lunedì 29 dicembre 2014

Privacy in the Living Room

In a previous article "A Look Ahead" we took a look at one type of new technology that is coming our way and raised some questions as to how it might impact our privacy.

This week we take a look at another incoming technology that has many people, and even a few countries a bit worried. On May 21, Microsoft finally revealed its next generation gaming console, the Xbox One.
Among the many features showcased was the Kinect.
For those unfamiliar, the Kinect is a motion sensing device that is used by the Xbox for controller free interaction with the device.
It does this by recognizing gestures and voice commands.

Now, the original Kinect first introduced with the Xbox 360 was fairly easy for users to trick if they didn't want it on or watching. One could simply cover the camera, face it away towards a wall, or even unplug the device and continue using their Xbox.

With the next generation console, it's not looking like that will be possible.

The next generation Kinect will be required to be plugged into the Xbox One at all times.
So from what we've seen during the reveal, the device will always be on.
Even if you are able to turn the camera to face a wall, the microphone will be on and listening to allow users to turn on the console with voice commands.

Besides the microphone, the camera itself has gotten a big upgrade. The new Kinect will be able to see in the dark and track your facial expressions in reaction to events on or off screen.

As the new console will be a portal to consume all sorts of media from video games to tv shows, having a camera pointed at your face and watching your reactions at all times is a big concern for privacy.
It will be able to determine effectiveness of commercials and maybe even detect certain brand objects in your living room. Having technology with these capabilities is great for being able to deliver more relevant content to each individual user, but at the same time it makes you wonder, is it listening or watching me now? Where is this information being stored and who has access to it? I sure don't want 3rd parties getting access to a camera and microphone in the center of my house.
In response to the unveiling two countries have come out and expressed concern about the console.

Germany and Australia both view the current console as a monitoring device and some officials have even suggested banning the device.

Microsoft has promised to reveal many more details about the console and planned privacy features that will allow users to control how data is used, stored, and shared.

A Microsoft representative has also mentioned that the system will be able to be completely shut off and not just be put into a low power mode that leaves things like the microphone active.

So until E3 all we can do is continue to discuss the features as we have seen them and voice our concerns.

Hopefully Microsoft will listen and make the necessary adjustments.

USMLE Opens the Gateway For International Medical Students to Practise Medical Career in US

Attempting the USMLE in one go is not at all difficult if international medical students prepare through multiple mock tests with the prominent USMLE books which consist of multiple USMLE practice questions.

The US is one of the best places in the entire world for pursuing a high quality medical science education.

Each calendar year, numerous students from diverse countries flock to this developed country to get a degree in US medical science.

There is plethora of US medical universities from where international students can get their graduation as well as the further higher accolades.
Well it does not mean that graduating from a US medical institute is the only way to make a bright career in this multicultural country.

Even those who have completed graduation from other nations medical institutes can also get legal license but for this one needs to pass USMLE with better scores.
The USMLE (the United States Medical Licensing Examination) is an entrance exam conducted and sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (shortly known as NBME). Both US and none US medical doctors need to get qualified by this entrance exam for collecting their licenses in their respective study areas and accordingly they can start their medical career in the US.
The USMLE consists of three segmented tests which have to be thoroughly passed by medical students.

The US MD medical school graduates need to obtain 95%, 82% by US osteopathic medical graduates and for international or foreign medical school graduates need to chunk out at least 70%. The above mentioned benchmarks are mandatory for both US and non-US medical students.

Before they sit for the annual entrance exams they need to strengthen their knowledge in the respective realms with the help of branded, competitive and internationally acclaimed books on USMLE practice questions.
If medical graduates repetitively train themselves with all the possible USMLE practice questions and answers then it certain that they can face any kinds of typical questions at the final USMLE entrance exams at one go.
Dreams materialize into reality only when one toils and trains himself with practicalities. Best books USMLE practice questions offer the key to get the medical license in the United States of America.

Children's Fears and Phobias

Children suffer fears and phobias that may seem trivial to an adult, but can cause extreme tension and disruption to children.
These phobias can come and go and differ greatly depending on how the child is feeling and the experiences that they have.
Anxietycare.

org.
uk reassures us that most children who have phobias at an early age may not continue to have such an issue in later life.
However, we need to help our child through such stages and give them the confidence to face their fears and continue life as normal. Most phobias are pretty mild but there are cases that can be considered acute.
We can normally differentiate between the two, by using "fight or flight" motto. If a child "acts" scared but is still able to be present in the same place as their feared thing, then they may just be scared of the notion of being presented with something new. For someone who is considered acutely phobic - the thought of being scared is just as scary as the feared thing and it is the two things together that provide such extreme anxiety. According to anxietycare.
org.uk children fear the following: Age 2-4: Fear of animals, loud noises, being left alone, inconsistent discipline, toilet training, bath, bedtime, monsters and ghosts, bed wetting, disabled people, death and injury.
Age 4-6: Fear of darkness and imaginary creatures, animals, bedtime, monsters, ghosts, strangers. Children at this age may also fear loss of a parent, death, injury and divorce. As children grow up - irrational fears tend to fade and our children fear things with consequences, such as family divorce, fear of school, sex, deaths, blood.

Phobias are treated in many ways. If the phobia is not considered as anything too serious, then you could just see how it plays out and what happens.

Another option is to help children become less sensitive to it by exposing them to the situation slowly and gently.
This could be completed in a game situation with rewards.

Other options include a parent showing the child that there is nothing to be feared of by being brave themselves! (Think carefully about this one). In the case of extreme phobias - relaxation is often used so that the child can face up to their fears in "surreal conditions".
Try asking your child to tell you a story that includes a number of themes.
For example, if they fear spiders. Ask them to create a story including two animals they like and then one that they fear (in this case spider).

Explain that the animals all need to have funny names and voices - this way the child will start to associate the creature with humour rather than fear.

If the child fears school - you need to establish which elements of school that they are concerned about and why.
Once you have figured this out - talk to your child's teacher about these issues. Try not to hang around the school gates as these can fuel the feeling of being concerned about your child being away from their parents.

Ask your child to create a diary.
Inside they can write their anxieties and fears, but they also have to write three positive things that happened to them on that day.
You may notice that your child's fears differ and change - we all have worries and they cannot be erased - but we can learn to help ourselves focus on the positive things that occur and the diary could be a constant reminder of the good things. By asking your child to complete these kinds of activities - they will gain a better understanding of the notion that it is OK to have a mixture of emotions and help them beat their anxieties productively.

It will also give them coping methods for later life.
Try the Relax Kids Anxiety and Worry CD from the Relax Your Child range or the How Do You Feel Today CD.

Both are full of exercises and articles that are great for helping your child manage their worries.

domenica 28 dicembre 2014

Getting a Degree in Nursing Online

A nursing student must attend a college or university that is accredited and provides an education in the skills necessary to pursue nursing as a career. There are online programs available that provide the degree programs that nurses need to obtain this degree in some areas. The online programs prepare nurses for the exams that they will take to become a licensed nurse. The requirements vary from state to state so it is necessary to find one that provides the education in the requirements according to your particular area. There are online degree programs for nurses that are associates degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and even doctorates.
The type of course that is chosen will determine the type of nurse that you can become.

An online degree program for an associate's degree can be completed in approximately two or three years, depending on the course load.
An online program will only be able to train students in classroom work.

Hands on training is required to become a nurse. Students will have to seek out this education on their own.
Check out the various programs online to find the types of hands on work that will be required for your degree.

Most of the programs will be able to provide guidance on getting this type of training for your degree.

Some of the classes that are taken at this level are nutrition, anatomy, microbiology among other classes.

Additional study is needed for those who wish to work in a more demanding career in nursing.

An associate's degree allows a student to work in a nursing home, doctor's office and other less critical roles after graduation and licensing. Students can also go on to earn a higher degree in nursing after an associate's degree.
A bachelors degree in nursing will take at least four years to obtain and possibly longer if the course load is not adequate.
Students will also have to gain hands on training outside of the online program to obtain a nursing degree in nursing.
Some of the classes required for this degree include psychology, chemistry and biology.

The bachelor's degree program qualify a student to become a registered nurse after graduation. There are more opportunities in the job market for a registered nurse. Nurses can also seek a master's degree to pursue their career to the fullest level.
You will need an additional two years after a bachelor's degree program to obtain a master's in nursing.
The programs typically require more on the job training outside of the online program.
Students can choose to specialize in a particular area of nursing with this type of degree. A student with a master's degree can work in any type of medical setting.
There is always room to advance your degree with a PhD program. Online schools do not limit you in the type of degree that you can achieve, even the highest level of degree.

Loving While Annoying Your Teen

Kids say the darndest things, and teens just hit it out of the ballpark.
I have three lovely teenage daughters, whom I enjoy annoying no end.

What I mean by "lovely" is that they've hitherto successfully controlled the urge to strangle me.

You see, I get a real kick out of getting their goad. Driving them mental is just my way of encouraging them not to take life too seriously.

But I get a funny feeling it's having quite the opposite effect.

I'm currently nursing a leg injury, for which I don't expect any sympathy, much less a soothing massage from one of the girls I took great pains to deliver into the world.

Yesterday, I could not resist the invitation by my middle child, Kimberly, to go with her to a nearby hospital for a foot x-ray and diagnosis.

Having been a field hockey player on and off for six years prior, she'd sustained a foot injury which was now acting up.
Two x-rays in the previous two months showed no sign of broken bones or torn ligaments.

Yet, the pain persists.

Kimberly is tolerating the pain quite well (something I've prepared my children well for) - in fact when the two of us walk through the hospital doors, it is me the staff think need to see the doctor.

Kim gets through her x-ray in the first half hour, and a four hour wait to see a doctor follows.

The hospital waiting room is full, so I let the real patient sit, and the moment a seat becomes available, the patient asks me, "Mummy, do you want to sit there?" I tell her I should leave the seat for someone who's injured, and then go, "Oh wait, that's me!" Kim rolls her eyes in exasperation at my feeble attempt to make her laugh.
While we wait, I play musical chairs in the waiting room until I get a seat next to Kim.

We snack on cake and chocolate, and play games on our phones. It's the ultimate mother-daughter bonding experience.

The battery of my iPhone 4S with iOS7 dies before I want it to, and bored, I start bothering Kimberly while she's playing a puzzle game she's really good at on her phone. I'm intrigued at how adept she is at clearing the levels.

I marvel at the genius I'm dead certain I had some part in creating. Kim's holding her chocolate covered hedgehog slice with half a hand, and as I'm leaning over her, she asks "Mummy, do you want some of my hedgehog?" "Nah," I say. "C'mon, I see you looking at it!" she tells me.
Unable to deny my feelings, I say, "Alright, you got me.
I would love a bite." Kim has always given generously.

When she was three or four, her eyes would tear when she passed a homeless person or beggar or handicapped person selling knick-knacks.

I felt sure she was going to be the next Mother Teresa, or at least someone with a veritable, monetisable collection of knick-knacks.

Anyway, three hours into our wait at the hospital, I tell Kim, "Gosh, this is such a waste of life. Do they think we have nothing to do but sit around and wait for our names to be called?" And she says, "Mummy, I didn't ask you to come with me.
" "Oh, yes you did." "No, I asked if you would LIKE to come, out of courtesy. Frankly, I was hoping you'd say 'no'.

" "I really wanted to spend some quality time with you, Kim.

And to keep you company in your time of need." "Well, then stop complaining about the wait." So grabbing her hand and taking a bite out of her half-eaten hedgehog, I apologise and tell her I'm seriously enjoying her company.

I learn that Kim wants to study forensic psychiatry as it doesn't (shouldn't) involve blood.

She also wants to get a gross amphibious pet - which name I can't remember now because I so wanted to forget it - after her exams.

An Axolotl, I think it was.
I vaguely remember seeing it at a pet shop - this creature with gills and legs, resembling a tadpole raised next to a nuclear power plant, and fed a diet of steroids and peptides.
I reckon it's to keep me out of her room.

She is 18, and I realize I have to let her make her own decisions about the pets she wants to keep.
It could have been worse..

. no actually, it couldn't have been much worse. As we're going home, I tell Kim that the reason I annoy her and her two sisters is so that they'd feel my absence when I'm no longer around.

"Don't you think we might actually be relieved?" she states.

I say, "No.
You just wait.

The thing that annoys you most now will be the thing that you will miss most when it's gone.

" Kim tells me that's being a tad manipulative.
To which I answer, "Yes.
I call that 'Leaving a Legacy'.
" I love it when I make their eyes roll.

Finding Electrical Courses is Easy As Long As You Do Your Research Into What's Available Online

Finding the right sort of electrical courses for your needs and skills can be quite hard but if you do your research you should have no problem finding what you need. There are hundreds of opportunities that open up when you decide to learn a new skill and at the moment this could be very valuable to you. Because a lot of employers are being very picky when it comes to qualifications and skills, it's a good idea to spend time training and learning so that you can easily get jobs in the future.

A lot more people than you think aren't trained or qualified so it's certainly worthwhile.

If you're interested in finding electrical courses then there are a few things that you'll need to think about before you sign up to anything.

Firstly, it's a good idea to consider where you're going to do your training.
One of the most popular options is to train and learn from home. This type of electrical course is easy to find online and is certainly one of the best ways to ensure that you do well.
You'll be able to study at your own pace and learn as you go along.
A lot of people choose this method of learning for all sorts of skills. One of the first things that you should do is research.

You'll need to know what's available on today's market in order to ensure that you will be studying for the correct qualifications.

You'll also need to consider what type of electrical courses you'll be interested in.
There are a lot to choose from but you shouldn't have any problems finding some near you.
Head over to your favourite search engine such as Google and type in "electrical courses" this should provide you with a list of places that offer these courses and you'll then be able to compare the fees and prices for them.

Have a pen and paper with you while you are browsing because it's always a good idea to keep note of any aspects of the course where you might struggle or have questions.
Depending on the level of course you take, beginner or advanced, you may need to spend quite a bit of time studying.
This is why research is so important, if you aren't aware of what's available on today's market you could end up signing up to something that you're not prepared for.
You will have to set aside time to study and doing research will help you figure out how much time you'll need as well as how much it'll cost.

Try and request a prospectus from each place you find so that you can properly compare the courses you're interested in. Finding what you need should be quite easy as long as you do your research and ensure that you're aware of what's available on today's market.

Overall, electrical courses are a great way to train and they can be very helpful in opening doors to new career opportunities.

Rift Guide - Is It Really Worth It?

If you have ever played a MMORPG (massively multi-player online role playing game), then you know firsthand how hard it is to play. To get real far in the game, it will require your best gaming skills throughout the entire game, whether it's leveling up quickly, winning boss fights or making enough gold to buy special skills. In fact, the goal for any online role playing game is not to beat it, rather work towards coming up with the best character and completing all of the important quests.
Another thing is to enjoy the world that you are immersed in with your character of choice. Having a Rift Guide will definitely simplify your playing experience. Rift is a brand new MMORPG that brings a more radical concept to online role playing games, and the way that they are played. In the unpredictable world of Telara, a series of violent rifts is causing a lot of damage to the world itself.
Due to the buckling and churning, these rifts are giving birth to a lot of cataclysmic events.

Every event or rift that occurs will cause damage, death and destruction to all of the inhabitants on Telara.

However, as a character in the world of Telara, it is your main job to remain alive.
How to do so is your personal choice but the bottom line is that you either can allow the destructive power of the rifts be the end of you, or you can show that you are willing to die to try to tame the rifts power.

Getting a Rift Guide for will help you make the best choices while you are playing the game.
One of the many difficult decisions you will face is to decide your faction.
You have to ask yourself, do you want to align yourself with a faction that is aimed at taming the rifts' power or join a faction that is trying to put an end to all rifts and their destructive forces forever.

Before you can begin your journey, you will have to decide which of the two to join.

Guides are usually there to help you make your choice of faction, and it will help you get further in the future.

In addition to that, it will also teach you to learn the important details of the new class system in the world of Telara as well as giving you needed skills to boost your Telara character to the highest levels in the game.

sabato 27 dicembre 2014

Go: A 4,000 Year Old Chinese Strategy Game

Go is an ancient board game invented in China almost 4,000 years ago, and is played by millions of players all across the world.
Go goes by many names.

It is called "Baduk" in Korea and "Weiqi" in China.

It is a national sport in many Asian countries, where professional players face off against one another in highly competitive tournaments where the winner takes home large cash prizes.
Go is one of the world's most popular board games, with millions of players in Asia of all ages.

While Go has been known in the West since the late 1800's, when a German chemist named Oscar Korschelt wrote about the game in the German magazine "The German Society of East Asian Art and Culture" after visiting Japan, the game has stayed under the radar until recently.

Most people have seen glimpses of Go in popular media.

The Chinese President, Hu Jintao, presented President Obama with a Go board specially crafted by American woodworker, Frank Salantrie.
Go also appears in movies like A Beautiful Mind and in a Domino's Pizza commercial.
Go is a highly complex game.
While computer programmers have devised artificial intelligence that can beat top chess players, professional Go players still can best even the most advanced computer program.

Go is great to keep the mind sharp and is fun for players of any ability or experience level, and is also a great way to meet new people and be part of a new fad taking hold in the states.

Go is a two player game.
All you need to play is a board, and a set of white and black stones.

Each player alternates placing a single stone on the board.
You are free to play wherever you feel like, so long as you follow the three simple rules of the game.
That's right, Go only has three rules! Game play is simple, but the strategy can get quite complex.

The interesting part, is how much your own creativity and style can sing on the board. The object of the game is to build walls and surround the intersections on the board.
Each intersection counts as one point, and is called "territory." Whoever has more territory by the end of the game is the winner.
In future installments, we'll get into the actual rules of the game, and a little bit about the American Go scene, and perhaps you'll be inspired to try the game out for yourself!

Choosing A Digital Camera For Younger Children

First of all, why choose a camera specifically designed for children? Well, to begin with, this type of camera is more robust than an adult model and can withstand all the knocks, bumps and drops that the average pre-school child is inevitably going to subject it to.
Picture quality is not usually that high with a camera for this age group, 2.

0 mega pixels is pretty standard - but don't reject a model on this basis.
Remember that you are not choosing a camera for yourself, this is for a little child and whatever camera you put into their hands, you are never going to get high quality images when the photographer cannot stay still for thirty seconds at a time! Large, easy to use buttons and controls are an absolute 'must', whatever model you choose.
It is essential that little fingers can manage to work everything without having to ask an adult for help every two minutes - this is also important for your own sanity! For the same reason, look for a model that has several automated features which will make your child's first attempts at photography as rewarding for him as possible, with some good images right from the get go.
Surprisingly, even the more inexpensive models available for this age group have video recording capabilities with audio.

They also have a good-sized memory for storing images (often up to around 256 MB) so children are not going to have to stop taking pictures because the memory is full and the camera needs to be downloaded.
Some of the higher-spec.

models also have an SD memory card slot which enables even more storage space. Because your child will want to show the images and/or videos he has created to family and friends, a really nice feature is the ability to connect to a TV so that everyone can enjoy watching a slide-show of images or a short video together.

Connection is usually via a USB cable.

Children are so easily distracted and batteries can quickly become depleted if the child leaves the camera on and goes off to do something else.
Many models have an automatic switch-off feature on a timer which switches off the camera, saving the batteries if no functions are used within a certain length of time.

For models that also include games, this is almost essential.

A dual-viewfinder is very useful, bearing in mind that younger children find it quite tricky to focus using only one eye. However taking pictures is made much easier when the camera has a large, LCD display screen so the child can check the picture they are taking, just by looking at the screen. The LCD screen in full color is also great for showing off the pictures they have already taken! A built-in flash to compensate for low light situations indoors is also very handy and saves the disappointment of having images that are too dark to see the subject clearly.

Of course this is less important if you feel that your child is likely to be doing most of his photography out-of-doors. A rotating lens which enables the child to take pictures of himself or include himself in a picture with friends or family is a great feature to have as well.

It seems to be a great source of fascination, particularly with younger children.

What should you expect to pay for a camera with all these great features? The answer, at under $70 is probably less than you were anticipating. You can often get top spec. models at budget model prices if you look for special offers and deals in store and online.

Protecting Your Teen Driver

It is a well known fact that teen driving is one of the highest causes of automobile accidents. Many of these accidents are due to the inexperience of many teenage drivers combined with the dangerous habits that many of these teenagers develop early in their driving years.
Many of these habits are influenced by their friends and are not necessarily a reflection on whether or not they are a good kid.

However, a parent can monitor their teenager's driving habits to ensure that they are developing safe practices while behind the wheel.
Many parents do not like to let go of their teenager by allowing them to drive. These parents are often aware of the shocking statistics that follow teen driving.
These statistics include a high rate of automobile accidents as well as a high rate of injuries and even deaths related to these accidents.
These statistics can frighten a parent and may even cause them to deny their teenager the responsibility of driving a car.
However, a parent can help to ensure that their teenager is driving safely. By keeping a close eye on your teenager's car, you can determine how your teen is driving and whether or not they are making good decisions while they are behind the wheel. Watching for severe symptoms of wear and tear beyond what is normal for a vehicle can indicate that your teenager is doing things that are unsafe and can cause them to become involved in a car accident.
Monitoring gas mileage is another great way to make sure that your teenager is not speeding. Excessive speed will use more gas than driving the speed limit.

It is every parent's responsibility to do everything that they can to ensure that their children are safe. This includes teenagers.
Teenagers may feel that they are grown up and should be treated as adults.

However, they are still children.
Teen driving is something that teenagers look forward to but it is also something that many parents fear. Being proactive and involved in your teenager's life can help you to know that they are safe when they drive and are not influenced too much by their friends to do things in the car that can result in injury or even death.

Locating Resources For Homeschooling

Homeschooling is slowly becoming a trend nowadays and most parents are having fun with the interaction they are having with their child. Some parents are still having second thoughts regarding homeschooling though. Their main concern is that they might be having some problems finding resources to use for homeschooling. This article will help you find resources from different places.
The first stop is a ride to your nearest bookstores. Armed with a list of possible books to buy from a curriculum of a school, you can buy the books at any convenient bookstore.
This will save you a lot of time and give you flexibility with regards to your child's studies as bookstores have more choices and references for your child to use. An alternative stop would be a trip to your closest magazine stores. Magazines provide you a lot of catalogs where you can choose from a lot of advertisers listed in it.
This will help you from spending lots of time searching through bookstores and will give you a sense of what your child's going to get. Of course, with all the technology available on the internet, you should not be really surprised that you can find websites offering help in your child's studies.

Some of them can be easily found when searching at Google and some of them can be given to you by other people who are also having their child homeschooled. The simplest place to look for resources is by going to a public library. Public libraries have books and references for you child to take home and use. To help with that, libraries have different instructional materials such as videos (like those from National Geographic) and cassette tapes (like tapes that will help you learn another language).

These instructional materials not only help with the books in teaching but they also help in easing out the boring quality and the monotony ofbooks given out to children.

Libraries also offer a lot of computer software which will not only help with your child's learning but will also help him in understanding different computer technologies and how they work. Often computer software is easy and fun to use, therefore attracting a lot of young people to use it.

Libraries also give book discussions. Book discussions not only train your child to read but also to think and criticize every thing that he/she reads.

This will not only develop reading comprehension, it will also help your child in critical thinking.

Another place to look at is at the house of another parent who decided to homeschool their children.
You might find it interesting that they are willing to share both their experiences and their used materials (books, references and other activity materials).

You could save a lot of money and at the same time learn from these people who have already experienced the joys and the pains of homeschooling a child.

The most neglected place and probably one of the most informational, next only to a library, is the museum.
A trip to a museum will not only help your child appreciate art and history but your child will also learn a lot from observing and listening to the history of all the museum displays.
The best way to conduct this is by joining a group museum tour where there will be an instructor to guide and give you bits of information that will help your child.
The last place, but definitely not the least in this list, is inside your home.
Search your cupboard and teach your child some simple baking lessons.

This will not only help your relationship with your child but it will also promote your child to learn patience and of course will teach your child how to bake.
You could also do outdoor activities such as planting seeds.

This will help your child be interested in plant life but if coupled with other activities (such as mathematics), this has a potential to be both fun and instructional. You basically just have to find out where your child's attention is focused.

Upon learning this, you can try to join your child's playtime and turn it into something educational.

E-Learning Software Installation and Consultancy Services

To be the front runner in this competitive world, an organization needs quick and easy access to information.

Changing technology and market scenario demands organizations to implement and adapt the new things. But change must not be restricted to the operations of the organization; it should positively affect the mindset of the individuals as well. As the world is performing on the click of a mouse, training process also goes online with the introduction of e-learning.

The emergence of e-learning software transformed the routine training process of the organization and made it more collaborative and interactive.
Many smaller organizations still have doubts like how does this program work, how much investment it requires for implementation, and other things regarding its management and maintenance.
Such organizations must go for e-learning consulting, so that they get a clear idea of what it actually is.

A bigger organization can purchase the e-learning software while smaller organizations, which do not want to do huge investments can avail this Software as a Service (SaaS). The burden of repair and maintenance of the software lies with the service provider, when an organization opts for SaaS.

E-learning software caters to all the training needs of an organization. Many industries including banking & finance, IT & software, life science and retail have implemented e-learning in their organization.
The training module for each of these companies is different as all these industries function differently.

The e-learning content can be accessed via smart phones, tablets and computers.
This has helped in enhancing the reach and scope of online training.
Now-a-days training modules can also be accessed via social networking sites like face book and twitter. The individuals are given a catalog from which they can choose the training module they wish to refer to.

For the smaller organizations that need to save on cost, e-learning outsourcing is a favorable option.
The organizations can choose to outsource the whole of their project or a part of it, depending upon their requirements.

In e-learning outsourcing, like SaaS, the maintenance of the software remains in the hands of the service provider. The organizations can get their training module updated and modified as per the changing scenario.

There a few points an organization must keep in mind before outsourcing the content such as the past clientele of the firm, their experience in the domain and quality of the module.

Security of the training module is also one of the important issues, which an organization must keep in mind while selecting an off shoring company.

venerdì 26 dicembre 2014

Are Free Online CNA Classes for Real?

As nursing shortages become more and more prevalent, many people have begun to wonder, "Are free online CNA classes for real?" The answer is that yes, some online colleges really do offer free classes to those who qualify for financial aid. Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant, or CNA, is not a decision that should be taken lightly, however, and there are a number of things to consider before signing up for classes. Before you start looking at possible schools and financing options, it is important to consider whether or not you are cut out to be a CNA.
This is neither a glamorous job, nor one that pays particularly well.
In fact, Nursing Assistants often make little more than minimum wage. Most CNA's work in the home care field or work in institutions such as hospitals or homes for the elderly.
Duties include helping patients with daily tasks such as eating, dressing, grooming and getting to appointments. At times, CNA's may also provide emotional support or offer the opportunity for socialization. The work can be grueling and it takes an emotional toll on many Nursing Assistants.

For the right person, however, the work can also be incredibly rewarding, giving them the chance to make a positive difference in their patients' lives.
Additionally, there is an ongoing shortage of CNA's in the field, meaning that once you have obtained your certification, you should have no problem finding work.

Once you have decided that a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant is right for you, you should start looking at training programs.
Most programs run from six to twelve weeks and cost from three hundred to six hundred dollars.
Traditionally, training programs have been offered by local organizations and community colleges.
Today, however, there are a number of online options that allow you to get your certification from the comfort of your own home.
Regardless of the program you are considering, however, it is important to make sure that it is accredited by the state. Each state has its own licensing board, and this board will be able to tell you, which programs have been accredited. If you need help financing your schooling, there may be a number of options available to you.
Many states offer scholarship programs designed specifically to help people obtain their CNA certification.

Most community colleges also offer scholarship and financial aid programs for their students. An increasing number of online courses have also begun to advertise free classes.
Like most school financing options, you will have to meet certain requirements in order to qualify.

In most cases, you will have to demonstrate that you do not have enough money to pay on your own, and you will have to demonstrate that you can be a good student. With any school financial aid, it is important to double-check what is actually paid for. While tuition may be free, you may still be responsible for supplies such as books, lab coat and shoes. It is important to remember that no CNA certification can be obtained entirely online.

All CNA's must complete a hands-on internship, which will not be paid for by the online college.

If you want to know, "Are free online CNA classes for real?" however, the answer is yes.

Many online colleges offer the classes themselves for free.

Found Out - The New Era of Online Personal Development

The Internet has changed our lives so drastically that things that appeared impossible a couple of decades ago have become part of our daily lives. It has touched and changed every aspect of our lives. The internet has had its advantages and disadvantages, but the way it has presented the whole world before our finger tips is commendable.

The Internet has revolutionized the concept of education.

A dozen years back gaining education was limited to your local schools and colleges. But the internet has made it possible to access any information you require right on your screen. An online learning program makes it possible for you to learn and master anything that you are interested via the internet.
Also, it provides you the provision to choose where you would like to study it. You can sit in India and take your classes from an institution on the other side of the globe.

Today, most of the top notch universities of the world offer online learning programs. This allows students to attend courses across physical, political and economic boundaries.
In these programmes, the students or teachers might never meet personally, but the quality of the education still remains the same.

Also, online learning programs offer the provision to conduct online assessments effectively. The online courses have been designed to deliver optimum results in these assessments. Recognized experts have the opportunity of making information available to anyone interested at minimum costs.
This is a perfectly convenient mode of learning because the students are not bound to a specific time to physically attend classes. Therefore, online learning becomes extremely acceptable to persons who wish to pursue part time courses. Companies make use of this facility to deliver training facilities to its employees.

The employees have access to the educational database and can conveniently cover the training. This type of training can be a good alternative to printed learning materials since rich media, including videos or animations, can easily be embedded to enhance the learning.

Another advantage is that this training can be easily distributed to a wide audience at a relatively low cost once the initial development is completed. Studies have proved that such online training programs have been a big success, both financially and technically.

Learning online programs are therefore extremely convenient and easy. The wide possibilities that they offer is amazing. The communication technologies used in online learning programs are being restructured to create more effective virtual classrooms and better technology incorporated strategies.

Dinosaurs, Fossils, and Paleontologists as a Fun Kid Dinosaur Activity

What child does not love dinosaurs? I believe kids are fascinated with dinosaurs because they lived millions of years ago, they come in all sizes, and have really cool names! The most popular are the Tyrannosaurus Rex (T-rex), Brontosaurus, and Stegosaurs.
There are actually hundreds more, and scientists are finding evidence of more dinosaurs all the time.

A kid dinosaur activity could include the study of fossils. Scientists learn about dinosaurs by finding and studying fossils.
These scientists are called Paleontologists (anyone remember Ross from Friends?).

People began discovering dinosaur fossils as early as the 1700s.

Dinosaur fossils take the form of bones, eggs, and footprints impressions in rock. A fossil is the record or remains of a living thing that has lived in the past. Fossil prints are preserved when the soft mud in which they are made forms into stone.
This kid dinosaur activity includes making your own fossil by making a mold with plaster of Paris and assorted leaves, sticks or shells.
Use disposable buckets or dishpans for mixing the plaster of Paris and water.

To make your own fossil you will need: 4 C plaster of Paris 2 ½ C water Petroleum jelly Assorted shells, leaves, sticks, etc. Mix 2 cups of plaster with 1 ¼ cups of water in the container. Spread the plaster in the bottom of the pan to about 1-inch thick. Wait about 2 minutes until the plaster begins to set. Coat the shells, leaves or sticks with petroleum jelly and press into the plaster just enough to dent the surface.

Remove items after a few minutes and let set until it's completely hard.
This is the mold.
Coat each mold (indent from shells etc.

) with petroleum jelly.

Now mix up another batch of plaster and pour into the molds.

Let the plaster harden, then gently separate the "fossil" from the mold.

If they don't separate easily, hold the pan upright and gently tap with small hammer.

Kids will find this dinosaur activity very interesting. If you want, make a hand or foot prints using the same procedure as making a fossil from leaves or sticks.
Just remember to coat the kids' hand or foot thickly with petroleum jelly.
Now the kids can say they know what a Paleontologist is!

Teenagers and Button Pushing - What is it That Makes You See Red?

Some of my coaching this month has prompted me to explore the button pushing phenomenon with my clients. During this newsletter we will answer the following questions: What is the label on that button on my chest? What is my automatic reaction to it being pushed? What is the result of that button being pushed? What can I do about it? We all know what it feels like to have our buttons pushed.
Something physical happens: a particular energy takes over, and we "see red." Adrenaline rushes; muscles tighten; palms sweat; voices change.
Your face looks really ugly, and you turn into somebody no one wants to be around. It happens to the best of us. A great example is road rage: you are waiting for a car space and someone else drives into it before you! All of a sudden you go from being completely calm to over the top rage! You possibly say or do things that you later regret.
The same can be said with a button pushing episode by your teenager.

Name your buttons Your teenager has this uncanny ability of knowing how to push your buttons.

Buttons are words or actions that your teenager will intentionally use to make you lose control of your emotions and skilfully get what it is they ultimately want.
Take a moment now to think about the buttons - what are they labelled? "I hate you.

.

.

you're such a loser of a parent! Why won't you let me.

..

everyone else's mother does?!" "I'm going to run away!" "I'm not going to school!" "You're not my real mother/father..

.you can't tell me what to do!" "Yeah..

.
.

whatever" Or actions such as: Door slamming, screaming, raving, silence.

When this happens, you become angry or frustrated; this leads to an inability to think clearly and effectively confirm agreements and consequences.

Teenagers have a reason for button pushing and each type often has a different motive.

Understanding the motive and intended impact behind each button will hopefully help you neutralise its effectiveness.

Think about your buttons - can you identify the purpose? Here are some examples to help you: "I hate you; you're such a loser of a parent!" Think: this is meant to get you to lose your temper through personal character attacks. This anger clouds your thought process and limits your ability to effectively enforce consequences.

"You don't love me" Think: Teenagers will use this phase to make you feel guilty and withdraw the rule or punishment.

"I'm going to run away!" Think: Teenagers want to scare you into thinking the worst will happen if they do run away. It is a tactic to get you to back off and not enforce consequences. "You're not my real mother or father" Think: Teenagers want to unnerve their non biological parent and deliver a big guilt trip to take their focus off the real issue. Step parents will be well served by not taking it personally.
What is your automatic reaction? When you can identify the trigger you can then take more control over your automatic reactions: o An all-too-familiar emotion floods your body, and you react in a way you regret.
o Visions of your grown child unable to accomplish anything, alone and friendless or behind bars, loom vividly.
o Rational behavior seems suddenly and completely out of reach.

o Your spouse says, "Why do you always get so upset about that? Just let it go.

" Or, "She never does that with me." Or, "What's the big deal? He's just being a boy!" o You see fear on your teen's face.

o You are at the end of your rope, swear you have tried everything, and nothing works. The result of button pushing o You lose authority. o You break connection.
o It leaves both you and your teen feeling angry, defensive, frightened, and inadequate. o Nothing productive results.

o Attempts to control push your teen farther from your intentions or teach her to obey you out of fear.

Your teenager is not ultimately mean spirited or a bad person but has worked out how to manipulate the game to their best advantage.

We as parents need to stay in control, be aware of what our buttons are, see them coming and then chose a more appropriate action. Be proactive rather than reactive! Top 10 tips for button busting! 1.
Don't take it personally.

2.
Breathe and wait.
3.
Recognise button pushing as a power game. 4.
State your feelings - be conscious of your tone, facial expression and body language. 5. Avoid character assassination.
6. Listen from their point of view.

7. Violence is never acceptable.
8. Do apologise if you lose it.
9.

Don't accuse, insult or use put downs.
10. Don't try to control or feel you must always "win".
Teens need a balance between love and boundaries and it is up to you, the adult, to maintain control over yourself so you can assist them in becoming a responsible, independent young adult.

giovedì 25 dicembre 2014

The Future of Police Body Cameras

Police cameras are an important tool for the law enforcement community.
Police body cameras come in handy in a variety of situations: documenting the scene of an accident or crime, creating an important record of a volatile and confusing situation, police traffic stops, arrests, as well as eliminating "he-said, she-said" incidents with the press of a button.

Amazing advances in police camera technology are allowing police and law enforcement to benefit from high definition vehicle and police body cameras. Body cameras and car cameras are becoming increasingly ubiquitous with high tech models coming with a variety of useful designs and features. The usefulness of body-worn cameras for police officers is obvious.
For one, they can protect officers in the event of misconduct allegations and from costly litigation. Second, an officer can sometimes diffuse a situation by just letting a belligerent person know they are being recorded.

Third, they can provide valuable evidence and records of incidents, traffic stops, arrests and crime scenes.

"Reasons to use officer-worn cameras are to increase officer safety, reduce agency liability, reduce officer complaints and improve the public perception of police," Lafayette police Sgt. John Sellers told TechBeat.

It is really no wonder why there is such a growing demand for both police body cameras and police car cameras.
Most of the body cameras police use either clip on to the front of their uniform shirt or are disguised as a shirt button. Popular body cams include a small pager-sized model that clips on the shirt. Lawmate's button-type cameras are disguised as a shirt button and record to a small digital recorder that fits in a pocket. There are many other models including button cameras with built-in digital video recorders that record either to internal memory or to a MicroSD card. Most of these cameras record at between 640 x 480 resolution to 720 x 480 resolution. They also usually have a time/date stamp feature.
Some are also waterproof and some have password protection as well. Many of these same cameras are available to the public for personal use.

The most advanced police body camera on the market today is a model that replaces the lapel handset mic on an officer's uniform and connects to their radio. What it so advanced is the HD 1080p recording resolution, GPS geo tagging, the LCD screen and the supervisor password protection. It also can be used a police car dashboard camera.
Police watchdogs and citizens groups also support the use of police cameras and dashboard cameras as tools for accountability, but are concerned about citizen's privacy issues that could arise with their use.

Some legal experts encourage cameras saying the more video evidence, the better. A world where "all encounters can be recorded by everybody" is "not necessarily a bad state of affairs," Professor Howard Wasserman, a First Amendment scholar at Florida International University's law school, told the New York Times.
Police and law enforcement cameras come in all types: police body cameras, police car cameras, small and large, basic and state-of-the-art. In the new digital age, utilizing technologies that make life easier and people safer is a must.

Advancements are constantly being integrated in exciting, new ways to create important tools for all of us.

Reasons to Use Blood Claws in Your Space Wolves Army

There is one squad that most players fear when going against the Space Wolves.

This squad is known as the Blood Claws.
The Blood Claws are the young inexperienced, yet wild close combat troops of the wolves chapter of space marines.

In this article I'll be talking about reasons to use them in your armies. They can tie units up in close combat.

They are also one of the few squads in the game that are good at close combat and can still hold objectives on the battlefield.

Also, they have some of the most powerful charges in the game.

These are known all over the battlefields of Warhammer 40,000.

The first great reason to use Blood Claws in your Space Wolves army is, they can tie up units in close combat.
I've done this many a time and it works really well. Blood Claws can have fifteen men in a squad so it'll take awhile for any opponent to defeat them.

This however, does not mean they cant get overwhelmed.
It takes some practice to get these guys to the right place at the right time. This also doesn't mean you'll get worn out and lose combat.

In most cases these guys will destroy any unit they are fighting.

Never be afraid of throwing these guys into close combat, this is what they are good at.
Another reason to use the Blood Claws in your Space Wolves army is, they can hold objectives.
There are few troops in the game that are good at close combat and can still hold objectives. You can have your Blood Claws flood out of a Land Raider crusader right onto an objective and assault, destroy your enemies and hold the objective.
This is even better when your troops are being led by a Wolf Priest and are fearless.

It's even easier to hold an objective when you don't have to worry about leadership checks.

The last and probably best reason to use the Blood Claws in your Space Wolves army is, they have some of best charges in the game.

By this I mean the amount of damage they do when they charge into close combat.
These guys get two attacks on the charge.

If you have fifteen troops in your unit, you can get the kind of idea of how crazy of a charge you can accomplish with the Blood Claws. Fellow players of Warhammer 40,000 fear this unit and you can use that to your advantage as well.
To conclude, there are many good reasons to use Blood Claws in your Space Wolves army. They can tie up and destroy enemy squads in close combat. Also, they can hold objectives.

This usually isn't the case for close combat troops. They can also deliver powerful charges that will leave your opponent vulnerable.

Overall, these troops are very good and worth their points in the game.

These of course are just a small number of reasons to use them.

3 Easy Ways Of Leveling Up Fast In ESO

Unlike in other games where your level is determined by the number of skill increases that you have, your level in ESO is determined by the amount of experience that you gain.
Although, gaining experience can be challenging, there are a number of ways in which you can go about it. Here are some of the ways: Questing This is one of the best ways of earning a lot of experience.

The good side is that quests are very easy to do and all you need to do is to follow the arrows associated with your quest and complete them. Once you complete a quest you are awarded with XP, gold and other items. There are many quests that you can complete.
For example, there are general quests that you pick from NPCs across Tamriel.
There are also guild quest lines that give you a lot of experience and rewards.
When completing the quests you should note that the more demanding quests tend to give you higher rewards; therefore, you should not go for quick and easy quests only; you should also try the harder ones.
Killing enemies Here you need to explore outside big cities and kill any enemies that you come across.
You should note that you tend to gain more XP when you kill enemies that are at a higher level than your character.
For ideal results, you should aim at killing any creatures and foes that are 1 to 2 levels above your character.
Other than exploring the big cities looking for enemies, you should also participate in full-scale wars. Since you will be able to kill many creatures in the wars, you will get loads of rewards.
Collecting Skyshards Although, they are new to the Elder scrolls universe, they play a huge role in helping you to level up fast. For you to collect them you need to search for them all over the world. Here you need to keep your eyes and ears out. The good side is that they make a ringing sound and shine very brightly; therefore, it's easy to spot them from a distance. Once you see a Skyshard, you should activate it by clicking on it in order to harness its power.
Once you have a set of three Skyshards, you will have a point to spend.
To keep track of the number of Skyshards that you have you only need to look at your skills and abilities menu.

Online Computer Science Degree - Begin Your Ascension to a Profitable Career

An online computer science degree demands full completion of a four-year university program in the field of computer technology. By enrolling in such programs via the Internet, prospective students have the possibility to set up their learning time according to their preferences.

During an online Computer Science Degree program, students will study systematically the academic foundations of computations, information, applications, implementations and workable techniques of computer technology.

A computer science degree earned online is in fact a multifaceted certification procedure which consists of some basic phases that each technical expert has to overcome, for instance web design, computing system development and security system integration.

This course is best suited for those who have a particular interest in computer technology and are really enthusiastic in pursuing a career in this field.
College students pursuing an online Computer Science Degree program choose this professional course due to several factors.

The leading reason is the worldwide utility and application of computer tech. Variety is one more important facet in this career, offering several opportunities in various professional areas.

In addition, the recruiting process is very dynamic as career opportunities within the field of computer technology are set on an ascending path, and financial benefits exceed the standard remuneration. A four-year university program in workstation science provides the essential information to competently carry out computer technology software applications.

As in any other study-discipline, computer tech students might pursue a specific subdivision within this field such as web design, Q.
A.
, software configuration and management. Students considering a postgraduate degree can also pursue several optional courses to continue their education.

The required coursework for an online workstation technology degree includes both academic and professional challenges.

The starting salaries are set according to the sub-field in question. This certification significantly enhances ones chances to deal with the latest applied sciences. It also leads to a successful and a rewarding career that is in increasingly high demand.

Online Computer Science Degree programs provide a high-quality education, that has been accredited with numerous industry-credentials, often making it a favorite choice among undergraduates and graduates.

An online accredited computer tech degree is is the perfect program for numerous aspiring IT specialists.

The accreditation of an online computer science degree program is a fundamental issue for both employers and employees as long as they want to reach IT professional standards.

Therefore, if you're considering an online program in the field, you can rest assured that its accreditation confers it the best quality and it meets all proper academic standards.

Physical Child Abuse

Effects of Physical Child Abuse   Physical child abuse affects millions of children all over the world. Abusers can either be the parents, relatives, or people in the community. This type of abuse is just one of several.

It includes verbal abuse and emotional abuse.

Children who are victims of any type of abuse tend to grow up with the experience still etched in their minds.

Low Grades. A child who is suffering gets low grades because he is unable to concentrate on his studies and he fails to get good scores in exams because his mind is preoccupied with the things that are happening to him.
Withdrawal.
If he is usually friendly with others kids and he suddenly withdraws himself from his circle of friends and is usually found alone in school, he is most probably suffering from abuse. Depression. If the child is a jolly and happy kid and he suddenly becomes sad, depressed and is always crying, it is a sign that the trauma that he is experiencing from child abuse is taking its toll on him. Physical Trauma.
Bruises, cuts and wounds are very visible signs of abuse.
If he is asked what caused the wounds and bruises, he may tell lies or not answer for fear that he will be beaten up again if he tells the truth. Low Self Esteem.

If the child walks with his head down, does not mingle with other kids or gets insecure with others, he may feel that he is not worthy because he us being beaten up and abused by someone around him.

If you know of a child who is a victim of such, do not hesitate to help the child or call the proper authorities to save the child from further abuse. Your intervention may just be the one that will save the child from the hands of the abuser.
Telltale Signs of Physical Child Abuse This is a very serious matter and must not be taken lightly.

Children who are abused suffer from the beatings and the body is not the only one affected by the abuse.

The whole being of the child is changed by the trauma and pain that his abuser is causing him. There are many telltale signs to look out for in a child who is a victim of such abuse. Here are some. Bruises, wounds and cuts.
These are the most visible signs.

When the child goes out of the house with bruises on his arms, face and body, he is most probably a victim of physical child abuse.
Fear of physical contact.

Since a victim of child abuse gets physical contact with his abuser, whenever an adult touches him, he is fearful that he will be abused by the person as well.

He fears any contact with any person who strongly resembles his abuser.
Difficulties in school activities.
A drastic change in grades indicates that a child is suffering from abuse.

This is especially true when the child's grades are usually high.

He is also not participative in class and other school activities.

He prefers to be alone than to be with his friends and classmates.

Change in behavior.

Sudden changes in behavior and attitude may mean that the child is building a tough wall around himself so that no one will suspect that he is a victim of physical child abuse.
He may go from friendly to aloof, nice to rude, etc. If the abuse is very severe and is going on for a long time, there is a chance that the child will grow up to be an abuser as well. He may think that abusing children physically, emotionally and verbally is a normal thing. Early intervention can help the child recover from his ordeal. If the child is close to you, do not hesitate to seek the help of the proper authorities so he can be saved from his abuser.

mercoledì 24 dicembre 2014

Is There Really That Much Money in Video Game Testing?

A lot of sites will say that video game testing is an 18 billion dollar a year industry and the most basic tester make about $30 per hour.

The question that comes to mind when you hear this is: how much of this is actually true? Well the part about it being a multi-billion a year industry is a proven fact. The part about starting out testers making that much, really on a lot of factors. Let's start off with the common question, why are companies willing to pay you to play video games? Well that question is very easy, in any business there is a thing called field research.
During this research companies test out their products for quality assurance.

These companies have to do this because if they don't there is a chance of releasing a product with bugs. Imagine if you spend $60 on Halo2 only to find that it's full of bugs, your weapon won't reload sometimes, your enemies are sometimes invincible, or there is level that is just unreachable.

How would you feel about buying Halo3? Video game companies don't want this to happen so they hire people like us to play these games before they are released to report any bugs that they game might have. How much they pay you really depends on several factors.
How old you are is the first thing they look at. When they develop a game they usually have a target audience in mind, for example if they are making a game with a bunch of blood and guts their target audience is probably not going to be anyone under the age of 17. This means that they will pay more to people that are between 17-21 because that's their target audience.

They will then look at where you live.

This is something that is not as important as age but it's not something they will overlook.

Where you are located has a lot to do with your interest. Sometimes a company wants to know what a particular region is interested in. They will use this data later when they are marketing for future games.
The last thing they will take a look at is what console you're using, they will usually have a pre determined number of tester they want to hire, if they know that the PlayStation 3 version is perfect then they will only hire people using Xbox 360 consoles.

All of these things take into affect when determining how much you are going to get paid. Getting paid at least $30 an hour is very easily possible if you are in all three of these categories.

Home Theaters Computer Integration

It used to be that computers were merely used for office purposes, accounting and payroll, documentation, and the like.

Nowadays computers have reached a phenomenal audience and service than ever before.

It is a fact that personal computers are being used as vital elements in home theaters currently.

Design of operating systems has evolved alongside the development of personal computers as well.
It circles around the idea that it can be utilized as an effective media center by way of integration into the home theater components such as a receiver like the Onkyo TXNR708.
There will be an increase in growth in the utilization of computers because of this usage. With a lot of people integrating the use of computers in diverse parts of their lives, it is but natural that the bridge to entertainment integration is crossed.

The integration is not that new.

The increasing number of individuals using the technology is what makes the difference.

These media center PCs are systems that in essence function as a receiver would normally would.

They take in the needed data and network it to the connecting components in the system.

You will be able to watch DVDs, listen to music, and so on.

It is also possible to view movies through your computer monitor rather than your television screen.

With this use, you can even record and store your favorite shows or movies in your hard drive.
Another benefit is that you can create photo slideshows with the wonderful still memories you have in your storage. If you were to have suggested that your computer would be an innovative system that can run your home theater a few decades back, you would have been laughed at.
In this generation, the idea is not only accepted and practiced but a lot of people and businesses are thriving because of that very technology.

It is also a technology that people spend on developing as it is evolving to be one of the increasing demands in the market of home theaters.

Increasing your personal entertainment and enjoyment is not an impulse result.

You should take your time to educate yourself on the usage of new technologies so that you can achieve its full potential. It will prove to be the foundation of superior things in the near future for your home theater.

As all commodities evolve and advance, it is possible that we will see innovative development of functionality when it comes to home media center PCs. This will also involve bringing in additional features and expansion of current capacities.
At the moment, the combination of both systems has proven to be a great enjoyment and the most entertaining. There is nothing more advance than having your home media center integrated with your computer at the home entertainment arena.
Today, it is best to check out what the combination of computer and home theater can do for you if you haven't taken it to consideration yet.

The additional boost of functions and capabilities of the integration will sure to prove very useful and entertaining for you and your family.

As you take your time to do so, kindly check out the new developments for each arena- computer and home theater- as there are innovations like that from an Onkyo TX-NR708 Receiver that may supplement each when you think about purchasing or upgrading systems in the future.

Avoid Online Degree Frauds - Get One From a Reputable University

Many prospective students are excited about the increase in educational opportunities that online degrees have made possible, but it is now more important than ever to do due diligence and ensure that a person is not getting wrapped up with any kind of scam or fraud. Because so many people are unable to attend traditional classes due to time constraints and other responsibilities, the chance to further one's education is often difficult unless modern methods are utilized. In order to ensure a successful learning experience, there are several things for a prospective student to consider. Online degrees that come from accredited institutions and universities carry the same weight as those from traditional learning environments and schools, but the key is to ensure that the accreditation is appropriate.

Many of the fraudulent programs claim that they are accredited but the accrediting agencies are often completely fictional and may not even exist.

If a student has any questions about the legitimacy of their internet school's standing, they should contact the Department of Education that each state in the country is required to have.

An excellent way to weed out the online degree programs that may not be on the up and up is to carefully review the school's contact information. Any organization that does not have published phone numbers is most likely a warning sign.

Companies that will only provide information or communicate via email or mail should not be trusted and need to be looked into further before proceeding. Reputable universities often offer classes on and off line and should be fairly easy to research and contact.
Consumer reviews can help distinguish between ones that can be trusted and ones that definitely should raise some warning flags. Internet programs that offer to provide transcripts and online degrees to students without the completion of any actual course work are obviously not going to turn out to be legitimate.
If it seems to good to be true, then the chances are it probably is.

While reputable online schools may provide some type of credit for a significant amount of life experience or previous education, the curriculum will not consist of only this.
Obtaining a higher level of education and learning is a good objective for any individual to have, but the process must be done properly and a major key to success is finding a strong and trustworthy school that will impress future employers and the student.

Three Advantages to Outsourcing Your Managed IT Services

Mid- and small-sized businesses are making the switch to outsourced managed IT services for a number of reasons.
Outsourcing IT is a cost-saving measure, allowing a company to focus on running its business rather than reacting to IT problems. It gives smaller businesses access to a team of IT professionals with depth of experience who help make the most of IT resources.

Some outsourced IT management teams can also help a business strategically plan for IT needs down the road. Reduce Operating Costs and Help Your Business Run Smoothly When a business decision can reduce stress and save money, it's always a good one.

Outsourcing managed IT services removes the associated costs of employing a team of technical specialists and the burden placed on staff who maintain 24-7 vigilance troubleshooting IT problems that can arise any time of day or night, including holidays and weekends. Once IT services are outsourced, companies can be assured that a team of professionals is monitoring IT operations and correcting problems as they arise. Place a Team of IT Professionals to Work for Your Business IT is a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry. It is close to impossible for people not working directly in the field to stay on top of new developments as they happen.
Even those in the industry tend to specialize in different sectors ranging from security and software to cloud computing and hardware. When you outsource your managed IT services, you hire a team of professionals with experience in all the disciplines related to technology.

Is Technology Included in Your Strategic Plan? Planning for the future of your business includes how to make the most of existing and emerging technologies to support your growth.

The ideal managed IT team learns about your business so that the technology piece best supports current and future operations.
What Services Should a Managed IT Provider Offer? When your company evaluates a managed IT services company for outsourcing, make sure it offers all the IT-related support you might need.

It's important to consider future needs as well as those of today. Look for these services: Disaster recovery and backup Desktop PC technical support and maintenance Managed Servers and remote infrastructure management Managed security of networks Hosted Exchange server email Virtual private server hosting (VPS) Data Center Colocation Voice Over IP Phone Systems Applications Development If a number of these services are lacking, consider another provider.
You want support for the future technological growth of your company.

Careful research and screening now will save you time and money down the road.

martedì 23 dicembre 2014

Highlights From the 2011 Consumer Electronic Show

As usual, the 2011 Consumer Electronic Show (CES) was not short on surprises.

Gadget gurus from all over the world showed up to get a sneak peak at what the leading corporations in the world of technology will be debuting in the upcoming year.

Among the numerous and varied products and concepts showcased at the event from over 2700 international companies, three stood out as particularly groundbreaking: • RIM's Playbook Move over Apple, a new tablet's in town.
Or at least that's the buzz amongst analysts who are watching the Playbook, a tablet produced by RIM, a manufacturer famous for its Blackberry. Although most agree that Apple will probably still have the leading spot for this market, at the very least, it's going to have to give up some of its revenue to competitors hoping to one-up the groundbreaking iPad, and there were no shortage of them at this year's CES. One of the features that makes the Playbook stand out, though, is that it is perfectly compatible with the Blackberry, and in a world where compatibility is key, this is going to be a big selling point for Blackberry users.
It will also support Flash applications, something that the iPad is incapable of.
Apple will not take the Playbook's offensive strike lying down however; it plans to maintain its momentum by unveiling an iPad 2 (and possibly 3) sometime this year.

• 3D Innovation The big 3, Panasonic, LG, and Samsung are all hoping to emerge as the leader in the newest 3D technology by promising eye-popping visuals without the silly glasses.
Nintendo has a similar game plan with their launch of the 3DS which could not only offer gamers a more realistic playing experience, but rumor has it that a potential agreement with the film industry might enable 3DS users to view new releases in 3D right from their handheld.

• Corning's Gorilla Glass Corning, a rookie at the Consumer Electronic Show, broadened its scope by stepping in to the world of techno-gadgets such as Smartphones and iPads.

It's new "gorilla glass" used as display screens on these devices shattered expectations with its unmatchable durability. The demo booth at the show featured samples of Gorilla Glass, and spectators were encouraged to try their best to scratch or smudge the glass in an effort to prove its durability. Perhaps the biggest surprise from Corning was its announcement that it plans to maneuver itself into the automobile industry by shaping its glass into windshields and windows for new car models.
Despite its name, gorilla glass is actually very lightweight, making it a viable competitor for car companies hoping to produce smaller, more environmentally friendly vehicles.

Up and Coming The 2011 CES definitely brought the wow factor, and one can only imagine what may be up the sleeves of techno-giants in the next five years.

With the new emphasis on 3D, perhaps we will see moves to make the film-viewing experience even more realistic - with smells perhaps? Believe it or not, IBM already has a concept in the works, though it's a long way from production.

The idea's a little creepy to me, especially when I try to imagine just what smells might be emanating from my TV set during a viewing of say, Shrek or Dawn of the Dead? Not to mention that this could be a slippery sensory slope-what's next, taste, touch? Why not a device that transports us right into the action of the movie-talk about choose your own adventure! It sounds crazy, but after the buzz resulting from this year's CES, it might just become a reality after all.

Reasons Why Computer Recycling Is Recommended

Electronic goods are an integral part of daily living.

They are often used for communication, catching up with daily news, data storage and much more. Therefore, both individuals and businesses are finding it more and more challenging to live without them.
However, electronics such as computers have given rise to a waste disposal problem. Large quantities of computers are ending up in closets, storage areas, garages, attics, landfills and illegal dumps, when they become obsolete. Because of the environmental concerns, computer recycling is recommended highly for the following reasons: · Reduce hazardous materials Computers contain components that can prove harmful to the environment.
These components include cathode ray tubes which are basically the picture tubes in computer monitors. These glass components contain lead. Printed circuit boards present in computers are also hazardous.
They contain mercury, lead, cadmium and chromium.

Batteries in computers may contain cadmium, nickel, mercury and lead. Although these components are not a problem when the product is purchased, they become a concern during disposal, at a time when the machine is obsolete.
Therefore, recycling reduces these hazardous materials from finding their way into the environment.

· Contribute to charity Computers are often refurbished by various established programs. These refurbished computers are normally contributed to school to benefit the children, particularly in poor communities.

This helps to extend the school budget to other needs.
Some of the refurbished computers are provided to no-profit organizations and individuals who may not afford new computers. · Save manufacturing costs Recycled computers generate large amounts of reusable components.

Computers are often disassembled to support the remanufacturing program.

Many of these components are often removed for reuse. For example, the CPU is often disassembled and the electronic parts sold to various recyclers or manufacturers. Some of these important parts include the processor, power supply, rechargeable battery, hard drive, memory chips, circuit board and various sound and video cards.

The metal components in the computer are normally separated and delivered to scrap dealers. The items are then sold to smelters who melt them down to make new products.
· Workforce training tool Computer refurbishing programs provide an excellent platform where people get the ideal opportunity to train and gain computer skills. The refurbishing programs provide these training tools for young adults, correctional facilities and the physically and mentally challenged. The correctional facilities help to provide computer skills to inmates.
Upon their release, these skills would help them get jobs.

Eleven Plus Reading Advice and Help

If your child is due to sit an eleven plus exam, you may well be using practice papers and/or enlisting the help of a tutor.

Another very helpful preparation strategy, which sometimes gets overlooked, is to read widely.
Many parents (and teachers) seem to think that these books have to include novels that are challenging to read and that they must include the classics.
My personal view (as a mother who prepared her child for 11+ and a primary school teacher, although I don't prepare the children I teach for 11+) is that although, clearly, these books have their value, reading popular children's fiction will still help enormously in improving your child's vocabulary etc.
Because they will hopefully be enjoying themselves, it won't seem like work at all.

On the odd occasion when I offered my son (when he was in Year 6) a "classic" he turned his nose up.

Giving him the latest Anthony Horowitz or Chris Ryan, however, seemed to be greeted with huge enthusiasm every time.

I don't believe that the books have to be especially challenging (you can move the level along very gradually), nor that the books have to be those you enjoyed as a child.
My work with children and parents in primary schools seems to suggest that children can get "stuck" in their reading if a parent insists on their child reading a particular author or a book they read as a child eg Swallows and Amazons.
Having got my son hooked on reading at the age of 8 (starting early is important if you can), he could never get enough of books and whilst doing endless practice papers prior to 11+ was a chore, (especially when he would rather have been playing football with his friends), reading never was.
Although he is more of a mathematician/scientist I am fairly convinced that his achievements in literacy and creative writing (at a similar level to the maths and science) are almost certainly due to his enjoyment of reading.

There are many amazing authors writing really great children's fiction at present, so there is plenty to choose from. Here are some of the best children's books for 9-11 year olds.

Boys, particularly, like the Alpha Force books by ex SAS man Chris Ryan, along with the "HIVE" books by Mark Walden.

Both girls and boys seem to like the Septimus Heap books by Angie Sage as well as the Skulduggery Pleasant books by Derek Landy which, (although a bit gory at times), are really funny. For a gentler read, the Pony Club secrets books by Stacey Gregg are great, as is the series by Lauren St John which starts with The White Giraffe.
The books I have mentioned here are all standard length novels, but if they're not too keen at first, shorter books, printed with a larger font are helpful to get them going.

Back To School Organisational Tips

With the start of school, families face new organization challenges.
Get organized now for the best school year ever. Use these ideas to prepare your home and family for the busy days ahead.
1.
Get A Calendar.

The school term brings events such as school functions, scout meetings, sports games and music lessons. Nothing calms school year chaos like a Calendar.

Place the calendar in a central location in your home, like the kitchen fridge. This way at a glance, you can see what your week ahead looks like and can plan around it.

2. Ease Into Early Mornings. Ease your children back into routine.

Begin getting up earlier 2 weeks before school restarts.

Plan meal times around the school times, that way your children are easing back into school routine.

3.

Avoid Morning Madness. How are school mornings in your home? Crazed and chaotic, or calm and cheerful? Plan ahead to send your schoolchildren out the door in a happy, peaceful mood.

Each evening, think ahead to the following morning. Set the breakfast table as you clear the dinner dishes.
Lay out children's clothing the night before.

Multi-child households may need a bathroom schedule so that everyone gets equal time before the mirror. 4.

Plan Ahead.
A new school year quickens the tempo of family life.
Between sports activities, music lessons, church programs and volunteer commitments, life can be pretty hectic.

Get organized! Try sitting down on a Sunday evening for half an hour and plan your family meals for the week. That way you know what you are shopping for when you go grocery shopping. Try a session of freezer cooking and stock the freezer with prepared meals for stress-free dinners on sports nights. Getting back to school can be hectic, but by trying these simple tips, hopefully you can ease you way back into the school routine again.

lunedì 22 dicembre 2014

Teaching Moments - Fight or Flight

In this teaching moment fight or flight refers to how we handle new challenges. It is a fundamental concept each of us needs to address.
Life will test our resolve on this principle many times. Do you run (flight) from new challenges and opportunities? Or, do you accept the test that is being presented and make the best of the learning experience (fight)? Fight doesn't mean getting into an actual fight.
It means being determined to make the best of a new or difficult situation.
Certainly there are many times you will need to run (flight) from a treat or danger.

However, in some cases we use flight as a reason to avoid something.
Question: Are you taking flight simply because you don't like something or it's too hard or because you are afraid of what someone else might think? Let's say that your worst subject is math.

In the past you may have blamed others and made excuses for your poor performance. That is flight.
An example of fight is when you decide to meet the challenge of improving your grade.

In this case fight means getting extra help, studying harder before the tests and doing extra credit work. You will notice several things when you choose fight over flight.

Fight is harder, fewer people are choosing it, and your rewards will be in direct proportion to your effort.

Your ability to clearly identify the important issues, and then go about handling the experience, will pay big dividends in your future success. Each time you meet these challenges you will learn more about yourself and the world around you.
Fight is harder than flight, but it will make you stronger.
Good Luck! You Are a Winner! Questions for Discussion: 1.
Think of the challenges you faced in the last couple of days.

They may have come from school, home, church, etc.
How did you react? Did you choose fight or flight? Explain.
2.
How will you choose between fight and flight next time? 3.
What does this quote mean to you? "That which does not kill me makes me stronger.
" Friedrich Nietzsche Ideas for Implementation: 1.
Find someone who will give you sound advice without making the decisions for you.
Ask questions, listen and make your own decisions based on the information you receive.
2.

Don't be afraid to ask for help when you are facing with a new challenges that seems intimidating.

3.
Get as much information as possible before making decision.
You will find the books, assocations and the Internet are valuable resources you can use before making flight or fight decisions. Please visit the Teaching Moments website for more life skills ideas to help children succeed.

Pros and Cons of Online Colleges

Traditionally people had to go to a brick-and-mortar institution to get the higher training that is offered from a college. Today, however, many people are turning to online classrooms for this same type of training.

This can be a great idea.

However, when making the choice you will want to look at both the pros and the cons.
The biggest pros to training through an online college have to do with a person's lifestyle. For a busy person it can be the only option available, opening up doors that they wouldn't otherwise have.
Online courses also let you work where you want and at your own pace.
If you want to get up and do school in your pajamas, you can do that.
If you want to vacation for a week without having to worry about classes, you can do that too.

Simply put, online courses work around you, rather than you working around them. In some cases you can also receive tuition assistance much like you would for a traditional institution. So the pros pretty much center around time.

Time is good.

However, there are the cons as well.
First and foremost, not all online institutions offer accredited online degrees.

There are many legitimate institutions and there are many scams.
You will want to make one hundred percent sure you are working with a legitimate business before you send them any money. Also, even though online colleges are popular, they don't have as many class options as traditional colleges.

Since everything is correspondence you will not have the social interaction with other students, nor will you have instant feedback from your instructor. And last, you must be a disciplined person to work on your own without the pressure from other students or instructors.
This can make or break it for some. So, yeah, there are a few things you will want to consider before making your choice, but an online college may just be the solution you are looking for.

How to Choose a Business College Online

There are countless things to consider when choosing a business college online program. It isn't easy to attend school online, especially since it requires a great deal of self-motivation and self-discipline to be successful.
However, if you're interested in a profitable business career, online schooling might be your best option. Before you make any decisions, there are several things you need to consider.
Expectations The first thing that should be done when looking at business schools is to decide what you want out of it. Research different options and think about which degree and possible career paths you see yourself in. The final decision needs to be something you're exited and passionate about.
Cost of the Program For many, the final decision has a lot to do with finances. Many have struggled with the poor economy and finances are tight everywhere.

However, don't weigh out a school just for its price because there are scholarships, loans, and grants you can apply for.

The best thing to do is to apply at several business schools and see which one provides a better financial package.

Surroundings The one downfall about enrolling in a online program is it isn't always easy to complete assigned work. Distractions always come up and you have to learn how to fight them.

You will be left on your own and will have to create your own pace.
Deadlines will need to be met if you want to be successful, which means procrastination can be a huge struggle. You should also consider where you plan on studying.
There are a lot of things to consider when deciding which business college online program to attend.

Research as much as possible, wait for the best financial package, and make sure it has the program you're most interested in completing.

How We Spoil a Child - 3 Most Common Mistakes

Looking after the child in a good manner is still one of the biggest challenge for the parents.
Many parents around the world wonder that how their child has become stubborn or notorious or depressed etc.

though they looked after their children very well.

Here are 3 most common mistakes which we commit.

1) Don't Throw the Burden of Desires on Children's Shoulders: My child, you have to become Doctor or Engineer or Lecturer or Industrialist or Army Officer etc.
etc. because we want you to become this because it's the question of our pride. But is this right to throw your big ambitions on the shoulders of your little children? This is very serious issue which needs to be considered by everyone. I have seen lots of children killing their utter desires just to fulfill the dreams of their parents, it's not right.
Each person of this world has different type of talent. So instead of throwing the burden of your ambitions on them, you must recognize their talent and advise them to choose their career according to that.

By choosing the career of their choice, they will definitely blossom like a flower and shine like a mighty sun. All the great persons of the world have become great because some one else or they themselves recognized their hidden talent.
2) Don't Beat Them: Most of the parents think that beating is very necessary for children because it creates fear in their heart but it's not true in fact they become stubborn by beating and scolding.
Unless we become the good friend of our children we can't understand their real problem of them.
Every child has some problem but it becomes too difficult to judge their problem if we don't maintain friendly relation with them.

3) Don't Become Hitler At Home: You don't have to go out.

Exams are coming just don't do anything except study. Leave your all friends because friends are useless.
Don't watch T.V., don't play because it is the wastage of time.
This type of behavior is not good for children they really become psychologically sick.
These types of limitations really put negative effect on their mind.

Outdoor games are as important as study because it develops them physically and friends are also the important part of their life, children do discuss their personal problems with them which make them feel comfortable.

All the parents must avoid committing these mistakes so that they will be able to develop their children mentally and physically and also help them become successful persons in the life.

domenica 21 dicembre 2014

Advantages of Online Education

Online degrees have completely changed the possibilities for anyone wanting to study for a degree, as new technology has made these more accessible. The flexibility associated with online education has made it an extremely popular method of study for existing students, mid career professionals and many others who are looking to advance their career.

A key advantage of online education is that it provides the student with the option of studying at the same time as holding down a job, and in many cases removes the need for travel.
You can also decide the amount of time you will devote to your studying at times that suit you because of the flexibility offered within the method of delivery.

As the concept of online education, which includes bachelor degrees, associate degrees, masters and doctorate degrees, was becoming more widely accepted, there was a significant amount of time and effort invested by the online degree providers to achieve accreditation of these courses. They wanted to ensure that the degrees that they offered would be treated equally with degrees where you attended classes in person.

Initially, many employers were wary of accepting that degrees achieved by students through online study would be as robust as a classroom degree.

However, as online education became more established as a method of delivery, and it was also introduced by many of the older educational institutions as part of their course offerings, the view of employers has changed dramatically.
This has created a situation where enrollments for online degrees has increased significantly but before you enroll, you must check for sure that the program is recognized and accredited, to ensure that it will offer you the career opportunities that you are aiming for.

You should also telephone potential employers that you want to work for to confirm that the online degree you are considering studying will be acceptable to them. The online education programs are usually tested and approved by state or national review boards and there are plenty of subjects to choose from, such as business management, law and healthcare. Now that this education delivery method has become established, it is generally recognized that there is little difference between online lessons and traditional coursework. It is also important to check that the online college offers downloadable lessons so that you can refer to them while doing your course work and these should be available at the time that suits your study schedule.
If you think that at any time you may wish to transfer your mode of study to a classroom degree, you will need to be able to transfer credits to this, so you should also check that the credits you earn are transferable.

There is no doubt that online colleges are continuing to develop their courses to improve these and meet the needs of both students and employers.
This offers further flexibility to students, as the online degrees that they are offering are now accepted almost everywhere.