Ulin_Nuhaa

Curhi

2010-02-22T02:50:00.000-08:00

Rasanya lega hati saya, sebab satu pekerjaan yang menurut saya tidak ringan.
Apa itu..?
Sedikitnya saya sudah dapat mengisi e-learning versi moodle SMKN 30 Jakarta, bahkan untuk mata pelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam semester 2 kelas X sudah selesai semuanya.

Aplikasi Chatting untuk LAN

2009-11-18T02:20:00.000-08:00

Anda ingin melakukan chatting di jaringan lokal Anda (LAN) layaknya chatting di internet dengan Yahoo Messenger? BORGchat adalah salah satu jawabannya. Kita dapat mengobrol, curhat, ngerumpi, atau bahkan saling memaki dengan teman-teman secara bersama dalam jaringan lokal Anda.

Aplikasi ini terbilang sangat komplit untuk melakukan chatting dalam jaringan, bahkan lebih komplit dari aplikasi chatting internet semisal Yahoo Messenger. Perlu Anda ketahui, aplikasi ini bukan digunakan untuk chatting internet, hanya untuk jaringan lokal, sedangkan Yahoo Messenger adalah aplikasi chatting internet dan tidak dapat dipakai untuk chatting jaringan lokal. Jaringan lokal diantaranya, jaringan yang ada di kantor, jaringan yang ada di sekolah-sekolah, jaringan di kost, atau jaringan yang ada di rumah-rumah.

Fitur BORGchat ini antara lain, smiley atau emoticon yang lengkap, sekitar 250 icon smiley ada di aplikasi ini. Kostumisasi data diri anggota chatting dapat dilakukan dengan mudah, seperti merubah nickname, avatar atau kata pembuka ketika Anda aktif masuk dalam chat. Private chatting yang akan lebih membuat Anda aman dalam melakukan chatting dengan anggota lain yang Anda kehendaki. Pembuatan group dan password dalam ber chatting ria. Selain itu, Anda juga dapat melakukan browsing terhadap file-file di komputer lain yang di sharing dalam jaringan Anda. Anda juga dapat menampilkan gambar atau video pada ketika Anda berchatting dengan teman-teman Anda.

Namun, kekurangan dari aplikasi ini adalah belum mendukung chat via webcam. Aplikasi ini dulu sering saya gunakan di jaringan kost, wah rame banget kalau sudah chatting bareng-bareng. Dari sekedar bercanda sampai ngakak, saling ejek mengejek, bahkan untuk curhat segala

Thinkquest

2009-08-07T05:05:00.001-07:00

Thinkquest ternyata membantu pelaksanaan tugas harian saya sebagai fasilitator.

Hendaknya bagi siapa saja yang ingin melaksanakan proses pembelajaran berbasis ICT ya tidak ada salahnya menggunakan alias memanfaatkan situs ini.

Kajian al-Quran tentang Tugas Manusia Sebagai Khalifah

2009-07-19T21:16:00.001-07:00

Sebagai Manusia, kita memiliki 2 (dua) macam tugas yang wajib kita tunaikan. Pertama adalah bertugas sebagai Khalifah di muka bumi dan kedua sebagai hamba yang harus beribadah hanya kepada Allah SWT. Dan masing-masing tugas tersebut harus dilaksanakan dengan sebaik-baiknya selama masih hidup didunia yang fana ini, tempat sementara sebelum menuju tempat yang terakhir, tempat yang abadi, yakni alam akhirat.

Sebagai Khalifah atau pemimpin, manusia memiliki tugas yaitu mengolah alam/memakmurkan (imarah) dengan sebisa mungkin, seoptimal mungkin, memperhatikan kesejahteraan bersama, dan menjaga kekuasaan yang dimilikinya agar tidak merugikan, dengan berpegang teguh pada Tuhan dan RasulNya. Sedangkan Manusia sebagai hamba yang harus beribadah hanya kepada Allah, baik Ibadah "madhlah", yaitu ibadah yang telah ditentukan Tuhan, seperti Sholat lima waktu, puasa, haji dan zakat, maupun ibadah "Ghair Madhlah" yaitu ibadah dalam bentuk amal perbuatan yang baik yang dilaksanakan dengan niat ikhlas karena Allah SWT. Al-Qur'an mengajarkan agar ibadah Sholat dan ibadah lainnya, perjuangan hidup dan kematian hanya untuk Allah SWT. Allah SWT telah menyediakan alam semesta dengan segala isinya untuk manusia agar diurus, dikelola dan dipelihara dengan sebaik-baiknya, untuk kemaslahatan dan kesejahteraan Manusia. Firman Allah dalam Al-Qur'an Surah Al-Jatsiyah ; 13), Yang artinya: "Dan disediakan untuk kamu sekalian untuk mempergunakan segala apa yang ada di langit dan di bumi "

Dalam mengurus, mengelola (ri'ayah) dan berusaha mendapatkan rezeki atau harta benda dari potensi kekayaan alam itu, Islam mengajarkan bagaimana cara mencapai tujuan tersebut sebagai landasan bagi seorang muslim, Manusia harus berusaha dengan tangannya sendiri. Tidak menggantungkan nasib kepada yang lain dan tidak pula dibenarkan meminta-minta selama masih sanggup berusaha. Islam mengajarkan dan menganjurkan sikap kemandirian yang harus dimiliki Manusia, kerja keras, ulet, tekun dan bertawakal. Rasulullah SAW telah mengingatkan dan mengarahkan agar kita senantiasa bekerja keras dan memiliki sikap kemandirian, sebagaimana yang tertera dalam sebuah Hadist yang diriwayatkan Bukhari, Rasulullah SAW, bersabda :

"Sesungguhnya penghasilan yang terbaik ialah hasil usaha tangan sendiri". Kemudian pada Hadist lain, Rasulullah SAW menegaskan pula: "Demi Allah yang diriku ditanganNya, adalah lebih baik seseorang diantaramu, apabila dia mengambil seutas tali dan memikul kayu api dipunggungnya (untuk mendapat nafkah) daripada dia datang kepada seseorang, lalu meminta, baik dia diberi maupun tidak".(Hadist Riwayat Imam Bukhari).

Untuk mencapai kemandirian dalam berusaha dan bekerja disamping diperlukan semangat kerja, juga dibutuhkan persyaratan lain seperti Ilmu Pengetahuan, Keterampilan, Keahlian dan Pengalaman. Dengan persyaratan seperti demikian itu lebih memungkinkan untuk seseorang atau masyarakat lebih mudah dalam mencapai tujuan dari apa-apa yang ia usahakan dalam hidupnya. Dalam Al-Qur'an dan Hadist banyak terdapat petunjuk-petunjuk agar Manusia berpikir, belajar (menuntut ilmu pengetahuan) dan menganalisa alam ini. Yang kesemuanya agar manusia semakin percaya dengan Kebesaran dan Kekuasaan Allah SWT, disamping manusia itu sendiri mendapat ilmu pengetahuan, keterampilan dan keahlian sebagai bekalnya dalam menunaikan tugasnya sebagai Khalifah dan beribadah hanya kepada Allah SWT. Untuk mencapai keberhasilan dan kesuksesan dalam kehidupan di dunia ini dan bahkan kehidupan di akhirat nanti, diperlukan ilmu pengetahuan baik berupa ilmu agama Islam maupun ilmu pengetahuan umum dan teknologi. Rasullah dalam sebuah Hadistnya yang diriwayatkan oleh Imam Syafi'i, menegaskan:

"Barang siapa yang menghendaki kesuksesan di dunia, maka harus dengan ilmu, dan barang siapa yang menghendaki (kesuksesan) di akhirat harus dengan ilmu, dan barang siapa yang menghendaki kedua-duanya harus dengan ilmu".

Dengan penguasaan ilmu pengetahuan agama Islam yang luas dan mendalam, sudah barang tentu akan memudahkan kita dalam menjalankan kewajiban beribadah kepada Allah SWT, sesuai dengan ketentuan syari'at, seperti dalam melaksanakan sholat, menunaikan zakat, puasa, berhaji dan ibadah dalam rangka perwujudan amal shaleh lainnya. Demikian pula halnya dengan penguasaan ilmu pengetahuan dan teknologi (IPTEK) akan memudahkan manusia dalam mengurus, mengelola dan memanfaatkan karunia Illahi yang ada di alam semesta ini. Dengan pengusaan IPTEK secara baik, profesional dan berkeahlian, Insya Allah, berbagai sumber daya alam seperti kehutanan, pertambangan, kelautan dan perikanan, maupun usaha lainnya seperti sektor perkebunan, pertanian, perternakan dan lain-lain, akan semakin berdaya guna dan berhasil guna bagi kemaslahatan manusia itu sendiri. Allah SWT berfirman dalam Al-Qur'an, Surat At-Thaha ayat 53 - 54 :

الذى جعل لكم الارض مهدا وسلك لكم فيها سبلا وانزل من السمآء مآء فأخرجنا به ازوجا من نبات شتى. كلوا واركعوا انعمكم ان فى ذلك لايت لاولى النهى.

Artinya : "Allah yang telah menjadikan bagimu bumi sebagai hamparan yang telah menjadikan bagimu dibumi ini jalan-jalan dan menurunkan dari langit air hujan, maka kami tumbuhkan air hujan itu berjenis-jenis tumbuh-tumbuhan yang bermacam-macam. Makanlah dan gembalakanlah binatang ternakmu, sesungguhnya pada demikian itu sungguh terdapat tanda-tanda kekuasaan Allah bagi orang-orang yang berakal".

Sebagaimana yang telah dijelaskan di atas, untuk mengurus, mengelola (memanfaatkan) dan memelihara karunia Illahi sebagai sumber penghasilan, dunia usaha dan untuk kemaslahatan bersama, maka IPTEK, keahlian dan keterampilan merupakan persyaratan yang harus dimiliki. Karena dengan persyaratan tersebut, akan terdapat orang-orang yang professional dan terampil dibidangnya masing-masing. Karena suatu pekerjaan atau urusan tertentu apabila dikerjakan atau dijalankan oleh orang yang bukan ahlinya, maka tidak jarang pekerjaan tersebut tidak mendatangkan hasil sebagaimana yang diharapkan dan bahkan dapat menimbulkan bencana, kehancuran, kegagalan dan lain sebagainya. Allah SWT berfirman dalam Al-Qur'an Surat An-Nisa ayat 58 yang artinya: "Sesungguhnya Allah menyuruh kamu sekalian agar menyerahkan amanah kepada ahlinya".

Berkaitan dengan persoalan tersebut diatas, Rasulullah SAW dalam sebuah Hadist yang diriwayatkan Bukhary RA, bersabda, yang artinya :"Jika suatu urusan diserahkan kepada bukan ahlinya, maka tunggulah saat kehancurannya". Agama Islam sebagai Agama Rahmatan Lil 'Alamin, telah memberikan arahan, petunjuk dan pedoman untuk manusia di muka bumi, baik dalam tugasnya sebagai Khalifah dalam artian yang seluas-luasnya, maupun sebagai hamba yang harus beribadah hanya kepada Allah SWT. Kemudian Islam juga sangat memperhatikan berbagai persoalan kehidupan manusia, baik dibidang sosial, politik, kebudayaan, pertahanan dan keamanan, ekonomi dan lain sebagainya hajat kehidupan manusia. Dalam bidang sosial ekonomi contohnya, Islam memiliki sistem atau tatanan yang sangat baik dan manusiawi. Islam dalam sistem ekonomi menghendaki terciptanya suasana persaudaraan, tolong-menolong, cinta kasih dan tidak mementingkan diri sendiri, cara terpenting untuk mencapainya dengan mewujudkan keadaan sosial, dimana tidak ada orang yang hidup kelaparan disamping yang lainnya kekenyangan dan serba berkecukupan. Islam tidak memerangi orang kaya, dan tidak berusaha mengurangi harta kekayaan milik orang-orang kaya, selama harta itu mereka peroleh dengan jalan yang sah, halal dan tidak merugikan orang lain.

I. SURAT AL-BAQARAH AYAT 30:

1. Terjemahan per kata:

Coba tuliskan arabnya di sebelah kanan dan terjemahannya di sebelah kiri

Terjemah	Arab
Dan ketika berfirman
Tuhanmu

2. Terjemahan Kalimat:

"Ingatlah ketika Tuhanmu berfirman kepada Para Malaikat: "Sesungguhnya aku hendak menjadikan seorang khalifah di muka bumi." mereka berkata: "Mengapa Engkau hendak menjadikan (khalifah) di bumi itu orang yang akan membuat kerusakan padanya dan menumpahkan darah, Padahal Kami Senantiasa bertasbih dengan memuji Engkau dan mensucikan Engkau?" Tuhan berfirman: "Sesungguhnya aku mengetahui apa yang tidak kamu ketahui."

3. Aturan membaca berdasarkan ilmu tajwid.

Identifikasilah kalimat-kalimat dari ayat tersebut, kemudian ke tabel di bawah ini dengan tepat!

Bacaan	Hukumnya	Cara mengucapkan	Alasan
قَالَ	Mad thabi'i	qaala	Alif sebagai tanda baca fathah

4. Kandungan makna.

Allah Swt mengabarkan kepada malaikat bahwa Dia akan menjadikan seorang khalifah dari golongan manusia di muka bumi, tetapi malaikat sempat mengkhawatirkan jika benar-benar Allah menciptakan manusia.

Tapi keraguan itu langsung oleh Allah Swt ditegaskan melalui pernyataan bahwa "Sesungguhnya Aku mengetahui apa yang tidak kamu ketahui".

Adapun tugas khalifah antara lain sebagai berikut:

a. Menjadi pemimpin bagi dirinya sendiri maupun orang lain dalam upaya mencari rida Allah Swt dengan cara beribadah hanya kepada Allah.

b. Menjadi penguasa di bumi setinggi-tingginya untuk menghantarkan rakyat negerinya (umat manusia) agar hidup selamat, damai dan sejahtera.

c. Mengelola merawat, melestarikan, mengeksplorasi dan mengatur alam yang merupakan sumber kehidupan manusia.

d. Mengatur dan memanfaatkan kekayaan alam untuk kesejahteraan kehidupan makhluk Allah Swt lainnya khususnya manusia itu sendiri.

e. Menyiarkan ayat-ayat Allah Swt dengan hikmah, lemah lembut dan tidak memaksa.

Untuk menjalankan tugasnya itu seorang khalifah harus beriman dan bertakwa dengan memegang teguh pedoman yakni al-Quran dan as-Sunnah.

Bahan Diskusi

Buatlah ringkasan tokoh pemimpin dunia yang oernah ada, dengan ketentuan:

1. tokoh pemimpin yang sadis dan kejam bahkan menyatakan dirinya sebagai tuhan.

2. tokoh bijaksana, disegani dan dicintai oleh rakyatnya.

5. Sikap dan perilaku yang mencerminkan kandungan ayat 30 surat al-Baqarah.

· Ketika Anda sedang berada di lingkungan keluarga

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· Ketika bersama-sama sahabat

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· Ketika berada di lingkungan masyarakat

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II. SURAT AL-MUKMINUN AYAT 12 - 14

PROSES TERJADINYA MANUSIA

1. Proses Penciptaan Manusia Menurut Pandangan Ilmu Pengetahuan Umum

Penjelasan tentang proses penciptaan manusia sebelum dijelaskan menurut pandangan ilmu pengetahuan umum Allah SWT sudah terlebih dahulu mejelaskan perihal kejadian tersebut dalam Al Qur’an seperti dalam surat Al-Mu’min, 40 : 67 bahwa Manusia adalah keturunan Nabi Adam As, jasmaninya berproses dari saripati tanah. Tumbuh-tumbuhan menghisap saripati tanah itu dan hewan memakan sebagian tumbuh-tumbuhan. Manusia memakan tumbuh-tumbuhan dan hewan. Ini berarti ke dalam tubuh manusia telah masuk unsur saripati tanah.

Sebagian saripati makanan (saripati tanah), berproses manjadi nuthfah (air yang berisi spermatozoa, disebut sperma) yang terdapat pada laki-laki (suami). Melalui proses senggama, nuthfah masuk ke dalam qarar (rahim atau kandungan ibu). Di dalam rahim, nuthfah (sperma) bertemu dengan sel telur atau ovum, sehingga terjadi pembuahan.

Menurut ilmu Biologi, manusia, hewan dan tumbuh-tumbuhan asal kejadiannya adalah dari tanah. Hal ini telah dibuktikan dengan menggunakan metode abu bekas bakaran dari makhluk hidup tersebut. Hasil penelitian tersebut diketahui bahwa unsur-unsur asli yang ada pada manusia, hewan dan tumbuh-tumbuhan sama dengan unsur-unsur yang terdapat dalam tanah, yaitu Oksigen ( O ), Hidrogen ( H ), Zat Belerang ( S ), Zat Arang ( C ), Kalium ( K ), Natrium ( Na ), Yodium ( J ), Asam Arang ( CO2 ), Air ( H2O ) dan zat-zat lainyya yang berfungsi sebagai pelengkap.

Senada dengan pendapat di atas, Prof. Bahi Khuli mengemukakan bahwa ada unsur yang sama antara debu dan jasad manusia. Unsur-unsur tesebut adalah : Oksigen = 63 % - Karbon = 20,20 % - Hidrogen = 9,90 % - Nitrogen = 2,50 % - Kalsium = 2,45 % - Phaspor = 1,01 % - Klor = 0,16 % - Fhlor = 0,14 % - Kaporit = 0,14 % - Photasium = 0,11 % - Sodium = 0,10 % - Magnesium = 0,07 % - zat besi = 0,01 % - Yodium+Silikon+Magnet = Molekul atom.

2. Proses Penciptaan Manusia Menurut QS. Al Mukminun : 12-14

Proses Kejadian manusia menrurut QS. Al Mukminun : 12-14 ketika masih berada dalam kandungan adalah sebagai berikut :

a. Allah SWT menjadikan saripati tanah yang terdapat dalam tubuh manusia sebagai nuthfah (air yang berisi spermatozoa, disebut sperma), yang kemudian ditumpahkan ke dalam qarar (rahim atau kandungan)

b. Allah menjadikan nuthfah sebagai alaqah yaitu gumpalan darah yang berbentuk menyerupai buah lecis atau lintah

c. Dari alaqah Allah SWT menjadikan sebagai mudghah, yaitu segumpal daging menyerupai daging hancur yang sudah dikunyah

d. Dari mudghah Allah SWT menjadikan sebagai i’izaam, yaitu tulang atau rangka

e. Kemudian tulang atau rangka itu dibalut oleh daging

f. Setelah itu Allah SWT menjadikan sebagai makhluk dalam bentuk lain yaitu dalam bentuk manusia yang telah berkepala, berbadan, bertangan dan berkaki

3. Proses Penciptaan Manusia Menurut Hadits Rasulullah SAW

Proses Kejadian manusia menrurut hadits Rasulullah SAW ketika masih berada dalam kandungan adalah sebagai berikut :

1. Berdasarkan Hadits ditakhrij oleh Bukhari

Artinya: Dari Abdullah bin Mas’ud ra.,ia berkata : Rasululla saw bercerita kepada kami, beliaulah yang benar dan dibenarkan : “Sesungguhnva penciptaan perseoranganmu terkumpul dalam perut ibunva empat puluh hari dan empat puluh malam atau empat puluh malam, kemudian menjadi segumpal darah, semisal itu (40 hari = pen) kemudian menjadi segumpal daging, semisal itu (40 hari = pen), kemudian Allah mengutus Malaikat, kemudian dipermaklumkan dengan empat kata, kemudian malaikat mencari rizkinya, ajalnya (batas hidupnya), amalnya serta celaka dan bahagianya kemudian Malaikat meniupkan ruh padanya. Sesungguhnya salah seorang di antaramu niscaya beramal dengan amal ahli (penghuni) sorga, sehingga jarak antara sorga dengan dia hanya satu hasta, namun catatan mendahuluinya, maka ia beramal dengan penghuni neraka, maka ia masuk neraka. Dan sesungguhnya salah seorang diantaramu, beramal dengan amal ahli neraka, sehingga jarak antara neraka dengan dia hanya satu hasta, namun catatan mendahuinya, maka ia beramal dengan amal penghuni sorga, maka ia masuk sorga. (Hadits Riwayat Imam Bukhari).

2. Berdasarkan Hadts yang diriwatkan Imam Muslim

Artinya: “Sesungguhnya seseorang dari kamu berproses kejadiannya dalam perut ibunya selama 40 hari sebagai air mani, dan selama 40 hari sebagai ‘alaqah, kemudian selama 40 hari lagi sebagai mudghah, sesudah itu Allah mengirim seorang malaikat, lalu ia tiupkan roh ke dalamnya. Dan malaikat diperintah mencatat 4 kalimat, yaitu mengenai rizki orang itu, ajalnya, amal perbuatanyya dan celaka atau bahagianya”. (HR. Imam Muslim).

1. Terjemahan per kata:

Isilah table berikut dengan terjemahan per kata yang diambil dari ayat 12 – 14 surat al-Mukminun.

Terjemah	Arab

2. Terjemahan Kalimat:

Dan Sesungguhnya Kami telah menciptakan manusia dari suatu saripati (berasal) dari tanah.

Kemudian Kami jadikan saripati itu air mani (yang disimpan) dalam tempat yang kokoh (rahim).

Kemudian air mani itu Kami jadikan segumpal darah, lalu segumpal darah itu Kami jadikan segumpal daging, dan segumpal daging itu Kami jadikan tulang belulang, lalu tulang belulang itu Kami bungkus dengan daging. kemudian Kami jadikan Dia makhluk yang (berbentuk) lain. Maka Maha sucilah Allah, Pencipta yang paling baik.

3. Aturan membaca berdasarkan ilmu tajwid.

Identifikasilah kalimat-kalimat dari ayat 12 – 14 surat al-Mukminuun, kemudian ke tabel di bawah ini dengan tepat!

Isilah tabel berikut sesuai dengan judul kolomnya!

Bacaan	Hukumnya	Cara mengucapkan	Alasan

4. Kandungan makna.

Asal kejadian manusia berdasarkan al-Quran dan hadis Nabi Muhammad Saw adalah dari tanah melalui proses reproduksi antara suami-istri, dari sperma yang bertemu dengan ovum. Secara berurutan proses kejadiannya antara lain sebagai berikut:

a. Makanan yang berasal dari tanah dimakan oleh manusia, seperti tumbuh-tumbuhan (sayur-mayur dan buah-buahan) dan hewan (sapi, ayam, kerbau dan kambing), kemudian berproses dalam tubuh menjadi sari pati tanah (sulalatin). Dari sari pati tanah itulah dijadikan air manni (nutfah) yang ditempatkan dalam rahim (tempat yang kokoh) ketika terjadi pembuahan.

b. Proses selanjutnya adalah menjadi segumpal darah ('alaqah).

c. Kemudian menjadi segumpal daging (mudgah) atau embrio berbentuk manusia yang belum sempurna.

d. Proses berikutnya adalah tulang belulang (lahma).

e. Setelah itu Allah Swt meniupkan ruh ke dalam diri manusia.

f. Selanjutnya terciptalah manusia sebagai makhluk yang sebaik-baiknya.

Bahan diskusi

1. Bacalah tulisan mengenai teori evolusi oleh Charles Darwin kemudian diskusikan dengan cara membandingkan apakah ada hubungannya atau kesamaan tentang proses kejadian manusia berdasarkan ayat-ayat al-Quran.

5. Sikap dan perilaku yang mencerminkan kandungan isi ayat 12 - 14 surat al Mukminun.

▪ Ketika Anda sedang berada di lingkungan keluarga

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▪ Ketika bersama-sama sahabat

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▪ Ketika berada di lingkungan masyarakat

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III. SURAT AZ-ZARIYAT AYAT 56

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1. Terjemahan per kata:

Isilah table berikut dengan terjemahan per kata yang diambil dari ayat 56 surat az-Zariyat.

Terjemah	Arab

2. Terjemahan Kalimat:

Artinya: "Dan aku tidak menciptakan jin dan manusia melainkan supaya mereka mengabdi kepada-Ku."

3. Aturan membaca berdasarkan ilmu tajwid.

Identifikasilah kalimat-kalimat dari ayat 56 surat az-Zariyat, kemudian ke tabel di bawah ini dengan tepat!

Isilah tabel berikut sesuai dengan judul kolomnya!

Bacaan	Hukumnya	Cara mengucapkan	Alasan

4. Kandungan makna.

a. Allah Swt jauh sebelum menciptakan manusia adalah menciptakan jin terlebih dahulu yang juga diperintahkan untuk beribadah kepada-Nya sesui dengan cara jin.

b. Manusia diciptakan Allah Swt juga agar menyembah-Nya baik dalam bentuk khusus (mahdah) maupun secara umum (ghair mahdah).

5. Sikap dan perilaku yang mencerminkan kandungan isi ayat 56 surat az Zariyat.

· Ketika Anda sedang berada di lingkungan keluarga

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· Ketika bersama-sama sahabat

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· Ketika berada di lingkungan masyarakat

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Bahan diskusi

Diskusikan dan identifikasi apa saja yang berhubungan dengan hablum minallah dan hablum minannaas.

IV. SURAT AL-HAJJ AYAT 5

1. Terjemahan per kata:

Isilah table berikut dengan terjemahan per kata yang diambil dari ayat 5 surat aL-Hajj.

Terjemah	Arab
Sampai waktu yang sudah ditentukan	اِلَى اَجَلٍ مُّسَمًى
Keraguan tentang kebangkitan	فِيْ رَيْبٍ مِّنَ الْبَعْثِ
Kami keluarkan kamu sebagai bayi	نُخْرِجُكُمْ طِفْلاً
Tanah	تُرَابٍ
Berangsur-angsur kamu sampailah kepada kedewasaan	ثُمَّ لِتَبْلُغُوْا اَشُدَّكُمْ
Setetes mani	نُطْفَةٍ
Dan kamu lihat bumi ini kering	وَتَرَى اْلاَرْضَ هَامِدَةً
Segumpal darah	عَلَقَةٍ
Berbagai macam tumbuh-tumbuhan yang indah	كُلِّ زَوْجٍ بَهِيْجٍ
Segumpal daging	مُضْغَةً

2. Terjemahan Kalimat:

Hai manusia, jika kamu dalam keraguan tentang kebangkitan (dari kubur), Maka (ketahuilah) Sesungguhnya Kami telah menjadikan kamu dari tanah, kemudian dari setetes mani, kemudian dari segumpal darah, kemudian dari segumpal daging yang sempurna kejadiannya dan yang tidak sempurna, agar Kami jelaskan kepada kamu dan Kami tetapkan dalam rahim, apa yang Kami kehendaki sampai waktu yang sudah ditentukan, kemudian Kami keluarkan kamu sebagai bayi, kemudian (dengan berangsur- angsur) kamu sampailah kepada kedewasaan, dan di antara kamu ada yang diwafatkan dan (adapula) di antara kamu yang dipanjangkan umurnya sampai pikun, supaya Dia tidak mengetahui lagi sesuatupun yang dahulunya telah diketahuinya. dan kamu Lihat bumi ini kering, kemudian apabila telah Kami turunkan air di atasnya, hiduplah bumi itu dan suburlah dan menumbuhkan berbagai macam tumbuh-tumbuhan yang indah.

3. Aturan membaca berdasarkan ilmu tajwid.

Identifikasilah kalimat-kalimat dari ayat 5 surat al-Hajj

Isilah tabel berikut sesuai dengan judul kolomnya!

Bacaan	Hukumnya	Alasan
إن كنتم	Ikhfa ab'ad	Nun sukun bertemu kaf, dibaca samar berbunyi 'ng'
مّن تُرَابٍ	Ikhfa aqrab	Nun sukun bertemu ta, dibaca samar berbunyi 'n'
مِنْ نُطْفَةٍ	Idgam bigunnah	Nun sukun bertemu nun, dibaca dengung
مِنْ مُضْغَةٍ	Idgam bigunnah	Nun sukun bertemu mim, dibaca dengung
فِى الاَرْحَامِ	Alif lam qamariah	Alif lam bertemu alif, dibaca jelas berbunyi 'L'
مِنْ بَعْدِ	iqlab	Nun sukun bertemu ba, suara nun berubah menjadi mim
اَلْمَآءُ	Mad wajib muttasil	Huruf alif terletak setelah mad ashli dan berada dalam satu kata dibaca panjang 5 harakat
وَأَنْبَتَتْ	iqlab	Nun sukun bertemu ba, dibaca lebur (nun mati menjadi mim) tanpa dengung

4. Kandungan makna.

a. Manusia diciptakan dari turab, setetes nutfah, berubah jadi 'alaqah, kemudian menjadi mudghah. Allah menetapkan dalam rahim sampai waktunya.

b. Ketika usia kandugnan mencapai usia 9 bulan, Allah mengeluarkan bayi dari rahim dan selanjutnya tumbuh berkembang.

c. Di antara manusia ada yang diwafatkan dalam usia muda dan ada juga yang dipanjangkan usianya sampai tua

d. Allah menyeru manusia agar memperhatikan bumi yang semula kering. Ketika hujan turun maka bumi menjadi subur tumbuh berbagai jenis tumbuhan yang indah dan bermanfaat bagi semua manusia

5. Sikap dan perilaku yang mencerminkan kandungan isi ayat 5 surat al Hajj.

· Komitmen melaksanakan ibadah khususnya rukun Islam, terutama salat fardu

· Menafkahkan harta diwaktu lapang maupun sempit.

· Menahan amarah.

· Memaafkan kesalahan orang lain.

· Bersilaturrahim dengan saling memberi satu sama yang lainnya.

· Memberi makan dan menolong orang miskin

· Berbuat baik kepada siapa saja tanpa membeda-bedakan suku bangsa, agama dan latar belakang.

· Senantiasa membaca, mempelajari, melaksanakan dan menyiarkan al-Quran sesuai dengan kemampuan dan kesanggupan masing-masing

Bahan diskusi

Bagaimana menurut pendapatmu dengan adanya pemahaman agama tertentu tentang reinkarnasi?

Bansingkan dengan pemahaman Islam tentang hari kebangkitan manusia dari kubur.

E. MUHASABAH

Pernahkan kita memikirkan dari mana kita diciptakan dan bagaimana tahap-tahap penciptaannya? Pernahkah terpikir di benak kita bahwa tadinya kita berasal dari tanah dan dari setetes mani yang hina?.

Di dalam suart Al mukminun yang menerangkan tahap-tahap penciptaan manusia dari suatu keadaan kepada keadaan lain, yang menunjukkan akan kesempurnaan kekuasaan-Nya sehingga Dia Jalla wa ‘Alaa saja yang berhak untuk diibadahi. Begitu pula penggambaran penciptaan Adam ‘Alaihis Salam yang Dia ciptakan dari suatu saripati yang berasal dari tanah berwarna hitam yang berbau busuk dan diberi bentuk.

LATIHAN

1. Mengapa manusia wajib bersyukur setelah diciptakan Allah?

2. Sebutkan proses asal kejadian manusia sebagaimana disebutkan dalam al-Quran!

3. Jelaskan pula proses terjadinya manusia berdasarkan tinjauan ilmu pengetahuan umum!

4. Sebutkan kriteria apa saja yang membuat manusia berhak menjadi khalifatulllah!

5. Jelaskan tugas manusia sebgai makhluk Allah!

6. Sebutkan pembagian ibadah jika dilihat dari bagian organ tubuh yang menunaikannya!

Mail Merge KU......

2009-03-14T17:41:00.000-07:00

Cara menggunakan Mail Merge ala orang awam
Pada Program Microsoft Office 2003 dan 2007.

Di sini ADA SOAL-SOAL LKS 2009

Himbauan keras dari pembuat artikel.
Dilarang keras membaca dan membuka artikel ini bagi siapa saja yang bukan orang awam karena ini khusus untuk orang awam.

PERTAMA

Microsoft Office 2003:
Misalnya kita ingin membuat sertifikat Uji Kompetensi
Data yang perlu dibuat di Microsoft Excel adalah:
no, nama, nilai. Selanjutnya isi setiap kolom tadi dengan data masing-masing. Terakhir simpan dengan nama [data_ser] dengan ektensi [xls]. tanda kurung dan titik dihilangkan.
Data yang akan dibuat di Microsoft Word adalah:
Pembuatan jenis sertifikat Uji Kompetensi sesuai kebutuhan.
Setelah selesai dan lengkap kosongkan bagian Nomor, Nama dan Nilai, karena nantinya akan diisi dari data excel. Setelah selesai semuanya simpan dengan nama [master_serti] dengan ektensi [doc]. tanda kurung dan titik dihilangkan.

Sebelum memulia langkah Mail Merge, lakukan setting di Microsoft word.
Klik menu Tools – Options – General, sebelum lanjut perhatikan dulu kotak dialog Options tab General, yang berada di bawah tulisan General options terdiri dari kotak-kotak. Beri tanda pada R Confirm conversion at Open karena aslinya belum terceklis.

Akhiri dengan klik OK.

Sekarang mulai langkah-langkah Mail Merge.
Dari master Sertifikat Uji Kompetensi, klik Tools – Letters and Mailings – Mail Merge.
Klik dua kali Next: Starting document – Next: select recipients
Klik Browse….., lalu klik kotak Look in: untuk mencari file dataser.xls disimpan, setelah ketemu langsung klik dua kali.
Ketika muncul gambar pilih tulisan MS Excel Worksheets via DDE (*.xls), lalu klik OK.

Maka akan muncul kotak dialog Named or cell range, lalu klik OK.

Muncul lagi kotak dialog klik saja OK.

Selesai sudah proses setting data excel ke word.
Selanjutnya klik ikon Insert Merge Field dari toolbar Mail Merge dengan urutan no, nama dan nilai.
Kotak dialog bernama Insert Merge Field

Klik no Insert lalu close, klik nama insert lalu close dan terakhir klik nilai insert lalu close.
Hasil sementara seperti ini:
No : <>
Nama: <>
Nilai: <>

Sekarang lihat hasilnya dengan cara klik ikon View Merged Data pada toolbar Mail Merge.
Akhirnya Anda dapat melihat hasilnya dan pasti tidak mengecewakan.

KEDUA
Dengan Microsoft Office 2007

Untuk bagian ini disamakan saja dengan yang sebelumnya
Misalnya kita ingin membuat sertifikat Uji Kompetensi
Data yang perlu dibuat di Microsoft Excel adalah:
no, nama, nilai. Selanjutnya isi setiap kolom tadi dengan data masing-masing. Terakhir simpan dengan nama [data_ser] dengan ektensi [xls]. tanda kurung dan titik dihilangkan.
Data yang akan dibuat di Microsoft Word adalah:
Pembuatan jenis sertifikat Uji Kompetensi sesuai kebutuhan.
Setelah selesai dan lengkap kosongkan bagian Nomor, Nama dan Nilai, karena nantinya akan diisi dari data excel. Setelah selesai semuanya simpan dengan nama [master_serti] dengan ektensi [doc]. tanda kurung dan titik dihilangkan.

Sebelum memulia langkah Mail Merge, lakukan setting di Microsoft word 2007 dengan klik Office Button di bagian pojok kiri atas.
Setelah terbuka kotak dialognya klik tulisan Word Options letaknya di bawah.
Klik pada kotak word options tulisan Advanced, leataknya di bagian kiri lalu cari tab General dan ceklis kotak Confirm Conversion of at Open

Akhiri dengan klik OK.

Sekarang mulai langkah-langkah Mail Merge.

Dari master sertifikat klik menu Mailings pilih dan klik ikon Select Recipient Start Mail Merge persis di bawah menu Page Layout.
Setelah terbuka kotak dialognya klik tulisan Use existing list cari file yang dibuat di excel (data_ser) lalu klik dua kali untuk membukanya.

Tandai kotak Show all dengan þ agar isi dari kotak Confirm Data Source terlihat lalu cari dan klik tulisan MS Excel Worksheets via DDE (*.xls).
Sekarang yang tampil kotak Confirm Data Source

Maka akan muncul kotak Named or cell range, pilih Entire Spredsheet.
Lalu klik OK.

Selesai sudah proses setting data excel ke word.
Selanjutnya klik ikon Insert Merge Field dari toolbar Mailings dengan urutan no, nama dan nilai.

Klik no Insert lalu close, klik nama insert lalu close dan terakhir klik nilai insert lalu close.
Hasil langkah tadi akan menghasilkan
No : <>
Nama: <>
Nilai: <>

Sekarang lihat hasil akhir dengan cara klik ikon Preview Results
Kalau tidak puas dengan jenis tulisan yang ada maka modif dulu lah seperti biasanya kurang besar tulisan pada nama dan jenisnya cari yang cocok sesuai selera.
Selesailah sudah dan tidak memakan waktu lama juga tidak ribet karena dapat melihat hasilnya yang tidak mengecewakan ORANG AWAM.
Kalau tidak puas atau belum lancar itu yang diharapkan, agar belajar dan belajar terus.............

Pengaruh solat terhadap orang lain

2009-02-20T17:40:00.000-08:00

Banyak pengaruh baik dari melakukan solat (minimal lima waktu) apalagi ditambah dengan solat-solat lainnya yang tidak termasuk fardhu atau harus.
Misalnya peduli terhadap tetangga dalam hal bagi-bagi rezeki ya kira-kira seperti ini lah.....

Internet or Affiliate Marketing?

2009-01-24T17:14:00.000-08:00

Internet or Affiliate Marketing?
By Sharath Hardikar

In today's tough economic situation where communities are losing jobs in the thousands, it's important that we try to understand the situation and get along with it as much as possible. It's become a necessity these days that we have more than one Skill so that when one skill is not working we can use the other and vice versa.

Alternatively, with the ever increasing importance of the Internet (see Obama's campaign for eg), I think we should utilise the strength of this medium to our advantage. This gives us an opportunity to work on our own and be our own BOSS. These days there are lot of e-mails flying around and various books about Internet Marketing or Affiliate Marketing. It has become a big business. Some of them boasting that if you use their system you can earn 10K per month or more. There are also evidences that some of them have become MILLIONAIRES just doing Internet / Affiliate Marketing. I have tried quite a few and am also Affiliate for some products and getting into this FASCINATING WORLD OF INTERNET OR AFFILIATE MARKETING.
There are so many products out there that one can become an Affiliate of and start selling immediately. To name a few - 1. e-Books, 2. Software downloads, 3. Some good Weight Loss Products, 4. Mortgage Brokers etc.
Yeah, it takes time to build up own business, but if there is an all out effort, then you can really make money out there.
Visit my website shown below for further details.
Thanks.

Independent writer and Internet Marketeer. My website : http://www.smash-marketing.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sharath_Hardikar

Affiliate Marketing Income - How Much Can You Earn From This Business?

2009-01-24T17:13:00.000-08:00

Affiliate Marketing Income - How Much Can You Earn From This Business?
By Zack Lim

The affiliate marketing model is one of the simplest online businesses which you can start. It is a model where you as an affiliate will earn a commission when the customer purchased the merchant's product through your link. The most practical question that you might have is: "How much can I earn from this business?"

One of the thing that you will need to understand that this is a real business and the results that you will be getting will be progressive in nature. If you have never make your first dollar online, your first goal will be to achieve your first dollar. This is important as it will show you the fact that you will be able to earn money on the internet.

Once you followed a model and you have earned your first dime online, the next thing that you will do is to just duplicate the model that it is working for you. If you are able to earn $10 from a certain amount of work that you do, you will just have to repeat 10 times if you want to make $100. Do have a plan where you will hit your first $100, then $1000 and more.
If you are willing to commit the time, effort and money into growing your business, you will start to see some positive results. Remember that you are building a real business and you give time for the business to grow. The sky is only limit and the amount of money that you can earn will be totally dependent on how much time, money and commitment that you put into your business. So start to have a goal and aim for it.
Zack Lim is an internet affiliate marketer who owns http://www.MyAffiliateMarketingOnline.com/FreeEcourse. He has helped hundreds of people to start their own affiliate marketing business.
He's recently developed a free e-course showing you a step by step process for starting your own affiliate marketing business easier. To learn how to start your own affiliate marketing business without wasting your time and money, visit http://www.MyAffiliateMarketingOnline.com/FreeEcourse.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Zack_Lim

Affiliate Marketing - Would You Believe You Can Get Your Own Mentor Online?

2009-01-24T17:11:00.000-08:00

Affiliate Marketing - Would You Believe You Can Get Your Own Mentor Online?
By Amanda Isbitt

If you have stumbled on the world of affiliate marketing, you may be in a place where you are deluged with information. This is definitely a field that has come into its own, and there are plenty of stories out there about people who make their fortunes by working a handful of hours a week. While this is great to read about, the question that you should be asking is how you can get that kind of success yourself? Is it even possible? This is where online mentoring can come into play, and if you are interested in taking the direct road to success, this is something that you should consider.

There is a lot of information out there, and as you may guess, some of it is good, some of it is simply awful. You will find that as you look through what is out there, it might not even be all that easy to tell! There are plenty of terrible products with terrific pitch pages and there are also great products out there that just don't get a lot of attention. When you have an online mentor, you are going to be able tell good information from bad much more easily. This is a great reason to make sure that you have someone looking over your shoulder, who will prevent you from spending your hard earned money on products that will do very little for you in the end.
The truth is that although you will see many affiliate marketing sites talk about the fact that they have a lot to offer someone who is brand new, you will soon realize that this is not necessarily the case. Even if you were in a place where you can make heads or tails out of the products that you are getting, you will also find that you need to think about how to put things together and how to make sure that you are going to be getting the right kind results. Take some time and really consider what your options are going to be, and realize that if you had someone around who can tell you, step by step, what needs to be done, how much further you could go!
An online mentor is someone who can spell things out for you. There have been many people who claim that they have made it all on their own, and while this is probably true, there is no reason for you to do it as well. There was a time when the field of affiliate marketing was wide open, but this is in many ways no longer the case. There are now rules, and codified ways that things are done, and this is not a bad thing. This can make your path to making a living on affiliate marketing a lot more smooth over all, and an online mentor is essentially a professional who can show you how it is done.
Remember that there is no need to feel as though you are lost in a sea of information. Affiliate marketing is something that can be made a lot clearer to you with the help of an mentor.
For all of the latest products, news, and case studies on affiliate training personnel please visit Affiliate Marketing One 2 One Training.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amanda_Isbitt

How to Do an Affiliate Marketing Product Review

2009-01-24T16:48:00.000-08:00

How to Do an Affiliate Marketing Product ReviewBy
Sean R Mize

Affiliate marketers have the life. They really do. They don't have the hassle of having to make a product, create a sales page or do any of those other things that are required when trying to promote your own product...not the least of which is trying to find a payment processor who isn't just looking for any reason to freeze your funds before you can get to them. And yet, as easy a time as affiliate marketers have, so few of them really take advantage of this fact by going the extra mile with their promotions. One area where many lack is in product reviews. I'm going to be discussing why this is important and how it should be done in this article. So pay attention.

The reason doing a product review is so important is because it gives more credibility to your promotion. What do you think is going to be more effective, sending somebody straight to a sales page from some ad or sending them to a blog with a review of the product? I can tell you from experience that the review, if it's a good one, is going to sell more products than just sending the prospect to a sales page. The question is, how should you do the review? Is there a way that works best?
From my experience, it's best to do a review that is as unbiased as possible. In other words, you want to talk about what you like and what you DON'T like about the product. I know a lot of affiliate marketers will be reluctant to do this because they're afraid that if they say anything negative about the product at all, it's going to make the prospect less likely to buy it. Actually, the opposite is true. If you can honestly say that there are things you don't like about the product but overall you feel it is a good value, you are going to make more sales.
The reason for this is psychological. The prospect, having read that you've actually found fault, will believe that the review itself is actually true and not just a sales pitch. They are more inclined to believe you simply because you said, "I don't like..." and then whatever it is you have a problem with. Now, you don't want to list too many problems because then, the prospect may start to think that the product is crap. So take it easy on the criticisms, but keep them in there.
By writing a review that is honest and also completely goes over the product in question, you are way more likely to make the sale than if you just sugarcoat the whole thing as one big sales pitch.
By the way, do you want to learn how to sell high ticket classes and coaching programs via the internet?
Download my new recording: "How to Sell High Ticket Products Online" here: High Ticket Selling Secrets
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sean Mize teaches coaches, consultants, and small business owners how to package their knowledge and sell it in high priced coaching, consulting, and online class packages. Sean says "If you have an existing marketable service or skill that you can teach others, I can teach you to package it into a high-priced class or coaching program, guaranteed" Visit Sean at: Internet Marketing Coaching
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_R_Mize

10 Things to Do Following the Wedding

2009-01-24T01:56:00.000-08:00

10 Things to Do Following the Wedding
By Damon Taylor

Following a marriage, there are many other jobs to consider. Unfortunately, women often have the taxing job of having to embark upon the mission of changing their name. Whilst it is not compulsory to change your maiden name to your married name, many of us continue with the tradition to symbolically represent the unification of the two people.

Given that most of us are exhausted following our wedding, we have compiled a list of 'things to do' so you don't have to think about it too much.
1. Ensure that all marriage documents have been registered with Births, Deaths and Marriages registry.
2. Apply for a copy of your marriage certificate from the Births, Deaths, and Marriages registry. An application form can be obtained online at http://www.justice.qld.gov.au/16.htm . Your name cannot be changed without producing a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
3. Send Thank You cards to family and friends who attended your wedding and provided a gift.
4. Review wedding photos and choose photos to print.
5. Send copies of photos to family and friends.
6. If you have not previously lived together, make arrangements for the move into your new home. Ensure that you have the telephone and electricity connected prior to entering your new home.
7. When you have obtained a copy of your marriage certificate, you can commence changing your name with the following:
· Banks and financial institutions
· Drivers licence
· Department transport eg: car registration etc
· Centrelink or Family Assistance
· Medicare
· Medical health Insurance
· Documents pertaining to loans, grants etc
· Superannuation
· Any memberships, e.g. gym, union etc.
· Employer
· Inland Revenue (obtain your reference and address from your employer)
· Australian Tax Office
· Local Authority (to change council tax and voting records)
· Doctor
· Dentist
· Passport Office
· Credit Card and Store Charge-Card Companies
· Finance/Loan Companies (cars, household goods etc.)
· Investment Companies
· Companies that you have shares in (the name of the registrars should be on your certificates or paperwork)
· Utilities (gas, electricity, telephone
· Mobile Phone company
· Insurance Companies (motor, medical, life, buildings & contents, pets etc.).
· Mail-Order catalogue companies.
· Motoring Organisations (breakdown organisations)
· Professional Institutes and Bodies
· Clubs, Societies and Associations
· Solicitors, financial advisers etc.
· Internet Service Provider (if your e-mail address incorporates your old name, you may wish to change your e-mail address)
· Magazine subscriptions
8. If you plan on keeping your dress, it is a good idea to have it professionally dry cleaned and appropriately stored.

9. If you wish to keep your bouquet, you can have it dried and framed as a keep sake.
10. If you would like to formally say thank you to those in your bridal party, and close friends and relatives, you can consider the option of a wedding lunch or dinner.
hwang-mi-hee-nice-smile
Damon Taylor is Director of Kiss the Bride Wedding Directory
Kiss the Bride Wedding Directory http://kissthebride.com.au
Kiss the Bride Blog http://blog.kissthebride.com.au
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Damon_Taylor

Free Way and Paid Way to Affiliate Marketing

2009-01-24T01:55:00.000-08:00

Free Way and Paid Way to Affiliate Marketing
By Gan Kim Guan

There are Free Way and Paid Way to affiliate marketing. The advantage of using Free Way to affiliate marketing, is no additional cost, thus whatever you earn is 100% net profit. But the disadvantage is time consuming. What I mean is it takes time for Free Way to drive in traffic. I will explain further.

Free Way to affiliate marketing
1) Go to any affiliate marketing site and sign up free account. I believe the most well-known site is Click Bank. There are other sites like Commission Junction, BnB Revenue, etc... After sign up, select the right product to affiliate. Choose product that has high conversion rate. Copy your affiliate ID link, example www.affiliate.com/?aid=yourID. When someone click this link, he will be directed to your affiliate site. I would suggest buying a domain name, so no one may know it is a affiliate link. Anyway, a domain name cost less than $10 per year. This is option but useful. Choosing a the right domain name helps in affiliate marketing.
2) Find as much information as you can for your affiliate product and write dozens of articles. You may Google search and copy some portion of the information into your articles but not all. Cos some article directories may reject your article as it is similar to other article. It may take up few days for your article to be published. I would recommend publish your articles to Ezine Article directory as it is one of the largest directory. You may also publish to some other article directories too. Remember to put a link to your affiliate site at the end of your article. When you write good article, it will attract reader to click your link.
3) Join Forum. Sign up as member in a forum and get to know as many members as possible. Do not try to sell them anything, build the rapport first. Once the rapport is built, do not say you are affiliate some product and ask if they want to buy. Rather ask them question if they have heard of the product you are affiliating. Arouse interest in them and guide them to your link.
4) Join Online Group. You may join Yahoo Group and Google Group. Do the same as you are doing for forum.
When you are using this Free Way, it may take up to a month to drive in your desired traffic. I would recommend to use paid way too.
Paid Way to affiliate marketing
1) Other than buying a domain name, you may choose to buy hosting too. But this is optional. Buying hosting means you are creating your own web page. This is time consuming if you have no experience or knowledge. Creating your own web page is good because you can share with people how has the product you are affiliating help you. Telling your story will increase the number of sales.
2) Online Classified Ads. You may go to online classified ads to place ads to promote your affiliate product. This is another option other than search engine.
3) Google AdWords. It is the fastest way to drive in traffic. Be sure to do research before using Google AdWords. When Google AdWords is properly used, it can drive in thousands and thousands of traffic per day.
In order to be successful, you need to have both ways to drive in traffic.

Did you find this article helpful? If you did, then take a look at the step by step video tutorials here!
http://maverickmakemoremoney.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gan_Kim_Guan

Creative Writing - How to Stretch Your Skills

2009-01-24T01:54:00.000-08:00

Creative Writing - How to Stretch Your Skills
By Marjorie J McDonald

Being a good writer means that you can take just a few stories and turn them into many stories just by changing the way you write about the subject matter. What you add or subtract from the content you have in front of you to give it a new twist.
Change a story you have already written and see if you can add drama to the story you have or perhaps you can turn it into a comedy or a play that a local theater group might consider adding to their offerings. Other ways to re-purpose what you have written may be to approach the topic from a journalists point of view or a documentary approach. You can see that the same topic could go in any of those directions and be valuable approaches.

It's all about the combination of the events that happened and how you as the writer put them together in your story line and time line of events. For example: If you have ever gone to an airport for a flight and found you took longer to go through the security than you expected and then had to run to get to the gate so you did not miss the boarding for the flight. You have two choices immediately: do you want to go the drama version or the comedy version. You could try both and see which one you have the most fun with and use that to help you continue to develop that type of writing. Or go with one of the other suggestions or you could try each of the suggestions for developing the topic. It's important as a writer to stretch yourself and have fun doing that with your topics.
It's all in the approach you take with the topic. This type of writing stretches you to think about how to put the information and events into your story in such a way as to get the two different results. You can always use the twists to develop your writing resources so you can see things from several perspectives.

And now I invite you to join me for a series of writing exercises to help you discover your areas of interest in writing as well as increasing your creativity. You may access these exercises by visiting http://www.freecreativewritingstrategies.com
You also may enjoy visiting my blog at http://www.creativewritingmadeeasy.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marjorie_J_McDonald

Design Your Own Website- It Is Simple

2009-01-24T01:53:00.002-08:00

Design Your Own Website- It Is Simple
by: Tem Balanco

Before you embark upon the process involved when you design your own website, you must select and register a domain name. That is your site's brand name and contact name. In order to be given a domain name of your very own, you must make a yearly payment to the appropriate registering entity to obtain the exclusive right to it.

Obtaining a domain name doesn't mean you have a web site or anything close. All you have is a name. It is similar to getting yourself set up with a name for your business is the "real" world - just obtaining exclusive rights to a name doesn't mean you are totally in business. You just have a name.

A web host commonly implements numerous computers that are all linked to the Internet to allow a very large number of web pages to be broadcast all over the world. The first step in making your new web page visible is to use a reputable web host that will give your personalized website a virtual home.

Thinking of a domain name is very much like thinking of a name for your company in the physical world. Similarly, a web hosting account is the equivalent of renting an office for your company. After you have come up with a domain name and signed on with a web host, you will then need to design your own website (http://www.buildyoursite.com/) to attract visitors.

As a beginning web designer, you first need to design your own website in a attractive, and appealing manner. After you have got your basic web page posted you will be able to make any adjustments that you feel are needed. There are free web editors and commercial versions that are widely available.

When you choose to use free software, you can also learn more from a complete tutorial on the web. The step-by-step tutorial will guide you in the process of making your own web page, site map, and comment forms. It will also give you tips on the basic aspects of the software so you can continue to update and improve the site in the future.

A crucial aspect of web development is optimizing your site for search engines. This should be undertaken from the very start of the design process. In addition, there are a number of other concerns involved in developing web pages.

About The Author
Tem Balanco

The first thing you need to do to design your own website (http://www.buildyoursite.com/), before anything else is to get yourself a domain name. A domain name is the name you want to give to your website. Companies that provide web hosting are essentially outfits with banks of computers hooked up to the Internet. Once they put your web resources on their systems, the entire world will be able to connect and view your site. The Internet is a valuable resource for obtaining educational tutorials pertaining to the use of free software. There are many considerations that must be taken into account when you are planning and designing web pages.

Build Web Page Which Is Effective

2009-01-24T01:53:00.001-08:00

Build Web Page Which Is Effective
by: Tem Balanco

There are a few critical places in building a web page (http://www.buildyoursite.com/) where you must make the right decision, or you'll have to repeat this task again and again until you get it right. The better you grasp these essential points, the better your web page will work and the happier camper you'll be.

As a website builder, make sure you know what the project can do for you. If you are the owner of a business, you want to maximize your business opportunities. But if you are an employee who just has to get the job done, you may want to stick to something basic that will please the boss and not cause any headaches. And if your a volunteer, you may want to use this as a chance to increase your skills and do a good deed.

Make sure the needs of the business or organization are met when you build web page (http://www.buildyoursite.com/). Develop a brand identity and help potential clients and customers to find out who you are and what you do. An online brochure is a good way to start.

You're trying to enhance your brand or organization image. But this is very legitimate for some kinds of companies, especially local businesses or organizations that aren't trying to conduct national or international commerce. You want people to know who you are, what you do, where to find you, and how to contact you.

A good strategy is to provide product information that will improve local sales of your goods and services. Car sites are a good example. Car companies don't often sell their cars through the internet, but they guide people to local dealers. You can also sell advertising, but right now, there is more space than ads to fill it.

Though the industry is improving, internet advertising is rather under-priced. Sites that are portals for many other sites may be able to sell some advertising space, but this should not be a counted on form of revenue. Instead, view the revenue from advertisement space sales as a bonus.

Construct a web page and become an Internet direct seller of products or services. You want to engage in e-commerce and sell to a domestic or worldwide market. You will have a system for ordering one or more products, or maybe you will feature an in-depth online catalog. Your online service may offer delivery over the Internet, or it may be initiated online.

Build web page (http://www.buildyoursite.com/) and earn affiliate commissions for sales and leads generated through links on your web page. Savvy marketers are building micro sites designed to generate search engine traffic for a particular hot product or service. When a visitor clicks on one of their links, he is referred to an e-commerce site, and, if a sale results, the affiliate gets a commission. Perhaps a form on your site generates leads or subscriptions for another company.

About The Author
Tem Balanco

Anyone who wants to successfully and fruitfully build web page (http://www.buildyoursite.com/)s must first consider the requirements of the enterprise involved, and focus upon those above all. You need to market your brand name. Develop an online booklet that informs would-be customers and associates about your firm and presents it in the most impressive way possible. There are a few critical times when you are building a web page (http://www.buildyoursite.com/) where you have to make the right decision the first time, or risk performing it over repeatedly. Once you remember these essential points, the better your web page will work and the happier you will be

What a Website Needs to Succeed!

2009-01-24T01:52:00.000-08:00

What a Website Needs to Succeed!
by: Jim Shutes

A Proven Formula for All Websites

Every business needs a website. It is an absolute MUST! Nowadays, it’s like not being in the phone book. The Internet is a digitally-indexed database that is searchable. Whenever anyone wants to know more about anything, they look it up on the Internet, in their own time, 24/7, without the pressure of a sales person. With search engines, such as Google.com or Yahoo.com, the information they are looking for can be found in seconds.

If you aren’t where people are looking, you CAN’T get the sale.

Even if you aren’t planning on selling anything online, you still need to have an Internet presence, telling your story and being a 24/7 sales person for you. The Internet is information. So, even if you just have an informational website, people can find out more about you, your company, what you have to offer, and why they should choose you over your competition. A website gives you the opportunity to get all of that across to your potential customer.

Following, are proven components of a website and why you will need them in yours.

A Home Page is the window into your website and should be short, sweat, and to the point. Statistically, it has been proven that you get about 3 seconds, once a person arrives at your website, to get them interested enough to click for more information. If you can get them to click, then you have them! If you try to give them all of the information at once, then you will lose them.

Some websites try to give you their inventory on the home page, or write a story that scrolls forever. This is not good. A home page should not scroll. This is a big “No No”. When people get to a home page and see paragraphs, trust me, they go on to the next website. It needs graphics that represent the services, happy pictures, happy customers, and a quick sales pitch. Remember, people are lazy and won’t read large amounts of text, unless they have a need to. And included on the home page, needs to be quickly gotten across, why someone should use you over your competitor.

The About Us page sometimes gets left off, in favor of making the home page the About Us page. You will want to have an About Us page that explains in detail what you have to offer, your history, your mission statement, and a good reason that a potential customer should use buy from you over your competitor. This can be seen as the detailed version of the home page. However, it is a mistake to forgo the About Us page in exchange for a detailed home page. Again, this will just push people away who do not want to read all of the details to find out who you are and what you have to offer. This information should be available for those who wish to see more information after they are intrigued by the home page.

Design rules. For uniformity and good design, websites (any marketing piece) should have rules for graphic elements and text. For example, all headings should be the same size/style/color, etc. All subheads should have their own size/style/color, etc. This helps the eye make sense of what it is looking at. Guide your visitor with well-placed graphics and text.

Make sure that your website has good navigation, with buttons/links for all main sections of your website. And be sure to keep these navigation buttons/links visible on ANY page. There is nothing more frustrating than to not be able to find your way while browsing a website. People will leave before becoming too frustrated. Don’t let this happen on your website!

The constant, flashing email (or other) button/advertisement is a "No No" these days. In the old days, flashing and blinking graphics were used. As websites became more graphically sophisticated, these types of elements were not used any more. It can be annoying to see something flashing just off your vision, when you are trying to read the web page.

Text links at the bottom are rarely used any more. They were implemented back in the day of the text-based websites, when they were just starting out. This was for the dial-up users who had the option to turn off graphics for faster web page loading. When this happened, there were no links for navigation, unless a webmaster placed text links at the bottom. Nowadays, most people have broadband connections, and this just isn't necessary any more.

The biggest problem I see with websites these days is that a person has to read quite a bit to see what, exactly, a website is selling. When people show up at your website, you get about 3 seconds to peak their interest. Get it across very quickly, with icons/graphics/bullet points that are easy to understand. Tell them why they should choose you over your competition. And then tell them where to go to get started.

Another very important element is testimonials. More important than telling them why a potential customer should use your services over your competitions’, is a customer of yours saying the same thing. Not only is a testimonial someone who used your services, but they can say "how" you were able to help them. This gives new potential customers ideas on how your services will help “them”. Testimonials are also sales pitches from your happy customers, people just like them. They are people who were in the same position as they are right now and they got through it, so they can too. They also build credibility. When you are endorsed by other people, you have credibility and that you can do what you say you can do. And even though they may be saying the same thing that you are saying, it is coming from someone just like them, and not someone who is trying to sell them anything. They have nothing to gain by saying this. You do. So they need to hear from them. You absolutely MUST have endorsements for your business; otherwise, you are just blowing your own horn!

The next best thing to a testimonial page is an FAQ page. An FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page answers questions for your company 24/7, when you can't be at the phone to answer, and for people who would rather look over your information than speak to someone who might try to sell them something. FAQs also help to give scenarios of how they can be helped, by answering questions that other potential customers have asked, and they might not have thought of themselves. This gets them thinking and gives them answers in a risk-free environment. It is VERY important to have an FAQ working for you 24/7. It's like having a free sales person working for you around the clock, fielding all questions that might come up! It's a MUST-have for ANY website!

Your website should also have a clear "call to action". A lot of websites say that “we are here and we do this”, but they don't tell them how to get started, or tell them where to go to get started right now... no call to action. Now that they have the information, now what? People are like sheep. They must be led. You must lead them to the next level; otherwise, they probably won't get there. You should have calls to action by all services, and on your home page. You should sprinkle testimonials throughout, as well, leading them back to the full testimonials and then to the call to action, which should be placed on the testimonials page, as well. You could offer a FREE Consultation by calling right now… or click HERE now to email us 24/7 for a FREE Consultation… something that tells them where to go from here and a reason to get started right now and how.

There also needs to be graphics to help tell the story; high-end icons that help draw the eye to the item of interest, to get them to read it. Having a text-only page usually does not get read. People are lazy and will not usually read paragraphs of information in hopes of getting the information they are looking for. They would have to first be extremely interested before reading the “fine print”. And to get them interested, it should be broken up with graphics that represent each section. They will see the related graphic first, and then move to that area if interested. But to give them a page of information usually doesn't work.

You also need meta tags. This is very important to search engines. These are hidden key words and phrases that describe what you offer, but also your location, etc. Search engines rely heavily on key words and phrases in order to give your website as a result in a search done for your type of business. In fact, it is also good to have misspelled keywords that people might type in order to find you. Obviously, you won’t want to have misspelled words or phrases on your page, since this will give the wrong impression of who you are. With meta tags, misspelled words are hidden in the code of the website, but can be used to bring people to your website who may not be able to correctly spell some your services. Even putting your competitions’ names and products in your meta tags can help get traffic to your site, so that they can compare your products and services to your competitors’.

Another item that puts you high on the search engine results listing is having articles about your type of business, both on your website, and other websites that link back to yours for more information on the subject. Offering free information makes you an authority on the subject, not just someone trying to sell their wares. This plays heavily in search results, along with one-way links back to your website. When you get one-way links back to your site for more information, this gives you much credibility and definitely helps to make you an authority that other sites rely on. So when someone looks up your type of product or service for more information, obviously the search engine will give a site that has the most helpful and free information (and one that other sites rely on for more information on this subject) a higher rating and puts them higher on the search results list.

A FREE Tips & Tricks or Hints page is also a good way to get relevant traffic. People are always looking for How-To's and DIY information on all types of subjects. On my site I have FREE Tech Tips that get hits all the time, which pertain to my services. Again, a percentage of these hits click on my services. And the only way I got them there was because of the FREE How-To's that I offer. So, you have to entice people to your site, by offering more than your competitor's website. This is where these types of pages come in handy.

It is also good to have a Privacy Policy page. This shows integrity and also builds credibility and a higher ranking in the search engines. This is one item that search engines look for, in particular. Websites with a page dedicated to a Privacy Policy get a higher ranking and your site will show up higher in the search results.

A Guarantee page is also a good idea. Again, this gives credibility and will give you an edge over your competitor, who may not offer a guarantee. A website that has a guarantee, but is hard to find, makes a potential customer feel like they have something to hide and may not purchase from that website. However, if you have an easy-to-find Guarantee that you put right in their face (whether you dedicate a page to it, or you put it right on the Home page), it eases potential customers into a buying position.

You may want to have a form that allows a customer to request more information about your product or service, and which also lets the customer type in their personal information and what they are looking for. This not only helps you by getting their contact information, it also helps by prompting the potential customer into thinking about other aspects. By doing it this way, you will also get all of the information needed to correctly quote a product or service more effectively, without having to make additional phone calls to the customer. The more common way of requesting information is just by posting an INFO email address and hope that the person requesting the info knows enough about what he is looking for to provide all of the info to get a good quote. This is not usually the case. Most of the time they need a form to fill out. In most cases, there is info that is left out. A form ensures that you get everything needed to quote the product or service accurately. And, also, by offering a form to request more info, leads will be generating 24-7 for you. All you have to do is the quote and give them a call. This reduces the need for cold-calling, and gives you an excuse to call and close the deal.

If you incorporate all of the above pages, along with the “way” these pages should be shown, your website will have a higher ranking in the search engines, which puts your website higher in the search results, thus significantly increasing the traffic to your website!

The above categories aren't the only things you can do to increase traffic to your website. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) should also be done, as well as swapping links with relevant websites, and posting articles and links back to your website from online article and content websites.

To have an award-winning and specially-formulated website designed for your company, contact Michigan Tech Group TODAY at (810) 496-4595 or email us at info@MichiganTechGroup.com Visit us online at http://www.MichiganTechGroup.com

Good luck. I hope this article has helped you. If you live in the Lapeer, Genesee, or Tuscola County, Michigan areas, and would like an IT Professional to do a professional to help you in your home or business,please contact Michigan Tech Group at (810) 496-4595, or visit our website at http://www.MichiganTechGroup.com. You can email us at info@MichiganTechGroup.com.

If you would like to use this article for any publication, you may do so if you do NOT change any of the content, and the tag line remains intact.

About The Author
Jim Shutes

I have worked in the IT field since 1989 and hold several Microsoft certifications. I am a network administrator and co-owner and co-operator of Michigan Tech Group, located in Flint, Michigan. During these years, I have supported both Macs and PCs, am an accomplished graphic and web designer, and have had the opportunity to support 2nd and 3rd level enterprise networks for GM, EDS, Delphi and Delco. If you would like to get in touch with me, you may do so at (810) 496-4595, or by email at jshutes@MichiganTechGroup.com. My website is http://www.MichiganTechGroup.com

Advantages of a Custom Website versus using a Website Builder Tool

2009-01-24T01:51:00.002-08:00

Advantages of a Custom Website versus using a Website Builder Tool
by: Rodney Ringler

Advantages of a custom website versus using a Website Builder Tool

The internet has revolutionized business all around the globe. Almost every competent new or existing business wishes to exploit the incredible potential of the internet, and the first step is to have a web site designed done and maintained by a professional web site design service or build and maintain it yourself. One of the first things to consider is your computer ability. If you despise computers and software and find them confusing and frustrating then building your own website can be quite a task. One that you may not want to undertake. However, if you enjoy working with computers and learning new things or if you just have the patience to stick with it, then building a website is within your grasp. You may also decide to do it yourself to save cost. If you still feel that you want to build your own site you should choose software that is easy to use and user friendly.

Your website should be as unique as you and your business. You should select the website that is specialized in what will meet all your needs, both now and in the future. Custom based websites are for those who already have a website but are looking for those special finishing touches that quality custom graphics can provide. Designer graphics can make your website stand out above the rest and a custom website specializes in taking your original graphic or photo and turning it into a unique work of art. Quality graphics make an incredible difference in the visual appeal of your website.

Actual site "content" continues to be essential to the success of a website. More often than not though, visual appeal is the determining factor as to whether or not a client or customer will remain on a website long enough, to actually see the product or service the business is providing. Custom websites are for those who don’t have the time to design or create, but want to get things mush better and fast with a nice graphics.

Web site builders are online tools which anyone can use to build a professional looking Web site without programming and have it hosted instantly. No software to buy, no code to learn, all you need is to be a little Internet savvy and know how to click your mouse.

Most business owners today know that having a web site is an essential component of marketing. In the past, the choices were to hire a professional web designer, hire a local teenager to create a site for mall money, or learn to do it yourself. The last two options, are the least expensive, and were the preferred method for small businesses. The results are often not what businesses need to grow, reach, and impress new potential customers, however. They seem good at the start but quickly become limiting.

If you operate or manage a business, you surely must realize the increase in e-commerce taking place today. Many businesses find themselves searching for the best way to increase their exposure on the internet, and for most a website is the first course of action. As most businesses operate on firm budgets, finding cost effective solutions are usually one of the first thoughts when looking to make new purchases. When it comes to creating a website there are many affordable software programs that can produce professional results. Business software should be capable of handling your needs today and in the future. Business are always changing, adding new products, changing or removing old products, offering specials, having sales, etc. By choosing a business website builder over a professional web designer you will be able to make changes to your website whenever you want to. Another benefit is that you will be avoiding the high costs associated with developing the website and costs for making any necessary changes.

Website Builder tools advantages to you are increased revenue, cost control, caters to the large demand existing for web designing in the SME sector and can increase the client base without adding to your overhead. The advantage that your customers gets is a professional quality website, up and running in minutes and a User friendly and easily customizable interfaces that gives a complete website with all its frills and features and a nice attractive design. The downside is that you are limited to the look and functions of the tool and the templates or designs they provide.

On of the advantage of a custom website design is that the web site will look and function exactly as you want. A custom made web site can promote your brand and increase sales. The functionality and design of your website is important, because the images and text on the screen can make an indifferent visitor turn into a keen client, and the goal is to optimize your site to evolve maximum traffic conversion.

As more and more people are starting their own small home business many are finding that having a website is an important factor to consider. When one starts to consider building a website, especially the novice, many questions arise including…. can I create a website myself or should I hire a professional?

Hiring a professional is a great way to go if you can afford it. Although there are several things to keep in mind: how much will it cost? How much will ongoing maintenance cost? What will changes cost? How long will changes take? etc. As a result, many people opt to build their own website and begin searching for software that can easily help them.

As you start searching for an easy web site builder, there are some factors that you should take into consideration so that your new software will serve you now and the future.

There is quite a variety of easy web site building software and content management(CMS) based websites on the market today. In addition, some of the software available today is very expensive, geared more for the professional web designer, and come with a huge learning curve.

The options for small businesses to get a site developed have changed from the past. There are now sophisticated "site builder" tools available to small business owners, bundled with many web hosting packages. By using templates, and a content management system to manage updates to the site, it became easier to set up and maintain a web site, and many development companies have canned this functionality, for a fee. Hosting providers are increasingly offering tools to automate the web site building process, and with good reason. This new option has many benefits, as long as the business owner recognizes that there are trade offs and limitations to getting a web site this way. Some of the downsides are…the design is limited to their predefined templates. The functionality is limited to the tool. Also, in most website builder tools it is hard to perform search engine optimization, which is essential for a site to be found in the major search engines.

One of the biggest attractions for site building tools is the cost. It won't necessarily cost less to get your site this way, but it does provide a way to spread the cost over time. The cost for a custom website varies as per the feature and function it carries with itself.

Many people are concerned with building their own website, fearing boring designs and complexity. However, it is now becoming apparent that there are many custom web site builder software products on the market that promise dynamic layouts, professional templates, and user friendly web design tools. The professional web designers know there are a few more things to know, but sometimes they find some irony in the fact that web developers, in their quest to improve and better the web, have made themselves "optional". Most site building tools today are very robust, making it simple to add forms, searching, maps, guest books, calendars, and a whole variety of elements to a web site. Even better, the hosting company sometimes offers an entire suite of services - the site builder, email marketing, search engine optimization and statistics, all in one package along with the hosting.

There is also a possibility that the service will require you to keep some branding on the site telling people that you used their website designs and tools. This is more common with the free site builders - which pay for themselves by putting ads on your site. If your goal is to build a business web site, it's really not worth sacrificing your professional image by getting something free, which screams CHEAP.

Low quality websites sometimes attempt to sell expensive products or services. These websites cannot succeed. Studies reveals people spend more time on a well designed web page than on a low quality web page. There is a comparative relationship between the amount of time that an average visitor will spend on a web page and the amount of time that was spent building the web page.

Websites are an important aspect of online businesses. They are the first face of interaction between the user and the business. The website creates the first impression on the user and hence needs to be effective and impressive too. It is the job of web design services to make the website user friendly and search engine friendly too, so that it can serve the purpose of both effectively.

A tool can make things happen - but if you don't know what to make happen, it is either a useless tool or a dangerous one. There is a learning curve in knowing how to present information online (called information architecture in the profession), as well as for using the site builder. In other word, the fuller featured the tool; the more there is to learn. If you aren't familiar with color theory, use of typography, information architecture, navigation and interface design, and page layout and design, you can potentially make something that will hurt your business more than help it. So, unless you are already computer and web savvy, figuring out all the features within your web hosting and site builder package can be time consuming and frustrating.

In the end there are ways that a business can take advantage of these new options and still create a functional and professional web site. One way is simply take your time and research the available website templates, and find the one that has the most features and flexibility, that meet your functional requirements. In other words, spend the time to learn the things a seasoned pro would bring to the table. The internet is a massive library of "how to" information, where you can literally teach yourself anything - and with enough time spent, you could potentially learn how to layout information, what colors and fonts work well together, how to conduct your marketing online and optimize the site for search engines. The second is choosing the best suitable custom website design company and work with them to build a professional website that meets your needs get your imaginations carried and make business a greta success.

About HostChart.com

HostChart, a Web Hosting Company Resource, is a leading web hosting directory website that has been in business for over 5 years. They provide numerous web hosting articles and tutorials as well as news, interviews, and reviews. You can use their extensive set of tools to research and evaluate your current or future web hosts. HostChart is a Property of Advantage1 Web Services, which also operates ResellerConnection.com, a a href="Reseller" class="hft-urls">http://www.resellerconnection.com">Reseller Web Hosting Resource, HostingKnowledge.net, and FoundHost.com, a a href="Budget" class="hft-urls">http://www.foundhost.com">Budget Hosting Resource.

About The Author
Rodney Ringler is President of Advantage1 Web Services, Inc., which owns a network of Web Hosting Informational Websites including HostChart.com, ResellerConnection.com, FoundHost.com, ResellerForums.com, and HostingKnowledge.net. Rodney has over 15 years industry experience from programming to internet marketing.

Increase Metabolism to Lose Weight

2009-01-24T01:51:00.001-08:00

Increase Metabolism to Lose Weight
Health

Metabolic Rate refers to the rate one expends calories in a given period of time. Essentially, it is the rate by which we expend energy through the chemical breakdown of “burning calories“. Not only do we spend calories during periods of work and during exercise, we also burn calories at rest simply to keep our cells alive. This is a vial point to understand! What I am referring to is known as the “Basil“, or resting, metabolic rate. In fact, you burn more during your ‘resting hours’ than you do during periods of exercise! For example, one hours worth of tennis or basketball could burn about 600 or so calories. One hour at rest may burn only 90 or so. But you might only play one hours worth of tennis three or four times a week, while your resting metabolic rate is what you burn 24/7. It is easy to see that 90 times 24 times 7 is significantly greater than 600 times 4. (90 * 24 * 7 = 15120 vs. 600 * 4 = 2400). The point I am making is not that exercise is useless, it is the importance of the bazil metabolic rate in determining the caloric balances within an individual. Balance in caloric levels is the whole point in weight control. The basic calculus is simple: calories in / calories out. The amount of calories consumed should approximate the number of calories burned for a caloric balance in maintaining weight levels. For weight loss calories in must be less than calories expended. This is a very obvious, even simplistic point, but you need to have a clear focus on that basic truth. We simply have to reduce our intake (in a healthy way) while we simultaneously increase our output. The reduction of intake through a healthy diet is the subject of a future article. This article focuses on the expenditure of calories as a tool of weight control and weight loss. The main weakness of many weight loss programs, even the good ones, is that they do not stress the importance of exercise. The main goal in weight loss ought to be the improvement of one’s health and well-being; not merely upon a more superficial look into the mirror! In fact: you CANNOT be healthy without exercise! A very powerful tool in regard to weight loss is the manipulation of the resting or Basil metabolic rate. This rate does vary between individuals and even within a single individual from time to time. Size and age are important factors, which account for differences in metabolic rate between individuals. Another very important factor in influencing resting metabolic rate is the physical condition of the individual. Why this is true is a little too technical to fully explain here, but suffice to say that it has a lot to do with how your body is able to efficiently utilize oxygen in the chemical breakdown of sugar molecules in the process we simply call “metabolism”. If we can enhance the efficiency in which this oxygen is utilized, we can thereby increase resting metabolic rate. A different, and simpler way of looking at this is in the understanding that the human body in its miraculous design is amazingly adaptive. Push the body to habitually utilize more oxygen, push the body to habituate to burning energy at greater levels and the body will adapt to do so. What this all adds up to is the ability to increase the resting metabolic rate. This again is the rate which we burn calories 24/7, 365 days a year. We burn calories even at sleep. The idea is that even a small increase in the hourly rate of caloric expenditure will add up in time to real and permanent weight loss. Of course, bearing in mind that the increase in caloric expenditure cannot be offset by an increase in intake. Calories consumed must be less than calories expend in order to create a caloric deficit that will translate to weight loss. The topic of exactly how to diet in a healthy way will be dealt with at length in a future article (I hope you will look for it). For now just understand that you actually need to create an imbalance of calories: calories in < calories out. Resting Metabolic Rate can be increased, and such an increase when coupled with healthy dieting will lead to a healthy weight loss. Because it includes exercise as a necessary component, such a method will be among the Healthiest plans you will ever come across! The way to increase resting metabolic rate, very simply stated is though aerobic conditioning. This is of course the same as what some people refer to as Cardio exercise. You should exercise at a sufficient intensity to reach about 80% or your “maximum heart rate“. Don’t let this term scare you! To find maximum heart rate, take your age - 220 = “Maximum Heart Rate”. Now find 80% of your Maximum. This becomes your “Target Heart Rate” A NOTE OF CAUTION: If you are very overweight or over forty, use a healthy dose of common sense. Please don’t kill yourself!!!! If you are much older, you might consult a doctor before beginning a strenuous program. Even if you are younger and in fair shape, gradually work up to this over a few weeks time. At least in the first few weeks, don’t push too hard! This program will SURELY work if you follow it correctly, but please don’t go overboard and kill yourself trying to drop a few pounds! The #1 goal should always be good health. This is well above that of looking good in a mirror! Actually, when you take good care of yourself, through good exercise, proper diet and other healthy habits; everything should fall into place. You will be healthy, feel more energetic, look better, sexier, think clearer, and have a better sex life - the subject of a future article! For the first week or two slowly condition yourself to program. Begin with a five-minute warm-up of simple walking. Then build to a heart rate of about 60%. If you opt for playing sports rather than running on a treadmill in a gym, just try to go a moderate pace to gradually condition yourself to where you want to be. When you are at the point where you can exercise to the full, then you still should begin with a warm-up of about 5 minutes. Some pre-exercise stretches can both help to warm the muscles up and prevent injury. After a five-minute warm-up, get your heart rate up to your target rate; hold it in that range for 20 to 30 minutes. Begin at lower levels and build over several weeks toward the 60-minute range, Do this initially at three times a week. Build to four. Then to five if your schedule allows. I do understand that many people have busy schedules but you must at least find time for three to four sessions if you want to gain the benefits of the program. Over the period of several weeks you will find your energy and stamina improving dramatically. Remember, energy = the burning of calories. Therefore, if you are more energetic throughout the day, as you certainly will be, then just as certainly it means that your metabolic rate has been increased. This can be a very powerful tool in weight control! Again, watch the caloric intake as well! Eat healthy, but keep the calories down. Before long you will notice the benefits on the bathroom scale! Weight will come down as body fat is reduced. More importantly, your general state of health and well-being will be significantly enhanced! You’ll have more energy than you have experienced for years, and will even experience a sharper mental focus as well. I truly hope that this article will influence your life for the better. I do know what I am talking about; however, I have no claim to absolute knowledge. Certainly there can be informed disagreement with some of the points I have expressed and the more knowledgeable among you may feel that I have only scratched the surface. Fine! There is a wealth of information on the web and elsewhere on the subject of health and fitness and I do hope that you continue to seek out that knowledge and understanding. This holds true whether you choose to obtain it from me or another source. But if you have enjoyed this article, and especially if you try this program and gets result from it, please consider visiting my Website for more health related e-books. I thank you for your attention and trust that your health and well-being will grow from this day forward!
written by Roger LeBlanc, all rights reserved you are free to redistribute this article provided you do not alter the article in any way.
please visit my websites for more info products at Digital Health Products
also at Roger's Health Blog
Related Articles - diet, health, exercise, metabolism,

Weight Reduction by Using Lida Pills

2009-01-24T01:50:00.002-08:00

These days, people are extremely worried and apprehensive regarding their physical state and health. People very recently have been on the lookout to the fore to use time and money progressively in the course of their better health.

At present, a lot of new methods and conducts are used to reduce surplus weight from the body. All of these weight dipping devices are easily available in the market nowadays. With the use of these methods, people are easily getting their body weight down and creating a strong living. A general difficulty that results in the difficulty of obesity and extra weight is because of increasing addition of fatty and junk food in one’s every day diet.

The majority of people are fully dependent snack food & television dinner food stuff. These type food items are full of calories and huge amount of oils. No individual has time to cook foodstuff in their demanding and tough daily routine of work. In modern times the utilization of diet medication is amazingly a lot in drift and demand. One such significant product is the Lida Dali. The amount of problems like heart failure, increased blood pressure and kidney malfunction have increased in large numbers in recent times. Rightfully, these troubles have come up because of people’s improper consumption manner. The normal body weight of people is increasing steadily.

People normally are moving towards the wrong and unproductive methods which are easier in decreasing their weight. A lot of diet medication is very helpful in decreasing & managing the body weight. A number of vital products that Lida DaiDaihua provides are extremely helpful in the process of losing weight. Lida DaiDaihua diet medicine is recognized everywhere these days. All these are provided by Lida DaiDaihua. These can be purchased using the internet as well.

Every one should be very careful while using these diet medicines. The person who is worried about decreasing his weight, at every time must ask his physician before using any drug which is related to the weight losing process. The physician is fully aware that a number of diet pills can, instead of being helpful, be extremely harmful to the user's body because it may put an effect to the person’s mentality and personality. The most important thing is that one must try to decrease his body weight and heaviness by the use of natural techniques.

How to Get Rid of Hip Fat

2009-01-24T01:50:00.001-08:00

How to Get Rid of Hip Fat
How to get rid of hip fat can be a challenge especially with regards to weight loss. Most women do tend to attract unwanted fat around the hips and thighs. This fat can be very unsightly and can cause some distress.

To be able to lose this fat around your hips you must not just start a weight loss program that only concentrates on this area. You must work on your overall body fat. I have put together 4 tips on how to get rid of hip fat.
1. Use a gym stepper or the bottom of yours stairs at home. Stepping really concentrates fat burning in the buttock area. The gluteal muscles are the largest in the body, lots more calories are burnt using this method of exercise.
2. Thigh squats are a great exercise to try. This exercise can be done using your own body weight or using dumb bell weights. This type of exercise must be carried out correctly, consult your gym instructor if possible. Damage can be done to the knee or thigh is carried out excessively.
3. General weight training will help tone and define your thighs. Your muscle groups in the thigh area of your body are the largest in your body, by working and strengthening these muscles will benefit your bodies metabolism. As your muscles becoming stronger more fat and calories will be burnt decreasing the size of your thighs.
4. A very effective way to lose hip fat is to cut down on your carbohydrate intake, these include potato, rice and pasta. Substitute these with foods containing high protein, like chicken, eggs, cottage cheese or protein drinks.
Different bodies respond to different weight loss and weight gain. Most men store there fat in there belly area but women store it on there thighs, legs and buttocks. Before carrying out any exercise please consult your doctor. How to get rid of hip fat can be difficult.
Vist My Weight Loss Website, Find Highly Recommended Weight loss Products. Check Out My Weight Loss Blog For More Weight Loss And Dieting Resources.

Increasing Customer Demand of Herbal Supplements

2009-01-24T01:49:00.002-08:00

Increasing Customer Demand of Herbal Supplements
Herbal supplements are curative plant provisions, conventionally utilized to take care of several ailments & signs rooted as a result of dietary deficits. They are incorporated in the nutritional add-on group, even though they convey little quantity of nutrients.

In the present day, the herbal supplement & vitamin manufacturing wraps up around $30 billion venture. Few factors which are responsible for the tremendous growth in this industry are:

a. Reasonable systematic legalization of several of the herbs which are employed in herbal supplements.
b. An increasing disappointment through conservative healing.
c. An increased matured inhabitant.
d. Several citizens are becoming health conscious.
e. More Herbal Supplements particularly beleaguered to present most important fitness distresses, Demographics & Gender.

For years together, humans have depended on using herbs & plants for taking care of several disorders & ailments. Customary groups of people frequently bowed to the rural community physician or herbalist, on behalf of receiving blends& concoctions prepared from plant life to heal fever, cold & several other disorders.

Plant life produces obviously taking place composites that encourage a curative result on individuals. A few of these sweet-smelling essentials are there like phytonutrients that not merely supply necessary mineral deposits & vitamins, however as well provide the body by means of antioxidant composites which shield essential organs in opposition to the dangerous exploit of noxious metabolites. Several of the curative properties found inside prescription pills are the derivatives of extorts from well-liked aromatic plants.

Dietary herbal supplements are nutritional add-ons which enclose one or more aromatic plants (or botanicals). Botanicals or herbs are plant lives, or plant ingredients, which are meant for their essence, aroma, or curative characteristics. There, are several aromatic plants which encompass an extensive record of asserted fitness advantages, nevertheless the height of efficiency & temporary or long-standing consequences of a large amount of these aromatic plants are yet unidentified & are still being examined. As a result while selecting herbal supplements; wellbeing ought to be your most important precedence.

Herbal supplements, conversely, recommend a holistic loom to cure where a strong formulation of dissimilar herbal extorts function in synergy to appease the irritation & hold back the pathogens that cause illness at the same time as taking care of fundamental universal ailments & re-establishing an individuals liveliness. The most excellent of everything, herbal supplements do not approach by means of the consequences relevant via prescription pills.

Effects of Home Schooling

2009-01-24T01:49:00.001-08:00

Effects of Home Schooling
I home schooled my son from the time he entered 4th grade all the way to 12th grade. Looking back , I have to say this is the best decision I could have made and will never regret it. Home schooling is a lot of work especially as a single, working mom. But my child was worth it.

I worked as a Dental Hygienist and fortunately I could pretty much choose the days and hours I wanted to work. I guess you could say I chose hours over benefits.
It seems the public schools are not set up to handle any child that is different in any way including learning speed and learning style. All children love to learn but it has to be interesting. Even adults fall asleep in class with a boring instructor. Home Schooling can provide so much hands on that makes any subject interesting.
One subject that Home Schoolers out learn public school children is politics and government. I have seen this over and over. A very boring subject to many sitting in a class room becomes very exciting when going to the capitol or sitting in a court room hearing and witnessing a real case. Our children choose what they want to be in life based on what they have seen and experienced and looked up to. And so I have raised an attorney, a handsome young man that sticks up for his rights and although addresses police officers as "sirs" will tell them what the law is and what his rights are.
Texas is very pro home schooling. If you have a strong interest in home schooling consider moving to the great state of Texas. Our economy is still good, housing market is slow but not as bad as the rest of the country.

A Critical Look at Reform Math

2009-01-24T01:48:00.002-08:00

A Critical Look at Reform Math

First, there was New Math, which everyone said was a failure. So the educators went back to their labs and came up with Reform Math. But the public knew this was just the same old stuff, and called it "New New Math" to show contempt. A more accurate title might be Muddled Math.

Reform Math is actually an umbrella term for a dozen programs such as Connected Math, Everyday Mathematics, MathLand, TERC, etc. What they have in common is an inability to teach math. (And they're very expensive.) By my analysis, these programs incorporate a lot of unproven fads, while scorning traditional methods that are known to work. Across the country, millions of hours are wasted while parents fight school systems over these counterproductive strategies. There's a lot of anger out there.

Parents complain that their children are not taught even basic arithmetic. Students reach college unable to multiply 6 x 7 without a calculator. Math scores continue to fall, which is a major threat to the American economy.

What is to be done? On YouTube an educator in New Jersey foolishly declares: "We can't go back." I think he's wrong. We can go back. The sooner the better. When allowed to choose, most parents prefer a solid foundation, such as that provided by Saxon Math or Singapore Math. The proper sequence is basics first, then a smooth progression toward more sophisticated materials. Reform Math's sin is that it creates a big hodge-podge, and children end up more confused than educated.

Reform Math loves instructional gimmicks. Constructivist Theory says that children have to invent everything for themselves. Group Learning says that children must work in groups, guaranteeing that students can't do independent work. Fuzzy Math says that correct answers don't matter; it's the process of looking for answers that is important. No Memorization says that children should remain empty-headed. Self Esteem says don't teach much, don't correct much, don't expect much...Stir all this stuff together, and it's not surprising that American kids aren't good at math.

The main sophistry that sustains this whole charade is that children are learning to "think critically about math." Even if they can't multiply or divide. Please! We're talking about very young children. If they don't master basic arithmetic, they will feel alienated from math altogether. This "critical thinking" business is perhaps the silliest of the fads. Children who know nothing are hailed as "critical thinkers."

My feeling is that Reform Math is emblematic of a larger problem in American education. There's a lot of make-believe, a lot of pretending. We see books, classes, endless projects, some homework, grades, tests. From a distance you might think that children are being educated. Then you consider the fact that from K to 12, children are in school almost 12,000 hours, but they somehow reach graduation without learning very much. Ask them the simplest questions. Where is Japan on a map? How much is 8 times 7? Many won't know.

The US used to have the best-educated work force. Now we are in 10th place. Bogus math programs are arguably a big part of that decline. How are we going to get back to where we were? Doing so would be a big boost for our future.

The first part of the answer is to tell the truth. American educators seem more dedicated to dumbing down then smartening up. We can't know motives. But we can surely agree that dumbed-down is where a lot of students end up!

The best you can say, I think, is that the people behind Reform Math are inept. So-called experts should be ashamed of themselves. Let's toss out all the fuzzy math programs, and make sure kids can add, subtract, multiply and divide, quickly and efficiently.

For more on this topic, please see "36: The Assault on Math" on Improve-Education.org.

Google Adsense Ads as Different as Possible From Your Website!

2009-01-24T01:48:00.001-08:00

Google Adsense Ads as Different as Possible From Your Website!

The goal is to make your Google adsense ads as different as possible from your website. Unless you have a decent amount of quality content your blog will appear to be a sleazy MFA site (made for AdSense) which will have a negative effect on traffic. Things like being able to have an opt-in box, auto responder set up on the back end, RSS feeds, daily new and fresh content that you write, You Tube like videos that are related to the subject matter, AdSense towers, membership capabilities, picture galleries and a whole host of other tricks and tactics. Ways to make money from Adsense by Distributing articles through Zine and Press Releases One effective method of increasing adsense revenue.
Techniques will mention will be things like blending the “look” of your ads into the overall design of the page are common knowledge, but Adsense Decoded shows you techniques that have been tested to destruction by the author to make huge profits. Since people doing well with AdSense generally don’t like to reveal their earnings due to the fear that they may be terminated by the program, any discussion about an average EPC/CTR/CPM is a waste of time. With Adsense, you never ever want to click on your own ads. To maximize your potential with AdSense, it is important that your site content is accessible to our content crawler.
Software that will shell out a fully-fledged website in half an hour, packages of ready-written Private Label Rights articles, membership sites where for a monthly fee you can get PLR packages on any topic that ranks high in keyword analyses, or ready-made content-rich sites already fitted out with Google Adsense codes. Keep updating your website, keep marketing the site, for more details visit to www.instant-adsense-dollars.com and you will soon see Google AdSense Profits. Some people think that affiliate marketing is too much work and that splashing some AdSense ads on a page is far easier. Your page will be designed primarily as a means of providing some additional subject matter information and will feature Adsense.
Information (What we've discovered) Stats Update Frequency/Delay: Although AdSense stats usually updates every couple hours, you don’t need to panic at all if you see no change in your stats for over 12 hours. This topic area is carefully selected in order produce maximum value from every eventual Adsense click. )After all this has been done, all that's needed is to maintain a stream of content running into the site and put AdSense or affiliate programs on it, for more details visit to www.adsense-income-exposed.com and the money should cumulatively start rolling in. However, YPN requires a little more maintenance than AdSense for one very daunting reason.
Many argue Google already dominates the web, why should it not be the one to handle these CPA transactions through its Adsense program. Google also lets you track your adsense code on different urls (channels) so you can see which web pages or blogs are earning you money. While this is unlikely accurate (since Google will never tell you exactly why it is you have been banned from AdSense) it may be possible, since cautiously having reviewed the Terms of Service there are restrictions that seem all too vague, but considerably risky to leave unascertained. In a nutshell, Ad Section Targeting allows you to emphasize what keywords Google AdSense will pick up from your site. Are you in for the long term as a serious adsense publisher? The Google Adsense, will display ads relevant to your topics. Build a knowledge site with a blend of affiliate Plans along with Google AdSense ads and earn several nice paychecks a mont

Georgia Workers' Compensation Benefits - What Employees Are Entitled To Benefits?

2009-01-24T01:47:00.000-08:00

Georgia Workers' Compensation Benefits - What Employees Are Entitled To Benefits?
by: Aaron Walter

This article is made available for educational purposes only, to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. This should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

What is Workers' Compensation?

In Georgia, Workers' Compensation operates as a "no fault" system for compensating injured workers for time missed from work and for costs of necessary medical treatment. The system presents trade-offs for Georgia workers. While it bars claims against an employer for personal injury, it also bars some of the defenses an employer could use against a workers' claim such as "assumption of the risk" or that the injury was caused by a fellow employee.

This system means you cannot sue your employer in State/Superior court for your injuries, like you would in other instances. Instead, an injured employee is compensated according to a schedule set out by the Georgia State Board of Workers' Compensation. Sadly, this means you will not be able to sue your employer for such things as pain and suffering from your injuries.

Exactly who is allowed to make a Georgia Workers' Comp claim?

The foundation of workers' compensation law is in defining who is an employer and an employee for workers' compensation purposes. Unfortunately, it is not always as simple as "I work for Company X, therefore Company X is my employer and I am his employee."

The basic rule as to whether an employee/employer relationship exists involves two seemingly simple criteria; 1) a person in the service of another, who is 2) under contract of hire.

There is no requirement that a work contract be written. Actual pay may not be necessary (ex. Volunteer firefighters or police, elected officials). Minors can still benefit from workers' compensation even if they are working in violation of child labor laws. Also, unlike many states, migrant workers and temporary employees are covered.

However, many types of employment or employers are not subject to workers' compensation. Types of employment not covered by Georgia Workers' Compensation include Domestic servants, Farm laborers, Railroad common carriers, Sports officials (umpire, judge, linesman, scorekeeper, timekeeper, etc.), Licensed real estate salespersons with independent contractor agreements, Partners in a business, and Independent Contractors.

Georgia Workers Compensation does NOT apply to employers that do not have at least three employees operating in the same business within Georgia. These minimum three employees must be "regularly in service" within the state. The term "regularly" does not mean constantly or continuously, only that there is a routine practice by the employer to utilize three or more employees, even if that many employees are working on the date of an accident. In most situations your boss will count towards the three employee requirement.

Independent Contractors

Employers often do everything they can to classify their employees as independent contractors to protect themselves from having to pay workers' compensation to their injured employees. There may be a debate as to whether you are in fact an independent contractor, but if you one, you are not entitled to workers' compensation. While it can be complicated determining whether you are an employee or an independent contractor, below are some of the factors to look at in determining your status:

CONTRACT - Existence of an independent contractor agreement signed by the worker

PAY - An hourly or salaried worker is likely an employee. When a worker is paid on a per-job basis he may be viewed as an independent contractor.

TAXES - If an employer withholds taxes, the worker is more likely an employee. However, just because your wages are reported on 1099 tax form instead of a W-2, your employer has not automatically made you an independent contractor.

TYPE OF WORK - If the workers' job is part of the regular business of the employer, rather than some additional service to the business, it would favor the employer/employee relationship.

JOB "TOOLS" - Who supplies the tools, supplies, or materials of the job? If the worker supplies all their own tools and materials it likely indicates an independent contractor relationship.

HOURS - If the employer controls a workers' hours, it likely indicates an employment relationship.

OVERALL CONTROL - If the employer controls how a worker does their job, as opposed to simply requiring certain results, the worker is likely an employee. These "how" factors focus on the hours, manner, methods, and means of performing the work.

About The Author
Aaron Walter is an attorney in Marietta, Georgia. He specializes in Workers' Compensation and cases involving injured Iraq contractors under the Defense Base Act. He is also an author of The Defense Base Act Blog http://defensebaseactblog.com. View his firm's website at http://www.chestnutlegal.com

Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Horror, Gaming, Anime & Comic Conventions - They Are Not All The Same

2009-01-24T01:46:00.000-08:00

Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Horror, Gaming, Anime & Comic Conventions - They Are Not All The Same
by: June Williams

A very large number of people who have never attended a Sci-Fi convention have the idea that they are all about people standing in line to get autographs of actors while wearing Klingon makeup and costumes or pointed ears. I’m not saying that those stereotypes don’t exist but the Convention experience is much richer and diverse than you may have been led to believe. To get the best experience it is important first consider your interests and then match them to what conventions are available.

Conventions come in two primary flavors. Professional and fan run. Professional conventions should have actors who have appeared in genre television and films ready to sign autographs and have their photos taken with fans. Some of these conventions include the costs of autographs and photo sessions in the cost of admission others operate in more of an a la carte fashion.

Often genre conventions have previews of new shows and films, and usually an extensive dealer’s room where you can buy anything from jewelry, ornaments, t-shirts and action figures to full scale replicas and costumes...and more. While there are a number of professional promoters the best known and run are Chiller Theatre Expo, Creation Entertainment, Fed Con ( Germany ), Starland and Vulcon. Do expect things to be as advertised and run on time. Do not expect warm and fuzzy.

Warm and fuzzy is more the field of fan run conventions. Fans who get together to run conventions have a great deal of enthusiasm, but usually are run with a volunteer staff and can be a bit “bumpy” with organization of the activities. What you can expect? A movie room, anime room, gaming room, art show, dealer’s room, and various special interest group rooms and tables. It is a rare con that doesn’t have a dance and a masquerade. Many fan run conventions also have guests ranging from actors, authors, cartoonists, illustrators, scientists etc. You may also find workshops for writing, acting, art, costuming, make-up and special effects. It all varies from convention to convention and year to year. Older fan run conventions such as Aggie Con, Balticon, Bay Con, CONvergence, Dragon Con, ICON, Shore Leave, United Fan Con, Toronto Trek to name a few.

The following sections may help you in selecting the kind of convention you would enjoy the most. Don’t be afraid to try other sorts once you’ve sampled those that are in your comfort zone. Exploration can be fun:

• LITERARY CONVENTIONS

Love to read speculative fiction? Do you have an interest in attending workshops on writing and publishing? Would you like to mingle with like-minded fans and meet professionals in the field such as authors, editors, illustrators and publishers? Then a literary convention would be the place you might enjoy most. Conventions such as World Science Fiction Convention (which is where the Hugo awards are announced), the World Fantasy Convention, World Horror Convention, Balticon, Philcon, Lunacon, Boskone, Readercon, Wiscon and Capclave are all reader friendly and while you may find the occasional filking group, men in kilts, swords and women in medieval garb I doubt that you’ll see many people dressed like the attendees of the convention seen in the movie Galaxy Quest. OK maybe one or two but they are a tiny minority.

• MEDIA CONVENTIONS

Media conventions are very much about television and film. Science Fiction & Fantasy or Horror & Paranormal guests abound. You may meet and hear behind the scenes stories of actors and illustrators, SFX experts and make-up artists and a host of media professionals. Many of the attendees may be wearing costumes. Depending on whether you are going to a “pro” con or a fan run con the rest will vary greatly. Parties are expected and encouraged. At a pro convention this will take the form of a banquet with the guests at a fee and/or a dance or cocktail party all for various prices. Fan run convention also may have a price attached to a banquet or “private” gathering with a particular celebrity or celebrities but they will also have fee free dances, masquerades, art shows, filking, sword demonstrations etc. Toronto Trek, Celebration, BotCon, Dragon Con , Comic-Con ( both Dragon Con and Comicon will appear under many categories)

• GAMING CONVENTIONS

Gamers come in all shapes, sizes, ages, colors and ethnic backgrounds but they all have something in common. A love of games. Role playing, live, pen and paper, MMOG as well as video gamers and board gamers all have a lot of interactive fun at gaming conventions. You can meet game designers, try out new games that have yet to hit the general market, and play in tournaments for glory and prizes. Once an almost male-only pursuit, gaming now has a growing number of female enthusiasts Gaming has become so pervasive that it is now nearly socially acceptable to the mainstream public. Nearly.

There are giant conventions like GENCON and ORIGINS, where it is so crowded you may have trouble negotiating the exhibition halls due to the crowds. The upside is the great diversity and FREEBIES as there are so many gaming companies competing for your attention. Then there are the more intimate play intensive ones like Archon, CastleCon, Dragonflight Dreikonigsnacht (Twelfth Night), Festival of Dreams, HexaCon, KublaCon, MACE, MarsCon, Marmalade Dog, ShaunCon, Strategicon, The Once and Future Con, and many many more.

Keep in mind that many conventions other than pure gaming conventions have gaming tracks. If you like to game but want to do more than only game during the weekend you might look into some of the other cons with a strong gaming element.

• ANIME CONVENTIONS

For the older generation anime seems so foreign, even unreachable. It shouldn’t be. Yes, anime and its siblings manga and ahem *cough* hentai are of Japanese origin but the striking visual styles and beauty, the characters and stories connect with westerners as well as audiences in the east. Because they are animations they can either be sub-titled or dubbed in the language of the country where it is being broadcast. In anime the stars are the illustrators, authors, and voice actors. At conventions you will find many of these sorts of guests as well as companies promoting their projects. You will also find some of the most imaginative of costumes created and worn by fans. At larger conventions you may find multiple rooms running films day and night. At smaller ones perhaps just one room will be devoted to showing their favorites. There are often panels discussing aspects of cosplay, fan fiction, video games, favorite voice actors, anime series or movies. As in literary conventions there are often workshops. These workshops are mostly how to draw manga, make computer animation, or how to become a voice actor. The dealers room will be filled with DVDs , software, graphic novel manga, art books, apparel, toys and exotic ( for us ) foods.

While the U.S. and Canada have the largest SF conventions in the world the largest Anime conventions are Lucca Comics & Games in Lucca Italy ( 85,000 ) , Japan Expo in Paris France ( 83,000 ) Salon del Manga in Barcelona Spain ( 63,000 ) and Romics in Rome Italy ( 50,000 ). The big guys in North America are Anime Expo Los Angeles California (41,000), Otakon Baltimore Maryland (23,000) and A-Kon Dallas Texas (14,500). Hey, size isn’t everything and some of the smallest might be the way to start if you have never been to a con before!!

• HORROR CONVENTIONS

What a perfect place to let it all hang out (dating myself but who cares). Horror conventions revel in going over the top. Long live Elvira, Freddy Krueger, Jason, Dracula, Zacherley, Even the names of these conventions and expos are meant to be graphic illustrations of what you will find there. Chiller Theatre, Fangoria, Fright Night Film and Fantasy Fest, HorrorFind, HorrorHound Weekend, Spooky Empire. Nothing to subtle here. No sparing of the gore. It’s like the rollercoaster of genre conventions. If you have a strong stomach and a dark sense of humor you will have tons of fun. The dealer’s room, art show, video rooms all are in sync with the horror theme. Guests that reach back decades up to the present. Once again there is a chance to meet actors, artists and authors for autographs, photo shoots, and anecdotes. Attendees go wild with costumes and you can do so too even without a ton of money or a pile of cash. Try out your best monsterish clothes and make-up or come asa victim…or not. Costumes aren’t required, they are just fun. There is usually a monster mash even if that isn’t the name given. Some horror conventions invite guests that more about nostalgia than horror. Chiller Con is a good example of this. Some of their guests are Micky Dolenz from the Monkees, Ernest Borgnine , Lindsay Wagner, Brigitte Nielson, Katey Sagal (Married with Children), Stephen Baldwin, Daniel Baldwin, Barry Bostwick, Erin Murphy (Tabitha of Bewitched), Avery Brooks, Armin Shimmerman, Robert Picardo, Geri Reischel (Jan from The Brady Bunch), Susan Olsen (Cindy from The Brady Bunch),Joe Pantoliano,Richard Kiel ("Jaws" Moonraker), Lou Ferrigno, William B Davies (X-Files-Cancer Man), Stella Stevens, Frank Stallone, Ron Bumblefoot ( Guns N Roses ) and a host of others.

• COMIC CONVENTION

When you think of a comic book convention you will probably think of a sea of old comic books, toys, Star Wars stuff, Star Trek stuff, action figures, collectible card games and magazines for sale and you would be right but that is only a part and an increasingly small part of the experience. You will find illustrators, authors, publishers and very often interesting workshops and panels that deal with every aspect of the industry past, present and future. There are the costume contingents that always show up at the larger conventions and some are so good that you could almost believe you were seeing superheroes and villains walk out of the pages and off the screen to meet you and be photographed. Some cons such as Dragon Con and Comic-Con began solely as comic conventions but grew to tremendous size, scope and diversity that they have transcended the genre that gave rise to them. Even those such as HEROES which remains focused on comics manages to have a number of other aspects and should be able to keep the whole family amused for the weekend. Comic conventions often have a lot of pop culture and nostalgia guests. So if you would like to see people like Creature, Parthenon and Fat Mama from Who wants to be a Superhero or maybe even Stan Lee himself, you might get your chance. How about James & Oliver Phelps who played the Weasley Twins in the Harry Potter movies ? Or perhaps Sean Astin or Billy Boyd and even Elijah Wood . From Heroes Hayden Paniterre and Masi Oka, or Ice-T…yes I said Ice-T AND his swimsuit-model wife Coco.

For a walk down memory lane there is Erik Estrada, Betsy Palmer, Soupy Sales, Richard Hatch, John Saxon, Adam West and Burt Ward ( Batman and Robin) , Julie Newmar, Peter Mayhew, Eddie Byrnes (77 Sunset Strip), Erin Gray (Buck Rodgers), Gary Coleman, Lou Ferrigno and on and on. Some are from your childhood others are from your parents childhoods. I can tell you that when I unexpectedly got to meet the very ladylike and gracious Betsy Palmer it was a thrill.

The bottom line is conventions are places where adults can go and play and slough off the average workday week . Have fun !!

About The Author
June Williams
V.P. Buzzy Multimedia Publishing
http://www.buzzymultimedia.com

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The Importance of Play

2009-01-24T01:44:00.001-08:00

The Importance of Play
by: Judy Hansen

For children, play is naturally enjoyable. And since it is their active engagement in things that interest them, play should be child-led, or at least child-inspired, for it to remain relevant and meaningful to them. Children at play are happily lost in themselves; they are in their own realm of wonder, exploration, and adventure, pulling parents in at times with a frequent “Let’s play, mom!” as an open invitation into that world.

As early as infancy, children immerse themselves in play activities with the purpose of making sense of the world around them. Play gives children the opportunity to learn and experience things themselves, which is vital for their development. Although peek-a-boo games seem pointless to adults, tots are awed by the surprise that awaits them as they see the suddenly emerging faces of people they love.

(Stages of Play)

During toddlerhood, children experience a motor-growth spurt that equips them to solitarily fiddle with anything they can get their hands on – be it a construction toy or the box from where it came.

Toddlers also love breaking into song, wiggling and jiggling to tunes, and imitating finger plays they are commonly exposed to.

Preschoolers begin extending their play to involve others, whether they bring others in at any stage of their game or they plan their game and its players’ way ahead. Their physical and motor skills allow them to widen their lay arena, from dramatic play to table games to outdoor pursuits.

School-age children start appreciating organized play – such as innovated songs and rhymes, games with rules, relays and other physical activities, sports and projects that they can accomplish over a certain time frame.

Play Perks:

Why the big fuss about playing? Play benefits the child in ways that might be a tad difficult for adults to imagine.

1. Play brings pure and utter joy.

A toddler who jumps into an empty box and runs around the house ‘driving a car’ shows the sheer happiness that play brings him or her. When children are asked what they did in school and they answer ‘play,’ it is a clear sign that these kids remember a feeling of genuine joy that is captured in this four-letter word.

2. Play fosters socio-emotional learning.

What does a ten-month-old baby who shrieks at the sight of her stuffed toy have in common with a ten-year-old boy who plays basketball with his friends? They both deal with their confidence as they choose to embark on their play activities. At the same time, they are displaying their independence in the decisions that they make. These two children are also internalizing social rules in their respective play situations: the baby waits patiently for her stuffed toy to appear, while the school-age child has to contend with an impending loss in a ball game.

3. Play hones physical and motor development.

Play often involves the use of the senses, the body, and the extremities. When children play, they exercise their bodies for physical strength, fluidity of movement, balance and coordination.

Perceptual-motor ability, or the capacity to coordinate what you perceive with how you move, is an essential skill that preschoolers need to develop. A three-year-old who is engrossed in digging, scooping, and pouring sand into a container must match his or her perception of the space in front of him or her with actual hand movements, so that he or she can successfully fulfill the motor activity.

4. Play facilitates cognitive learning.

Play is vital to the intellectual development of a child. We live in a symbolic world in which people need to decode words, actions, and numbers.

For young children, symbols do not naturally mean anything because they are just arbitrary representations of actual objects. The role of play is for the child to understand better cognitive concepts in ways that are enjoyable, real, concrete, and meaningful to them. For instance, through play, a child is able to comprehend that the equation 3 + 2 = 5 means ‘putting together’ his toy cars by lining them up in his makeshift parking lot. When he combines 2 triangles to make a square during block play, or writes down his score is a bowling game, the child is displaying what he knows about shapes and numbers.

Through play, the child is constructing his or her worldview by constantly working and reworking his understanding of concepts.

5. Play enhances language development.

Toddlers who are still grappling with words need to be immersed in oral language so they can imitate what they hear. They benefit from songs and rhymes that provide the basis for understanding how language works.

When these tots are playing with toys, adults model to them how language is used to label objects or describe an event. At play, preschoolers use language to interact, communicate ideas, and likewise learn from dialogues with more mature members of society.

6. Play encourages creativity.

Barney the dinosaur was right about using imagination to make things happen. A lump of Play-Doh suddenly turns into spaghetti with meat sauce and cheese; a small towel transforms into a cape that completes a superhero’s wardrobe; and a tin can serves as a drum that accompanies an aspiring rock artist. Play opens an entire avenue for children to express themselves, show what they know and how they feel, and to create their own masterpieces.

7. Play provides bonding opportunities.

Play is an important factor in child development. It provides for interaction, experimentation, and moral development. Here are some ways by which parents can encourage and support their children’s playtime.

- Let your child be the player-leader. Let children initiate their activity, set their own theme, choose the parameters where the play will take place. Play becomes a venue for children to express their feelings and be in control.

- Help them help themselves. When your 5-year-old asks for help, say, figuring out how to piece a puzzle together, stop yourself from coming to her rescue and first ask your child questions that allow him or her to help himself or herself. Say, “Where do you think this piece should go?” Afterward, commend his or her success.

- Play attention. Once you make a commitment to play with your child, watch for the following signals: Does he or she want you to actively play a part in the activity? Does he or she need encouragement? Is he or she tired or hungry? Does he or she need to take a break?

- Have a play plan. If you seem to have little time for playing with your child, consider using self-care chores to have fun with him or her. Also, get support from other people in your household, like older siblings, household help, or the child’s grandparents, so that they understand why play is important and how they should continue to encourage it.

About The Author
Judy Hansen is a web administrator of http://www.child-central.com

She is also a mother of 2 girls and a preschool teacher with Child's Minder School House.

Acne Fact and Fiction! Do Stress, Facials and Concealer's Help to Promote or Reduce Acne Breakouts?

2009-01-24T01:43:00.001-08:00

Acne Fact and Fiction! Do Stress, Facials and Concealer's Help to Promote or Reduce Acne Breakouts?
by: Stephen M. Seabrook

What is Acne? People have differing opinions as to what acne really is. So, what exactly is acne? Do a couple of occasional but recurring zits qualify as a case of acne or do you have to have a lot of zits?

Believe it or not, the answer is that occasional pimples or zits do not constitute a true case of acne. Although zits do seem to have the ability to appear almost instantaneously and at the most inopportune times like picture day, prom night, spelling bees, sporting events, dates, and special award ceremonies, they are not a true acne outbreak.

The dictionary defines acne as "an inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands, characterized by comedones and pimples, especially on the face, back, chest, and, in severe cases, by cysts and nodules resulting in scarring."

The anatomical definition of sebaceous glands is: "small subcutaneous glands usually connected with hair follicles. The follicles secrete an oily semi-fluid matter, composed in great part of fat, which softens and lubricates the hair and skin."

Real acne outbreaks are actually a disease of the skin. However, the great news is that acne is treatable. Although it can be very embarrassing, cause great emotional distress, and lower your personal self-esteem for a period of time, acne is not fatal.

There are new and effective treatments being sought by researchers and great advances have been made in the treatment of acne in the last few years. Years ago, when a person had acne, they were pretty much stuck with the problem. There were very few treatments available and the medical profession didn't even consider acne a disease.

It was long thought that acne was the direct result of a diet that was too high in fat and/or sweets. That is no longer the case. Acne is most often associated with puberty and the onset of pre-teen and teenage years but it can and does develop in adults as well. When acne does finally heal, there can be permanent scars left (from picking and popping) that are unsightly and cause patients to suffer long term emotional distress and low self- esteem.

New and very effective skin resurfacing treatments have been developed over the last several years that have, if not completely removed acne scars, at least diminished their appearance and severity.

Acne Fact or Fiction:

You can hear a lot of tall tales about acne today, so let's take a look at the fact or fiction of acne. It is always better to be well armed with factual information so that you don't get fooled by the fictional facts that surround acne.

Fictional Fact #1: Acne is caused by a lack of sexual activity.

Factual Fact: Acne and sexual activity are two entirely separate issues. One has no bearing on the other. Hormones secreted during puberty and young adulthood does have a bearing on acne. They also have a bearing on sexual arousal and activity. However, acne has no bearing on sexual activity nor does sexual activity have any bearing on acne.

Fictional Fact #2: People have acne because they are dirty.

Factual Fact: Dirt has no part in acne. Dirt is dirt. Acne is acne. One has nothing to do with the other. Acne is a build up of oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Dirt isn't involved. Keeping the face clean can and will help to prevent clogged pores but dirt does not cause acne.

Fictional Fact #3: Dermatologists can cure acne.

Factual Fact: Dermatologists can TREAT acne. They can help to alleviate the symptoms and help to clear up the pimples, black-heads, and white heads. They can prescribe antibiotics and topical ointments, lotions, and creams that will help but there is no cure at this time for acne.

Fictional Fact #4: Acne is simply a skin problem.

Factual Fact: It's true that acne affects the skin but it can also affect the way a person sees himself or herself. Acne and the scarring it can leave behind may cause a sufferer to become depressed and develop low self-esteem, both of which can lead to larger and more complex life socialization problems. Acne sufferers need the loving support and reassurance from their family and friends.

Acne and Stress:

Can stress actually cause acne? There is ample evidence available to suggest that stress can most assuredly cause an acne breakout or make an existing breakout worse. Our bodies are highly developed chemical laboratories that produce all sorts of stuff.

At puberty, our body begins to produce an abundance of male hormones and this happens in both boys and girls. This overproduction of male hormones can happen at other times in life besides puberty; for example, when a girl or woman starting or stops taking birth control pills.

These male hormones cause the bodies sebaceous glands to shift into overdrive and begin producing sebum. The sebum then travels up hair follicles, clogs the pores and begins the acne development cycle. However, male hormones are not the only cause for the sebaceous glands to begin producing an overabundance of sebum. When we become extremely stressed or overly emotional, our bodies react by causing the adrenal glands to produce a substance known as Cortisol, which is released directly into the bloodstream. Then the chemical chain reaction continues as the sebaceous glands release sebum, the sebum travels up the same hair follicles, clogs the pores and acne develops.

The physical changes in the body can cause exactly the same chemical chain reaction as the emotional changes in the mind. The mind/body connection is very real. Maybe some of it really IS in your head. If that's the case, there is help available to help people deal with the acne that is caused by stress. Reducing stress will just naturally reduce sebum production by the sebaceous glands and reducing sebum production will help to alleviate an acne breakout. Therefore, when you learn to reduce and control you stress levels, this part of the chemical chain reaction is minimized.

It really it isn't any different than restoring a hormonal balance to your body that reduces sebum production. So, in the final analysis, both factors that cause excessive sebum production should be addressed. Solving one problem might help; however, solving both problems could eliminate acne altogether.

Acne Facials:

If you are part of the 95 of the population who suffer from acne, you have more than likely seen TV or print media advertisements for acne facials. Have you ever wondered if there is anything to the claims that their manufacturers make?

In general, the answer is yes! Most acne facials are very effective, pretty much worth the price, and can be used in conjunction with your usual acne fighting regime. They won't necessarily replace any part of what you are already doing; but, rather enhance the overall effects.

You can find acne facials in most health stores, at many cosmetic counters, and online. As a matter of fact, you can probably complete a better comparison of available products online than you can anywhere else.

Most of these acne facial products provide for a three-step program. The first step is a complete facial cleansing. The next step is a steam massage. The final step is a facial mask. The first two steps are designed to prepare the face. The steam massage softens the black heads and the white heads to remove toxins from your skin. The facial mask serves to remove the dead skin cells from the face and to moisturize it as well. The overall effect of the acne facial is a very relaxing, calming, and cleansing experience. It just plain feels good. Anything that helps to calm and sooth your stress can't be bad because we all know that acne is aggravated by high stress levels. Acne facial masks can be used in addition to other parts of your acne prevention and treatment regime or you may find that the facial can, in fact, actually replace some things that you are currently doing.

Acne Concealer's:

One of Newton's laws of physics laws says that, "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction." That law of physics spills over into a lot of our life situations. For example: A young woman gets a zit and wants to cover it up. The cosmetics industry has a multitude of products designed to do just that. Okay, that's a little far out there but you get my point.

The acne pimples, whether they are white heads or black heads should never be picked at or popped. If they are popped or picked, it can and normally does result is a scar that is much harder to get rid of than the actual pimple, black head or white head. Popping a pimple is not going to make it go away. In fact, popping a pimple is only going to make the acne worse.

Still when you get a zit, you have to go out and face the world so you are looking for ways to make your skin look clear. You want to disguise the zit and make it as unnoticeable as possible. Here is where the cosmetic industry can help. There are a multitude of products designed to make a zit less noticeable. You don't want to use a product that just adds to the problem by adding additional oil to already oily skin. So, you do need to remember, that when you use a cover product to make the zit less noticeable, you need to totally clean the product from your skin immediately when you return home.

Some of the better known as well as more effective cosmetic concealer's on the market today are:

1. Dermablend Smooth Indulgence Concealer: This product produces a smooth matte appearance and was designed specifically for covering acne blemishes as well as for covering Rosacea and dark circles under the eyes.

2. Flawless Skin by Prescriptives: This product will not aggravate acne but will supply a medium to full coverage and it contains SPF 25 for protection from the sun.

Don't let acne control you; but rather, become smart and learn how to control the negative influences in your life that create a positive situation for acne to develop!

About The Author
Stephen M. Seabrook, MBA
President
Nice Specialty Gifts, L.L.C.
Shop for the best anniversary gifts for your parents, get personalized gifts for your spouse, or unique gifts for best friends at nicespecialtygifts4u. Com! Our 3.6 million gift superstore has this plus more!
http://www.nicespecialtygifts4u.com
Home of 3.6 million item gift shop with over 1,250 suppliers and Home Income Portals at http://www.homeincomeportal.com/stesea490 and http://www.itsmyfranchise.com/stesea532

Can Data Breaches Be Expected From Bankrupt Mortgage Lenders?

2009-01-24T01:42:00.000-08:00

Can Data Breaches Be Expected From Bankrupt Mortgage Lenders?
by: Tim Maliyil

The stock market is in a tumult. Actually, it has been for about a year, ever since the subprime fiasco (anyone take a look at Moody's performance over the past year?) Now that that particular issue has been beaten to death, other mortgage related issues are cropping up. Most of the stuff covered in the media is financial in nature, but some of those mortgage related issues do concern information security.

It's no secret that there are plenty of companies in the US that discard sensitive documents by dumping them unceremoniously: leave it by the curb, drive it to a dumpster, heave it over the walls of abandoned property, and other assorted mind boggling insecure practices. In fact, MSNBC has an article on this issue, and names numerous bankrupt mortgage companies whose borrowers' records were found in dumpsters and recycling centers. The information on those documents include credit card numbers and SSNs, as well as addresses, names, and other information needed to secure a mortgage.

Since the companies have filed for bankruptcy and are no more, the potential victims involved have no legal recourse, and are left to fend for themselves. In a way, it makes sense that companies that have filed for bankruptcy are behaving this way. (Not that I'm saying this is proper procedure.) For starters, if a company does wrong, one goes after the company; however, the company has filed for bankruptcy, it is no more, so there's no one to "go after." In light of the company status, this means that the actual person remaining behind to dispose of things, be they desks or credit applications, can opt to do whatever he feels like. He could shred the applications. He could dump them nearby. He could walk away and let the building's owner take care of them. What does he care? It's not as if he's gonna get fired.

Also, proper disposal requires either time, money, or both. A bankrupt company doesn't have money. It may have time, assuming people are going to stick around, but chances are their shredder has been seized by creditors. People are not going to stick around to shred things by hand, literally.

Aren't there any laws regulating this? Apparently, such issues are covered by FACTA, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, and although its guidelines require that "businesses to dispose of sensitive financial documents in a way that protects against 'unauthorized access to or use of the information'" [msnbc.com], it stops short of requiring the physical destruction of data. I'm not a lawyer, but perhaps there's enough leeway in the language for one to go around dropping sensitive documents in dumpsters?

Like I mentioned before, inappropriate disposal of sensitive documents has been going on forever; I'm pretty sure this has been a problem since the very first mortgage was issued. My personal belief is that most companies would act responsibly and try to properly dispose of such information. But, this may prove to be a point of concern as well because of widespread misconceptions of what it means to protect data against unauthorized access.

What happens if a company that files for bankruptcy decides to sell their company computers to pay off creditors? Most people would delete the information found in the computer, and that's that-end of story. Except, it's not. When files are deleted, the actual data still resides in the hard disks; it's just that the computer's operating system doesn't have a way to find the information anymore. Indeed, this is how retail data restoration applications such as Norton are able to recover accidentally deleted files.

Some may be aware of this and decide to format the entire computer before sending it off to the new owners. The problem with this approach is the same as deleting files: data recovery is a cinch with the right software. Some of them retail for $30 or less-as in free. So, the sensitive data that's supposed to be deleted can be recovered, if not easily, at least cheaply-perhaps by people with criminal interests.

Am I being paranoid? I don't think so. I've been tracking fraud for years now, and I can't help but conclude that the criminal underworld has plenty of people looking to be niche operators, not to mention that there are infinitesimal ways of defrauding people (look up "salad oil" and "American Express," for an example). An identification theft ring looking to collect sensitive information from bankrupt mortgage dealers wouldn't surprise me, especially in an environment where such companies are dropping left and right.

The economics behind it make sense as well. A used computer will retail anywhere from $100 to $500. The information in it, if not wiped correctly, will average many times more even if you factor in the purchase of data recovery software. Criminals have different ways of capitalizing on personal data, ranging from selling the information outright to engaging in something with better returns.

Is there a better way to protect oneself? Whole disk encryption is a way to ensure that such problems do not occur: One can just reformat the encrypted drive itself to install a new OS; the original data remains encrypted, so there's no way to extract the data. Plus, the added benefit is that the data is protected in the event that a computer gets lost or stolen. However, commonsense dictates that encryption is something ongoing concerns sign up for, not businesses about to go bankrupt. My guess is that sooner or later we'll find instances of data breaches originating from equipment being traced back to bankrupt mortgage dealers.

The stock market is in a tumult. Actually, it has been for about a year, ever since the subprime fiasco (anyone take a look at Moody's performance over the past year?) Now that that particular issue has been beaten to death, other mortgagerelated issues are cropping up. Most of the stuff covered in the media is financial in nature, but some of those mortgagerelated issues do concern information security.

It's no secret that there are plenty of companies in the US that discard sensitive documents by dumping them unceremoniously: leave it by the curb, drive it to a dumpster, heave it over the walls of abandoned property, and other assorted mindboggling insecure practices. In fact, MSNBC has an article on this issue, and names numerous bankrupt mortgage companies whose borrowers' records were found in dumpsters and recycling centers. The information on those documents include credit card numbers and SSNs, as well as addresses, names, and other information needed to secure a mortgage.

Since the companies have filed for bankruptcy and are no more, the potential victims involved have no legal recourse, and are left to fend for themselves. In a way, it makes sense that companies that have filed for bankruptcy are behaving this way. (Not that I'm saying this is proper procedure.) For starters, if a company does wrong, one goes after the company; however, the company has filed for bankruptcy, it is no more, so there's no one to "go after." In light of the company status, this means that the actual person remaining behind to dispose of things, be they desks or credit applications, can opt to do whatever he feels like. He could shred the applications. He could dump them nearby. He could walk away and let the building's owner take care of them. What does he care? It's not as if he's gonna get fired.

Also, proper disposal requires either time, money, or both. A bankrupt company doesn't have money. It may have time, assuming people are going to stick around, but chances are their shredder has been seized by creditors. People are not going to stick around to shred things by hand, literally.

Aren't there any laws regulating this? Apparently, such issues are covered by FACTA, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, and although its guidelines require that "businesses to dispose of sensitive financial documents in a way that protects against 'unauthorized access to or use of the information'" [msnbc.com], it stops short of requiring the physical destruction of data. I'm not a lawyer, but perhaps there's enough leeway in the language for one to go around dropping sensitive documents in dumpsters?

Like I mentioned before, inappropriate disposal of sensitive documents has been going on forever; I'm pretty sure this has been a problem since the very first mortgage was issued. My personal belief is that most companies would act responsibly and try to properly dispose of such information. But, this may prove to be a point of concern as well because of widespread misconceptions of what it means to protect data against unauthorized access.

What happens if a company that files for bankruptcy decides to sell their company computers to pay off creditors? Most people would delete the information found in the computer, and that's that-end of story. Except, it's not. When files are deleted, the actual data still resides in the hard disks; it's just that the computer's operating system doesn't have a way to find the information anymore. Indeed, this is how retail data restoration applications such as Norton are able to recover accidentally deleted files.

Some may be aware of this and decide to format the entire computer before sending it off to the new owners. The problem with this approach is the same as deleting files: data recovery is a cinch with the right software. Some of them retail for $30 or less-as in free. So, the sensitive data that's supposed to be deleted can be recovered, if not easily, at least cheaply-perhaps by people with criminal interests.

Am I being paranoid? I don't think so. I've been tracking fraud for years now, and I can't help but conclude that the criminal underworld has plenty of people looking to be niche operators, not to mention that there are infinitesimal ways of defrauding people (look up "salad oil" and "American Express," for an example). An identification theft ring looking to collect sensitive information from bankrupt mortgage dealers wouldn't surprise me, especially in an environment where such companies are dropping left and right.

The economics behind it make sense as well. A used computer will retail anywhere from $100 to $500. The information in it, if not wiped correctly, will average many times more even if you factor in the purchase of data recovery software. Criminals have different ways of capitalizing on personal data, ranging from selling the information outright to engaging in something with better returns.

Is there a better way to protect oneself? Whole disk encryption is a way to ensure that such problems do not occur: One can just reformat the encrypted drive itself to install a new OS; the original data remains encrypted, so there's no way to extract the data. Plus, the added benefit is that the data is protected in the event that a computer gets lost or stolen. However, commonsense dictates that encryption is something ongoing concerns sign up for, not businesses about to go bankrupt. My guess is that sooner or later we'll find instances of data breaches originating from equipment being traced back to bankrupt mortgage dealers.

About The Author
Timothy Maliyil is CEO and founder of Data Guard Systems, Inc., a leading developer and marketer of endpoint managed security services and online business management software, based in New York City. Data Guard Systems is an Application Service Provider (ASP) and offers intuitive business management software to various industries. Data Guard's flagship product is the AlertBoot data security managed service. AlertBoot offers full disk encryption and a comprehensive suite of disk security solutions as a centralized, managed service. Deployment times and support are significantly reduced, thus resulting in a lower overall total cost of ownership for an organization. Prior to founding Data Guard Systems, Mr. Maliyil served as the Director of IT at HarborTech, a privately-held supply chain house for the semiconductor industry. He also held various positions at Netegrity (now Computer Associates). Mr. Maliyil holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Tufts University.

For more information on full disk encryption go to http://www.alertboot.com/

How to Successfully Navigate Your Business through an Economic Downturn

2009-01-24T01:41:00.000-08:00

How to Successfully Navigate Your Business through an Economic Downturn
by: Terry H Hill

An economic downturn is a phase of the business cycle in which the economy as a whole is in decline.This phase basically marks the end of the period of growth in the business cycle. Economic downturns are characterized by decreased levels of consumer purchases (especially of durable goods) and, subsequently, reduced levels of production by businesses.

While economic downturns are admittedly difficult, and are formidable obstacles to small businesses that are trying to survive and grow, an economic downturn can open up opportunities. A well-managed company can realize the opportunity to gain market share by taking customers away from their competitors. Resourceful entrepreneurs capture the available opportunities, from an economic downturn, by developing alternate methods of doing business that were never implemented during a prior growth period.

The challenge of successfully navigating your business through an economic downturn lies in the realignment of your business with current economic realities. Specifically, you, as the business owner, need to renew a focus on your core clients/customers, reduce your operating expenses, conserve cash, and manage more proactively, rather than reactively, is paramount.

Here are best practices that will help you to successfully navigate your business through an economic downturn:

Goals:

The primary goal of any business owner is to survive the current economic downturn and to develop a leaner, more cost-effective and more efficient operation. The secondary goal is to grow the business even during this current economic downturn.

Objectives:

• Conserve cash.

• Protect assets.

• Reduce costs.

• Improve efficiencies.

• Grow customer base.

Required Action:

• Do not panic… History shows that economic downturns do not last forever. Remain calm and act in a rational manner as you refocus your attention on resizing your company to the current economic conditions.

• Focus on what YOU can control… Don’t let the media's rhetoric concerning recessions and economic slowdown deter you from achieving business success. It´s a trap! Why? Because the condition of the economy is beyond your control. Surviving economic downturns requires a focus on what you can control, i.e. your relevant business activities.

• Communicate, communicate, and communicate! Beware of the pitfall of trying to do too much on your own. It is a difficult task indeed to survive and to grow your business solely with your own efforts. Solicit ideas and seek the help of other people (your employees, suppliers, lenders, customers, and advisors). Communicate honestly and consistently. Effective two-way communication is the key.

• Negotiate, negotiate, and negotiate! The value of a strong negotiation skill set cannot be overstated. Negotiating better deals and contracts is an absolute must for realigning and resizing your company to the current economic conditions. The key to success is not only knowing how to develop a win-win approach in negotiations with all parties, but also keeping in mind the fact that you want a favorable outcome for yourself too.

Recommended Best Practice Activities:

The Nuts and Bolts… The following list of recommended best practice activities is critical for your business' survival and for its growth during an economic downturn. The actual financial health of your particular business, at the outset of the economic downturn, will dictate the priority and urgency of the implementation of the following best practice activities.

1. Diligently monitor your cash flow: Forecast your cash flow monthly to ensure that expenses and planned expenditures are in line with accounts receivable. Include cash flow statements into your monthly financial reporting. Project cash requirements three-to- six months in advance. The key is to know how to monitor, protect, control, and put cash to work.

2. Carefully convert your inventories: Convert excess, obsolete, and slow-moving inventory items into cash. Consider returning excess and slow-moving items back to the suppliers. Close-out or inventory reduction sales work well to resize your inventory. Also, consider narrowing your product offerings. Well-timed order placement helps to reduce excess inventory levels and occasional material shortages. The key is to reduce the amount of your inventory without losing sales.

3. Timely collection of your accounts receivable: This asset should be converted to cash as quickly as possible. Offer prompt payment discounts to encourage timely payments. Make changes in the terms of sale for slow paying customers (i.e. changing net 30 day terms to COD). Invoicing is an important part of your cash flow management. The first rule of invoicing is to do it as soon as possible after products are shipped and/or after services are delivered. Place an emphasis on reducing billing errors. Most customers delay payments because an invoice had errors, and therefore, will not pay until they receive a corrected copy. Email or fax your invoices to save on mailing time. Post the payments that you have received and make deposits more frequently. The key is to develop an efficient collection system that generates timely payments and one that gives you advance warning of problems.

4. Re-focus your attention on your existing clients/customers: Make customer satisfaction your priority. A regular review of your customers' buying history and frequency of purchases can reveal some interesting facts about your customers' buying habits. Consider signing long-term contracts with your core clients/customers which will add to your security. Offer a discount for upfront cash payments. The key is to do what it takes to keep your current customers loyal.

5. Re-negotiate with your suppliers, lenders, and landlord:

i) Suppliers: Always keep your negotiations on the level of need, saying that your company has reviewed its cost structure and has determined that it needs to lower supplier costs. . Tell the supplier that you value the relationship you have developed, but that you need to receive a cost reduction immediately. Ask your supplier for a lower material price, a longer payment cycle, and the elimination of finance charges. Also, see if you can buy material from them on a consignment basis. In return for their price concessions, be willing to agree to a long-term contract. Explore the idea of bartering as a form of payment.

ii) Lenders: Everything in business finance is negotiable and your relationship with a bank is no exception. The first step to successful renegotiations is to convince your lenders that you can ultimately pay off the renegotiated loan. You must point out to your lenders why it would be in their best interest to agree to a new arrangement. Showing them your business plan and your action plan that includes your cost-savings initiatives, along with "the how" and "the when" of the implementation of your plan is the best way to achieve this goal. Explain to them that you will need their cooperation to insure that you can survive, as well as, grow your business during the economic downturn. Negotiated items include: the rate of interest, the required security to cover the loan, and the beginning date for repayment. A beginning date for repayment could be immediate, within several months or as long as a year. The key is to realize that your lender will work with you, but that frequent and continual communications with them is critical.

iii) Landlord: Meet with your landlord. Explain your need to have them extend the term of your lease at a reduced cost. Make sure you have a clause in the lease agreement that entitles you to have the right to sublet any or all of the leased space.

6. Re-evaluate your staffing requirements: This is a very critical area. Salaries/wages are a major expense of doing business. Therefore, any reduction in the hours worked through work schedule changes, short-term layoffs or permanent layoffs has an immediate cost saving benefit. Most companies ramped up hiring new employees in the good times, only to find that they are currently overstaffed due to slow sales during the economic downturn. In terms of down-sizing your staff, be very careful not to reduce your staff to a level that forces you to skimp on customer service and quality. Consider the use of part-timers or the current trend of outsourcing certain functions to independent contractors.

7. Shop for better insurances rates: Get quotations from other insurance agents for comparable coverage to determine whether or not your present insurance carrier is competitive. Also, consider revising your coverage to reduce premium costs. The key is to have the right balance-to be adequately insured, but not under or over insured.

8. Re-evaluate your advertising: Contrary to the other cost-cutting initiatives, evaluate the possibility of increasing your advertising expenditures. This tactic realizes the advantage of the reduced "noise" and congestion (fewer advertisers) in the marketplace. The downturn period a great opportunity to increase brand awareness and create additional demand for your product/service offerings.

9. Seek the help of outside advisors: The use of an advisory board comprised of your CPA, attorney, and business consultant offers you objectivity and provides you with professional advice and guidance. Their collective experience in working with similar situations in past economic downturns is invaluable.

10. Review your other expenses: Target an across-the-board cost-cutting initiative of 10-15%. Attempt to eliminate unnecessary expenses. Tightening your belt in order to weather the downturn makes practical, financial sense.

Proactively managing your business through an economic downturn is an enormous challenge and is critical for your survival. However, through well-planned initiatives, an economic downturn can create tremendous opportunity for your company to gain greater market share. In order to take advantage of this growth opportunity, you must act quickly to implement the above best business practices to continue realigning and resizing your company to the current economic conditions.

Copyright © 2008 Terry H. Hill

You may reprint this article free of charge in your newsletter, magazine, or on your website, provided that the article is unedited, and that the copyright, author's bio, and contact information below appears with each article. Articles appearing on the web must provide a hyperlink to the author's web site, http://www.legacyai.com

Terry H. Hill is the founder and managing partner of Legacy Associates, Inc, a business consulting and advisory services firm. A veteran chief executive, Terry works directly with business owners of privately held companies on the issues and challenges that they face in each stage of their business life cycle. To find out how he can help you take your business to the next level, visit his site at http://www.legacyai.com

To download a copy of this article, click on this link: http://www.legacyai.com/Article_Downturn.html.

About The Author
An author, speaker, and consultant, Terry H. Hill is the founder and managing partner of Legacy Associates, Inc., a business consulting and advisory services firm based in Sarasota, Florida. A veteran chief executive, Terry works directly with business owners of privately held companies on the issues and challenges that they face in each stage of their business life cycle. Terry is the author of the business desk-reference book, How to Jump Start Your Business. He hosts the Business Insights from Legacy Blog at http://blog.legacyai.com and writes a bi-monthly eNewsletter, "Business Insights from Legacy eZine."

By signing up for Business Insights from Legacy eZine at http://tinyurl.com/2t4fxs you can keep abreast of the latest tips, tactics, and best business practices. You will, also, receive the free eBook, Jump Start Your Knowledge of Business.

Contact Terry by email at http://www.legacyai.com or telephone him at 941-556-1299.

Avoid Highway Robbery by Using The New Crude--WATER

2009-01-24T01:39:00.000-08:00

Avoid Highway Robbery by Using The New Crude--WATER
by: Leslie Lackman

HERE'S THE BAD NEWS.

Engines waste gasoline! Up to 80% of the high-priced gas that you pump doesn't get you anywhere because it goes
UNBURNED to the catalytic converter. That means you are getting 0 MPG (zero, zilch, nada) from most of the over-priced gasoline you pump into your tank.

WHY DO COMBUSTION ENGINES WASTE SO MUCH GAS?

That's what they are designed to do--WASTE GAS--because every second of every day, everywhere in the world, every single gas and diesel engine on the planet puts money into the deep, deep, DEEP pockets of Big Oil.

Automotive and fuel technology has been deliberately held back, and people have been kept in the dark about AMAZING inventions and discoveries, in order to sell us lots of gasoline. Sorry, but that's how it is.

For example, the gas could be preheated and better formulated for better combustion--but it's not. The fuel vapor droplets could be smaller for efficient combustion--but they're not. The pre-set computer-controlled air-to-fuel ratio could be more economical--but it's not. The exhaust could be reprocessed to contribute to mileage (there are patents on that)--but it's not. Cars could be using a better carburetor design--but they're not because the patent for a 100 MPG carburetor was bought and buried years ago. Cars could be running completely on water fuel--but they're not because those patents were also bought and then buried along with the inventor (however, the patents ran out recently!). Even the hybrids that Big Auto is selling at luxury car prices don't optimize gasoline combustion and consumption.

HERE'S THE GOOD NEWS.

You can do something about it, ONE CAR AT A TIME, starting with YOUR car.

How? By using ENERGY from WATER.

If that sounds impossible, or crazy, or delusional, I understand. This is something that none of our trusted sources of information--TV, radio, teachers, movies, professors, magazines, dad, scientists, books, Sesame Street--have told us about. Why? See the bad news, above.

I mentioned amazing inventions and discoveries. Many of them have very sophisticated technical patents on them. But the kind of water energy system I am talking about, the one that is affordable and do-able by ME and YOU in OUR cars (not by buying a Big Auto hybrid with a luxury car pricetag), is a do-it-yourself technology, specifically designed for beginners with basic tools and very limited budgets. A working system can be built at home for $20 to $200 worth of parts and installed in your car, truck, or SUV on a weekend. It's a 90-year-old technology that has been revived and developed into a simple, affordable, SAFE system based on low-cost hardware.

It works like this: The main component of the low-cost water energy system is an electrolyzer-a container of water with electrodes in it. The electrolyzer takes a tiny bit of electricity from your car. The electricity "splits" water into hydroxyl gas and feeds it immediately to the engine cylinders. The improved air/fuel mix gets very efficient combustion.

SPINNING WHEELS, NOT HEADS

Remember the bad news at the top? Remember I said that wasted fuel can be as much as 80%? In other words, even though you have paid $3.50 or more per gallon, you are only getting performance from as little as 20%--two gallons out of every ten--of the gas you pay good money for! It puts a whole new complexion on the phrase "highway robbery."

Our heads are spinning from rising gas prices. Now imagine instead that ALL your gasoline is working for you--it's actually turning your wheels and not just being turned into carbon deposits on your engine or exhaust from the catalytic converter. What would it be like for ALL that gasoline to be giving you mileage? It would be a WHOLE LOT MORE ECONOMICAL, that's what! That's what happens when you add the energy from water.

SEEING THE SEA OF ENERGY

Wondering how much energy is in water?

One gallon of water converts to approximately 1,833 gallons of combustible gas. One observer noted that a gallon of water in his water energy system lasted for about 2,700 miles.

"Energy from water" is hard to believe because we are misled by the appearance of water when it's liquied. It looks so, well, WET and noncombustible. But if we could SEE the sea of energy in the water--zillions of hydrogen and oxygen atoms ready to break out and be combustible gas under the right conditions--it would be easy to conceive that, indeed, water can be "burned" in an engine, thus taking advantage of a new "crude"--plain water.

Why aren't scientists telling us about this? Why doesn't it make big headlines? More bad news. Some of them just don't know about it, and some are paid to tell us about anything BUT this. Also, scientists are sometimes far behind empirical evidence from experimenters and inventors. Sometimes a true scientist makes an amazing discovery and is suddenly way ahead of everyone. What happens then? He or she has to fight all the other scientists that are way behind or too vested in the old paradigm. So who are the true scientists around here? A TRUE scientist could be anyone, including a scientist.

THE LAW OF CONSERVATION

Here is something to ponder from Patrick J. Kelly of http://www.PanaceaUniversity.org. He has a delightful way of tilting one's mind out of its box:

"The Law of Conservation of Energy is undoubtedly correct when it shows that more energy cannot be taken out of any system than is put into that system. However, that does not mean that WE cannot get more energy out of a system than WE put into it. A crude example is a solar panel in sunlight. We get electrical power out of the panel but we do not put the sunlight into the panel-the sunlight arrives on its own. This example is simple as we can see the sunlight reaching the solar panel.

"If, instead of the solar panel, we had a device which absorbs some of the energy that Quantum Mechanics observes and then gives out, say, electrical power, would that be so different? Most people say "yes!--it is impossible!" but this reaction is based on the fact that we cannot see this sea of energy. Should we say that a TV set cannot possibly work because we cannot see a television transmission signal?"

BUT ISN'T IT DANGEROUS?

We have been living and driving with danger for decades--it's called GASOLINE! Cars and trucks are planet-polluting bombs on wheels! But we are accustomed to it, right? And for the most part, we don't blow ourselves up.

But in the water energy system, I know, you think we're talking about tanks of compressed hydrogen in the car, but that's not how it is done! Here's the beauty of it:

Hydrogen is already compressed in plain water!

All we do in a water for fuel system is UNCOMPRESS and USE it--immediately, on-demand, in the engine! No hydrogen bombs on board. Just a container of distilled water! And the exhaust is--WATER! You split water, you burn it, you get fantastic mileage, you get a little water left over.

GREEN TECHNOLOGY

You can't get much greener than this unless you go for an engine designed to run completely on water, like the one that was designed and proven by Stanley Meyers when he drove across the United States on approximately 28 gallons of water. (You can see interviews with him on YouTube.) You can't get much more affordable, either. And because this is GREEN technology, and you will not be causing any damage to the car or the engine (far from it), your warranty will most likely be intact AND the government will owe you money for going green!

INSTALL WATER ENERGY SYSTEM, DROP JAW

You could pay someone to install your water for gas system. There are hundreds of people around the world who are constructing and installing water energy systems, as well as driving "watercars" themselves. These people save gas, save money, get much better mileage, and enjoy smoother-running engines and greatly reduced emissions. And that's why they are happy to do the same for you so you can save gas, save money, get much better mileage, and enjoy a smoother-running engine and reduced emissions.

Or you could do it yourself, in which case you would first get instructions, which are available on line. Then you would make a parts list and buy the parts from hardware and electronics stores. Third, you would construct the components of the water energy system, put them all together, and install the system, making all the necessary adjustments to it. You would now be the proud owner of a Water Hybrid Vehicle. And last, after picking up your jaw from the floor, where it has dropped in astonishment at your engine's mileage and performance, you would become an advocate of water energy, as I have.

BETTER COMBUSTION FOR THE MIND

To really grasp the implications and possibilities here, we must first clean the carbon deposits out of our minds. Using waterfuel is an approach to our cars and fuel that requires more participation from us. The whole water energy system consists of physical components PLUS your mind and attitudes about fuel consumption. To really optimize your waterfuel system, you will also be using fuel warmer, some Kiker wires to improve the spark, Xylene to add to your gasoline, a low-friction synthetic motor oil, a couple bottles of fuel treatment to clean carbon deposits from old unburned fuel out of your engine, a MAP sensor enhancer to keep the car computer from over-correcting the fuel mix back to over-rich, tires that are always fully inflated, and a real-time mileage tracker so that you won't have to use an entire tank of gas to know what mileage you are getting.

Perhaps the most important thing is this:

Trust yourself.

When you use an "alternative" fuel-efficiency system, you are an experimenter who is going against the herd and chances are, you are going to get some flack. Don't be fooled by self-appointed "experts" who don't have hands-on experience and say it can't be done. When they laugh or frown or condescend and say, "It's scientifically impossible," well, first of all, you know they are not "true scientists" (so why are they acting like they know what "scientifically" means?). Ask them if they have ever tried it themselves. You will find they have not. Further discussion might be fruitless, but you can try. Tell them to just wait and see. See for yourself. Don't wait ten years for big industry to do it because they don't want to GIVE you anything--they are only thinking about what they can GET from you while they continue making empty promises.

WHAT CAN A WATER ENERGY SYSTEM REALLY DO FOR ME?

Well…

How much will gas cost the next time you fill your tank?

A water energy system won't lower the price of ALL gasoline.

It will lower the price of YOURS. But don't just take my word for it.

Leslie Lackman is an advocate of the application of free, unlimited energies--mind, water, life force--to cars, health, wellness, and performance.
http://water4gas-4heroes.eoltt.com

About The Author
Leslie Lackman is an advocate of the application of free, unlimited energies-- mind, water, and life force--to cars, health, wellness, and performance. This article is copyrighted, all rights reserved, and it may be used only if kept entirely intact with the author's name and URL.

Jika berbicara tentang Forum komunitas atau biasa disebut Bulletin Board, ada satu CMS yang layak dicoba. Nama XMB FORUM.

All About Pizza

2009-01-24T01:34:00.000-08:00

All About Pizza
by: Sean Lannin

The term pizza covers a lot of territory. If you want to learn all about pizzas, then you should have a bit of a background on pizzas: specifically the history of pizza, pizza origin, pizza facts, and even pizza trivia such as who invented pizza. The subject also delves into the different types and styles of pizzas. The varieties currently existing defy any attempts at enumeration. Thus, most people who attempt such a task stop at a broad categorization of pizza types according to certain attributes such as crust thickness, crust elasticity, crust baking and cooking procedures, toppings, etc. Aside from general, historical or trivial information, other things are of interest to the pizza lovers. For instance, homemade pizza enthusiasts would like to know certain tips and tricks for making pizza. This includes pizza making techniques, the best pizza crust recipes, pizza toppings, homemade pizza sauce, etc. Some other interesting topics will be frozen pizza dough and where best to attain them, what are the criteria for choosing the, what are the methods for preparing them, etc.

It must be obvious that this article is a mite ambitious for wishing to tackle something entitled "all about pizza." However, an attempt is definitely warranted, so here goes.

Some pizza facts and trivia

Accounts of pizza history always begin with the origin of pizza. This one might as well follow the same tack. We have to thank any civilization or race that baked flat bread on hot stones or stone ovens for pizza, for almost certainly, bread like the focaccia was the "mother of the pizza crust." However, the invention of the pizza is more properly attributed to the Neapolitans - the people of Naples, Italy who were baking and making pizza crust topped with tomatoes, oil, and Italian herbs, and spices. This rudimentary and traditional Italian pizza was common peasant fare in Naples. If you want an individual originator and inventor of pizzas, however, then you won't be wrong if you cite Rafaelle Esposito - a native of Naples; he modified the basic Neapolitan pizza recipe and came up with three variants that added mozzarella cheese to the rudimentary Italian pizza toppings.

Now, if you are looking for some topics for small conversation, then you must remember the following trivia. One note of caution, though; you shouldn't blurt these out just to anybody or you'll sound decidedly corny and geeky. Make sure you're talking to someone interested in pizzas before you use the following trivia as conversational gambits.

" Most people in the United States love pepperoni; the least liked toppings are anchovies.

" Pizza was called (and is still called) tomato pie and pizza pie in certain parts of the States.

" The first pizzeria in the United States was opened in New York.

" The pizza industry is worth more than 30 billion dollars in the United States alone and Americans consume around three billion units of pizza every year.

" New York pizza is traditionally plain. Supposedly, New York pizza is unique because of the acidity and hardness of the water in New York. New Yorkers therefore claim that only in New York can you make real New York Pizza.

(New Yorkers must admit, however, that if water is the unique characteristic of New York pizzas, one who uses water adjusted for hardness and acidity to reflect New York water conditions, adds all the usual New York pizza ingredients and toppings, follows all the procedures strictly but makes the pizza in New Jersey can conceivably make an authentic, New York style pizza. But such an assertion, some would say, is just plain cheek.)

Pizza types and pizza styles

The first step to a great homemade pizza is determining what type of pizza you wish to make. After all, different types of pizza have different attributes and thus call for different types of pizza base, pizza toppings and cooking techniques. Would you like to make an authentic Italian pizza, a New York style pizza, a California style pizza, or a Chicago style pizza?

Italian pizza is generally lean, although when you add cheese, its fat level generally rises in proportion. There are various kinds of Italian pizza, too. There are Neapolitan pizzas, of which there are two general types: the marinara and the Margherita. There are various combinations of these as well. Authentic Italian pizza, moreover, is supposedly baked on wood-fired or even coal-fired, stone ovens.

New York pizza, as abovementioned, is generally plain. The mainstay of New York pizza is mozzarella cheese - fresh mozzarella cheese to be precise. One can add garlic, different types of cheeses, anchovies, shrimp, etc but these are usually optional. The pizza dough recipe for traditional New York pizza, on the other hand, calls for high-gluten flour. The result is firm, usually thin, chewy pizza.

The California style pizza is generally known for gourmet flavors. You can say the California pizza has countless variations. The pizza crust, in this case, is light, crisp and generally well risen. The toppings can be out of this world - generally California pizza makers experiment a lot with all kinds of meat, sea food, breakfast dishes, and vegetable for the toppings.

The Chicago style pizza, on the other hand, is generally crusty and very filling. They are characterized by their raised edges; imagine a pre-baked apple pie crust where you can place the fillings on top. Chicago pizza is usually meaty (some variants come stuffed with cheeses and meat layers) and it is eaten with a knife and fork.

You can also start by deciding on the flavor you want. Do you want to make a cheese pizza, a vegetarian pizza or a fruit pizza? Perhaps you want to make a low fat pizza, a low carb pizza, a healthy pizza? Sourdough pizza is also another variant.

Take your pick among your many options. Once you have decided, choosing the recipe would be much easier. If you have decided on an Italian pizza, for instance, then find your Italian pizza crust recipe, your Italian pizza sauce recipe and the overall Italian pizza recipe that will give you a list of toppings and pizza preparation procedures for making an authentic Italian pizza. For an easier time of it, you can opt to use Italian-style frozen pizza dough then just follow the Italian pizza recipe that you've found.

Some pizza making tips and techniques

Hand tossing will help you minimize the lumps in your pizza dough. However, this should be done only after sufficient pizza dough kneading. This process lets your pizza dough develop into the right kind of consistency - that which is suitable for stretching and hand tossing. Hand tossing, however, is not advisable for thick pizza crust varieties.

If you want a crisp and firm pizza that retains its structure even when the moist toppings are added, you can bake the pizza crust before you add the toppings and the pizza sauce. However, for thin pizza crusts, baking the crust after the toppings and sauce have been added is sufficient. For uniform baking and crisping of the crust, use a pizza stone or a pizza screen.

Finally, remember that the protein content of your flour will influence the end product. High-gluten flour will lead to a crisp but chewy crust. Gluten-free flour, however, may lead to very soft dough; additives may have to be used to give the pizza dough strength.

Quick pizza crust recipes and easy homemade pizza recipes of all kinds and style are easily available online. There are tips for baking and preparing frozen pizza dough, making your own pizza dough, preparing the ingredients for the best pizza crust recipe, etc. All you need to start making your very own pizza recipe is an internet connection, a good source of basic pizza recipe, great pizza equipment, your imagination, and lots of time and resources for experimentation.

About The Author
Sean Lannin
With more than 10 years experience both working and owning pizza restaurants. When he tried to find information about making pizza at home, he noticed that the information was either non-existent or lacked the information he felt was important. He now shares his passion for making pizza with readers of his website.
http://www.homemade-pizza-made-easy.com/