We often meet strangers and there are times that we need to obtain public records about these people for us to know more about them before dealing with them or trusting them. In today’s advance technology we don’t have to hire a personal investigator to conduct background check for us. Now, you can do your research at the comfort and privacy of your own home through the use of internet. You can benefit from conducting background check on someone if you use these public records correctly and for your personal, family and business protection.
Here are some reasons why you need to conduct background check on someone.
You need to conduct background check on people who will take care of your children when you are not around or while you are at work, a thorough background check will help you decide wisely. You may conduct background check on nannies, day care providers and teachers before entrusting your children to them.
Conduct background check to locate people. There are times that you need to find long lost friends, classmates and relatives. You can locate missing people at the privacy of your home if you conduct background check on them.
Conduct background check on potential dates. Most singles now meet potential dates online, from dating clubs and in singles bars and it will not be a tedious job for you to conduct background check on your for your protection. You can check criminal records, marriage/divorce history, sexual offense record etc. For parents, if you are uneasy and you need to know valuable information about the person dating your daughter or son, a background check on the person will help you get the necessary information you need for your peace of mind.
Conduct background check for business purposes. Before investing money, conduct background check on people and businesses to protect yourself. On real estate for instance, before investing your money you need to check previous sale transactions, loan information and other important information about the property. You can also conduct bankruptcy filings and liens on any company before doing any business with them to protect your investment.
These are just few of the many reasons why you need to conduct background check on someone. But you have to keep in mind that public information are accessible for you to protect yourself and your family but not to cause harm to others. A comprehensive, accurate background report and using your own judgment will help you make a wise decision about your investments and the people you hire and trust.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Fire Protection - Is Your Family Prepared?
Is there such a thing as a fireproof home? The answer is no. The best anyone can do is actively take steps to prevent a fire from starting in the first place, and, if one should occur, make sure you and your family knows what to do to get out safely and have the tools to do so.
Fire Prevention:
What kinds of things can you and your family do to actually prevent a fire?
1. Identify potential fire sources in your home such as the stove and other cooking equipment, heaters, portable heaters, water heater, etc. Make sure nothing flammable is stored near these heat sources. That includes pot holders and towels near the stove, or flammable items stored above the stove. Don't tempt your children to reach above the stove for candy or cereal - store those types of items away from any heat source.
2. When cooking make sure you're not wearing loose, long sleeves which could catch fire.
3. Don't smoke in bed.
4. Don't locate heaters within three feet of your bedding or other flammable upholstery.
5. Keep matches and lighters away from children.
6. Help prevent electrical fires by making sure not to overload electrical circuits. When not using them make sure you unplug unnecessary appliances.
7. Use extra precautions when using candles, especially around children and pets. Don't allow candles to burn unattended.
Fire Warning and Safety:
What kinds of things can you and your family do to remain safe should a fire occur?
1. Make sure you use smoke detectors on every floor of your home and near the bedrooms to alert you in case a fire breaks out.
2. Make sure you test the detectors regularly, and make sure batteries are replaced annually.
3. Draw up an escape plan for your family and make sure you practice that escape plan periodically. Ideally you should also have an alternate escape route drawn up should the primary escape route become blocked.
4. If you have a second or third story, make sure the bedrooms have escape ladders which are located near the windows and easy to use. These should become part of your escape route practice.
5. Make sure you have fire extinguishers in your home which are easy to get to in case of a fire. Do research the different types of fire extinguishers so you know which one to buy. Some extinguishers are only effective on certain types of fires.
6. Consider purchasing a fire blanket which can be used to extinguish a fire, such as a fire on the stove. Keep the blanket handy in the kitchen.
7. If a fire occurs in your home make sure you get yourself and your family out as quickly as you can, but try not to panic. If you are in your room and don't know if it's safe to open the door, check the temperature of the door. If it's hot don't open it. One way to check for heat is to check the temperature of the doorknob by spitting on it. If it sizzles and evaporates you know there's probably fire on the other side of the door. If trapped inside be sure to cover smoke entry points with wet towels or blankets. And yell for help or call 911 immediately. If you are able to exit, be sure to Crawl low to the floor to avoid getting affected by the fumes or smoke, as smoke and heat rises.
With careful planning and attention to safety, you and your family can prevent and survive home fires. This is truly one instance where an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure.
Fire Prevention:
What kinds of things can you and your family do to actually prevent a fire?
1. Identify potential fire sources in your home such as the stove and other cooking equipment, heaters, portable heaters, water heater, etc. Make sure nothing flammable is stored near these heat sources. That includes pot holders and towels near the stove, or flammable items stored above the stove. Don't tempt your children to reach above the stove for candy or cereal - store those types of items away from any heat source.
2. When cooking make sure you're not wearing loose, long sleeves which could catch fire.
3. Don't smoke in bed.
4. Don't locate heaters within three feet of your bedding or other flammable upholstery.
5. Keep matches and lighters away from children.
6. Help prevent electrical fires by making sure not to overload electrical circuits. When not using them make sure you unplug unnecessary appliances.
7. Use extra precautions when using candles, especially around children and pets. Don't allow candles to burn unattended.
Fire Warning and Safety:
What kinds of things can you and your family do to remain safe should a fire occur?
1. Make sure you use smoke detectors on every floor of your home and near the bedrooms to alert you in case a fire breaks out.
2. Make sure you test the detectors regularly, and make sure batteries are replaced annually.
3. Draw up an escape plan for your family and make sure you practice that escape plan periodically. Ideally you should also have an alternate escape route drawn up should the primary escape route become blocked.
4. If you have a second or third story, make sure the bedrooms have escape ladders which are located near the windows and easy to use. These should become part of your escape route practice.
5. Make sure you have fire extinguishers in your home which are easy to get to in case of a fire. Do research the different types of fire extinguishers so you know which one to buy. Some extinguishers are only effective on certain types of fires.
6. Consider purchasing a fire blanket which can be used to extinguish a fire, such as a fire on the stove. Keep the blanket handy in the kitchen.
7. If a fire occurs in your home make sure you get yourself and your family out as quickly as you can, but try not to panic. If you are in your room and don't know if it's safe to open the door, check the temperature of the door. If it's hot don't open it. One way to check for heat is to check the temperature of the doorknob by spitting on it. If it sizzles and evaporates you know there's probably fire on the other side of the door. If trapped inside be sure to cover smoke entry points with wet towels or blankets. And yell for help or call 911 immediately. If you are able to exit, be sure to Crawl low to the floor to avoid getting affected by the fumes or smoke, as smoke and heat rises.
With careful planning and attention to safety, you and your family can prevent and survive home fires. This is truly one instance where an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure.
5 Important Things You Should Know About Drinking Water
It seems in life that most people take for granted the things that are most important to them and drinking water is no exception. It is a fact that no one can survive without clean pure drinking water and it is important to note some critical facts:
1. More than 35,000 people die each day throughout the world from disease caused by impure or lack of drinking water. That equals more than 12,000,000 per year or more than the per year total killed in each of the six years of World War II.
2. The absence of clean drinking water and sanitation is one of the largest causes of death and loss of productivity throughout the world.
3. Three to four of every five children related deaths are directly related to unsanitary or contaminated drinking water.
4. Municipal water supplies in the United States, although regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) still contain a large number of contaminants. Many types of bottled water also contain contaminants.
5. Purified water using a distillation/oxygenation process produces the highest quality drinking water.
It is a fact that because of urban growth and industrial pollution, drinking water is becoming more polluted and water related health hazards are increasing. Heavier amounts of chlorine are being added to kill bacteria but this ruins the fresh water taste.
Polluted or contaminated water is particularly harmful to young children and may cause health problems that do not surface until years later.
Municipal tap water is contaminated as is spring and well water and the fact that these sources of water are regulated does not remove the contamination. Obtain the most recent EPA water quality for your municipality and study it closely.
With the exception of purified bottled water, most bottled water is subject to the same or greater amounts of contamination. Spring water is either rebottled tap water or particularly susceptible to industrial pollution.
Distilled/oxygenated purified water on the other hand separates pure water from contaminants and flushes the waste down the drain leaving only 100% pure water.
Ask questions and read the labels of municipal or bottled water to determine what is really contained in the water you drink. Then decide how much contamination your body can tolerate over an extended period.
I think after even a moderate amount of research you will agree that purified, distilled water will aid in the longevity of yourself and your family.
1. More than 35,000 people die each day throughout the world from disease caused by impure or lack of drinking water. That equals more than 12,000,000 per year or more than the per year total killed in each of the six years of World War II.
2. The absence of clean drinking water and sanitation is one of the largest causes of death and loss of productivity throughout the world.
3. Three to four of every five children related deaths are directly related to unsanitary or contaminated drinking water.
4. Municipal water supplies in the United States, although regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) still contain a large number of contaminants. Many types of bottled water also contain contaminants.
5. Purified water using a distillation/oxygenation process produces the highest quality drinking water.
It is a fact that because of urban growth and industrial pollution, drinking water is becoming more polluted and water related health hazards are increasing. Heavier amounts of chlorine are being added to kill bacteria but this ruins the fresh water taste.
Polluted or contaminated water is particularly harmful to young children and may cause health problems that do not surface until years later.
Municipal tap water is contaminated as is spring and well water and the fact that these sources of water are regulated does not remove the contamination. Obtain the most recent EPA water quality for your municipality and study it closely.
With the exception of purified bottled water, most bottled water is subject to the same or greater amounts of contamination. Spring water is either rebottled tap water or particularly susceptible to industrial pollution.
Distilled/oxygenated purified water on the other hand separates pure water from contaminants and flushes the waste down the drain leaving only 100% pure water.
Ask questions and read the labels of municipal or bottled water to determine what is really contained in the water you drink. Then decide how much contamination your body can tolerate over an extended period.
I think after even a moderate amount of research you will agree that purified, distilled water will aid in the longevity of yourself and your family.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Why You Need to Conduct Background Check on Someone
We often meet strangers and there are times that we need to obtain public records about these people for us to know more about them before dealing with them or trusting them. In today’s advance technology we don’t have to hire a personal investigator to conduct background check for us. Now, you can do your research at the comfort and privacy of your own home through the use of internet. You can benefit from conducting background check on someone if you use these public records correctly and for your personal, family and business protection.
Here are some reasons why you need to conduct background check on someone.
You need to conduct background check on people who will take care of your children when you are not around or while you are at work, a thorough background check will help you decide wisely. You may conduct background check on nannies, day care providers and teachers before entrusting your children to them.
Conduct background check to locate people. There are times that you need to find long lost friends, classmates and relatives. You can locate missing people at the privacy of your home if you conduct background check on them.
Conduct background check on potential dates. Most singles now meet potential dates online, from dating clubs and in singles bars and it will not be a tedious job for you to conduct background check on your for your protection. You can check criminal records, marriage/divorce history, sexual offense record etc. For parents, if you are uneasy and you need to know valuable information about the person dating your daughter or son, a background check on the person will help you get the necessary information you need for your peace of mind.
Conduct background check for business purposes. Before investing money, conduct background check on people and businesses to protect yourself. On real estate for instance, before investing your money you need to check previous sale transactions, loan information and other important information about the property. You can also conduct bankruptcy filings and liens on any company before doing any business with them to protect your investment.
These are just few of the many reasons why you need to conduct background check on someone. But you have to keep in mind that public information are accessible for you to protect yourself and your family but not to cause harm to others. A comprehensive, accurate background report and using your own judgment will help you make a wise decision about your investments and the people you hire and trust.
Here are some reasons why you need to conduct background check on someone.
You need to conduct background check on people who will take care of your children when you are not around or while you are at work, a thorough background check will help you decide wisely. You may conduct background check on nannies, day care providers and teachers before entrusting your children to them.
Conduct background check to locate people. There are times that you need to find long lost friends, classmates and relatives. You can locate missing people at the privacy of your home if you conduct background check on them.
Conduct background check on potential dates. Most singles now meet potential dates online, from dating clubs and in singles bars and it will not be a tedious job for you to conduct background check on your for your protection. You can check criminal records, marriage/divorce history, sexual offense record etc. For parents, if you are uneasy and you need to know valuable information about the person dating your daughter or son, a background check on the person will help you get the necessary information you need for your peace of mind.
Conduct background check for business purposes. Before investing money, conduct background check on people and businesses to protect yourself. On real estate for instance, before investing your money you need to check previous sale transactions, loan information and other important information about the property. You can also conduct bankruptcy filings and liens on any company before doing any business with them to protect your investment.
These are just few of the many reasons why you need to conduct background check on someone. But you have to keep in mind that public information are accessible for you to protect yourself and your family but not to cause harm to others. A comprehensive, accurate background report and using your own judgment will help you make a wise decision about your investments and the people you hire and trust.
Recycling Glass
We are all being encouraged to recycle more in order to help protect our environment and save energy and we can do this in three main ways.
• REDUCE the amount of waste we produce in the first place
• REUSE or find another use for an item when it reaches the end of its life
• RECYCLE everything else
The reality is that not everyone understands just how important this is. Take glass for example. Empty glass bottles and jars are the most common type of glass waste produced by consumers and represents approximately 80% of all recycled glass. However, despite increased numbers of roadside collections and bottle banks, there is still a lot of glass that is being thrown away along with regular household rubbish and ending up in landfill.
Although glass is not harmful to the environment directly, it doesn't degrade (break down) and so if it finds its way into landfill, that is where it will stay, forever. Glass is also a valuable commodity and so any ending up in landfill is a waste of a resource and here's why.
Why recycle glass
Glass is an easy material to recycle and one of the advantages in recycling glass is that it can be recycled over and over again to make new bottles and jars without compromising the quality of the glass itself. Recycling glass also reduces the amount of resources needed to produce new glass and uses a lot less energy. According to the British Glass website, the energy saved by recycling glass in 2001 would have been enough to launch 10 space shuttle missions and the energy saved from recycling just one single bottle is enough to power a computer for 25 minutes.
So if glass is so easy to recycle and saves so much energy, why are recycling rates in the UK lower than some other countries in Europe? Even though we are becoming more aware of the importance of recycling, the UK still recycles less than 50% of its glass and is lagging behind other European countries, some of who are recycling as much as 90% of theirs.
One problem here in the UK is that clear glass cullet is very much in demand. We produce a lot of clear glass but we also export a large amount of it too meaning there is less clear glass to recycle. At the same time we are importing a lot of coloured glass in the form of wine bottles for example, and so we have a situation where not enough clear glass is ending up in the bottle banks to meet the demand for new clear glass and there is a surplus of coloured glass for which there is less of a demand.
One of the challenges involved in the recycling of glass has to be the sorting of it. It has to be separated first by colour and so you can imagine the huge task involved in sorting out large bottle banks full of broken bits of different coloured glass. This is why it is so important when placing bottles and jars into bottle banks that you put the correct colour in the appropriate bank.
How to recycle your waste glass
• Try to reuse bottles and jars in the home as much as possible. Perhaps for storing odds and ends or buy refills for glass containers you already have
• When buying glass containers, if you have a choice, try to buy ones that are returnable and don't put these into bottle banks when they are empty, make sure they are actually returned
• Always deposit your empty jars and bottles in bottle banks if kerbside collection for glass is not in place in your area
• Before recycling your glass containers, rinse them out and remove any metal clips or tops or corks
• Don't deposit window panes, Pyrex, light bulbs or toughened glass into the bottle banks, they are made in a different way and are not suitable for recycling in the same way that other glass is
Conclusion
If every household simply got into the habit of recycling not only glass but as much waste as possible we would help to preserve the earth's natural resources for future generations, cut down on the CO2 emissions released into the atmosphere and make significant energy savings too. Finally, it is estimated that we will run out of space for landfill within the next decade and so we have to find new ways to dispose of our waste that doesn't harm the environment or our health. At the moment, reducing, reusing or recycling our waste is the best solution we have.
• REDUCE the amount of waste we produce in the first place
• REUSE or find another use for an item when it reaches the end of its life
• RECYCLE everything else
The reality is that not everyone understands just how important this is. Take glass for example. Empty glass bottles and jars are the most common type of glass waste produced by consumers and represents approximately 80% of all recycled glass. However, despite increased numbers of roadside collections and bottle banks, there is still a lot of glass that is being thrown away along with regular household rubbish and ending up in landfill.
Although glass is not harmful to the environment directly, it doesn't degrade (break down) and so if it finds its way into landfill, that is where it will stay, forever. Glass is also a valuable commodity and so any ending up in landfill is a waste of a resource and here's why.
Why recycle glass
Glass is an easy material to recycle and one of the advantages in recycling glass is that it can be recycled over and over again to make new bottles and jars without compromising the quality of the glass itself. Recycling glass also reduces the amount of resources needed to produce new glass and uses a lot less energy. According to the British Glass website, the energy saved by recycling glass in 2001 would have been enough to launch 10 space shuttle missions and the energy saved from recycling just one single bottle is enough to power a computer for 25 minutes.
So if glass is so easy to recycle and saves so much energy, why are recycling rates in the UK lower than some other countries in Europe? Even though we are becoming more aware of the importance of recycling, the UK still recycles less than 50% of its glass and is lagging behind other European countries, some of who are recycling as much as 90% of theirs.
One problem here in the UK is that clear glass cullet is very much in demand. We produce a lot of clear glass but we also export a large amount of it too meaning there is less clear glass to recycle. At the same time we are importing a lot of coloured glass in the form of wine bottles for example, and so we have a situation where not enough clear glass is ending up in the bottle banks to meet the demand for new clear glass and there is a surplus of coloured glass for which there is less of a demand.
One of the challenges involved in the recycling of glass has to be the sorting of it. It has to be separated first by colour and so you can imagine the huge task involved in sorting out large bottle banks full of broken bits of different coloured glass. This is why it is so important when placing bottles and jars into bottle banks that you put the correct colour in the appropriate bank.
How to recycle your waste glass
• Try to reuse bottles and jars in the home as much as possible. Perhaps for storing odds and ends or buy refills for glass containers you already have
• When buying glass containers, if you have a choice, try to buy ones that are returnable and don't put these into bottle banks when they are empty, make sure they are actually returned
• Always deposit your empty jars and bottles in bottle banks if kerbside collection for glass is not in place in your area
• Before recycling your glass containers, rinse them out and remove any metal clips or tops or corks
• Don't deposit window panes, Pyrex, light bulbs or toughened glass into the bottle banks, they are made in a different way and are not suitable for recycling in the same way that other glass is
Conclusion
If every household simply got into the habit of recycling not only glass but as much waste as possible we would help to preserve the earth's natural resources for future generations, cut down on the CO2 emissions released into the atmosphere and make significant energy savings too. Finally, it is estimated that we will run out of space for landfill within the next decade and so we have to find new ways to dispose of our waste that doesn't harm the environment or our health. At the moment, reducing, reusing or recycling our waste is the best solution we have.
Genealogy & Family Trees
For many of us, comprehending our family’s rich and diverse history may not be the easiest task at hand. Many extended families are marked by numerous divorces and separations, the conjoining of several lineages and even adoption. While figuring out one’s family tree may look intimidating, genealogy services are a reputable source in untangling even the most complex family background.
A genealogy service allows inquisitive individuals to enter their family names and scour through results in the family tree database. While every service is unique in its search mechanisms, one popular genealogy service reported by 6StarReviews.com is Ancestry.com. Ancestry gives users access to fun facts like the meaning of surnames and international record collections for paying members.
Say you’re a “Smith” and you feel like the quest for your true family background may be worthless because of the prevalence of your last name. One genealogy service, One Great Family, allows members to utilize special family tree software and link their lineage with global ancestry links. That way, you’ll be able to browse through existing records and have your family tree updated automatically for you.
There is no feeling quite like knowing where you came from and discovering a hidden family secret, such that you’re related to Abraham Lincoln or Marilyn Monroe somewhere down the line. While relying on Uncle Barry’s word that you’re delineated from royalty may be trustful on your part, a genealogy and family tree service can truly divide fact from fiction.
A genealogy service allows inquisitive individuals to enter their family names and scour through results in the family tree database. While every service is unique in its search mechanisms, one popular genealogy service reported by 6StarReviews.com is Ancestry.com. Ancestry gives users access to fun facts like the meaning of surnames and international record collections for paying members.
Say you’re a “Smith” and you feel like the quest for your true family background may be worthless because of the prevalence of your last name. One genealogy service, One Great Family, allows members to utilize special family tree software and link their lineage with global ancestry links. That way, you’ll be able to browse through existing records and have your family tree updated automatically for you.
There is no feeling quite like knowing where you came from and discovering a hidden family secret, such that you’re related to Abraham Lincoln or Marilyn Monroe somewhere down the line. While relying on Uncle Barry’s word that you’re delineated from royalty may be trustful on your part, a genealogy and family tree service can truly divide fact from fiction.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
How To Start Your Own In-Home Preschool
Starting an in-home preschool – or an in-home day care center with a structured, preschool portion of the day – can be a deeply rewarding undertaking. And, if you’re a parent of young children, it’s also a flexible way for you to contribute financially and still spend your days at home.
From a business perspective, there’s never been a better time to embark on the in-home preschool path. Today’s educated, professional parents want their preschoolers stimulated with literature, hands-on projects and opportunities for creative play. The heavy demand for quality day care options is undisputed.
But starting your own in-home preschool can be daunting. Where do you begin? How do you proceed? Do you have the stamina to provide interesting new topics, crafts and lessons, day after day?
*Fortunately, these nagging doubts can be easily allayed with a little planning. Start by taking a quiet afternoon and sit down with a paper and pencil. Ask yourself the following questions and jot down your all your ideas:
*What are my core beliefs? How will this shape my program?
*What is my teaching philosophy? What is the purpose of education?
*What do I hope to achieve through my preschool?
*Which of these common subjects – language, literature, math, science, social studies, motor activities, physical education, social development – do I want my preschool to include?
*How will I design and create a stimulating learning environment?
*What kind of materials will I need?
*How will I advertise my new preschool and generate interest among parents?
Answering these questions honestly will help you to define your business – shaping a program that’s true to your heart and making you better prepared to “sell” your preschool to prospective families.
Once you have your plan in place, it’s time to move on to the most important aspect of your new preschool: developing a curriculum. The curriculum lays the foundation for your program, making sure lessons progress in a meaningful way and keep the children interested. A good curriculum builds on past knowledge while promising future insight and adventures.
There are many companies out there today that provide an ongoing “mail order” curriculum for in-home preschools – many you can find on the Web. These companies compile and send monthly preschool kits that include everything you need: lesson plans, activities, art supplies, classroom decorations, children’s literature, parent newsletters and more.
Subscribing to one of these plans can be an easy, affordable way to offer a quality education without doing all the shopping, research and work yourself. With so many online preschool programs out there, chances are you’ll find one in line with your beliefs and teaching philosophy.
But before you subscribe to an online preschool curriculum, make sure you also consider the standards that parents expect when choosing a program. Yours should:
*Have a well-developed, detailed philosophy
*Follow a regular schedule of activities covering all the domains of child development: physical, mental,
social, emotional
*Help your learning environment become stimulating and child-proofed
*Encourage you and your staff to frequently read to and talk to the children
Using these points as guidelines, you’re sure to find an online preschool program that’s comprehensive, time-saving and cost-effective.
So, there you have it. A sprinkle of introspection, a pinch of planning, a healthy dose of research – and before you know it, you’re running a full-fledged preschool out of your own home.
From a business perspective, there’s never been a better time to embark on the in-home preschool path. Today’s educated, professional parents want their preschoolers stimulated with literature, hands-on projects and opportunities for creative play. The heavy demand for quality day care options is undisputed.
But starting your own in-home preschool can be daunting. Where do you begin? How do you proceed? Do you have the stamina to provide interesting new topics, crafts and lessons, day after day?
*Fortunately, these nagging doubts can be easily allayed with a little planning. Start by taking a quiet afternoon and sit down with a paper and pencil. Ask yourself the following questions and jot down your all your ideas:
*What are my core beliefs? How will this shape my program?
*What is my teaching philosophy? What is the purpose of education?
*What do I hope to achieve through my preschool?
*Which of these common subjects – language, literature, math, science, social studies, motor activities, physical education, social development – do I want my preschool to include?
*How will I design and create a stimulating learning environment?
*What kind of materials will I need?
*How will I advertise my new preschool and generate interest among parents?
Answering these questions honestly will help you to define your business – shaping a program that’s true to your heart and making you better prepared to “sell” your preschool to prospective families.
Once you have your plan in place, it’s time to move on to the most important aspect of your new preschool: developing a curriculum. The curriculum lays the foundation for your program, making sure lessons progress in a meaningful way and keep the children interested. A good curriculum builds on past knowledge while promising future insight and adventures.
There are many companies out there today that provide an ongoing “mail order” curriculum for in-home preschools – many you can find on the Web. These companies compile and send monthly preschool kits that include everything you need: lesson plans, activities, art supplies, classroom decorations, children’s literature, parent newsletters and more.
Subscribing to one of these plans can be an easy, affordable way to offer a quality education without doing all the shopping, research and work yourself. With so many online preschool programs out there, chances are you’ll find one in line with your beliefs and teaching philosophy.
But before you subscribe to an online preschool curriculum, make sure you also consider the standards that parents expect when choosing a program. Yours should:
*Have a well-developed, detailed philosophy
*Follow a regular schedule of activities covering all the domains of child development: physical, mental,
social, emotional
*Help your learning environment become stimulating and child-proofed
*Encourage you and your staff to frequently read to and talk to the children
Using these points as guidelines, you’re sure to find an online preschool program that’s comprehensive, time-saving and cost-effective.
So, there you have it. A sprinkle of introspection, a pinch of planning, a healthy dose of research – and before you know it, you’re running a full-fledged preschool out of your own home.
Where to Get the Mexico Family Genealogy Information You Need
You have probably already done a lot of genealogy research. I'm sure you have tried many ways to find the information you need to find someone in Mexico, from searching the Internet to speaking to friends and family. You may have been searching online for hours and hours. You may have talked to relatives or friends of the person you are searching for, but you just have not gotten the information you need and are not able to find this person living in Mexico.
Let's start with the fundamentals of what information you should be searching for.
Your first goal should be to have the complete name of the person you are looking for. Let's use the name Juan Carlos Garcia Gonzalez as an example.
If you have a friend who has a name like Juan Carlos, that is his name. In English we might separate out two names. Someone with a name such as Billy Bob may also be called Bob or Billy. However, in Mexico Juan Carlos is this person's name. It's not correct to call him Juan or to him Carlos. His name is Juan Carlos. Be aware of this because having the complete and full name is very important in your search and will help you to more quickly locate this person.
The complete name is not only their first name(s) but also both of their last names. In Spanish a person has two last names. The first last name in Spanish is the name of the father (for example: Garcia). Gonzalez is the second last name and this is the equivalent of our mother's maiden name. By putting the two together and you have a complete name. Doing Mexico family genealogy can often be easier because the two last names minimize the chance of accidentally researching someone else's family lineage.
You can also discover this information by talking to every relative this person has. You can ask questions such as where did this person come from. Ask how they came to be in the United States. Ask where they went to school or where they vacationed as they were growing up. Asking different questions can help trigger memories and details that will help you to find the information and the person you are looking for.
A great way to get information is to get a person to tell you stories using questions like, "So how did you and my father meet?" or "What did he/she like to do during the weekends?" Engaging the people that you talk to in your family and circle of friends in stories is a great way to jog their memory. Sometimes with story telling they recall a particular person or item they may have otherwise forgotten.
Story telling is an incredible tool to get people to tell you the information you want. It will also give you an idea of who this person was and what they were doing and may lead you to other ideas.
Here is a key. Talk to every relative you have. There is always someone in every family who knows a little bit about everyone. And it does not matter if they are your third cousin or they are four times removed. They could be an ex-husband, an ex-uncle. It does not matter. You would be amazed at how much information other people in the family have about your side of the family. You may think that your immediate family should know everything about the family, but that is not always true. I urge you to go talk to every possible relative.
Maybe they talked to someone from another group, such as a priest or business owner. Go after as many leads as you can. You are going to have to interview many people to gather all the facts.
The second key piece of information that you need to have is the city and the state of where they are or where they were living.
Finding out where they did live can be helpful if you do not know where they are living right now. If someone has lived in Guadalajara and they came to the United States for, say, ten years, there is a very good possibility they may be going back to Guadalajara at some point. Also finding where they did live is very helpful because their family and friends may still be there.
Why do you need to know the city and state? If you tried to go to an Internet search engine site, maybe one that specialized in genealogy research and put in only a person's name without the city and state you are not going to get any information. Why? Even in the United States you have to tell the site where this person is living. If you do not have that basic information, you are not going to get an answer. It is almost impossible to find a person if you do not have the city and the state where they are living.
These two key pieces of information will go far in helping with your search. In the next article, we will organize all the information you have collected.
Let's start with the fundamentals of what information you should be searching for.
Your first goal should be to have the complete name of the person you are looking for. Let's use the name Juan Carlos Garcia Gonzalez as an example.
If you have a friend who has a name like Juan Carlos, that is his name. In English we might separate out two names. Someone with a name such as Billy Bob may also be called Bob or Billy. However, in Mexico Juan Carlos is this person's name. It's not correct to call him Juan or to him Carlos. His name is Juan Carlos. Be aware of this because having the complete and full name is very important in your search and will help you to more quickly locate this person.
The complete name is not only their first name(s) but also both of their last names. In Spanish a person has two last names. The first last name in Spanish is the name of the father (for example: Garcia). Gonzalez is the second last name and this is the equivalent of our mother's maiden name. By putting the two together and you have a complete name. Doing Mexico family genealogy can often be easier because the two last names minimize the chance of accidentally researching someone else's family lineage.
You can also discover this information by talking to every relative this person has. You can ask questions such as where did this person come from. Ask how they came to be in the United States. Ask where they went to school or where they vacationed as they were growing up. Asking different questions can help trigger memories and details that will help you to find the information and the person you are looking for.
A great way to get information is to get a person to tell you stories using questions like, "So how did you and my father meet?" or "What did he/she like to do during the weekends?" Engaging the people that you talk to in your family and circle of friends in stories is a great way to jog their memory. Sometimes with story telling they recall a particular person or item they may have otherwise forgotten.
Story telling is an incredible tool to get people to tell you the information you want. It will also give you an idea of who this person was and what they were doing and may lead you to other ideas.
Here is a key. Talk to every relative you have. There is always someone in every family who knows a little bit about everyone. And it does not matter if they are your third cousin or they are four times removed. They could be an ex-husband, an ex-uncle. It does not matter. You would be amazed at how much information other people in the family have about your side of the family. You may think that your immediate family should know everything about the family, but that is not always true. I urge you to go talk to every possible relative.
Maybe they talked to someone from another group, such as a priest or business owner. Go after as many leads as you can. You are going to have to interview many people to gather all the facts.
The second key piece of information that you need to have is the city and the state of where they are or where they were living.
Finding out where they did live can be helpful if you do not know where they are living right now. If someone has lived in Guadalajara and they came to the United States for, say, ten years, there is a very good possibility they may be going back to Guadalajara at some point. Also finding where they did live is very helpful because their family and friends may still be there.
Why do you need to know the city and state? If you tried to go to an Internet search engine site, maybe one that specialized in genealogy research and put in only a person's name without the city and state you are not going to get any information. Why? Even in the United States you have to tell the site where this person is living. If you do not have that basic information, you are not going to get an answer. It is almost impossible to find a person if you do not have the city and the state where they are living.
These two key pieces of information will go far in helping with your search. In the next article, we will organize all the information you have collected.
Lottery Tickets - Ten Things To Do With Them
Are you looking for a way to brighten up somebodies day? A random act of kindness with a difference? Try giving somebody a lottery ticket.
1. Next time you're in the convenience store and are going to put your small change in a charity box on the counter, buy a lottery scratch card and put it in with the small change. Who knows what extra benefit you may be giving the charity concerned!
2. How about the homeless persons who ask for a dollar? Buy a lottery ticket or scratch card, keep it in your pocket and give it with the dollar when asked. Maybe you will be giving a homeless a person a chance at owning a home again, or at least affording a months rent or food.
3. Buy a lottery ticket on Saturday and put it in the collection plate on Sunday together with your normal contribution. If God needs funds for the parish you are giving the ways and means of working a miracle.
4. Lottery tickets support education in most states. So how about forming a syndicate among a group of parents at your kids school with the intention of donating the proceeds to fund extra school projects. It's an opportunity for a social meeting among like minded parents. Perhaps you can meet and watch the draw together,"Well at least we've got $53 towards the new sports grand stand, ho, ho. Who's in for next week?"
5. Giving somebody a food parcel? Include a lottery ticket or scratch card. Apart from simple sustenance you are also giving a chance, a hope of something much larger.
6. Giving your loved one a bunch of flowers or a box of chocolates? Add a lottery ticket. "Darling I love you more than the $90,000,000 potential value of this lottery ticket!" If they win you will also find out how much they value you as their loved one or otherwise, it might be a shock.
7. Rewarding somebody for a job well done. Together with the reward give them a lottery ticket. "Thank you for your efforts and a job well done. We value your efforts as much as the potential value of this lottery ticket."
8. Going to a baby shower? Together with your gift to the happy mother include a lottery ticket. Maybe the child and parents becomes millionaires much earlier in life than most of us.
9. Is a member of staff or friend retiring? Put a lottery ticket together with their retirement gift. "Thank you for 30 years of valuable service. As valuable as the potential value of this lottery ticket!"
10. Put a lottery ticket with a house warming gift. Maybe your friend will be able to pay off their mortgage before the first payment is due!
Whatever way you choose to use a lottery ticket it can enhance a gift or special thought in somebodies life. Don't buy lottery tickets just for your own benefit. They can make a huge difference in somebody else's life and you can enjoy the pleasure of knowing you were instrumental in bringing about that dramatic change.
1. Next time you're in the convenience store and are going to put your small change in a charity box on the counter, buy a lottery scratch card and put it in with the small change. Who knows what extra benefit you may be giving the charity concerned!
2. How about the homeless persons who ask for a dollar? Buy a lottery ticket or scratch card, keep it in your pocket and give it with the dollar when asked. Maybe you will be giving a homeless a person a chance at owning a home again, or at least affording a months rent or food.
3. Buy a lottery ticket on Saturday and put it in the collection plate on Sunday together with your normal contribution. If God needs funds for the parish you are giving the ways and means of working a miracle.
4. Lottery tickets support education in most states. So how about forming a syndicate among a group of parents at your kids school with the intention of donating the proceeds to fund extra school projects. It's an opportunity for a social meeting among like minded parents. Perhaps you can meet and watch the draw together,"Well at least we've got $53 towards the new sports grand stand, ho, ho. Who's in for next week?"
5. Giving somebody a food parcel? Include a lottery ticket or scratch card. Apart from simple sustenance you are also giving a chance, a hope of something much larger.
6. Giving your loved one a bunch of flowers or a box of chocolates? Add a lottery ticket. "Darling I love you more than the $90,000,000 potential value of this lottery ticket!" If they win you will also find out how much they value you as their loved one or otherwise, it might be a shock.
7. Rewarding somebody for a job well done. Together with the reward give them a lottery ticket. "Thank you for your efforts and a job well done. We value your efforts as much as the potential value of this lottery ticket."
8. Going to a baby shower? Together with your gift to the happy mother include a lottery ticket. Maybe the child and parents becomes millionaires much earlier in life than most of us.
9. Is a member of staff or friend retiring? Put a lottery ticket together with their retirement gift. "Thank you for 30 years of valuable service. As valuable as the potential value of this lottery ticket!"
10. Put a lottery ticket with a house warming gift. Maybe your friend will be able to pay off their mortgage before the first payment is due!
Whatever way you choose to use a lottery ticket it can enhance a gift or special thought in somebodies life. Don't buy lottery tickets just for your own benefit. They can make a huge difference in somebody else's life and you can enjoy the pleasure of knowing you were instrumental in bringing about that dramatic change.
Do You Need A Unique Gift Idea For A Hard To Buy For Family Member?
The Gift That Keeps On Caring
If you need a unique gift idea that just keeps on caring, the trick is to listen to your own heart. If you are purchasing for a family member, there's a good chance you know them at a much more intimate level, even if you don't know what their tastes are
When you are looking for that caring unique gift idea, consider things that would put a smile on their face. Is there a favorite jam or perhaps pate from another country that they just love as a treat? Do they love chili jam? Have you ever considered incorporating a favorite item into a gift basket idea?
When you think outside the box for that unique gift idea, such as that special locket or special gift basket idea, you get a much nicer gift and a gift that's more likely to be truly enjoyed. Why not try it?
The Gift That Goes Green
Does the family member for whom you are looking for that unique gift idea have a green thumb? There are plenty of great gardening gifts on the market, which are very functional while staying memorable. With so many online shops, you can find the neatest gardening gifts - interesting pots, plants, seeds, handy tools, and all kinds of ornaments. For the family gardener, you can't go wrong!
The Gift Of Food
Now, I know what many of you are thinking. Food isn't a unique gift idea. You couldn't be more wrong. With so many specialty foods, this is the time to let someone try something different, or you might even find that favorite food that's not so available.
If you want to keep the unique gift idea theme going, then consider a gift basket idea. There's nothing standard about gift baskets anymore. There's a good chance the recipient will never see another one just like the one you send.
If you can't come up with a gift basket idea, many of the online sites have some great ideas posted to help you out, and you can always email and see what suggestions they have.
It's All In The Basket
A unique gift idea begins with a little creativity. Remember when you are creative you aren't thinking run of the mill, the common "stuff" you find on the store shelves. Garden gifts that you can find online are great example of this. Or perhaps your family member has a favorite author - this could turn into the perfect gift basket idea. Choose a unique basket online and add a couple of paperbacks and maybe a bookmark or two.
Sure family members can be difficult to buy for, but if you keep your gift giving fun and full of joy, you will create a light happy atmosphere. Also, never forget the value of humor to lighten up a gift giving moment.
Even when you have a hard to buy for family member, a unique gift idea isn't that difficult at all, like the gardening gifts used as an example earlier. And of course don't forget to use gift basket ideas to come up with a truly unique gift. Surprise them and surprise yourself with your creativity. Are you up for the challenge?
If you need a unique gift idea that just keeps on caring, the trick is to listen to your own heart. If you are purchasing for a family member, there's a good chance you know them at a much more intimate level, even if you don't know what their tastes are
When you are looking for that caring unique gift idea, consider things that would put a smile on their face. Is there a favorite jam or perhaps pate from another country that they just love as a treat? Do they love chili jam? Have you ever considered incorporating a favorite item into a gift basket idea?
When you think outside the box for that unique gift idea, such as that special locket or special gift basket idea, you get a much nicer gift and a gift that's more likely to be truly enjoyed. Why not try it?
The Gift That Goes Green
Does the family member for whom you are looking for that unique gift idea have a green thumb? There are plenty of great gardening gifts on the market, which are very functional while staying memorable. With so many online shops, you can find the neatest gardening gifts - interesting pots, plants, seeds, handy tools, and all kinds of ornaments. For the family gardener, you can't go wrong!
The Gift Of Food
Now, I know what many of you are thinking. Food isn't a unique gift idea. You couldn't be more wrong. With so many specialty foods, this is the time to let someone try something different, or you might even find that favorite food that's not so available.
If you want to keep the unique gift idea theme going, then consider a gift basket idea. There's nothing standard about gift baskets anymore. There's a good chance the recipient will never see another one just like the one you send.
If you can't come up with a gift basket idea, many of the online sites have some great ideas posted to help you out, and you can always email and see what suggestions they have.
It's All In The Basket
A unique gift idea begins with a little creativity. Remember when you are creative you aren't thinking run of the mill, the common "stuff" you find on the store shelves. Garden gifts that you can find online are great example of this. Or perhaps your family member has a favorite author - this could turn into the perfect gift basket idea. Choose a unique basket online and add a couple of paperbacks and maybe a bookmark or two.
Sure family members can be difficult to buy for, but if you keep your gift giving fun and full of joy, you will create a light happy atmosphere. Also, never forget the value of humor to lighten up a gift giving moment.
Even when you have a hard to buy for family member, a unique gift idea isn't that difficult at all, like the gardening gifts used as an example earlier. And of course don't forget to use gift basket ideas to come up with a truly unique gift. Surprise them and surprise yourself with your creativity. Are you up for the challenge?
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Will Your Daughter Be Okay? Five Easy Ways to Tell
Parents of daughters have always been concerned about who and what their daughters see as they grow up. These parents wonder if their children will manage to survive the preteen and adolescent years without getting caught up with the wrong crowd, hurting her reputation with any wild or crazy antics, and most importantly by simply staying true to herself and her upbringing.
Fortunately, there are easy ways to tell if your child is on the right track.
1. Her Friends
One of the most obvious ways to check up on your daughter is to see what sort of friends she has. If her friends show a rather disturbing lack of control or a vocabulary fraught with terms you had hoped your child would never hear, there may be a problem.
Hanging around with lots of different people is just as typical as a tight group of girlfriends, but see who exactly your daughter spends most of her time with and then very discreetly check up on them and their parents. Peer pressure is rampart at this age, so it’s crucial that you be playing with all the knowledge you can.
2. Her Shows
Some shows will be popular with teens and preteens regardless of content. However, you as the parent should be monitoring what exactly she is watching and what message she is getting out of it. Is your ten year old more tuned into Desperate Housewives than Miley Cyrus? If so, perhaps you need to invest in blocking software or at the very least watch some episodes together to see exactly what messages your offspring may be receiving.
3. Her Heroes
We all look up to someone, even if we do it unconsciously. Who is your daughter most interested in? Does she try to dress like her friends? Is she interested in carrying the latest bag Paris was spotted with? Does she seem to want to follow in her mother’s footsteps? The person leading your child may not be the best role model.
Quality role models like Miley Cyrus are harder to find, but they are out there. Discourage interest in young stars that seem to have a hard time holding it together or who encourage wild partying and other activities you’d be uncomfortable with your own daughter participating in. Discreetly help her find someone to copy who is more palatable.
4. Her Grades
The age old stereotype of girls not being as bright in school is still alive and well. Dumb and ditzy seems to get boys on television and movies, so your daughter may be buying into that myth. If her grades are slipping it might be something as simple as needing a tutor in math (which you should provide, but you might avoid letting her pick her own if he is under the age of fifty) or it could be a symptom of something much more serious. It is worth investigating, regardless.
5. Her Clothing
It may seem trivial, but if your daughter is dressing up more like a club regular than a preteen school girl, you need to step in. Fashion is very important to young ladies, but certain fashions are simply not appropriate for school or girls under the age of eighteen. The wrong clothing can send and reinforce the wrong message. When shopping look for fashionable yet age appropriate outfits like the clothing worn by the Olsen twins or Miley Cyrus.
Above all, just remember, that all of the signs above may be pointing one way, when your daughter is heading another. Very little is permanent or long lasting at her age, so do all you can to help guide her in the right direction, then sit back and enjoy the ride.
Fortunately, there are easy ways to tell if your child is on the right track.
1. Her Friends
One of the most obvious ways to check up on your daughter is to see what sort of friends she has. If her friends show a rather disturbing lack of control or a vocabulary fraught with terms you had hoped your child would never hear, there may be a problem.
Hanging around with lots of different people is just as typical as a tight group of girlfriends, but see who exactly your daughter spends most of her time with and then very discreetly check up on them and their parents. Peer pressure is rampart at this age, so it’s crucial that you be playing with all the knowledge you can.
2. Her Shows
Some shows will be popular with teens and preteens regardless of content. However, you as the parent should be monitoring what exactly she is watching and what message she is getting out of it. Is your ten year old more tuned into Desperate Housewives than Miley Cyrus? If so, perhaps you need to invest in blocking software or at the very least watch some episodes together to see exactly what messages your offspring may be receiving.
3. Her Heroes
We all look up to someone, even if we do it unconsciously. Who is your daughter most interested in? Does she try to dress like her friends? Is she interested in carrying the latest bag Paris was spotted with? Does she seem to want to follow in her mother’s footsteps? The person leading your child may not be the best role model.
Quality role models like Miley Cyrus are harder to find, but they are out there. Discourage interest in young stars that seem to have a hard time holding it together or who encourage wild partying and other activities you’d be uncomfortable with your own daughter participating in. Discreetly help her find someone to copy who is more palatable.
4. Her Grades
The age old stereotype of girls not being as bright in school is still alive and well. Dumb and ditzy seems to get boys on television and movies, so your daughter may be buying into that myth. If her grades are slipping it might be something as simple as needing a tutor in math (which you should provide, but you might avoid letting her pick her own if he is under the age of fifty) or it could be a symptom of something much more serious. It is worth investigating, regardless.
5. Her Clothing
It may seem trivial, but if your daughter is dressing up more like a club regular than a preteen school girl, you need to step in. Fashion is very important to young ladies, but certain fashions are simply not appropriate for school or girls under the age of eighteen. The wrong clothing can send and reinforce the wrong message. When shopping look for fashionable yet age appropriate outfits like the clothing worn by the Olsen twins or Miley Cyrus.
Above all, just remember, that all of the signs above may be pointing one way, when your daughter is heading another. Very little is permanent or long lasting at her age, so do all you can to help guide her in the right direction, then sit back and enjoy the ride.
Tips for Meeting Your Daughter for the First Time
After writing and publishing the story of how I found and met my father in Myths of the Fatherless, I began writing articles and blog posts about it in order to reach out to others. After publishing an article, "Tips for Meeting Your Father for the First Time" I was contacted by a dad who was going to meet his daughter for the first time and he asked me if I had any tips for that. So after thinking about what worked and what didn't work for me, as a daughter, I began to write down these tips and shared them with him.
In discussing some of this dad's particular circumstances, though, I came to realize that first and foremost you should do what feels right for you. And while mulling over what that might be, here are some things to consider:
1. Use a third party to locate the missing family member
It's not always easy to locate a missing father or daughter by yourself. If all else fails you can hire a private detective to do this for you. But then you may want to do the actual contact yourself. A private detective may be off-putting for a father or a daughter. However, one option is to locate another family member who may make that initial contact for you by forwarding an email or letter. Be sure to include your contact information in it.
2. Write a letter as your first means of contact
While there is the possibility of making first contact by using the telephone, expressing your feelings in writing allows you to make sure you've said everything you meant to say in the way you meant to say it. Receiving a letter from you also allows the daughter time to think over what you've said and to process it before responding. Communicating through writing at first can help ease an otherwise emotional situation. This is the time to tell her something about yourself and to tell her you're interested in knowing about her.
3. Show interest in your daughter and ask questions
A phone call can get everything off to a wrong start if, out of nervousness, you find yourself rambling on about yourself or your other kids. Not asking about her and listening to you talk about your other kids is the last thing the daughter wants the first time she hears from you—or even the second or third—especially not at the first meeting. In a child's mind, she may only think of you as "my dad." While some part of her realizes you could have other children, she needs some time to bond with you on a one-on-one basis. Be her dad for awhile—there's time to introduce the rest of the family later.
4. Share your feelings openly and honestly
The question in your daughter's mind—whether spoken or unspoken—is, "Why weren't you there for me?" Giving an open, honest explanation is important as well as not being defensive about whose fault it is. You need to take responsibility for your part and to be sensitive to your daughter's feelings—not in defending yourself. What she wants to know is that you love her and that you're sorry you missed out on knowing her.
5. Persevere in love
Hopefully, these tips will help get you started on beginning a long lasting loving father/daughter relationship. But don't be surprised or give up should you encounter some bumps along the way. It's an emotional situation and you may run into obstacles along the way. You may also encounter roadblocks set up by those invested in this relationship not taking place. My father and I had a few issues to overcome, but by setting loving intentions, we were able to work through them all and now have a loving father/daughter relationship. It took a few years, a lot of tears, and prayers, but it was all worth it.
In discussing some of this dad's particular circumstances, though, I came to realize that first and foremost you should do what feels right for you. And while mulling over what that might be, here are some things to consider:
1. Use a third party to locate the missing family member
It's not always easy to locate a missing father or daughter by yourself. If all else fails you can hire a private detective to do this for you. But then you may want to do the actual contact yourself. A private detective may be off-putting for a father or a daughter. However, one option is to locate another family member who may make that initial contact for you by forwarding an email or letter. Be sure to include your contact information in it.
2. Write a letter as your first means of contact
While there is the possibility of making first contact by using the telephone, expressing your feelings in writing allows you to make sure you've said everything you meant to say in the way you meant to say it. Receiving a letter from you also allows the daughter time to think over what you've said and to process it before responding. Communicating through writing at first can help ease an otherwise emotional situation. This is the time to tell her something about yourself and to tell her you're interested in knowing about her.
3. Show interest in your daughter and ask questions
A phone call can get everything off to a wrong start if, out of nervousness, you find yourself rambling on about yourself or your other kids. Not asking about her and listening to you talk about your other kids is the last thing the daughter wants the first time she hears from you—or even the second or third—especially not at the first meeting. In a child's mind, she may only think of you as "my dad." While some part of her realizes you could have other children, she needs some time to bond with you on a one-on-one basis. Be her dad for awhile—there's time to introduce the rest of the family later.
4. Share your feelings openly and honestly
The question in your daughter's mind—whether spoken or unspoken—is, "Why weren't you there for me?" Giving an open, honest explanation is important as well as not being defensive about whose fault it is. You need to take responsibility for your part and to be sensitive to your daughter's feelings—not in defending yourself. What she wants to know is that you love her and that you're sorry you missed out on knowing her.
5. Persevere in love
Hopefully, these tips will help get you started on beginning a long lasting loving father/daughter relationship. But don't be surprised or give up should you encounter some bumps along the way. It's an emotional situation and you may run into obstacles along the way. You may also encounter roadblocks set up by those invested in this relationship not taking place. My father and I had a few issues to overcome, but by setting loving intentions, we were able to work through them all and now have a loving father/daughter relationship. It took a few years, a lot of tears, and prayers, but it was all worth it.
How To Choose A Unique And Elegant Wedding Favor
Planning the wedding often get's left mostly to the bride, and that's okay because as a woman you've probably spent a lifetime envisioning this day - the dress, the ceremony, the reception, and of course that perfect unique and elegant wedding favor.
You might even have a folder that has unique wedding favor ideas in it. Now remember that some of those neat ideas that you clipped years ago today might not seem quite so elegant now, but you can always take one idea and combine it or change it to make your own personalized wedding favor.
The wedding favor is the small gift that you present to each of your guests. It's the souvenir of your wedding, which your guests get to take home. The wedding favor choices available range from treasured to tacky, and your choice all depends on your budget and your creativity. You can create a personalized wedding favor for each of your guests, or consider a unique wedding favor that's perhaps themed to your wedding.
Themed Favors are a great choice, especially if your wedding has a specific theme. For example, a beach wedding does well with an wedding favor such as a flip-flop keychain, or perhaps, more elegantly, a beach themed gift box with a personalized wedding favor inside. The more elegant wedding favor in the gift box could be a delicate dried starfish, some shells, or any other item that was beach orientated. Beach is used as the example because there are so many beach weddings occurring. However, it doesn't matter what your theme; you can easily make a personalized wedding favor for each of your guest.
Pirate weddings on the high seas, Las Vegas party weddings, or the new black and white wedding are just a few other examples of themed wedding that are going on that can easily have a unique wedding favor.
How elaborate your choose to make your themed wedding favors is up to you. How many favors you need and budget both will influence just how much you are going to spend on each favor. If you are creative, it's very easy to create a personalized wedding favor for each of your guests.
An article on favors wouldn't be complete without at least talking a little bit about inappropriate favors. Some brides and grooms mean well when their idea of an elegant wedding favor includes some romantic poem or a love song. We advise you to keep the romance for each other, and give your guests something they would like as a keepsake of your day.
You go to great lengths to choose your gown, your cake, your decorations, and even your guests. Why not use the same amount of energy to find a unique wedding favor that each of your guests will enjoy.
It's a beautiful and elegant day. Your look beautiful and elegant in your gown, your reception area is tasteful and elegant, so it just makes sense that each guest receive an elegant wedding favor that's traditional.
You can go simple with delicious handpicked candies that are monogrammed, or M&M's in the wedding colors with your name and wedding date on them. You can step it up a little with monogrammed scented candles.
Scented candles are a great way for your friends and family to remember the day. Small candles with a scent remembering your theme could be perfect. Think of a fresh ocean smell for your beach theme wedding.
If you really want your guests to be able to keep there personalized wedding favor for years to come do not use perishables. Instead, consider candles, picture frames, trinkets, flasks, and other interesting items. Pewter is popular because it makes an elegant wedding favor choice, and it is very affordable.
You might even have a folder that has unique wedding favor ideas in it. Now remember that some of those neat ideas that you clipped years ago today might not seem quite so elegant now, but you can always take one idea and combine it or change it to make your own personalized wedding favor.
The wedding favor is the small gift that you present to each of your guests. It's the souvenir of your wedding, which your guests get to take home. The wedding favor choices available range from treasured to tacky, and your choice all depends on your budget and your creativity. You can create a personalized wedding favor for each of your guests, or consider a unique wedding favor that's perhaps themed to your wedding.
Themed Favors are a great choice, especially if your wedding has a specific theme. For example, a beach wedding does well with an wedding favor such as a flip-flop keychain, or perhaps, more elegantly, a beach themed gift box with a personalized wedding favor inside. The more elegant wedding favor in the gift box could be a delicate dried starfish, some shells, or any other item that was beach orientated. Beach is used as the example because there are so many beach weddings occurring. However, it doesn't matter what your theme; you can easily make a personalized wedding favor for each of your guest.
Pirate weddings on the high seas, Las Vegas party weddings, or the new black and white wedding are just a few other examples of themed wedding that are going on that can easily have a unique wedding favor.
How elaborate your choose to make your themed wedding favors is up to you. How many favors you need and budget both will influence just how much you are going to spend on each favor. If you are creative, it's very easy to create a personalized wedding favor for each of your guests.
An article on favors wouldn't be complete without at least talking a little bit about inappropriate favors. Some brides and grooms mean well when their idea of an elegant wedding favor includes some romantic poem or a love song. We advise you to keep the romance for each other, and give your guests something they would like as a keepsake of your day.
You go to great lengths to choose your gown, your cake, your decorations, and even your guests. Why not use the same amount of energy to find a unique wedding favor that each of your guests will enjoy.
It's a beautiful and elegant day. Your look beautiful and elegant in your gown, your reception area is tasteful and elegant, so it just makes sense that each guest receive an elegant wedding favor that's traditional.
You can go simple with delicious handpicked candies that are monogrammed, or M&M's in the wedding colors with your name and wedding date on them. You can step it up a little with monogrammed scented candles.
Scented candles are a great way for your friends and family to remember the day. Small candles with a scent remembering your theme could be perfect. Think of a fresh ocean smell for your beach theme wedding.
If you really want your guests to be able to keep there personalized wedding favor for years to come do not use perishables. Instead, consider candles, picture frames, trinkets, flasks, and other interesting items. Pewter is popular because it makes an elegant wedding favor choice, and it is very affordable.
Monday, August 20, 2007
What is Genealogy?
Genealogy (which comes from the Greek words genea, meaning family and logos meaning knowledge) is the study of family lineages. Usually this is done by collecting names of family members (both living an dead) and looking for a link between them, based on evidence and documents. The results of these investigations are then used to build family tree.
In the past genealogy was very important for nobles who depended on it to determine the rightful heirs to titles and inheritances. Detailed records were kept to ensure that titles were passed down to the right person. Nowadays genealogy is a science and hobby practiced by many people around the world.
Genealogists usually begin their search with a person’s parents and grand-parents. From there they begin to dig deeper and deeper into the family’s past by looking at documents such as marriage records. Genealogy has been described as a very complex puzzle. To get a reliable picture of a family’s origins requires a lot of study and investigation.
Thanks to the Internet anyone can now easily do genealogy research. In past researching family history was a lot of work and very time consuming. Today, thanks to the many public records and genealogy sites available online, it has become much easier and faster. In fact, genealogy is one of the most popular subjects on the Internet.
Genealogy can be absolutely fascinating. For many people it can feel like a journey through time. It also makes them appreciate all the things their ancestors accomplished during their lives.
In the past genealogy was very important for nobles who depended on it to determine the rightful heirs to titles and inheritances. Detailed records were kept to ensure that titles were passed down to the right person. Nowadays genealogy is a science and hobby practiced by many people around the world.
Genealogists usually begin their search with a person’s parents and grand-parents. From there they begin to dig deeper and deeper into the family’s past by looking at documents such as marriage records. Genealogy has been described as a very complex puzzle. To get a reliable picture of a family’s origins requires a lot of study and investigation.
Thanks to the Internet anyone can now easily do genealogy research. In past researching family history was a lot of work and very time consuming. Today, thanks to the many public records and genealogy sites available online, it has become much easier and faster. In fact, genealogy is one of the most popular subjects on the Internet.
Genealogy can be absolutely fascinating. For many people it can feel like a journey through time. It also makes them appreciate all the things their ancestors accomplished during their lives.
Ultrasonic Detectors
Let's cover ultrasonic detectors. The term ultrasonic denotes sound frequencies that are above the range of human hearing, the upper limit of which is 16 kHz in healthy people in their twenties. The frequencies used in ultrasonic detectors vary between different models, ranging from 23 to 40 kHz. The frequency is generated by an electronic oscillator and is fed to one or more loudspeakers. These need to be very small, smaller in fact than the tweeter in a hi-fi loudspeaker, because the moving parts must move very rapidly and so their mass must be kept to a minimum. This is an advantage of an ultrasonic detector alarm system as the units can then be made small and unobtrusive. The same unit contains a microphone with amplifying and processing circuits.
Ultra-high frequency sound is thus projected into the protected area of the ultrasonic detector. Some of it is received directly by the microphone from the loudspeaker, while some is picked up after being reflected from walls and objects in the room. When there is no movement, both direct and reflected sounds are of the same frequency. Should movement of an object occur, the sound reflected from it will undergo a change of frequency owing to the Doppler Effect. Thus the ultrasonic detector microphone now picks up two frequencies: the original received directly from the loudspeaker, and the shifted frequency reflected from the moving object.
If two different frequencies are mixed, the result is that a third one appears that is the difference between the two. When the two frequencies are close, the third is often termed a beat note. The effect can sometimes be heard when two internal combustion engines are idling at slightly different speeds: the beat note is heard by the ultrasonic detector as a throbbing sound that varies in frequency as the speed of one or other of the engines changes.
The processing circuits in the ultrasonic detector detect the presence of the beat note and actuate the output relay which is of normally closed type. The ultrasonic detector can thus be connected into a normal loop, but it is preferable for space detectors to be connected to a separate zone from the perimeter sensors so that rapid identification of the alarm source can be made. A power supply of 25 - 50 mA is required from the control box.
Ultrasonic detectors usually have a range up to 30ft, but they have a sensitivity control which can reduce the range down to about 10 ft. The polar pattern is in the form of a narrow lobe and so the device affords little protection at the sides. It should therefore be pointed towards the expected point of entry. As the Doppler Effect is greatest for forward or backward motion, the sensor is more sensitive to these than to side-to-side movements. This is another reason to mount the ultrasonic detector facing the possible point of entry.
Ultra-high frequency sound is thus projected into the protected area of the ultrasonic detector. Some of it is received directly by the microphone from the loudspeaker, while some is picked up after being reflected from walls and objects in the room. When there is no movement, both direct and reflected sounds are of the same frequency. Should movement of an object occur, the sound reflected from it will undergo a change of frequency owing to the Doppler Effect. Thus the ultrasonic detector microphone now picks up two frequencies: the original received directly from the loudspeaker, and the shifted frequency reflected from the moving object.
If two different frequencies are mixed, the result is that a third one appears that is the difference between the two. When the two frequencies are close, the third is often termed a beat note. The effect can sometimes be heard when two internal combustion engines are idling at slightly different speeds: the beat note is heard by the ultrasonic detector as a throbbing sound that varies in frequency as the speed of one or other of the engines changes.
The processing circuits in the ultrasonic detector detect the presence of the beat note and actuate the output relay which is of normally closed type. The ultrasonic detector can thus be connected into a normal loop, but it is preferable for space detectors to be connected to a separate zone from the perimeter sensors so that rapid identification of the alarm source can be made. A power supply of 25 - 50 mA is required from the control box.
Ultrasonic detectors usually have a range up to 30ft, but they have a sensitivity control which can reduce the range down to about 10 ft. The polar pattern is in the form of a narrow lobe and so the device affords little protection at the sides. It should therefore be pointed towards the expected point of entry. As the Doppler Effect is greatest for forward or backward motion, the sensor is more sensitive to these than to side-to-side movements. This is another reason to mount the ultrasonic detector facing the possible point of entry.
The Loss of a Loved One
Forty-one days after her 90th birthday, my Mother left this world. We had shared a home for the last twelve years of her life. In the eight months prior to her passing, it became obvious to both of us that the end was growing closer. Being self-employed, I put my business on hold for those last months of her life, convinced that my most important priority was spending time with Mom. But, I was absolutely convinced that once she had passed, I would hit the ground running; that my business would take off like crazy. I could not have been more wrong!
Over the next six months, I literally sat on my patio contemplating where I fit in the world. My focus was gone; my reason for getting out of bed every day was no longer there.
Having written books and given lectures on elder care. I talk about the loss of a loved one and how it hits each of us in different ways. I mistakenly thought because Mom and I had eight months to say goodbye, that I just knew what my life would be like “after.” I didn’t cry a lot and I didn’t sit in her room and grieve. I just had no sense of purpose. Now I can truly appreciate what others have gone through and why no one can anticipate how they will react after the loss of a loved one.
Each of us experiences this loss in a very personal way, and no one can honestly say they know how you feel – they haven’t walked in your shoes. It’s okay to take your time. It’s okay to do nothing. It’s okay to keep so busy you can’t think. It’s okay to do whatever you need to do to adjust to that loss. But at some point, you will say “enough is enough” and get on with your life. Life will never be the same, because that loved one is no longer physically with you. But in your heart, that loved one never leaves. Once you come to terms with that, you can go on.
There is no way I can offer solutions or advice on how you should get through this period in your life. I can only tell you what I experienced – how I was able to accept what I could not change, and get on with living. I found that by welcoming her spirit into my world, I was very much at peace. She has never really left me. I feel her presence in so many ways, and am open to receiving whatever messages she may have for me.
It has been over a year now since my Mom began the next phase of her journey. I am at peace with this, and am actively working on my business once again. I use her story to make points in my writing and my talks. I can better relate to people who have experienced a similar loss, and attempt to ease the anxiety of those anticipating loss.
If I can offer any words of wisdom, they are – just do what feels right at the moment. If you don’t feel like talking with anyone, don’t answer the phone. If you don’t want to see anyone, don’t answer the door. If you need to be around others, invite several friends to lunch. Pet a cat, go for a walk or read a book. When the time is right, you will find your footing and the will to go forward. Nourish your body and your spirit, and you will survive and thrive.
Over the next six months, I literally sat on my patio contemplating where I fit in the world. My focus was gone; my reason for getting out of bed every day was no longer there.
Having written books and given lectures on elder care. I talk about the loss of a loved one and how it hits each of us in different ways. I mistakenly thought because Mom and I had eight months to say goodbye, that I just knew what my life would be like “after.” I didn’t cry a lot and I didn’t sit in her room and grieve. I just had no sense of purpose. Now I can truly appreciate what others have gone through and why no one can anticipate how they will react after the loss of a loved one.
Each of us experiences this loss in a very personal way, and no one can honestly say they know how you feel – they haven’t walked in your shoes. It’s okay to take your time. It’s okay to do nothing. It’s okay to keep so busy you can’t think. It’s okay to do whatever you need to do to adjust to that loss. But at some point, you will say “enough is enough” and get on with your life. Life will never be the same, because that loved one is no longer physically with you. But in your heart, that loved one never leaves. Once you come to terms with that, you can go on.
There is no way I can offer solutions or advice on how you should get through this period in your life. I can only tell you what I experienced – how I was able to accept what I could not change, and get on with living. I found that by welcoming her spirit into my world, I was very much at peace. She has never really left me. I feel her presence in so many ways, and am open to receiving whatever messages she may have for me.
It has been over a year now since my Mom began the next phase of her journey. I am at peace with this, and am actively working on my business once again. I use her story to make points in my writing and my talks. I can better relate to people who have experienced a similar loss, and attempt to ease the anxiety of those anticipating loss.
If I can offer any words of wisdom, they are – just do what feels right at the moment. If you don’t feel like talking with anyone, don’t answer the phone. If you don’t want to see anyone, don’t answer the door. If you need to be around others, invite several friends to lunch. Pet a cat, go for a walk or read a book. When the time is right, you will find your footing and the will to go forward. Nourish your body and your spirit, and you will survive and thrive.
Is Cheap Gas And Electricity Available Where You Live?
One of the growing phrases being used by the average consumer is that of the ‘postcode lottery’ but who would have thought that this phrase would be used when talking about gas and electricity prices. When deciding on buying a house, the last thing you think about is ‘How much is my gas and electricity going to cost in this area?’ but unfortunately it’s a question we may have to start to ask ourselves and the eager estate agents.
A study by independent consumer advice service Which? has found that living in East Anglia should be high up on your list when looking at moving or buying your first home.
Their studies have shown that a medium sized family house in East Anglia on a dual tariff (gas and electricity combined) would pay £895 to Scottish Power if on their standard pricing plan; compared to if they set up home in South Wales where their costs would increase by around £78.
It’d be wrong to simply put this down to the area where you live though. Where as the likes of car and home insurance companies choose to quote based on the risks attached to the areas they live in, quotes from utility providers are very different.
Before the deregulation of utilities within the UK, energy companies had a large dominance in certain regions. It was then decided that the market should be opened up to allow more competitiveness and help reduce prices for consumers.
A study by independent consumer advice service Which? has found that living in East Anglia should be high up on your list when looking at moving or buying your first home.
Their studies have shown that a medium sized family house in East Anglia on a dual tariff (gas and electricity combined) would pay £895 to Scottish Power if on their standard pricing plan; compared to if they set up home in South Wales where their costs would increase by around £78.
It’d be wrong to simply put this down to the area where you live though. Where as the likes of car and home insurance companies choose to quote based on the risks attached to the areas they live in, quotes from utility providers are very different.
Before the deregulation of utilities within the UK, energy companies had a large dominance in certain regions. It was then decided that the market should be opened up to allow more competitiveness and help reduce prices for consumers.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Choosing The Right Playground Safety Surfacing
You’ll have a variety of different safety surfacing options including pour-in-place rubber, rubber mulch, rubber chips, wood fiber strips, artificial grass and compressed rubber tile. Now there is a difference when it comes to safety and durability. I’ll rank each type of surfacing on a scale of 1-5 from high, medium high, medium low and low (1) being the least safe or durable
5 for High
4 for Medium high
3 for Medium
2 for Medium low
1 for Low
(1) Wood fiber strips are the traditional surfacing material that has been used in playground safety for many years. However the durability is low with wood fiber, many playgrounds have surfacing that is moved or spread throughout a park causing a risk for fall heights. Many people who provide playground maintenance find that they often need to replace the wood strips several times a year. I give wood fiber strips a safety rating of 2 and a durability rating of 3.
(2) Pour-in-place was a growing trend in safety surfacing a few years ago because of its immobility and design options. You will find rounded edges or names that are designed into pour-in-place surfacing as well as different colors. The disadvantage with pour-in-place is that it will crack and fade within three years or less. You will also begin to see holes in the top layer (there are two layers) where the rubber has been worn. This is of extreme concern due to safety regulations on the minimum depth of surfacing for a given fall height. Since pour-in-place is fairly new, we’ve only seen this lack of durability within the past few years causing many people to stay away from this type of safety surfacing. I give pour-in-place a safety rating of 3 and a durability rating of 2.
(3) Rubber mulch is becoming the next generation of wood fiber – the same people that make this also make larger chunks that they refer to as rubber chips. Recycled material is sent through a unique process that cleans and colors the rubber so that it is completely safe for children and has color that lasts as much as seven years. I give rubber mulch and rubber chips a safety rating of 4 and a durability rating of 4.
(4) Artificial turf has been around for a while with some good improvements. The material is placed onto a base of spongy beads that act as a layer of cushioning, much like tilled dirt. Unlike dirt though – this base provides long-lasting safety for anyone who might fall and it allows water to flow freely throughout so that the turf doesn’t have water damage. I give artificial turf a safety rating of 4 and a durability rating of 5.
(5) Rubber Tiles are a well-established high-quality surfacing material. There’s only one manufacturer of rubber tiles that I would recommend: SofSurfaces has a patented locking system between tiles that created one massive surface for playground safety. This material is also very durable – SafSurfaces provides a solid 7 year guarantee on not only the color but the depth also. That’s THREE TIMES longer than the first three safety surfacing options. I give rubber tiles a safety rating of 5 and a durability rating of 5. If you budget allows – this is the ideal choice.
5 for High
4 for Medium high
3 for Medium
2 for Medium low
1 for Low
(1) Wood fiber strips are the traditional surfacing material that has been used in playground safety for many years. However the durability is low with wood fiber, many playgrounds have surfacing that is moved or spread throughout a park causing a risk for fall heights. Many people who provide playground maintenance find that they often need to replace the wood strips several times a year. I give wood fiber strips a safety rating of 2 and a durability rating of 3.
(2) Pour-in-place was a growing trend in safety surfacing a few years ago because of its immobility and design options. You will find rounded edges or names that are designed into pour-in-place surfacing as well as different colors. The disadvantage with pour-in-place is that it will crack and fade within three years or less. You will also begin to see holes in the top layer (there are two layers) where the rubber has been worn. This is of extreme concern due to safety regulations on the minimum depth of surfacing for a given fall height. Since pour-in-place is fairly new, we’ve only seen this lack of durability within the past few years causing many people to stay away from this type of safety surfacing. I give pour-in-place a safety rating of 3 and a durability rating of 2.
(3) Rubber mulch is becoming the next generation of wood fiber – the same people that make this also make larger chunks that they refer to as rubber chips. Recycled material is sent through a unique process that cleans and colors the rubber so that it is completely safe for children and has color that lasts as much as seven years. I give rubber mulch and rubber chips a safety rating of 4 and a durability rating of 4.
(4) Artificial turf has been around for a while with some good improvements. The material is placed onto a base of spongy beads that act as a layer of cushioning, much like tilled dirt. Unlike dirt though – this base provides long-lasting safety for anyone who might fall and it allows water to flow freely throughout so that the turf doesn’t have water damage. I give artificial turf a safety rating of 4 and a durability rating of 5.
(5) Rubber Tiles are a well-established high-quality surfacing material. There’s only one manufacturer of rubber tiles that I would recommend: SofSurfaces has a patented locking system between tiles that created one massive surface for playground safety. This material is also very durable – SafSurfaces provides a solid 7 year guarantee on not only the color but the depth also. That’s THREE TIMES longer than the first three safety surfacing options. I give rubber tiles a safety rating of 5 and a durability rating of 5. If you budget allows – this is the ideal choice.
Choosing The Right Playground For Schools, Churches, Parks And Communities
For commercial use – It is important that you know a few things about your needs before we get started. It is a buyer’s market so there are many different options when looking for a new playground. First, you must have an idea of the age group that the playground must be tailored to. Standard age groups are 2-7, 2-12, 2-5, 5-12, and 8-up. Next you must decide on the area where your playground will occupy – what are the dimensions of the space? And finally, what is your budget for your playground project? Keep in mind that you will have installation and playground safety surfacing as an expense by the time your project is complete.
So on to the fun part – deciding on a design. There are many different pre-designed units that are available to manufacture but more than 80% of people choose to customize their playground. You can start with a simple idea that fills the limits of your project area—then add a slide here and a climber there, and the next thing you know, you’ve created everything that you could ask for in a playground.
It is also important to note that the size of the playground needs to accommodate the number of children that are expected to be playing on it at any given time. You will find that a newer playground—with a good design—will attract a lot of attention, and it would be a shame to have overcrowding on a structure that is likely to become a safety hazard. Overall, you will want to make sure that the playground equipment has at least the basics (climbers, slides etc.). If you have no idea where to start you might also find it useful to ask the kids what they would like. Have them all create drawings of their “dream playground,” then you’ll know that the final design you choose is based off the ideas of what the children want. After all, the children are the ones that will be using the playground equipment the most – hopefully.
Once you have decided on a design for the playground equipment you will want to make sure that you get an estimate which includes the cost, freight, tax and installation (if needed). The idea is to get all of your possible expenses laid out on paper so you will know the amount of funds you’ll need to buy the structure and have it installed. It is best not to do this in reverse, which would be to get the funds first and then pinch pennies to spend no more or no less than the budget provides. In some cases this is unavoidable but with enough planning, you can arrange to raise the money that you may not have to buy the playground that your community needs. Playgrounds are very expensive but when everything is complete you will create an environment for children where they will have happy memories which will contribute to their well-being now and later in life.
So on to the fun part – deciding on a design. There are many different pre-designed units that are available to manufacture but more than 80% of people choose to customize their playground. You can start with a simple idea that fills the limits of your project area—then add a slide here and a climber there, and the next thing you know, you’ve created everything that you could ask for in a playground.
It is also important to note that the size of the playground needs to accommodate the number of children that are expected to be playing on it at any given time. You will find that a newer playground—with a good design—will attract a lot of attention, and it would be a shame to have overcrowding on a structure that is likely to become a safety hazard. Overall, you will want to make sure that the playground equipment has at least the basics (climbers, slides etc.). If you have no idea where to start you might also find it useful to ask the kids what they would like. Have them all create drawings of their “dream playground,” then you’ll know that the final design you choose is based off the ideas of what the children want. After all, the children are the ones that will be using the playground equipment the most – hopefully.
Once you have decided on a design for the playground equipment you will want to make sure that you get an estimate which includes the cost, freight, tax and installation (if needed). The idea is to get all of your possible expenses laid out on paper so you will know the amount of funds you’ll need to buy the structure and have it installed. It is best not to do this in reverse, which would be to get the funds first and then pinch pennies to spend no more or no less than the budget provides. In some cases this is unavoidable but with enough planning, you can arrange to raise the money that you may not have to buy the playground that your community needs. Playgrounds are very expensive but when everything is complete you will create an environment for children where they will have happy memories which will contribute to their well-being now and later in life.
Show Them How Much You Care - Unique Gift Ideas for Mom and Dad
They were your idols when you were young and your source of frustration when you were a teenager. Now they are your most cherished friends and confidants. They are your parents and you wouldn’t be who you are today if they weren’t in your life.
Well, and one thing still frustrates you about your Mom and Dad. They are incredibly hard to shop for, especially for gifts. So how can you find a functional and unique gift ideas for Mom and Dad that will express just how much you care about them? Well, it’s not as hard as you may think. Unique gift idea for Mom and Dad are abound, you just have to think about their likes and dislikes to figure them out.
For example, your Mom always says she’s cold when she’s watching T.V. in the family room. Why not give her a few sofa throws to keep in there to warm her toes when the temperature drops. She’ll think of you in appreciation each time she covers up with one of the warm sofa throws.
Sofa throws are simple, yes. Are they unique? Of course! Functional can be unique too. Sofa throws come in a huge variety of sizes and styles and are made from every material imaginable on the planet. You can find huge sofa throws that will cover your Mom and your Dad. And possibly the rest of your family too. Or, sofa throws can be small. It’s all up to you to decide.
Your mom has a unique personality and you can convey that in her sofa throws too. Does she like the soft feeling of fur? Give her faux fur sofa throws. Does she like puppies and kittens? Well, there are sofa throws with cute animals printed all over them. The options are endless.
So now you have Mom covered (literally) in the quest to find unique gifts ideas for Mom and Dad. So what about that big guy you call Dad? Well, unique is the name of the game here. So why not give him a men’s silver bracelet.
Wait, you say your Dad doesn’t wear jewelry? Well, has anyone ever given him a piece to wear? Outside of his wedding ring, chances are slim. So why not break that and give him a men’s silver bracelet to show to his buddies and coworkers.
A men’s silver bracelet isn’t a dainty thing. Men’s silver bracelets come in many different manly-man styles and are a near fashion accessory for that business suit or golf outfit. He may scoff at first, but tell him how great it’ll look on him and watch as he wears it everywhere.
Well, and one thing still frustrates you about your Mom and Dad. They are incredibly hard to shop for, especially for gifts. So how can you find a functional and unique gift ideas for Mom and Dad that will express just how much you care about them? Well, it’s not as hard as you may think. Unique gift idea for Mom and Dad are abound, you just have to think about their likes and dislikes to figure them out.
For example, your Mom always says she’s cold when she’s watching T.V. in the family room. Why not give her a few sofa throws to keep in there to warm her toes when the temperature drops. She’ll think of you in appreciation each time she covers up with one of the warm sofa throws.
Sofa throws are simple, yes. Are they unique? Of course! Functional can be unique too. Sofa throws come in a huge variety of sizes and styles and are made from every material imaginable on the planet. You can find huge sofa throws that will cover your Mom and your Dad. And possibly the rest of your family too. Or, sofa throws can be small. It’s all up to you to decide.
Your mom has a unique personality and you can convey that in her sofa throws too. Does she like the soft feeling of fur? Give her faux fur sofa throws. Does she like puppies and kittens? Well, there are sofa throws with cute animals printed all over them. The options are endless.
So now you have Mom covered (literally) in the quest to find unique gifts ideas for Mom and Dad. So what about that big guy you call Dad? Well, unique is the name of the game here. So why not give him a men’s silver bracelet.
Wait, you say your Dad doesn’t wear jewelry? Well, has anyone ever given him a piece to wear? Outside of his wedding ring, chances are slim. So why not break that and give him a men’s silver bracelet to show to his buddies and coworkers.
A men’s silver bracelet isn’t a dainty thing. Men’s silver bracelets come in many different manly-man styles and are a near fashion accessory for that business suit or golf outfit. He may scoff at first, but tell him how great it’ll look on him and watch as he wears it everywhere.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
BeadleNet Introduces SOHO2000, All-In-One Internet-Sharing, Firewall & Networking Solution for the Small Office/Home Office
LAGUNA HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 27, 1999--
Securely Share High-Speed Internet Access Via Cable, xDSL, Leased
Line or ISDN
BeadleNet L.L.C., a premier provider of secure Internet and networking solutions for the Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) and Small/Medium Business (SMB) markets, announces the SOHO2000 Series of affordable router/firewalls. The BeadleNet SOHO2000 offers a complete, all-in-one solution for users wanting to connect multiple computers together and to the Internet with total security. The product features an integrated 4-port hub for user's networking needs; firewall technology, which provides security from Internet hackers; and router functions for sharing Internet access.
With support for high-speed Internet access through Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL)/cable modems, and leased line/ISDN modem/routers, the SOHO2000 enables all computers on the network to simultaneously access the Internet at speeds up to 100 times faster than analog modems. "Internet technology is better utilized over faster connections," said Chuck Gamer, BeadleNet president. "Businesses and households can cut costs on such things as travel and long distance phone calls by using video conferencing and Internet telephony or streaming video and audio, while the faster download/upload times help increase productivity since online wait times are greatly reduced with the increased speed."
In a recent report published by the Yankee Group, a leading industry research firm, the number of U.S. households subscribing to high-speed Internet access will grow from fewer than one-half million today to 7 million by 2002; and as many as 1.44 million business customers will subscribe to xDSL services by 2002. In parallel, research from Kinetic Strategies Inc. predicts the number of cable modem subscribers to be approximately 3.2 million by 2002.
"This product will change the way home and small/medium businesses use the Internet," said Gamer. "No longer will cost discourage small-to-medium size networks from utilizing the benefits of shared, secure, high-speed access."
High-speed Internet access provides users with a continuous 24-hour connection. Though convenient and faster, this "always on" connection can leave unsecured computers open to Internet hackers. The SOHO2000 utilizes Stateful Packet Inspection technology, which filters all messages traveling between the Internet and computers on the network. Incoming packets only pass through to the private network if their state corresponds to a user's request. This prevents unexpected packets from ever reaching the private side of the firewall.
Utilizing Internet Protocol (IP) routing for Internet sharing, the SOHO2000 supports Network Address Translation (NAT) and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) technologies. NAT allows a single IP address to be shared by multiple computers, while DHCP enables IP addresses to be assigned to computers on the network when needed, automatically configuring the communication between them and the Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Features
BeadleNet's SOHO2000 offers four Ethernet RJ-45 ports for direct connection of up to four computers to the unit. However, by using cross over cables, each port can be uplinked to additional hubs or switches to support more users on the network. The product supports Windows 95/98/NT/2000, Macintosh and Unix-based systems, and web browsers Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. The SOHO2000 is available in eight versions with varying features including:
- Expanded User Licenses - SOHO2000 offers software support for up
to 175 computers.
- Configurable or Non-Configurable Firewall - Configurable firewall
allows for Web/FTP server hosting or remote access to individual
computers on the network.
- Hacker Attack Denial of Service - SOHO2000 protects against Ping
of Death, LAND Attack and IP Spoofing.
- Web Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) - Ensures added security for hosting
a Web/FTP server with its own assigned IP address.
- Bandwidth Management - (Option Available June '99) Allows
bandwidth to be adapted to each computer's needs.
- Usage Accounting - (Option Available June '99) Allows usage
tracking for individuals or the whole network.
- Hacker Attack Control Software - (Option Available June '99) A
tracking system which generates activity report logs.
- Virtual Private Network (VPN) - (Option Available July '99)
Provides a secure private network between offices over the
Internet.
With an easy, interactive, browser-based installation, the SOHO2000 automatically detects operating system and web browser for each computer, then provides the user with a tailor-made installation guide. Utilizing customer feedback, the SOHO2000 installation guides and help pages are continuously updated on the BeadleSoft software support web site. Users are automatically taken directly to any updated areas on the site during the installation. The product also automatically detects any outdated software housed internally and proposes free maintenance upgrades via the BeadleSoft software user interface.
Securely Share High-Speed Internet Access Via Cable, xDSL, Leased
Line or ISDN
BeadleNet L.L.C., a premier provider of secure Internet and networking solutions for the Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) and Small/Medium Business (SMB) markets, announces the SOHO2000 Series of affordable router/firewalls. The BeadleNet SOHO2000 offers a complete, all-in-one solution for users wanting to connect multiple computers together and to the Internet with total security. The product features an integrated 4-port hub for user's networking needs; firewall technology, which provides security from Internet hackers; and router functions for sharing Internet access.
With support for high-speed Internet access through Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL)/cable modems, and leased line/ISDN modem/routers, the SOHO2000 enables all computers on the network to simultaneously access the Internet at speeds up to 100 times faster than analog modems. "Internet technology is better utilized over faster connections," said Chuck Gamer, BeadleNet president. "Businesses and households can cut costs on such things as travel and long distance phone calls by using video conferencing and Internet telephony or streaming video and audio, while the faster download/upload times help increase productivity since online wait times are greatly reduced with the increased speed."
In a recent report published by the Yankee Group, a leading industry research firm, the number of U.S. households subscribing to high-speed Internet access will grow from fewer than one-half million today to 7 million by 2002; and as many as 1.44 million business customers will subscribe to xDSL services by 2002. In parallel, research from Kinetic Strategies Inc. predicts the number of cable modem subscribers to be approximately 3.2 million by 2002.
"This product will change the way home and small/medium businesses use the Internet," said Gamer. "No longer will cost discourage small-to-medium size networks from utilizing the benefits of shared, secure, high-speed access."
High-speed Internet access provides users with a continuous 24-hour connection. Though convenient and faster, this "always on" connection can leave unsecured computers open to Internet hackers. The SOHO2000 utilizes Stateful Packet Inspection technology, which filters all messages traveling between the Internet and computers on the network. Incoming packets only pass through to the private network if their state corresponds to a user's request. This prevents unexpected packets from ever reaching the private side of the firewall.
Utilizing Internet Protocol (IP) routing for Internet sharing, the SOHO2000 supports Network Address Translation (NAT) and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) technologies. NAT allows a single IP address to be shared by multiple computers, while DHCP enables IP addresses to be assigned to computers on the network when needed, automatically configuring the communication between them and the Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Features
BeadleNet's SOHO2000 offers four Ethernet RJ-45 ports for direct connection of up to four computers to the unit. However, by using cross over cables, each port can be uplinked to additional hubs or switches to support more users on the network. The product supports Windows 95/98/NT/2000, Macintosh and Unix-based systems, and web browsers Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. The SOHO2000 is available in eight versions with varying features including:
- Expanded User Licenses - SOHO2000 offers software support for up
to 175 computers.
- Configurable or Non-Configurable Firewall - Configurable firewall
allows for Web/FTP server hosting or remote access to individual
computers on the network.
- Hacker Attack Denial of Service - SOHO2000 protects against Ping
of Death, LAND Attack and IP Spoofing.
- Web Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) - Ensures added security for hosting
a Web/FTP server with its own assigned IP address.
- Bandwidth Management - (Option Available June '99) Allows
bandwidth to be adapted to each computer's needs.
- Usage Accounting - (Option Available June '99) Allows usage
tracking for individuals or the whole network.
- Hacker Attack Control Software - (Option Available June '99) A
tracking system which generates activity report logs.
- Virtual Private Network (VPN) - (Option Available July '99)
Provides a secure private network between offices over the
Internet.
With an easy, interactive, browser-based installation, the SOHO2000 automatically detects operating system and web browser for each computer, then provides the user with a tailor-made installation guide. Utilizing customer feedback, the SOHO2000 installation guides and help pages are continuously updated on the BeadleSoft software support web site. Users are automatically taken directly to any updated areas on the site during the installation. The product also automatically detects any outdated software housed internally and proposes free maintenance upgrades via the BeadleSoft software user interface.
Guide to business phones - includes related articles on new telephones and answering devices
Communicating over telephone lines-by voice, fax, and modem-is vital for most businesses, large and small. For businesses with fax and modem links, phones are command-and-control centers. Improvements in digital technology and special services from local phone companies complement the gains made by manufacturers. Home offices now buzz and ring with an array of phone possibilities. What's new in phone technology, and what's in it for you?
ANSWERING-MACHINE CHOICES
The answering machine is the most common phone peripheral. Some answering machines are freestanding and some are integrated into the phone itself. Today you can choose machines that let you turn them on and off, change announcements, and play, save, and erase messages, all from a remote location. Other popular features include call screening, toll saver, ring selection, and message display.
If your answering machine has a toll-saver feature, the number of rings you hear when you call your machine will let you know whether you've received any messages. For example, if your answering machine picks up after two rings, you know you have new messages. If the phone continues to ring, there are no new messages, so you can hang up and save money. Another feature is time and date stamping, when the answering machine records the time and date of each message.
The choice between a stand-alone answering machine and an answering machine-telephone combination should be based on your needs. For example, if you periodically move your answering machine to another line, you may want a stand alone. If your desk space is limited, one of the smaller integrated units may suit your style.
EXPANDABLE ANSWERING SYSTEM
A new member of the phone family is the Private Answering Machine (or PAM) from Phone Mate. This system lets you link up to three other private answering machines on a single phone line-sort of like a mini voice-mail system. If you share an office, have more than one business, or offer more than one service, a private answering machine can route messages appropriately.
Callers into a PAM system get the primary answering machine; they can either leave a message or press a two-digit code to be switched to another private answering machine. Private messages may also be left separately with a personal memo. PhoneMate's private answering machine's features include voice paging and manual transfer to other stations, each with its own message.
SMALL-SCALE VOICE MAIL
For offices that require advanced messaging systems, there are several personalized desktop voice-mail systems. These stand-alone messaging systems lack the polish of big corporate phone systems, but they're perfect for small-business operators looking to project a more professional image. if your telephone is your main conduit for your corporate image, that's a plus.
The VoiceCentre 850 uses digital technology (recording on microchips rather than audiotape) to ensure maximum clarity of both incoming and outgoing messages. And because the system is using these chips, there are fewer moving parts susceptible to failure.
The features of the VoiceCentre 850 are not unique to this system, however. You can find features like paging and call forwarding on less costly answering machines, but you'll need a local phone company tie-in, for which there is a fee. For example, Nynex's monthly call-forwarding fee on a business telephone line is $2.34 a month. At a one-time cost of approximately $540, VoiceCentre offers this service and much more at a fraction of the price.
CORDLESS FREEDOM
In the past, cordless phones suffered from serious sound problems. But current models feature improved sound, and we now have the ability to roam our offices untethered without sacrificing transmission clarity. Cordless units use low-power FM-radio transmissions as the link between the base and portable handset, so the appeal of cordless communication is still tainted somewhat by noticeable levels of feedback-even in the best units, you'll occasionally hear other people's conversations interrupting your own (and they'll probably hear yours). Static can often be countered by manipulating volume levels.
While cordless phones aren't necessary in close quarters, I found it difficult to switch back to a deskbound phone after using one. A few manufacturers are now incorporating answering machines and two-line capability into their cordless models as well. Cobra's Intenna line touts a design that hides the usually cumbersome antenna in the handset (a particularly welcome feature if you're prone to poking yourself in the eye); however, its reception quality varies depending on how you hold the phone.
ARE TWO LINES BETTER THAN ONE?
Anybody running a business from home understands the appeal of two-line capability. It's almost impossible to keep your business from intruding on your personal life, and vice versa, without two lines. You can find answering machines, cordless phones, and, of course, regular phones with two-line capability. Many manufacturers also offer speakerphones as an option.
ANSWERING-MACHINE CHOICES
The answering machine is the most common phone peripheral. Some answering machines are freestanding and some are integrated into the phone itself. Today you can choose machines that let you turn them on and off, change announcements, and play, save, and erase messages, all from a remote location. Other popular features include call screening, toll saver, ring selection, and message display.
If your answering machine has a toll-saver feature, the number of rings you hear when you call your machine will let you know whether you've received any messages. For example, if your answering machine picks up after two rings, you know you have new messages. If the phone continues to ring, there are no new messages, so you can hang up and save money. Another feature is time and date stamping, when the answering machine records the time and date of each message.
The choice between a stand-alone answering machine and an answering machine-telephone combination should be based on your needs. For example, if you periodically move your answering machine to another line, you may want a stand alone. If your desk space is limited, one of the smaller integrated units may suit your style.
EXPANDABLE ANSWERING SYSTEM
A new member of the phone family is the Private Answering Machine (or PAM) from Phone Mate. This system lets you link up to three other private answering machines on a single phone line-sort of like a mini voice-mail system. If you share an office, have more than one business, or offer more than one service, a private answering machine can route messages appropriately.
Callers into a PAM system get the primary answering machine; they can either leave a message or press a two-digit code to be switched to another private answering machine. Private messages may also be left separately with a personal memo. PhoneMate's private answering machine's features include voice paging and manual transfer to other stations, each with its own message.
SMALL-SCALE VOICE MAIL
For offices that require advanced messaging systems, there are several personalized desktop voice-mail systems. These stand-alone messaging systems lack the polish of big corporate phone systems, but they're perfect for small-business operators looking to project a more professional image. if your telephone is your main conduit for your corporate image, that's a plus.
The VoiceCentre 850 uses digital technology (recording on microchips rather than audiotape) to ensure maximum clarity of both incoming and outgoing messages. And because the system is using these chips, there are fewer moving parts susceptible to failure.
The features of the VoiceCentre 850 are not unique to this system, however. You can find features like paging and call forwarding on less costly answering machines, but you'll need a local phone company tie-in, for which there is a fee. For example, Nynex's monthly call-forwarding fee on a business telephone line is $2.34 a month. At a one-time cost of approximately $540, VoiceCentre offers this service and much more at a fraction of the price.
CORDLESS FREEDOM
In the past, cordless phones suffered from serious sound problems. But current models feature improved sound, and we now have the ability to roam our offices untethered without sacrificing transmission clarity. Cordless units use low-power FM-radio transmissions as the link between the base and portable handset, so the appeal of cordless communication is still tainted somewhat by noticeable levels of feedback-even in the best units, you'll occasionally hear other people's conversations interrupting your own (and they'll probably hear yours). Static can often be countered by manipulating volume levels.
While cordless phones aren't necessary in close quarters, I found it difficult to switch back to a deskbound phone after using one. A few manufacturers are now incorporating answering machines and two-line capability into their cordless models as well. Cobra's Intenna line touts a design that hides the usually cumbersome antenna in the handset (a particularly welcome feature if you're prone to poking yourself in the eye); however, its reception quality varies depending on how you hold the phone.
ARE TWO LINES BETTER THAN ONE?
Anybody running a business from home understands the appeal of two-line capability. It's almost impossible to keep your business from intruding on your personal life, and vice versa, without two lines. You can find answering machines, cordless phones, and, of course, regular phones with two-line capability. Many manufacturers also offer speakerphones as an option.
The Hoc 100 - Buyers Guide
ATTENTION, VENDORS: GOT A GREAT PRODUCT FOR THE CORPORATE INFORMATION technology (IT) director? Keep it to yourselves. Just launched a fabulous Web site for family scrapbooks and birthday cards? We don't care. We're HOME OFFICE COMPUTING, and our third annual HOC 100 Awards salute the best products, sites, and services for home-based business operators and teleworkers we've seen this year--if it's not right for the home office, it's not here.
Scorekeepers will notice a few changes from last year--instead of honoring one Gold and a varying number of Silver winners in each category, we got specific with Gold (shown in the photos that follow), Silver, and Bronze medalists in each of 33 contests, plus the year's most impressive newcomer to make 100. Reflecting the boom in Web applications, many of last year's "software" categories now honor "solutions" with browser-based services competing alongside CD-ROM programs. Sidebars to the main list let us salute a few runners-up and tweak a few noses. But the HOC 100's mission is unchanged: to spotlight the best available tools for competing with and beating big businesses. Use them wisely.
When you see the iMac, you think Pokemon; when you see this, you think Porsche. The Power Mac G4 Cube is the Apple for adults, the coolest computer you can buy, and a breakthrough for the home office market--from a company whose product line previously embodied the split between family consumers and big-budget businesses that's long plagued the home-based workers in the middle. The Cube is not only tiny and classy, it's silent (no fan for background noise), fast, and crammed with technologies ranging from wireless network and Ethernet: (for cable or DSL modem) hookups to a dust-proof optical mouse: The iMac gave PC vendors candy colors to imitate, but the Cube gives them a brilliant design benchmark to target. It's snobbishly overpriced -- $1,779 with no monitor and a lean 64MB of RAM and 20GB hard disk (800-MY-APPLE, www.apple.com) -- and short on business software, but it's what computers are going to Cook like from now on.
... Desktop PC
Gold: Dell Dimension 4100
($1,978 with 800MHz P-III, 128MB, 20GB, DVD, CD-RW, Ethernet, modem, 19-inch monitor; 888-560-8324, www.dell.com)
Even when Dell isn't running one of its frequent free-printer or discount deals, the Dimension 4100 is a stellar value--hot-rod technology (everything from a 133MHz memory bus and available 75GB hard disk to a smorgasbord of networking options) at a minivan price.
Silver: Compaq iPaq Desktop
($974 with 733MHz P-III, 128MB, 10GB, no monitor; 800-888-9909, www.compaq.com/ipaq)
Compaq sells it as a corporate network client, but we love the idea of a tiny desktop with a notebook-style swappable CD-ROM/ CD-RW/DVD/second hard disk bay.
Bronze: Gateway Select 1000 SB
($2,238 with 128MB, 20GB, 17-inch monitor; 800-GATEWAY, www.gateway.com)
Get 1GHz Athlon thrills without movie or game-playing frills in this Ethernet- and Office-equipped bargain.
... Value Notebook
Gold: Acer TravelMate 350
($1,999 with 13.3-inch screen, 650MHz P-III, 64MB, 10GB; 800-SEE-ACER, www.acer.com)
Four-pound slimline PCs are nifty--until you want to install some software and learn that Sony and Toshiba charge extra for CD-ROM drives. Acer's external floppy/CD is standard--as are modem, Ethernet, USB, and FireWire ports, provision for a forthcoming Bluetooth module, and a bigger screen and faster CPU than the TravelMate 340 we admired at the same price last April.
Silver: Gateway Solo 5300
($1,999 with 14.1-inch screen, 650MHz P-III, 64MB, 6GB; 800-GATEWAY, www.gateway.com)
It seems like only yesterday that two grand would get you a nonexpandable, low-rent laptop. Now it can get you a speedy Pentium III portable system with a modular bay and 14.1-inch, active-matrix display; available DVD and Ethernet; and a pleasingly slim shape.
Bronze: Toshiba Satellite 2805
($2,199 with 14.1-inch screen, 650MHz P-III, 128MB, 10GB; 800-TOSHIBA, computers.toshiba.com)
Whether you choose a 13.3-, 14.1-, or 15-inch screen (we like the one in the middle), you can't go wrong: Ethernet, DVD, and solid value are standard.
... Deluxe Notebook
Gold: Dell Inspiron 8000
($3,775 with 15-inch screen, 850MHz P-III, 128MB, 32GB; 888-560-8324, www.dell.com)
How did Dell replace the definitive desktop replacement, the Inspiron 7500? With a slightly less leviathan but even more spectacular laptop, offering everything from both DVD and CD-RW drives onboard to Dolby Headphone audio--and coming soon, though not available at rollout, a jaw-dropping 1,600 by 1,200-pixel display.
Silver: Apple PowerBook G3
($2,499 with 14.1-inch screen, 400MHz G3, 64MB, 6GB; 800-MY-APPLE, www.apple.com)
We've knocked Macs for not being the best values, but making a DVD-ROM drive; FireWire, USB, and Ethernet ports; and an AirPort wireless antenna all standard makes this year's PowerBook a good deal.
Scorekeepers will notice a few changes from last year--instead of honoring one Gold and a varying number of Silver winners in each category, we got specific with Gold (shown in the photos that follow), Silver, and Bronze medalists in each of 33 contests, plus the year's most impressive newcomer to make 100. Reflecting the boom in Web applications, many of last year's "software" categories now honor "solutions" with browser-based services competing alongside CD-ROM programs. Sidebars to the main list let us salute a few runners-up and tweak a few noses. But the HOC 100's mission is unchanged: to spotlight the best available tools for competing with and beating big businesses. Use them wisely.
When you see the iMac, you think Pokemon; when you see this, you think Porsche. The Power Mac G4 Cube is the Apple for adults, the coolest computer you can buy, and a breakthrough for the home office market--from a company whose product line previously embodied the split between family consumers and big-budget businesses that's long plagued the home-based workers in the middle. The Cube is not only tiny and classy, it's silent (no fan for background noise), fast, and crammed with technologies ranging from wireless network and Ethernet: (for cable or DSL modem) hookups to a dust-proof optical mouse: The iMac gave PC vendors candy colors to imitate, but the Cube gives them a brilliant design benchmark to target. It's snobbishly overpriced -- $1,779 with no monitor and a lean 64MB of RAM and 20GB hard disk (800-MY-APPLE, www.apple.com) -- and short on business software, but it's what computers are going to Cook like from now on.
... Desktop PC
Gold: Dell Dimension 4100
($1,978 with 800MHz P-III, 128MB, 20GB, DVD, CD-RW, Ethernet, modem, 19-inch monitor; 888-560-8324, www.dell.com)
Even when Dell isn't running one of its frequent free-printer or discount deals, the Dimension 4100 is a stellar value--hot-rod technology (everything from a 133MHz memory bus and available 75GB hard disk to a smorgasbord of networking options) at a minivan price.
Silver: Compaq iPaq Desktop
($974 with 733MHz P-III, 128MB, 10GB, no monitor; 800-888-9909, www.compaq.com/ipaq)
Compaq sells it as a corporate network client, but we love the idea of a tiny desktop with a notebook-style swappable CD-ROM/ CD-RW/DVD/second hard disk bay.
Bronze: Gateway Select 1000 SB
($2,238 with 128MB, 20GB, 17-inch monitor; 800-GATEWAY, www.gateway.com)
Get 1GHz Athlon thrills without movie or game-playing frills in this Ethernet- and Office-equipped bargain.
... Value Notebook
Gold: Acer TravelMate 350
($1,999 with 13.3-inch screen, 650MHz P-III, 64MB, 10GB; 800-SEE-ACER, www.acer.com)
Four-pound slimline PCs are nifty--until you want to install some software and learn that Sony and Toshiba charge extra for CD-ROM drives. Acer's external floppy/CD is standard--as are modem, Ethernet, USB, and FireWire ports, provision for a forthcoming Bluetooth module, and a bigger screen and faster CPU than the TravelMate 340 we admired at the same price last April.
Silver: Gateway Solo 5300
($1,999 with 14.1-inch screen, 650MHz P-III, 64MB, 6GB; 800-GATEWAY, www.gateway.com)
It seems like only yesterday that two grand would get you a nonexpandable, low-rent laptop. Now it can get you a speedy Pentium III portable system with a modular bay and 14.1-inch, active-matrix display; available DVD and Ethernet; and a pleasingly slim shape.
Bronze: Toshiba Satellite 2805
($2,199 with 14.1-inch screen, 650MHz P-III, 128MB, 10GB; 800-TOSHIBA, computers.toshiba.com)
Whether you choose a 13.3-, 14.1-, or 15-inch screen (we like the one in the middle), you can't go wrong: Ethernet, DVD, and solid value are standard.
... Deluxe Notebook
Gold: Dell Inspiron 8000
($3,775 with 15-inch screen, 850MHz P-III, 128MB, 32GB; 888-560-8324, www.dell.com)
How did Dell replace the definitive desktop replacement, the Inspiron 7500? With a slightly less leviathan but even more spectacular laptop, offering everything from both DVD and CD-RW drives onboard to Dolby Headphone audio--and coming soon, though not available at rollout, a jaw-dropping 1,600 by 1,200-pixel display.
Silver: Apple PowerBook G3
($2,499 with 14.1-inch screen, 400MHz G3, 64MB, 6GB; 800-MY-APPLE, www.apple.com)
We've knocked Macs for not being the best values, but making a DVD-ROM drive; FireWire, USB, and Ethernet ports; and an AirPort wireless antenna all standard makes this year's PowerBook a good deal.
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