International Travel Health Insurance for Seniors - Tips For Choosing The Right Coverage

The freedom to travel is a benefit many retirees look forward to with anticipation. Travel insurance policies are available that cover trip interruption, baggage loss, and that provide 24-hour telephone assistance. But when traveling internationally it is vitally important that seniors consider unexpected medical emergencies.

With few exceptions, Medicare will not cover medical costs outside the United States, so a travel health insurance plan may be a good option.

Most plans may exclude pre-existing conditions, so it is important to be careful when choosing a policy. Travel insurance is comparatively inexpensive, and can offer financial peace of mind in the event of a medical emergency.

Factors in choosing the right senior international travel health insurance policy include:

1. What type of coverage is needed? Basic coverage can include emergency medical treatment and medical evacuation. Be sure to check the benefits and exclusions in any policy to be sure they meet your needs.

2. Of critical importance to seniors - are pre-existing medical conditions covered? Plans may require that the senior traveler have Medicare coverage in the U.S., or require the policy be purchased within certain time limits. Watch the wording -- broad or ambiguous definitions can result in your claim being denied if, for instance, a condition were identified for which no prior symptoms existed.

Should pre-existing medical issues exist, having a doctor's statement of the condition and medications is a good practice. If you must carry medications, keep them in clearly labeled, original containers, and check to be sure they are not considered illegal in the countries being visited.

3. How much does the Medical Evacuation benefit cover? An emergency medical evacuation can be expensive. The benefit for emergency medical evacuation will cover the expense of transferring you to an appropriate healthcare facility. In some cases, it may be advisable to return to your home country for follow-up treatment and recovery. Due to the high cost of medical evacuation, a separate coverage limit may apply.

4. Are there any age limits, or are benefits reduced because of age? Some plans place a limit on the age of the insured, or will limit coverage over a certain age. Costs of medical care can vary depending on the country visited, so be sure the benefits limits will cover possible costs.

5. Does the policy cover the duration of travel? Be sure to purchase a policy that covers the amount of time you expect to be traveling. Verify the "benefit period" (different than the policy or coverage period) - the maximum period of time the policy will pay benefits for a covered medical condition that was first diagnosed or treated during the policy period.

6. Is the insurance company regulated? It is recommended that you only contract with insurance companies who are registered to conduct business in your state. In the event of any disputes, the State Insurance Commission can only assist if the company is legally registered.

7. Do you understand the policy? It is important to carefully read any policy before purchase and be sure all clauses are understood. If there are questions, do not be afraid to ask for clarification!

Travel can be one of the most satisfying aspects of a long, contented retirement. Working with an experienced insurance agent is important to assure you have the right medical coverage for your needs.

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Transcription of Vox Pops

Vox pops (short for vox populi, Latin for voice of the people) are not interviews as such but short recordings asking a variety of different people one question, or just a few short questions requiring short answers. They may be carried out in order to get public opinions for market research, radio or television items or promotional videos.

Transcription of vox pops may be necessary for a number of reasons. It is very helpful to have a transcript of your work to help you edit it for broadcasting, and if it is research that's going to be used in a documentary or similar then it useful to have a written version so that it can be easily analysed e.g. 'one in three people said ...' It's obviously vital for market research so that a full and in depth analysis can be carried out.

If you have a long stream of vox pops on one recording then a transcriptionist experienced in working with these should be able to offer you a time-stamp option. This helps you quickly find the relevant point in the recording from looking at the transcript. A time-stamp indicates the time in the recording every so-many minutes e.g. if you have a five-minute time-stamp the transcript will put a marker in at 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes etc.

A word of advice here. Some recording equipment comes with a facility that puts in a bleep every so-many minutes, in order to help the transcriptionist put in the time stamps. Don't use it! Every time the player puts in a bleep it obscures what's being said. An experienced transcriptionist with the relevant equipment can put in time stamps without this, and you will then get all the material you have recorded actually transcribed!

What you want on your recording will depend very much on why you're doing it. If you are recording for TV or radio then although you clearly don't want traffic noise drowning out your interviewees' voices, you do want it to be clear that they are shot 'on location'. However, from a transcription point of view that's less than ideal, as in order to be able to catch all the words that people are saying, the less background noise there is the happier your transcriptionist will be! If you require transcription of your vox pops, one option might be to record the vox pops themselves with a noise canceling microphone, which is designed to reduce the effects of ambient noise, while a colleague records the ambient noise on another microphone. You can then use the recording from the noise canceling microphone to send to your transcriptionist and mix the two sound recordings for your broadcast. Alternatively if you're a wiz with sound editing software you may be able to reduce the ambient noise and save as a different version, which can then be used to transcribe from. However, this is often less successful as the ambient noise is frequently in the same range as human speech, which means if you cut out one the other goes too!

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Don't Wait! Get Insured!

Entrepreneurship can be a trouble-free affair, particularly of employees and business resources if you are insured with a corporate insurance. You will perceptibly not want your hard earned money utilized in business to be unexpectedly lost during an emergency. So, purchase corporate insurance and keep your business and employees against all possible risks. A corporate insurance will take care of your employees against sickness, personal accidents, also encompassing business assets like trading and service properties, manufacturing units for any unforeseen emergencies. To purchase a corporate insurance for your employees, you will have to provide necessary details like number of employees, age and name of their dependents, claim status of any previous policy, condition of your previous policy, etc. For your business possessions, you will have to furnish the obligatory details of the same.

Risks are no doubt a part of life. For instance, although most freight exchange companies will try their best to minimize damages to the best possible extent, it isn't always possible to ensure this. Unanticipated circumstances such as stormy weather or a theft on board can result in grave losses to you and your company. Hence with this standpoint in mind, it is always favorable to go for a superior quality cargo / marine insurance deal. You can even get the support of a qualified marine insurance agent who will essentially bargain on your behalf to land you great deals and the best prices. When it comes to marine insurance schemes there are bounty of options you can select from. You will also find that the price of obtaining a marine insurance is in fact appreciably lesser as compared to the overall freight charges. Also the fact that you can avail noteworthy financial reimbursement makes any investment in this insurance well worth the costs.

Another important insurance policy, one must have, is the personal accident insurance policy. The significance of a personal accident insurance might not be a big deal if you haven't experienced the heartrending event of the accident. But why wait to encounter it, and then bear the equally exasperating financial consequences? If you are covered with a personal accident insurance policy, there is no need to fret as you and even your other family members are covered by the benefits of the program. So if you're still not insured with personal accident insurance, you might as well apply now for one and avoid the quandary of financial matters.

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Brick Paver Installation & Edging

Staging of material

Most paver projects will vary depending on access, site conditions, project size and of course, the weather. These situations can have an overall impact on your project from a timing stand point. Careful consideration should be taken to determine the time to start the paver installation. Always try to minimize or avoid any traffic on the prepared areas.

The foreman or project manager should always have the materials (sand / pavers) distributed around the project site for easy and efficient installations. Paver pallets/bundles should be placed in a manner not to interfere with the paver installation. The proper pallet/bundle placement can make the actual project installation easier and quicker by reducing the overall labor of handling the material.

Brick paver patterns

Pavers can be placed in many different patterns depending on their shape. Each paver shape will generally have several different hatch patterns that are provided by the manufacturer.

The laying pattern and shape of the paver is very critical to the performance of the application. Contractors need to take into consideration the traffic weight loads on their paver projects. 90 or 45 degree herringbone patterns are recommended in all street and driveway applications, as these patterns will provide the maximum load support needed and will resist creeping from the turning of tires and starting or braking of vehicular traffic. In most applications worldwide, it has been shown that pavers laid in a herringbone pattern have performed adequately.

Pavers that are 60 mm (2 - 3/8 in) thickness are suitable for pedestrian applications. Pavers that are going to be used in commercial or industrial applications should be 80 mm (3 - 1/8 in) in thickness.

Reference/starting point for brick paver installation

There are a number of conditions that determine the starting point of a paver project.

When starting to install pavers it is best to snap a true straight chalk line on the surface of the bedding sand or pull a true straight string line above the surface of the bedding sand at the finished elevation of the pavers. This will help as a guide for maintaining straight joint lines and will also allow the installer to make adjustments in the alignment of the pavers.

Buildings and concrete curbing are generally not straight and should not be used for establishing straight joint lines. The use of string lines is essential to determine the true straightness of the edge as well. As the paver installation progresses, the string lines will help minimize the need for small trim pieces.

Joint width between pavers should be between 1/16 and 3/16 in (2 and 5 mm ). There are some pavers with spacer bars on their sides. These will maintain a minimum joint width and allow the bedding and jointing sand to enter between each paver. Pavers with spacer bars are generally not laid in snug against each other since a string line will provide consistent joint spacing.

Installation of brick pavers

One of the most widely used methods for the installation of pavers is hand installation of each paver. It is best to install a single row of pavers along one of the true straight lines that you have pulled or above the bedding sand. This will give you a straight and true line off which to work. Once this row is established, you can continue to work outward into the field with the rest of the pavers. Always make sure to periodically check your joint lines to make sure they are true and straight. If not, adjustments to the pavers can be made as you continue installing. Pavers should be installed hand tight. The best method is to place a paver against another one and let it slide down into the bedding sand. Do not kick or tap the pavers into place as this can throw your lines out of true straightness.

When installing pavers on a steep grade, they should be installed at the base of the grade going uphill. This will prevent the pavers from creeping as they are being laid.

On large commercial and industrial applications, hand laying pavers would not be cost effective due to the labor intensity. The best way for installing pavers on large projects is to install them mechanically. The use of a mechanical laying machine can install approximately 6000 - 7000 sq ft a day. There are a couple items a contractor should consider before installing pavers mechanically:

1.) Mechanical installers are only capable of installing pavers in certain patterns.

2.) The contractor must make sure that the manufacturer is capable of manufacturing and bundling pavers in the desired pattern on the pallets for easy mechanical installation.

3.) Contractors may encounter a color blending situation coming off the bundles of pavers. Poor color blending could result in a patchy looking installation. Most manufacturers are consistent with color blending on each bundle of pavers, but it is the contractor's responsibility to ensure proper blending in the field.

Cutting procedures for brick pavers

Contractors typically have two ways of cutting pavers. Pavers are cut either by 1). A double bladed guillotine or by 2). A gas powered cut off saw or brick saw which is equipped with a diamond blade. The diamond blade cut-off saw or brick saw will provide a much cleaner and more accurate cut. Most brick saws will have a hose attachment on them which will allow the operator to cut the pavers wet. When cutting pavers wet, it will help minimize dust and will prolong the diamond blades life as well. The operator of the brick saw should always cut the pavers away from the surface of the paver field when cutting wet, due to the fact that the pavers will create a slurry that will stain the paver surface. Pavers that are cut should not fit tight, sufficient spacing should be available for jointing sand.

The brick saw operator should always wear the proper protection that is needed for operating a saw, such as eye, ear, respiratory and hand protection ).

Edging types

Edge restraints play a major role in the overall success of an interlocking pavement installation. Edging restraints eliminate lateral movement of the pavers and hold the pavers tightly together. Especially at the outer perimeter of the paver application, without an edging restraint, your project is guaranteed to fail over time.

There are several different edging restraints from which contractors can choose. Typically manufactured edge restraints are the most commonly used by contractors. Manufactured edging restraints can range from, plastic edging, steel and aluminum, timbers or precast concrete and stone. An edging type that is used primarily in commercial and industrial applications is poured-in-place concrete curbs. This edging restraint is typically installed by other contractors.

Edging installation

When installing your edge restraint, it should rest directly on top of the compacted gravel base. The compacted gravel base course should extend a minimum of 6in beyond the perimeter of the pavers. This will provide a proper foundation upon which the edging restraint can sit. Manufactured edging ( i.E. Plastic, steel or aluminum ) should be firmly anchored into the compacted gravel base( check with the manufacturer's literature for the recommended spacing of the spikes). There are some edging restraints that will extend deeper into the gravel base or beyond the base course ( i.E. Timbers or poured-in-place curbs ). Edging restraints should never be placed directly on top of the bedding sand. This could result in the migration of the bedding sand and eventual lateral movement of the pavers. If there is a possibility of losing bedding sand between the pavers and the edge restraint, then geo textile fabric is recommended. When a gap between the pavers and the edging exceeds 3/8" (10mm), then the space should be filled with cut pavers. All edging applications should be properly back filled after they are installed to help provide additional stability.

Compaction of brick pavers

After installation, the pavers need to be compacted. The entire area that is to be compacted should be swept clean of any foreign objects and debris that can cause scratching or scuffing on the surface of the pavers.

It is important to have a compactor that can exert between 3000lbs. And 5000 lbs. Of centrifugal compaction force. In addition, it is important that the first compaction takes place before any jointing sand has been applied to the pavers. If jointing sand is applied to the pavers before compaction takes place, this can cause a bridging problem and will not allow the joints to be completely filled with jointing sand. This can also prevent the pavers from being properly set into the bedding sand.

When compacting the pavers, it is recommended that you make at least two passes in different directions across the pavers. This will allow the pavers to be properly set in the bedding sand and will force the bedding sand up into the joints from the bottom of the pavers.

The compaction of the pavers is very critical to the final performance of the pavers. Failure to do proper compaction can result in deformations and pavement failure over time.

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What Lowers Car Insurance Rates?

Car insurance in one form or another is required by most (not all) states. Those who are required to have automobile insurance must realize that insurance rates and premium payments are not the same for everybody.

What lowers car insurance rates however will be of interest to most consumers since nobody wants to pay more than they have to for cover.

Of course, those without appropriate or enough insurance and those not required by the law to have insurance, will be required to compensate for damage, injury or death they may cause. So while not having car insurance might seem like a great saving, it can be a very expensive mistake if you find yourself involved in an accident.

This article will discuss how a consumer can minimize insurance payments effectively and efficiently. Do bear in mind that the consumer to a certain extent, has control of the premium payments.

Keep Your Credit Ratings above Median

Credit ratings are determined by credit bureaus. The former generates credit reports and scores that determine the credit ratings of a consumer. The proper term is "ratings", in the plural because each credit bureau (and there are a few) have their own credit rating based on their own credit report and credit score of a particular consumer. To put things simply; higher credit ratings can be what lowers car insurance rates. The best credit scores are those above 720 FICO and the worst are those below the federal and state median, 650. Tip - maintaining above average credit scores is simple; the consumer only needs to follow two simple rules:

Always pay your debts on time and in full. Check your credit reports annually using your free annual credit check and dispute any information that is false or obsolete.

Keep Your Driving History Positive

The more negative information relating to driving history that you have, the higher your premium payments. Therefore, the best way to keep car insurance premium payments at a minimum is to follow the rules of the road. Negative determinants include but are not limited to previous DWI/DUI convictions and traffic violations.

Flex Your Coverage

The type of coverage as well as the extent of coverage determines the total insurance cost as well as insurance premiums. The best way to maximize coverage and minimize premiums is to include or increase the coverage of risks you are prone to encounter, while dropping cover for risks that you will never be subjected to.

For example, if you live in the dessert with little chance of flooding, you may want to drop the flood/inundation coverage. If you always keep your car in a garage, then theft coverage maybe minimized or totally dropped.

Your Automobile

The make and model of your automobile is also an insurance quote determinant.

Below are a few details to remember:

The older and less maintained the automobile, the higher the insurance rates. The harder it is to find and the more expensive the automobile make and model parts, the higher the insurance premiums. SUV's and luxury cars have higher insurance premiums.

Your Age and Driving Experience

The reality is, your insurance premiums become higher or lower if you are within a certain age bracket. The worst age group to be in is 17 to 25, next is 26 to 35. If you started paying car insurance within these age groups and have never looked at what lowers car insurance rates, then it would be best to renegotiate or change providers when your insurance is up for renewal especially when you fall out of these age groups and your driving experience has increased.

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Mahjong Sets: Experience the Classic Game

With the Internet, phone apps, and more, a lot of people are being exposed to games that they might not have ever had the chance to play otherwise, or even hear about for that matter! The fact is that Mahjong sets have offered countless generations in the Eastern world with hours and hours of fun, skill, and strategy. While popular in the Eastern world for centuries, the game largely became known to those on continents like Europe, North America, and South America through these phone apps and computer games. However, the versions on the computer and phones do not offer you quite the same experience. You will want to take some time to experience the classic game that started it all if you enjoy playing the digital versions of it!

Game Sets. The first thing you will want to do if you want to experience the thrill and challenge of the classic game is to purchase your very own Mahjong sets for your home. There is some variation in the options available, and you will find the best selection in terms of price and style alike by shopping at a game or toy website online. Because this game in its classic form isn't as popular in the West as it is in the East, purchasing online is truly your best option. As you shop around, a carrying case or bag for your set is a "must." Keep in mind that your set will come with approximately 136 or 144 tiles, not to mention the other pieces involved in the game, too.

Tournaments. If you try out your Mahjong sets at home and find that you enjoy playing the classic version, as so many others around the globe do, you may want to consider looking for a tournament to play in near your home. While the game isn't quite as popular in Western cultures as it is in the East, it is still a widely popular game that has a huge following, so you likely can find tournament-style play somewhere close to home. This will give you the chance to improve your skills and try out your hand against a wide range of other players. Plus, tournaments of this kind are just plain fun!

Variations. If you enjoy playing the classic version, you likely will also want to take some time to research variations of play. As with many different types of games that have grown in popularity around the globe and that have been around for centuries, different variations have cropped up around the world and these unique versions can really offer your whole family as well as your group of friends some fun while you experiment with them. You often can spend just a little time researching them and then starting playing them right away.

Plenty to Choose From. As you can see, Mahjong sets can really open up some fun and exciting doors for you to enjoy with friends, family, and even other players at tournaments, too! Take time today to order your own set so you can start playing the classic game at home.

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The Rule of 20 in Acol Bridge

The Rule of 20 is a technique used by players in the card game of bridge. Bridge is played by four players and each player is dealt a hand of 13 cards. Before the bidding starts each player adds up the number of points in their hand, counting four points for each ace, three for each king, two for each queen and one for each jack that they hold. Then,starting with the player to the left of the dealer and working clockwise around the table, the bidding is usually started by the first player to hold 12 or more high card points (HCP).

Can you open the bidding with fewer than 12 points?

Usually if a player holds fewer than 12 points they will pass. Sometimes though, because of its shape or make up, a player might think their hand is suitable for opening the bidding even if it doesn't contain 12 points. How can the player decide whether to pass or open the bidding? This is where the Rule of 20 comes in. It is used in just one situation - when deciding if your hand is suitable for opening the bidding and you hold fewer than 12 points. The Rule of 20 will help you decide if a hand with fewer than 12 points is suitable for opening.

Using The Rule of 20

If no-one else has opened the bidding when it comes to your turn and you think your hand is good enough to consider opening, you should start by adding up your high card points. Then add to that total the length of your two longest suits. If the total is 20 or more, your hand passes The Rule of 20 and you can open the bidding if you want to.

Here are some examples to help you understand.

Hand 1

(spades) A 7 5 4

(hearts) 6 5 3

(diamonds) A K 8 5 3

(clubs) 9

Hand 1 has 11 HCPs. The lengths of the two longest suits are five and four. This makes a total of 20, so the hand is suitable for opening.

Hand 2

(s) 8 3

(h) A Q 9 5 4

(d) K J 6 4 2

(c) 5

Hand 2 has only 10 points but has two 5 card suits. So adding the points (10) to the length of the two longest suits (10) gives a total of 20. It passes the Rule of 20 so we can open with one of a suit.

Hand 3

(s) Q J 4

(h) A 7

(d) 10 7 5

(c) K J 8 6 3

Hand 3 has 11 points, but adding in the length of the two longest suits (5 + 3) only gives a total of 19. This hand doesn't pass the Rule of 20 and so isn't suitable for opening.

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Timber Rejuvenation - The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread

Timber or lumber is one of the most convenient materials used in structures, especially for the home. We usually use timber for fences, decks, walls, ceilings, floors, dens, gazebos, steps, doors, and so on. During early times, most houses were made from high quality timber materials. Over the years the problem with timber is that it slowly deteriorates.

Like most materials, timber serves us well for building, however, it is also important to note that timber requires more maintenance and care than concrete does. Over time timber develops little organisms that attack timber from within and If not acted upon, these organisms may weaken the wood surface. Thus, timber rejuvenation is necessary to keep all the bugs away and to stop it from deteriorating.

Timber rejuvenation involves a process that helps in maintaining your timber and with this rejuvenating process helps the surface of the timber to look new again. Rejuvenating of timber is necessary to strengthen your wooden home structures and is essential in the preservation of old wooden houses.

Just like any process, timber rejuvenation requires a bit of preparation. Firstly the wood surface must be cleaned, and dried. All other unnecessary dirt and materials including stains must be brushed away. Timber rejuvenation is primarily done through the use of water pressure cleaning. Water pressure cleaning helps repel stains, parasites, and other nasty elements that can destroy timber. Water pressure cleaning is amazing when cleaning timber and It effectively removes the dirt and stains while not damaging the surface. It is important to consider the amount of pressure to be used and this process should be done by a timber rejuvenating specialist.

Water pressure cleaning requires training and expertise and cannot be done by just anyone. In some instances, other formulations or solutions are to be applied to the surface of the timber and this is done in order to preserve the timber. These solutions prevent parasites and other organisms infiltrating the timber, thereby protecting and preserving the material. A sealer is also applied.

Vacuuming is also done as well to thoroughly clean it to make sure that the surface is dry before other applications are added. If the timber is partly damaged, more intense cleaning solutions should be applied. After this process the timber or surface is then oiled. A few days must go by before the surface can be washed. For the kitchen, timber and other wood surfaces can be polished with oil to clean and smooth the surface. For large areas a professional timber rejuvenating service is a must. So always remember to look after your timber surfaces, because if you do it will last you a lifetime.

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Spring Baby Showers - Adding A Little Spring To A Special Day

Spring is a fabulous time to hold a baby shower. The world is in bloom around us. It's a season of new starts, new lives, and new hopes. What better time of the year could there be to celebrate a new baby? Here are a few great ideas to help you incorporate spring into your shower.

The beautiful temperatures that come with spring in many areas encourage outdoor shower. For this reason, garden baby showers are very popular for the spring. A garden party can be held in a pretty backyard garden or at a local garden that hosts parties. The parties theme can just be a garden baby shower, or you can go with a theme such as a baby is blooming. Use floral themed invitations, and give personalized seed packets or individual flowers as party favors. No worries about decorations, the beauty of nature can not be beat. Plus, surrounded by nature your guests are sure to relax and enjoy themselves.

Tea parties are also very popular for spring showers. If you are in an area where springs are too cold to host a party outdoors, or where spring is rainy, a tea party can be way to bring a spring feel indoors. The light femininity of a tea party, especially one decorated with flowers and florals is perfect for a baby shower. Have the shower at a beautiful tea room. Or, decorate with lots of flowers and serve tea and finger sandwiches. Use tea party themed baby shower invitations. Give your guests personalized tea packets and honey for their party favors. Decorate simply with flowers and pretty dishes. No matter how old she is, every girl at heart loves a tea party.

A less common, but quite fun idea for a spring baby shower is to hold it at a zoo. In the spring most zoos are celebrating their new babies too. So, having a baby shower will fit right in. For games your guests can go on scavenger hunts for the new babies at the zoo. They can also match the names of the baby animals to the type of animal. You can use almost any animal themed baby shower favor, making it easy to find one that you will love. Decorations can be fairly minimal, and can be done in a zoo animal, jungle, or baby animal theme. Invitations can feature adorable baby animals. Since this is a popular shower theme year round, you'll have no trouble at all finding everything you need to make the party perfect.

If you'd rather have a more traditional setting, such as a home, restaurant, or party venue, consider a spring theme. There are many spring friendly themes to choose from. A baby is blooming, flowers, baby animals, a pea in a pod, and baby zoo animals are all themes that work wonderfully for a spring baby shower. Even the pastels we often use for babies mix wonderfully with spring. Especially if you add in a few flowers.

Whether you choose a garden shower, a tea party, the zoo, or a more traditional theme, bringing in a bit of spring cheer is sure to enhance the shower and bring a smile to everyone's faces.

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Kindle Fire Product Review

I recently purchased a Kindle Fire, replacing my original Kindle, which had seen increasing use over the last few years. Ironically, the Kindle Fire was purchased at a traditional brick and mortar establishment, as I wanted to check out the size and weight of the device prior to purchase. I use the term ironic, as these types of devices may represent another building block in the future demise of the brick and mortar operations selling them. My decision would be Kindle versus Apple iPad, with size, weight and interface key factors.

My immediate take on the Kindle Fire was very positive. It was larger than my original Kindle, but small enough to be considered a book substitute. I found the screen much easier to read than my original Kindle, and it offered all the advantages of a color display. Two major enhancements included the ability to browse the web and to download apps, including very important and useful apps, such as Angry Birds. The web browser works wherever one can find Wi-Fi access, including HotSpots. The Apple iPad was also very impressive, offering greater functionality albeit at a larger size and weight, at about 21 ounces compared to the 14 ounces of the Kindle.

I purchased the Kindle Fire for, selling for $199 as of that time, and was on my way. The Kindle Fire is almost like having your own personal public library in the palm of your hand. Many classics are free, or very inexpensive eliminating the need to drive to a bookstore or local library. The Kindle Fire, and perhaps eReaders in general, offer an expansive personal library, allowing users to specifically (or randomly) choose almost any new book sample or classic. Striving to mix in some of the classics with my recent business selections (Blink and Steve Jobs) I also downloaded: Mountain Interval (Robert Frost), Prufrock and Other Observations (T.S. Eliot), Walking (Thoreau) and The Wreck of the Hesperus (Longfellow). These are not entirely random as the appearance of several characters in Woody Allen's movie, Midnight in Paris, provided the catalyst to review some of these works. And that's one of the great advantages of the Kindle, within seconds of hearing about, or thinking about a book or an author, you can be reading a favorite classic or contemporary work.

Amazon also offers a Kindle Owners' Lending Library program ($79 per year) which provides a free library of books (currently about 5,000) and access to a free video streaming service with over 10,000 movies and television episodes. It also provides free shipping on Amazon purchases and is essentially a "no brainer" if you purchase a book or more per month, as the estimated costs would be over $100 per year to do so.

The Kindle Fire supports web surfing and downloading and streaming of video. I use the former often, but have not yet used the latter. The Kindle Fire, eReaders and tablet type solutions will change future consumption of content. I've seen friends who I would consider "technology laggards" rapidly adopting eReaders and tablets. The convenience of being able to transport a dozen or more books on any vacation or business trip, sample any book before purchasing, changing font size and brightness to accommodate personal preferences and access to a growing online library are just a few of the catalysts driving behavioral changes. Though not all books are yet available on the Kindle, I've seen estimates of 650,000+ and I'm sure this will grow rapidly to accommodate consumer purchasing habits as more people move to eReaders. Bottom line, as of this writing, I think the Kindle Fire is a great solution for almost anyone who likes to read.

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Can Virtually Anyone Launch Their Own Successful E-Book Publishing Business?

Many people often wonder whether or not it's possible to generate some useful income on the Internet with e-books. As you probably already know, e-books are becoming increasingly popular. There is a simple formula that many successful e-book publishers have used in the past, are using today, and will use in the future to make a lot of money in this industry.

That formula basically revolves around the idea of figuring out what topics people are interested in and then producing e-books that contain the advice and information that people interested in those topics are seeking. That's basically all there is to it. Obviously, there are a lot of other details and need to be taken into consideration as well. But the truth is, it's easier than ever before to make money on the Internet publishing e-books.

One concern that a lot of people have is whether or not they need to personally be able to write the e-books that they publish. Nothing could be further from the truth. Stop and think about how large publishing companies operate. For the most part, various authors are responsible for creating the content. The publishing company focuses on marketing and sales.

When it comes to e-books, your primary goal will be to generate sales. While it's certainly true that you can author and the e-book if you'd like to, it's not required. Some of the most successful e-book publishers in the marketplace today don't bother with any of the content creation themselves. It's far easier to either acquire the content or to have a topic expert create the content using their own knowledge and expertise. This is truly a win-win situation because people who buy the e-book get genuinely useful information and you as the e-book publisher can rake in easy profits.

You definitely owe it to yourself to seriously consider the benefits associated with launching an e-book publishing business. Not only do you get to set your own hours, but you also have the opportunity to work from virtually anywhere in the world where there is an Internet connection. The money can be really good, too. In fact, it it's not unusual for somebody to be able to generate some useful income within 90 days of launching their e-book business.

To the extent you're interested in making a lot of money with e-books, it's certainly possible provided that you're willing to put in the effort.

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Video Recording for Transcription - It May Not be Worthwhile

If you're planning to make a video recording for transcription, whether digital or analogue, the first thing you need to consider is the reason for recording video rather than audio. If you have other reasons for wanting video - for instance to record the body language in a training session or meeting, or because you're recording TV or film footage, then you may want to consider transferring to audio before sending to your transcriptionist. I'm not aware of any transcription machines that will play back video footage, and there is significant time involved in transferring video to audio tape in order to transcribe it. If you are recording video in a meeting or focus group, in order that the transcriptionist can better identify speakers, then you need to carefully consider how best to set up the cameras or the effort may go entirely to waste. You also need to consider your location and that of your transcriber - for instance as we are based in the UK we only accept videos in European format (PAL) rather than NTSC as used in America.

If you have recorded video in order to help the transcriptionist identify speakers, the transcription has to be carried out first from the audio tape, and then read through while watching the video tape to check that speakers have been correctly identified. As the video does not have transcription-style playback controls this is again time-consuming.

If you have a video made of a focus group, meeting or round table discussion for instance, please remember to provide us with a seating plan so that we can actually identify the different speakers from their positions in the room. This may not always be 100% effective, as it depends on the positioning of the camera, but it will help. A client once sent us a video and said 'Oh you won't need a seating plan; everyone has a name card in front of them.' However, the video camera was situated in the corner of the room and looked over the shoulders of six of the twelve participants, meaning that their bodies entirely blocked the view of the place markers. It also meant that we couldn't tell with 100% certainty who was speaking as we could only see the backs of half the participants!

It is important to understand that it takes around four hours to transcribe one hour of clear, good-quality one-to-one interview from audio tape, and it can take much longer if the quality is poor in any way. The additional time taken to record the audio from the video and then check back will probably be in the region of 1 to 2 hours per hour of video recording. So an hour of analogue video recording may take from five to seven plus hours for an interview and substantially more for a group session.

Other factors that increase the time taken, such as strong accents, background noise or a need for verbatim transcription (please see the information on our website about the differences between verbatim, intelligent verbatim and edited transcription) will also increase the time taken to transcribe.

Digital recording is becoming more affordable all the time and it has many advantages over analogue recordings, so if you are making analogue recordings consider switching to digital. Digital video has many of the same issues as analogue video but you will at least have a better quality recording in almost all cases! It may also be practical to make a video (analogue or digital) for your purposes e.g. examining body language, but make a digital audio recording at the same time for your transcriptionist. Although you will then need to check through to ensure voices have been identified correctly, the cost of transcription will be considerably less than if the transcriptionist has to convert the recordings to audio and then check back using the video.

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Winterizing Your Patio Furniture

When the warm summer months are coming to a close and you start to see the leaves turn and drift to the ground, it is time to start preparing your patio furniture for winter storage. While it is always difficult to close up that umbrella and acknowledge that it is your last dinner on the patio for the season, a little planning can make sure you will be able to enjoy your patio furniture set for many years to come.

Most patio furniture is designed to withstand years of exposure to heat, rain, a little wind, and the sun. However, the harsh ice, snow, and wind that generally arrive during the winter months can dramatically shorten the life of your patio furniture. The following tips involve a little elbow grease and possibly some minimal purchases that will effectively minimize the wear and tear on your patio furniture during the winter months.

Preparing Your Patio Furniture for Storage

The type of furniture that you have on your patio can determine the process you should use for winterizing preparations. A variety of Patio Furniture Sets are available on the market, with materials ranging from aluminum to wicker. For the purpose of this article, the most common patio furniture types have been included in the tips in order to get you started.

If any of your patio furniture pieces or accessories are in need of replacing, autumn is the time to find great deals! You can add to your current set or consider new cushions, pillows, or other complimentary items.

Cleaning

Ensuring that your furniture set is clean before it is stored can help prevent staining and corrosion while making it possible to pull out your furniture to enjoy those first warm days once spring arrives.

Cleaning Wicker Sets: Wicker sets can be made of true rattan or synthetic rattan. Often, the wicker is sealed with some sort of finish to protect the material. Using a mild soap with warm water and gentle scrub brush or sponge, clean the surface of your furniture. Allow the furniture to air dry completely, or use a towel to dry. Address any areas that need repair or repainting while the set is clean and dry.

Cleaning Metal Sets: Most metal sets are sealed with a powder coat finish to ensure a longer life.Using a mild soap with warm water and gentle scrub brush or sponge, clean the surface of your furniture. Allow the furniture to air dry completely, or use a towel to dry. Address any areas that need repair or repainting while the set is clean and dry.

Cleaning Wood Sets: Wood sets can vary, from a classic picnic table to a set of Adirondack Chairs. Using a mild soap with warm water and gentle scrub brush or sponge, clean the surface of your furniture. Allow the furniture to air dry completely, or use a towel to dry. Address any areas that require sanding, painting, or staining. If the wood has a natural finish, consider rubbing a furniture oil or mineral oil into the surface to keep the wood from splitting or becoming brittle during dry winter months.

Cleaning Cushions & Umbrellas: Many Deep Seating Patio Furniture Sets include substantial cushioning, while other sets are accented with optional cushions or pillows.Brush off any debris on cushions and umbrellas. If cushions and pillows have removable covers, wash and dry them according to manufacturer instructions. If cushion covers cannot be removed, use mild soapy water and a sponge to wipe off any dirt on cushions. The same technique can be used on the umbrella. Let the cushions, pillows, and umbrella dry completely before storing.

Covering/Wrapping Your Patio Furniture

There are a number of options available for the covering or wrapping of your patio furniture sets. Ideally, it would be nice to move your furniture into a garage, shed, or basement where it is dry and sheltered. However, there are very few people that have the extra space available to store bulky items like patio furniture. If this is the case for you, there are still great methods for protecting your furniture if it must stay outdoors during the winter months.

Once you have cleaned and dried your furniture and accessories, try to consolidate the pieces to minimize the space that will be required for storing everything. Stack chairs, remove cushions, and dismantle any components that might be susceptible to damage. Select a storage location that is as sheltered from the elements as possible. If feasible, bring your fabric items inside for the winter, or consider putting them in a sealed tote or plastic bag for dry storage. There are a number of commercial patio furniture covers available on the market for a variety of patio furniture types. These covers are usually made from heavy duty canvas that is sealed to keep out moisture and protect from damage. Other options could include having your set professionally wrapped in plastic film or simply using a large tarp that can be secured with rope or bungee cords.

Successful Storage Throughout the Winter

If you have followed the cleaning and covering steps outlined previously, you can probably feel comfortable knowing that your patio furniture will be safely cocooned for the winter months to come. On occasion, it can be helpful to brush any accumulated ice or snow from your furniture coverings to prevent any leaking or shifting that could allow moisture to infiltrate and damage the furniture. It might also be a good idea to check every once in a while for any critters that might have decided that your securely covered furniture set would be a perfect home for the winter.

While it may be time to trade your flip flops and sunscreen for wool socks and hot cocoa, you can look forward to a successful transition into summer next year with patio furniture that has been carefully stored.

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A Baby Sleep Sack - The Ideal Baby Shower Gift

Having a baby is one of the most wonderful feelings in this world. Parents have immense emotional attachments with their babies, and always try to provide the best care to them. One of the important needs for a baby is adequate sleep, which can be achieved with a baby wearable blanket.

These blankets are made of a comfortable, cotton material, and can be used throughout the year for tiding over different weather conditions. Not only do these blankets keep the babies warm in winter, but they also allow them to breathe freely. These wearable blankets are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

As compared to these special blankets, regular blankets are often kicked off by babies during sleep. When the toddlers feel uncomfortable they are bound to wake their parents up, in turn. Parents would surely be able to sleep better, knowing that their baby is comfortable and secure inside this special protective blanket.

In the initial years, infants and toddlers feel the need to sleep for almost 16 hours a day. This is usually true for babies up to the age of 1 year. Toddlers are bound to feel restless and kick around during sleep, and baby slumber sacks provide enough room to do this. Even if the baby happens to kick its feet into the bars of the crib, the sack will ensure that there is no injury.

For these infants to sleep peacefully throughout the night, it is important that these baby slumber sacks are made of a comfortable material. This is the reason why the slumber sacks are made of cotton, just like cotton clothing. Apart from the material, the sacks are in the shape of cocoons, to make sure the babies fit in with ease.

The Baby sleep sack can easily be worn over regular sleep wear. Zips are provided over these sacks, for cozily enclosing the babies. Even if babies want to be taken on outdoor trips, they can easily manage to sleep inside these slumber sacks.

Well designed sleep sacks can also be given as baby shower gifts. These sleep sacks are available in a variety of different colors, to suit different tastes. What could be a better baby shower gift for parents than peaceful sleep?

Sleep sacks are also known as sleep nests, and are available in two versions- standard and lite. The standard version is more heavier and warmer than the lite version. As compared to the standard version, the lite version is made of a very light cotton jersey.

There are also some safety reasons which should keep parents free from worry, while choosing a baby sleep sack. The material is completely non toxic in nature and not treated by any harmful chemicals. It can also be easily washed and tumble dried in washing machines, but should not be ironed.

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Transitioning Toddlers From Cribs To Beds

When my oldest child was getting too old for her crib, I looked into my options. Should I invest in a toddler bed only to have to purchase another bed later on? I'm too cheap for that, although some toddler bed are extremely cute! Should I just buy a regular bed and take my chances with that? Thankfully the decision was made for me. A friend gave me a beautiful twin bed that her daughter had outgrown. I was all set to purchase side rails so that my daughter wouldn't fall out, when I stumbled upon an idea that worked out great for me. No toddler bed or side rails needed. It was easy to transition and took about two weeks with very little effort. I am confident that this idea can work for most.

Step One; Mattress Only.

Room permitting of course, remove the top mattress off the bed and place it on the floor. Gather some pillows to place around the mattress for a soft landing in case your child rolls off. Put your child to bed in the very middle. I personally placed a bunch of stuffed animals around her on the bed to add a "wall" but I don't think this is necessarily required. You might be worried about your child escaping without the rails that once held them in place, but in my experience it wasn't much of an issue. After your child has stayed on the mattress for the entire night, you are ready for the next step.

Step Two; Raise It Up.

If you are confident that your child is ready to move up a bit, place the mattress on top of the boxspring on the floor. Repeat all of the precautionary steps including the pillows along the bed and possibly stuffed animals as a "wall". Place your child in the middle of the bed and prepare for a fall or two. My daughter fell maybe once at this stage, but the tears were short lived and it in no way inhibited our progress. After another few days of no falls, move on to step 3.

Step Three; Final Destination.

After your child has mastered the art of staying on just the mattress and both mattress and box spring, move both onto the bed frame. In my experience, in the beginning the bed should be placed up against a wall as to somewhat provide one side barrier. I placed my daughter as close to the wall as possible in the beginning to allow lots of rolling room. Pillows should be placed on the floor for awhile to cushion any falls until the worry is completely gone. I also placed a long body pillow on the edge of the bed for a long time. It should be noted that children of all ages fall off the bed at least once in a blue moon. They will survive.

And just like that, your child will be sleeping in a regular bed with no extra money spent or too much energy exerted. It's as easy as pie!

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