Do you have trouble visualizing product sizes when shopping online? If so, try this easy comparison tool by sizeeasy.
Calculate It (November 28, 2008)
As the name implies, Dr. Calculator calculates everything from how much money you can save if you stop smoking to what your estimated taxes. There are loan calculators and wealth comparisons.
Are You a Rocket Scientist? (November 26, 2008)
Rocket Science 101 by NASA lets you assemble a rocket. You get basic parts of a launch vehicle, how they're configured and how they work together to launch a NASA spacecraft. Assemble the parts yourself or use the programs help and see how you do.
Fake or Foto (November 24, 2008)
Take a look at the ten images on Fake or Foto. Some of them are photographs of real objects or scenes, others are created by computer graphics artists. Test your ability to tell which among the array of images are real, and which are computer generated. You'll be amazed.
Time to Defrag (November 22, 2008)
It's that time again. Time to Defragment your hard Drive.
For Windows XP you can start the defrag utility by clicking on the Start button. Then hover your mouse over all programs, hover over Accessories, then hover over System Tools, then click on Disk Defragmenter.
For more detailed information, and directions for other operation systems, click here.
The object of the game is to move the red block around without getting hit by the blue blocks or touching the black walls.
If you can go longer than 18 seconds you are phenomenal. It has been said that the US Air Force uses this for fighter pilots. They are expected to go for at least 2 minutes. Give it a try b ut be careful...it is addictive!!
Animal Euthanasia (November 16, 2008)
If you have ever had to consider putting your pet to sleep you know it can be a difficult and tramatic decision. Cats of Australia does a great job of describing the process and putting it into prospective.
Business Failures (November 14, 2008)
50% of all businesses fail in their first three to five years. They fail for a number of reasons but no matter who's list of reasons you believe certain items are consistant themes on almost every list.
Poor Management (see Bob)
Lack business experience or know-how especially in the realm of accounting, finance, human resource management and marketing. A lack of financial know-how will contribute to a failure into making sound business decisions.Failure to set realistic goals and deadlines, and procrastination are killers. Failure to consider and plan for economic or industry downturns can push businesses over the edge.
No Web Site
In the U.S. alone, the number of internet users (about 70 percent of the population) and e-commerce sales (about 70 billion in 2004, according to the Census Bureau) continue to rise and are expected to increase with each passing year. In 2004, the U.S. led the world in internet usage.
At the very least, every business should have a professional looking and well-designed website that enables users to easily find out about their business and how to avail themselves of their products and services
Poor Marketing
Businesses either don't know their market or overestimate by huge magnitudes their ability to compete in an identified market. Even if a market is successfully identified, it may change while the product/service is being developed. The world will not beat a path to your door just because you have a superior product or service. A good and flexible marketing plan, and the execution of that plan, is critical to business success. And don't underestimate the power of a good Web site in your marketing plan.
Insufficient Capital (see Derrik)
A common fatal mistake for many failed businesses is having insufficient operating funds. Business owners underestimate how much money is needed and they are forced to close before they even have had a fair chance to succeed. They also may have an unrealistic expectation of incoming revenues from sales.
Flying with Children November 12, 2008)
Crying babies - screaming toddlers - is your family the one that nobody wants to sit anywhere near?
Fare Compare has a step-by-step guide, that will help you keep your sanity on the plane - and make it a fun and memorable trip for all. Click on the link for all the great detail.
PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE:
Make a plan, and stick to it.
LAST MINUTE:
Some common sense reminders.
ON THE PLANE:
There are 2-key things to remember when flying with children: distraction and sustenance.
READY, GET SET, GO!
Tip for Parents: If your kids lose it, you must stay calm. Don't worry if other (childless) passengers are giving you horrified looks. Life will go on.
Have Fun: Don't forget to have fun; after all, you're building memories that will last a lifetime.
Flying with Pets (November 10, 2008)
1. See if your pet is up to traveling - sometimes, they're better off staying at home
2. Get out your checkbook: Fees for taking pets can be as much as $700
3. Watch the weather: Some airlines won't take pets during the summer and winter months.
4. Make a reservation: there's only room for a few pets on each flight.
5. Know your airline's pet policy.
Allergy-Proof Your Home (November 8, 2008)
Pervention Magazine recommends ways to allergy-proof your home.
1.
De-Clutter. Put away the collectables, stuffed animals, and chachkies. They collect dust and dustmites. If you must have them out keep them behind glass doors.
2.
Inforce a no smoking policy in your home, car, and office space. Even if you do not smoke, having someone smoking in your home can impair your ability to breath.
3.
Wash clothes on warm or hot. 130 degrees will kill allergines. You can test the water in the washer with a meat thermometor.
4.
Get an air filter and de-humidifer. Air filter will filter the dust and dust mites from the air and a de-humidifer will help keep the temperature of the room at a level where dust mites cannot live.
5.
Make your bed. This will help keep it a dust mite free zone. Allergy covers for mattress and pillows will keep dust mites out too.
6.
Don't let pets sleep on your bed. It adds pet dander to your bed. Brushing and cleaning your pets often keeps dander down in all areas of the house.
7.
Use throw rugs, even on carpet, and wash them often.
8.
Keep your home clean and dust free.
Eat for Beauty (November 6, 2008)
Did you know that certain foods can help you maintain that youthful glow. Here are a few you should try:
Iron Rich Foods, Soy, Tuna, Eggs, Bananas, Brazil Nuts and Whole Grains
Teeth:
Calcium Rich Foods, Yogurt, Vitamin C Rich Foods, Kiwi, Carrots, and Apples
VOTE (November 4, 2008)
Please exercise your right as an American and Vote Today!
Thought for the Day (November 2, 2008)
Take a few moments every evening to think about all the good things that happened to you today and to express your gratitude for what you have received. Small things count, too, so it's okay if there's little of the spectacular on your list most of the time. It's not what happened that's important; it's getting in the habit of focusing on the positive side of things every day that matters. The more you notice, appreciate, and express gratitude for blessings received, no matter how small, the more good things will come your way.
