Thursday, January 28, 2010

Going Green without Spending Green

We have this mistaken idea that to go green, we have to spend green dollars. Well, actually, you do not need to strain your budget just to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle. In fact, you will be fattening up your wallets with these tips on going green without spending your green dollars. And trust us, these ways are easy, effective and convenient.

Reduce Food Waste

Your grocery bill may constitute more than 50 percent of your total household bills. Thus, any and all efforts to reduce food waste will add up to big benefits to your pockets and to the environment for many reasons. You can achieve this end by:

* Reducing your food consumption in terms of shopping for groceries.
* Using leftovers for new dishes and enforcing a no-dregs policy
* Planning meals in advance to avoid too many leftovers

Use Heaters Wisely

We are so dependent on hot water for many of our needs from washing our bodies to washing our dishes and clothes. Well, go green by choosing cold water for many activities in the house. Start by taking cold showers when the weather permits instead of hot tub baths. Then progress into using unheated tap water for washing your hands, dishes and clothes. Studies have shown that tap water is just as effective in killing germs as hot water. The trick is in washing your hands properly for 20 seconds, soaking the clothes for 30 minutes to remove stubborn dirt and washing off the dregs on the eating utensils before placing on a full dishwasher.

Unplug the Appliances

You can save as much as 10-15 percent of your electricity bill simply by unplugging the cords from their sockets when these are not in use. This is because so-called phantom electricity does not flow from the grid into your appliances. And speaking of appliances, you can save money by either buying ones with the Energy Star logo or ones that have been refurbished. Of course, make sure that the refurbished appliances are also energy-efficient. You ought to save money in the long run instead of sticking to your run-down appliances. However, do recycle said old appliances with the manufacturers or with the recycling centers.

Use Recycled Materials for Your Home

As much as possible, use recycled materials for your home. You can purchase scrap lumber from hardware stores, vintage wood and glass panels from garage sales and old houses, utensils and ornaments made of recycled materials from green stores and sites, to name a few options. You will often spend less on these items and yet get as much mileage as you possibly can from them. Better yet, you should adopt the motto of environmentalists everywhere - reduce, reuse and recycle. You will soon find that indeed being eco-friendly has its rewards for you and for your children's children.

Starting today, take a look around your home and see what else needs to be done to be as environmentally-friendly as possible.



Read about ways to start going green in the kitchen and more about the different ways to recycle.

Defining A Better Fit For Your Data Center Outsourcing Needs

The key to a successful outsourcing relationship is identifying a partner who can provide cost-effective solutions with the relevant resources and the ability to adjust services as business changes over time. Outsourcing decisions should be made by examining whether an organization is effective and efficient in providing a function that is strategic to the business. IT operations and support organizations are often viewed as an overhead that provides a commodity function that can be easily and safely outsourced. However, IT operations and support functions may be core capabilities because flexible, stable and reliable operations are the foundation for enterprise applications and business processes. IT operations outsourcing proposals are often evaluated and executed with inadequate information about services and costs. The result may be an agreement that does not define the full set of services required, does not result in expected cost savings, and requires retaining a significant number of internal staff to close service gaps and monitor the outsourcer. Good business decisions are based on understanding services and costs, the impact of change, and the risk associated with IT services that do not meet business requirements.

What Should Be Outsourced?
Data center outsourcing services are one of the most mature IT service categories available in the market. In a mature market, one should expect external service providers (ESPs’) to understand market dynamics — as well as client’s wants and needs — and invest in making their services better, faster and less expensive. No “one size fits all” exists for outsourcing. The build-or-buy decision will be based on different criteria for different organizations.

Sourcing decisions may also be influenced to a great extent by factors such as politics and culture and economic stability. Therefore a long-term decision — typically, five to 10 years requires an ability to align IT with business goals, identify gaps in IT capabilities, understand the capabilities available in the market and determine how in-house and supplier responsibilities can best be shared.

Cybernet-SlashSupport is a leading provider of technology support services for enterprises and technology service providers. As a diverse end-to-end IT solutions provider, CSS provides flexible, customized solutions tailor-made to meet specific requirements.

CSS provides a complete portfolio of infrastructure management solutions and support services for geographically distributed network resources, 24x7. Our infrastructure management solutions are based on an architecture that is open and scalable thus enabling easy integration of vendor or customer-supplied tools. CSS provides infrastructure management solutions for a broad spectrum of servers, storage, networks, security, databases, desktops, and applications. By automating corrective actions, IT organizations decrease problem resolution time and improve system availability and reduce downtime.

At CSS Corp, our processes and systems are exclusively tuned to support the client’s operations, with extensive simulation labs and resolution focused environment. Our Centers of Excellence (CoEs) are dedicated to provide superior support services required to succeed in today's competitive marketplace. Our global delivery model provides flexibility, and ensures high quality service, cost savings, localization and reduced risk. We help enterprises drive software and IT process improvements by aligning their internal practices to industry best practices and frameworks such as CMM/CMMi, ITIL, RUP, ISO, SAS 70, COPC and BS 7799.

CSS supports and manages technology infrastructure platforms and applications for Fortune 2000 companies, and provides support solutions for products and applications from ISVs and consumer technology providers.


Data Center Migration

Data center migration services

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

How the Economic Stimulus Bill Will Impact America

The literal impact of the economic stimulus bill is something that will take time to valuate. Though, I am not an economic analyst, I will provide a summary of the many parts to this bill and explain the interpersonal impact the stimulus bill will have on the families, organizations, and business' in America within the next year. In simple terms, the economic stimulus is so varied in its logistic applications that it stimulates almost everything all at once; instead of just throwing a load of cash in the hands of regular people. The remedy comes in 8 different parts (or areas of focus). The first of these specific areas of focus is the manipulation of taxes.

The package includes a tax break of about $13 extra a week in everyone's paycheck. This is given to families who send a child to college, buy a new car, buy a first home, or make the ones they own more efficient. This would definitely help my family. I can see how the extra tax break would help me in this area because I am the first child in my family to attend college and I'm also buying my first car this year. The second focus of the stimulus package is that of health insurance. This really helps the people who were laid off and can no longer afford health insurance. The government will pick up 65% of the total cost of that premium of the medical insurance for the first nine months. The third focus of the stimulus is infrastructure. As one could tell, the past eight years have seen deterioration in not only financial foot holdings but also in the country's physical back bone as well. Highways, waterways, bridges, and the like will all be repaired. But this is only a small band aid on a larger problem. Many analysts believe that this part of the plan will not offer employment satisfaction in the needed short term.

Energy comes in at 4th place on my list. With more than $42 billion in energy related investments for renewable energy projects; homeowners looking to save energy, solar panel and wind turbine manufacturers, and companies hoping to bring the electric grid up to par are all prepped to reap major benefits. The 5th part of the economic stimulus package is the funding provided for schools. This sets up $54 billion to help keep teachers on the job. The education department will distribute the money as quickly as possible. Part 6 is the Environment. Reserved is $9.2 billion for environment projects. This will create about 100,000 jobs over the next two year; even though once again it would not completely solve the mess in our environment as quick as some may hope. The last two focus areas of this plan would cater to the police and the poor. The compromise bill gives $3.7 billion for police programs. The budget for food stamps and unemployment will increase in volume and duration.

I think that if there are more cops and less homeless people, then the stimulus would make an extremely positive impact to say the least. In many ways, it seems as if President Obama has attempted to use the stimulus as an excuse to accomplish everything he said in his campaign. Objectively, the stimulus represents a clear example of how our country should and will operate. This plan is a direct result of faith put in our new president. Therefore, I believe the impact will be on a more interpersonal level. We will not only begin to treat our country and its people differently, but we'll also begin to mirror the literal action of the stimulus by delivering more value into our everyday lives. If what economists said about this being a "mental recession" then the economic stimulus bill will surely make everyone a bit happier. This plan will continue to help the economy build better relationships among workers, family members, and other organizations. I believe that interpersonal relations are where the true value and wealth resides because people tend to buy from those they know. Even though this perspective of the impact can be seen as implicit, it is meant to be a stimulant for new thought on how to look at the economic situation of America.

We have become a nation of non creative thinkers. The economy is not the problem; it's our value system of ethics. In 2006 when all of those subprime mortgage lenders made the right decisions and thought about what they were doing then they would not have given people loans they couldn't afford in the first place. We have forgotten the factor of ethics over the last eight years and this stimulus bill re-establishes that frame of thought. We have been responding to our economy without thinking. When we respond without thinking we lose value. Our words lose weight and mental laziness sets in. The effects of responding without thinking are subtle, but track able nonetheless. If you scroll through your email "sent" box you'll see a multitude of automatic responses that you've already forgotten about. We forget to follow up with business. We neglect to show our loved ones who care. We let economic tragedies overcome the nation....These are just a couple of adverse effects of response without thought. To me this question is quite difficult to answer because it is probably the one most critical factors of differentiation between a progressive age and a regressing society. I've never taken the time to think about a question like this. Honestly speaking it would be impossible to quantify the true impact of the stimulus package today.

Years from now I would have to look back and process tons of information in order to get a tangible answer. Therefore, as it relates to the implicit impact of the stimulus package, interpersonal relations are the equivalent of economic value. When people believe the country is doing better on a grand scale, then it is. The true answer to this question though, reveals the direction of a whole generation.

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Wednesday, January 13, 2010

The Advantages of Earning an Online LPN Nursing Degree

If you are interested in entering the nursing field, a degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse, or LPN, may be a good option for you. Depending on the state where you live, the degree may also be known as a Licensed Vocational Nurse, or LVN. It is the basic level of nursing, and requires that you pass a state board exam called the NCLEX, or National Council Licensure Examination, exam.

Obtaining the Designation

In order to become an LPN, you will need to complete the appropriate training. One important aspect is that you need to train for a year in a hospital, vocational technical school, or community college. You can also train for an LPN degree online. However, before you choose a program, check with your state to ensure that your education will qualify you to sit for the licensing examination.

The advantages of earning an online LPN nursing degree are many. For one, if you are currently working or have other obligations, you can work on your degree without having to quit your job. Additionally, you may be interested in attending a school that is not in your area, but offers an LPN program.

Working as an LPN

The advantages of earning an online LPN nursing degree include the ability to earn the education you need to begin working as a nurse. Should you choose to later seek an RN (Registered Nurse) or other degree, many programs exist online to allow you to move forward with your career.

What can you do as an LPN? While your responsibilities are more limited than those of nurses with additional education, the advantages of earning an online LPN nursing degree allow you to work in the field without making the same level of commitment as required for an advanced degree—and you can always return to school at a later time if desired.

Career Outlook

Careers in the medical field are expected to remain strong. Starting salaries for LPNs can vary, as with any other field; however, the average salary for LPNs is around $34,000 annually.

Online LPN Programs

Online LPN Nursing Programs

Monday, January 11, 2010

DVD Buyers Get a Free Digital Copy on iTunes

Recently, anyone who bought a copy of the special edition DVD "Family Guy Presents: Blue Harvest" (an almost shot-by-shot parody of the first "Star Wars" movie) may have noticed they received something extra: a digital copy. With the digital copy, a person can watch the DVD on an iPod with video, or an iPhone™.

"Family Guy Presents: Blue Harvest" was the first DVD to come with a digital copy, but a deal between Twentieth Century Fox and Apple promises to deliver more DVDs with digital copy in the coming year. Announced in January, the two companies explained it makes sense for users to have the option of watching movies they buy on their portable media devices.

"One of the most requested features DVD buyers have been asking for is the ability to get the movies they bought into their iTunes library," said Jim Gianopulos, chairman and chief executive officer of Fox Filmed Entertainment. "We're thrilled to offer such an incredibly simple way for our customers to get even more out of their DVD purchase, and we look forward to releasing many more DVDs this year with iTunes Digital Copy."

Included with DVDs like "Blue Harvest" are two discs. While one disc plays the movie on a DVD player, the other disc contains the digital copy. A person pops the digital copy into a computer, enters a unique serial number (printed on a DVD insert) and the movie is automatically copied to the person's iTunes library. The user then has the capability of watching the movie on an iPod or iPhone without having to pay for it all over again at the iTunes store.

Of course, an individual needs to have an iTunes account before they can get their digital copy of the movie. And a user can only copy a movie to one iTunes account. If a person tries to copy the movie to another account, iTunes will say the code has already been used and deny the request.

But letting DVD buyers have free reign over how they choose to watch a movie certainly seems like a step in the right direction. Regular DVDs are protected so users cannot make copies or rip them onto computers (at least not legally). This has created a controversy in recent years (much as it has with music) because people believe once they buy a movie, they should be able to do whatever they want with it - whether watch it on an iPod or make copies for friends.

Of course, the deal also has its benefits for Apple and Fox. For Apple, it brings people to iTunes and encourages them to watch movies on computers, portable media players or phones - which may then inspire them to return to the iTunes store to purchase more movies. For Fox, it gives people another reason to buy DVDs or Blu-Ray discs because they're getting something more at no additional cost.

And it seems as though other film studios will follow Fox's lead. In early March, Lionsgate announced they also inked a deal with Apple to equip DVDs with digital copy for iTunes. The first Lionsgate film to debut with digital copy will be Sylvester Stallone's "Rambo", which comes out May 27th. Lionsgate is the company behind recent films like "3:10 to Yuma", the dud "Good Luck Chuck", and classic films like "Reservoir Dogs".

Shad Connelly,
Executive Editor -
Invention & Technology News (http://news.inventhelp.com)


Bestel iTunes Gift Card.

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Debt Recovery Solutions – Reduce Debt And Improve Your Credit Rating

While the average American household has acquired approximately $8,000 in consumer debt, many people have achieved the dream of living debt free. Reducing and eliminating your debt does not happen overnight. However, if you outline a realistic plan for reducing debt, you can become debt free in a few years.

Establish a Plan for Reducing Debt

Before achieving your goal, you must outline a detail plan for eliminating debt. To begin, gather all your credit accounts and unpaid bills. It is important to have an accurate debt amount. Individuals who earn a huge salary may be able to eliminate their debts by simply cutting expenses.

Record your monthly income and make a list of your monthly expenses Determine how much income remains after your have paid your bills for the month. This amount is your disposable income. Instead of frivolously spending this income, use the extra money to payoff your credit card balances.

If you do not have the extra income to payoff your debts, there are other options available to you.

Apply for a Debt Consolidation Loan to Reduce Debts

Applying for a debt consolidation loan to reduce your debts is a great way to eliminate high interest consumer debts. While a debt consolidated loan will not immediately erase your debts, these loans have short terms and low rates, which allow you to payoff your personal debts in less time.

There are three ways to acquire funds to consolidate debts. For starters, you can attempt to apply for a personal debt consolidation loan. Depending on the financial institution, you will need collateral or an excellent credit score.

Homeowners may apply for a home equity loan or line of credit. The funds received from the loan or line of credit may be used to payoff or reduce other high interest consumer debts. Be careful when accepting these types of consolidation loans. Home equity loans and lines of credit are protected by your home’s equity. With this said, the lender may foreclose your house if you do not repay the loan.

Debt Management and Consumer Credit Counseling Services

Another method for reducing debt involves establishing a relationship with a debt management or credit counseling service. These services will help you reduce debt and improve your credit rating by contacting your creditors and establishing better terms and rates on your credit cards and loans.


Kristy Sinsara

Kristy Sinsara

Bolster Your Willpower With Stop Smoking Hypnosis Therapy

What is Stop Smoking Hypnosis Therapy?

If you're a smoker, you've no doubt been alerted— by family members, doctors and even perfect strangers—to the dangers of smoking. Cancer, emphysema and heart disease are only some of the health issues associated with long term smoking habits. If you're ready to quit, but just can't find the willpower, you should strongly consider a stop smoking hypnosis program. The process of stop smoking hypnosis therapy includes manipulating your own subconscious into helping you break the psychological addiction to smoking cigarettes. The sooner you are able to quit smoking, the sooner your health risks will be reduced.

How Does Stop Smoking Hypnosis Work

Stop smoking hypnosis therapy is conducted by a hypno-therapist who has been trained to provide suggestions to your subconscious mind. By replacing your natural cigarette triggers, such as driving or eating, with subconscious reminders about the positive effects of quitting smoking, the hypno-therapist gives your own willpower an internal support system. Hypnotherapy can undermine your natural predilection to smoke by sublimating your cravings and improving your confidence in your ability to quit. Stop smoking hypnosis can also be administered at home via CD or through other audio technology. The use of hypnosis to cure the habit of smoking has varying results, depending on your susceptibility to being hypnotized, but many people adamantly proclaim that the therapy allowed them to quit smoking with virtually no withdrawal symptoms or cravings.

Advantages of Stop Smoking Hypnosis

There are many advantages to participating in a stop smoking hypnosis program. While there are a profusion of products on the market to help you quit smoking, including nicotine patches and gums, hypnosis therapy has some unique benefits. Some of these benefits include:

* Significant decrease in health risks if the therapy is successful
* The treatment is completely drug free
* Therapy can be completed quickly and has no long-term cost involvement
* Stop smoking hypnosis therapy can also boost your confidence in other areas of your life
* Therapy focuses on the positive, instead of resisting something you love, you're trained to be happy about getting rid of something that is hurting you.
* Therapy can be tailored to address your personal smoking triggers and habits

How to Find a Stop Smoking Hypnosis Program

There are many outlets by which you can locate a stop smoking hypnosis problem. Many therapists advertise on the internet, while some can be found in the phone directory. Finding the right therapist to help you quit smoking is a matter of personal preference. You can find help at http://stop-smoking-methods.org

If you are uncomfortable meeting with someone personally, or if there are no therapists locally, there are many stop smoking hypnosis programs available on cassette and CD that can be used in the privacy of your home. Whatever course you choose, you should feel happy with your decision to quit smoking. As the commercials say “Quitting smoking now greatly reduces serious risks to your health.”

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