Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Who Deserves O2 Ability Award?

The O2 Ability Awards are the first Irish business awards for best practice in the employment and inclusion of people with disabilities. These awards help to encourage business leadership. These awards help to influence social thinking towards real inclusion and equality. It also helps in recognizing an individual’s potential and ability to contribute and a right to self determination.

To receive such an award, you need to demonstrate the highest levels of best practices in aspects like leadership, environmental accessibility, recruitment and selection, customer services, retention & well being, learning, development and progression. The preliminary selection is done for the first 50 organizations which excel in these 6 categories. The final judging panel selects the overall winner in the private sector, the overall winner in the non-private sector and the small company winner.

The awards provide an environment for learning and continuous improvement. By examining current policies and practices we believe that organizations will see how embracing diversity is good for staff morale and ultimately, good for business.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Immaculate Beauty: "The Planet Earth"

It would be a wonderful experience seeing the earth from space. Earth, our home planet, is a beautiful blue and white ball when seen from space. The third planet from the Sun, it is the largest of the inner planets. Earth is the only planet known to support life and to have liquid water at the surface. The amazing thing is that the liquid water is about 79% and the land is just 21% of the earth. When we see a dazzling collection of photographs of Earth taken from space we get an idea of how beautiful earth really looks like.

One of the most fantastic records of Earth's beauty, Seen from space, Earth has no national borders, no military zones, and no visible fences. The entire atmosphere of the planet-- all the air we breathe, all the sky we fly through, even the ozone layer is visible as the thinnest rind. The home planet book gives us the amazing pictures of earth and that reveals the awesome beauty of our mother earth.

The green forests, mighty hills, valleys, mountains, the great golden deserts, beautiful islands and flowing rivers all these made the earth as heaven for the living beings. Earth at its most marble-like and blue is not just a feast for the eyes that nature gives us. The Earth is a unique planet which supported life for billions of years.

Friday, July 4, 2008

Vodafone offers pre-registration for iPhone 3G

Indians are waiting for the 3G iPhone since long, here is the chance to the grab Apple’s third-generation touch phone as soon as it ships in India. Vodafone phone is present pre-registering of the Apple’s 3G iPhone. Whereas there is no representative announcement made by the company, the mobile phone service provider advertised the offer on its official website and in a leading newspaper. Regarding the 3G connectivity in the country, the Indian government has not yet issued procedure and directives for auctioning of the 3G telephony in India. One of the many issues that are hindering the government from taking the final decision is that whether the foreign companies are permitted to bid for the 3G license. The current telephony scenario in India cannot support 3G networks.

Bharti Airtel will be bringing the iPhone to India and it is also reported that the pre-registering offer has been started by Airtel as well, though there are no announcements made from its side. It is apparent that both, Vodafone and Airtel are waiting for Indian government to confirm the matters. Both the companies’ officials are not ready to confirm the news, although Vodafone has in a manner revealed its pre-registering plans and its marketing strategy by the advertisements. The accessibility of iPhone in India has also not been exposed either by Vodafone or by Airtel. The iPhone is speculated to be available by the end of 2008 in India.

Friday, June 13, 2008

Choices of Watching Internet Movies

The Internet offers an opportunity for tremendous savings when watching movies-on-Internet. Watching Internet Movies without the monthly cost offers the best option in today's Economy Worldwide. Like everything else the time to economize is now. Internet TV, PC Satellite TV, and Movie Downloads from the Internet offers more savings, freedom, flexibility and mobility that fits any lifestyle, including anyone's pockets. You have the luxury of choosing your favorite movies on any one of the three ways to watch Internet movies on your desktop or laptop computer, from any location locally and worldwide and enjoy your favorite search music video at any time. Here are the choices to watching Internet movies at home or while on the go:

Movie Rentals
Video stores such as Blockbusters are online and offer movie rentals. Movies are mailed and returned by mail within a certain time limit. However, this way of watching movies is a slow process and requires more effort which means placing an order, waiting for delivery then mailing the movie back each time.

Internet TV
There are many free TV players online and TV media websites that offer free instant Internet TV channels and movie links to watch. However, this process can take longer because there are 100s of sites with channels to select. You have to organize many channel links and different sites that offer them, and there will be a very limited supply of channels when all done.

PC Satellite TV software
PC Satellite TV Software offers 1000s even up to 9000+ free instant Internet TV and radio channels, movies, sports, news, music, and much more and there are no monthly or recurring fees--only a small one-time downloading fee is required. There's no equipment to install, unless using a TV-Out video card to connect the home TV and PC with the software installed. A broadband connection is required, either DSL or High Speed at 512kbps or higher.

Movie Downloads
It offers just the movies and movie clips only with DVD-like quality with classic and recent movies to watch. This also provides free instant access to movies from the Internet for a small one-time downloading fee--very similar PC satellite TV Software.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

The Miniature Pinscher

The Miniature Pinscher, also known as the Min Pin by fanciers, is a toy breed of dog. Miniature Pinschers were first bred to hunt vermin, especially rats. In its native Germany, the dog is known as the Zwergpinscher. Pinscher is the German word for biter and Zwerg means Dwarf in German. The Miniature Pinscher is also known as the "King of the Toy Dogs". Though the Miniature Pinscher is considered a toy breed, it is in fact one of the oldest of the terrier breeds.
  • Although the breed is not necessarily bad with children, much care must be taken in educating youths about proper handling and play. Although relatively sturdy for their size, they can be easily injured by rough play with a child. In addition, their high-strung temperament leaves little patience for such rough play.
  • Grooming is easy, as the smooth, short-haired coat requires little attention. Care must be taken in colder weather as the coat provides virtually no insulation from the cold.
  • Due to their instinct to hunt vermin, special care must be taken in preventing a Miniature Pinscher from "attacking" small objects, such as bottle caps, as they could pose a choking hazard.
  • Miniature Pinschers are also prone to overeating and should have their diets monitored to prevent obesity.
  • This breed has an insatiable curiosity, so the best toys for Miniature Pinschers are ones that stimulate their curiosity. This may include toys that move or make an interesting noise. Miniature Pinschers enjoy having a collection of such toys, which they will hoard and spend much time in moving from one collecting place to another.
  • Miniature Pinschers are territorial, so they should be provided with their own place to rest and sleep, though they will commonly stake a claim to a particular piece of furniture or curtain under or behind which they will sleep when people are in the room. They prefer to sleep on soft objects as well as under soft objects, so a small blanket should be provided to cover them. Unless the owner is amenable to sharing his or her bed, bedroom doors must be kept closed at night as Miniature Pinschers will jump onto beds and crawl under the covers. Care should be taken not to accidentally injure a Miniature Pinscher while they are sleeping under blankets.
It is essential due to the energy level of this breed that a secured fenced yard be provided. Miniature Pinschers need to exercise regularly. In addition, due to the nature of this breed, when in public this breed must be kept on harness and leash. It is natural for this breed to bolt if something of interest catches its eye. It is better to use a harness as a collar can hurt the dog's neck when he or she bolts.

Friday, May 2, 2008

Cruise control

Cruise control is a system that automatically controls the rate of motion of a motor vehicle. The driver sets the speed and the system will take over the throttle of the car to maintain the same speed.

Advantages and Disadvantages
Cruise control has many advantages but also some serious vices. Some of those advantages include:
  • Its usefulness for long drives across sparsely populated roads. This usually results in better fuel efficiency.
  • Some drivers use it to avoid unconsciously violating speed limits. A driver who otherwise tends to unconsciously increase speed over the course of a highway journey may avoid a speeding ticket. Such drivers should note, however, that a cruise control may go over its setting on a downhill which is steep enough to accelerate with an idling engine.
However, cruise control can also lead to accidents due to several factors, such as:
  • The lack of need to maintain constant pedal pressure, which can help lead to accidents caused by highway hypnosis or incapacitated drivers; future systems may include a dead man's switch to avoid this.
  • When used during inclement weather or while driving on wet or snow- and/or ice-covered roads, the vehicle not equipped with Electronic Stability Control could go into a skid. Stepping on the brake such as to disengage the cruise control often results in the driver losing control of the vehicle.
Driving over "rolling" terrain, with gentle up and down portions, can usually be done more economically by a skilled driver viewing the approaching terrain, by maintaining a relatively constant throttle position and allowing the vehicle to accelerate on the downgrades and decelerate on upgrades, while reducing power when cresting a rise and adding a bit before an upgrade is reached. Cruise control will tend to over throttle on the upgrades and retard on the downgrades, wasting the energy storage capabilities available from the inertia of the vehicle. The inefficiencies from cruise control can be even greater relative to skilled driving in hybrid vehicles. Many countries establish that it is illegal to drive within city limits with the cruise control feature activated.

Monday, April 14, 2008

Cardiovascular disease: Foods for Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular disease refers to the class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels (arteries and veins). While the term technically refers to any disease that affects the cardiovascular system, it is usually used to refer to those related to arteriosclerosis (arterial disease). These conditions have similar causes, mechanisms, and treatments. In practice, cardiologists, thoracic surgeons, vascular surgeons, neurologists, and interventional radiologists treat cardiovascular disease, depending on the organ system that is being treated. There is considerable overlap in the specialties, and it is common for certain procedures to be performed by different types of specialists in the same hospital.

Most Western countries face high and increasing rates of cardiovascular disease. Each year, heart disease kills more Americans than cancer. Diseases of the heart alone caused 30% of all deaths, with other diseases of the cardiovascular system causing substantial further death and disability. Up until the year 2005, it was the number 1 cause of death and disability in the United States and most European countries. A large histological study (PDAY) showed vascular injury accumulates from adolescence, making primary prevention efforts necessary from childhood.

By the time that heart problems are detected, the underlying cause (arteriosclerosis) is usually quite advanced, having progressed for decades. There is therefore increased emphasis on preventing arteriosclerosis by modifying risk factors, such as healthy eating, exercise and avoidance of smoking.

Foods for Cardiovascular Health

Research has shown that a diet that includes dark chocolate, almonds, fish, wine, fruits, vegetables, and garlic can increase life expectancy and decrease your risk for cardiovascular disease.

Eating oily fish at least twice a week may help reduce the risk of sudden death and arrhythmias. A 2005 review of 97 clinical trials by Studer et al. noted that omega-3 fats gave lower risk ratios than did statins. Olive oil is said to have benefits. Studies of individual heart cells showed that fatty acids blocked excessive sodium and calcium currents in the heart, which could otherwise cause dangerous, unpredictable changes in its rhythm.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Digital Marketing

automotive marketing
Digital Marketing:Digital Marketing is the practice of promoting products and services using digital distribution channels to reach consumers in a timely, relevant, personal and cost-effective manner.

At the same time digital marketing does include many of the techniques and practices contained within the category of Internet Marketing, it extends beyond this by including other channels with which to reach people that do not require the use of The Internet. As a result of this non-reliance on the Internet, the field of digital marketing includes a whole host of elements such as mobile phones, sms/mms, display / banner ads and digital outdoor.

Previously seen as a stand-alone service in its own right, it is frequently being seen as a domain that can and does cover most, if not all, of the more traditional marketing areas such as Direct Marketing by providing the same method of communicating with an audience but in a digital fashion.

Digital Marketing and Multi-Channel CommunicationsWhile digital marketing is effective when using one message type, it is much more successful when a marketer combines multiple channels in the message campaigns. For example, if a company is trying to promote a new product release, they could send out an email message or text campaign individually. This, if properly executed, could yield positive results. However, this same campaign could be exponentially improved if multiple message types are implemented.

An email could be sent to a list of potential customers with a special offer for those that also include their cell phone number. A couple of days later, a follow up campaign would be sent via text message (SMS) with the special offer.

Friday, March 14, 2008

Limitations of Flash memory

Flash memory is non-volatile computer memory that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed. It is a technology that is primarily used in memory cards, and USB flash drives for general storage and transfer of data between computers and other digital products.

One limitation of flash memory is that although it can be read or programmed a byte or a word at a time in a random access fashion, it must be erased a "block" at a time. This generally sets all bits in the block to 1. Starting with a freshly erased block, any location within that block can be programmed. However, once a bit has been set to 0, only by erasing the entire block can it be changed back to 1. In other words, flash memory (specifically NOR flash) offers random-access read and programming operations, but cannot offer arbitrary random-access rewrite or erase operations. A location can, however, be rewritten as long as the new value's 0 bits are a superset of the over-written value's. For example, a nibble value may be erased to 1111, then written as 1110. Successive writes to that nibble can change it to 1010, then 0010, and finally 0000. Although data structures in flash memory cannot be updated in completely general ways, this allows members to be "removed" by marking them as invalid. This technique must be modified somewhat for multi-level devices, where one memory cell holds more than one bit.


Another limitation is that flash memory has a finite number of erase-write cycles (most commercially available flash products are guaranteed to withstand 100,000 write-erase-cycles for block 0, and no guarantees for other blocks. This effect is partially offset by some chip firmware or file system drivers by counting the writes and dynamically re-mapping the blocks in order to spread the write operations between the sectors; this technique is called wear leveling. Another mechanism is to perform write verification and re-mapping to spare sectors in case of write failure, which is named bad block management (BBM). With these mechanisms in place, some industry analysts have calculated that flash memory can be written to at full speed continuously for 51 years before exceeding its write endurance, even if such writes frequently cause the entire memory to be overwritten. This figure (51 years) involved a worst-case scenario using specific data parameters and should not be confused with a particular "shelf life" for a flash memory device. The bottom line is that a typical user using a commercial device, such as a camera, with a flash drive will probably not wear out the memory for the effective life of the camera. However, it - like any other hardware component - can fail. Anyone using flash memory (and any other medium) for critical data would be well advised to backup the data to another device (preferably of a different medium). Many have found it very fast and reliable for 'read-only' operating systems such as thin clients and routers.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Advantages of professional digital cameras

Advantages of Professional digital cameras are as follows:
  • Immediate image review and deletion is possible; lighting and composition can be assessed immediately, which ultimately conserves storage space.
  • The ability to shoot in raw image format (images that contain tagged data directly from the sensor). However, as of this writing, there are a number of proprietary RAW formats, some of which require specific software to manipulate.
  • Faster workflow: Management (color and file), manipulation and printing tools are more versatile than conventional film
  • Immediate image review and deletion is possible; lighting and composition can be assessed immediately, which ultimately conserves storage space.
  • The ability to shoot in raw image format (images that contain tagged data directly from the sensor). However, as of this writing, there are a number of proprietary RAW formats, some of which require specific software to manipulate.
  • Faster workflow: Management (color and file), manipulation and printing tools are more versatile than conventional film processes. However, batch processing of RAW files can be time consuming, even on a fast computer.
  • Digital manipulation: A digital image can be modified and manipulated much easier and faster than with traditional negative and print methods.
  • Digital manipulation: A digital image can be modified and manipulated much easier and faster than with traditional negative and print methods.