Kingston Window

January Birdies

admin — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:18:03 +0000

Wow! It seems that our friends in Canada decided we had it much too easy and they sent us some of their cold weather via the “Alberta Clipper”, okay you can stop now. For those of you in Minnesota you know what I mean, but believe me for those in California, even in the Sierra’s it just rarely ever gets this cold. Does anyone make a fully insulated bird house with forced air heat? I am sure my friends could use one right about now.
The bird population is still low around here, so low in fact, that a fellow bird enthusiast asked me if I had stolen her crowd. I assured her that my bird houses were empty, even the fancy decorative birdhouses and my bird feeders weren’t but I was starting to see and hear a few more feathered friends around the yard. Even just this morning when the temperature was up to a balmy 15 degrees Fahrenheit (well just a few days ago -15 and lower greeted us with the sunrise) I heard some extra twitterings in the trees.
I can see out the front window that the chickadees have found the new birdfeeder I put up yesterday. I have two different birds that closely so resemble each other I find it interesting. The mountain and the black capped chickadee look just like red-breasted nuthatch. The nuthatches are a tiny bit thinner (sleek) and have more of an insect eating bill. I have also seen the missing Donner Lake Flicker and 2 of the mourning doves. Around here the cry of the dove is often mistaken for one of the owls (we have several). In addition I am seeing more Dark eyed (Oregon) Junco’s. They are ground feeders so I make sure I drop seed under the bird feeder as I fill it. Easy enough to do I am not the tidiest of people.
Now is the time I search the catalogs and the internet for spring supplies. As always I will have to replace several of my favorite birdfeeders and birdhouses, due to winter damage (you know; wind, snow, bears, raccoons). A great place to find new ones has been birdbathsplus.com they have a great variety and reasonable prices. Sometimes I think my winter shopping trips are the only things that get me through the cold dark months. Around here I can’t even set out my seeds to sprout until April we have such a short growing season. Stay warm and dry!

Thirty positive actions for a sustainable Earth

admin — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 04:38:04 +0000

There are many ways we can use our human energy to lighten the
load on natural resources and tread lightly on our home planet.
Check how many of these you do already:

1. Recycle and re-use Wherever possible, separate waste into
compost material, bottles, tins, paper, clothing etc and make
sure that these get recycled. See if your local council has a
policy for recycling, food reclamation to fuel or even methane
extraction from waste. If they don’t – start one. Ask your
neighbours to contribute to a local composting station.

“The UK has one of the worst recycling records in Europe (12.4%)
compared with 64% in Austria, 52% in Belgium, 50% in Germany and
47% in the Netherlands. In the UK we bury 80% of our rubbish in
landfills, compared to the Swiss who only landfill 7% of their
rubbish.” (The Observer 2004)

2. Shop locally or order a veg box Give your local farmers a
boost by buying direct – either by visiting farms, farmer’s
markets or through vegetable box schemes – which are usually
organic. This saves transport costs in ‘food miles’ and
guarantees, fresh, local, un-polluted and healthy, in-season
food. Try and avoid supermarkets and shop locally when possible
to enhance your own local micro-economy.

“The average household [in UK] spends £470 a year (or one sixth
of its total food budget) on packaging. In a typical Asda or
Tesco shopping basket only 26% of the cost is accounted for by
food; the rest is packaging, processing, transport, store
overheads, advertising and the mark-up of supermarkets which is
sometimes as high as 45%.” (National Farmers’ Union)

3. Make more of your own food from fresh Stop buying ready-meals
and throw away your microwave. Take the time to make healthy,
balanced and delicious meals and condiments from wholesome raw
ingredients. Be like the French and live to eat – rather than
eat to live ! Eating food is the only activity apart from sex
that involves all of our senses.

4. Promote community exchange If you can exchange skills, items
or energy direct with other people without the use of money -
this makes your activities more efficient. If you can share
resources with people around you – then you don’t have to earn
so much to buy things and you don’t have to work as much.

5. Improve local diversity of nature See what you can do to
provide the right ecosystems to promote local biodiversity.
Bring butterflies, moths, birds, wild flowers and so on into
your local environment by providing the resources they need.

6. Review domestic energy use Check whether you can save energy
by cutting down consumption or being more efficient. There are
government schemes in the UK to help with heating efficiency and
insulation. Even switching off at the plug at night saves power
-those little red ‘power on’ lights add up to over £4 million of
electricity used in the UK each year ! Look at how your home
uses energy and where it can be saved, even if it means putting
a jumper on occasionally.

7. Start a local investment scheme If you want to save for a
future – doesn’t it make sense to invest in something you can
see and touch – like a local investment system that brings a
return on your money and improves your own locality ? Invest
money where you can see what it is doing – and where you can
lend a hand if needs be. Community companies, local
co-operatives and credit unions are a growing resource for
sustainable local investment. What better way is there than to
invest your energy directly into your local micro-economy where
you can cherish it ?

8. Use an ethical banking system Just what does your money do
when you invest it a bank? Do you invest in the land mines that
blow off children’s legs ? Do you support armaments
manufacturing, the over-exploitation of rainforests, globalised
cartels intent on raping the planet ? Does your default
investment in a bank endorse child slavery and prostitution,
international drug running and money laundering ? Check the
investment policies of your bank to see just where they are
putting your energy as an investment. If you don’t like what you
see, at least consider using an ethical bank that might invest
in things you want in the world. Even better – reach for a
lifestyle that doesn’t include a bank account at all.

Did you invest in this ? “Japanese physicist Professor Yagasaki
calculated that the 500+ metric tonnes of depleted uranium (DU)
that the US unleashed on Afghanistan was the radioactive
equivalent of 51,875 atomic bombs of the size dropped on the
Japanese city of Nagasaki. During the 2003 Gulf War the amount
of DU used was the equivalent of 103,750 atomic bombs the size
of that dropped on Nagasaki. DU fallout will travel from the
Middle East to the UK, US and parts of Asia.” (International
Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War)

9. Review car use and petrol consumption The real price of
petrol, if you apply economic principles to its production -
that includes the time the earth has taken to make it – comes in
at over £1 million per gallon. Its use produces awful chemical
pollution and extreme noise. Most internal combustion engines
run at an incredibly low efficiency (usually about 20%). The
logic of having something that weighs over a ton to transport a
single person defeats me. Yes, I know they’re incredibly
convenient compared to the alternatives and that many motors
have cult status but – come on – there has to be a better way
than this ! Boy am I looking forward to hydrogen / oxygen fuel
cells. Cycling is great!

10. Start a local energy collective Your roofs are a resource !
Take a look at some of the rooftop energy panels available
today. Chat with your neighbours about a collective approach to
local energy needs. Sell your excess energy back to the grid !
Intermediate technology combined with modern technology in wind,
solar or water power has come of age so start your own power
supply.

11. Learn more about the nature in your local environment Which
wild animals and plants live in your environment? Share some
time with them and see what they can teach you. Become a direct
‘friend of nature’ and explore how other species see the world
we share. You could even adopt some wild nature near you and
‘look out’ for it.

12. Make things from found or recycled materials Do you remember
the fun you had whittling wood when you were younger? Keep an
eye out for interesting wood you can prepare to make useful
things. So much stuff is just thrown away or destroyed that
could be useful again given a little T.L.C. Wild wood can make
attractive coat hangers, boxes, shelves, even furniture. Waste
skips often have objects that can easily be given a ‘new life’.
Working with your hands to make things ‘new’ can be a deeply
satisfying experience.

13. Make your own Christmas and birthday presents Take time out
to make things that you enjoy and give them away to people you
love. These have a value way over anything you can buy. If you
have a creative hobby – use it to make gifts instead of buying
them. If you don’t – find a hobby or activity that puts you in
touch with natural things.

14. Stop using pharmaceutical drugs and chemicals and go natural
We are in a culture where medical consumerism is the norm.
Explore some of the alternatives like using your food as
preventative and curative medicine, or learn about the herbs and
spices that have traditionally boosted mankind’s health for
millennia. There are many gentle ways to find, promote and
maintain health and you will find some excellent examples at the
StarFields Network.

15. Join an environmental group Express your energy in a
collective way by joining a group that voices your concerns. Put
your energy into changing the situation for the better by
directly sponsoring a specific environmental cause.

16. Use natural materials from a sustainable source over
synthetic materials The more natural a product is – the less
pollution is usually incurred in its production. Support your
environment by valuing natural materials over synthetic, for
example (organic) cotton over polyester. Think about where
building materials or other resources have come from and the
processes it takes to make them.

17. Feed your neighbour A quick story based on Dante’s Inferno:
Dante (or someone like him) visits Hell and finds a room of
‘food torture’. The inhabitants are glued to chairs round a
large table covered with food, but they all have their arms
replaced by 10 foot chopsticks. They lift bits of food high over
their heads and drop it down onto their faces in a pathetic
attempt to feed themselves. Later, our hero visits heaven and
finds exactly the same situation except for one thing. The
people in heaven are feeding each other across the table !

18. Dance, sing and laugh. Look after yourself and have fun If
you are happy, fulfilled, in good humour, enjoying life’s
journey and so on – the chances are that others around you will
be able to feel that way too. This moves us all along.

19. Don’t fly in airplanes If possible, take a ship or train for
long hauls or holidays. Aircraft are extremely expensive in
pollution terms. Enjoy the sensation of travelling more slowly.
Accept the journey as part of the trip.

20. Take an action holiday Why not donate your energy to a cause
like helping indigenous people set up sustainable economies ?
There are many companies offering the experience of useful
voluntary work overseas. This is a most direct way to contribute
to a sustainable world and gives you face-to-face contact with
other cultures.

21. Grow more plants indoors Enhance your pact with nature by
turning your home into a plant haven. Even simple spider plants
can improve your space by bringing nature in and cleaning the
air. Plants are pretty undemanding compared to pets and they
bring life in and produce air. Go the whole hog and grow some
trees.

22. Consider changing your employment What does your ‘means of
income’ do in energy terms ? If the ‘ethics’ of your employment
is distant from your own values then you have essentially sold
your soul for money. Think carefully about the consequences of
your employment. Consider finding employment that is near to
your core values and you will find a more fulfilled ‘you’.

23. Review how you are investing in your own future Concerned
about pensions ? It is certainly looking like someone has pulled
the plug on that one. Anyone under 45 should be looking to
exactly what they want in older years and finding ways to
achieve it that may not involve money. There are serious flaws
in our investment systems that are becoming more and more
evident. Co-operative or communal solutions to support in older
years will be an increasing solution to lack of money.

24. Review your usage of water If you have metered water, review
how much you use and where savings might be made. For example
bath water (without chemicals) can be used to water plants, a
brick in the water cistern saves flush water. Can you use the
water that lands on your roof that you pay for the privilege of
having removed ? Water butts are cheaper than ever and some
local councils offer price reductions to residents. There are
many water filters on the market that improve the quality of
tap-water and water is a key issue in health, we are mostly made
of it ! Water is a key issue on planet earth in the 21st
century.

” Nearly 97% of the world’s water is sea water or otherwise
undrinkable. Another 2% is locked up in ice caps and glaciers.
This leaves 1% to meet all of humanities growing needs,
including agriculture, manufacturing, community and personal
household needs. Of that 1%, one quarter of the world’s fresh
water is found in Canada’s lakes, rivers and streams.” (CPS June
2004)

25. Cut down on noise and light pollution Many birds in cities
sing at night as it’s the only way they can make themselves
heard. Generally birds in cities have to sing louder and the
stress this causes gives them shortened life spans. Listen for a
moment now – what can you hear beyond the hum of computer fan?
How much of this noise is really needed? Wouldn’t just some
‘quiet times’ be nice? Get together with your neighbours and see
if you can negotiate a local ‘quiet time’, like a Sunday
morning. Unnecessary light also interferes with wildlife and
even worse – it blocks out the stars – a source of wonder till
the end of time.

26. Start your own herb garden Grow your own medicinal and
culinary herbs. Many of these are easy to grow on a windowsill,
in a window box or tub somewhere. The direct growing and use of
plants ties you into natural cycles and rhythms – you could even
learn about ‘moon gardening’ cycles and biodynamics !

27. Grow your own food Even simple growing such as mustard cress
or delicious sprouting seeds contributes to a good diet. A
surprising amount of your own food can be grown in a little
space by using ‘potato stacks’ or climbing fruits. There is no
better feeling than harvesting your own crop and eating it with
friends. There are many dwarf bush varieties of fruit, some even
have more than one fruit type on the same bush.

28. Downsize Think about how you can work less and keep a good
quality of life. Balance quality of life with standard of
living. Contribute less to GDP and the national/global economy
and more to a wholesome local and global ecology. Think global
and act local.

29. Go organic Whatever you consume, source it from a place that
values natural processes over industrial ones. There are many
enterprises providing organic food, drink, clothing or materials
from sustainable sources. Take pride in tracking these down and
using them in preference to more exploitative practices.

30. Spend time with nature Take the time to visit nature and
spend time relating with it. Find and adopt special places where
you can go to feel the cycles and forces of nature and know that
it is an aspect of you, and you of it. Many people are forming
‘collectives’ to protect or improve special places they value

Great Technical Writing: the Two-edged Sword of Reader Experience

admin — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 15:54:41 +0000

Overview
When we write User Documents we rely on our Reader’s/User’s experience to simplify our work. This can cause problems for the Reader. This article will discuss the effects of Reader experience and how to minimize the negative effects of incompatible experience, and how to handle the writer’s assumptions about the Reader.Writer’s Benefits: Relying on Reader Experience
When we write, we rely on our Reader’s experience to give us a “starting point” for our User Document. Often we make hidden assumptions about our Reader’s experience.
Here are some examples where relying on our Reader’s experience makes things easy (and causes problems) for us as writers:Example: Using a Computer’s Mouse
In writing User Documentation for Graphical User Interface-based computer products (such as the Windows or Mac User interface), we assume that the the Reader knows how to use a mouse to click on items, drag, etc. This saves much background writing.Example: Cooking: How to Measure Ingredients; Terms
Cook books save space by (usually correctly) assuming that a Reader can perform basic cooking operations (such as measuring ingredients), and terms (such as puree or slice). Example: Common Acronyms
We rely on “common” acronyms such as AM and PM to simplify our writing lives. However, many Readers use a 24 hour clock, and thus AM and PM are meaningless to them.
Beware of any acronyms that you assume that your Reader knows. It is best to define acronyms in line (perhaps in parentheses) when they are first presented in that part of the User Document.
You cannot define them only the first time they appear in the User Document. This assumes — incorrectly — that Users read your User Document from start to finish.Problems Writers Cause When Assuming User Experience
Our assumptions as writers can get us into trouble. Example: Unfamiliar Words
Here’s a gardening example: Acme’s (a fictitious company) Illustrated Guide to Gardening in Canada (1979) makes an incorrect assumption about its Readers:
In one of their definitions they use a term, “the axil of a leaf” to define another term. “Axil of a leaf” is not listed in the book’s index, and there is no glossary in the book. Clearly this book assumes that the Reader understands the term “the axil of a leaf.” I don’t, and am therefore unhappy with the presentation.
Solution: Provide a glossary of gardening terms or a reference to a page in the book where the term is defined.Example: Assuming Students’ Experience
Here is an example where an (unstated) assumption by a training company rendered one of their courses useless.
In order to do the exercises in a computer programming course, students had to be able to use an editor (a simple word processor) to program the system. The only editor available on the course machines was a UNIX editor known as vi.
Unfortunately, the students were not told that they needed to use the vi editor. The course presenters assumed that the students knew vi. The students did not, and they spent half the course time trying to learn and deal with vi.
The hidden assumption by the training company resulted in a failed learning experience (the students never needed to use vi again). It wasted two days of the four-day course time.Don’t Present Assumptions in a Sneaky Way
If the training company had said that, “We train on UNIX systems,” then they leave a way out for themselves when they disappoint students who do not know the vi editor. When confronted, the company could respond with, “We told you it was a UNIX system. You should know that vi is the editor available on that system.”
This sneaky statement of the assumption is foolish. It will result in a lose-lose situation.The Bottom Line
As writers, we to make assumptions about our Reader’s experience. However, if you make assumptions, then make sure that you tell the Reader what you assume about him/her.
Think about the assumptions that you make about your Reader. Are these assumptions valid (that is, can you really expect your Readers to meet your assumptions)? If there is any doubt in your mind, include information explaining the terms and procedures that you assume.
Make sure that when you state assumptions, that you present them in a way that the Reader (student) can understand what the assumption means to them. Don’t be sneaky about presenting the assumptions.User Experience Can Cause Trouble for Writers
Your Reader’s experience can cause confusion. Here are some examples:Example: Shampoo/Conditioner Product
One of my favorite examples is a combined hair shampoo and conditioner product. If a User has experience with the separate products, then their experience is to:
* Shampoo: Wet thenhair. Massage shampoo into the hair, then rinse it out.
* Conditioner: Wash the hair. Massage conditioner into the wet hair, leave in the hair for two or three minutes, then rinse it out.
The problem arises with the combined product. Should the User leave the product in the hair for two or three minutes (as done with the conditioner), or rinse it immediately (as done with the shampoo)?
The User Document (product label) for a combined shampoo-conditioner should tell the User how to use the two-in-one product. Most such labels do not.Example: Words Used in Unexpected Ways
Your writing can set the expectations of the Reader, resulting in confusion when words are used unexpectedly.
An article in the Technology Section (of a newspaper on June 10, 2004, page B14) described, “How the little guy can back up computer data”. The article was about computers. When I came to the sentence: “Let’s face it: backups are boring and a hassle to boot.” I wondered about the phrase “to boot.”
In computer jargon, “boot” is the process where the computer starts up (“lifts itself by its bootstraps”…by a program originally called a “bootstrap loader”). Does the author’s quote about “hassle to boot” mean that if I do backups, then my computer will be slower (“boring”) and require more work from me to start up (“hassle to boot”)?
The use of the phrase “to boot” is inappropriate in this article, given that “to boot” has multiple meanings. The author used it as slang for “in addition to.” Since the article was about computers, I thought of the computer meaning of “to boot.” The sentence would be less confusing if the author left out “to boot,” as: “Let’s face it: backups are boring and a hassle.” We’ll return to this example shortly.Example: Functional Fixedness
An object’s function is fixed in a person’s mind. For example, a hammer’s function is to pound things. Experiments have demonstrated that people have a hard time using a hammer for an unusual function, such as a paperweight, a prop, or a lever. This is called functional fixedness.
Functional fixedness can limit the usefulness of your product. Your User Document should attempt to overcome functional fixedness. Perhaps this example will show how critical I am of User Documents.
I have a wrist global positioning satellite (GPS) device that keeps track of my long walks. Sweaters and heavy coats, needed for walking in the winter, make it difficult to wear the GPS device on the wrist. But it is a WRIST device. Functional fixedness arises, causing me struggle to use the GPS on my wrist. But it turns out that the GPS works well when used in a pocket.
The GPS User Document should mention this (obvious?) capability, thus reducing the functional fixedness associated with the WRIST GPS. In my defense: I am not sure that putting the wrist GPS in a pocket is more obvious than using a hammer as a paperweight.Example: Humor
Humor relies on:
. a subtle knowledge of the language (for example a pun)
. or a knowledge of an event (perhaps a current event or entertainment event)
on which the humor is based. Here’s an example, from an old joke:
“You’re so funny, you should be on a stage. There’s one leaving in 15 minutes.”
This joke relies on the Reader’s knowing the two meanings of “stage”: (1) a place for performing, and (2) transportation used in the western United States in the 1800’s. Most Readers might not know the second meaning, rendering the humor a confusing waste of words.
Earlier we examined the sentence: “Let’s face it: backups are boring and a hassle to boot.” The author used the phrase “to boot” as some form of folksy talk or humor. It confused the Reader. Eliminate Humor from Your User Document
. Humor will only confuse Users who do not understand it.
. Humor is difficult, if not impossible, to translate into other languages.
I suggest that you use a writing style that is informal and conversational, but with no attempts at humor. Remove attempts at humor when you review and revise your writing.
If you want to write humor, do it elsewhere (you should be on a stage). User Documents are no place to practice your humor.The Bottom LineAssumptions
Be careful about what you assume about your Reader. When in doubt whether or not a Reader knows something:
. State your assumptions about your Reader
State the assumptions in a way that the Reader can relate to
. When in doubt, add the information that you assume, or
. Tell your Reader where to find the assumed information
By providing or pointing to this assumed information, you increase your audienceReaders’ Experience
Be aware of how your Reader’s experience influences how he/she interprets your User Document or uses your product. If necessary add material to your User Document to counter your Reader’s incompatible experience.

Modular Homes

admin — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 04:07:49 +0000

Modular homes

Building a dream home with all the latest amenities and comfort is every man’s dream. But the time frame needed and the planning and decision making along with the high cost might turn you down. The latest trend in building technology relieves you of all the stress and anxiety associated with building you dream house. Modular homes have changed the whole scenario of home building and are hot selling today.

What is a modular home? How is it different from normal homes? Will the cost be too high? Will it be reliable and strong? These are the few questions that might run through your mind if you are still unaware of this new concept called modular homes. This type of home is different from mobile homes or pre-fab homes. It resembles much like a custom made house wherein you choose what you want and you are offered with innumerable options to choose from the house designs. Once decided the house is manufactured in a factory and delivered at your doorstep to be mounted on the permanent base.

Labor cost that might incur for hand crafting or designing a door or a window pane is highly minimized as the ready made doors of your choice is mass produced. The quality is maintained and the manufacturers of modular homes have a wide range of professional designers and architects to help you design your own home. These companies can also offer their services as per your budget limit. There is no chance of you spending more than what you can afford, which was unpredictable when you start building a proper home manually.

Getting a modular home is as easy as installing a new software in your computer. You just choose the options time frame, needs and budget and you have it delivered and installed in no time. Finally modular homes are built as per building codes pertaining to the state, nation or area you are in. less time, low cost, quality and energy saving capabilities has made modular homes a great success. Stop looking for a building contractor and stop saving for the rainy day. your dream will come true when you choose to make just a small click to accept a modular home.Modular homes are the typically most suitable prefabricated homes often priced substantially lower cost-effective to builders and consumers in Canada.

Yikes! Did I Shave My Legs for This?

admin — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 15:58:48 +0000

When I was a kid – my younger sister LOVED IT when I screwed up. What she loved even MORE was when she was there to observe it!
Well – I have a Diva confession to make.
I recently had a “stupid moment” (the phrase my sister Kelly still uses!)
It was a busy day on the phone today – coaching some of my fabulous 24-Carat Club VIP clients (I accept only a handful of these fabulous chicks worldwide). Immediately afterward I jumped into my speedy little sports car to head to another meeting with a big, fancy, national client. I was all dressed up, nice little dress, stilettos of course, singing loudly to the tunes.
As I was driving to my appointment the sunlight slowwwwwly streamed into the car window onto my legs (my pride and joy) and I saw to my horror…THE LEGS I HADN’T SHAVED IN 4 DAYS!!
(insert screechy music from Exorcist in your mind here)What little details in your sales/business/marketing have you missed lately darling?
It’s so easy to focus on the big stuff and forget about the little things that in the light of day – are pretty critical to the overall image of your business!3 Reasons Why the “Hairy” Details Are Important:
1) Where Are The Testimonials Lady? Hmmm – I know you have some stashed in your computer however they haven’t seen the light of day. Want to make more sales? Make it easier for people to trust you!! Include them on your website, presentations, proposals, e-zine etc.
2) Have You Done Your Research? Something I can’t stand is when a supplier I’m considering using asks me a ton of questions they should already know. Make sure you don’t fall into the same trap of laziness! Make some calls, check out on-line, read the news releases and the local media. (It will stop you from having a “stupid moment” in front of your potential customer)
3) Are You Easy For The Customer To Track Down? So many business cards/invoices etc I see don’t have all of the complete contact info. I want it all! Name, title, mailing address, e-mail, phone number, web site, fax and 1-800 numbers if you have them. Don’t make me look in the Yellow Pages where I’ll find your competitor! (if you omit your address/website (or don’t have one) – you look like a teeny-tiny little company that no one wants to buy from)
Why Oh Why Diva Were You Imitating Sasquatch? OK – quit laughing!
So this is why I was Sales Diva with prickly legs – I have been on a houseboat in British Columbia, Canada with 15 friends for the past 4 days, drinking martinis, lying in the sun and we all totally left the razors at home!
And that little detail came floating to me as I was driving 120 km on the highway – too late to turn back to the Lady Gillette waiting patiently for me at my house.
As I pulled my car over, I actually had this thought cross my mind…”Hmmm – I wonder if those windshield wipers would do the trick?”…and I realized this was a job for the emergency Diva kit in my car.
I pulled out moisturizer, mixed some face powder in and voila – hairy legs went to only mildly fuzzy looking (in the right light!)
Thankfully my clients had a big boardroom table and they were doing the power point presentation!
So remember -it’s all about the details ladies- they smoooooooth the experience for you with your customers!
Isn’t that Neet?

Advisory Council for Trakware Systems Proves Integral to Corporate Growth

admin — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 04:27:23 +0000

Trakware Systems has been providing integration since 1995 and is a highly configurable, enterprise-wide business solution designed for the requirements of engineer-to-order manufacturing companies worldwide. Trakware combines ERP, MRP, and MES systems from estimation through to final installation in the field. Trakware leverages innovative technologies like XML and GPS-enabled mobile phone or smart phone.

According to Trakware’s CEO, Randy Richel, “Our Advisory Council is a critical part of the company’s success and ensures our ongoing growth.” The Advisory Council includes the following professionals:

• Bob Bozeman, retired partner of a Silicon Valley angel investment company and advisor to nearly 150 early stage companies. Bob has held high-tech positions of Chief Executive Officer, President, Managing Partner and General Manager in a variety of software, information technology/services and computer supplier industries including Vetronix Sales Corporation, MessagingDirect and Altos Computer Systems; Vice President of Wang Laboratories, a high growth Fortune 100 Corporation, where he contributed to growth in revenue from $50 million to $2.7 billion; Founder of two high-tech businesses; and, Board of Director roles.

• Don McCormick, semi-retired former President of MessagingDirect, successfully started three companies. As an Associate with a venture capital company, Mr. McCormick provided market diligence for venture capital investment opportunities, and served as Vice-President/COO of a portfolio company. Mr. McCormick joined MessagingDirect as Vice President, Sales in November 1998. He added responsibility for Marketing in April 1999 and was appointed Chief Operating Officer in January 2000. Don graduated from the University of Manitoba with an honors degree in business followed with corporate careers at both Xerox Canada and Oracle Corporation.

• Val Pohl, is a retired long time employee of Spartan Controls, founded in 1963 and is a representative VAR for leading manufacturers of process control systems and instrumentation for the oil and gas industry.

• Mary Cameron, Partner, WestLife Partners Inc. (a developer of adult communities) and a successful entrepreneur who has held multiple Chief Executive Officer board roles. Mary has received multiple awards, such as the Alberta Venture Most 50 Influential Albertans, ITV – Women of Vision, YWCA – Business Woman of 1991 and the Edmonton Ambassador Award.

• Patricia Glenn, President & Chief Executive Officer of Proactive Business Solutions was instrumental in the development of the Canadian Software Quality Alliance. She has been on the Trade Policy Task Force on The International Trade Advisory Council as well as the National Sector Team for Information Technology and Telecommunications for the Canadian Government. Patricia is an Information Systems Professional and a Certified Management Consultant with over 30 years of experience in the information technology industry.

Trakware Systems is the worldwide leader in manufacturing execution system (MES) solutions for engineer-to-order (ETO) and project-based manufacturers maximizing both profitability and productivity. Trakware specializes in lean business-critical functions such as estimating, advanced scheduling, job costing, production management and labor as well as material shop floor data collection. TRAKware software fully integrates with existing ERP systems, as well as major software providers for financials, engineering design, optimization, payroll and wireless interaction for mobile workers. Trakware recognizes ETO manufacturing as a process and includes a wide range of industry sectors including Architectural Woodworking, Cabinets, Store Fixtures, Doors and Windows, Furniture, Oil and Gas Fabrication, Solid Surface, Metal Fabrication, Yacht-building, and Custom Electronics.

57% of Canadians Bought But Only 15% Sold

admin — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 15:47:51 +0000

Canada may be smaller, but we’re proportionally more wired than our neighbors to the south with a whopping 22,000,000 Canadian Internet Users accounting for 68% of our total population. With that many internet users, it’s no wonder there were approximately 44.9 million orders placed electronically by Canadians with 57% of them going to Canadian Online Vendors as opposed to our U.S. competitors.

Unfortunately on the sales side, despite the high demand for Canadian Retailers in cyberspace, Canadian businesses have been slow to adopt the web as a sales and marketing channel. Only 15% of Canadian businesses are selling online.

If you’re still part of the 85% not selling online, you’re missing out on a share of a 5-billion dollar pie. For every $100.00 Canadian Dollars spent online, $63.00 of it went to a Canadian Online Vendor; far too big a number to ignore.

Don’t have a product or service that can be sold online? Your business can still benefit from having an online catalog supported by helpful content. 9.2 Million Adult Canadians “Window-Shopped” online for goods and services with 6 out of every 10 of them subsequently making a purchase from a retailer directly.

All in all, with so few Canadian online retail contenders and so much room for growth there’s never been a better time to get your business on the web. If you don’t know where to start, there are lots of resources online where you can ask questions, get help on choosing a web design company, or just find out more about getting your business on the web.

Best Cruise Lines For a Grand Getaway!

admin — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 03:54:41 +0000

The smell of the ocean, beautiful scenery, fabulous places to go to and people to meet! What is the best way to do all of these? Go join an exciting yet relaxing cruise to the most beautiful places on earth!
Nowadays, many people think that going on a cruise trip means spending half of their life savings or that it is just for the rich and famous. Sadly, they end up just staying at home and dreaming of what it is like to go on a trip on places you can only see in the movies or television. With the number of cruise liners offering package tours and promotions you might just find yourself in a day dream that has now become a reality.
If you are concerned about safety, don’t worry, you won’t end up like Jack and Rose in the movie Titanic. With state of the art technology, well maintained ships, and well-trained staff and crew, you don’t need to worry about anything else other than what is next in your “to do and what to see list”. One thing is for sure, you will never get bored whether you are on a fifteen-day transatlantic trip or on a three-day cruise to the Bahamas. Each cruise liner has a lot to offer within its walls. With these concerns aside, budget wise, you can concentrate on the things you need to know when planning a grand getaway.
Are you the adventurous type that prefers to travel alone for a soul-searching, mind clearing, and relaxing journey around the world? Would you like to have a romantic trip with your special someone to the breathtaking Bahamas or to beautiful and exotic Caribbean islands? Alternatively, would you like to take a tour around with a group of friends or with your family to the snow capped mountains of Alaska or lush landscapes of Mexico? Whatever your decision is, there is a perfect itinerary for the trip you wish to accomplish.
Once you have decided that you’re going on a solitary journey, especially with a special someone or you are spending your trip with your family or friends, the next step would be to decide on the length of your stay on this trip and the destinations you would like to visit and see.
After deciding on the place, the people you will be with and the length of your trip, the next thing to do before you pack your bags is to reserve the right cabin for your trip. Majority of the liners have the same types of cabins and will just differ in some amenities. This is from one liner to another. Rest assured that no matter which cabin you choose, the food, accommodations and entertainment services are the same. Here are the four types of rooms you can choose from:
?Suites and Mini-Suites
Considered as the largest and most stylish rooms on a ship, there are also several classes to choose from. Hence, the difference will be in square feet. Furnished with basic facilities, they include spacious sitting areas, walk in closets, whirlpool tubs, and additional special benefits similar to what other cruise liners may offer like concierge and butler services, entertainment centers, fresh fruits and flowers, and a separate bedroom.
?Standard Ocean View Cabins with Balcony
These cabins have their own private balconies, where in, guests can have breakfast, along with a spectacular view. It is also several feet larger than the Ocean View Cabin because it contains a queen-size bed, which is convertible to twin beds. Aside from this, it has a private bath and shower, refrigerator, hairdryer, TV, and telephone.
?Ocean View/ Outside Cabins
These rooms have picture windows, where in, the passenger can look outside their rooms. Hence, some selected “Outside” cabins may have a large sitting area, but just the same, the rooms are furnished with two twin beds, a private bathroom, a refrigerator, a phone, and a TV.
?Interior/ Inside Cabins
These cabins are usually recommended for those on a budget and do not intend to stay in their rooms too much. These rooms do not have portholes in order to see outside of the cabin. Thus, it features a small sitting area, two twin beds, vanity area, personal bathroom, refrigerator, TV, phone, and radio.
Last but definitely not the least on your list, you need to choose the Cruise Liner. With all the information at hand, it would be easier to find the perfect package for you. This is along with the availability of the cruise liner that offers the best services while staying within your budget. The rates of these liners will vary according to the destination, duration of the trip, room, and time of the year when you’ll be having your vacation. Some may even have bonus or promotional offers such as kids sailing for free. So take your pick and get ready for that perfect holiday.
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES
This cruise will make you travel from the exotic and lush foliage of Hawaii to the magnificent glaciers of Alaska. You will be able to swim with the dolphins and colorful fishes of the Caribbean or take a romantic stroll on the white beaches of the Bahamas. You can also explore places you’ve only dreamt about with Carnival Cruise Lines. The most popular cruise line in the business, they have the largest fleet, newest ships, and a variety of selections to choose from. Offering the best of everything, from their services, amenities, and itinerary, you won’t have to worry about the price it will cost you to have all of this.
Room Amenities
A choice of Interior, Ocean View, Mini Suite or Suite Staterooms are available and are guaranteed in order to make out Carnival Guests happy and comfortable while providing the same personal attention no matter where they are staying. Our rooms are furnished with lush carpeting, spacious cabinets, a phone, TV, and personal bathrooms.
Shows and Entertainment
While on board, there are many activities to choose from that will make you forget that you are feeling seasick. Carnival ships offer the finest entertainment without repeating the same show twice while you are on board. After the show you can boogey down the dance floor and pick up a drink at the bar and chat with newfound friends. You can also go to the ship’s casino to try your hand at the slot machines, Craps table, or a game of Poker. Your nights will never lack excitement!
Spa and Wellness
While cruising towards your port of destination, the ship offers a vast space for her guests to lounge under the sun or jog around to breathe in the fresh sea air. A well-equipped gym and fitness professionals are available in order to keep you in tiptop shape for all the vigorous activities in store for you once the ship docks. If you want to be pampered, the Carnival offers spa services from facials to relaxing massages, hairstyling, and beauty treatments. Even a low fat, low calorie meal for the health conscious guest is available.
For the Young and Restless
For those who are travelling with their kids and are worried that the little ones won’t have anything to do, you can worry no more. The Carnival offers a program called “Camp Carnival” for ages 2 to 15. Qualified counselors are there in order to make sure that the kids will be busy having different activities, keeping them occupied during the trip.
Dining
With the Carnival’s health and fitness program, the menus also offer low calorie, low fat, and low sodium dishes. This is apart from the traditional choices. A selection of dining options is available according to the preference of our guest. You can also choose from having a casual meal at the Sea View Bistros or in the elegant dining rooms. A flexible seating time is also available and a 24-hour Pizzerias is ready to serve you a late night snack. The 24 hour room service is also an option if you want to order inside the comforts of your room.
Special Guests
Guests with special needs are given quality service in order to cater to their needs and to make their voyage comfortable and enjoyable. Special features and amenities are added to the ship so as to be able to make everything accessible to the guests with disabilities. Their Cruise Specialist is available for any special assistance that guests will need. You do not need to hesitate in contacting them prior to your booking. This way, their staff will make proper arrangements in order to make your trip an unforgettable experience.
Past Guests
Your continued patronage of Carnival Cruise is important to them, so they are delighted to present their Past Guests promotion. With this, former guest will ride the cruise again will experience special privileges , VIP invitations, discounts and a complimentary two-year subscription to Currents Magazine. You can just advise their Cruise Specialist about your former stay with their liner prior to your reservation. This is in order for you to confirm with their promising privileges. To have you aboard again is an honor for Carnival Cruise Lines.
Destinations
Don’t know where to go? Here are some destinations and departure ports to choose from:
? Alaska, Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean, Canada, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, New England, Panama Canal, Transatlantic
? Sail from Florida, Galveston, LA, San Diego, New Orleans, San Juan, Tampa, Vancouver

Hurricane Gustav Cleanup Begins

admin — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 17:03:35 +0000

Hurricane Gustav Cleanup Begins

The nation has learned a great deal since Hurricane Katrina set her sights on the City of New Orleans. A second monster, Hurricane Gustav, put the Gulf Coast on alert just three short years later. With the lessons learned still lingering, a mass exodus took place. This time, there would be no Super Dome or lackluster response.

While the people, government, and disaster relief agencies have become better prepared for dealing with massive hurricanes, there’s no controlling Mother Nature. Whether it’s Hurricane Gustav or a future, yet-to-be-named hurricane, the Gulf Coast will continue to suffer the onslaught. High winds, huge storm surges, and torrential rains will flood coastal communities. Levees and sandbags may minimize flooding – if they are in place and don’t fail – but flooding is inevitable.

When hurricanes churn over the warm Gulf Coast waters, a huge bulge of water forms. This massive bulge ultimately becomes the “surge” that swamps the low lying coastal communities. In an attempt to hold back the surge, systems of levees have been built (and rebuilt) over the years. Sometimes these manmade structures do their job admirably; other times, they aren’t strong enough or high enough to provide adequate protection. Whether the water laps over the top or comes bursting through in a massive wave, hurricane flooding poses a significant risk to life and property.

Hurricane Gustav bore down on the Gulf Coast, making landfall in Cocodrie, Louisiana on Monday, September 01, 2008. The Category 2, which at one point had been rated at a Category 4, storm drove the masses out of its path with nearly 2 million residents fleeing the coast days in advance. While Gustav swamped numerous communities, topped a few levees, and is blamed for several deaths in the Gulf states (plus dozens more in the Caribbean), this so-called “Mother of all Storms” paled in comparison to Hurricane Katrina.

Though not nearly as devastating, Gustav left a trail of death and destruction in its wake. When residents return to their residences in the coming days, more than a few will return to flooded homes. According to CNN.com, data from FEMA and the National Institute of Building Sciences indicate probable property damage losses of $29.4 billion. To make matters worse, another Hurricane, Hanna, is on Gustav’s heels with Tropical Storm Ike quickly developing in the Atlantic. While time will tell which direction Hanna and Ike take, another Gulf Coast hit could do further damage.

The Gulf of Mexico offers deep, warm waters that have become proven breeding grounds for major hurricanes. As storm systems move over the waters, they feed off of these warm waters intensifying their fury. In Hurricane Gustav’s case, the conditions were ripe: water temperatures of 85 degrees, high humidity, and calm high-level winds. A high pressure system funneled Gustav’s waste air upwards and pushed the hurricane toward Louisiana, all the while building strength and pulling the sea into the enormous mound that would later become the hurricane’s surge. With several months of hurricane season remaining, it’s not a stretch of the imagination to see a second or third hurricane set its sights on the Gulf Coast.

Whether residents return to a home wiped out from a levee that burst its capacity or a house with a ripped-off roof or broken windows, widespread flooding can be expected. Property owners have a huge job ahead: securing their homes, diverting the water, mopping up, decontamination, drying everything out, household and structural repair, replacing damaged goods, and preventing mold. Since Hurricane Katrina, not only have emergency responders and government agencies learned a few key emergency management techniques, so too have contractors, cleanup crews, and water extractors. Time is of the essence and prompt action is a must. With more storms on the way, securing structures and drying is essential for preventing further water damage.

Residents of the city of New Orleans sighed a collective breath of relief as their worst fears surrounding Hurricane Gustav failed to come true. However, damage and destruction are evident and the cleanup is just beginning.

Dryout® Inc.
1415 Colonial Blvd.
Fort Myers, Fl. 33907
Mr. Mark Decherd

http://www.dryout.net

239-437-7100

Water Damage

Dryout Inc Emergency water damage restoration, drying, deodorization, decontamination, disinfection, mold removal, water and fire damage repair services by a network of trained specialists, technicians and restoration professionals across the USA and Canada.

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Damage Estimate Source: http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/09/01/gustav/index.html?iref=werecommend#cnnSTCOther1

Automotive Auto Body Franchises Have a Lot of Potential!

admin — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 04:15:23 +0000

Choosing to invest in a franchise is a great choice if you wish to be a business owner. Franchises have a better chance of success than independently started businesses. Once you have made the decision to become a franchisee, you need to figure out what type of franchise you would like to open. With the economy not doing so great you need to choose wisely. You want to choose a franchise business that has a good shot at success from the start. Automotive auto body franchises have a lot of potential; find out why.
Let’s start by looking at a few facts! There were 220 million vehicles on U.S. roads in 2003, and that has been growing steadily at approximately 5% per year. So, by using that information we can project that there will be more than 275 million vehicles on the road in 2008. With increasing number of vehicles on the road there will be an increase of vehicles needing repairs as well, which is great for automotive auto body franchise owners. Just to let you get an idea, every 17 seconds a reported rear end collision occurs, and every 8.5 seconds an unreported rear end collision occurs. The most frequent accident on the road is the rear end collision, at almost 29.7%, and 3/4 of these accidents occur at very low speed. That means that almost 30% of drivers on the road will need bumper repair, which is a great service offered by automotive auto body franchises. Not to mention that Nearly 26 Million auto reconditioning repairs are performed annually in the US and Canada! That is a lot of auto body repairs and a lot of profit for auto body repair shops!
Auto reconditioning repairs include body and paint repair, replacement of “bolt” on parts, and glass and interior repairs. Typical damage includes scratches, dents, chips and gouges. Auto reconditioning shops usually offer a wide variety of services such as paintless dent removal, bumper repair, windshield repair, auto body repair, window tinting, wheel rim repair, auto detailing, 3M clear bra installation, lease return inspections, headlight restoration and paint touch up. Some automotive auto body franchises even offer a mobile service, where they will come to you to complete the repairs. Also since auto body repair is affordable many people choose to have it done versus replacement which can be much more costly. With such a wide variety of repairs and services you are sure to have customer bringing their vehicles in for your great auto body services.
So, as you can see with the increasing amount of vehicles on the road an automotive auto body franchise has increasing chances for success. Each year the amount of vehicles on the road is only growing, which means you business will have many opportunities to grow as well.
Start looking today for an automotive auto body shop to invest in. You will definitely have a lot of room to grow as a franchise and become a successful franchise business owner!