Why do I need an SSL for my business website?

June 14th, 2013 | by | business

Jun
14

The secure socket layer (SSL) is a protocol that allows visitors to your website to send information to your server fully encrypted. Encryption is a method that prevents anyone from seeing what information sent was. Encryption is absolutely necessary when you transmit information that is sensitive, such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, personal information and more. An SSL certificate ensures that users can depend on your site to protect their information while it is in transit. This is why you need an SSL for your business website.


Why encrypt data?

When data is transmitted between a user’s browser and your server, it goes through a number of different machines in transit. From the user’s web browser, it will go to his router or modem, then to his internet service provider. From there it transits through multiple computers before it gets to your web server. It is not uncommon for a single web request to go through more than 15 different machines between the browser and the server.

At any point during that process, data can be scanned by a malicious party. For example, let’s say the user’s modem has been compromised by hackers. Those hackers can then snoop on the data packets transmitted between the user’s browser and your server. However, if the data packets are encrypted, using SSL, the data will not be readable.

Signed certificates

Any common web server can issue an SSL certificate. These are called “unsigned certificates.” Many websites use unsigned certificates to provide encryption without having to pay for a signed certificate. That’s fine for testing purposes and even for limited internal usage. It, however, will not pass muster for real world, daily business use.

A signed SSL certificate is issued by a certificate authority (CA). Most companies that sell domain names also sell signed SSL certificates. These certificates from the CA ensure that an encryption request is actually from whoever claims to originate the request. That certificate belongs only to your domain. And it will be installed only on your web server. This assures users that their data is only going from them to you, without being exposed to anyone else. The certificate is issued by the CA with the intent it is only valid for a proscribed period of time. After that, a new certificate much be purchases and installed.

SSL certificates are essential to retaining customers. Modern web browsers are designed to check SSL certificates for authenticity. If you have ever seen a message from a browser about not being able to verify the owner of an SSL certificate, or that a site’s certificate has expired, then you have encountered this issue with your own web browser. Users typically navigate away when these messages appear. It is essential that your server has a valid SSL certificate configured properly to prevent these messages from appearing.

PCI compliance

If you are processing credit card payments through your bank, then your bank will have an independent auditor contact you to verify Payment Card Industry (PCI) standards compliance. PCI compliance is meant to ensure that your server does not risk customer data. Your bank will not allow you to handle credit card transactions if you do not pass a regularly scheduled PCI compliance test. The first step to passing this test is having SSL properly installed.

An SSL certificate protects you and your customers. It is an essential part of running a business website. When you are choosing local internet options also add to your list SSL providers. There’s no reason to hedge around deploying proper security on a business website. It is good for your customers, and it protects you, too.

 

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Prepare Yourself for a Career in Criminology

June 1st, 2013 | by | business

Jun
01

Criminology is a science devoted to the study of the reasons why people commit crimes, the manner in which they commit crimes, and the effects of those crimes on the other people involved, including not only victims but law enforcement.  The criminologist does not battle crime on the streets, rather at a desk, analyzing statistics and forensic evidence to try to determine psychological and sociological explanations of criminal behavior. A criminologist studies patterns in crimes, with an eye to defining the causes and effects of criminal behavior in order to attempt to control and prevent it.

As with any worthwhile field of endeavor, the way to achieving it requires lots of preparation, concentrated work, and study. Involvement in studies peripherally related to the field will equip you to do a better job, have greater satisfaction, and achieve success as a criminologist.

Main Areas of Criminology

Law Enforcement

Law enforcement criminologists statistically analyze behavioral patterns, profiling criminals in order to assist police in identifying similarities in ongoing and unsolved cases. Typically, this involves timeline definitions, methodology, locations, and victim characteristics.

Academia

Educator criminologists teach courses in classes pertaining to criminology, as well as contributing sciences, such as psychology, sociology, statistics, and forensics. These criminology professors conduct research, write about their findings, and often participate with law enforcement.

Social and Correctional Work

People in these fields work hand-in-hand with criminal offenders enduring incarceration or who are on parole or probation, to attempt to rehabilitate them for a productive return to society. They create plans to educate offenders and provide job training, so they can be better employees and maintain self-esteem on a continuous basis. They also help people with addictive problems and abusive situations, working with various social agencies, such as Child Protection Services.

Education

Bachelors Degree Programs

The field of criminology will require years of study. Most jobs in the field require an MA (or MS), and you will need a PhD if it is your desire is to teach or conduct research. The courses required to obtain an education in criminology will vary among the schools where it is taught. There are a few Bachelors in Criminology degrees offered as well. The study of criminology relies on studies in several other disciplines, to wit:

  • Sociology
  • Psychology
  • Theory of Crime
  • Criminal Justice
  • Forensics
  • Statistics

Master of Arts or Science

A Master of Arts degree focuses mainly on research, sociological theories, the psychology of crime, and criminal justice. A Master of Science prepares you to focus more on research. Both degrees prepare you for continued study to obtain a doctorate or to enter the field as a criminologist.

A master’s degree will enable you to rise in related fields, such as criminal justice and law enforcement, investigation, security, or research. A few job titles available are:

  • Forensic Investigator
  • Gaming Investigator
  • Loss Prevention Specialist
  • FBI Special Agent
  • Sheriff
  • Social Worker

Doctor of Philosophy

A doctorate in criminology prepares you for teaching at the university level, and performing research. Although it would help, it is not needed for a career in criminology.  The study necessary to obtain a doctorate varies according to one’s field of interest, and is most likely to be in advanced theories.

 

 

 

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Why It’s Good to Rotate Your Employees for Management Success

June 1st, 2013 | by | business

Jun
01

Job rotation is a good approach that many organizations use to best take advantage of their human resource. Job rotation is the act of rotating an employee through different positions in the organization at regular intervals. The purpose of this process is to test the employee’s skills and knowledge, and then see which position will fit him best. It also helps eliminate the boredom of having to do the same kind of work over and over again. In addition it will help the HR department explore the hidden potential of any employee and use that potential to the organization’s advantage.

The employee will have a chance to discover his own talent and find out which position suits him best. Instead of having to do the same work day after day, he could test his skills at different positions and decide for himself if he likes any particular type of work. Through job rotation, an employee could find his most suitable position in an organization and then focus on advancing his career once he has found out what he is best at. Instead of sitting at the same desk year after year and never challenging himself with new opportunities, he could widen his experiences and improve his knowledge by working in different departments. This way, an employee will know how the whole organization works together and learn to adapt accordingly.

For the human resource department, it is extremely hard to put an employee in the right position the first time they hire someone. A Leadership Master’s degree will certainly help in the process, however sometimes it just takes time to evaluate an employee’s true skills and where they fit best. One way to find out which position suits him best is through job rotation. By putting an employee at different positions, the HR department can learn about his strengths and weakness. This way, they could take advantage of his expertise and benefit the company.

Job rotation also helps eliminate the collusion possibility between employees. Companies dealing with sensitive information or systems where there is an opportunity for personal gain should use this approach to minimize the risk of frauds. Job rotation is also an approach to help organizations train their employees. When there is a shortage of human resource in any department, the organization could easily find a replacement from within who could perform the job with equal efficiency.

With so many benefits above, job rotation could bring management success to your organization. However, it is important to evaluate each employee carefully and thoroughly before deciding to move him to a new position. Rotating an employee to a new position while he has already found his most suitable position could cause dissatisfaction and a high turnover rate.

It is also important to advance one’s knowledge gradually to be able to undertake more important positions. Today, one can easily get a master’s degree while still working your full time job, thanks to the flexibility that many universities and institutions have. Job rotation, together with educational advancement, could help an individual obtain the kind of high-paying job he has been dreaming about.

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The Top 5 Safest Car Seats On The Market

June 1st, 2013 | by | health

Jun
01

Whether you’re new to motherhood or are welcoming an additional child to your family, you will need to have to provide your little one with the best and safest car seat available. A car seat will provide your growing child with comfort, support and safety while on the road.

Even if you already have a car seat from a previous child, it is important to check the expiration date listed on the seat. That’s right! Car seats have expiration dates due to the changes that are made in safety standards over the year and the fact that an older car seat just may not be as safe as a newer model.

During infancy, car seats must be rear-facing and placed in the backseat of your vehicle. Many prefer infant car seats that easily pop in and out of place for carrying purposes while others opt for convertible car seats to get the most bang for their buck. Many convertible car seats can be used rear-facing for infants and then later switched to front-facing for older children. With so many different types and brands of car seats currently on the market, picking the right one for your needs can be quite difficult. These top 5 car seats are not only the safest on the market, but also provide your little one with the comfort that they need while riding in the car.

1. Graco SnugRide 35 – $140 The Graco SnugRide 35 is the top of its class with some of the highest rated safety features currently available on the market. When searching for the perfect infant car seat that is also easy to install, there’s no better choice. Graco has thought of it all when designing the SnugRide 35. Simply install the car seat base into your vehicle and snap the seat in and out for easy on-the-go travel. Allow your child to sleep comfortably with a unique cradle design that mimics that of cradling the baby in your own arms. Along with comfort comes a five-point harness that connects across the shoulders and across the legs. Energy absorbent foam is present all throughout the car seat, minimizing the impact that would occur in the event of an accident. A helpful level indicator will even show you if your car seat is installed correctly for the best protection possible. This car seat also comes with a helpful canopy that can be used to keep the sun’s harmful rays off of your child when out and about.

2. Britax B-Safe – $150 The Britax B-Safe infant car seat comes complete with click-in LATCH connectors that make the seat one of the easiest to install. When you hear the click, you are able to relax with the peace of mind knowing that your car seat is properly installed. The B-Safe also has a level indicator letting you know if the seat is correctly level on the chair. This rear-facing car seat incorporates protection for your little one at 360 degrees. The five-point harness design that is now common in most car seats distributes the impact to the strongest areas of an infant’s body in the event of a car crash. The back and sides of the Britax B-Safe car seat include energy absorbent memory foam to reduce the impact that can occur in dangerous situations. In addition to offering the highest safety standards for your child, this energy absorbent foam also provides them with extreme comfort.

3. Safety 1st onBoard 35 Air – $210 While a bit more pricey than the rest, the Safety 1st onBoard 35 Air does not fall short with the amount of safety features that it offers. With a weight limit of 4 to 35 lbs, children are comfortably and safely able to ride in this car seat for a longer time than most other brands. The side impact technology used in this seat is what truly sets it apart from the rest in its class. Static cushioning is securely placed all throughout the sides of the car seat. If a car accident occurs, air is released from the cushioning which greatly reduces the amount of overall impact. A car seat belt can be used to attach the seat in place or helpful LATCH connectors are also found in the unit to easily click it into the seat. A head support accessory can be added or removed from the car seat to add extra padding and comfort as well.

4. Chicco KeyFit 30 – $190 The Chicco KeyFit 30 comes in 2nd place on the NHTSA safety list for car seats. This car seat is priced competitively with others, but offers additional features that you may not find in other models. One pull tightening and loosening on the seat belt harness is one feature that sets the KeyFit 30 apart from the rest. Rather than spending precious time trying to figure out how to adjust the seat belt, this feature enables you to quickly adjust it without any trouble. Now you’ll know that your child is also snugly secured in their seat. Additional padding is also added to the car seat that is designed to mold to the infant’s body for comfort, support and extra protection. As one of the safest car seats on the market, you can’t go wrong when purchasing the Chicco KeyFit 30.

5. Evenflo SecureRide 35 e3 – $185 This top-rated car seat actually exceeds the federal regulations set for the structural components put in place for high impact accidents. Securely buckle your infant into their seat with a reliable five-point harness. The LATCH connectors enable you to install the seat directly into your vehicle within a few seconds. A unique e3 triple-layer foam is found in the sides and back of the car seat, reducing potential impact by 50%. In addition, this car seat holds children up to 35 lbs for one of the longest lasting infant car seats on the market.

 

 

Jonathan Rosenfeld, a Chicago personal injury lawyer is the owner of Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, a personal injury law firm developed to advocate for the rights of children. In addition to practicing law, Jonathan loves to cook great meals, distance swim, and spend quality time with his family in Chicago, IL. You can find him on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.

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How To Teach Your Children Suicide Awareness

May 27th, 2013 | by | health

May
27

There are many uncomfortable discussions that you must have with your children to help them understand the world. You will have to talk about sex, drugs and even death. Perhaps the most uncomfortable topic, especially if this has happened in the family, is suicide. This can be a hard discussion because your child may not understand it regardless of how much you explain it. At the same time, it’s important to tell your children about this so that they can be prepared.

Preparation

Don’t sit your children down until you are ready to have this conversation. Make sure that you are calm and that you can talk in a steady voice throughout the discussion. This can be difficult even if you don’t have any experience with suicide because your children might have a lot of hard questions for you.

You also must be honest throughout the discussion. If you don’t know something, then don’t lie to your children. This is especially true if someone close to the family committed suicide. Lying to your children can have damaging consequences because your children might wonder what other things that you are lying about.

Be prepared to do this in a timely fashion. Your children are going to learn about suicide from somewhere. It could be from the TV, classmates or other family members. It’s best to talk to your children first so that you can give them the right information.

The last thing that you should do is to go online and research suicide. Your children are going to listen to every word that you say. If you give them bad information, even though you believe it is true, then your children might make wrong associations. For example, if you say that only depressed people commit suicide, then your children might believe that anyone feeling down is suicidal. Get your facts straight so that you can better answer questions and give your children a comprehensive view of suicide.

Explaining Suicide

Talking to your children about death can be difficult, but your children will understand that there was a reason for the death. For example, your children will know that their grandmother was sick and that caused her to die. Suicide is harder to explain because many children won’t understand why someone would talk their own life.

Tell your children that there are many problems that can lead to suicide. At the same time, tell them that not everyone with those problems will be suicidal. For example, a child without a father is more likely to commit suicide, but not every child with a single parent will do this. You should also tell your child that this problem can be hard to see since some people might seem happy on the outside, but they are miserable on the inside.

One of the best ways to explain suicide is by saying that certain people’s brains get sick and that this makes them feel terrible inside. This disrupts the person’s thoughts and they don’t understand that they can get help and feel better. Suicide is a complex topic, but this is one of the simplest ways to explain it.

Answering Questions

Your children are going to have questions about suicide. Be sure to answer all of them as well as you can. Since this is such a dynamic topic, there will probably be a few questions that you can’t readily answer. You can use the Internet to find answers for your children. If they are very disturbed about suicide because it involved someone close to them, then going to support groups or a counselor might be a good idea.

You should also tell your children to only ask adults about suicide if they have questions in the future. Your children might be tempted to ask their classmates about this, but most children know very little about suicide. Just ensure that your children know that adults are the best people to go to if they have any additional questions.

Conclusion

Talking to your children about suicide can be difficult because this is a dynamic topic and there are many reasons for why it happens. Not only that, but your children often won’t understand why someone would take their own life. Be sure to prepare for this conversation and explain it in the simplest terms so that they understand.

 

Kathryn Maguire is blogger and writer for organizations such as PRA, providing professional training and suicide intervention training program.

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3 Green Business Tips To Get The Eco-Monkey Off Your Back

May 23rd, 2013 | by | lifestyle

May
23

For the last decade or so, “going green” has been has been a major topic of interest. While it’s very important to make sure that we do our part to preserve nature, this responsibility can fall down the list of priorities for a business. Sometimes when you’re stressing about a deadline it can be hard to be bothered about whether the box your frozen lunch came in is recyclable or not. So in the trash bin it goes. When you leave the office you might be so exhausted you plainly forget to unplug your power stip, so wasted energy surges through unused machines through the night – or even the weekend. In case your office eco-friendliness has waned post Earth Day, here are a few reminders of how easy it can be to clean up your act.

1. Have Your  Recycling Bins Boldly Marked

When you throw something away that you think could have been recycled, if you see a big, bright label that says “Recycling,” you just might be guilted enough to reach in and save that piece of plastic from the landfill. Go a step further and add a nice photo of a forest or a stream to remind you of why you recycle, and this tactic could work even better. Sometimes what keeps us from opting for the recycle bin is that we’re unsure if our item is truly recyclable, so here are few reminders of what you can and cannot recycle.

2. Unplug/turn out the lights

When you leave for the day or the weekend, especially if you’re the last one out the door, make sure to turn out the lights. This is a simple to-do that can save your business a few bucks on your electricity bills and lower your energy consumption. An even bigger energy suck than lightbulbs are those power strips you’ve got loaded with cords. Simply flip the on/off switch and help your business ward off vampire power but cutting off the electrical supply to machines you won’t be using overnight. If you need a friendly reminder (or guilt trigger) to keep you on your toes, take another pretty picture of a nature and tape it above your light switches.

3. Work from home

Ah yes, behold the greenness of the telecommuter. According to National Geographic, more than half the air pollution in the United States is caused by transportation, mostly automobiles. Allowing your employees to work from home not only cuts back on the emission of harmful greenhouse gases like nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons, it also saves them money. Paying less for gas and parking will definitely make them happy, almost as happy as having the convenience of working from home. The greenest commute is the short trip to your home office in your slippers, but if you gotta go to work and it’s relatively close by, ride a bike.

 

 

Sara Thompson writes about green business, green building and other environmental issues. She blogs for Gresham Sanitary Service, a recycling and trash hauler in Portland, Oregon. Contact them about renting a drop box for recycling.

 

 

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The best community-based health intervention programs of the last decade

May 21st, 2013 | by | health

May
21

Over the last decade there have been numerous community-based health intervention programs.  These programs encourage healthy living lifestyles, management of obesity, avoiding high risk behaviors and tobacco.  All of these programs benefit the community however some are much more successful in reaching and benefitting a larger percentage of the population.  Those programs with the most success over the last decade are listed below.

1. Prevention of HIV/AIDS, STD’s and Pregnancy – This program encompasses all high risk sexual behavior.  According to the CDC over 1.1 Million people in the United States  are living with HIV/AIDS.  Another 19 Million people are infected with new STD infections.  Of that 19 million STD infections more than fifty percent are diagnosed in youth aged (15-24) patients.  There are three main community based interventions including:
- Adolescent Intervention
- HIV prevention in males who have sex with other males
- Counseling for partners and referrals for health services

2.  Tobacco Use Reduction – The health concerns for tobacco use include cancer, stroke, heart disease, COPD and pregnancy complications. The CDC states that over 430,000 deaths each year are contributed tobacco use.  Interventions include:
- Reducing Use
- Assisting with Cessation
- Reducing Second Hand Smoke Exposure
- Restricting Use by Minors

3.  Cancer – Cancer is the second leading cause of death.  Preventing and diagnosing the disease early can reduce the chances of dying from cancer.  Education and Access to routine screening services is the goal for cancer intervention.  Education service focus on healthy living, avoiding known carcinogens and early detection services.  Preventing barriers to adequate early testing is also essential so that those in age or risk categories can receive the necessary testing as recommended by the CDC.

4.  Cardiovascular Disease(CVD) -  CVD is the leading cause of death in both men and women.  Intervention involves education for prevention as well as early warning signs and testing.  Goals include healthy living, reducing obesity, monitoring diabetes and high blood pressure.  Community efforts include medical support services for diabetes and high blood pressure.  Education and prevention are also effective.  Education about early warning signs and access to emergency care can also save lives.

5.  Vaccinations - Childhood vaccines as well as vaccinations for flu require education services and adequate resources for obtaining the recommended vaccines.  Educating the community about the need and risk factors of the flu vaccine can help prevent community wide spread of the infection.  Providing access to the vaccines for low income families and elderly is essential in community based interventions.

6.  Birth Defects – Education and adequate nutrition can help prevent birth defects.  Educating expectant moms on making healthy choices during pregnancy and avoiding alcohol and tobacco are the goals for community based interventions.

All of these programs help benefit the community by saving lives and preventing disease and the spread of infections.  Education and access to services are the main goals of the interventions. If working to better the health of your community sounds like something you’d like to do you can consider volunteering with a local program, talking with your legislators about getting these programs in your area or getting your masters degree in public health and making a career out of improving your community.

 

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Fortune 500 Companies and the Type of Awards They Receive

May 21st, 2013 | by | business

May
21

Fortune magazine has been awarding companies titles and recognitions for decades, but how exactly are these awards granted and why?

There are awards for everything from top ranking to the most desirable company at which to work. Suffice to say, most of these recognitions have to do with a company’s wealth, not the quality of living for a Fortune 500 company employee.

What Types of Awards Are Available?
Well, for one, the award can be almost anything to do with a business. CEOs, for example, may be granted an award for their management of fair job applications and gender diversity within the workplace. On the other hand, companies may also receive an award for their increase in profits. A Fortune 500 company may even receive an award for making it to a new position or achieving Fortune 500 status. It all depends on where the company excels.

In 2007, there was an award for Fortune 500 companies that provided users with a secure online authentication service for their safety. Recognition of safety may lead a company to more customer sales due to respect and customer satisfaction.

Not all awards manifest as solid, glittering glass awards. Some awards are of a more symbolic nature. A company dedicated to its employees will have more prestiege that gives it more publicity from prospective employees.

You know you would rather work for a company that has received an award for excellent employee recognition or fair compensation, instead of a company that doesn’t provide you with means to support a family or make a living.

Why Are Awards Important?
A company that receives recognition for its strengths is more likely to bring in more customers as well as quality employees. You want to display your strengths to potential customers when you are having a business meeting, so you would place all of your glass awards on display. What they represent is worthy of respect.

Although, you do not necessarily need awards to name your company as successful, a positive mention in Fortune is a token of esteem among corporations and businesses. It all leads to increased publicity.

Though awards range from the tangible nature of trophies or glass awards or statues, it can also be a title or recognition from a large magazine, such as Fortune. Companies could have this new title engraved in an award to display it, but doing the work to earn recognition is even more important.

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Past and Present Symbols of Patriotism

May 21st, 2013 | by | lifestyle

May
21

Patriotic symbols are a great arena for trivia contests. Many things Americans think they “know” about the icons of their nation are not as venerable or as factual as they think.

The National Anthem
The official name of the U.S. national anthem is “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and it has only been the national anthem since 1931.

Many countries designate certain songs to be played in official occasions without adopting a national anthem, as was the case with the United States before 1931. Australia only adopted a national anthem in 1984. Until 1974 Australia used England’s “God Save the Queen” for state occasions, and “Advance Australia Fair” was only adopted as a truly Australian anthem after it beat “Waltzing Matilda” and two other competitors in a nationwide election in 1977.

“Hail, Columbia” was the song used symbolizing the United States in most official functions during the 19th Century. While the words were written by Frances Scott Key in 1814, the melody was written by an Englishman as a rather bawdy drinking song for a London social club. Its original title is “The Anacreontic Song.”

The melody of “The Anacreontic Song” was adapted into the American patriotic song “Adams and Liberty” by Robert Treat Paine (the younger, not his more famous father) in 1798, and that was the version that Key was probably humming in his head as he wrote “Defense of Fort McHenry.” American school children are lucky “Adams and Liberty” never became the national anthem, which would have caused them to memorize nine long, tedious verses.

The American Flag
Who designed the American flag? Not Betsy Ross. The American flag is perhaps unique in that it was changed constantly when new states were admitted to the union. It has been redesigned 26 times, and no American president has been born and died under the same flag.

The designer of today’s American flag is Robert G. Heft (1941-2009), who devised the 50-star flag as a high school class project in 1958.

The “stars and stripes” flag as a common patriotic banner is also more recent than most suspect. In the 18th and 19th centuries it was common for countries to have different “ensigns” identifying their naval ships, army units and buildings. There were actually three national flag variants in the earliest years of the nation.

While the national flag flew over buildings and ships in the early 19th Century, it was not adopted as a common symbol by the American public until it was linked with the defense of Fort Sumter in the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861. After that it was widely flown from houses, storefronts and village greens in the North as a symbol of national unity. It was only in the second half of the 19th Century that it truly became the “American Flag.”

The Bald Eagle
One of the most enduring official symbols of America is the bald eagle, which appears on the official seal of the nation adopted in 1782. The Bald Eagle ranges over all of the United States except Hawaii. It is a sacred bird in many American Indian cultures.

It’s use in patriotic banners, signs and literature was perhaps most widespread in the 19th Century, and has been somewhat replaced by the national flag since the Civil War.

While it was a common symbol in wartime posters during World Wars I and II, the eagle’s lowest ebb as a national symbol coincided with its status as an endangered species in the second half of the last century. Its popularity is perhaps recovering with its population since then.

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Important Tips for Relocating to a New State

May 21st, 2013 | by | lifestyle

May
21

Moving to a new place is one of the most stressful life changes that the average person goes through.

Moving a long distance or relocating to a new state is even more stressful, because it increases the challenges of moving and add on totally new problems. But planning ahead makes these challenges much more manageable. Here are some of the most likely problems you’ll face, from updating your driver’s license to figuring out how to choose a high speed internet provider.

Pack As Early As Possible

There’s nothing more important than packing early. If you book your moving truck weeks in advance, get all but the absolute necessities packed a week before your move, and clearly label absolutely everything. Your physical move itself will be relatively smooth, especially if you hire movers to actually pack the truck. If you don’t finish packing in advance – well, let’s just say you’ll have a bad day.

Update Your Address and Driver’s License

Don’t wait until you’ve actually moved to start telling companies your new address. It’s not about missing a few magazines. You have to change your address for all your bills. You need to order new checks from the bank, even if you rarely use checks.

You need to tell the post office (which, thankfully, you can do online). For an out-of-state move, you’ll even need to change your voter registration, and it’s easier to do it right away before you forget about it. You can change most of these before you even actually move.

The most involved address change is for your driver’s license. Most states require you to update your residence on your license within 30 days, so don’t waste time. Once you’ve moved in, plan on a trip to the DMV. Sorry to bring bad news, but there’s no way around it.

You should probably tell your friends and family your new address, too.

Choose A High Speed Internet Provider
These days this is often the priority for people. They keep their routers and wires aside and carry them separately in the passenger seat so they don’t get misplaced or buried.

How to choose a high speed internet provider in a new state is very important, and you should figure it out before your move. New states may have very different service providers, so if you’re moving a long way, it’s very likely you’ll have to change providers, possibly to a company you aren’t familiar with.

When you’re figuring out how to choose a high speed internet provider, don’t choose based on price alone. Ultimately that matters much less than a reliable connection and the actual performance they offer. Evaluate what kind of package you want – do you just want Internet? Internet and cable? Internet and cable and phone?

Next, look at download and upload speeds, the higher the better, especially for download. And watch out for data caps in the small print. If you stream a lot of video or play online games, it’s worth paying for a higher data cap. If you’re just a casual browser, you’ll never hit the regular cap.

Moving to a new state is challenging and stressful, but it’s not rocket science. With a bit of advance planning, the difficult parts of moving will be overshadowed by the excitement of moving to a new place.

If you pack early, have a plan for updating your address, and figure out how to choose a high speed internet provider before you move, the day of your move can actually be relaxing.

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Little Known Degrees in the Banking Industry

May 21st, 2013 | by | business

May
21

It used to be that the approach to qualifying as a banker was to study for a diploma, associate degree or degree in banking. You could start with a diploma and then go for higher qualifications. Today, the approach has changed. This has happened as consumer and business banking needs have changed.

There is, for instance, programs which focus on legal studies. Taken alongside or within a banking major, the course incorporates law in the context of banking and financial institution laws and regulations. The courses are structured to give students the flexibility to choose subjects that are in line with their interests and career options. If you are interested in working in the legal department of a bank or financial institution as legal secretary for instance, you can choose the relevant law and banking subjects.

 

Just having solid, accurate legal knowledge helps in the banking industry in whatever role people find for themselves.

If you are interested in banking and tax laws, you can choose subjects that cover banking and others that cover tax laws. You can get this from a bachelor’s degree in legal studies which are flexible enough to enable you to choose the combination of subjects that will make you a specialist in bank and financial institutional tax laws.

Banks and financial institutions are governed by specific marketing regulations. While it is allowed for some other services and products to make claims that they may not be asked to substantiate, this is not the case for companies that offer financial services.

Any marketing campaigns they conduct must give current and accurate information. They must also adhere to other marketing rules and regulations. An online bachelors in legal studies that incorporates marketing courses can lead to a specialization as a financial institutions marketer.

Other course combinations within a credible degree program are compliance management, securities transactions, lending and credit transactions and international law and financial law just to name a few possibilities.

There are advantages to choosing degrees that combine two distinct areas of specialization such as banking and law, banking and taxation, banking and marketing and others. One is higher job chances with such specializations because they are unique and also because the equip one with the skills that would otherwise be done by two different people. Students choose their courses in consultation with an academic advisor.

Another advantage is that you can be self-employed as a consultant.

 

You don’t have to wait for employment but can consult for a number of institutions in tax law, marketing law and other areas you have studied along with law. You can also take the academic route and lecture any one of these unique subject combinations you studied along with banking or you opt to teach rather than practice.

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6 Reasons Not to Ditch Your Caffeine Habit at Work

May 2nd, 2013 | by | business, health, lifestyle

May
02

How often do we hear friends and coworkers say they’re giving up caffeine for New Year’s, or trying to cut back for their health? It’s taken for granted that caffeine is bad for us and it would be in our best interest to cut back.

 

But is that really the case? Actually, there are some pretty compelling reasons to keep the caffeine, from better health to better productivity. So grab a cup of coffee and read on to learn why caffeine isn’t a bad thing after all.

 

1. Caffeine increases dopamine levels. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain that is associated with pleasure —and we could all use a bit more pleasure at the office. Is it any wonder coffee and chocolate make you happy?

 

2. Caffeine is a social experience. It’s not always the case, but quite often, caffeine brings us together. Whether it’s meeting with a colleague for coffee or having a midmorning cup of tea in the break room with coworkers, sharing a hot, caffeinated beverage is about more than the drink: it’s about forming and cementing important relationships.

 

3. Coffee decreases your odds of chronic diseases. Studies have shown that people who drink coffee regularly are 80 percent less likely to get Parkinson’s disease. Drinking two cups a day also reduces your risk of colon cancer, Alzheimer’s, type II diabetes, gallstones and cirrhosis. And new research suggests there may be other diseases coffee keeps at bay as well.

 

4. Caffeine gives you energy. This one’s a real shocker, isn’t it? Everyone knows that caffeine wakes you up and makes you feel more alert — so why fight it? In addition to feeling more awake, caffeine gives you energy for physical activities, which may or may not be an important part of your workday.

 

5. Caffeine helps you lose weight. The office environment is not exactly conducive to staying fit, so if there’s something you can do to burn fat right from your desk, do it! Caffeine both increases metabolism and helps burn fat. Just go easy on the cream and sugar.

 

6. Coffee contains nutrients. Coffee contains B vitamins, including B5, B2, B3 and B1, as well as potassium and manganese. It also contains lots of antioxidants, so it will improve your general health.

 

Even caffeine’s most ardent enthusiasts, however, have to admit that it has a downside. Make sure to drink plenty of water in between cups of coffee to stay hydrated and to avoid drinking so much you get the jitters. And switch to tea, which has less caffeine, in the afternoon if you know caffeine affects your sleep. Overall, though? Ditch the worries about your caffeine intake, not the caffeine itself.

 

For other stress reduction and self-improvement tips, check out the author’s Guide to Treating Anxiety with Yoga.

 

About the Author:

Tina Daniels writes about ways to worry less at work and at home for VapeWorld.com.

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Do you have to use a Furniture Removal Service?

April 15th, 2013 | by | home

Apr
15

Furniture can be found in many different shapes, sizes and colours. This means that each and every single one of us manages to find a piece of furniture that corresponds to our own personal style, allowing us to decorate our house according to our personal tastes. So, if you are moving to a new home, you will most certainly want to take your furniture with you. However, due to the various shapes and sizes, removing and transporting furniture is not the easiest task in the world.
Instead of deciding to say goodbye to your furniture, which would definitely have cost you a lot of money, you can in actual fact take your furniture with you. There are many ways in which you can do this.
There are two main ways in which your furniture can be removed: by a professional or by yourself.
There are specialist furniture removal companies that will make the job of removing your furniture a lot easier. If you do choose to use a removal service, always ensure that you get the service that you require. It will always be wise to do your research since you will get a good insight to the services that are available, testimonials and prices.
Do you have to use a Furniture Removal Service
The good thing about using furniture removal services is that they have vehicles large enough to accommodate all of your furniture. This means that all your furniture will be at its new destination in one journey alone. Also, you would not have to dismantle your furniture since removal vans and trucks are large enough to hold the largest of furniture pieces.
If you have a vehicle which can accommodate your furniture, you also have the option to remove and transport your furniture to its new destination.
You may have to make multiple journeys in order to get all your furniture transported since all of your furniture will not fit into your domestic car. However, if you have a van or a truck, you may find that all your furniture will make it to the new destination in one place.
Do you have to use a Furniture Removal Service
You may find that you have to dismantle your furniture in order to get it in your car. If this is the case, wrap all individual pieces up in protective or bubble wrap to keep it safe and protected. Nuts and bolts should be kept safely so that you are not left looking for them when it is time to build the piece of furniture again. Keeping all screws, nails and bolts in a plastic bag is a very good way of keeping them together. You can either label the bag to indicate which piece of furniture they belong to, or you can stick the plastic bag to a piece of the furniture it corresponds to.
Using a removal service will cost you extra money, than if you were to remove it yourself. So if you are trying to save some money, or simply do not have the capital to afford a removal service, then doing it yourself is definitely the option for you.
It may be wise to ask a few friends or family members to help you load and unload the car, since lifting larger pieces alone can cause serious injuries if not done correctly. Alternatively, the chances of you dropping the piece are higher, which can result in damage to your furniture.
So the answer to the above question is no…you do not HAVE to use a furniture removal service. Whilst many services are available to you, you do not have to opt for them.

Bio: Ella Andrews is a content writer who has great flair for decoration and interrior design. She is always searching for new challenges. Therefore her present article is focused on moving and relocation related thematic.

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How to move with Children

April 8th, 2013 | by | lifestyle

Apr
08

Children are bundles of joy! They make us laugh, keep us entertained, and fill us with love. However, when it comes down to removals, children are not at all co-operative. On the contrary, they turn into little monsters that make it their mission to sabotage your removal day.
So on the removal day, you are left trying to juggle last minute packing, loading and a screaming child, or even children. How do you handle it all?
This article discusses a few ways to make moving with children easier and less frustrating.
Children are not accustomed to change, which is why they hate the idea of moving. If your children are old enough to attend school, moving homes may mean that they will have to move schools. This can make them resent you, since children do not want to leave behind their school friends, class, school, teachers etc. You now become the person who takes them away from their friends and everything that they liked.
How to move with Children
However, patience and communication should make the situation and atmosphere less tense.
The most important thing to do is get your child involved in the move from the word ‘go’. As soon as you choose to move, inform your children about your decision. Do not leave it until the last minute since it will be too sudden and will not allow your children enough time to get used to the idea.
The key is to remain calm and keep the communications going. Explain to your child or children why you feel the need to move or why it is that you have to move. Your children may run to their rooms and ignore you for a while, but it is only that they are not used to the idea. Once they calm down and familiarise themselves with the plans of moving, they will come around. It is your job as a parent to remain calm and relaxed at all times.
How to move with Children
Boost your child’s confidence and make him/her feel good about moving to a new home. Ask your children what they are afraid of. If losing friends is an issue, offer a possible solution to make them feel better e.g. suggest sleepovers with friends. If your child is worried about not settling into a new school, reassure your child and encourage them with positive reinforcement. Making your child feel secure about losing out on stuff but being able to regain it is going to make your child feel a lot safer and confident about moving, making them more cooperative and helpful.
Children can sense how their parents are feeling. So if you are down, your child will be down too. Do not let them see that you are stressed, scared or uncomfortable. Sensing your stress will in turn make them feel uneasy about the move. Always try to keep a chilled out, happy face, which will reassure your children that everything is okay, which will in turn make them feel reassured and happy about moving.
Always allow your children to help you move. Assigning your children with little tasks is a great way of getting them involved. These little tasks could involve having to pack away toys or labelling removal boxes etc. As time passes and your child becomes more and more involved with the move, you will see that your child will leave behind all feelings of anxiety and will instead feel excited about moving to a new home.
Allowing your children to choose pain colours in their new room is also another great way of getting them involved, and will make them more excited than ever about moving.

Bio: Ella Andrews is an aesthete and dreamer, who likes writing and finds her greatest inspiration in wedding themes, such as wedding traditions, honeymoon destinations and especially in wedding flowers. She is focused on writing the best possible way.

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A Guide to Labeling Packed Boxed

April 4th, 2013 | by | home

Apr
04

A Guide to Labeling Packed Boxed items, you would have to place them into a removal vehicle individually, which will take up a lot of space in the vehicle, and will also be very time consuming. However, by placing your items in a box, you instantly save a lot of space in the removal vehicle, and you will get all of your belongings loaded a lot quicker.
Another reason as to why your items need to be packed is to provide protection. Placing a lamp in a truck without it being packed away will make it more susceptible to breaking. It could tilt over whilst the vehicle is turning, could fall over due to heavy breaking etc. and can easily break. However, by placing your items in a box, you provide them with instant protection. Even if the vehicle was to make a sharp turn or break sharply, you items will not be able to move in a way in which they can become damaged.
When you are packing your items away, you need to make sure that you label your moving boxes. Many people actually think that labeling boxes is a waste of time and completely useless. Little do they know that labeling boxes serves some very important purposes.
A Guide to Labelling Packed Boxed
If you are skeptical, then this may be the article for you. It aims to inform you about how to label boxes correctly, and why labelled boxes are so useful.
When labeling a box, the first thing you want to do is indicate what is inside the box. This can be done in two main ways. The first way is to pack the boxes with items that are similar to one another e.g. pillows, blankets and duvets. The second way you can pack boxes is according to the room that they belong to e.g. bathroom, kitchen etc.
By labeling the boxes according to what they contain, you will be able to put them in the right room at the new house. Also, should you find that you need an item that has already been packed away, knowing which box it is in will save you having to rummage through every box.
A Guide to Labelling Packed Boxed
If you are packing fragile or delicate items you need to know that they will require extra attention during any handling that you or anyone else does. But how do you know which box contains these fragile items if you do not label them? Also, how does someone who is helping e.g. a friend or even a professional remover know that the items in the box are fragile? Well this is another reason why boxes need to be labelled. If you want extra care to be taken of a box, you need to label it.
Labels such as “handle with care” and “fragile” will inform you and anyone else who will handle the box that extra care should be taken.
If you are packing electrical items, it is always recommended that you carry them the right way up. But if the electrical item is packed away in a cardboard box, how will you or anyone else know which way is the right way. This is where labels such as “this way up” will come in handy.
Labels are very useful and informative. They allow you to deal with the boxes appropriate. Most importantly, it allows you to keep inventory of all your items and enables you to ensure that they all make the move successfully.

Bio: Ella Andrews is a writer and one of her greatest passion are home remodeling, house removals and home decorating projects. She is presently focuses on writing the best possible way and is therefore searching for new sources of inspiration.

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