayment period of around 3 to 25 years. However, you may select the amount and repayment term according to your convenience and capability to repay. The interest rate is relatively low as it is being offered to poor credit holders and also because it is a secured loan.

Poor credit secured loans can be used for various purposes. Many people use this loan as the best tool for debt consolidation. However, you can also use it for buying property, home improvement, wedding or holiday expenses, education, or purchasing car etc.You can utilize secured poor credit loan to meet your diverse range of needs.

Applying for secured poor credit loan is quite easy. To avoid unnecessary expense of time and money, you can go online and search for lenders. You will come across numerous lenders offering poor credit secured loans. Among all theses, you need to select the best one for you by comparing the quotations of different lenders. Once you select your lender, you will be required to fill an online application form. The form will ask you about your personal and financial details. After giving all those details, the loan application will be approved just within 10 to 15 days and soon the loan money will be in your hand.

With a poor credit secured loan, you get a great opportunity to eliminate poor credit score. It will help improve your credit score and stop them from getting adverse. Through this loan you can make your future better by securing good chances of getting loans.

Tess Ocean has been associated with OnlinePaydayLoansUK. Having completed her Masters in Finance from Yale University, School of Management. She provide useful advice through her articles that have been found very useful. To find poor credit secured loan, personal payday loan, payday loan uk, bad credit payday loan, payday loan application visit http://www.online-payday-loans-uk.co.ukGisela Blog20971
Hilliary Blog80936

What is Alopecia Areata

Hair loss is something that is really annoying, it could affect your appearance, people could think that you're not in good health. This loss is the cause of great concern to those who are affected, since the hair is the most important part of our "body image", this condition could cause psychologically traumatic. Fortunately, this disease doesn't has physical affect that can stop you from doing your daily activities. Now, what is hair loss has to do with alopecia areata ? Let's learn from the basic.

What is Alopecia Areata ?

If you know hair loss problems that few people suffer, than alopecia areata is one of hair loss types. Alopecia areata (AA) is common form of hair loss, unpredictable and unpainful. Usually people who suffer alopecia areata is losing their hair in small, round patches from areas of the body, usually the scalp. Some people even lose all their scalp hair or known as alopecia totalis. Almost 2% of population in the U.S. has alopecia areata, affects both female or male and in variety of ages. Most case is found in children or young people, the immune system, for unknown reason attacks the hair root and causes hair loss.

As start, in most cases, hair starting to fall in small amount, but only in round patches, usually the size of quarter. It will continue to few pathces or people call it spot baldness. In rare case, this condition can spread to entire scalp, 1 percent of the people can lose all of their body hair, including hair in hands, feet, even eyebrows, this is the type of alopecia universalis. Till this days, there is no cure for this disease, all we can do is trying to find available treatments to help the hair re-grow.

Who can get Alopecia Areata ?

Doesn't matter what your gender is, female or male, type of ethnic, alopecia areata could get to you unpredictable, but if there is someone in the family who happens has this disease, it could increasing the risk of having this disease also. The most common people who suffer are children and teenagers, but persons of all ages are also can be affected by alopecia areata.

How Alopecia Areata affect my life ?

This is a common question, particularly for children, teens, and young adults who are beginning to form lifelong goals and who may live with the effects of alopecia areata for many years. The comforting news is that alopecia areata is not a painful disease and does not make people feel sick physically. It is not contagious, and people who have the disease are generally healthy otherwise. It does not reduce life expectancy and it should not interfere with the ability to achieve such life goals as going to school, working, marrying, raising a family, playing sports, and exercising.

The emotional aspects of living with hair loss, however, can be challenging. Many people cope by learning as much as they can about the disease; speaking with others who are facing the same problem; and, if necessary, seeking counseling to help build a positive self-image.

Find more information : http://www.alopeciaareata.tuvie.com

Lauw Yenny is the owner of http://www.alopeciaareata.tuvie.comHonor Blog17850
Genvieve Blog18266

The Biggest Mistake Women Make in Relationships

Jan loved her husband and three children, and had a successful job as a computer programmer. However, her family, her beautiful home, and expensive car were not making her happy. Jan felt guilty for being miserable and complaining to her loyal husband. "After all," she told me at her first counseling session, "I have more than others, and much more than my parents did. Why am I so depressed?"

To assist Jan to find her answers, I guided her through a process I developed called HART, which stands for Holistic and Rapid Transformation. I have a favorite saying, "Close your eyes and see clearly." So I said, "Jan, I believe that your answers are inside of you. So close your eyes and relax so that we can explore your issues." Then I guided Jan to visualize both her mother and herself standing in front of her, and to tell me if she noticed any similarities. Jan replied, "Yes, we look a lot alike and we both seem inhibited." Then I asked Jan, "What do you want to say to either one or both of them?" Jan said, "Mom and Jan lighten up. Do what you love doing. Be happy!"

With those freeing thoughts, Jan automatically took a deep breath of relief. Then I continued, "Jan, do you see any differences between your mother and yourself?" She commented, "Yes. My mother stayed home with my sister and I, and like a dutiful wife took care of her husband and the house. Whereas I have a profession and I earn lots of money."

"However, Jan," I continued, "is computer work what you really want to do?" "Not really," said Jan. "In fact, I hate it. It's boring!" When I asked Jan why she was doing that kind of work, she informed me that when she had married her husband, Bob, she had agreed to bring in a certain amount of money too so that they could have their high standard of living. Jan admitted that her expensive home in her upper class neighborhood felt like a trap. She felt boxed in with no way out. "Growing up in a lower class neighborhood wasn't any fun either. I had thought that working hard and raising my standard of living would make me happy. But it hasn't."

"Was your mother happy, Jan?" I inquired.

"No, not really. When I was a teenager my mother shared with me that she always wanted to be a dancer but had given up her dream for her family. Her husband, my father, had insisted that she be the good wife'. Mom felt that she had to follow her mother's model of stifling her desires to play the role of wife and mother. When I asked my mom if she was sorry that she had made that choice, she told me, with an unemotional voice, that she was grateful for her good, secure life, but felt as though she had given up something.

Mom even admitted to me that she probably took out her resentments on her husband by withholding affection and spending lots of his money. She was feeling guilty for the times her resentments caused her to be impatient with my sister and I."

When I asked Jan what decision she was making from that conversation, she said, "I'm deciding that women have to play their roles as wife and mother. But Helene," she went on to explain, "I thought I had also made the decision that I would be different. I would work outside of the home and have more freedom than my mother did."

"You did," I replied, "But you seem to be doing what you think you should be doing to make money, and to please your husband and your children, and not what you really want to do. Both you and your mother made what I have noticed to be the biggest mistake women make in relationships. Both of you gave up your dream, gave up being who you really are, and that is why you are unhappy. In a way, we can say that you chose to give your power to your husbands and then resented them for it."

Jan related to what I was saying and then admitted to me that her secret dream was to be an actress. "Ever since I was a little girl," Jan shared, "I loved being on the stage. I especially liked to play funny parts and make people laugh. Everyone is so serious, we need to laugh more. Golly, I just realized that ever since I got married, I automatically became one of those serious folks."

When I asked Jan why she didn't pursue her dream, she replied, "I didn't think that I could make enough money being an actress. Bob didn't give me much support in that direction either. He persuaded me to keep my well-paying position."

"Jan," I continued, "Have you been resenting him for not encouraging you to follow your dream?"

"Oh yes!" exclaimed Jan. "I don't get up to make him breakfast and my dinners are pretty bad, if I do say so myself. I also won't keep to the budget and I don't have much sexual desire. Gee, I just realized that I'm doing just what my mother did, including getting angry at my sons. What should I do?"

I suggested to Jan that she bring Bob into the office so that she can share her truth with him, and I can help him hear her and work out some win-win solutions. Jan was hesitant to make an appointment with Bob until after she succeeded in overcoming her other blocks to being an actress. She had discovered in the counseling process that she unconsciously didn't feel good enough or that she didn't deserve to be happy. (Those are very common fears that stop many people from going after their dream.)

When Bob finally did come in, Jan was feeling clearer and more powerful, and she asked Bob for what she wanted. Jan told him all about her dream and admitted to resenting him for not supporting her. By the end of the session, Bob was understanding his wife better and was willing to do what it took in order for her to be happy. I acknowledged Bob for being flexible and for truly loving his wife. I said, "When you have a mature love for someone, you truly want them to be happy."

I was not surprised but I was pleased when I received an invitation in the mail to attend Jan's first performance. She wrote a note that it was not a big part but she knew that it was a good beginning. What a joy it was to see Jan glowing on the stage. Even though I knew that it was scary for her, she looked very excited and as if she belonged up there. At the end of the delightful performance, Bob came over to give me a hug. He also looked a lot happier and was obviously very proud of his wife.

Helene Rothschild, MS, MA, MFT, is a Marriage, Family Therapist, intuitive counselor, author, speaker, and teacher. Her new book, All You Need Is HART! Create Love, Joy, and Abundance-Now!" is a unique guide to Holistic And Rapid Transformation. She offers phone sessions, teleclasses, a self-help on-line program, inspirational books, e-books, MP3 audios, tapes, cards, posters, independent studies, and a free newsletter. http://www.lovetopeace.com , 1-888-639-6390.Gaynor Blog68035
Flori Blog68642

Preflight for Graphic Design and Prepress, an Application or Process?

Many designers and prepress operators may think of Preflight as an application. An application that runs on files to verify files and identify potential problems. I have trained hundreds of operators in how to prepare First Time Right Postscript and PDF files. That's the first thing that I set folks straight on.

Preflight is a process. It's a process of going through every predictable problem that can happen with your printing job. If you think it's a software that you run and that's it, you are not going to be able to produce First Time Right PDF files. There are many, many things that software cannot even check for, and things unique to YOUR jobs, customers, company that are important. Things that MUST be checked to ensure success and accuracy.

50% of commercial printing is destined for a delay or additional costs:

Publishers and printers regularly report more than 50 percent of the digital files they receive are improperly prepared to spec. Thus, these files will need preflight & then repair to go forward. This may be done by a publisher, printer, or kicked back to the graphic designer. At stake is the budget and schedule of the print project. Now, think about that... 50% of commercial printing projects are destined for a delay in schedule or additional costs when submitted!

A graphic design project may be made for print, web, and or video. Depending on the type of media, documents must be prepared exactly to specifications based on final output media. Common file flaws include fonts not embedded or supplied, color space(CMYK vs. RGB, or inappropriate use of Pantone or specialty colors), and resolution conflicts. These are some of the many things that can be identified quickly by Preflight tools. A Preflight tool is utility software that is specially suited to help identify these file issues.

Preflight Software, helpful, required, but not a Whole Solution:

So there are tools that help. But what about things you have to identify by visual inspection? What about bleed and trim margins, placement and position, checking dates on event ads and coupon ads. What about checking every full page ad that is a repeat to be sure that the folio (page number) is deleted or updated. What about copy flow from 2 successive documents in a publication. These are all things that must be checked visually by a human. So, if you want to be a top notch designer or prepress operator, there is a list of important Preflight items that you, the human, must check. I always advise people to develop and update THEIR LIST every time a mistake is found or caught. Use the list as a checklist often enough that it becomes completely automatic to you as you prepare and process graphics files. If you get burned on a project, think of making that a part of your preflight checklist. An example or beginning preflight checklist can be found at this URL, review it and use it as a starting point.
http://prepressforum.com/preflight/job_planning.html

Preflighting Applications, Help, and History of Preflight:

I once read an article that stated Preflight Applications were invented in the 1990's. Actually, preflight applications are nothing new at all. The early layout applications like Quark Xpress, Aldus PageMaker, Adobe Photoshop, Ready Set Go, were the first preflight applications. Preflight applications were invented in the 80's, and have been improved upon and developed since. Today there is a Free Preflight Tool available called FreeFlight at the URL below, you can download the software free and get free help and support.
http://FREE-PREFLIGHT.com

There is also an online community at PREPRESSFORUM.COM that has extensive and free, user to user support. I help folks there most every day and the site is chock full of great insider tips, tricks, problems and solutions. I would encourage any designer, publisher, or printer to join and participate, teach or learn. All experience levels are welcome to post and answer questions at this site.

Examples of First Preflight Software Tools:

Example (A) PageMaker has a links palette that scanned through the document providing a report about images linked/missing, RGB/CMYK, Tiff/EPS, etc. This was a preflight results report covering the main document AND many support document files combined. Thus Pagemaker was a preflight tool that could report on files originating from other applications, like scans. It would give the user a list of confirmations and or problems identified that was to be used to repair and prepare files prior to output.

Example (B) Quark Xpress has had a usage palette, when called, it scans through the open document providing detailed reports about fonts used/missing, images used/missing/modified, image types, image colors, image paths. This was a preflight results report covering the open document AND many support document files combined. Thus Quark Xpress was a preflight tool that could report on files originating in other applications, like scans. It would give the user a list of confirmations and or problems identified that was to be used to repair and prepare files prior to output. Additionally Quark Xpress may have started collect for output, a feature mentioned in other patents from the 1990's regarding preflight software invention.

Example (C) Adobe Photoshop was used to inspect and verify images. Back in the day, a user would grab all the Tiffs and Eps placed into a job. The selected files drag & dropped onto Adobe Photoshop would automatically open and display the color space in the title bar of each file, CMYK/RGB/Grayscale etc. Thus Adobe PhotoShop was a preflight tool that could report on files originating from other applications. An operator could open the Image size palette and verify resolution before closing each document. Thus a semi-automatic preflight of graphic images was performed. So, yes, Adobe Photoshop was and still is a preflight application and a file repair application that could inspect and identify problems in files which it did not originate.

Preflighting, Today's Hottest Current Applications:

QuarkXpress 6.5, QuarkXpress 7, Adobe InDesign CS2, these applications have built in preflight function these days. Unlike all other preflight software, these are native function that is fast and effective. Best of all, they come at no additional cost to the designer, publisher, or printer. These are built into both of today's most common preflight applications.

However, there's a few very critical holes in the built in preflight of these applications. No need to worry, there's a FREE preflight application caller FreeFlight that has been recently released to address this. The application is a free download from a Quark Xtension and Adobe Plug-In developer site . FreeFlight is a must have tool that supplements the use of QuarkXpress and Adobe InDesign CS2 built in preflight. You can download and read about FreeFlight at this URL.
http://FREE-PREFLIGHT.com

"Preflighting" as a printing term came to popularity in the 1990s as printers and service bureaus ensured that problematic files would be caught and fixed before they found their way into CTF (Computer to Film) workflow. In this century the term has evolved into other variations, like post-flight, indicating when in the workflow the file is actually verified. To Preflight is proactive quality control, Postflight is reactive quality control. Preflight is good manufacturing process, Postflight is not. This may be a nice topic for later. Take my word on it and avoid Postflight workflow schemes. Real craftsmen and professionals find and fix all problems at the earliest possible point. Many of these tools below are actually post-flight oriented tools.

Preflighting, The Older Expensive Applications for the job at hand:

Markzware FlightCheck Classic: This preflight software is developed by Markzware Software. Markzware's FlightCheck Classic is a standalone application that scans, verifies and collects each job for output. Currently available as version 5.8 (6.0 was due out this fall), Although it was the gold standard for years and is still a great tool, the software is not staying current with releases of software. Example Quark Xpress 7. Markzware's FlightCheck Classic will preflight a wide range of digital file formats, including PDF documents and those created in most popular native application programs (QuarkXPress, Adobe InDesign, PageMaker, etc.). Ground Controls enable users to highlight potential problems, out of more than 150 choices, for which to search. Single-user licenses for Windows and Mac users are available for about $400. This software is no longer recommended because development does not stay current with the support of new application versions that it's users face every day like Quark Xpress 7.
http://www.markzware.com

Markzware FlightCheck Collect!: This preflight software deemed the "lite" version of Markzware's FlightCheck Classic, FlightCheck Collect! inspects for common file problems, like improperly assigned color space, missing fonts and image or resolution conflicts. Once preflighted, the application can then collect the document, including images, extensions and screen and printer fonts, for output. Markzware offers Windows and Mac versions for around $180. This software is no longer recommended because development does not stay current with the support of new application versions that it's users face every day like Quark Xpress 7.
http://www.markzware.com

Markzware HawkEye: This preflight software from Markzware is HawkEye, a preflighting tool designed specifically for designers and content creators. It runs as a plug-in to most popular desktop publishing applications like QuarkXPress, Illustrator, Acrobat, FreeHand and more. Before content is created, designers can create specifications (known as TrueFileSpecifications) for each job they plan to create. For example, an art director can choose the color schema or font set to use. If the designer mistakenly places an element into the document that doesn't meet the TrueFileSpecifications, he or she is immediately alerted to the discrepancy. Users can also choose to forbid saving or printing a file that is in a "failed" or "unfixed" state, helping to better manage revisions, versions and cut down on consumable waste. This product from Markzware was advertised and was on a seybold Hot Picks 2002 but may have been pulled or may have never made it to market, unable to confirm at Markzware's site?
http://www.markzware.com

PDF/X-1 Verifier 2.0: This preflight software developed for the DDAP (Digital Distribution of Advertising for Publication association, www.ddap.org), this application verifies the integrity of PDF/X-1a files, the professional format of choice for print advertising. This application is suited for both digital ad designers as well as file recipients like publishers, prepress suppliers and printers. It offers pass-fail results or more comprehensive preflight reports. DDAP members can purchase single-seat licenses for about $95; non-members pay about $125.
http://www.ddap.org

Apago PDF/X-1 CheckUp: This preflight software developed by Apago offers PDF/X-1 CheckUp 2.5, a plug-in to Adobe Acrobat that preflights and produces PDF/X files. It supports both ISO (International Standards Organization) PDF/X-1:2001 and PDF/X-1a:2001 standards. Mac and Windows versions are available for Acrobat 4.0.5 and 5.0, for about $250ea.
http://www.apagoinc.com

Enfocus PitStop Professional: This preflight software developed by Enfocus Software, PitStop Pro preflights and edits PDF documents. It checks for 140 potential problems and offers 70 automated correction features. After running the document through preflight, users can edit existing objects and text, or add new elements. It's also equipped to re-map color space or tag/detag images with ICC (International Color Consortium) profiles. The software comes with several common PDF profiles to select according to a file's final destination. Windows and Mac versions of PitStop Professional are available for about $550. Enfocus Pitstop is a great tool for repairing bad PDF files. However, it is not recommended as a Preflight solution. Since the PDF is the end result, to check a PDF files is really Postflight, a good preflight workflow is about making good PDF in the first place.
http://www.enfocus.com

Extensis Preflight Pro: This preflight software is developed by Extensis, Preflight Pro inspects entire folders of native application documents created in popular desktop publishing applications like QuarkXPress, Acrobat, Illustrator, PageMaker, Photoshop and FreeHand. Following preflight inspection, the software then collects the job for output. Mac version is available for about $400.
http://www.extensis.com

TIFF/IT-P1 Checker: This preflight software developed for DDAP by Congruent Development, TIFF/IT-P1 Checker is a bundle of software tools, that includes TIFF/IT-P1 Preflight. Suited for both digital ad and packaging designers, it also represents a low-cost tool for any manufacturing partner that receives a large number of TIFF/IT-P1 files. It's available in both Mac and Windows versions and costs about $100 for DDAP members, $180 for non-members.
http://www.ddap.org

Asura & Solvero: This preflight software created by OneVision Software AG, Asura eliminates frequently occurring production problems in PDF, EPS and PostScript files, with the help of hot-folder specifications. Asura preflights incoming files, while Solvero automatically repairs common problems. The system keeps a log of all changes made to a file. According to the developer, this coupled solution is most popular among newspaper publishers, which receive a wide range of digital file formats.
http://www.onevision.com

AdCheck: This preflight software developed by Total Integration, AdCheck 2.1 allows users to open and view production-image format files, including TIFF/IT, CT, HC and LW, using a standard Mac workstation. Its Show Info prompt provides detailed information about the file, including size and colors used.
http://www.totalint.com

Markzware MarkzNet: This preflight software developed by Markzware, MarkzNet is not an out-of-the-box preflighting solution. Rather, it's a blend of the company's popular FlightCheck technology with systems integration. For high-volume production environments, MarkzNet provides a Web-based portal into a company's production workflow. Customers submit files with drag-and-drop simplicity. Files are automatically inspected for flaws or conflicts with the recipient's specifications and either pass or fail. Failed files are rejected and both recipient and sender are immediately alerted to the problem. If the file passes, it's automatically forwarded to the next stage of production for a truly seamless digital workflow. This software is not recommended because it is a web based tool and has proved to be really slow and not productive to many users.
http://www.markzware.com

Preflight Online: This preflight software developed from a partnership between Extensis and WAM!NET, Preflight Online is a Web-based solution for printers and publishers that need a custom-branded solution for receiving digital files from customers and advertisers. It accepts a wide range of file formats, including EPS, native Quark and Adobe PDF, preflights them and forwards files that pass directly to the recipient's FTP server. There's a one-time admin charge, as well as a monthly subscription fee that's based on the customer's actual inspection traffic. This software is not recommended because it is a web based tool and has proved to be really slow and not productive to many users.
http://www.extensis.com http://workspace.wamnet.com

TIFF/ITeyes: This preflight software developed by Rorke Data, enables users to view the complete data in TIFF/IT-P1 files, the widely adopted accredited standard for digital ad exchange. Users can measure X-Y coordinates, as well as CMYK values. http://www.rorke.com

SpeedFlow Check: This preflight software developed by OneVision, SpeedFlow Check is one component of a suite of tools that preflights, edits and imposes PDF, EPS and PostScript files. Files that pass SpeedFlow Check inspection are saved in PostScript or PDF form (depending on the manufacturer's or publisher's workflow) and sent to a hot-folder on the server. Problems may be fixed manually in SpeedFlow Edit and electronically routed to SpeedFlow Impose for impositioning.
http://www.onevision.com

© Samuel Hargis 2006Gwenny Blog23071
Gaynor Blog68035

NextStudent Offers PLUS Loans for Graduate and Professional Students

According to Phoenix-based NextStudent, a premier education funding company, the proliferation of graduate and professional programs has led to new sources of education funding designed to benefit these goal-orientated students who are, in essence, beginning their career by continuing on in their education. As the job market in the United States continues to generate a need for applicants who are highly competitive in specified fields from technology to the ever-growing medical field, undergraduate students across the country are beginning to feel the squeeze as graduate and professional degrees become must-haves for even intermediate and entry-level positions.

The decision to continue education onto the graduate and professional level is one that oftentimes comes with considerable financial stress because of the continued financial obligation. However, NextStudents Graduate PLUS Loan (http://www.nextstudent.com/) Program may allow borrowers to fund up to the full cost of their education (less any financial aid received), including living expenses, books, supplies and even computers.

NextStudent now offers a PLUS Loan Program for graduate and professional students with rates starting as low as 8.5 percent. The Graduate PLUS Loan Program features the same benefits directly to graduate and professional students that parents of undergraduate students receive from traditional PLUS loans (http://www.nextstudent.com/plus_loans/plus_loans.asp). Because NextStudent Graduate PLUS loans are federally sponsored, they offer many of the perks of traditional PLUS loans, including eligibility for federal student loan consolidation (http://www.nextstudent.com/consolidation_loans/consolidation_loans.asp), tax-deductible interest and a variety of repayment options.

Eligibility and Credit Resolution

NextStudent offers a simple online application process through E-Signature, and many prospects who apply online qualify within minutes. Also offered is a second look for borrowers who receive an initial denial because of unresolved credit issues. NextStudent has a PLUS Credit Resolution Team that has an 87 percent success rate at resolving borrowers credit issues, resulting in funded PLUS loans.

Graduate PLUS loans (http://www.nextstudent.com/plus_loans/plus_loans.asp) easily are accessible to many students. To qualify a student must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen. Although a credit check is required, many students with limited or no credit history still qualify for Graduate PLUS loans.

Flexible Repayment Options and Aggressive Incentives

With all the great incentives offered by NextStudent and its Graduate PLUS Loan Program, now is the right time for students to take the next step and go for their graduate degree.

NextStudent Graduate PLUS loans offer several repayment options including deferred repayment while a student is enrolled in school at least half time, and there are no prepayment penalties, ever. There also is a 3 percent cash rebate at repayment on the remaining principal balance after the first 12 months of consecutive on-time payments when student borrowers pay through Auto-Debit. In addition, a 2 percent interest rate reduction is available after the first 48 months of consecutive on-time payments when student borrowers pay through Auto-Debit. Student borrowers receive a .25 percent reduction when they choose repayment through Auto-Debit.

NextStudent, federal lender code 834051, is dedicated to helping students and their families find affordable ways to pay for college. NextStudent offers one-on-one education finance counseling and has a portfolio of highly competitive education finance products and services including a free online scholarship search engine, federally guaranteed parent and student loans, private student loans, both federal and private student loan consolidation (http://www.nextstudent.com/consolidation_loans/consolidation_loans.asp) programs, and college savings plans.

The NextStudent Scholarship Search Engine, one of the nations oldest and largest scholarship search engines, is updated daily, available free of charge, completely private and represents 2.4 million scholarships worth $3.4 billion.

For more information about NextStudent and its student loan programs, please visit the companys Web site at http://www.nextstudent.com/.

Jeff Mictabor is an enthusiast on the topic of student loan issues in the news. He has been writing for the past 10 years for a variety of education publications. He now offers his writing services on a freelance basis.Flss Blog5681
Gert Blog47605

Concession Trailers: Going Into the Concession Business

Concession trailers come in all shapes and sizes people own and rent them to sell snacks, as well as food out of their trailer, in many places. You will find that you can sell most any kind of snack when you have a trailer, and you can also sell it most any place that you would want. If you think setting up that hotdog stand on the corner by the bus stop is a great place, there is no reason you should not try to profit from it.

Renting concession trailers for keeping cooked hotdogs, or even nachos, and popcorn is a great idea. You will find that the trailers will keep the food hot, and you can even offer drinks, as there is a refrigerated part of the trailer for this purpose. You will make great money by being set up in a good place come lunch time, and if your food is good, you will probably even get many repeat customers.

If you are considering buying your own concession trailer, you will have it paid off in no time. It is not hard to sell snacks on the street, or even at any big even that might be in town for the weekend. You will find there are many things and kinds of snacks that you can offer, and people will be just lining up to try your food for the first time. Once word gets out about how well your food is from your concession business, you will see that you will have your trailer paid off in no time.

Concession trailers can be found for rent or purchase at most concession supply stores. You will see that many of these places have different sizes to offer you, and you will have to decide how to pull or even get your trailer where you are going to set up business at. Maybe by pulling it with a truck, or even a tractor will get the trailer in the right location for you, and you will be able to start getting regular customers that will come back for more of your great food and snacks, day after day.

Brent Martorella has been a car salesman for more than 30 years and has recommended and helped his clients to finding the right automobiles and trailers for their needs. For more information on buying the right trailer for you and your family go to http://www.trail-r.comHeath Blog30192
Hedy Blog97962

Understanding The Basics Of Resolution For Monitors And Video Cards

Many people who use computers are confused about how resolution works. I hear it all the time from even experienced computer users. Monitor resolution is not a confusing topic if you understand the basics. I hope the following information will give you a better understanding of how resolution on a monitor actually works.

When you purchase a monitor or video graphics card for your computer, the hardware usually has its specifications printed on the box. There is a bunch of information printed, but the one youre looking for probably looks something like this, 1024x768. These two numbers describe the horizontal and vertical pixel resolution. Monitors today will display graphics in different resolutions and that goes the same for the video card. The higher the two numbers, the better the resolution.

But what actually is resolution? Resolution is presented in the form of pixels. Think of the pixels as little squares on your screen. Lets take the resolution 1024x768 as an example. A monitor that is displaying images in 1024x768 resolution means its using 1024 horizontal squares and 768 vertical squares to display the image. In other words, there are 1024 squares lined up adjacent to one another horizontally and 768 squares stacked on top of one another vertically. A higher resolution, such as 1280x1024, means there are now 1280 horizontal squares and 1024 vertical squares used to display the image. The more squares there are, the better the picture looks, given all other variables are equal. The reason is because more squares are used to draw the same image. With a higher resolution, each square, or pixel, is now smaller and a smaller pixel gets you more detail when displaying the image.

To summarize, each pixel on the monitor is one square. The more pixels you have, the better the image looks. So, if youre buying a monitor or video card, in most cases, the higher the resolution, the better the image should appear. This of course holds true only if all other aspects of the monitor or video card of different manufacturers are the same such as memory, dot pitch, etc.

Now that you understand resolution, youll see why certain video or graphics look better on certain monitors and televisions. For example, standard broadcast television has a resolution of 640x480. DVD video has a resolution of 720x480. High Definition(or HD) video has resolutions of 1280x720 and 1920x1080. With all things being equal, High Definition video looks the best. Then standard DVD video, and then broadcast video. When I refer to all things, I mean compression, delivery method, interference, playback device, and anything else that might affect the video quality. We wont get into those details as it can be tackled in another conversation.

I hope the above information has given you some insight into what resolution is and how it works regarding monitors and video cards. Understanding what resolution is and how it works will be helpful when deciding on making your next monitor or video card purchase.

William Leung is the owner of http://www.instantimagers.com and has over 10 years of graphic design experience. He also possesses skills in web development, design, and multimedia design.Guinevere Blog66945
Gloriana Blog51620

How Do YOU Handle Change and What Does It Mean for Your Business?

The book "Who Moved My Cheese" by Spencer Johnson and Kenneth Blanchard is a 98-page look at the various ways that we react to change. In the book, there are two mice and two mice-size humans and we see how each reacts when their cheese has been moved -- not just moved, but no longer in sight.

We all react differently to change:

Some readily adapt
Some ignore it and hope that life will return to the status quo
Others actively seek it out

As a person, your success, or failure, depends in part on how well you adapt to change. Do you run screaming like a banshee towards it, ready to conquer? Or do you go sit in a closet, close your eyes and wait for it to go away, hoping that everything will return to normal?

The most successful entrepreneurs not only embrace change, they actively seek it out knowing that greater fulfillment, greater success and greater profits come with constant adaptation to the market.

My personal experience has led me to reengineer my business three times so far (and Im in the process of doing it again) with fabulous results; as I start down one path, things have happened that open my eyes to another path -- one I may not have been ready or able to see previously.

My business is ever-evolving and I wouldn't have it any other way. Stagnant 9-to-5, do the same thing every day work, stay in the same company for 20 years work is not for me...I'd rather have root canal without Novocain.

How about you? Are you a:

Dynamic Dan

Dan actively searches for things to change in order to engineer his perfect life. He runs about shaking trees to see what will fall out and how he can use that information to his advantage.

Opportunistic Oliver

Oliver doesnt particularly love change, but knows to look for the opportunities that abound whenever it occurs. In the corporate world, Oliver is the guy who rises to manager almost overnight and no one knows how or why this happened (he saw an opportunity and JUMPED on it). In the entrepreneurial world, Oliver sells dry wood and hot meals from a cart he pulls through the campground on an unexpected rainy day. He looks at any change and finds the opportunity that lies within.

Scared Susie

Every time change roars its head, Susie can be found hiding with her head in the ground wishing that everything would stay as it was and that she doesnt need to learn new skills or improve old ones. In her world, change is something to be feared. Susie can often be found working in the same job, in the same company until she is forced out.

Most of us tend to fall into either the Oliver or Susie personality mode. Change is not going away if anything, the rate at which it happens is exponentially increasing especially with the internet. In order to succeed, you must be able to anticipate, deal with and adapt to change.

One of the most important things is to look at the situation objectively and understand that you have control over your thoughts and how you react to the change. How you think about the change will determine whether you are an Opportunistic Oliver or a Scared Susie. Its your life take control!

Copyright 2006 Sandra P. Martini

Sandra P. MartiniFreida Blog62302
Gwennie Blog8908

Choosing A Good PSP Download Site

When you choose a download site, there are a few important Criteria that you must apply in order to choose the correct site for you. Here is a summary of steps you should take to make your download smooth.

1.One-Time-Fee: This usually means you will need to pay a small one-time fee and you do not need to pay any more. You need to be able to choose the titles you want and there should be no time limit of when you should download.

2.Unlimited Download: The one-time-fee should allow you to download any file at any time. Ideally, there should be no limit on the number of files you can download.

3.Reliable: The system must be up and running 24x7. You certainly don't want to be limited on when you should download.

4.Privacy: Make sure that the PSP games database is private. Ensure that all the files have been checked and secured as having no spyware or viruses. They should not share your information with others.

5.Customer support: If your are a novice, it is critical that there is good customer support at the Free PSP Games Downloads.

6.Fast downloads: Make sure also that the Free PSP Game Downloads on the site are fast downloads and you don't have to leave your PC on all night just to download half a game!

These are 6 very important factors to consider. If trying to find out which one suites you best, you can visit the following review site which gives you the best information you can get: http://www.pspproductreview.com/?source=art

Ray Summer reviews PSP download sites and recommends them to readers. You can see his reviews at http://www.pspproductreview.com.Hedwiga Blog17322
Florencia Blog79033

Decorating With Mirrors

Mirror, Mirror On The Wall!

Want a way to catch and reflect light in your home? Nothing does it better than a mirror. Mirrors are great for creating an illusion of space. Mirrors have been used to make commercial buildings look more spacious, and these same techniques can be used successfully in your own home.

Try the following "decorating with mirrors" tips:

*If you have a wall in front of the entrance as you enter your home, then hang a unique mirror on that wall to open it up and add interest to the area.

*Try staggering mirrors on either side of a narrow hallway or stairway to give the illusion of width.

*To make a hallway or stairway appear longer, try positioning a mirror at the end which will double its length.

*Wrought iron mirrors are popular and can be used as a home decor accent with most decorating styles.

*Collections of unusual mirrors can be used behind a sofa or in a hallway. They can be arranged in groupings or combined with paintings.

*You can use several hinged mirrors placed together behind candles or flowers on a mantle or table, thus "multiplying" the effect of your decorative accents.

*As with your artwork, choosing the right frame for your mirror makes a world of difference. The frame adds to the look of the mirror and enhances the space around it.

*The use of long, tall mirrors spaced across a wall is a nice change from the more traditional wall-to-wall mirrors.

*Make sure mirrors reflect only attractive objects. Do not place a mirror directly across from a waste basket or cluttered area. Try placing it across from a window, a lamp, or a favorite painting.

*Miniature mirrors can be used as a decorative touch on throw pillows, curtains and placemats.

*Put a mirror on the ceiling of kitchen cabinets or the pantry which will help you see what's on the top shelf.

*Mirrors can also be used in the dining room to showcase your table decor. Use a mirror instead of a placement at each place setting. They will naturally draw attention to your table and by using bright and decorative dishes you will create a stunning display.

*Since mirrors come in all shapes and sizes, they offer limitless decorating possibilities.

*Make a mirror the focal point in a room. Consider investing in a really unique, classy mirror and frame that complements the rest of the decor in the room.

*Remember to hang mirrors at a usable height!

Lynn Cressy, owner of Lynn's Home Decor. You will find a variety of best price home decor and modern home accessories at http://www.lynnshomedecor.com.Hedi Blog2279
George Blog79594

Alzheimers Disease And Personality

One of the most distressing aspects of Alzheimer's disease is the complete personality change suffered by many people. This is especially distressing for the relatives and friends of the Alzheimer's patient. The general behavior and personality of Alzheimer's suffers in the latter stages often seems to be in complete contrast to typical behaviour exhibited throughout the patient's life.

Another facet of personality change due to Alzheimer's disease is the occasional emergence of an underlying feature of the person's character which had previously been well-hidden. For instance, previously unnoticed spiteful traits can be revealed. There is also a common tendency in Alzheimer's disease, mainly in the later stages, for anxiety, nervousness or verbal and physical aggression to surface.

Many Alzheimer's sufferers retain their personality, albeit with accompanying memory loss and orientation problems. However, others can exhibit varying mood swings which can fluctuate from being ecstatically happy to very sad. In the later stages of Alzheimer's disease, these underlying traits can become very prominent and problematic. For example, combatting verbal aggression or continuing anxiety may require continuous reassurance from carergivers and friends.

Very often personal hygiene becomes a major issue for sufferers of Alzheimer's disease. Washing and bathing often becomes sporadic or is forgotten altogether. Additionally, Alzheimer's disease sufferers who were formerly very fastidious in areas of hygiene may become very lax. This can be very distressing for the sufferer's friends and relatives, especially if clothing is stained with urine or feces. It is common for Alzheimer's sufferers to leave the toilet before they are entirely finished or to be inefficient in cleaning after relieving themselves. Therefore, odor as well as soiled clothes and hands can be problematic. Undressing in public and inadvertant genital exhibition or fondling can also become a problem if not carefully monitored. It can be a source of untold embarrassment to relatives and carergivers.

It is important for carergivers and relatives to take into account that the acts of soiling or untoward behavior need to addressed while remembering the value of maintaining the patient's dignity at all times. Dignity is a very precious commodity when suffering from Alzheimer's disease, as their dignity is often all they have remaining.

Barbara Jones contributes to several online magazines, including http://healthy-line.com and http://info-healthy.com.Hulda Blog99166
Guinevere Blog87232

Keeping Track Of Credit Card Spending

Credit card spending can be hard to keep track off if you are not disciplined, but it is important to monitor your spending in order to stop yourself getting into huge debt. If you are having trouble keeping tracking of what you spend on your credit cards, then here are some useful tips to help you control your spending.

Take stock and stop spending

Before you do anything, you should stop spending on your credit card and look at the situation you are currently in. Whether you have virtually no balance or a large debt, it is important to see exactly how much you have spent. This is the first step to managing your spending.

Make notes on your spending

Once you know what the situation is, start using your credit card as you normally do and monitor your spending. Take notes every time you spend money on your credit card, and look at how much you spend and what you spend it on. By dividing what you spend into categories you can see the areas that you are spending the most money, and where you can cut back on your spending.

Transfer balances

If you have a number of credit cards, then transfer the balances onto the lowest interest cards if possible. This will reduce the amount that you are paying in interest on your balances.

Get rid of cards

Once you have paid off some of your balances, then you can get rid of some of the cards that you have. You should make sure that you have only one or two credit cards, as this will help you to more easily keep track of spending.

Create a budget

Create a budget for yourself that you can stick to. If you look at how much you earn each month, and the subtract all the essential bills and spending from that, you will see how much money you have left to spend on extra things. Make sure that you stick to this budget, as it will help you to spend wisely and not get into debt.

Bank online

Banking online can really help you to keep track of your credit card spending. You can easily check your balance at any time of the day or night, and can instantly see what you have spent daily. Also, you can transfer your bank statements into an accounts program to better help you manage your money.

Credit cards for emergencies

Although spending on credit cards is a fact of life for most people, you should try and keep credit card spending to a minimum, and keep the cards handy for emergency situations. Also, try and save some money each month, as this will reduce the need for credit cards. Credit cards are a very useful financial tool, and if you monitor your spending properly then you will get the most out of your credit cards.

Peter Kenny is a writer for creditcards-gb.co.uk Please visit us at Credit Cards and Credit Cards UKHattie Blog24376
Florentia Blog11509

The Sweet Melodies of a Nature Sounds Alarm Clock

What is the thing that wakes you up each morning? Is it the sun that blinds you? Or is it the brutal ringing of the alarm clock? It doesn't matter what makes your eyes open but you would certainly prefer to wake up gently without any brute force. Just imagine how much better it would be if a nature sounds alarm clock wakes you up each morning. This modern alarm clock wakes you up without the brutality factor. So consider how you'd like to wake up.

I remember that during my High school years none of the digital alarm clocks would wake me up. Maybe I needed an ACDC concert to be waken up. That's the reason why I ended up buying one of those old-fashioned wind-up alarm clocks. Have you seen these lovely items? They surely work, even though they are not exactly nature sounds alarm clocks. These old alarm clocks have a hammer between their little bells and that hammer smashes back and forth between them, so there is no way that you'll keep sleeping once it starts ringing. You will be so eager to turn that alarm off that you will get up in no time. However, nowadays there is even a better solution.

You can purchase a nature sounds alarm clock. I fell in love in these wonderful innovations the first time I saw them. Some of them have serene outdoor sounds; others offer you to listen to the ocean, rainforest or calm wind. If you are a thunderstorm or babbling brook lover, then you can purchase a nature sounds alarm clock with these sounds. I think this is really fantastic. The vast majority of people are keen on these lovely sounds anyway. It would be amazing to make them your alarm clock sound, wouldn't it? That way waking up would not so unpleasant.

Are you looking for the perfect alarm clock? You will not make a mistake if you try a nature sounds alarm clock. Frankly speaking, we all long for peaceful night's sleep. Let's not spoil it with brutally screaming alarm clock. Everyone would agree that this is not the right way to begin your day. You have another choice if you are ready for a change. You just have to get online and check out the new nature sounds alarm clocks. Now you can have that soft, pleasant awakening you've always dreamt of. Just purchase nature sounds alarm clock as soon as possible.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning music. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.mymusicreport.com/music--more/music/the-sweet-melodies-of-a-nature-sounds-alarm-clock.htmlHarmonie Blog14177
Georgetta Blog62774

Speaking Japanese: Learning the Language and the Cultural Etiquette

The Japanese language is considered by many to be easy to learn. Whether you wish to speak Japanese for personal reasons like travel or for professional reasons, it is important for you to consider that learning Japanese etiquette is as important as learning commonly used words and phrases.

Why is it that learning to speak Japanese is relatively easy? To begin with, there are only 5 vowel sounds:

A is voiced as ah, or the way English speakers pronounce the a in la;
I is pronounced as the English e in words like need and tea;
U is vocalized in much the same way as oo in words like cool and soon;
E is spoken with the same sound of the first e in the word letter and the e in set;
O is expressed as it is in the word told.

Knowing how each of the vowels sounds phonetically makes speaking the Japanese words less difficult.

In addition, the Japanese language is less complicated than many others because nouns are not tied to gender or number - the same word is used for one tree or many trees - and verb remains the same regardless of the subject. Unlike English, Spanish and French (and other Latin-based languages) in which you must learn different ways to conjugate the verb based on the subject, when learning Japanese, the verb will be either past tense or the present tense (ongoing actions or the suggestion of what may happen in the future are expressed with the present tense verb).

While pronunciations can be simple once you know how the vowels are spoken, and nouns and verbs are relatively easy as well, one way in which you may stumble with the language is word order. While in English sentences are typically in a subject - verb - object format, in Japanese they are presented in the order of subject - object - verb. Of course, just as we have prepositions in English, there are a number of articles in Japanese. One article used often is ka, which is used at the end of the sentence to ask a question (which is important because the question mark does not exist in Japanese).

Though challenges like punctuation exist in the written language, learning to speak and understand Japanese can be accomplished. There are many resources available online, books and flashcards, as well as computer software. By finding the one that will be most beneficial to you and practicing often, you will surely be able to learn the language.

Once you have learned the language, and even while you are learning, it is important to keep etiquette in mind because how you act has as much of an impact on how you are received as the words you use to express yourself.

Make sure that you keep the following in mind:

Unless you are very familiar with the person you are talking with, you should avoid using casual phrasings;

Avoid being loud to get someone's attention. It is better to wave or to approach them with a bow and then speak;

Use a quiet tone when speaking;

Be cautious with your body language as much of the communication that takes place is unspoken;

Always show respect for the person with whom you are speaking.

By maintaining respect for the people and cultural etiquette - you will find that beginning to communicate in Japanese is simple and, in time, you will become quite good at it.

Cory Pangelinan - Author of a Japanese Language Course teaching you How to Speak Japanese the Real way its spoken in Japan. http://www.letsspeakjapanese.com.Fidela Blog25036
Helena Blog69003

How To Correct A Continually Rebooting Computer

When you sit down at your computer desk and press the power switch on your desktop, the last thing you want to experience is a continually rebooting computer.

There are a variety of causes that contribute to this problem, from something as simple as a stuck power button to a much more serious problem as your power supply slowly failing. Other causes for this problem may be overheating PC components, or viruses affecting your system.

Now, if youre like the rest of us, having a computer that reboots constantly is not our idea of a productive day. So how do you diagnose this problem and where do you start to to make corrections. Here are some common but often overlooked causes and solutions that will get your system running again.

First take a look at the power button and see if its stuck in the socket. If so, you may be able to simple tap the front of the case to release the button. In some cases, you may have to remove the system unit cover to get the button to return to the out position.

If you cannot stop the computer from rebooting by pressing the power button and releasing it, turn off the power switch in the back of the computer next to the power supply. If your power supply do not have a power switch, you will have to unplug the system from the wall outlet.

This must be done as soon as possible so that the constant rebooting will not damage components such as the hard drive. Constant rebooting also have the danger of power surges that can further damage larger components such as the motherboard.

Second you check your computers software by checking to be sure no virus or malware have not effected your hard drive. Virus and malware are small software that is downloaded along with other files that is designed to cause mischief.

To remove any viruses and malware, use a anti-virus program that will search your hard drive and remove these file quickly. These files can cause such damage as wiping your hard drive of all data or hijacking your web browser so you have no control over your online surfing.

If you find no malware on your computer, take a look at your BIOS to see if it has become unstable or has been changed. BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System and is a small program designed to check all components for proper operation when the computer is turned on.

If your BIOS has been changed or if youre not sure if its been changed, try to reset the BIOS settings to the default settings after you access the BIOS as the computer reboots.Once inside the BIOS, you should have the option to load your default settings, save the change, and reboot the computer.

However, there are times when a continually rebooting computer will not allow you to access the BIOS. You can then reset the BIOS by removing the system unit cover and locating the jumper on a three pin header.

You must consult your computer or motherboard manual to properly perform this procedure and it should be done as a last resort. Before making any changes to your BIOS, you should backup your BIOS if your computer reboots at long intervals.

After checking your computers software for its rebooting problem, you must check to be sure hardware is not at fault. This problem may exist because one of your memory modules are unseated from its socket . Memory modules are long, narrow sticks that attach to the motherboard.

Remove any static electricity from yourself, remove the system unit cover and check these memory modules to be sure they are secure. Check the connections to the hard drive and the connections leading from the power supply.

Power supply connectors should be checked if youve done work inside your computer recently. Power Supplies are known to slowly fail and lead to rebooting problems. There is no way to check an ailing power supply and this should be considered the problem as a last resort.

Following these steps will help you correct any computer that continually reboots itself. If no virus or malware is found, carefully and thoroughly check all connections. And if the problem still exist, the most likely cause would be the Power Supply.

Otis F. Cooper is solely dedicated to boosting the knowledge and confidence of every computer user. Sign up to receive his informative articles every month and learn PC Repair absolutely free.Sign up now at http://www.ultimatepcrepair.comGenia Blog22276
Gerda Blog19071

The Calm Before The Storm

If you consider all the ways in which companies have to run a business, it is no wonder legal support is so critical. Markets today are highly competitive. The internet has made global competition a reality that years ago we could not have even dreamed possible. With the increased opportunity also comes increased risk. Businesses must have the right information, at the right time to make strategic, operational, and tactical decisions about their business.

Although there are a number of areas within every company that need special attention, two of the most critical are finance and legal. Without surprise, these areas are also the source of potential business risk. Risk is a cost of doing business but for each risk event, a business will need to decide whether they will avoid it, mitigate it or transfer the risk. As it pertains to legal issues some risk issues can be handled within the company, while others will require the support of an attorney. In order to reduce or avoid risk, your attorney must not only be competent in their field but have a firm understanding of your strategic business objectives.

The role of risk in business received even greater attention with the events which led to the creation of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The federal regulations around corporate governance coupled with the increase of white-collar crime such as identity theft, computer hacking, and embezzlement have made companies take risk management very seriously. Corporate compliance issues can become overwhelming and complex, which is why a reputable law firm is important. A law firm invested in your success can guide you through processes so you are able to efficiently assess and address risk issues.

As the amount of information we produce increases, data management and security also becomes more important. Your law firm can assist you with becoming better organized around data security issues, and hence implementing risk reduction measures. Data not only needs to be organized but securely stored with appropriate access controls. In response to this risk event, many corporations have began utilizing the services of internet data centers, which house the brain of the company in a secured, temperature controlled, clean, and monitored environment.

Financial risks are always a concern for companies, and can impact all facets of the organization operations, insurance, liabilities, etc. In addition to the traditional concerns of collecting, managing and presenting financial data, companies are also exposed to financial risks in business development. A business cannot grow without undertaking some amount of risk. For this reason risk cannot be managed in a silo by Legal, or Risk Management. An effective risk management plan will align with the overall strategic objectives of the business. Your inside and outside counsel must be partners in this process. While counsel will seek to institute the necessary protections against risk, they must also understand critical business objectives and help the organization to realize them.

Each company will have a risk profile based on their business goals and tolerance for risk. A companys risk aversion or acceptance will vary depending on a number of factors, including industry, size, competitive landscape and level of regulatory oversight. In example a financial institution may be much more risk averse than a printing company. For global organizations, the risks may also vary by location.

Risk management truly requires a partnership approach. Legal, Sales, Operation and The Executive Team must communicate and understand the critical business objectives and work together to make them happen. The legal team should understand not only how to identify risks in practices, operations, processes, technologies, and techniques but also how the risk fits with the overall business plan. Risks are inevitable, but with teamwork and skillful execution, you can successfully navigate the often choppy waters of doing business.

Richard A. Hall is founder and President/CEO of LexTech, Inc., a legal information consulting company. Mr. Hall has a unique breadth of experience which has enabled him to meld technology and sophisticated statistical analysis to produce a technology driven analytical model of the practice of law. As a busy civil trial attorney, he was responsible for the design and implementation of a LAN based litigation database and fully automated document production system for a mid-sized civil defense firm. He developed a task based billing model built on extensive statistical analysis of hundreds of litigated civil matters. In 1994, Mr. Hall invented linguistic modeling software which automatically reads, applies budget codes, budget codes and analyzes legal bill content. He also served as California Director and lecturer for a nationwide bar review. Mr. Hall continues to practice law and perform pro bono services for several Northern California judicial districts.Hadria Blog50851
Gusty Blog53796