Archive for February, 2009
Test Your IQ Online
Sunday, February 22nd, 2009 | local info | No Comments
IQ tests are tests which attempt to measure intelligence - where intelligence - subject to some contention, is defined as mental ability to among other things, solve problems, comprehend idea, learn new things and benefit from experience.
Attempts at testing intelligence have been with us for quite a long time. Ancient China for example, had an examination system (which really was some sort of an intelligence testing mechanism) and which was employed in the recruitment of civil servants during the Han Dynasty.
Intelligence testing as we know it by that specific name however has its roots in the work of a Frenchman called Alfred Binet early in the 20th century. History has it that Binet - who had established himself as a force to recorn with in psychology in France by that time had been given an assignment by the French government to develop a test that could reasonably predict given children’s potentially for educational achievement. The end result of Binet’s work was what he referred to as the Binet-Simon intelligence scale which was for long was used to ‘measure intelligence’
There have been many developments in the field of intelligence testing since Binet first formally ventured into the field. In fact, the very term IQ test (intelligence quotient) testing has been overtaken by these developments. As it were, when the term IQ test was coined, intelligence was then measured as a ratio of ‘mental age’ and ‘chronological age’.
Simply speaking, there were tasks that were considered apt for a given age and intelligence quotient which was measured by the IQ tests then could be calculated at Mental age/Chronological age x 100. In this case, a child of 10 years who could undertake tasks considered apt for a child of 12 had an intelligence quotient of 120, because 12/10×100 is equal to 120. Ideally, a person could only successfully undertake mental tasks apt for their age, and if a person could do mental tasks beyond their chronological age (e.g. the 10 year doing tasks apt for a 12 year old) was considered remarkably intelligent.
Another 10 year old doing tasks apt for a 14 year old would be even more intelligence and so on and so forth. Obviously, this method of measuring intelligence faced a number of challenges as it proves inadequate for measuring intelligence beyond a given age - because, as we know that (the supposed) intelligence does not just go on increasing with age - and in fact starts declining at a certain age. Modern IQ tests therefore tend to measure the subject’s standard deviation from established means (sort of midpoints) - since it has been established that intelligence in a given sample of people, like many other phenomena, if properly tabulated would form a curve and it is the deviations from the midpoints of that curve which is what is measured by modern IQ tests.
IQ tests and the whole notion of IQ testing have not been without controversy. There is contention, for example, on whether it is really possible to measure human intelligence - given that there is not even consensus on definition of the very term intelligence. The tests employed to measure intelligence have also been criticized for being biased towards certain social groups - especially after a prominent scientist in mid 20th century came up with the argument that certain races were intellectually superior to other races - an argument he backed with data obtained from IQ tests - and which was contested on account that items included in IQ tests give undue advantage to economically privileged (and thus well exposed) social groups - hence their apparent higher IQ test scores.
Website design accessibility
Sunday, February 22nd, 2009 | local info | No Comments
1. Does My Website Have To Be Accessible in 2008?
You do have a responsibility at some level, whether or not you are the designer or the commissioner of the website, to ensure your website design does not discriminate against disabled visitors to your site.
2. So what happens if your website design is not accessible?
Unsurprisingly, you leave yourself open to criticism, bad press and and more seriously legal action if your site is not accessible.
3. What level of compliance should your website design meet?
No case has been brought to court in the United Kingdom to date, so there is no case law guidance. In any event, case law can only provide broad guidance - what websites have to do may vary from site to site. What is important, however, is the outcome: the DDA requires that you make what it refers to as “reasonable adjustments”, to your services to ensure that a person with a disability can access that service. This means making changes to websites - which offer 24 hour service, and a variety of features not available via, for example, a telephone service - so that disabled people can use them.
4. Web Accessibility Opinion
Basically, you need to make sure your site is built to W3C standards for good website design. That means valid html and valid css. It means passing Priority 1 W3C WCAG (Google it!) at least. It means well formed website code (i.e. without errors) and simple and correct use of technologies. Actually - this is fairly simple to do for an experienced web designer - do not accept that you need to pay more for accessible web design - it should come as standard, part of good practice web design. You could go one step further and ask “vision impaired” testers to test drive the site. Finally, you need to listen to your web site visitors. If someone contacts you about the inaccessibility of your web site - then fix it!
There’s a business case and moral obligation to make your site as accessible as you can. There are over 8 Million people registered as having a disability in the UK, and a lot of them use the net - do you really want to ignore them? Prosecutions have been successful in Australia and the US - it will happen in the UK, just not any time soon - so don’t worry too much about prosecution - and don’t listen to the snake oil salesman who want your hard earned cash for total website redevelopment!
Master Cleanse, An Experiment
Saturday, February 21st, 2009 | local info | No Comments
During my research into fasting, I came across the Master Cleanse diet, it appears to be a very popular one and is considered pretty solid. Some of you may remember it as the same ‘diet’ Beyonce used to lose a few pounds for Dreamgirls.
Reports of other’s experiences were very encouraging to me and gave me an idea of what to expect. I contacted a few people about thier experiences with the master cleanse and some did not get past day 2 or 3 which appears to be where most stumble. I’ve fasted in the past and never could last without eating at all as most fasts require. The master cleanse at least allows some nourishment (the drink used for cleansing which uses lemons is why it is also known as the lemonade diet.)
The premise is simple, but simple does not equal easy.. Even with so few rules to follow it can be trying due to the will power required to get past the first few days. Though I found a great book called the Master Cleanse Secrets that gives lots of tips & advice to make it much, much easier.
One thing touted is the weight loss from the diet but that was never my main concern. I am looking to get the toxin cleansing that it was originally created for. I’d been really run down lately and had read too many accounts of how mcuh better one can feel after fasting. That made me decide to give it one more chance.
The original book states to spend 10 days on the cleansing program, though I’ve heard of people staying on it longer. Like 20+ days long.. I decided to commit to only 5 days to see how I reacted. Considering I never made it past 2 days before that was quite an accomplishment.
I have to give credit to the secrets book. It was a great resource that kept me going when I hit a sticking point . Knowing it was there with answers gave me a lot more confidence going into the cleanse. The extra confidence surely led to my success.
Luckily I went to see my doctor for a check-up recently so the timing was good. I strongly urge anyone interested in trying any kind of fast to speak with their doctor first to make sure everything is OK before diving in.
I fell so much better after the 5 day cleanse that I think I am going to go for the full ten days next time. One tip I can give you is to not jump right back into your old diet, especially if you have a bad McDonald’s habit. You will get excellent guidance on how best to handle that.)
The Real Reasons To Have A Hot Tub Cover
Saturday, February 21st, 2009 | local info | No Comments
A lot of people think that the only reason to buy a hot tube cover is to keep the water clean. However, you should realize that the cover actually does more than keep fallen dirt out of the water. Of course, it is an effective gadget in making sure that people soak in clean hot tub water, however, hygiene is not the only reason for buying a hot tub cover.
Here are some of the reasons why a cover is important whether you already own, plan to buy or even intend to build your own spa:
Safety
One of the most underestimated functions is safety. A lot of people know how dangerous an open hot tub can be when you have children around the house. You can make sure that even if your toddler or child ventures near the tub, he or she will not fall into the water. You should make sure though that you actually secure the cover, not merely place it on top of the hot tub.
Energy Conservation
Another reason for buying is energy conservation. You should know that heating the water of the tub to the right temperature can consume a lot of electricity. Because of this, you need to make sure that the tub loses as little heat as possible. A quality cover will ensure that the next time you use the tub it won’t take a lot of electricity to get the water back to its right temperature.
There are also solar covers that can actually ease your electricity load. This is because these they actually utilize the energy of the sun to heat up and maintain the temperature of the water. Buying these solar covers can help you save up to 10 percent on your electricity bill. By today’s standards, that’s quite a lot.
There are some things you need to consider before buying. The first is the material of the cover. You should know that what the cover is made of greatly affects how effective it is in maintaining the temperature of the water. Although getting a canvas cover can cost you less, you really ought to think about buying one that’s made of Styrofoam. This material has better insulating properties than others and will help you save more on your electric bill.
You should also make sure that what you buy completely covers the hot tub so as not to let any heat escape. Of course, this could be easier with a canvas or plastic sheet cover, but you should really opt to having your hot tub fitted with better cover material.
As always, take the cost into consideration. You need to make sure that you are getting the most out of your money. Check if the quality of the product is well worth paying for.
When you think about it, having hot tub cover can really give you a lot of advantages. Just make sure that you choose the right one for your needs.
Handicapped individuals should always search a trustworthy company when buying a staircase lift
Friday, February 20th, 2009 | local info | No Comments
A stair lift is the best solution for old and disabled persons who want to stay independently in their own residence. The chair lift for stairs has been a well-established product in most industrialized countries for many years. There are different companies offering stairway lifts in those countries. If you are looking for a stairway lift in Germany, I can recommend the following site, which gives some fundamental info on German suppliers: Treppenlift in Neunkirchen.
It is very useful to collect as many aspects as possible before making a final decision because a stairlift is a high-priced investment. Here are some more aspects to consider and some major benefits which arise from the use of a staircase lift:
People, whose ability to climb stairs is reduced for example by illness, accident or disability, will greatly benefit from a stairlift. It can be useful to consider reduced bodily ability, which might come with increasing age, and plan the installation of a chair lift for stairs early enough. So you should collect sufficient information and ask your children or grandchildren to help you. Each stairway lift must meet very specific requirements and must be manufactured and installed accurately. It is important to know whether you have a straight staircase or curved staircase. In case of a curved staircase, the whole project will be more expensive. It is recommended to choose one of the most important sellers with many years of experience. They will not only provide good service but may also offer a payment plan. The most important sellers of chair lifts for stairs provide a countrywide service and distribution system. They should be able to show you an already installed staircase lift at another customers home near your location. Always ask if the first consultation is free of cost.
With a stairlift in your domicile you can get back mobility and easily reach every floor of the house. This is interesting not only for house owners but also for tenants of apartments with more than one story. Not only is a chairlift for stairs a fantastic help for you to reach upper floors, but you can also use it to transport food, drinks and other stuff upstairs. When searching the right company, you should not only consider the price but also think about other factors like if there is quick service available in case of breakdown. More info on some good German vendors can be found here: Treppenlift in Hennef. A lot of old people with physical disabilities can stay in their homes and familiar neighbourhood with the help of a stairway lift. Some of those people would have to leave their homes if such technical devices were not availabable.
What is a Bombproof Horse?
Friday, February 20th, 2009 | local info | No Comments
When looking at a horse for sale you will find that you come across several different types of terminology when a seller has horses for sale. One of the terms that we often look for in purchasing a horse for children is that they are “bombproof.”
This trait is typically defined as a horse that turns a deaf ear to and a blind eye towards any type of “spooky” situation. These horses are typically considered excellent mounts for children and beginning riders because they tend to be very dependable and reliable. How do we know if they are bombproof?
Some may say that the only bombproof horse is a dead horse. In other words, expect even a bombproof horse to have a spook here and there. The only way to test if a horse is what someone would considered bombproof is to put the horse in a situation where you would expect a horse to spook. When looking to buy a horse that would be considered “bombproof” the best thing you can do is to ride the horse as much as possible and hope that when your child is riding he will not spook. There are some breeds that are more placid and tolerant than others and that should be considered as well.
A bombproof horse, typically, has a lot of confidence and has had a lot of exposure to life around him. Perhaps he has been shown, ridden in parades and taken to rodeos. These horses are more apt to be more tolerant of their surroundings and are horses that you can trust…most of the time.
A key to making sure that the horses for sale you are looking at fall into this category is to “test” the horse. If the horse is truly bombproof then the seller should have no objections to letting you wave a bag, or even make a few loud sounds that are common place where you ride.
Remember any horse for sale is first and foremost a business transaction and you work hard for your money, so “kick the tires” and make sure you go for a test drive a couple times before you buy your first horse. Just to make sure you don’t get a lemon!
Owning a horse has great reward and trials as well so make sure you put the advantage in your barn.
Good luck and happy trails!
Why your Company should Buy Reseller Hosting Accounts on the internet
Thursday, February 19th, 2009 | local info | No Comments
Reseller Hosting is becoming a very popular method of offering your own web hosting plans to other customers or even your friends. And when you do become a reseller of hosting on a shared server, you will be able to make some of the money back that you originally spent on your web hosting. Reseller hosting providers usually only count the amount of space used not the amount you have resold. This opens the door for a little more profit in over selling your plan.
WHM hosting has become the standard for reseller hosting and comes free with all of our cheap reseller packages. WHM is your main control panel you use to create your customers accounts. All you have to do is fill out a simple form and hit �create�, your customers account will be instantly created and your customer will have a control panel called CPanel, which they can use to manage there account example: creating email accounts, adding sub-domains, changing passwords, creating MySQL databases and much more They can manage almost every aspect of there account without getting help from you.
Reseller hosting and shared hosting are two of our main focuses when it comes to affordable web hosting plans with 24/7 online tech support. Reseller hosting is a type of web hosting package where we can split up the allocated bandwidth and disk space of a hosting account, and then resell to other individual users as separate hosting accounts. It effectively means that we can buy hosting space from providers in bulk and then subdivide it to be resold to other customers. Reseller hosting is the best package to choose if you are managing multiple websites and would like to have the ability to manage the websites. Reseller hosting is also perfect for organizations or individuals that do not have the resources to manage a web server but wishes to offer web-hosting solutions to their customers.
Shared hosting offers you to own a part of server space together with other site owners. Reseller hosting is very similar to the last variant, but here you are offered to purchase hosting package and to sell it afterwards independently. Shared reseller hosting is the best for new web hosts and web design firms. With the power to host many domains on a single account, our multiple domain hosting packages will let you become a reseller of web hosting quickly and on the cheap.
Murcia Airport Parking
Thursday, February 19th, 2009 | local info | No Comments
On a recent trip, a local business lady found herself circling her local Airport — but she wasn’t on a plane. Instead, she was driving her car with growing irritation, going from one Murcia airport parking lot to another, searching for an empty space to leave her car while she was gone. With no prior reservation, she came up short at the airport’s own long-term parking lot and she couldn’t even find an off airport parking murcia site she’d heard about from friends. Finally, desperate and in danger of missing her plane, she parked in the street of the nearest town and caught a taxi to the airport.
Anyone who’s had a similar experience knows that the hassle of flying can start well before you arrive at the terminal. The sheer volume of people traveling these days means that you can expect not only a struggle over the armrest and a long wait in the security line but also a battle for limited parking at Murcia airport. That means you’d better plan ahead if you know you’ll need long-term parking — especially at busy travel times like holiday weekends and Monday mornings. How can you ensure your spot in a crowded lot? Read on for our tips.
At the Airport
Your closest, most convenient parking options are usually the airport’s own lots and garages. Unfortunately, you often pay more for that convenience, even when you park in the more economical long-term lots. So, check around, find a secure and reliable off-site parking lot.
In high travel seasons the Murcia Parking lot fills up quickly, and they won’t let you reserve a space there ahead of time. Some airport Web sites do let you check the current status of their parking lots before you leave for your flight but not Murcia. So if the parking lot is full, you’ll have time to consider public transportation or call off-site lots to see if they have any space. Seguro Storage has the best Murcia Airport Parking Solution available. Call them up, they’ll meet you and take your car to their lot whilst you fly. When you return, they are waiting at the Airport doors with your car.. freshly cleaned and valeted if you wish.
How to best use your autoresponder for your email marketing campaigns.
Wednesday, February 18th, 2009 | local info | No Comments
Studies show a potential visitor will take seven to nine messages before s/he becomes comfortable with you and eventually contacts or preferably buys your products or services. If you are left with only one marketing tool, what would you retain? Most marketers would say autoresponders or their email list. This tells you how serious you should treat your email marketing effort AND your autoresponder tool.
What is an autoresponder? An email autoresponder allows you to follow up your potential customers at a predefined timeframe automatically through emails. You may acquire this functionality by installing a script on your webhosting or you can acquire this function through third party autoresponder service providers Is your email autoresponder working as effectively as designed? What criteria should you consider when it comes to picking an email autoResponder? What is the single most important criteria when choosing your autoresponder service?
Three criteria you should consider before you invest your hard-earned cash in this vital marketing tool. A great deliverability is the most sought-after feature of any email autoresponder. Any internet user would receive tons of SPAM mails in their mail-box each day. If you use Gmail, you should be familiar with the screen shot below. There are 2808 spam emails in my Gmail account as at the time of writing. I will never read these emails. If you use some poor autoresponder service, your emails will automatically be streamed into these SPAM folders. You may ask, “What determines which email go to “SPAM” folder?” Unless you are gmail.com, you don’t know their “way of thinking”.
But definitedly you don’t want to be the one who emails the optins to their SPAM folder. But what is the main cause for your emails not being able to reach your targetted prospects or subscribers? There are many reasons why it is the case, but by far the most important reason is this: Is your autoresponder a self hosted script OR third party autoresponder service? As mentioned, you acquire your autoresponder function either by the script you hosted on your website or you may build your list and your autoresponder through a third party service provider.The mission of a third party autoresponder service providers is to deliver your emails. Why do I not recommend a self-hosted script which you can install onto your webhost?
The reason is one word: “SPAM”. Some of your subscribers will report you as SPAM, no matter how diligent and sincere you are with your email marketing campaigns. People just forget they sign up on your list. They will report your emails as SPAMs some day down the road. It’s just a matter of “when”, not “If”. When subscribers report your emails as spams, their internet service provider (ISP) may blacklist your future emails. This blocks your emails getting into their inbox in the future. I have previously used a hosted service, which had good results initially (for about 6 months). After a few of my ex-subscribers complaint me spamming them, my emails are not as effective as before. Treat email autoresponders service companies eat and breath on deliverability.
They ensure your emails get delivered. Some autoresponder service us claiming that it delivers 99.34%, meaning it their readers get 99 emails out of 100 emails! There are some free autoresponder services out there. I urge you not to waste your time finding or even trying one. Why? I have used those services and only found myself promoting someone!|s else services. Those free services basically send out your emails with their own embedded advertising. Your readers will read their ads first before your messages. If you are not serious about your business, use free autoresponsers. Price should be the least concern, as autoresponder is your lifeblood of your viral traffic. Usually a quality autoresponder costs around $20 a month.
Avoiding the Buying Impulses
Wednesday, February 18th, 2009 | local info | No Comments
In today’s difficult financial situation, we should reduce our expenses and replace expensive activities with cheaper ways of doing things. To start curbing your appetite for spending, start getting rid of debt by temporarily avoiding certain buying impulses.
Strolling around the mall without a clear plan in mind to do there is giving you so much exposure to certain buying impulses. Plan your shopping ahead of time and keep in mind a budget. With planned trips to the mall, you will most likely have lesser impulse buying or totally get rid of it.
Don’t order from catalogs for now. With every order from catalogs, your name gets sold to other catalog companies. This is the reason why your mail is getting more catalogs every time. Catalogs serve as visual reminders of all the stuff companies can advertise and you could potentially buy. This is regardless whether you really need them or not. Unfortunately, most people can’t resist the temptation of ordering from them.
Starting now, opt out from newsletters and junk mails to reduce the number of catalogs. If you still receive catalogs, request every catalog company to remove your name from their mailing list. With this plan, you will not anymore receive pesky and unsolicited mails which distract you from your everyday life goals. And in the long run, you will resist the buying impulses and save you more money.
Reduce the surfing in the net by skipping the visits to online stores. This situation is the same with catalogs; online stores stimulate your buying desire. If you plan to shop online, have a list before surfing the net. And stick to it.
Our addictions to spending start with advertising messages bombarded everyday from multiple media ranging from television to billboards. Be aware and let the first line of defense be on guard.
Those are ways to taper down your buying impulses. Keep satisfied with what you have. If you can’t have what you want, maybe you can want what you have.
For more information, log on to www.dollarguides.com and find more valuable tips. Get debt free with this educational how to get rid of debt blog. See yourself learning more in personal finance with this site.
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