Friday, May 28, 2010
Online Head Shops
Our increasingly complex social lives and the increasing number of stress factors makes people look for more ways to relax and enjoy their lives. Unfortunately there are many dangerous ways to relax and alcohol or tobacco smoking are just a couple of them. We know smoking tobacco kills millions of people from all over the globe every year, but this knowledge doesn't seem to lead to a decrease in the number of smoking population. This can only be so due to the need of relaxation people feel in the stressful environment we live today.
But there are good news still as the pharmaceutical industry looks to synthesize certain substances natural plants already produce. Still, we can only hope such a wonder pill will come into existence in the following years hence the need to fins natural, healthy ways to relax. Head shops came into existence with the aim to assist people in finding such relaxing natural products and use them safely in order to live more stress-free and be able to enjoy life more.
Though few countries have so far approved the use of marijuana, few of these countries understanding that this plant is very useful in relieving pain in certain diseases, we know now there are lots of other plants that can improve our lives and these natural remedies are legal in most places. Head shops promote such plants and offer tobacco paraphernalia which can help people in many ways. For instance if you are a cigarette chain smoker you will benefit from alternative ways of smoking tobacco because it helps you break that habit and become less addicted to a mere gesture.
The good news is that you will find there are many online head shops that you can easily find in a few minutes so ordering relaxing natural products is very easy. Better yet, the products will be delivered at your address in a few days so you don't have to waste any time to get the products you find most appealing.
But there are good news still as the pharmaceutical industry looks to synthesize certain substances natural plants already produce. Still, we can only hope such a wonder pill will come into existence in the following years hence the need to fins natural, healthy ways to relax. Head shops came into existence with the aim to assist people in finding such relaxing natural products and use them safely in order to live more stress-free and be able to enjoy life more.
Though few countries have so far approved the use of marijuana, few of these countries understanding that this plant is very useful in relieving pain in certain diseases, we know now there are lots of other plants that can improve our lives and these natural remedies are legal in most places. Head shops promote such plants and offer tobacco paraphernalia which can help people in many ways. For instance if you are a cigarette chain smoker you will benefit from alternative ways of smoking tobacco because it helps you break that habit and become less addicted to a mere gesture.
Besides offering natural stress reduction products, head shops are symbols of our freedom to choose. We don't have to drink or smoke cigarettes just because this is now socially accepted behavior, we can also look for alternatives and choose what's best for our needs when it comes to finding new relaxing products.
The good news is that you will find there are many online head shops that you can easily find in a few minutes so ordering relaxing natural products is very easy. Better yet, the products will be delivered at your address in a few days so you don't have to waste any time to get the products you find most appealing.
Landscaping - How To Do It Yourself
Landscaping is a way to make your grounds attractive or more aesthetic in terms of many factors. These include the use of colors, the choice of plants, arrangement or alignment of the different objects, the consistency of the elements and the overall impact that the design will create.
You may not be satisfied with how your garden looks right now and you know that you can still improve on its appeal. It is important to look at each of the elements of good landscape design: color, line, form, texture and scale.
Identify which among the plants, accessories and other objects should be retained or removed. Check the pots if they are consistent in terms of size, color and shape or style. Check on the plants and see which ones do not belong to the group. Examine which would require trimming or replacement. Also, check on the grass and make sure that you will have a well-trimmed and enough green to surround the area.
Step 3 - Decide on the theme and be consistent.
You have to decide on what theme you would like to emphasize in your garden. You can have an Asian, traditional, water, earth or fire as choices. Anything that is not aligned with the theme should not have a place in your new landscape design. Landscaping is a way to make your grounds attractive or more aesthetic in terms of many factors. These include the use of colors, the choice of plants, arrangement or alignment of the different objects, the consistency of the elements and the overall impact that the design will create.
You may not be satisfied with how your garden looks right now and you know that you can still improve on its appeal. It is important to look at each of the elements of good landscape design: color, line, form, texture and scale.
You may not be satisfied with how your garden looks right now and you know that you can still improve on its appeal. It is important to look at each of the elements of good landscape design: color, line, form, texture and scale.
Improve your garden or yard's landscape by doing the following important steps:
Step 1 - Evaluate your garden or yard.
Look at your garden and rate it according to the different elements of a good landscape design. It is better if you have a checklist and note down the areas that you have to improve in terms of color, arrangement, theme and alignment of all the things that you see.
Step 2 - Sort and remove.Look at your garden and rate it according to the different elements of a good landscape design. It is better if you have a checklist and note down the areas that you have to improve in terms of color, arrangement, theme and alignment of all the things that you see.
Identify which among the plants, accessories and other objects should be retained or removed. Check the pots if they are consistent in terms of size, color and shape or style. Check on the plants and see which ones do not belong to the group. Examine which would require trimming or replacement. Also, check on the grass and make sure that you will have a well-trimmed and enough green to surround the area.
Step 3 - Decide on the theme and be consistent.
You have to decide on what theme you would like to emphasize in your garden. You can have an Asian, traditional, water, earth or fire as choices. Anything that is not aligned with the theme should not have a place in your new landscape design. Landscaping is a way to make your grounds attractive or more aesthetic in terms of many factors. These include the use of colors, the choice of plants, arrangement or alignment of the different objects, the consistency of the elements and the overall impact that the design will create.
You may not be satisfied with how your garden looks right now and you know that you can still improve on its appeal. It is important to look at each of the elements of good landscape design: color, line, form, texture and scale.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
When (Y)our Project "Goes Wrong"
It was all going swimmingly well and then suddenly out of the blue you've found yourself behind time, over budget with no clear end in site. To get back on track, you need to take these 8 steps...
Stocktake: The first thing you need to do is to work out how far off-track you are. Exactly how many days are you behind schedule and what is that, as a % of the project timeline? Also, how much over budget are you and what is that as a % of the overall budget? Re-plan: Then review your Project Plan to see if you can make the time back, by changing your task allocations. First, see if you can reassign people to tasks in a smarter way that saves time. Then check out your task dependencies and see if there is a more logical sequence that completes the overall deadline earlier. Make sure you identify the critical path through the plan so that you know which tasks must be completed and which are a nice to have. Then assign your best people to the critical tasks and try and get those done earlier. Any time you can save through re-planning is precious.
Brain Storm: Sit down with your team and go through your revised plan and see if they can come up with new ideas for delivering the project earlier or save on budget. You might be surprised with what they come up with.
De-scope: The easiest way to get back on track by far is to de-scope your project. This means delivering less than you originally intended. List your project deliverables, prioritize them against the project objectives and see if there are any deliverables that you can ask your Project Sponsor to remove from the scope of the project, to help you get back on track. It doesn't mean that these deliverables will never be produced. It's just that they can be done as a separate activity once the project is complete.
Get Support: If your Sponsor won't change the project scope, then ask them for a deadline extension or for more budget so you can assign more resources to finish it on time. Get their buy-in and support by telling them why you're late. Be honest and upfront. Show them that you're willing to do whatever it takes to deliver on time, but you need their support to do it. With their support, anything is possible.
Control Change: You then need to tightly control change so that new features or deliverables aren't added without your approval. Change is common on most projects, so you need to control it to have the best chance of success.
Rally: Then meet with your team and explain why the project is late and how important it is to the business. Get their buy-in to working harder and longer hours to deliver the project on time. Remember that you need everyones understanding, buy-in and hard to work to deliver your project on schedule and under budget.
Communicate: Keep everyone regularly informed of progress . This will keep them focused and motivated to achieve the targets set.
Transit Cocktail Table: The Glass Table Tops That Twist and Swivel
I bet you’ve never before seen a cocktail table quite like the Transit Cocktail Table as seen in the pictures below. Whilst the table has a single base, it also has two glass table tops which can be folded within one another or spread out, as situations demand. Expandability is the key ingredient here and the ultra-modern design and look is hugely appealing if you’re looking to smarten up your living space.As noted, the Transit Cocktail Table is composed of two circular glass tops, one of which is similar to an eclipse. Chrome detailing as well as black leather wraps for the lower legs and base, add character and style to this contemporary cocktail furniture piece. Whether used in a bar area or in the main living room, the table can fulfil a number of functions including use as a coffee table or accent piece.
There are a couple of other designs based on this twist and swivel concept which can be found via the product page of this particular table, found here: Transit Cocktail Table: The Glass Tables That Twist and Swivel.
There are a couple of other designs based on this twist and swivel concept which can be found via the product page of this particular table, found here: Transit Cocktail Table: The Glass Tables That Twist and Swivel.
Are you interested in losing nine pounds during the next 11 days?
There is a unique diet system available known as The Calorie Shifting Diet which can make this possible.
The way that the Shifting Calories Diet works is that you alternate the groupings of calories which you partake of, from meal to meal. In other words, you may partake of a balanced spectrum of different food from each of the 4 main food groups. And you may partake of them in unlimited quantity without tracking carbs and calories. The only "catch", if you can call it that, is that you need to sort out the food from every food group and partake of them in unique sets at different times of each day. As an example, you might eat from the bread and meat food groups at one meal, yet at the following meal you could partake of only dairy products, and then the following meal may contain vegetables and dairy at the next. And this pattern is continually rotating, day after day, from one meal to the next.
What this essentially accomplishes after all is a phased methodology for induced burning of fat. The human body responds to the lack of one nutrient by tapping into its fat stores. And then you suddenly reintroduce the missing nutrient into your diet by the time the fat burning has already starting occurring. Yet before your body has an opportunity to "recover" and revert back to a "normal" metabolic rate, you will then phase out a different nutrient, and your body will sustain its fat burning mode because it now recognizes the lack of that nutrient.
Thus you are inducing a fat burning cycle, not by cutting out one component of your diet such as carbs, but by just undergoing bouts of nutritional deprivation in short bursts, just long enough to trigger fat loss, but not long enough to truly deny you of the crucial nutrients that you need in order to maintain a well-balanced diet.
How To Lose Weight Tips-6 Tips On Achieving Weight Loss Nirvana
Here are 6 how-to-lose-weight tips to help you reach fat loss nirvana:
1. Do not eat until you are full at any mealtime. Eat sufficiently just enough to satisfy your hunger. You need to cultivate an idea of when you've consumed "enough" by paying attention to your stomach.
2. Allow for an adequate space in between mealtimes. Let your system complete digesting the food you just consumed at your most recent mealtime before you start filling your stomach again at your next meal. At least 2.5 to three hours is the minimum time you should keep in between meals.
3. Keep a dieting log, recording every single morsel of food or drink which you put into your mouth. This way you will be able to keep an awareness of whether you are having the most appropriate food, and how much you are consuming.
4. Drink a minimum of ten 8-ounce glasses of water on a daily basis. 5. You should consume several small meals each day (anywhere from 4 to 6) rather than two or three bigger meals.
6. Eat a balance of food from all 4 of the main food groups: fruits and veggies, meat, bread, and dairy.
6. Eat a balance of food from all 4 of the main food groups: fruits and veggies, meat, bread, and dairy.
The common principle among each 6 of the aforementioned how to lose weight tips, is to consume healthier foods and being careful of your portion sizes, and keeping yourself accountable for your fat loss by keeping track of what you have.
If you are deciding to start a diet but do not have a definite idea for how to lose weight, tips like these above are a good way to start producing results, without having to follow an "actual" diet regimen.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Wooden Sunflowers Table Sculpture to Brighten a Home All Year Round
Sunflowers have long been the flower of choice for artists and poets. This is also the case with this beautiful wooden sunflowers table sculpture which has been hand crafted by artisans in the state of Minnesota. The rich and bright colors means the tabletop sunflower arrangement will bring a Spring and Summer feel to an interior all the year round, even in bleak mid-Winter.
There might not be ten thousand of them each "tossing their heads in sprightly dance" as English poet William Wordsworth once wrote, but there are enough to create a delightful eye-catching feature to just about any room in the home. The three wooden sunflower heads have been made from rigid wood which mimics the natural look of flowers. Flowing grains are just such a feature. Curling grasses enhance the arrangement which is held together within a small vase made from solid walnut.
There might not be ten thousand of them each "tossing their heads in sprightly dance" as English poet William Wordsworth once wrote, but there are enough to create a delightful eye-catching feature to just about any room in the home. The three wooden sunflower heads have been made from rigid wood which mimics the natural look of flowers. Flowing grains are just such a feature. Curling grasses enhance the arrangement which is held together within a small vase made from solid walnut.
As one might expect, this wooden sunflower table sculpture never needs watering or clipping. It can be left on a prominent surface in any interior where it will provide a beautiful and cheerful accent feature. Of course, it will need a little dusting every now and then.
Wordsworth goes on to say in his famous poem: "For oft, when on my couch I lie, In vacant or in pensive mood, They flash upon that inward eye…". This is certainly the case with this delicate sunflower arrangement made from wood although the visual of the stunning flower sculptures will be imprinted on the outward eye as well. With a little sweet music one can even dance with or around the daffodils.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Color Or Black And White Photography
Earlier people only offer for color photography as it is very easy to produce and also cheap. However there are many traditionalists who still like the black and white photograph. These days many photographers prefer the black and white photography. Photographers are discovering the power and magic of black and white images. People are now coming back to black and white photography as one can sense the reality that could be lost in the colored photos.
The revival of black and white photography was usual as it is simply beautiful. Print advertising revived the interest in the black and white photos. It is even popular with the brides who would like to add the classical and historical touch to their wedding photos. Photography classes are also using the techniques of black and white photography to teach the students about how the light affects the film.
In the earlier days people had no option available to them, so they simply ended up using the black and white. But now people can actually make a choice about their photographs. Most of the times, the choice of opting black and white or color depends on the personal choice. But we should keep
good only in black and white and some can only be taken in colored. There are times where color can actually help to portray the beauty of your subject. For
example capturing flowers, colorful butterflies etc.
You can use the black and white theme for the subjects where you find the color might become the distraction for the viewer. For example accident or war scenes would look more persuasive, compelling and quite less violent, as it would not show the color of the blood. By this way, black and white photographs communicate more emotion without making people disturbed. A black and white photograph has an emotional power. There is actually an emotional appeal which is difficult to express in words. Thus, it instantly gives an artistic look. So, if you want to develop the artistic photography portfolio and style, then include some black and white photos, which would help you to improve your work.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Homeless Shelters Get Solar Power
The newly constructed Loudoun County Homeless Services Center in Leesburg, Virginia, destined to become a Silver-certified LEED building, recently began generating part of its electricity needs for the facility with a 9.5-kilowatt solar photovoltaic array, which in Virginia's relatively sunny climate can be expected to deliver about 13,000 kilowatt-hours per year, or enough to power a large American home.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the international paradigm for building efficiency and environmental awareness, and certifications are awarded in three categories: Silver, Gold and Platinum. Administered as third-party certification by the U.S. Green Building Council, or USGBC, the designations recognize cutting-edge implementation of technology in five specific areas: energy savings, water conservation, carbon dioxide emissions reduction, enhanced indoor environmental quality, and conservation of resources with an eye to a system's impacts.
The Loudon system, installed by Gaithersburg, Maryland-based Standard Solar, will also prevent about 9.3 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year from being generated by Dominion Virginia Power, which generates more than 40 percent of electricity from coal. The carbon dioxide prevented by Loudon's solar system is also the equivalent of taking about 2 compact cars off the road, or planting 239 trees.
Standard Solar is a design-build solar firm operating in the public and private sector serving more than 400 solar-system owners in the Mid-Atlantic Region, and has created more than 50 'green' jobs since the summer of 2008, in spite of the recession.
The Loudon County Homeless Services Center, opened in September of 2009, was designed by Architecture, Inc., of Reston, Virginia, a LEED-certified design company, and offers transitional housing, a 24-bed short-term facility, and Emergency Cold Weather and Daytime Drop-in Centers for persons at risk. The center also features passive solar lighting and energy-efficient appliances.
The Loudon solar system is comprised of 44 panels at 216 watts each, manufactured by Memphis, Tennessee-based Sharp USA and funded via the Federal Community Development Block Grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA, 2009), which mandates that equipment be made in America.
A Good Way To Find Out What You Want To Know
There's no part of society these days that technology isn't a part of including the area
of preserving knowledge. Man always had a zest for preserving knowledge. Over
countless centuries, knowledge has grown to be a vital element in the change of
society and the development of the human race. Quest for knowledge, frequently linked to books and reading, holds a special place in history to the extent that even the very annals of man's struggle for survival are written in books. The only difficulty is the way to preserve these composed data.
Today, ebooks are an great example of how what we know can be preserved in a technical format. Aside from, these kinds of references are easily accessible as there are downloadable ebooks. These kinds of electronic digital versions of the classic
books enable readers to carry on reading even and never having to purchase the hard copy of the piece of literature, one that is both cheaper and beneficial to our environment. Textbooks make full use of paper and as we all know, paper originates from trees. Preservation of knowledge doesn't have to be an environmental risk. Ebooks are retrieveable from an ebook directory, of which the world wide web has a lot.
Usually, downloadable ebooks are PLR ebooks meaning numerous people can own it or at least hold the right to spread it. PLR ebooks are effortlessly edited which is a plus when adding your own personal personal details. Nonetheless, PLR ebooks will still have particular restrictions to them despite being freely editable. Depending on the
restriction, a PLR ebook can have shared authorship to only a lot of claimants. Reselling can also be restricted as PLR documents or products may have distribution rights that go with them. Resellers may choose to adjust the content of these online electronic books and use their names as creators but the PLR producer may limit this distribution to a few number of authors in spite of the goal of profiting from the ebook.
of preserving knowledge. Man always had a zest for preserving knowledge. Over
countless centuries, knowledge has grown to be a vital element in the change of
society and the development of the human race. Quest for knowledge, frequently linked to books and reading, holds a special place in history to the extent that even the very annals of man's struggle for survival are written in books. The only difficulty is the way to preserve these composed data.
Knowledge became more easily available when using the advent of writing. They could now share what they knew through the written pages. In modern-day society, books
are step by step being swapped out ( or supplemented) by electronic versions of the texts or even more normally referred to as ebooks.
are step by step being swapped out ( or supplemented) by electronic versions of the texts or even more normally referred to as ebooks.
Today, ebooks are an great example of how what we know can be preserved in a technical format. Aside from, these kinds of references are easily accessible as there are downloadable ebooks. These kinds of electronic digital versions of the classic
books enable readers to carry on reading even and never having to purchase the hard copy of the piece of literature, one that is both cheaper and beneficial to our environment. Textbooks make full use of paper and as we all know, paper originates from trees. Preservation of knowledge doesn't have to be an environmental risk. Ebooks are retrieveable from an ebook directory, of which the world wide web has a lot.
Usually, downloadable ebooks are PLR ebooks meaning numerous people can own it or at least hold the right to spread it. PLR ebooks are effortlessly edited which is a plus when adding your own personal personal details. Nonetheless, PLR ebooks will still have particular restrictions to them despite being freely editable. Depending on the
restriction, a PLR ebook can have shared authorship to only a lot of claimants. Reselling can also be restricted as PLR documents or products may have distribution rights that go with them. Resellers may choose to adjust the content of these online electronic books and use their names as creators but the PLR producer may limit this distribution to a few number of authors in spite of the goal of profiting from the ebook.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
The Benefits of Pull Down Attic Stairs
When there is not enough space or money to install a staircase, pull down attic stairs provide a cheaper and easier alternative that can also enhance the interior. As the name suggests, the pull down stairs are designed to give access to an attic or loft space, then to be folded away when not in use. Whilst conventional step-ladders can be used, they are not as safe, comfortable and appealing as a well-made set of pull down attic stairs. The in-built system means the stairs can be folded into the ceiling itself.
Most systems can be accessed by pulling on a handle or string switch. When access to an attic is needed, the stairs unfold out providing an access route which reaches all the way down to the floor, like in the picture. Many can be installed within 24 hours depending on the manufacturer of the unit and the competency of those who install the pull-down attic stairs. With the right design, the unit can become an attractive and complimentary addition to a bedroom or landing.
Pull down attic stairs come in various shapes and sizes. Some are steeper than others whilst a few look more like ladders than traditional staircases. Others come with a wide range of safety features such as handrails, floor grips and special weights. These are installed to provide stability when heavy items are being transferred to the attic. Seeing as more people than not use the roof space as a storage area, this is particularly apt.
Pull down attic stairs can be seen in a variety of materials. Most however are made from metal, wood or special plastics. Depending on the use the stairs will fulfil and who will be using the unit most, the material will be an important factor to consider. Heavy wooden stairs that will need a stronger tug than say an aluminum staircase, might not be suitable for the elderly or children, for example. Some attic spaces are converted into children’s play rooms or bedrooms and so a light-weight system, whether metal, wood or plastic, might be needed in these cases.
How to Track (Y)our Projects
It’s a tough challenge; juggling people, equipment, time, money and materials to complete your project on time. To do it successfully, you need to keep an eye on 5 key areas of your project...
1. Time and Cost
Put an hour aside every week to determine if you are likely to complete the project on time. To do this, identify any tasks that are running late and determine whether they are likely to delay the overall project. Then look for ways that you can save time by; finishing tasks earlier, delaying non-critical tasks to after the project has been completed, or gaining approval from your Sponsor to remove tasks altogether.
2. Resource Allocation
You need to keep a constant watch on the percentage of time that your team are allocated to tasks. If you have one person allocated to tasks 50% of their time and another 150% of their time, then you may not be working efficiently. Instead, balance workload fairly so that your team are kept busy 80-100% of their time, without being overloaded. If you intend to overload resource, then only do it for a short period of time, to avoid "burnout".
As you reallocate work among your resources, keep an eye on the overall resource level. It may be that everyone is under-allocated and you can take a person off the project, saving on cost. On the other hand, if everyone is over-allocated then you may need to quickly allocate more resources to the project as soon as possible.
5. Project Health
In addition to tracking the project at the micro level, you also need to stand back and take a look at the project from a helicopter level. You need to gain a clear view of the overall project health. You’ve already done most of the work by assessing the time, cost, resources, progress and efficiency of the project. By also taking a summarized view of the project each week, you can lead the project team towards success.
1. Time and Cost
Put an hour aside every week to determine if you are likely to complete the project on time. To do this, identify any tasks that are running late and determine whether they are likely to delay the overall project. Then look for ways that you can save time by; finishing tasks earlier, delaying non-critical tasks to after the project has been completed, or gaining approval from your Sponsor to remove tasks altogether.
You also need to review the total spend of the project to date against the original budget set. Identify ways to reduce costs by allocating cheaper resource, reducing the project scope, or boosting the efficiency of your team.
2. Resource Allocation
You need to keep a constant watch on the percentage of time that your team are allocated to tasks. If you have one person allocated to tasks 50% of their time and another 150% of their time, then you may not be working efficiently. Instead, balance workload fairly so that your team are kept busy 80-100% of their time, without being overloaded. If you intend to overload resource, then only do it for a short period of time, to avoid "burnout".
As you reallocate work among your resources, keep an eye on the overall resource level. It may be that everyone is under-allocated and you can take a person off the project, saving on cost. On the other hand, if everyone is over-allocated then you may need to quickly allocate more resources to the project as soon as possible.
3. Progress and Efficiency
You also need to track the progress and efficiency of your team. ‘Progress’ means the percentage of tasks completed to date. ‘Efficiency’ means the number of tasks completed on time. You need to track these items to ensure that you are progressing according to plan and that your team are working efficiently in completing tasks assigned to them.
You also need to track the progress and efficiency of your team. ‘Progress’ means the percentage of tasks completed to date. ‘Efficiency’ means the number of tasks completed on time. You need to track these items to ensure that you are progressing according to plan and that your team are working efficiently in completing tasks assigned to them.
4. Risks, Changes, Issues
Every project encounters risks, changes and issues at some point. It’s often impossible to prevent them from occurring, so the trick is to resolve them as quickly as possible when they do come up. Throughout the project life cycle, you need to watch them closely. For each item raised, set a ‘target resolution date’ and track these dates carefully to make sure that they are adhered to.
Every project encounters risks, changes and issues at some point. It’s often impossible to prevent them from occurring, so the trick is to resolve them as quickly as possible when they do come up. Throughout the project life cycle, you need to watch them closely. For each item raised, set a ‘target resolution date’ and track these dates carefully to make sure that they are adhered to.
5. Project Health
In addition to tracking the project at the micro level, you also need to stand back and take a look at the project from a helicopter level. You need to gain a clear view of the overall project health. You’ve already done most of the work by assessing the time, cost, resources, progress and efficiency of the project. By also taking a summarized view of the project each week, you can lead the project team towards success.
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