So you have a website but can people find it

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There are various ways of getting people to your website. One way is using print: business cards, letterhead, newspaper ads, and even billboards. While printing your business website on everything and anything is a good start, there are some additional, more important ways to increase your website's prominence on the Internet. Because more people are using the Internet everyday a business must have a good Internet presence to survive. Sure, people still use the Yellow Pages, but more often than not they also (or only) check the web for the information they are seeking.

Search engines are the primary way to find information on the Internet. Approximately half a billion, yes billion, searches are done per day between the two search giants - Google and Overture. The way search engines operate is by searching the content of web pages for relevant phrases. Webpages are found by robots that crawl the web constantly looking for new and updated content. The search engines then use various algorithms to compile this information and deliver it as results for a keyword or keyword phrase which was typed into the browser. Although Google is the leading search engine using this method, there are "second level" engines doing the same thing. But for all intents and purposes, Google is the main focus as recent reports suggest that Google currently powers around 73% of all search engine results.

Along with free indexing search engines like Google, there are paid-inclusion and paid-placement sites offering a different way to get your website listed. These help to power the rest of the 500 million searches done everyday. Overture and its affiliates deliver the majority of paid placement results today. Paid-placement methods allow an advertiser to bid on keyword phrases to determine placement of their ad in "sponsored results" on sites that include Overture's content. Advertisers are billed by the click, meaning every time a searcher clicks that link which came up as a result of a search, they pay the corresponding bid amount. This is where the term pay-per-click (PPC) was derived.

Paid inclusion is a bit different. Certain databases providing content to certain search engines require website owners to pay to have their website listed. The pages are found if they are relevant to a search. This requires a renewable annual fee. Any knowledgeable Search Engine Optimization (SEO) company will be able to get your website included in these important databases.

All three of these methods are important because they make up the majority of search results. However, SEO should be regarded as the most fundamental part of a website's Internet presence. You may say that you are getting traffic to your website, but is everyone able to find it when searching for your products or services? Every website has a target audience and it is very important to optimize your website's content for target phrases and search terms relevant to your products or services. This is the essential aspect of ranking. Google is constantly changing their algorithms to deliver more quality content and SEO companies are constantly working to keep up with these changes modifying pages and content to gain quality rankings. This is the main reason one should obtain the services of a SEO company. Most business owners are busy running their companies and have very little time to learn about website ranking. JAZ Design Co., LLC, a professional SEO Company, is familiar with the ever changing industry and able to help with your website SEO and managing PPC campaigns.

Ok, I made my plug, but here is some free advice: The first things to consider about your website are your target keywords and keyword phrases. Some questions to ask yourself: What is my product? How would I search for it? How would my friends search for it? (Ask them!) What will they expect when they find my website? And finally, how will they find your website if they don't know the correct address? Maybe they have your business card and with your website address printed on it or maybe they took a wild guess and found it, but most of the time they've done a keyword search. The question is did they find you or your competitor? This is where an SEO company can make some valuable recommendations and get your website equipped to rank higher on the search engines.

This concept applies to regional companies too. As everyone continues to use the Internet more, they are turning to their computer when looking for local services. This aspect of the Internet is just starting to evolve and does still have a long way to go. Eventually, a business without a website will suffer even if it is only a local "mom and pop" store.

Your website will be found by its content and the robot's ability to crawl the web, find your pages, and index them in their database. Many website designers neglect to utilize important 'tricks' causing pages never to be found. You may have good content, but if robots cannot index your website it will not be nearly as valuable. It is said that 20% of the pages currently published on the Internet are not indexed with search engines. This means most people never see them. For example, websites built with frames and ones built with a lot of fancy graphics or flashy multimedia will not be sufficiently indexed. It is the job and responsibility of website designers and business owners to make sure their websites are found. Of course there are some websites that we would not want anyone to find by doing a search such as personal sites and confidential business information. If this is the case, the responsibility also lies with the website developer to make sure these pages are not indexed. Various methods are used to keep parts of your website from being indexed such as special tags used in the code and/or password-protected directories.

To keep the Internet full of easy-to-find quality content, the publishers must take the responsibility for making it that way. Through experience and constant research, JAZ Design Company ( www. jazvt. com ) can help your business develop an easy-to-find and successful online presence.

Dog sports for every breed

Engaging in sports is not only for humans. It is also well-loved by our best friend, the dog. Dog sports do not only make a dog's life fun, but healthy, as well. Here is a list of dog sports that you may want your dog to get involved into depending on his breed, of course.

Agility

This is when a dog moves through an obstacle course, i. e., contact obstacles, tunnels, jump, etc., as guided by his or her handler. What controls the dog is only its handler's voice and body language. Without a leash, obedience training is the major requirement for a dog to enjoy this sport. Speed and accuracy are the names of this game.

Carting

Large breeds usually participate in this dog sport. It mainly involves the dog pulling a cart filled with supplies like firewood or other farm goods, sometimes even pulling people. It is also known as dry land mushing and sulky driving and is well-known and practiced all over the world.

Frisbee Dog

Commonly known as disc dog, frisbee dog competition is about a dog and a human disc thrower competing in events such as a choreographed freestyle catching and distance catching. The division of events on this kind of dog sport depends on the handler's skill and experience. What makes this one of the most popular dog sports is that any kind of dog can participate.

Flyball

This dog sport is a relay wherein teams of dogs race against each other leaving their handlers. These teams need to surmount four hurdles that are placed 3 meters apart from each other. Then, they have to reach a box that will release a tennis ball that needs to be caught when the dog presses the pad which is spring-loaded. Then, they have to go back to their respective handlers while carrying the ball.

Scootering

It is a sport where one or more dogs pull an unmotorized scooter in which a human is riding. It is similar to another dog sport done in the winter known as mushing, only dog scooter involves fewer dogs and instead of a dogsled used in mushing, a scooter is used. Like sled dogs, dogs that are doing scootering wear harnesses and are hooked to the scooter using a gangline.

Sheepdog Trial

Also known as "dog trial", this is one of the competitive dog sports in which breeds that are into herding move sheep around a field, gates, fences or enclosures as directed by their handlers. Think of "babe" the movie about a pig. This is more popular in UK, Canada, Ireland, the USA, New Zealand, Australia and other farming nations.

Your first quarter review are you awesome or average

One fourth of the year is over. How are you doing in meeting your goals? How are you doing compared to your budget? In my last article, I talked about how business systems aren’t just for big business. Guess what? Neither are goals and budgets.

Big businesses put tremendous effort into creating detailed budgets and detailed goals each year and checking their progress against them monthly and quarterly. Investors eagerly await the announcement of quarterly earnings and stock prices jump up or down based on the results. They go to all this expense and trouble for only one real reason. It works.

Big businesses very seldom wander from the tried and true. They set goals, budget and compare to their budgets frequently because successful businesses before them did it. I’m not saying that you have to have goals and a budget to be successful, but it sure does increase your chances of success. That’s also why you are reading this. To help increase your chances of success. So here’s your tip of the week.

If you don’t have goals and a budget, stop what you are doing and create them. If you do have goals and a budget, stop and take a look at them. Ask yourself the following questions:

How have you done so far this year?

Are you awesome or average?

What can you tell from your results?

What’s working and what’s not?

Where could you use some help?

What successes can you leverage?

Now is the time to start looking at what adjustments you need to make to continue your successes or cut your losses. It’s also a good time to revise your estimates for the rest of the year. Don’t stop at just revising the numbers. Now is the time to revise your action plan too. Where do you need to step up your action and where do you need to cut back? Again look at what’s working and what’s not. Don’t have an action plan? Now would be a good time to create one. Goals and business plans only get you so far. An action plan is what makes your goals and budgets work.

Does this all sound like a lot of work? I’m sure it does, but it is time and effort that will pay itself back tenfold. Knowing where you want to go and then comparing regularly is the only way to assure yourself you’ll get to where you want to be. Otherwise you might end up like Alice in Wonderland.

Alice: “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?”

The Cat: “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to”.

Alice: “I don't much care where.”

The Cat: “Then it doesn't much matter which way you go.”

How to avoid double taxation of your small business profits

Have you been thinking about incorporating your small business or self-employment activity? The advantages are many!

For starters, you'll be protecting yourself and your family from the possibility of a business ending lawsuit. Forming a corporation is Step One on the path known as "Asset Protection" -- you are moving from the world of unlimited liability to the world of limited liability.

(NOTE: For further insight into the legal advantages of incorporating, check out the article: "It Can Happen To You: Why Any Sole Proprietorship Is A Risky Business" at http://www. YouSaveOnTaxes. com/happen-to-you. html)

From a tax standpoint, there are both advantages and disadvantages to incorporating. Yes, forming a corporation can either reduce your taxes or increase your taxes, depending on what type of corporation you create.

There are two main types of corporations: "C" Corporations and "S" Corporations -- and which type you choose can make all the difference in the world of taxes.

NOTE: The question of "C" Corp vs. "S" Corp has no effect on the asset protection provided by your corporation. This is a tax issue, not a legal issue.

A "C" Corporation can lead you into a Tax Trap known as "double taxation". Yes, income from a "C" Corporation can actually be taxed twice -- once when it's earned on the corporate level and again when it's paid to you, the shareholder, in dividends.

There are several ways to avoid double taxation. Often the easiest way is to tell the IRS that you choose to be an "S" Corp instead of a "C" Corp. The profits of an "S" Corp are not taxable to the corporation; instead, those profits are reported directly on the shareholder's personal income tax return and are therefore only taxed once.

And once is enough, don't you think!

Of course, any article on Choice of Entity must contain the old disclaimer, "Consult your tax professional" -- I am not prescribing a one-size-fits-all approach to this issue. But for many small biz owners and self-employed folks, the "S" Corporation is a good fit because it provides protection from personal liability and avoids the nasty tax trap of double taxation -- two great benefits worth checking into.

Should you incoporate your sole proprietorship and then decide that the "S" Corporation is the right fit, you must inform the IRS that your corporation is choosing "S" Corporation status by filing Form 2553, which is, in effect, an application to become an "S" Corporation.

IMPORTANT:

If you incorporate and do not file Form 2553, you are automatically considered to be a "C" Corporation by the IRS. In other words, to be a "C" Corporation, you just incorporate; there is nothing you have to do to inform the IRS you want to be a "C" Corporation.

There are critical rules regarding how and when to file Form 2553, so be sure to read the instructions carefully, or check with your tax pro.

Failure to file Form 2553 on time or filing Form 2553 incorrectly results in a rejection of your corporation's "S" Corp application, and the corporation is then by default treated as a "C" Corp, subject to double taxation, the very trap you were trying to avoid.

To download a copy of Form 2553, go to: http://www. irs. gov/pub/irs-pdf/f2553.pdf

The instructions for filing Form 2553 are found here: http://www. irs. gov/pub/irs-pdf/i2553.pdf

Discovering the hotels in downtown chicago illinois

"I give you Chicago," the journalist H. L Mencken had once written. "It is not London and Harvard. It is not Paris and buttermilk. It is American in every chitling and sparerib. It is alive from snout to tail."

Chicago is a city much romanticized in novels and movies. But who could blame writers and playwrights for paying homage to this great and bustling city? Chicago gushes with elan and vitality. One of the largest cities in the state of Illinois, Chicago is both a major business district and an important seat of culture.

Downtown Chicago

Downtown Chicago is the most hip and popular part of the city. The Loop area, in particular, is known for its very tall buildings. In the Loop tower massive skyscrapers like the Sears Tower, the Aon Center, and the John Hancock Center. Downtown Chicago is also the industrial area of the city, and there, major tourist attractions are found alongside offices and big financial institutions.

Because of the area's popularity, there are numerous luxury hotels in downtown Chicago, Illinois. These hotels provide a slew of lodging choices to visitors from far and wide. The hotels in downtown Chicago, Illinois are known for their opulent interiors and incomparable customer service. Almost all boast of lavish furnishings and world-class pampering. It is, thus, no wonder that living in any of the hotels in downtown Chicago, Illinois is living in style. You will be made to feel like royalty during your stay.

High-end Hotels in Downtown Chicago

If you intend to stay in this part of the city, be sure to check out some of the major hotels in downtown Chicago, Illinois. These include the Fairmont Hotel, Hotel 71, Amalfi Hotel, Allegro Hotel, Monaco Hotel, Renaissance Hotel, the Congress Plaza Hotel, and many others. On top of ensuring that your stay is as memorable and enjoyable as possible, these hotels in downtown Chicago, Illinois offer a wide range of services that include dry cleaning, banquet facilities, 24-hour room service, medical assistance, and even secretarial and translation services.

Low-end Hotels in Downtown Chicago

If, on the other hand, you are staying in Chicago on a shoestring budget, there are also a number of hotels that offer room rooms at very affordable rates. In some of these hotels, you can book a room for as low as $44 a night.

A common misconception among travelers is that cheap hotel equates poor service and accommodations. Such is not the case. The low-budget hotels in downtown Chicago, Illinois offer wonderful amenities and services. All have free parking facilities; valet, secretarial, and laundry services; televisions, hair dryers, telephones, and clock radios inside rooms; and continental breakfasts sure to please even the most discriminating of palates.

Budget-friendly hotels in downtown Chicago, Illinois include The Seneca Hotel & Suites, where rooms go for as low as $54. The Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers and The Hilton Garden Inn Addison also offer rooms for $60 and $62 respectively.

The price of a night's stay naturally varies according to a hotel's rating. Five-star hotels will always be more expensive than three-star or four-star ones. Bookings for any of the hotels in downtown Chicago, Illinois may be made online, through sites such as http://holiday4you. com. Be sure to read reviews from fellow travelers, so you will have an idea of what to expect.

Earn money with google

The Internet has drawn masses of people that have the same overwhelming desire to work at home or create a home-based business. Why is this so popular? One of the biggest reasons is the fact that you can earn real money with minimal up front expense. It really is mind boggling when you compare the traditional methods of creating income to Online Internet opportunities.

It's easy to see many searches whereby people are looking to earn money-utilizing Google and the Internet. After all it its the premier search engine. Say what you want, but they have become the leader in their market place. You see searches for phrases like Google online store, Google profits, how to make money with Google and many more.

Upon seeing those request I decided to take a look to see what types of opportunities are available. I wanted to get a feel for what these businesses entailed.

Here are a few examples of what you can expect to see in the programs that I found in this niche of the market place:

You get a Online website, instant web site setup, pages with many links to products & services of interest, marketing tools and step-by-step guidance on how to be successful. The overall picture is you are given many links on specific web pages whereby you are paid when people click on links from your site. Google offers many advertisements so it is easy to see how this could be a very profitable business. In fact I use them myself.

Every day people turn to the Internet to look for the products and services they need. When searching for these products it only makes sense that a majority of them would be using Google search engine. You can see where this would create a large amount of demand for web sites such as these.

You need no prior experience. You will not have the typical expenses of a brick and mortar business such as a storefront, inventory cost and employee's. It's all done online so you can have your own Google profit machine in no time at all. Why not put the power of the Internet to work for you?

The key is do your research as I found many companies to fit the bill, but you have to filter through the programs to find the one that fits your financial goals and skill sets. In my previous articles you will find that I always recommend that you either use a website like mine, but necessarily mine, that has researched the types of programs you are looking for. If you choose not to use a website then you will need to do the necessary research yourself. It can be done and you can be successful, but it takes a great deal of time.

It's easy to see that the opportunity to own you own online business is available if you want it. These types of program can be used to create some additional income or to create a more profitable home based business. The choice is yours.

If you are reading this article you more than likely have the necessary equipment to own an online business.

Finding and adding a cool profile layout

MySpace comes with the same basic profile layout on all of its free accounts. There is nothing striking about it, and be able to fail to express your individual personality. Custom and pre-made layouts are available in order to assist you in customizing the profile that best fits you. The next section will touch on locating and using the custom and pre-made layouts for your MySpace profile

Although newbie to Myspace will primarily begin with a basis profile design provided, usually members choose to modify their profiles by exploring one that suits their taste. A large number of websites offers customized design codes that extremely transform the appearance of your MySpace profile, customize it to better fit you!

Using your preferred search engine, you can produce a list of websites which offers a range selection of layouts. Enter the words “MySpace Layouts” on your search engine to seek. With that, it will produce a list of links to provide you potential sites that offer layouts of your choice.

The moment you decide which layout to use for your MySpace profile, that’s the point where you set the code in its proper place. Every layout normally has a code related to it, and you need to copy the code. Paste the code on your wordpad and minimize the window.

Now it's time to set the code into your MySpace profile. To do that, you need to be logged into your MySpace account. Once you’re in, you must see a link to click, in order to "Edit Profile”. The link can be found beside your picture at the top of the list. When you click this link, you will be set to add your new layout code.

You will notice a part that says "About Me" on the "Edit Profile" page of your MySpace account. Now you have to copy again the profile code from the wordpad where you saved it earlier. Paste the saved code into the top of your "About Me" part, before any text or graphics you may have previously place in this area. Click "Save All Changes", at the top the page, and it is all set. Once you view your profile, you will now see the new layout.

Seo white hat success or black hat exclusion

In the process of trying to gain popularity and bring in more business, there are some companies that look at adopting some of the common modes of leveraging through Search engine optimization. This might help them or back fire and lead to their site getting black listed from the index. So, at the end of the day, it really does not matter how good or bad their site is, but what means they adopt to increase traffic.

The two methodologies available for SEO is White hat SEO or Black Hat SEO. The names might sound confusing, but they are modes through which people attract visitors to the page. One of this is ethical while the other is unethical and considered similar to cheating. So, when an individual or organisation is desperate for some visibility, they might adopt this mode, which unfortunately leads them to trouble.

White hat is the direct way of search engine marketing and mode of internet marketing through which the user follows guidelines. They use techniques approved by the Search engines. By tweaking the website, or adding some extra words that might attract attention, the user will rely on links, or Pay per click management to increase their traffic. There are no tricks or shortcuts used here; the content of the page is created to serve the user with information and not just for the SEO benefit. Also called organic search listings, these sites rely on their own strengths rather than manipulating the system.

On the other hand, black hat SEO is a route less preferred because it leads to banning of the website if discovered. Here, the owner of the site might have put in content just so they lure search engines. It could be text hidden in the back drop, or placed off the screen. It is also called spamdex, and is unethical, not approved by the search engines either. Cloaking or invisible text are also used in these sites to lure customers to come over to their portal. Here, the user is trying to con the search engine into believing their website has relevant text when a keyword is entered and so tries to increase the ranking of that portal. Search engine optimization through this method will lead to expulsion and loss of rank of the particular website from the index and it will not be shown in the results displayed on the search engines.

You can really get paid for just surfing the web

Do You Realize How Valuable You Are?

Advertisers, search providers, and online retailers are paying billions to reach you while you surf. How much of that money are you getting?

Today’s hottest Internet businesses are all about the power of social networks. Companies like MySpace, Facebook, and YouTube have become worth billions because businesses have realized that these social networks are generating huge advertising and marketing opportunities. As these social networks grow, the economic potential for its owners – and the advertisers who target the site’s users – is remarkable.

AGLOCO set out to create the Internet’s first Economic Network, harnessing the power of Internet-based social networks to directly benefit the Members who help to create the community.

AGLOCO makes money for its Members in many ways:

Search: Every time you use the Viewbar™ to do an Internet search, AGLOCO earns money from the search engine providers. (For example, Google pays as much as $0.10 on average for each search that is directed to its search engine.)

Advertising: The Viewbar™ itself displays ads that are targeted based upon the websites you’re visiting. When you click on an ad and make a purchase, AGLOCO receives a referral fee, which we pass on to our Members. (Please note: Individual members do not receive any compensation for clicking on ads in the Viewbar™, and the Viewbar™ can detect if someone is clicking ads in a fraudulent manner.)

Transaction commissions: Many major retailers pay commissions when you refer customers who make a purchase. AGLOCO collects that commission and passes it on to our members. (For example, Amazon pays an 8.5% commission to most websites who refer customers, and has cut deals for even larger percentages. The bigger the AGLOCO community, the better commission we can negotiate for our Members.)

Software distribution: Numerous software companies pay websites to encourage the download of new software releases (for example, Adobe’s Flash and Acrobat Reader software), and trial versions of new programs. AGLOCO members not only get access to the latest and coolest software, they get paid for it.

Service distribution: Many online service providers will look to the AGLOCO community as a source of new and active users for their services. (For example, eBay, Skype, and PayPal, among others, all pay fees to people who help them recruit new active users to their services)

Product distribution: When Members agree to use a product, such as cell phones, high-tech gadgets, office supplies, new credit cards or financial services, AGLOCO can collect referral fees. Some companies even offer special rebate and cash-back programs.

AGLOCO Members make money in four ways.

• Members earn a monthly share of the AGLOCO revenue based on the use of the AGLOCO Viewbar™ that month.

• Members earn part of the company based on the use of the AGLOCO Viewbar™ that month (currently a maximum of five hours are rewarded).

• Members who use the referral system to help build the AGLOCO network will earn more. (AGLOCO only has significant value as a large network and people who help build it should be rewarded.

• Members will also get a share of any commissions AGLOCO gets when a Member purchases a product or service from an AGLOCO Sponsor company.

Why Should You Join AGLOCO?

Joining AGLOCO is absolutely free and registration takes less than a minute.

By joining you can help to grow the AGLOCO community by building your referrals TODAY.

Be sure to be the first to invite your friends to join AGLOCO before someone else beats you to them

Refer your friends and family by contacting them through email. (But remember we have a strict anti-spam policy.)

Use your website, blog and your existing social networks, such as MySpace and Facebook, to contact your friends and encourage them to join a new community that will actually let them earn money.

Be a part of the Internet’s first Member-Owned Economic Community.

Join AGLOCO - Own the Internet!

http://www. agloco. com/r/BBBBZ5215

Deck railing plans - visual appeal of buildings

The articles gives you ideas of increasing the visual appeal of your building by judicious use of various material and colors used in deck railing plans at various levels in such a way so as to compliments the color scheme of your building.

Materials Make Or Mar Deck railing Plans

The materials that you use for your decking materials, will ultimately decide if your decking plans are usable, doable and above all, useful to you or not. For example if you use a wooden railing where lot of water is being used (in garden, lawns and or near the swimming pool etc.), the wood can disintegrate over a period of time due water splashing on the wood. On the other hand, if you use PVC on a sun bathed patio, the PVC would start cracking after 2 or 3 years and you might have to replace it completely.

Choose Materials For Decking Railing Plans Carefully

Consider the following when you chose material for deck and railings.

• The intended purpose of the deck

• Frequency of use

• Other possible uses of the deck

• Surrounding areas and its general use

• Safety considerations

• Use of water on the deck or the surrounding area

• Possibility of skidding or slipping due to use of water

• Material used for decks

The material to be used have to be made long lasting so does not repeated expenditures on this count. The manufacturers of various materials have started giving guarantees for their materials for nearly 20 years now. This shows the confidence they have behind the product.

Your railing plans contribute to the looks of your building by color schemes employed for the railings. Materials as the wood, PVC, aluminum, in combinations are being used for the decking railings.

Use Of Software Previewing Looks Of Railings

Computer software may also be used for looking at your future looks of your building after fitting the various components of deck railings like the posts, balustrades and other parts of the railing such as light fittings and decorative fittings. The color combinations of various components can be seen on the software and complete effect on the building can be seen by the user before the person’s eyes and changed before the final decision can be made.

The cost of talking

With so many companies offering “the lowest call rates, and the best service" who do you believe and are there any additional costs hidden in the small print? Do they all give per second billing by email, full cost analysis, discounted BT line rental and personal account managers? On mobiles do they offer free connection, and line rentals from Ј4?

There has never been a better time to review the cost of your telephone charges and the service you are getting. Does it really match your company’s needs? The telephone has been with us for so long we just take it for granted, along with all the services available. Mobile phones too are an essential tool in our need to communicate.

We never give a thought to the length or cost of a call, it’s just another bill that arrives at the end of the month.

Yet how many of us look at the cost of this communication? So it is important to know you are on the best tariff and your provider keeps it that way as well as giving you first class service.

Can you think of a friend or colleague who doesn’t have a mobile phone?. There are now more mobile devices in the UK than there are users. You can now make video calls on your mobile watch TV & play games. Mobile phones are fashion statements too. You can flip, slide, swivel,& twist. plus with so many options how do you know which company, tariff, or phone is the right one to go for? And where is the business benefit from so much choice?

Can your current provider offer you VoIP? (Voice over internet protocol) a type of software and hardware allowing you to use the internet to transmit your calls and save a fortune in line rentals by reducing the amount of lines you need. Can they provide a full VoIP telephone system or a simple converter for your ordinary analogue telephone?

When was the last time you checked if you are really getting value for money with rates generally falling ?

Perhaps the question to ask is what does my business actually need from all it’s phones, both fixed and mobile?

If you need low rates, consolidated services and reliability, then these are probably the same reasons you need to speak to your telecoms provider.

Improve retail sales performance with these sales coaching tips

Your POS system generates key statistics that tell you about your Retail sales performance.

These key statistics are: Average sale, Transactions per hour, Items per sale, Conversion rate, Sales per hour.

But did you know that tracking these statistics on an individual Salesperson basis can lead you to focused clues about improving individual performance. Most POS systems don’t enable you to track individual sales performance or generate individual KPIs (key performance indicators). If they do, they do not allow you to set a Store Sales Goal for comparative purposes.

If your POS system does track these KPIs they can lead you to some very important coaching strategies:

Coaching on Low Average Sale

Salespeople need to create value in the sale by demonstrating more expensive merchandise. This usually requires more skill and more product knowledge.

Customers need to be probed to identify their needs so the Salesperson can match them with the right product. There is no point in launching into a demo unless the needs of the customer are known. This leads to unsuccessful attempts at adding on. Perhaps the sale itself is lost due to inaccurate probing.

If the Salesperson is in a hurry they may not maximise their opportunity to sell. This will usually be characterised by low items per sale and/or high transactions per hour, as well.

Salespeople need to be aware of natural product add-ons such as extended warranties, product customisation and delivery options. Lack of product knowledge again is a cause for low average sale.

Coaching on Low Transactions Per Hour

Salespeople may be guilty of spending too much time with customer and not closing sales quickly enough. This is usually due to a lack of skill or motivation.

You need to identify a specific behavior that is cause the poor performance which may be thing like too much time spent merchandising, taking breaks, smoking, or talking to customers without trying to close the sale.

Converting customer is paramount to increasing transaction per hour.

Approach more customers and try to spend less time with them

Coaching on Low Items Per Sale

Salespeople need to at least attempt to sell more than one item to a customer. Product knowledge and sales confidence are the keys to a successful add on. Lack of sales skill will inevitably result on giving up too quickly or ignoring an opportunity to add on.

Probe customers with broad questions relating to the product they are buying. You may find out something about the customers that leads naturally to the ad on.

Since the customer’s mind is most open to buying prior to making a buying decision on the primary item, a Salesperson who always waits for that commitment prior to adding on may be minimising his/her chances of successfully adding on.

Salespeople are sometimes much to careful about saving a customer’s money instead of trying to sell them more items. If the store is quiet Salespeople need to try harder to ad on. Even if the store is busy, a customer who has already decided to make a purchase is more easy to sell something to than a customer walking into the store.

Coaching on Low Conversion Rate

Lack of probing, skill in selling, product knowledge, and approaching customers is usually the cause of low conversation rate.

In most cases increasing the conversion rate of the store is the quickest and easiest way to increase the sales average. Converting one more customer per period can create a dramatic effect on the sales for the day so Salespeople need to close faster and attend to more shoppers.

Lack of clear and targeted demonstrations and a lack of product knowledge can cause wasted time with Salespeople performing the sale but not closing the deal.

Coaching on Low Sales Per Hour

Usually this statistic is low because one of the other’s is low.

Make sure you are tracking this statistic accurately. If you are measuring sales performance for an individual who is selling for less hours than being tracked this will inevitable show us a low sales per hour.

Summary

Targeting individual deficient sales statistics provides vital clues to Store Managers about the specific area of performance that should be targeted for coaching purposes.

Coaching on the most deficient statistic yields the greatest and quickest results and the potential the biggest improvement in sales performance.

The author of this article has developed a software program used by retail stores to quickly and easily calculate individual salespeople’s statistics.

Godzilla action figures

Godzilla Action Figures

Action figures are very popular and seem to come out all the time for various movies. Children, especially boys, love to use them for pretend play. Godzilla is a very well known monster from the movies and so you will find plenty of action figures out there that are from such movies. With 28 different Godzilla movies released though you will find there are many variations to the look of Godzilla out there.

Even though there hasn’t been a new Godzilla movie out for a while, most toy stores still carry a good supply of these action figures. You may want to order them online though if you want a particular look. In fact, the look of Godzilla action figures from Japan is quite different from what you can get in the United States. You can easily have those more unique models shipped to you.

Godzilla is well known for the various types of action in his movies. Therefore it is no surprise that so many of the newer Godzilla action figures can perform various movements. Some of them have built in sounds that you can activate by pushing a button. Others are able to walk or to do various stunts so kids don’t even have to use their own imagination any more. In fact, some children will be very bored with just a basic Godzilla action figure that doesn’t do very much.

Not all Godzilla action figures get played with though. Many of them are in the hands of collectors and they remain in their original packaging. Some of them are extremely rare and so they are extremely valuable. Others are easier to get your hands on but collectors and enthusiasts still want them. They may be hoping the will increase in value as more time goes by.

There is no shortage of Godzilla fans out there though and new ones continue to emerge all the time. When there are films on TV of Godzilla or a new movie comes out there is a segment of viewers that are new to the images of Godzilla. They will then begin to look for such action figures as well. Of course there are also older fans that remember Godzilla from when they were a child and so they too search for fun action figures either to collect or to buy for their children.

The enticing trap of credit card debt

It has never been easier for people to live well beyond their means than it is today. Credit is easy to obtain, and in a society obsessed with material gain, credit is sought and used on a basis that is so regular even financial watchdogs are beginning to sound warning bells. The average savings for the United States and Canada over the next few years are actually expected to go into the negative figures, as more people purchase what they cannot afford.

One of the main contributors to this phenomenon is the credit card. Credit cards are very easy to obtain, and most people get them thinking they will be handy in an emergency. This is the case, but what the credit card companies know is that it will not be long before you use that piece of plastic to make a purchase that is certainly not in an emergency situation.

One way that credit cards have succeeded in getting a flood of people to spend beyond their means is to make credit cards available everywhere. The rise of the Internet has fueled a massive increase in the use of credit cards, as it is often the sole means people have to make an online purchase. Anytime you make a credit card purchase, however, there is the chance that you will forget about it. Statements that come out once a month are a great way for credit card companies to make sure their customers rack up the bills to the point where they will not be able to pay them all off in one shot, and thus gain the hefty interest.

Credit card companies also use promotional gimmicks to entice customers to charge all of their purchases on their cards. Most credit card companies have teamed up with auto dealers or some other company in order to give customers points towards future purchases. Visa has the well-advertised “Win What You Buy” campaign. People can be so tempted by this that they place all their purchases in the Visa in the hopes of getting it all for free. The prize, however, is rarer than winning the lottery.

Staying out of credit card debt requires using that piece of plastic frugally. If you don’t have the money in the bank to make the purchase, do not do so with your credit card - it will only cost you more money in the end. If you do encounter an emergency and have to make a payment on your card, pay it off as soon as possible. If you can’t do this, look into getting a line of credit from the bank. This may seem like “stealing from Peter to pay Paul”, but banks often offer a lower interest rate than a credit card, and the advantage of a line of credit is that banks automatically deduct an amount every month out of your other accounts toward your debt. Credit card companies are just as happy to have that debt grow and grow.

Why hypnosis works for weight loss

Chances are you have heard about someone who has used hypnosis for weight loss with great success. Since the number of people using hypnosis for this area is growing, we hear more and more success stories of people who have battled weight gain over the years who are now enjoying a slimmer and healthier body through hypnosis.

Okay, you might be asking how hypnosis can help. First, one of the causes of weight gain is too much sugar intake. Hypnosis suggestions can educate the subconscious mind that sugar is not that exciting. The result of reducing sugar intake based off the retrained mind is not only weight loss but also better sleep, better concentration, and overall quality of life.

Another common cause of weight gain is what we call "comfort eating".

How many times have you sat down, frustrated, mad, irritated, depressed, or lonely, finding yourself reaching for a bag of potato chips, a handful of cookies, that half-gallon of ice cream, or some other food to help ease the problem.

Comfort eating is a huge problem for many people and although you might tell yourself repeatedly that you will never turn to food for comfort, it becomes a repetitious problem. Again, hypnosis can be used to teach the subconscious mind ways of relaxing and gain power, and control over the situation so you do not have to turn to food.

With this, you will find that you lose weight and/or keep it off.

Just as you can use hypnosis to stop smoking or other unwanted behaviors, you can use hypnosis to lose weight. The goal is to teach the mind how to shift from one thought process to another.

Take fast food as a perfect example. Most fast foods are loaded with fat and high carbohydrates, which mean excessive calories and unwanted pounds. However, driving past the Taco Bell, Burger King, or McDonald's is impossible.

Now, what if you could use hypnosis to turn the fast food desires off? Well, you can and interestingly, it is not that difficult. With hypnosis, you can actually gain control over fast food impulses, choosing healthy and delicious food instead.

Probably one of the hardest foods to get over is chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate. As mentioned earlier, some chocolate does not automatically mean weight gain. However, if you consume chocolate often, then you will likely have to battle the pounds.

Hypnosis can provide a much-needed boost to your subconscious mind that you have no interest in eating chocolate. Keep in mind that for some people chocolate is an addiction that comes with a strong desire. Again, hypnosis can help break that desire so you are not consumed by chocolate.

Now, just as you can use the benefits of hypnosis to curb food addictions and desires, you can also couple this with the benefit to exercise. Obviously, the key to losing exercise is not just cutting back on the amount and kinds of foods eaten but also exercise.

With exercise, you will lose weight, tone the body, and improve overall health. Exercise motivation is something commonly suggested with hypnosis, allowing you to get excited about running, walking, swimming, biking, and playing tennis, or whatever activity you enjoy.

Through hypnosis, you will find yourself looking forward every day to spending some time doing something good for your body. Soon, time at the gym will be the highlight of your day.

Hypnosis will boost your subconscious mind, giving it drive so that exercise becomes a favorite pastime. Very quickly, your entire outlook on life will change as you begin to eat healthier and exercise, watching the pounds melt away.

We can all do things to make life better. If you have goals and want to give yourself that special boost to accomplish them, then you should consider hypnosis. With this, you have a choice of working with a reputable and licensed hypnotherapist or hypnotist, or if you prefer, you can take a step to learn self - hypnosis.

The benefit of self-hypnosis is that you can use this tool anytime you want or need. Just remember, all the silly antics you might have seen associated with hypnosis are nothing but hype.

True hypnosis is a valuable tool, one that can help people with illnesses such as asthma, Fibromyalgia, and arthritis, encourage people to reach outside their comfort zone with public speeches, job promotions, or sports performance, or to overcome difficult obstacles that would include things like weight gain, smoking, nail biting, stuttering, and the list goes on.

You can take charge of your life today and make a difference by utilizing hypnosis

Interesting facts about poker

Every gambling enthusiast loves a good game of Poker. Conversely, every trivia player loves a good does of trivia. So, for the gambler a set of poker rules, a deck of cards, some poker chips and an place to ante-up will suffice, but what about all of those trivia lovers out there? Guess what, there a ton of fun and interesting facts about poker that trivia enthusiasts are sure to love. Let’s take a look at some of these amazing poker facts below.

Did you know that nearly 50 million Americans partake in the game of poker every year? Poker is an incredibly popular game, even more so with its increasing availability on the Internet. Further, poker has grown in leaps in bounds: no longer is it just a Thursday night gathering for avid Poker players, it is also a big time gambling business. Such a fact is proven when statistics indicate that some 70 million standard decks of playing cards are sold every single year!

Another amazing poker fact that you can use to astonish your friends is the fact that President Richard Nixon used a large sum of money that he won in a poker game to fund his first campaign for Congress! That’s right, after winning a cool six grand playing poker with his Navy buddies; Nixon won his way into office with his big poker winnings.

Is Richard Nixon the only famous person to be noted to play poker? Of course not! In fact, Groucho Marx earned his name from his poker playing tendencies. Groucho Marx used to wear a grouch bag around his neck all the time. Do you know what was in that grouch bag? You guessed it—his poker money!

Alternatively, we can take a look at John Mantagu, the Earl of Sandwich. Mantagu venerated the game of poker, so much so that he would often engage in hours of gaming and would actually refuse to leave the tables to eat. His solution? He would have someone serve him bread and meat. So, not only do we have the Earl of Sandwich to thank for our noontime meals, we also owe the fascinating game of poker a tribute for the sandwich.

Finally, the origins of poker remain highly debated. Conversely, what there seems to be absolutely no debate about is that poker is here to stay. Poker, possessing both a fascinating history and recreational appeal will continue to be played both online and in brick-and-mortar casinos everywhere!

Tips for getting an online degree

In this age of digital technology, more people are turning to the internet to obtain a college education. Now, it’s easier than ever to get an online degree from one of many internet colleges and schools offering distance education. While online learning isn’t for everyone, it’s certainly a convenient and flexible way of furthering your education and obtaining accredited degrees from one of many leading universities. Whether you take a few courses or an entire distance learning program, the following tips will help you in your search to get an online degree in whatever course of study you wish to pursue.

For busy students who are juggling work, school and a home life, obtaining an online degree through a distance education program fits into their hectic schedule. An important thing to remember when studying online is to take programs through an accredited college. Provided you receive accredited degrees, your hard work will be recognized at any major university and prospective employer in the workforce. What’s more, receiving an online degree will still garner the same respect as if you had earned the degree through traditional means. Because so many programs are offered via distance learning, you’re almost guaranteed to find an academic program that interests you.

With a little research, it is fairly simple to determine the quality of an online degree program. In addition to making sure that the program is accredited, it is also important to use common sense. If the program is offering a deal that sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Additionally, you can use Google or another search engine to search for third party reviews or testimonials about a program. These tools can help you find an online program which meets your standards and will help you obtain your goals.

While acquiring an online degree is definitely a convenient, flexible way of getting a college education, it’s important to remember that distance learning isn’t right for every student. In order to be truly successful in receiving accredited degrees, students must have a very high sense of discipline in order to get the work done. Not only that, but they must also be extremely self-motivated to achieve success through online learning. Because you won’t have teachers breathing down your back to complete your work on time, you must work diligently and efficiently as if you were attending college in a traditional classroom setting.

Provided you do extensive research beforehand, you should be able to ascertain whether the college you’re interested in pursuing offers accredited degrees and what course of study you’d like to take. When trying to get an online degrees, remember that choosing a program of study you enjoy will almost certainly lead to success. Granted, you are not going to like every class you take. When you choose an educational program that you enjoy however, you are more likely to complete the work in a timely matter and devote your full attention to the tasks at hand.

Online learning is definitely becoming increasingly popular as the years progress, and offers students a chance to enhance their education at a pace that works best for them. Getting an online degree is really no different than receiving accredited degrees from any leading brick and mortar institution, but it does take a certain amount of discipline to achieve the results that will lead to success. If you feel online learning is right for you, it’s important to do as much research as possible before you commit to any course of academic study. Once you’ve realized that distance education is a viable option for you, apply yourself to the program and you’ll have an online degree in no time.

Hindu baby names and their meanings

Hindu people take naming their children very seriously. They give their children names that will guide them to live a life of morality. The name is often reminiscent of divine qualities. Hindus often name their children after holy people, sages, saints, and even use the names of God and the Gods.

Many people are looking for exotic and unique names for their babies today. Tired of the same old names like William and Mary, some are looking towards Hindu names to find one for their baby that will make them stand out as an individual.

Boy Names

Each Hindu name has a meaning and most parents look at the meaning as well as the name itself. If you are looking for a strong, powerful name for your son, consider these:

Jayin (Conqueror)

Nayakan (Hero)

Nirek (Superior)

Ojayit (Courageous)

Paranjoy (Conqueror of Life)

Paramjit (Heroic)

Ranjiv (Victorious)

Sabal (With strength)

Sahasya (Mighty)

Savir (Leader)

Many male Hindu names have royal connotations such as:

Adhiraj (King)

Akhilesh (Lord & master)

Bhupal (King)

Birendra (King of warriors)

Hemen (The King of gold)

Hiresh (King of precious stones)

Iravan (King of ocean)

Kanvar (Prince)

There are other beautiful male Hindu names to choose from with many meaningful translations including Aashish (Blessing), Bijoy (Full of joy), Chiman (Curious), Deep (Light), Ekagrah (Focused), Gandhik (Fragrance), Hardik (Full of love), Jawahar (Gem), Mitrajit (Friendly), Navrang (Colorful), Paran (Life), Rasul (Angel), Sadhil (Perfect), Tuhin (Snowy), Umang (Desire), Vatsa (Son), and Yamir (Moon).

Girl Names

Baby girl Hindu names are equally if not more beautiful than the boy names. Many names have gem and flower meanings such as:

Prithika (Flower)

Reena (Gem)

Samali (Bouquet)

Taj (Crown/Jewel)

Vainavi (Gold)

Vanalika (Sunflower)

There are also many names with celestial meanings such as:

Anamitra (The sun)

Arundhati (Star)

Bhumika (Earth)

Bhuvi (Heaven)

Chandrika (Moon)

Dhara (Earth)

Indulekha (Moon)

Of course, there are many more beautiful names to choose from including Alpana (Beautiful), Bimala (Pure), Chahna (Love), Devanshi (Divine), Fulki (Spark), Grishma (Warmth), Ipsita (Desire), Kala (Art), Lalima (Beauty), Mitali (Friendly), Nirali (Different), Panchali (Princess), Sarayu (Wind), Usha (Dawn), and Venya (Lovable).

For both boys and girls alike, there are many names with god and goddess meanings such as Ambika (Goddess Parvati), Bhaumi (Goddess Sita), Banke (Lord Krishna), Devkumar (Son of God), Hemavati (Goddess Parvati), Hiranya (Lord Vishnu), Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth), Nadiy (Holy place), Narayan (Lord Vishnu), Parvati (Goddess), Rishi (Sage), and Sara (Goddess of Sound).

As you can see, there are many stylish and exquisite Hindu baby names from which to choose. If you are not Hindu though, you may want to check with someone who is for the exact pronunciation of a name.

Texas casinos

Texas, the Lone Star State, is famous for a number of things, all of which are important to the average Texas native. Texas is the home of The Alamo, U. S. President George W. Bush, and cycling champion Lance Armstrong. Texas is the second most populous state in the union, with 22,490,022 inhabiting people its vast, open spaces. The capital of Texas, Austin, has become a cultural Mecca for artists, musicians and more, with infamous South by Southwest Music Festival held in Austin annually. This large state covers at least 268,581 sq. miles.

With a state this big, it is believable then, that there are a large number of casinos covering the state. If it is a Texas casino that features horseracing that you are interested in, well, there are a whole lot of them.

Choose from Texas casinos available like the Gillespie County Fairgrounds, which features quarter horse racing or the Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie, which also boasts quarter horse racing as well as the option of betting on thoroughbreds. Valley Race Park in Harlingen features thoroughbreds, Sam Houston Race Park in Houston features thoroughbreds and quarter horses, Manor Downs in Manor features quarter horses and Retama Park in Selma features thoroughbreds and quarter horses. Each park features dining options as well.

The Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino, located in Eagle Pass, is one of the larger Texas casinos. It features more than 1,000 slot machines and more than 20 table games. There are dining and entertainment options in this Texas casino and is operated by the Kickapoo Tribe.

The Texas Treasure Casino Cruise is another gambling facility located in the Long Star State. Based in Port Aransas, this Texas casino features more than 400 slot machines, more than 20 table games and a host of dining options. Bingo is also a featured game at this Texas casino facility.

For those interested in visiting Texas casinos with dog racing, the Corpus Christi dog track, located in the city of Corpus Christi and Gulf Greyhound Park, located in La Marque, are both excellent quality dog-racing tracks. The Corpus Christi dog track features an option for dining and Gulf Greyhound Park features both a concession stand as well as a dine-in option.

Texas casinos feature enough variety for everyone to find one to suit their needs. Not sure which one to visit? Try one from each category and see which one gives you the best experience (with the most winnings)!

The legality of online poker

The topic of whether online poker is legal or illegal is frankly quite interesting. Typically, gambling is managed by each individual state, and as a result some states have legalized gambling and casinos and others do not. However, the internet is not something that can be managed by each state because it is global, there are no controls so to speak by individual countries, states, or governments on the Internet because it is like another world. But, back to the legality of poker online, a question that has no answer or many answers depending on how you look at it. There is no precedent set for gambling online, as a result there is no way to say that gambling online is legal, illegal, or none of the above. In fact, you could answer yes, no, or maybe, and be just as right with any of these answers. The Wire Act is one issues people say that makes gambling online illegal because it bans gambling by phone, however there is no precedent set that makes this statement valid regarding Internet gambling. As a result, while there are plenty of ways to infer gambling online is illegal, there is no way to prove so until a precedent is set. Setting a legal precedent requires someone being charged with playing online poker and then being found guilty. As of yet, not one single American soul out of the millions who play online poker each and every day has ever been charged, fined, or convicted of this act.

You might find this information not very helpful because your question is whether or not you can safely play poker online and not worry about breaking the law or being subjected to prosecution or fines of any type. Well, there is no outright answer, which favors playing poker online because there is nothing saying you absolutely cannot play poker online. Even if your state does not have legalized gambling or casinos, you can still play poker online and not worry about the authorities catching you and giving you a ticket. At the moment in time, finding all the online poker players, and fining them is not the main goal of states, and until there is some definitive statement regarding online poker you should play your heart away. Additionally, the fact that no legal precedent exists regarding online poker means you really have nothing to worry about.

However, if you are really concerned about the legality, or illegality, of playing poker online you should play and keep your ear out for any new information on the subject, or else avoid the game altogether because if you are so worried about the legality of online poker you won’t really be able to enjoy playing the game.

Online Poker Beginnings

Poker and gambling has been popular for years, however many states have outlawed the activity relegating die hard fans to travel to the likes of Las Vegas, Atlantic City, or even the Cherokee Reservation in North Carolina to play their beloved game. However, not everyone can afford to travel to one of these destinations to play poker, nor do individuals have the time to do so on a regular basis. So, what was the average person who loved poker supposed to do if his buddies couldn’t play one Saturday night? Before online poker there were few options, now, no matter where you live you can play poker online to your hearts desire. You can play at night, in the morning, while eating lunch, or working as well. Online poker allows you to play your favorite game whenever and wherever you like!

At first, people thought this was an amazing idea, but they were also very cautious as well because the Internet was new, there was little understanding on how one could actually win money in an online poker game and then receive the money, there was mistrust, and simply confusion. But, the poker websites started offering security measures, large bonuses, and benefits for online players and little by little individuals started playing poker online.

The first players of online poker shared their success stories with friends and family members, as well as boasting about the security measures and the safety of playing online. This word of mouth advertising in addition to the advertising by the online poker sites really attracted new players and now in just a few short years online poker sites are some of the most popular sites on the web and there are people who play online poker every single day. If you had asked poker players 20 years ago what they thought of playing poker at home on a computer rather than in the casino you probably would have gotten some really strange looks and resounding negative responses. However, the age of the Internet has changed people and whether it is shopping, paying bills, or playing poker online the Internet is making everything easier and more accessible to the masses. Before, poker was a game of the wealthy who had the money to spend on a long vacation to a poker hot spot. Now, poker is a game of the every day man or woman that enjoys a hand of poker, but has neither the time nor the money to travel all over the country to play.

This huge growth in online poker is what has so many people worried about the legality of it and whether or not laws will be passed to regulate online pokers sites. While the future is unknown regarding online poker sites and whether they will be considered legal, illegal, or just another website remains to be seen, but until then simply log on to your favorite online gambling website and play to your hearts desire.

Lamps history of lighting

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Numerous references from olden ages have illuminated the fact that lamps have been used to spread light, even before electricity was invented, and lighting was given a new meaning. The use of lamps can be broadly classified into two eras: The pre-electrical era and the post electrical era.

Lamps: The Pre-electrical Era

The invention and first usage of lamp can be dated back to 70,000 BC. At that time, there was no metal or bronze to make lamps instead the then civilization used hollow rocks and shells. These hollow rocks were filled with moss and other natural substances and then soaked in animal fat. Animal fat acted as oil and this is how the first lamps were ignited.

With the advent of pottery, and the bronze and copper age, humans started to make lamps that imitated other natural shapes. Wicks came into existence much later and were used for controlling the flame or the rate of burning. In the 7th century BC, Greeks started using terra cotta lamps, which replaced the handheld torches. The word lamp has been derived from the Greek word lampas, which means torch.

Lamps and the Design Change:

There was a major change in the design of lamps in the 18th century, when the central burner was invented. With the invention of the burner, a separate fuel source was made from metal. Another small change made was the addition of a metal tube that could be adjusted to control the intensity of the flame or light.

This was an important discovery in terms of lighting because with adjustment, humans were able to diminish the lighting or make it bright as required. Another aspect was added to the new lamp, which was in the form of small glass chimneys. The role of the glass chimney was to protect the flame as well as control the air flow.

Swiss chemist Ami Argand used the hollow circular wick in an oil lamp for the very first time in 1783.

Fuels for Lighting

Different kinds of fuels have been used for lighting a lamp between 70,000 BC and now. Most of the early forms of fuel were beeswax, olive oil, animal fat, fish oil, sesame oil, whale oil, nut oil etc. These were also among the most commonly used forms of fuel for lighting a lamp till the late 18th century.

Around 1859, the first drilling process was initiated to find petroleum and with the advent of kerosene, which is a derivative of petroleum, lamp became more popular and usage increased. Kerosene enabled lighting was first introduced in Germany in 1853.

During the same time two other products were used for lamp lighting purposes and they were natural gas and coal. The first use of coal gas lamps was in 1784.

Electrical Lighting Lamps
Lamps have actually come a long way from usage of coal gas to electricity. In 1801, Sir Humphrey Davy of England invented the electric carbon arc lamp, which was the first of its kind. The working principle for this lamp was simple and included hooking of two carbon rods to an electrical source.

The carbon rods were kept at a distance from each other so that electrical current could flow through the arc and thus vaporize carbon to create white lighting. Around 1857, A. E. Becquerel of France came out with the theory of fluorescent lighting in lamps. In the 1870’s, the unthinkable happened with Thomas Edison inventing the first electric incandescent lamp. Since then incandescent lamps were used for lighting purposes in homes till about the early 20th century.

In 1901, Peter Cooper Hewitt patented his new invention, the mercury vapor lamp. This was another type of arc lamp that enhanced lighting using mercury vapors, which were enclosed in a glass bulb. The Mercury vapor lamps set the prototype for fluorescent lighting lamps.

The Neon lamp was invented by Georges Claude of France in 1911 followed by Irving Langmuir, an American who invented the electric gas-filled incandescent lamp in 1915. In 1927, Hans Spanner, Friedrich Meyer, and Edmund Germer patented the first fluorescent lamp. The fluorescent lamps provided better lighting as compared to the mercury vapor lamps because they were coated from inside with beryllium.

Since then we have been using different form of lighting in lamps, which includes Mercury vapors, incandescent lamps and even today, in some corners of the earth people still use the old wick and oil lamp for lighting their homes.

Your last resort stop smoking pill

As we always see on cigarette packs, "Cigarette smoking is dangerous to your health." This is a notice that is commonly disregarded by smokers. Without even reading this notice, they just tear open the cigarette pack, grab a stick, and light it as if they don’t want to see the glaring truth in front of it. Unfortunately, the warning stated on this package is very true. Cigarette smoking is one of the leading causes of death. As a matter of fact, 440,000 people in the United States die each year because of illnesses caused by this bad habit.

Fortunately, a lot of people have become aware of what smoking can do to their health and have made attempts to quit. Unfortunately, because of a substance called nicotine that is found in cigarettes, many people find it difficult to resist their cravings for the “high” that this substance can give. The good news is that there are now aids for smokers who want to quit. They can try chewing a nicotine gum or putting on a nicotine patch. These are two of the types of nicotine replacement therapy wherein the craving for the pleasurable feelings is quenched by the content of these gums and patches, taking away the need for a stick of cigarette. But, since this method is not always effective, a new option has been added: the stop smoking pill.

A New Use for an Anti-depressant

Zyban is a stop smoking pill that causes a sustained release of bupropion hydrochloride, the same substance found in the anti-depressant, Wellbutrin SR. This stop smoking pill boosts the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the body, giving the user the same pleasurable feeling that is induced by the nicotine found in tobacco. These pills should be taken a week before a smoker starts to quit smoking in order to combat the withdrawal symptoms that usually haunt quitters.

Although Zyban is more effective than other anti-depressants in this aspect, it has some side effects that doctors should warn their patients about before prescribing this solution. It has been proven to cause depression in users and can increase suicidal tendencies.

The New Stop Smoking Pill

Another stop smoking pill was approved by the FDA last May. Varenicline was proven to help more than one out of five smokers to stop smoking after using it for a year. This pill works by inhibiting the feelings of pleasure that smokers feel when they light up a cigarette. This stops them from associating the wonderful feeling with a stick of cigarette that they usually crave for when they are under stress, cutting off their dependency to it.

Now available under the name of Chantix, this drug should be taken twice a day for a minimum of twelve weeks in order to stop a person from lighting up a cigarette. A side effect of this stop smoking pill is said to be nausea and vomiting.

Because of the side effects that can be caused by these two stop smoking pills, they are usually considered as a last resort for people who would like to quit smoking. And for those who plan to use Zyban to quit smoking, perhaps it should be coupled with exercise in order to decrease the dependency on that medication. Exercise, after all, can hasten the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine in the body, giving a person the same high feeling that these pills can provide.

Honda bumpers prove to be great

Most people do not realise how effective your Honda bumper can be. And you probably do not even think twice about them. However it would be beneficial to you if knew how great they were. Why? So that you can appreciate them more. You might think they do not have much of a purpose, but you are wrong my friend. The Honda bumper provides you with a lot more than you think.

Honda bumpers are shock absorbers. If and when you ever have any kind of accident, collision or crash, they can help save your life. You may not think they are an important part of the vehicle, but they are. They can decrease the amount of damage to your car during an accident. The bumpers shield the front and rear areas of your vehicle. And as great and interesting as that sounds, your bumpers are not actually considered safety devices. How weird is that?

The Honda bumpers are manufactured in many types of materials. Some of these materials include aluminum, steel, plastic and rubber. Don’t forget you can always have custom built bumpers if that is what you wish. Having your Honda painted, designed and what not can drastically change the look of your car. Whatever you desire can be yours. So you can be styling and be more safe at the same time.

If you want to purchase some bumpers you can always check out Auto Parts Online. They have many parts and products for every thing your Honda needs. They can even give you great deals on the bumpers and any of your future purchases. So go check them out, they can save you bundles. And they will help keep you safe at the same time. Who ever knew that something like bumpers could do all that?

Equine colic - would you know what to do

"I think your horse has colic." Words to strike fear into any horse owner's heart. But what is colic? What signs should you look for?

Colic refers to pain originating in the abdomen. Generally horses do not tolerate abdominal pain very well. So if there is any disturbance of gut function they tend to show signs of pain.

Signs of mild discomfort might be stretching, standing as if to urinate, and pawing the ground. If he is more painful the horse will get up and down, and roll to try to get more comfortable. He will start sweating. More serious cases will get up and down and roll constantly.

If you think your horse has colic, you should call an experienced equine vet straight away. He or she will be able to provide emergency pain relief and decide whether further treatment is necessary.

What can you do while you wait for the vet to arrive? Taking your horse for a walk often helps. It may encourage his guts to work normally and soothe the pain. It may also prevent him lying down to roll. If he is lying down quietly then let him stay there.

It used to be thought that a horse could cause a twisted gut by rolling. That is probably not true. But it is best to prevent him rolling if you can. That way you will prevent him injuring himself by banging himself on the stable walls. But be careful that you don't get injured yourself. Horses often forget all their normal manners when they are in pain.

There are many different reasons for horses to get colic. But often the signs look similar regardless of the cause.

What will the vet do to investigate the problem? He or she will listen to the abdomen with a stethoscope to tell whether there is more or less activity in the gut than normal.

The heart rate gives a good indication of the severity of the pain and the seriousness of the problem. A horse with a normal heart rate probably does not have a serious problem. Whereas a high heart rate is not such a good sign.

A very useful part of the examination is the rectal examination. By feeling the intestines, the vet may be able to identify the cause of the problem. It goes without saying that this is a very skilled procedure, that is potentially hazardous for both the vet and the horse. But for an experienced equine vet the information it gives is invaluable in deciding the nature of the problem. It may reveal a blockage, or a swollen loop of intestines as a result of a twist or other intestinal catastrophe.

In all but the most straightforward cases the vet may pass a tube through the nose into the stomach . It sounds unpleasant but often may make the horse more comfortable by releasing the pressure in the stomach. It can also give the vet useful information about whether the stomach is emptying properly.

Sometimes the horse is in so much pain that it is impossible for the vet to examine him properly without first giving a dose of sedative or pain killer.

Only by considering all of the signs revealed by a careful examination is the vet able to make a tentative diagnosis. Even then it may not be possible to tell exactly what is going on.

Sometimes, after the first examination, it will be apparent that the horse needs emergency surgery. But more usually the vet will decide to treat the horse with a short-acting pain-killer and review his condition after a couple of hours. Most cases show a rapid improvement. But some will either not respond to the treatment, or they will improve at first, only to start showing signs of pain again later.

Rather than having to call the vet out several times, it is usually better to transport these cases to a specialist equine practice where they can be monitored closely and surgery can be performed if necessary.

Fortunately the vast majority of cases respond to medical treatment. But if surgery is needed - it is important to operate early. The chance of a successful outcome is much better if the operation is carried out before too much damage has occurred.

Well-kept secrets in home decorating

When it comes to redecorating your home, many people would say perfection lies in the details. So once you've selected your designer paints and custom fabrics and draperies and picked out high-end furnishings and artwork, take a moment to look around you.

There's a good chance you may have overlooked some significant details throughout your home. Because they serve such an ordinary function, switches, outlets and dimmers are often overlooked details in home-remodeling projects. With the increased attention given to home lighting, a greater number of architects, builders and design consultants are adding designer-styled switches, outlets and dimmers to the redecorating equation.

These inexpensively priced products offer the perfect finishing touch to a newly redecorated room, adding benefits like convenience and energy savings, while enriching the home's dйcor.

Rocker-style switches, for example, offer a contemporary, distinctive look for any room in your home. Some versions emit a soft luminescent glow that helps you find your way to them in darkened areas. Designer-style outlets are available in a variety of colors and textures that blend with most wall coverings.

With today's rising energy costs on everyone's mind, replacing your light switches with dimmers may seem frivolous, but a dimmer is apt to pay for itself in the energy it saves. A dimmer lets you adjust lighting for the mood and ambience you want, while helping you reduce lighting usage by up to 30 percent. Many models now come with a preset switch that remembers the last selected brightness level. Dimmers are as easy to install as a light switch. They're ideal for bedrooms, dining rooms, living rooms, dens, home theaters and elsewhere.

An occupancy sensor can easily replace a standard light switch and automatically turn lighting on when you enter a room and off when you leave. These devices feature designer styling instead of a clunky "scanning device" look. These sensors let you enjoy the magic of hands-free light when you enter the kitchen with an armful of packages.

Whatever you need to add a decorative touch to, designer-style wiring devices and wall plates are available in a wide choice of styles and colors to beautify your home's dйcor.

Four reasons why it isn t time to have sex yet

I can tell you one thing for certain : in life, timing is everything. Just like everything else, sexual activity is as much about when you do it is as it is how you do it. So, with this in mind, I’ve written up this short checklist as a reminder of some of the reasons why you should hold off on sex for at least the short-term. When you’re in the moment with your partner, there are probably emotions and hormones firing at full cylinder, but if you keep these things in mind I assure you that you will be guaranteeing yourself a better sexual relationship.

1. The most obvious reason is probably the most overlooked : make sure that you want to have sex and that you’re mentally prepared for a sexual relationship with this person. During foreplay with someone new, your hormones and emotions will be riding an awesome rollercoaster. It’s something new and exciting and you’re eager to explore a relationship with this person. But make sure you are emotionally and sexually ready before you dive in to the relationship. There’s nothing wrong with holding off on sex for a while until you’re completely sure that you’re ready. Your partner won’t mind, and in the long run, you’ll both be better off for it because the sex will be that much better. You’ll be confident and in control, and having these things makes for a much more fun sexual experience.

2. Your partner is giving you the impression that they’re not ready yet. Communication is probably the most important thing for a couple to perfect. As a relationship develops, you will be much better off if you learn early on how to communicate with your partner and sense their desires and needs. So while your partner may not say something outright, you should be very aware of their body language and actions during foreplay to make sure that they’re ready for intercourse. There’s nothing wrong with talking during foreplay, either. Communication is sexy and can be a great way for you two to bond while you’re learning more about each other. If you get the sense that your partner is tensing up or overly nervous, take the time to make sure the moment is right for both of you, and you’re sure to have a better experience.

3. You haven’t discussed safe sex yet with your partner. This is essential and can often be overlooked, leading to big time regrets later. If you don’t know the person that well or if you’re just getting to know them, you need to know something about their sexual history before you proceed with any sort of sexual activity. Has the person had unprotected sex in the past? How many partners have they had recently? Have they been checked for STI’s and HIV? Undoubtedly it takes some thought to ask these questions just the right way without killing the mood, but I assure you it’s possible and when done right, makes you look smart and responsible, things that your partner should be excited about. Also, discuss what safe sex options are on the table for you two. Don’t assume someone has the birth control taken care of without asking first.

4. Neither of you have a condom. You probably should have seen this one coming. While the need for safe sex should always be in the back of your mind, it’s very easy to throw that thought out the window in the heat of the moment. But at those times it is more essential than ever to make sure that you engage in protected and safe sex. While it may be very hard to put off having sex until one of you goes to buy protection, in the long run it is worth your while to make sure that your relationship is based on the idea of mutual respect and trust. Mutual respect and trust is best developed when both partners take care to protect each other from STI’s, HIV and unwanted pregnancy. So step back for a minute from the situation, remember what’s most important and make sure to wait until you can practice safe sex.

Acne if only it would go away

Acne is one of life's little irritants and a major cause for loss of self esteem and self worth for our youth. Occurring at any age, but commonly in your teenage year's acne is one of the most frustrating skin conditions you can have.

As a teenager I personally battled acne and lost. I didn't know what caused it and there were myths all over about too much candy and chocolate, too much stress, preservatives in foods, sweating from exercise, etc. There are probably hundreds of wrong statements about what causes acne and just as many home remedies that don't help to cure acne.

Acne is caused by excessive oils on your skin that clog your pores and eventually will result in an infection, which produces the pimple with its redness and swelling. A blackhead is simply a pore that has been partially plug by oils or dead skin but still remains open and doesn't have an infection.

The key to controlling your acne is your ability to control the body oils that you have on your face, neck and shoulders. As a teenager your hormones are the cause of some of this excessive oil in you hair. So it is important to keep your hair clean to help reduce the amount of oil you have around your face and shoulders.

As a teenager, I had very oily hair and had acne on my shoulders, I had sought doctors help and tried many things but what finally got it under control was a shorter haircut and washing my hair at least once a day, in addition to keeping my face clean by washing with mild soap and water.

If you have acne you should try not to pick at and pop your pimples. It can be very difficult not to pick at your acne, but what you are actually doing when you pop a pimple is spreading the infection to other pores in your skin. You may have noticed that if you do pick at your acne it tends to spread, this is caused by spreading the infection (the white puss like substance) to other pores that may only be partially clogged but now have additional infectious material to completely clog the pore.

Keep in mind acne can also be caused by some medications so if you're taking proper care to control your body oils and it still hasn't worked, you may be taking a medication that is the main cause. Be sure to consult with your family physician as he can determine the side effects of your medication and adjust if necessary.

Sm-budgeting-secrets

A Little Goes a Long Way: Smart Secrets to Budgeting

There’s nothing more we want than to be able to efficiently manage our money. After all, the money that we want to manage is money that is oftentimes, hard earned. This is where a budget comes in. A budget executed properly, should help you see where your money is going, get more utility out of every buck, and help you save some extra for future use.

The first smart secret to a budget is to set a goal. What do you want to achieve? Do you want to correctly appropriate your income into bills payments? Do you want to put an amount aside for a big purchase or a huge investment? By having a goal, you will be able to shape your budget to best serve your interests.

Secondly, you would want to take note of where your money usually goes. This includes bills, major but regular purchases (like grocery costs, healthcare costs, and the like), and everyday miscellaneous purchases. Only when you list down where you know your money usually goes will you be able to identify which expenses you can do without. Once you’ve identified these regular expenditures, take into consideration what you can cut back on. How much do you spend on your daily caffeine fix in the morning? How much do you spend on newspaper deliveries to your front door? The measly $2 or $5 of these small purchases cumulatively translates to more than $3600 a year! Instead of buying your expensive latte or reading the newspaper on print, put aside the amount you would usually pay for these small routine purchases in a small container. You will be surprised at how much you’re saving out of your older budget.

Being indebted is a vicious cycle on its own. You’re talking about continuous payments, not to mention huge interest rates. The best way to deal with this is to pay the minimum on all of your debts in order to avoid paying extraneous late fees. Whatever cash excesses you may have, you can opt to add on to the payments you make in your biggest debt. This way, you are concentrated on getting the biggest debts first that cost you the greatest interest rates. Doing this progressively, you’ll be amazed at how much you’ll get off your huge debts.

The last and most important step is to jot down the amount you earn the sum you spend. You can make use of computer cash management programs, or make database sheets of your own. Make a system that works for you and will help you keep track of your monthly budgeting progress.

Take a bath and relax with bathroom accessories

Take a bath and relax with Bathroom Accessories

Bath time can be the most relaxing and enjoying time of the day. There are so many different things that you can use when relaxing in that big garden tub of yours. Lets talk about some of the things that can make your bathing more relaxing and enjoyable.

How to relax:

Your bathtub can be a major part of your relaxation time. There are many different kinds of tubs out now to fit everyone’s needs. Most people have standard size tubs for one person, they can be very relaxing too, just add some things around it to make it what you like. Fill up the tub with your favorite smelly bubbles or relaxing oils. The hot water and all those bubbles around you make you feel special and important.

How to create a romantic atmosphere in your bathroom:

Do you like getting romantic in the tub? Try the garden tub it is a good one for small areas and large enough for the second person to join you. Garden tubs are nice when they are sunken into your floor area. Box the tub in and install a music system into it. Music is always relaxing to everyone. Turn the music on a good easy listening music channel or insert a CD into it, maybe an mp3 player too. Garden tubs and music is just one type of tub to spice up your day.

When installing a tub for romance and relaxation be sure to think about where you’re going to install it and the sitting around it. Your dйcor means a lot when you’re trying to relax and enjoy the surrounding area. Choose a room away from the master bedroom where you can be away from everything and just be alone. Before installing your tub, decide on a theme and how you’re going to fill in the empty spaces. Take one end of the room and put up a wall to make a place for the stool and a shower separate from your tub. Putting the sink in the same room with the tub is ok, since you can color and coordinate the colors to both rooms to match the bedroom.

Put mirrors around your tub; box the tub in putting inserts at one end for that glass of wine you might want to have while relaxing. Add candles so when they are lit they can glow into the mirrors. Sounds romantic doesn’t it.

Install Garden tubs with jets in it. Jets are a good way to get that massage you’ve been wanting. Some of them even have heaters connected so your water doesn’t get cold. Be careful not to fall asleep and drown in there it can be done so don’t stay in there to long with the jets on they can make you to relaxed. Again, don’t forget to add the mirrors and candles.

Put a chair decorated to match your theme in one corner where you can sit to dry off and add that lotion you might have for your feet. After relaxing in that tub, you need to smell good afterwards. A little bit of body lotion goes a long way. Match your lotion smells to go with the oil you’ve used to take the smells with you when you’re done. Body lotions are affordable; as well, you can find coupons, deals, sales, clearances, etc online to help you save money.

How to find oils, bathtubs, candles, lotions, and more:

Check out the department stores; maybe go on line to check out the candles, lotions, and your oils. Try different smells and enjoy.

That Bare Wall Benefiting from Bathroom Accessories

How to fill in the blanks with rubber stamps:

Is there a bare wall in your bathroom? Is the wall bare so that you cannot find a theme to match? Have you considered wallpaper, yet nothing seems to fit? Why not put your creativeness and ideas to work and make your own wallpaper design. I bet no one else will have one like it.

Before you get started, decide what you really want to put on a bare wall you are trying to cover. Make sure you are creative and try to use the same theme you are working with, such as birds. This can be done in any room of you house where you have a wall and want to do something different.

You’ll need to shop around and find some rubber stamps or stencils; you can even draw the design if you want. The rubber stamps, stencils, all of these things can be found in the craft department of most department stores. Be sure to grab the brushes you’ll need; the variety pack of brushes is nice since you have different sizes and styles all in one.

Usually in the same department you’ll be able to purchase the paints you’ll need, use ceramic paint, it comes in many colors and shades to accommodate your needs. Clean up is a breeze just using warm and soapy water to clean up the paint to change from one color to another is all you need to do.

Whenever doing a project like this, you should do it twice to be sure you have the right design and colors that you’ll want to use. If you need more stamps or stencils just go to another department store, wherever craft supplies are sold, they all sell different ones. Cover the area that you are going to stamp on with freezer paper. The paper you can buy wherever groceries are sold, usually in the meat department. When putting up the paper just stick a thumbtack on the corner and a few places in the center to hold it in place.

Now you are ready to make the first copy of your wall project. Go for it and start stamping away.

It is hard to place everything so they are exactly spaced but don’t worry you can fill in those empty spots later. When going from one color to another, if the colors are going to touch make sure that the first color completely dries? When finished, let dry and look at it for a couple of days to make sure this is what you want. Then go on to the permanent design.

How to remove the paper?

Now you’re ready to do your wall, taking down the paper carefully so you don’t forget your color combinations. Keep it for a pattern to work from. Remember no two projects are the same. That’s the fun of the whole project; no one will have one like it.

Paint your wall in the color of your choice making it a light color to match the colors you are going to stamp on it. Using your pattern, you have set aside; start stamping again on the original wall. Again, make sure each color is completely dry before stamping another color so they do not touch each other. If do not like the pattern you’ve done just fill in the spaces with something else or add a new color somewhere. No matter how many times you use this technique you’ll never be able to do two projects the same. This is the tactic known as creativity. Now that you have your paints, consider the flowery bathroom accessories.