Designing the Ultimate Game Room – Ideas To Get Started
January 26, 2012 | 
Author Many people would love to be able to create and have their ultimate game room. When you spend a lot of time entertaining others or you enjoy having extra space in your home to relax and have fun, a game room can be a great way to be able to have room for the kind of activities you love to do. If you really want to design the ultimate game room, you need to have the right ideas to get started. Here are some ways that you can begin the planning and renovating process.
Turning your game room ideas into a reality will take a list of things that you want to include in your new room. Think of this as the ultimate Christmas List that will contain all of your wildest dreams in a game room. Maybe you want to have video games that you can play over and over or an old-fashioned pool table. Think about your favorite images of a game room and then make a list of the elements you like most about the room. This is not a time to think about price or feasibility, but rather just to find out what you really want to do.
Ultimate Game Room
Next, you need to create a budget that is realistic for your life. For many people, they will begin with the cheaper parts of creating an ultimate game room, like the flooring and the wall coverings. As this process progresses, they will begin to add pieces that add décor and then the actual game playing pieces. Unfortunately, you will not have your game room up and running by the weekend, but you will eventually have the room of your dreams – it just may take a little longer.
Don’t forget to add the luxuries that make an ultimate game room a place all your friends talk about. For example, add in a bar and a keg cooler or a place for a refrigerator for snacks. You want to think about all the things you might want down in that room and then figure out ways to add them. A leather couch and a flat screen TV will help you entertain friends that aren’t actively playing games, but will ensure they are having a good time.
What Will Void Your Car Warranty?
Car warranties are indeed a great investment as car repairs demand hefty amounts to be paid and often at an unexpected time. However, you may find you’re disappointed if you happen to void your car warranty.
New and extended car warranties are made available by many companies. But along with these auto warranties are also a few instructions or situations that may cause your car warranty to be voided. For example, the car is exposed to flooding or if any paperwork shows ‘off-roading’ then the car warranty possessed by your vehicle may become voided.
Also, most American manufacturers generally provide 3 years or 36,000 miles for coverage under a warranty. Nonetheless, as soon as you cross any of these mileage or time limits, your car warranty becomes invalid or is declared to be void.
Besides, there are also a few car owners who fear that they may void their warranty, if they don’t get their car serviced by their dealer only. Such people can take a sigh of relief due to the Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. It states that the car owner doesn’t have any such obligation and that they are free to get their vehicle serviced by their favorite independent and skilled service station, without losing the warranty on their car.
Furthermore, you can employ quality car parts from any brand name for car service. So, it isn’t necessary for you to employ only original car equipment by the manufacturer such as brakes, filters oil, spark plugs and others unless they are made available for free.
But it is necessary to make sure that the service receipts that you have must include the odometer reading, date, identification number and model of the vehicle. Also, brand names of different parts that are used must be mentioned on the receipt to avoid any inconvenience later.
Moreover, there are also some car owners who fear their car warranty can become void because of any cosmetic work done on their car from anywhere else apart from the manufacturer. But there is no such thing. You can get the cosmetic work done on your vehicle and still keep your car warranty intact.
If you want to make sure that you don’t make a mistake that may lead to void car warranty, it is advisable to get your vehicle serviced at regular intervals as suggested by the warranty provider. Also, it is advisable to read the warranty manual or owner’s booklet made available by the warranty provider. It is also important to keep all records carefully that relate to your car servicing or warranty.
Amazon Kindle: The Next Generation G3 Review – What Do You Think?
With the presentation of the Third generation of Amazon Kindle, the online retailer has all the reasons to celebrate: this ebook reader is not only better than everything has been built before in this category, but it is also ready to meet the mainstream masses. With the Amazon Kindle, Amazon solves all the negative aspects of earlier ebook reader generations, such as slow page turns, finger-unfriendly button designs and heavy weight. This doesn’t mean there is no room for improvement, but this Kindle is the first I will certainly recommend to my friends.
Value
There are two versions of the third-generation Amazon Kindle. The Kindle Wi-Fi costs $139, while the Kindle that has both Wi-Fi and 3G and costs $189. The 3G-only Kindle 2 cost previously just as much. Please remember the third generation Kindle is not only a minor update, display improvement or a color refresh, just like we have seen in the case of Kindle DX (Graphite). It can be seen from a distance that there is a lot of work and attention in this ebook reader. This might show that the company thinks its hardware strategy to be very important, in complementing its software (the Kindle apps for Mac, Android, BlackBerry, iPhone, iPad, and PC) and e-bookstore strategies.
One has to notice that the new Kindle comes in two colors: eye-pleasing graphite (just the same as the Kindle DX presented earlier this summer) and the usual Kindle white. Some might argue that dark ebook readers are easier to read, because they give a perception of better contrast. However, this is only an impression. Others might feel they can read the white one better. The display was enhanced, too. The Amazon Kindle now has a 6-inch E-Ink Pearl display just like the Kindle DX (Graphite). This display has 50 percent better contrast, which is quite noticeable in use. Just like on Kindle DX (Graphite), the text looks smoother, and the blacks are more solid. The Pearl display also has faster screen refresh rates, which improves user experience significantly (more on that later).
Smaller
The streamlined design of the Amazon Kindle made possible to shrink the reader by 21 percent. However is we look at the numbers, it doesn’t seem that much is shaved off. The new model measures 7.5 by 4.8 by 0.34 inches, versus the 8 by 5.3 by 0.36 inches of the Kindle 2. However if you look at the two devices side-by-side, it is obvious that the third generation Amazon Kindle became significantly smaller. In order to get this smaller design, the manufacturer primarily trimmed the superfluous, wasted space around the edges, so the device is now dominated by its 6-inch screen. The functionality is not affected by this: there is still enough room around the edges for the fingers to rest comfortably while holding the device.
Lighter
The design of Amazon Kindle is a pleasure to hold in hand. The user can read a couple of hours without feeling any pain or stiffness in his hands. This fact is even more interesting because the same thing cannot be said for the multipurpose Apple iPad: this device with its 1.5 pounds (25 ounces) weight is almost three times heavier than the Kindle (8, 7 ounces). This fact makes a really strong argument in favor of the Kindle.
However, this review is not only about comparing the iPad to the third generation Amazon Kindle. The Kindle is a masterpiece in itself, and it is the first time I can say that it is a pleasure to hold a Kindle ebook reader in hand. I must also say that the Kindle is not the lightest ebook reader available on the market: there is an ebook reader that is nearly one ounce lighter, the Kobo eReader, which also has a 6-inch display. Then the Bookeen Cybook Opus, with a 5-inch display, is even lighter, with 5.3 ounces. At the same time, the Barnes & Noble’s Nook (11.6 ounces for Nook Wi-Fi, 12.1 ounces for Nook Wi-Fi + 3G) is significantly heavier than the Amazon Kindle; and the new Kindle is 15 percent lighter than its 10.2-ounce predecessor.
Better Design
The new Kindle, with its lighter weight and more compact design, the third-generation Kindle also provides a more pleasing reading experience than the earlier models. Its curved back cover made from a subtle, rubberized material, also makes it easier to hold. Because of the more compact design, Amazon had to modernize and thoroughly redesign the keys and buttons. Near the screen now there are very simple forward and back buttons, mirrored in shape and size, and signaled by arrows instead of words. With this feature, the Kindle is suitable for both left- and right-handed users. The unit’s buttons, when used, seem to be in very well-thought, convenient and ergonomic places.
A drawback of the second-generation Kindle was that the page-forward and page-back buttons depressed inward, into the screen: as a result, when they were pressed, a noisy, mechanical sound was heard. The third generation Kindle now has buttons that depress away from the screen, and are much slimmer, like a rocker-style button that melds into the edge of the device. This solution is much better, as the fingers don’t need to hover in a single place to turn the page. The hand can be moved and the page can still be turned with the heel of the palm, or even with the thumb: a rather unique experience. In addition to this, Amazon corrected the unfunctional, outwardly page-turn buttons of its first-generation Kindle that led to many accidental page turns.
Navigation
The navigation buttons were also completely redesigned. They were rearranged and clustered together, the page-forward and -back buttons have shrunk dramatically: to only one-quarter of an inch wide. At the bottom of the keyboard there is the Home button, ant the joystick-navigation cluster of the Kindle 2 was replaced with a very comfortable D-pad-like approach with a five-way navigation square, with an oval Menu button above it and a Back button beneath. When you use the Amazon Kindle, your fingers will find the new layout very convenient and finger-friendly. It is very easy to adapt to the new organization, which is way better than the joystick of the previous models. The buttons respond promptly, and the Amazon Kindle is kept up well.
There is a tighter keyboard layout, the key are a bit closer and the row of numbers is removed. So you will have to press the symbol button to get to the numbers, just like you do on a touchscreen phone keyboard. Because the keyboard buttons are rounded and they are closer together, it is much easier to type on this keyboard than that of the second-generation Kindle. The typing experience resembles very much the typing on a physical cell phone keyboard.
Every Amazon Kindle button and port (the headphone jack, the micro-USB, power switch and volume rocker) is now situated along the bottom edge, in a neat row. The power switch was on the top, and on Kindle 3 it was moved down, which might seem a little bit unexpected and awkward, but the other buttons are very comfortable. And there is a cute thing: when you slide the switch or plug the device into the power, the healthy battery life is shown by a green light. When the battery needs to be charged, it glows in amber.
Technology
The Amazon Kindle, unlike its predecessors, just breezes thorough the pages. Even very impatient persons can be happy with the way the new Kindle turns the pages. And there is virtually no lag in scrolling through the menu options. The page turns are 20 percent faster, according to Amazon. The manufacturer says that the increased speed comes from the Amazon’s proprietary waveform and controller technology (this technology is essentially a series of pulses that move white and black electronic ink particles to give the grey level that makes the final text or image), and the new display. When the page turns, there is still an annoying flicker, but because the speed is much increased, the flicker is rather acceptable.
In my experience, the speed issue is very important. The second generation of Kindle was quite unresponsive and sluggish, but I must mention that the slowest ebook reader I ever saw was the Kobo eReader. There is only one place I noticed a lag: in a Kindle bookstore. However it is until today unclear to me whether the lag was due to the speed of the display’s redraw, the bookstore’s responsiveness or the integrity of the 3G connection. No matter the cause was, in this situation several times the book cover thumbnails lagged behind the page load of the rest of the content.
The Experience
The e-reading experience on the Amazon Kindle remained largely unchanged. However, even here Amazon added some cool new features. You can change line spacing from within menus (there are three options: small, medium and large), and you can also change the typeface too (the options are condensed, regular and sans serif). These options can be accessed from the font’s button, now situated on the bottom row, between the space bar and the home button. Some other font options would be welcome, and the options could be presented in the sample text, much like the font-size options are presented. Despite this, it is good to see Amazon add the option to change fonts, because virtually all LCD-based ebook readers have this feature for some time.
It would be also great if Amazon would take the opportunity to start to improve the speed and presentation of its bookstore. While shopping, it occurred to me that the page redraw speeds are slower than when I was elsewhere in the device. This might be caused by the Kindle bookstore’s design or 3G connection.
Just like Kindle DX (Graphite) and the second-generation Kindle with updated firmware, the third-generation Kindle supports sharing passages via Twitter and Facebook. It also supports popular highlights and viewing collections: these are created from the data of what passages Kindle users are sharing. There is also a new WebKit-based Web browser in the new Kindle. This browser is still in an experimental stage, but it evolved from the second generation Kindle. The PDF viewer is also improved, but the manufacturer still has to come up with a solution for how to reflow PDFs so we can read them directly on the unit. (The closest approximation today requires you to email a PDF to your Kindle device.)
More Memory
The new Kindle increased its memory from 2GB to 4GB, which means that it can hold up to 3500 books (the second-generation Kindle only could store 1500). The manufacturer also claims that the Kindle can function up to one month with one single battery charge. Amazon says that it doesn’t use any revolutionary battery technology for this: the performance could be obtained thorough software modifications. The 3G wireless is still delivered by AT&T with no charge.
For those who want a lighted E-Ink screen, the case solution of Amazon can be a great choice. The case worked splendidly on a night-time plane ride, without the need of an overhead light. The leather case sold for $60 feels good in hand, and has an ingenious pull-out extendable light that curves around and illuminates the screen. It is a clever, but not perfect design: if you don’t have any fingernails, the light might be difficult to pull out. Besides, the light spread proved to be uneven: more intense in the upper right quadrant than in the lower left.
My Conclusion
The third generation Amazon Kindle is ideal for those who want the advantages on a dedicated ebook reader. Its greatest advantages are long battery life and a paper-like screen that can be read in bright light. The new Kindle is worth its money because the mix of its price, features and performance. Its great build quality, along with the improved design, integrated store and cross-platform transportability make the third generation Amazon Kindle a leader in its segment. I have to say that this is the first ebook reader after a long time that left me wanting to read more. I will probably buy one myself.
The Basic Sedona Method – Letting Go Of Stuck Emotions At Will
Emotions are an arousal of energy (energy in motion) intended to motivate and support the will to action-in this regard, they provide us with experiential feedback and power to move on the results of our perceptions. They are intended to pass through, alerting and arousing us. When this natural process is arrested, then the emotions get stuck and stuffed in our bodies. We are not our emotions, though we often end up identifying with them. (I am angry, rather than I feel angry). When we do this over a lifetime, we can become so enmeshed in the emotion (e.g. chronic states of anxiety or depression) that we think it’s who we are. We then lose all ability to ‘let go’.
We often believe that we need to hold on to a feeling or emotional state as proof of being wronged, as self-punishment, or to make sure we don’t make the same mistake in future. “How will I improve if I don’t berate myself and feel ashamed?” This only strengthens the illusion that we are flawed and shameful, and makes us more prone to attracting situations that ‘prove’ our shame and flawed nature. Sometimes we gravitate to a feeling as a cover up for something else (e.g. angry when feeling inept or sad when feeling angry). This creates negative emotional habits.
Most people don’t know how to use emotions, as they don’t understand its language-fundamentally, it is the language of the soul. When we learn to use it as the soul does-flowing and shifting–we come to experience all emotions with equanimity. Emotions are messages, providing us the experience of our perceptions-in this regard they give us valuable feedback on where we are holding distortions about who we are. When we stop resisting them we can ‘get the message’, the necessary internal shift can be made and the emotion dissipates or moves on, leaving way for a deeper emotion. And the process repeats until we hit our essential nature, which is inner peace.
“If you want to shrink something,
you must first allow it to expand.
If you want to get rid of something,
You must first allow it to flourish….” Tao Te Ching, (Translated by Stephen Mitchell)
To truly resolve issues, come to a freedom to act effectively in our reality and to know the true self as loving and powerful requires that we develop this skill of letting the emotions speak and move, in other words, of feeling then letting go of emotions at will.
A good analogy borrowed from the Sedona Method, Your Key to Lasting Happiness, Success, Peace and Emotional Well-being(1), is that of holding a pencil. Imagine gripping a pencil for so long that you’re no longer aware of doing so. You will limit your movement (possibly only using one hand) and work around ‘gripping the pencil’ until you become aware that you are holding the pencil. When you are aware of it, you can begin to move the pencil in your hand, open your hand and let go-dropping the pencil. The pencil is not attached to you-you were holding onto to it; it cannot hold on to you. It is similar with emotions. When you recognize an unwanted emotion, you can isolate it and let it go at will. This makes room for other (deeper or more real) emotions to surface, and you can simply let go of those as well. The important thing is to let emotions flow-their nature is movement as they are an aroused energy.
When you keep the surface emotion stuck, all the deeper emotions (or messages) are kept repressed and you never allow the internal shifts necessary to feel good. If you resist letting go, then process that resistance. Letting go at will gets the emotions back into their natural flow. And when you stay present with the movement, you are able to shift and understand deeper parts of yourself. The deeper you go and let go, the more deeply you will experience peace. From a state of inner peace, you are then free to act.
When we have made a habit of ‘holding on’ to negative emotions, our thoughts and perceptions are colored by them and we can never quite get away from them. The emotions simply grow in their negative charge and fuel our reactions in life. On the other hand, with a clean emotional body, our actions are free and the emotional charge we bring to them can be a positive choice.
With freedom to act, we choose what expresses our nature and life becomes joyful.
This is a very simple exercise that requires mindfulness. It is the basis of the Sedona Method of attaining freedom. It is a two-step process, with step two consisting of asking three questions. Sit quietly and answer honestly. Your honest answer will be very revealing to you.
The Basic Sedona Method
NOTE: For greatly accelerated results, run the Affirmation Enhancer Tool (AET) (see below for details) throughout the exercise. The Tool will activate on all release and positive intention statements.
Step 1: Connect to the uncomfortable feeling/emotional state that you do not want to experience (either current or something from your past). Allow yourself to welcome the feeling. Ask yourself: “Could I let myself really feel this? Experience it and identify it if you can. Don’t worry if you can’t put a good descriptive word to it-just a felt-sense of it is fine too. The more clearly you can isolate the feeling, the easier it is to let go of.
Step 2: Next, ask yourself the following three question, taking time on each to feel within:
1. Can I let this go?
2. Will I let this go?
3. When?
If the answer is ‘no’ to the first two questions, or ‘later’ to the last one, listen to your inner voice to find the reasons why you cannot or will not let go, or will not let go right now. This in itself is very revealing. Ask yourself if holding onto that resistance has made you happy in the past. Chances are it has never led to happiness and so, see if you are willing to let that resistance go.
If you’re not willing to let go of the resistance, change the focus from the unwanted feeling to your resistance to letting go. And repeat the two-step exercise on ‘not wanting to let this go’. Do this repeatedly on what gets in the way until you can let go of the original feelings. Be methodical and you will end up letting go.
If you answer yes and NOW to the above three questions, sit quietly and allow yourself to sense the shift within you. Take a deep cleansing breath. Then tune in to whatever feeling/emotional state surfaces next. Repeat the process on that new emotional state.
Handling Being Stuck
Additional Processing Step
If at any time you feel stuck, ask yourself if the situation expresses a need or want for security, approval, control, or separation. When you identify what it involves (and it may several), focus on the “need or want for [one of the four]“. Then do the Sedona Method on that, and go back to the original situation again. Note that you’re not being asked to let go of control, approval, security, or separation, but merely to let go of your feeling of lacking them, or wanting.
If you’re not sure what the underlying want is, then ask, “Could I allow myself to want [security, approval, control, or separation].” Go through each and feel if it’s there. If you find a want, then release on it.
Another way to move through resistance or being stuck is to ask yourself if you want to change the situation or emotional state. Generally the answer is “yes”. Then let yourself feel ‘wanting to change the situation’, and do the basic Sedona Method release steps on that. Note that letting go of wanting to change a situation does not imply you want to keep the situation as is-you are merely letting go of a feeling of lack.
When you let go of these underlying wants, you free yourself to accept the situation as is and are far more able to come to peace and resolution with it.
These and other additional steps are suggested in the Sedona Method book1, which is an excellent resource to learn about using the Sedona Method for all manner of dysfunction and to increase your competence with it.
If you’re having difficulty isolating the wants, then (with the AET running) make general affirmations such as “I am detached from the situation completely”, “I have no hidden agendas with this situation”, “I am no longer seeking security, approval, control or separation with this situation”, “I release all my motives, conscious and unconscious, keeping me in this situation”.
Clearing the Meridians
If you are having difficulties releasing still or feel in a muddle, do one or several of the following steps, and then go back to the original exercise. The AET will activate on all statements made, so make liberal use of reprogramming statements.
1- Tap vigorously on the psychological reversal point (karate chop on the pinky side of either hand), and state the following three times:
“Even though [I am choosing to be miserable, or I would rather be right than happy, or I refuse to let go of [emotional state], I love and accept myself completely and deeply.” (Be as specific as possible in stating [emotional state].)
“Even though I needed [to see things [this way], or to hold onto [this feeling], I now choose to see this situation differently.” (Be as specific as possible, and you may also replace ‘see this situation differently’ with something more specific.) – 3 times
2- Rub the Tender Spot, which is on the left side of the upper body, below the collarbone and between the 2nd and 3rd rib and state “I’m okay even though I can’t or won’t let go of this [state emotion]“, “Everyone else is okay even though I can’t or won’t let go of this [state emotion]“.
Follow with “I’m okay no matter what happens. Everyone else is okay no matter what happens”. Repeat the last statement.
3- Rub a fist over the heart chakra and say: “Even though I feel [state emotions], I love and accept myself completely and deeply” – 3 times
4- Tap over and around the ears (Triple Warmer (fight/flight) meridian and the Gall Bladder Meridian (major role in mental activity) and say “It is safe to let go of this [emotions]“, “I can easily let of this [emotion]“, “I no longer need to hold onto my [emotion]” (tapping the full length around the ears about 5 times – emphasis on ‘need’)
* * * * *
Keep doing the Sedona Method of release until you reach a state of inner peace. Let the peace of mind you are now feeling enter into every cell of your body. Welcome a feeling of joy and gratitude for having shifted your emotional state. If you feel this clearly, then tap on the your third eye, firmly but gently, for about 20 seconds while breathing deeply through your nose and exhaling out the mouth. Tapping at your third eye will direct this energy to leave an imprint on your entire nervous system, thereby making it easier for your body to support this vibration as a new habit. (2)
It is recommended that you practice this release method often so that you reach proficiency with it and are able to use it ‘on the spot’. It is possible to get to the point that just thinking ‘can I let this go?’ triggers the release. I consider this method not so much as a release technique, as a new life skill resulting in a much more resourceful way of approaching external events of life.
For practitioners of energy psychology and psychotherapy/psychology, mastering the Sedona Method will help you in facilitating inner processing of issues for clients. No matter what modalities you use, the method will help you gain skill in pinpointing underlying beliefs that are keeping your clients stuck in dysfunction. The more tools you have, the more flexible and effective you can be.
Combining inner processing with the Affirmation Enhancer Tool, you will find that clients become quite insightful about their situations. I used to always be at least a few steps ahead of my clients while facilitating inner processing. But since using the AET and other Inner Mastery Tools, I’ve noticed that clients will often come up with brilliant insights and resolutions on their own, before I’ve had a have a chance to get there.
The Affirmation Enhancer Tool is a unique transformational, healing, and enlightenment tool that clears all that stands in the way of a person becoming a co-creative force in their life experience so they can choose the contents of their life in a manner that supports fulfilment and joy. The Tool clears all that stands in the way of you embodying the truth of that affirmation, accelerating you towards the reality that you desire. The AET works through body activations and codings, making you a perfect vibrational match to your desires in their fulfilled state. Your ability to tap into the power of Attraction is optimized in this manner.
Euro Dollar Futures Wireless Internet Router Date Warehousing
Types of Letters
A letter is a message written by a person to convey a message to another. Letters represent mutual friendship and a type of humanly communication, especially on a regular letter exchange between two people.
Letters had been existent through humanity since ancient history. Letters existed during the time of ancient Egypt, Sumer, and ancient India, through Greece, Rome, and China up to now. Furthermore, letters make up some of the books found on the bible. Archives of letters whether for diplomatic, business reasons or for personal purposes are apparent, making all servings as the primary source for historians.
The 19th century is the height of writing letters in paper because of increased businesses and social interaction among people.
Due to the advent of technology however, wherein telephones, mobile phones and computers were produced, letters have become a less important routine for communication. The development of fax, telegraph, Internet, telephones, and other high tech communication gadgets posed a huge impact on the sending and writing of letters.
The art of exchanging letters became less common in modern industrialized countries and were replaced by e-mail. In addition, the invention of the cassette tape had encouraged people to send tape letters during the time when CDs were not yet available.
The term letter is often used in e-mail messages that follow the basic format of a rudimentary letter. Instead of papers, these messages are read on the monitor or screen of the computer.
Types of Letters
One type is the Letter of Inquiry. It is a general term used for different kinds of business letters. For instance, applicants send this kind of letter along with their curriculum vitae to employers of the companies where they would like to work. On the other hand, companies send this type of letter in their business partners whenever they need the necessary information about the products or raw materials that they have to order. This letter is usually written short and direct to the point. It only contains a short introduction with a phone number, address, and e-mail address of the sender. It also contains a simple and short introduction.
A Poison Pen Letter is a note that generally contains anything unpleasant, malicious, abusive accusations or statements about a third party or the recipient. This is typically sent anonymously. These are written with the intention to offend the recipient. It can be traced back to the days of Beethoven. He would constantly write poison pen letters to express is anger and as a release of his temper.
During the advent and popularity of e-mails, poison pen letters have now been considered as rare and probably an obsolete form of writing. This is also synonymous with hate mails or hate letters.
A Business Letter is formally written and used among two parties having business relations. This can also be writing as a form of correspondence between organizations and their clients, customers as well as external parties. The style of a business letter depends on the relationship of the concerned parties. It enforces a stricter and respectful tone and language.
A Personal Letter is the most common type, and also the most prevalent. These are written communication exchanges between friends, family members or any two people with close ties. It uses a more informal tone. It can be written just to say hello, to woo an important person, or express other personal matters.
Seeking A New Job While Currently Employed : Tiptoeing Through the Minefield
So, you currently have a job but you are looking for something a little better. You are getting tired, uptight, and maybe just a little stressed out. This is a dangerous time – the time when job seekers can turn into wing nuts and make key mistakes. So, how do you avoid tripping over those pesky landmines, you know – your current boss, workmates, and customers – and still carry out an effective job search?
Here are some of the risky situations you are going to want to tip toe around so as to not have your job search blow up in your face:
Landmine #1: Oops, I did it again! Ready, fire, THEN aim that email
You’ve done all the right things: Tailored a cover letter, crafted a killer resume, and found the right contact, Bill Smithers at “The Best Company In The World, Inc.” Now all you have to do is hit Send. So you do, hit send that is. So far so good. OK, next target. Ms. Jane Topboss at “Dream Company Corporation.” Let’s see…type in email address…browse…attach file…and…send. Oops! I think I sent the Bill Smithers cover letter and resume to Jane Topboss.
Avoid this landmine by taking the necessary time and making sure you have reviewed and attached the correct file(s) to the correct email. One sure way to blow up your job search is to get in a hurry and mistakenly send the right email to the wrong person or the wrong email to the right person. Do not send ANY job search-related emails from your current place of work. Send all such email outside of work. Take the necessary time to make sure the right email is going to the right person, THEN hit the send button.
Landmine #2: Having potential employers call you at your current workplace
Jennifer Jobseeker had it all figured out. Since she was at work during work hours, it only made sense to list her work number as her contact number for potential employers. “Why burn my cell minutes and have to keep checking my home machine,” she thought. Ah, poor innocent Jennifer, totally unaware of the dangerous trip wire she was about to trigger with the brand new patent leather Woodberry loafers she had just purchased as part of her job interviewing outfit. “After all, I can just grab all incoming calls, screen them and if it’s an interview call just cross that bridge when I come to it.” Then something went terribly wrong. Jennifer took a 15 minute break and that’s when Mr. Murphy the hiring manager called. A coworker took the call, asked if he could take a message, and was surprised to learn that Jennifer had an interview scheduled for 11:00 am the following day. Take a guess at what the coworker did with this info…you’ve got it: The news spread around the office faster than Simon humiliating someone on American Idol and Jane was knocked completely out of her brand new loafers (metaphorically) and her current job (literally.)
Use common sense when giving out your contact info to potential employers. Never, ever, ever, ever, EVER use your current work phone number as the point of contact. Pass your cell or home number along to potential hiring folks and just let them know that if they get your voice mail, you will call them back as soon as you are able – they will understand. Two other things to keep in mind here: 1) Make sure your voice mail message is professional and not too cutesy, rude, or profane; 2) Never, ever, ever, ever, EVER call them back from your office number – if you do you will suffer Jennifer’s fate.
Landmine #3: Using your current company’s intranet or internet access for job seeking and interviewing
This should be a no-brainer. In most companies, every key stroke you make on your company computer is recorded and can potentially be tracked. Many IT departments now flag certain key words and phrases and automatically create reports detailing who is doing what with their laptops and desktops. These reports are then passed to management for review. Odds are you probably signed a computer use policy when you joined the company. And guess what? In addition to mandating that you can’t play games, view any inappropriate sites, or conduct business outside of what your company is doing, there is likely a clause about using company property for private purposes or gain. And unless you are going to include your current company in the job search with you, you definitely do not want to violate this clause.
Landmine #4: Don’t slack off at your current job
Even though you might have S.T.A (short timer’s attitude) it’s a good idea to not let it show. Keep doing the best job you can. Yes, it will be hard. Yes, it will seem pointless; after all you are searching for a new place to work. And yes, you will need to continue to support what you may think are mundane tasks and soon-to-be former coworkers and customers. But be aware that you are being watched. Cubicles and hard walls alike have both ears and eyes and they see and hear everything. If you change your behavior even slightly, your coworkers and your boss will likely notice. It’s important to remember something here. Most bosses don’t get to be bosses because they are dumb. Most bosses get to be bosses because they are continually observing events around them and seeking ways to keep things running smoothly. Your boss will know something is up if you are slacking off. Whether you like and respect your current boss or not, you are obligated to serve him or her, the company, your coworkers and your customers as long as you are on the payroll. And it’s the right thing to do. You will feel better in the long run if you do the right thing.
Commit to yourself to keep putting in the necessary time and effort that you are getting paid for. Remember, you are the one looking for work so it’s up to you to figure out how to balance your current work situation with your job search efforts.
Landmine #5: Attending a job or career fair that includes a booth for your current company
Let’s face it, you can often find excellent job leads through a job or career fair. These events attract a large and diverse group of employers who are looking for qualified candidates just like you. So, being the go-getter that you are, you schedule a vacation day in advance (very classy) so that you can attend the job/career fair guilt free. You polish up your shoes, dust off that business suit, brush your teeth, comb your hair, go over a few interview questions in your mind, print up a dozen or so resumes and head to the event. You are prepared, you are confident, and you are going to find that next best job! After all, you don’t call yourself Cory the Career Conqueror for nothing.
Imagine your surprise, accompanied by that “I’ve-just-been-punched-in-the-gut” feeling, when the first booth inside the door is YOUR company’s booth staffed by a couple of well known coworkers and a person or two from your Human Resources department. “Why Cory, what are you doing here?” the admin assistant from HR asks, as four pairs of eyes bore into to you like some evil demon guarding the secret passage in the latest Play Station game.
Career and job fairs are great, just make sure to learn what companies are going to be represented there, and if yours is, you may want to rethink attending.
Landmine #6: Listing your current boss or coworkers as references while conducting a stealth job seeking campaign
Consider the following from the movie script “Nightmare on Just Lost My Job Street”:
Scene 1: Christina is having a terrible nightmare (dissolve…fade to dream sequence…phone rings…)
“Hi Mr. Jones. My name is Megan Hiringpro at XYZ, Inc. Just a quick question if you don’t mind. Do you have a Christina CareerChanger working for you?”
“Why yes I do Ms. Hiringpro. Why do you ask?”
“Oh, you don’t know? Christina has listed you as one of her references and we are thinking of bringing her in for an interview but would like to get some feedback from you first.”
Christina wakens in a cold sweat and realizes she has dozed off at her desk. “Whew, thank goodness it was only a dream” she thinks with relief. (Fade out…)
Scene 2: As Christina slips a Cool Mint Thin Strip into her mouth, her boss, Mr. Jones, stops by her cube (close up of Christina as Mr. Jones asks)
“Christina, may I see you in my office for a moment.”
Christina, now realizing it was not a dream after all, resigns herself to her fate and trudges slowly towards Mr. Jones’ office.
“What was I thinking?!” she screams silently to herself.
Scene Ends (and so does Christina’s current job.)
This is a tough one. On the one hand, the people you are currently working for and with are in the best position to speak about your qualifications. On the other hand, if you are conducting a stealth job seeking campaign, you can’t really let on that you are doing so.
There are only 2 ways to handle this situation and each carries its own degree of risk:
1. Reveal to your current boss that you are looking for other job opportunities
2. Keep your job seeking under wraps and find other references you can use
As Christina learned, you really can’t have it both ways. It is just a matter of time before your references will be contacted. It is important to have your strategy in place and all the bases covered so that you are not taken by surprise.
Conducting a stealth job seeking campaign carries risk. If it is not possible or appropriate for you to discuss your job seeking with your current employer, you owe it to yourself to take the necessary time and effort to avoid landmines you know exist on the path to your new job.
The best way to avoid landmines is to plan your job search strategically, continually scan the path ahead, and use as much patience and persistence necessary to arrive safely and intact in your new job.
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Facts About Kindle
The Kindle is a neat little device from Amazon that is going to make the library a thing of the past. The Kindle is another name for an eReader and it can let you store a massive amount of books all on one device that can fit in the palm of your hands. So why would anybody want to purchase the Kindle?
One benefit of purchasing the Kindle is that it can save you a whole lot of space in your house. Normally you would have to put all your books on a bookshelf or in a cupboard. If you moved house you would inevitably have lots of books to package up.
None of this is of any concern when you have the Kindle. All the books that you will ever need are in digital form so you can get them all onto this device that is only the size of a standard book.
Vacations can be a time when you have to decide which books to take with you and how many you are going to need for your stay.
Another thing to think about is how many books if any you can manage to pack into your suitcase. Especially when the case is already filled with your clothes and other accessories needed for your vacation.
With the Kindle the choice of which books you take and which you leave does not really matter. The Kindle has the capacity to carry however many books you want all on this hand held device. So you will never run out of things to read.
If you need to read certain passages again or want to find certain phrases then the Kindle search option will find them for you really quickly.
Students wishing to write a paper can benefit from the Kindle allowing you to take notes while reading. So overall reading is so much easier when using the Kindle.
The History Of Industrial Engineering
The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology defines industrial engineering as: the profession in which a knowledge of the mathematical and natural sciences gained by study, experience and practice is applied with judgment to develop ways to utilize economically, the materials and forces of nature for the benefit of mankind concerned with the design, improvement and installation of integrated systems of people, materials, equipment and energy. It draws upon specialized knowledge and skill in the mathematical, physical and social sciences together with the principles and methods of engineering analysis and design to specify, predict and evaluate the results to be obtained from such systems.
History
The origins of industrial engineering can be traced back to many different sources. Fredrick Winslow Taylor is most often considered as the father of industrial engineering even though all his ideas where not original. Some of the preceding influences may have been Adam Smith, Thomas Malthus, David Ricardo and John Stuart Mill. All of their works provided classical liberal explanations for the successes and limitations of the Industrial Revolution.
Another major contributor to the field was Charles W. Babbage. a mathematics professor. One of his major contributions to the field was his book On the Economy of Machinery and Manufacturers in 1832. In this book he discusses many different topics dealing with manufacturing, a few of which will be extremely familiar to an IE. Babbage discusses the idea of the learning curve, the division of task and how learning is affected, and the effect of learning on the generation of waste.
In the late nineteenth century more developments where being made that would lead to the formalization of industrial engineering. Henry R. Towne stressed the economic aspect of an engineer’s job. Towne belonged to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) as did many other early American pioneers in this new field. The IE handbook says the, “ASME was the breeding ground for industrial engineering. Towne along with Fredrick A. Halsey worked on developing and presenting wage incentive plans to the ASME. It was out of these meetings that the Halsey plan of wage payment developed. The purpose was to increase the productivity of workers without negatively affecting the cost of production. The plan suggested that some of the gains be shared with the employees.. This is one early example of one profit sharing plan.
Henry L. Gantt belonged to the ASME and presented papers to the ASME on topics such as cost, selection of workers, training, good incentive plans, and scheduling of work. He is the originator of the Gantt chart, currently the most popular chart used in scheduling of work.
hat would Industrial Engineering be without mentioning Fredrick Winslow Taylor. Taylor is probably the best known of the pioneers in industrial engineering. His work, like others, covered topics such as the organization of work by management, worker selection, training, and additional compensation for those individuals that could meet the standard as developed by the company through his methods.
The Gilbreths are accredited with the development of time and motion studies. Frank Bunker Gilbreth and his wife Dr. Lillian M. Gilbreth worked on understanding fatigue, skill development, motion studies, as well as time studies. Lillian Gilbreth had a Ph.D. in psychology which helped in understanding the many people issues. One of the most significant things the Gilbrethss did was to classify the basic human motions into seventeen types, some effective and some non-effective. They labeled the table of classification therbligs. Effective therbligs are useful in accomplishing work and non-effective therbligs are not. Gilbreth concluded that the time to complete an effective therblig can be shortened but will be very hard to eliminate. On the other hand non-effective therbligs should be completely eliminated if possible.
In 1948, the American Institute for Industrial Engineers (AIIE), was opened for the first time and began to give a professional authenticity for the practicing engineers. Up to this time industrial engineers really had no specific place in the hierarchy of a company. The ASME was the only other society that required its members to have an engineering degree prior to the development of the AIIE.
What is the future for Industrial Engineers? With analytical methods and the advancing technologies for the computer, modeling complex production and service systems will become more and more an every day task.
Performing a motion study. Every job can be broken down into its’ fundamental work elements. The Gilbreth family found that there are seventeen of these motions. The time to complete each motion does not change. Jobs can be studied visually or through the assistance of a camera for micro-motion studies.
The environment for the workers also needs to be set up to promote efficiency of work. Tools should be placed in fixed locations to eliminate the search and selection therbligs. Work surfaces and chairs should be adjusted to the correct working heights to eliminate stress. Whenever possible, gravity feeders should be used to deliver parts to the correct location. The worker’s tools should be designed to eliminate multiple cuts. Adjustment handles should be designed to maximize the operator’s mechanical advantage.
Performing a time study. Without a standard the company will find it hard to estimate lead-time on their products. Times very greatly when the employee does not know what the expectation of company is. In order to correct this problem the IE will develop a fair standard expectation for each operation. It has been estimated that 12% of a company’s total cost comes from direct labor. Another 43% of cost comes from the material cost. The other 45% is spent in overhead. So the idea that the largest productivity gains can be felt on the floor does not hold up in this light. A good time study will take into account the unavoidable delays, fatigue, and to an extent, outside interferences. Time for wasteful steps, such as searching for tools, will not be included in the final standard. The expectation is that the workplace will be designed to accommodate the work and will be free from this type of waste.
Set-Up Times Set up time is the amount of time it takes to begin producing different parts on a machine. If set-up times remain large the company will operate with high levels of work in progress and finished goods tying up the companies valuable capital. Companies that fail to reduce their set-up times have a tendency to look sluggish in regards to their customers.
Cost An IE will generally be responsible for coming up with a cost analysis on the equipment purchase. There are a several ways of coming up with this. Lifehow long the machine is expected to last when developing the cost analysis.
Efficiency The traditional way of looking at efficiency was to keep the machine running at a 100% The idea was the cost of the machine could be spread out over the amount of time it was kept running. The higher the machines efficiency, time running / time available, the better the accounting numbers looked in regards to machine cost.
Material The IE is concerned with the delivery and flow of material throughout the plant, often the plant has evolved as the company has.
Lot size To allow the manufacturer to stay flexible the production lot sizes should be minimalized. This will only be economical after the reduction of machine set-ups have been achieved.
Inventory Levels Since inventory is capital that cannot be converted until finished and purchased by a consumer, it should be kept to a minimal. Inventories not only tie up capital but if the customer requests a change then the inventory runs the risk of becoming obsolete.
Quality The quality of the material can affect all parts of the system. Poor quality material often introduces excessive amounts of rework into each of the processes. A typical job for an IE would be to work with the quality department to set up a Quality Management system QMS.
Maintenance The amount of maintenance that the machine is going to require is a variable that must be considered. Another issue about maintenance is whether or not the staff on hand will need to be retrained.
The Psychology of Travel
I have been on as many as eighteen flights in a month! It is very easy to determine who the “seasoned” travelers are and who the “first timers” are. Airports are designed to not only control the flow of traffic but also meet the needs of the passengers. I use the Calgary Airport, for example, as a type of shopping mall. Whenever there is a layover of a few hours, I am excited. This gives me an opportunity to have a pedicure at the spa, purchase best-sellers at the book store and have dinner in a nice restaurant.
Dressing appropriately is important. I have made the mistake of wearing sandals on flights where the air conditioner is turned to “frostbite” temperature. I’ve worn a jacket for travel with long timeframes between flights and regretted the warmth and weight of it as I waited in the terminal. Also, I have regretted dragging my laptop computer in a bag with shoulder strap all the way to Virginia. That thing is HEAVY. At the same time, I am always thankful that my purse has a strap long enough for me to place it over my head and one shoulder.
Before you begin a trip consider a number of things. First of all, you will be away for a limited period of time and therefore do not need to be prepared for every season or circumstance that might occur. If you are missing an item, you will be able to purchase it in a mall or store at your destination. Almost all hotels have boutiques and even the reception desk offers complimentary items such as toothbrushes, combs and lint removers for guests who have forgotten to pack these. I have learned that the best thing to do is to watch the crowd and do the opposite. When they all head to the bathrooms, it is time to pick up a snack. I avoid the lineups, especially at the luggage carts.
Those who haven’t travelled usually are obviously nervous. They clench their passports in their hands, listen intently to every announcement and try to get the front of lines that are boarding passengers. What they forget is that the airplane will not leave until everyone is seated and strapped in. Getting on the plane first will not get you to the final destination any quicker.
Finally, I believe it is important to consider that the travel is a part of life that can be enjoyed and not merely endured. I carry a journal so that I can record experiences in the departure lounge. There is always a good but small book that I have purchased at the airport to enjoy and of course, the people who are also travelling can be a wonderful source of pleasure.
Recently I was delayed due to fog for over eleven hours in the Washington DC airport. It was so interesting to watch the people and their reactions to each delay as it was announced. There were large groups of passengers who would snatch their cell phones from their pockets or purses in order to inform “someone” at the other end that their schedules needed to be revised. Others whipped out laptops and frantically sent emails to inform their address book of the dilemma. I sat and watched in fascination.
The airport became more and more crowded over time as thousands of passengers arrived for flights that were not going anywhere. At the five hour mark, I noticed a significant change in the terminal. People quit listening to the announcements. They brought out their knitting and craft projects, began sharing food and conversation with their neighbours and made promises to watch the personal possessions and seats of “new friends” while they took turns going to the bathrooms. I enjoyed myself as I chatted with passengers who had never and never again would meet in the same room. We laughed and shared stories and enjoyed the moments as they passed. Finally, when my flight was called I stood up and everyone clapped!
It is a very unique and wonderful experience to be able to share time with others you have not met and have them join in celebration with you for a simple pleasure! Psychology of travel involves thinking, feeling and behaving in a manner that enhances the experience for you and others around you. Bon voyage!
Christmas Gift Ideas for 2011
Are you getting ready for this coming Christmas season? Then you should check out the hottest Christmas gift ideas of this year.
Giving gifts is one of the oldest traditions in Christmas. For many years, countless gifts have been given between family and friends during Christmas season. The tradition of giving gifts started with the 3 wise men who came to visit our Lord Jesus Christ. Today, I know that you are expecting to give gifts to your family and friends.
Christmas Ideas for 2011
The year 2011 is going to witness another merry Christmas celebration. Ensure that Christmas become memorable for your love ones. Check out these 2011 Christmas tips. These gift ideas will assist you to acquire appealing gifts for your loved ones.
1. Jewelries – This is a good gift if the recipient is a woman. An attractive pendant with a chic look can make a good Christmas gift. Those who are plenty of cash can pick for diamond-studded earrings and rings.
2. Watches – This is a good gift for men and women. A branded watch from Longines or Tag Heuer can be amazing Christmas gifts.
4. Perfumes – Perfumes are usually trusted to enhance attraction and appeal. Let your love one smell good with a classy fragrance from Dior, Chanel or any reliable brand.
4. Pens – A good present for professionals and elderly folks. A Parker pen can do wonders for every age bracket. If your recipient is 55 above, then a traditional Parker fountain pen can be a good option.
5. Video Games – If your recipient is a kid, then video games are a perfect choice. There are many available games on the internet that have reasonable prices. Call of Duty or Crysis games can work better for teenagers. Not comfortable of giving violent games? Then opt for arcade or racing games instead.
6. Home Appliances – Home appliances can be good gifts for a family. If you are giving your gift to the family members, home equipment can be good. A coffee maker, a dish washer, or a water heater can ba a good option.
7. Accessories – You already know about watches. On the other hand, you can opt for other accessories like shoes, wallets, handbags or belts. A good leather shoes is the ideal thing for professionals. Women love to be accessorized with a Chloe, Vuitton or Fendi handbag.
8. Gadgets – This is my favorite part. Electronic gadgets are very good Christmas gifts. iPads, laptops, notebooks, digital cameras and mp3 players are awesome gifts. Opt for the iPad, which is the hottest trend.
Make use of these Christmas gift ideas in this 2011 Christmas holiday. Make your loved one feel special on this Christmas season.