Minggu, 31 Juli 2011

Chatterbox – The Bird Who Wore Glasses

Remember the Batman movies? Well, the movie producer of successful movies like these and entertaining children’s television shows such as Where on Earth is Carmen Sandiego?, Michael Uslan, has released this adorable children’s book. Chatterbox – The Bird Who Wore Glasses is available in a durable, hard-cover format with a lovely cover sleeve that will help prolong the life of the book. At 40 pages and full of excellent illustrations, this book is sure to entertain children.

Sad, red-headed Nancy doesn’t fit in well with the other kids who call her "Nancy Nobody". She wished and wished for a new friend and one day the dream came true when a feathered, sight-challenged friend flew her way. Nancy felt needed, she was loved, and her world was set right by her new funny bird.

John Steven Gurney, a very successful artist and illustrator, colorfully illustrates the large pages with plenty of things to look at. Written in playful, light verse the author does mention things like prayer and "God’s love", there fore it may appeal to a religious audience.

The book includes a CD with 2 songs and the orated version of the story by actress Brittany Murphy (voice of Luanne on King of the Hill, also known for her parts in Clueless and Up Town Girls). This could certainly appeal to the independent child who wants to "read" the book themselves. As well, the CD option may provide a few extra minutes for busy caregivers. The bullying shown in the beginning of the story, though very minor, may be useful for building empathy in the classroom for lonely and segregated individuals.

Children with family pets, especially birds, would definitely enjoy this book. Also, kids that are just becoming used to either themselves or someone they know who has recently gotten eye-glasses.

Chatterbox – The Bird Who Wore Glasses is actually the first book in a series by the author Michael Uslan. Check out the website for the book at: www(dot)chatterboxthebirdwhoworeglasses(dot)com


ISBN#: 0-97538432-5
Author: Michael E. Uslan
Illustrator: John Steven Gurney
Publisher: EE Publishing & Productions, Inc.

Sabtu, 30 Juli 2011

The 7 Rules of Growth For Small Businesses

For years, I have tried to answer this one question: What do small businesses that achieve sustained growth do differently from those that do not grow?

As a senior consultant for Inc. magazine, I speak to thousands of business owners each year. I've learned that there are no silver bullets or 17-point checklists that will lead to guaranteed growth. There are, however, seven specific areas in which growth companies concentrate their efforts.

1. Strong sense of purpose. Most leaders of companies that have achieved growth discover that it takes more than the promise of increasing financial reward to fuel their aspirations and ambitions. They find a higher calling than simply the pursuit of "more money."

2. Outstanding market intelligence. This is an organization's ability to first recognize, then adapt, to fundamental changes in the marketplace. Many times, small-business owners become too myopic, seeing only a limited view of the markets in which they compete. Growth leaders see the bigger picture.

3. Effective growth planning. This is the best predictor of whether or not a business will grow. To be effective, a plan for growth does not need to be overly formal or complicated. However, it does need to be written, well-communicated and regularly updated.

4. Customer-driven processes. These days, every company I talk to believes it is customer-driven, when actually very few really are. Take a look at all of the business processes from a customer's perspective. Are they in place to make it easier for the company, or to help deliver on the promise of faster, cheaper and better for the customer?

5. The power of technology. Successful leaders don't let the boom and bust of technology cycles give them the excuse to ignore that we live in an information age. If a company is in business, it is in the technology business.

6. The best and brightest people. Growth leaders recognize that they are only as good as the people with whom they work. The ability to hire, train and retain the best and the brightest people is often the difference between success and failure.

7. Seeing the future. Few organizations take the time to regularly consider the future. Growth leaders learn how to diligently monitor and interpret the macro forces of change affecting the world in which they live.

Jumat, 29 Juli 2011

Living Better in Times of Chaos

Is your life full of chaos?

Challenges such as stress, anxiety, illness and depression all contribute to a chaotic life. So how do you rid your life of the obstacles to your happiness and change it for the better?

Yehuda Berg says the answer lies within a group of sacred letters from the biblical story of Moses and the Red Sea. In his book "The 72 Names of God," Berg says that through 72 three-letter combinations taken from three biblical verses, you can find the strength to eliminate negative forces that keep you from living a fulfilling life.

The book explains that the 72 names are not "names" in the literal sense, but visual mantras that are activated spiritually rather than vocally. These spiritual tools come from a tradition called Kabbalah, which is today the fastest-growing global spiritual movement. Contrary to popular belief, Kabbalah is not a religion and you do not have to be Jewish to study it.

According to the teachings of Kabbalah, everything, including our destiny, begins and ends with our own individual behavior. The apparent randomness that we encounter in life is actually a system of cause and effect. Furthermore, the ability to overcome challenges lies in the power of mind over matter.

"The 72 Names of God" encourages readers to meditate on the names and follow through with a physical action to implement positive change in their lives.

Here are a few of the names and their applications:

* Healing: Think about others who also need healing. Be accountable. Blaming someone or something else absolves us of responsibility. Accepting 100 percent responsibility brings about the energy of healing.

* Unconditional Love: You should offer unconditional love to others if you want to have peace and serenity in your life. Love has the power to eradicate all forms of darkness. When you offer love to your enemies, you destroy their darkness and hatred.

* Eliminating Negative Thoughts: When negative thoughts - worry, anxiety, fear, pessimism, uncertainty - invade your mind, focus on thoughts that move you forward, not backward.

* Letting Go: Human nature is to hang on to past regrets and earlier traumas. But you cannot live a fulfilling future if you are hanging on to an unhappy and cynical past. This name gives you the courage to let go.

Kamis, 28 Juli 2011

The Frugal Book Promoter - Book Review

The Frugal Book Promoter – How to do What Your Publisher Won’t is the third book written by author Carolyn Howard –Johnson, but by far – it is not the last. Already she is planning on releasing a book of poetry. The Frugal Book Promoter has won the USA Book News award for Best Book 2004, and has also been an Irwin Award winner.

For Dave and I, the promotion of our two books and promoting the upcoming e-book has been an uphill battle. Intensive research on our part for more than three years has prepared us for most of the work, and because of this research and hands-on experience I found very little in this book that was actually new to me. I also found it somewhat lacking in areas that could have used more attention, such as its organization.

Carolyn’s sentence structure and grammar use was confusing and frustrating at times for me to read. There was also repetitive use of information and examples, which I found a bit redundant. Personally, I would have preferred another method of organization for the book. For instance, there are many aspects of reviews, but I felt all of these should be discussed in one chapter rather than scattered throughout the book. While few links on the site were new to me, of the dozen or so that I tried one or two were no longer active. This is no fault of the author, however, and is due solely to the ever-changing Internet.

However, I was reminded of some weak areas in our marketing plan and was given some incentive for those areas I am about to broach in our schedule. I appreciated many of the links that I discovered and have had excellent responses from them.

Overall, I think The Frugal Promoter is a book that reads like you are sitting across from the author having a discussion. This is an aspect of the writing style that I certainly enjoyed. It could be considered a useful beginner’s tool that would save time by providing links, basic promotion options to choose from and several marketing ideas that are outside the norm.

ISBN#: 1-932993-10-X
Author: Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Publisher: Star Publish
Published: 2004
Pages: 288

Rabu, 27 Juli 2011

Condi: The Condoleeza Rice Story

I had the satisfaction the other day of having finished a book. Yes, you would think that those of us who write for a living would be great readers. Some of us are, some of us aren’t. I probably am fairly well read overall, but that covers magazines, newspapers, articles, and the like for the most part…especially if they can be found online!

My wife picked up a book for me this past Christmas and she hit it right on the mark — Condi: The Condoleeza Rice Story. Written by Antonia Felix, the book traces the remarkable life of now Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice from her days living in highly segregated Birmingham, Alabama during the 1950s and 1960s through her years as an academic scholar, college professor, and university provost, all the way up to her present work with the Bush Administration. Written in 2003, the book still has Condi as National Security Advisor to the president, but in 2004 Condi replaced Colin Powell as the Secretary of State.

The book delves into Condi’s life and doesn’t hold back on much. No, not much to criticize about this consummate overachiever, rather plenty of praise for a role model who has triumphed in the face of overwhelming odds, let alone overwhelming adversity.

Condi is not just a leading scholar, but she is an expert in Soviet {Russian} affairs, an accomplished pianist, and an avid football fan. Driven? Oh, yes! But, not in the “possessed” or “obsessed” sense of the word. As a black woman working in a mostly white male environment Condi has established herself on her terms and not on someone else’s. “Twice as good” was the mantra passed down to Condi by her parents who believed that black children had to do everything twice as well as white children in order to be considered equal in a segregated society.

I won’t give all the details of the book away, but there are some highly interesting aspects about Condi that some people probably just don’t know. Personally, I don’t think Condi will run for president on the Republican ticket in 2008 as some desire — instead, she aspires to be president of the NFL — but whatever Condi chooses to do beyond her time working with President Bush will more than likely include breaking new ground and setting the trend for all who come behind her.

Selasa, 26 Juli 2011

Best-Selling Author Donating All His Money to Alzheimer's

Bruce Schwartz, playwright, producer, children's author and novelist -- most recently of the critically acclaimed psychological thriller, "The Twenty-First Century" -- lost both of his parents to Alzheimer's disease.

As his parents' main caregiver, he witnessed firsthand the heartbreaking effects this devastating disease has on its victims and their loved ones.

"I watched in horror as my parents forgot who I was, then who they were, forgot how to talk and eat, and turned into skeletons I no longer recognized," said Schwartz. "I felt I was in the twilight zone, helpless and alone, which sent me spiraling into a deep depression for many years."

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disorder that, over time, destroys a person's memory and, consequently, his or her ability to do the most simple, everyday tasks. After years of watching his parents' mental and physical functions deteriorate, Schwartz is on a crusade to help other families living through the same ordeal.

"Alzheimer's is absolutely the worst disease anyone can imagine, and more and more cases are being diagnosed every year," Schwartz said. "If we all help in this drive, and ask the same of our friends and family, we will all win in helping eliminate this threat to our lives."

More than 4.5 million Americans have the disease, according to the Alzheimer's Association. By 2050, the number of Americans who will die from the disease will reach 16 million if nothing is done. The average lifetime cost of care for a victim's family is a staggering $170,000.

"Buying a copy of 'The Twenty-First Century,' which NPR called 'the best thriller of the year so far,' may one day save the life of someone you love or know," Schwartz said of his mission in life. "This disease and its effects can last 10 to 20 years, as happened to President Reagan. No one wants anyone to suffer like that."

Of the royalties that Schwartz has been donating to the Alzheimer's Association, half is being given to the national headquarters for research and the other half is going to each state to directly help the victims and their families.

"If you believe in miracles, miracles will happen," Schwartz said. "It's time we create one."

Senin, 25 Juli 2011

The Chronicles Of Narnia - The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe Review

One of the great children's classics by C.S. Lewis, is brought to the screen in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Set in wartime England, its plot has the four Pevensie children sent out of London for their safety. They end up in the country house of the eccentric Prof. Digory Kirke, and like all children removed from their usual source of fun and amusement, they're bored, bored, bored.

Then one day, Lucy begins poking into things, and one of them is the very odd wardrobe of the professor's. What she sees inside, is not the professor's clothes, but a world encased in snow. The others of course, don't believe her, since they haven't found anything half so interesting. But eventually they give in to their own curiosity, and all enter the wardrobe to find themselves transported to the world of Narnia, where an evil White Witch has created an eternal winter, that will never see a Christmas.

Meeting up with the kind and caring lion Aslan who rules the strange land, the children begin their trek towards defeating the witch. But along the way, one will fall behind and join the very forces of evil they are trying to defeat. Amongst the mysteries of talking animals, mythical creatures and magic spells, the children must free Narnia from the perilous cold, and one of their own, from dangers that could destroy them.

This movie was extremely engaging from beginning to end, even at a long 2 hour and 20 minute running time. Perhaps, it's because it was one of my favorite novels growing up, but the young actors were quite engaging and Tilda Swinton was superb as the White Witch.

Just one note of caution to parents: The movie was rated “Parental Guidance Suggested” and parents should be aware. The movie definitely has numerous violent scenes and it’s certainly not for little ones.

Director: Andrew Adamson
Producers: Perry Moore, Philip Steuer, Andrew Adamson
Starring: Tilda Swinton, James McAvoy, James Cosmo, Jim Broadbent, Elizabeth Hawthorne

Minggu, 24 Juli 2011

Tips on Staying Young at Any Age

Can you stay young in your 50s, 60s and 70s? Is it really possible to fight the aging process? As the population of seniors in America grows, more and more people will be looking for ways to do just that.

In the past century, the average life expectancy in the United States has increased by 27 years. In fact, there are now about 70,000 people in America who are 100 years of age or older, and that number is expected to rise to nearly 1 million by 2050.

Barbara Morris, a pharmacist and motivational speaker, says that with the right outlook and motivation, it is indeed possible to enjoy at least 25 more years of "the good life."

In her new book, "Put Old on Hold," Morris tells you how to look, act and feel young at any age.

One way, Morris says, is to never tell people how old you are.

"Society attaches enormous significance to chronological age and most people have a stereotypical image of what a person at a specific age should look like, think like, dress like and speak like," Morris writes.

She suggests the following additional tips for living and feeling young.

* Have a clear vision of what you want your life to be like in 25 years. Know how well you want to function, mentally and physically, 25 years down the road. Have a clear vision and make a commitment to achieve it. This commitment will drive the choices you make about how you will live your life.

* Take an inventory of your youthful assets. Monitor and manage how you are changing. Identify and sharpen important youthful attributes such as mental and physical strength and flexibility. Remember, it's much easier to keep what you have than to regain what you lost. Be proud of what you can do.

* Indulge in positive thinking. You are what you say you are, so don't tell yourself you are getting old. Replace negativity with positive affirmations of your plans for improvement.

* Get in control of your health. Work with a traditionally trained doctor, but make sure she or he has expertise in anti-

aging therapies.

* Do not plan to retire. Instead, plan to have the time of your life. Go back to school or start a new business or career. Remember, if you have made your health a priority, you can have a great second life that's better than the first.

Sabtu, 23 Juli 2011

Four 'Calorie Bargains' That Will Help You Stay Slim

Trying to lose weight? Here's some food for thought. What if Americans were as conscientious about "spending" the calories on their bodies' daily budgets as they are about spending their hard-earned dollars?

According to Charles Stuart Platkin, author of the new book "The Automatic Diet" (Penguin Group, 2005), there is a set number of calories in the body's budget for the day. So how do we make the most of our "finances," calorie-wise?

The answer lies within the pages of "The Automatic Diet," where readers discover that all successful dieters share a common secret to consistently maintaining their weight: They do not have to think about what they are doing. Their food choices are automatic; they already know what to eat to keep off the weight.

One of the key secrets is "calorie bargains": foods that are low in calories but still taste great and satisfy our strongest urges. They are substitutes for the "higher-priced" foods we tend to eat.

Here are a few of Platkin's picks:

* I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! Spray (5 sprays: 0 calories, 0 grams of fat, 0 carbs).

This spray is a great way to accent food and is a tasty alternative to both butter and oil.

"You can spray it on toast, popcorn, vegetables. I use it on almost anything," Platkin says. It is easy to control portions and even if you get up to 25 sprays (more than enough for a baked potato), it is still a clear calorie bargain and has no trans fats. Conversely, 2 tablespoons of butter have 204 calories and 23 grams of fat.

* Jolly Time Yellow Pop Corn (5 cups, popped: 100 calories, 1 gram of fat, 24 grams of carbs, 6 grams of fiber).

Popcorn that you pop yourself is a perfect high-fiber snack - you get loads of food, yet it is still low in calories.

* Miss Meringue Sugar Free Vanilla Meringue Cookies (13 cookies: 35 calories, 0 grams of fat, 9 grams of carbs, 3 grams of fiber).

Have a sweet tooth? These are a good guilt-free alternative. They have no fat, trans fat, cholesterol or lactose.

* Low Fat Kettle Krisps Hickory Barbeque Chips (1 ounce: 110 calories, 1.5 grams of fat, 22 grams of carbs).

With 40 fewer calories than regular chips, these are a great alternative for chip lovers. - NU

Jumat, 22 Juli 2011

Second Eden - Review

Carlton Austin has crafted a wonderful piece of work in Second Eden - an action-packed suspense thriller with a little romance and some elements of science fiction. Its beautifully designed cover incorporates gorgeous images depicting scenes within the plot and the book is available in both hard and soft cover. I recommend the hard cover, folks. This book is sure to be one that you keep among your favorite authors on your bookshelves. Second Eden is destined for a talented director to take big screen fans on its roller-coaster ride.

Best of friends, Peter (an intelligence agent) and Bo (an astronaut), have a bond that even Peter’s affair with Bo’s wife could not break. Bo and some other scientists perish in a mysterious fire just after completing an assignment. The government cover-up pushes Peter to find out what really happened and he becomes torn between patriotism and humanitarianism. He never loved a woman until he met Molly – but can he trust her? In fact, he wonders if he can trust anyone at all.

This is definitely an intelligent read; the author incorporates incredible alien artifacts, mysteries, murders, government espionage and complex cover-ups, cat and mouse chase scenes, archeological finds and ancient societies, deceit and a love story that transcends this life into the next.

Second Eden certainly has a plot that will make its readers think deeply about our world. Carlton shows us the dangers of where our science could lead. His story teaches that there are repercussions for every single choice that we make - both as individuals and as a society. He brings up social issues, like reminding us of the importance of recognizing the value of women who choose to be mothers – as a career, rather than as a side project. He even includes enlightening views of what might happen to a soul when the body can no longer serve it.

I really cannot say enough about Carlton’s novel. Truly, I could barely put it down to go to work or prepare meals! Second Eden will remain on my bookshelf for years to come and will, no doubt, be read many times by my family.

ISBN#: 0595316530 – soft cover 0595663567 – hard cover
Publisher: iuniverse, Inc.
Author: Carlton Austin

Kamis, 21 Juli 2011

Violet the Pilot Children’s Book Series - Review

Canadian commercial pilot, owner of a publishing company, mother of two and author of the Violet the Pilot children’s book series, Bettina Bathe has a talent and energy for today’s youth. I think this aviation adventure fiction series is appropriate for children aged between three and eight years old.

Her children’s book series focus during one season in one country at a time, though the adventures in each book are widely different and involve a various aircraft. Starting in Canada, Bettina’s main character takes three passengers in a floatplane for a camping/fishing trip during the spring. Her second book has Violet the Pilot taking two young French passengers on a hot-air balloon ride to a site where the pair can start a bike tour adventure and enjoy fall’s beautiful colors. Bettina’s third book in the series is centered on the Hawaiian Islands during the summer season, where two young passengers desire a scenic tour of the islands in Violet’s helicopter. In this book, there is an unexpected adventure when the three were called upon to rescue a stranded baby whale.

These books could be considered educational tools as the illustrator, Barbara Fortin, incorporates well-designed scenery depicting the countryside, wildlife, clothing and food that are found in each country. Bettina uses educational information about aviation and the various aircraft that are used in her books. The use of maps and other interesting images including each country’s flag – will certainly give the reader tools for further interaction with the children.

Clearly, Bettina’s series of children’s books are designed to not only educate children about their world and the various aircraft technology, but are also written with the intention to inspire aviation dreams in young girls. The author’s website (www.violetthepilot.com) offers ongoing contests and awards for readers.

Violet the Pilot in Canada – published October 2004 – ISBN# 1-4120-3215-6
Violet the Pilot in France – published July 2005 – ISBN# 0-9738290-0-1
Violet the Pilot in Hawaii – published January 2006 – ISBN# 0-9738290-1-X

Rabu, 20 Juli 2011

Getting The Most Out Of Military Benefits

Imagine being halfway through college without cracking a textbook. Need a mentor? About 250,000 are standing by to help in your job search. Buying a home? How does no down payment sound? These are examples of the billions of dollars in military benefits available to service members and veterans. However, these extraordinary benefits often go unused or overlooked.

A new book called "The Military Advantage: A Comprehensive Guide to Your Military & Veterans Benefits" (Simon & Schuster, $20) could help the 30 million men and women who served unlock those benefits and make the most of their military experience.

The guide is full of insider tips, little-known benefits and shortcuts. It addresses the ins and outs of the system, identifying what can be claimed-or lost if left unclaimed. It offers tips like these:

GI Bill and Scholarships

• You may have up to $50,000 in educational funding just waiting to be used.

• Military experience can count toward college credits-you may be only a few credits shy of an associate's degree.

• There are $300 million in scholarships for military members, spouses and children; in some cases these cover full tuition.

VA Home Loans

A VA home loan offers advantages not associated with other types of loans. They include:

• Upper limit of $417,000 with no down payment required in most cases.

• No monthly mortgage insurance premium.

• Veterans with disabilities may have their loan fees waived.

• Veterans with permanent and total service-connected disabilities may be eligible for a grant up to $50,000 to adapt a house to meet their disability needs.

Careers

The book explains career services available to veterans, including:

• A nationwide, free mentoring service to quickly network with 250,000 other service members, veterans and spouses.

• Where to find online tools to translate your military skills to civilian terms to find jobs related to your military specialty.

• Tips on hot careers. Keep your security clearance active-civilian workers with clearance earn 24 percent more than their counterparts and there's never been a greater demand in classified programs.

• How to flag your resume for military-friendly employers.

Selasa, 19 Juli 2011

Sledgehammer -- Medical Fiction Thriller at Its Best

Looking for a good fiction book to read? Look no further. This medical thriller will have you glued to every page as the drama unfolds and an ER doctor must stop a biochemical nightmare from happening.

6 days … 6 days to stop an epidemic and convince the government that terrorists have indeed used smallpox as a weapon against us. When one of the terrorists shows up in the ER with symptoms, time is of the essence to convince higher ups and the government that indeed this is the dreaded once thought eradicated disease smallpox. If not for the quick action and prior medical expertise of the main character, Dr. Max Kroose, fatalities could be in the millions.

What makes the book even more interesting is that the events unfolding in the ER symbolize real events that occur in emergency rooms daily. The author, Dr. Paulo J. Reyes, is a practicing Emergency Room Doctor and First Responder to disasters in Los Angeles, California with a medical career spanning 25 years. His medical expertise helped to create a medical environment that medical personnel, fans of medical TV dramas, as well as all science fiction fans will enjoy. Added to that, the characters are well developed and passionate in their quest for answers. Although the book is fictional, it’s based on extensive research and leaves you questioning-could it happen today?

With today’s ongoing terrorists’ threats, the growing concern of a biochemical attack, and the fear of a global pandemic, this book shows you how situations like this would be handled. Would the government be prepared? Do we have enough vaccinations for everyone? Should we have voluntary vaccinations now? Questions you will want answers for.

To add this book to your collection, stop by our site at http://www.pauloreyes.com/. The book sells at Amazon and iUniverse as well as other leading online bookstores. Also, sign up to be an affiliate and start selling Sledgehammer on your site now. Science fiction at its BEST! This book has gotten numerous 5 Star Reviews. Get it now and see why.

Senin, 18 Juli 2011

The Latent - book review

Marshall Frank, author of six books, has proved an exceptional ability to write absorbing who-dun-it’s time and time again. According to his website he is able to do this by embellishing on real life experiences during his 30-year career investigating homicides in the Miami-Dade region of Florida. In doing so he creates a realistic, action-packed, suspenseful detective story with his recent release, The Latent – a fiction novel, that I found difficult to put down.

The Latent focuses on one main character - the completely stressed out, heart-broken police investigator, Rock Burgamy. Haunted by a childhood experience and the loss of his young son, Rock battles an inclination to numb his sorrow and stress with booze. And these are not his only secrets. Twice divorced, Rock is slammed regularly with alimony and child support payments for his two other children. In order to keep up with it all, Rock must take as much overtime as possible. Unfortunately, with all of this happening at once, he delves further and further into the bottle. But he is a good man, a stubborn man who will not let a case go unsolved without giving it his all – even if it means his life or sacrificing love.

A chain of gay men killings appear to have a connection and over-worked Burgamy is assigned the case. Plots thicken as the investigation deepens and poor Burgamy walks into several situations that set him up for a fall so big that he cannot get out alone.

Fantastic and intriguing insight into the underground street-sex establishments is only one of the many angles in this book. Problems within the police department from budget constraints and personal temptations to office politics is another. I am confident that The Latent will take readers inside this dark and dangerous world so smoothly that everything else fades away unnoticed.

ISBN#: 1-4137-9890-x
Author: Marshall Frank
Publisher: Publish America
Published: 2006

Minggu, 17 Juli 2011

C. S. Lewis: Prince Caspian

If you recently watched the very popular Disney movie "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe", you might be aware that C. S. Lewis wrote a total of seven books about Narnia. These are, in order of the internal chronology of events:

1 - The Magician's Nephew
2 - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
3- The Horse and His Boy
4 - Prince Caspian
5 - The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
6 - The Silver Chair
7 - The Last Battle

The novel "Prince Caspian" begins one year after the events told in "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" on a railroad platform where Peter, Edmund, Susan and Lucy are waiting for trains that will take them to their boarding schools. Suddenly they feel themselves transported into another world, and after a few hours of wandering about they realize that it is Narnia, where many centuries have passed in the meantime.

The second plot line involves young Prince Caspian, heir to the throne of Narnia, who has to flee from his usurping uncle Miraz. Deep in a forest he discovers some of the "Old Narnians" - talking beasts and dwarfs - and later decides to challenge his uncle for the kingship.

Soon, though, the military situation deteriorates for Caspian and his small army, and they end up besieged on Aslan's How, a hill built over the site of the stone table that played a crucial role in "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe". When things look utterly bleak, Caspian uses his most precious object, Queen Susan's Horn, to summon help.

This review does not try to give away too much more of the plot and spoil the reader's enjoyment, so let me just say that the two plot lines intertwine, there are thrilling battle scenes (including a duel) and a wonderful celebration at the end.

Lewis does a good job of showing the gradual re-transformation of the four children, who once again turn from being English schoolchildren to becoming Kings and Queens of Narnia.

To me, "Prince Caspian" is one of the three best books in the Narnia series, together with "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" and "The Magician's Nephew". In many ways, it repeats themes from "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe", but adds an interesting perspective by having the events of the earlier book become the stuff of legend.

Sabtu, 16 Juli 2011

Recipes Cooks Can Trust And Love

Many cookbooks these days are long on dazzle and flash, and short on good recipes that we can instantly trust and love.

New York Times best-selling author Phyllis Pellman Good gives us recipes that include ingredients we already have on hand or can easily buy-recipes that are easy, foolproof and will make our families smile.

Good's series of slow-cooker cookbooks, "Fix-It and Forget-It," sold more than 6 million copies! Now, her new "Fix-It and Enjoy-It! Cookbook" (Good Books, $15.95) offers readers even more tried-and-true, welcome-home recipes for stovetop and oven cooking.

A collection of more than 675 recipes submitted by at-home cooks from around the country, the "Fix-It and Enjoy-It! Cookbook" features mouthwatering favorites such as "10-Minute Meatloaf" and "Frozen Mocha Cheesecake." Each recipe includes its prep and cooking times.

Here's an appetizer recipe taken from the new book:


Cheese and Shrimp Strudel

Makes 16-18 slices


1 half of a 17.25-ounce package (1 sheet) frozen puff pastry, thawed

11/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup thinly sliced green onion

1 cup (4 ounces) cooked shrimp, chopped, or 4.5 ounces canned shrimp, rinsed, drained and chopped

1 egg, beaten


On a lightly floured surface, roll the thawed puff pastry to a 10" x 18" rectangle.

Place rectangle of pastry on a lightly greased, large baking sheet.

In a medium-sized bowl, stir together cheese, sour cream, onion, shrimp and half the beaten egg (about 2 tablespoons).

Spread the mixture length-wise down half of the rectangle. Brush edges of pastry (using pastry brush) with some of the remaining beaten egg.

Carefully fold dough over the filling and seal edges with the tines of a fork. Brush top and sides of strudel with remaining egg.

Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove from oven and cool 20 minutes before slicing. With a very sharp knife, slice slightly on the diagonal.

A cookbook with detailed directions, including prep and cooking times, can help even novice cooks navigate the kitchen with confidence.

Jumat, 15 Juli 2011

New Book Describes Our Commitment To Service

In a year marked by war and natural disasters, there is good news: Americans are committed to service, charitable giving and volunteering.

For example, charities and philanthropic organizations are thriving-even after a period filled with an unusually high number of natural disasters. According to The Chronicle of Philanthropy, "Many of the nation's biggest charities are raising as much or more than they did in the late 1990s, when the strong economy and booming stock market boosted charitable donations a startling 50 percent."

In addition to record monetary contributions, volunteerism in certain population segments is booming, too. It's estimated that more than 64 million Americans annually volunteer their time, talent and energy to make a difference in their community and in the lives of those around them.

Some say that commitment to service is one of the more enduring legacies of President George H.W. Bush's presidency.

A new book, Points of Light: A Celebration of the American Spirit of Giving by Robert Goodwin and Thomas Kinkade, with a foreword by former President Bush ($19.95, Center Street), tells the story of this rise in philanthropy and volunteerism.

Each of the 12 chapters presents a different story of people making a real difference, from Timothy Miller, who organized the Texas EquuSearch Mounted Search and Recovery Team after the abduction and murder of his daughter, to Lt. Jim Mayer, who lost his arm in Vietnam but not his spirit to serve. Mayer dedicates his life to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and spends his spare time as a volunteer amputee peer adviser at Walter Reed Army Hospital.

The Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network engages and mobilizes millions of volunteers who are helping to solve serious social problems in thousands of communities.

Robert Goodwin has served as president and CEO of the Points of Light Foundation since July 1, 1995.

Described as a "painter of light," Thomas Kinkade is said to be America's most collected living artist, according to CBS News.

Kamis, 14 Juli 2011

Women are major electronics consumers

Women are taking a greater interest in, and have a more sophisticated understanding of electronics than ever before.

Women actually spent more on technology last year than men, according to the Consumer Electronics Association. It says women accounted for $55 billion of the $96 billion spent on electronics gear (statistic from a January 6 CEA press release).
Women are increasingly interested in gadgets, from DVD players to digital cameras, for themselves or birthday gifts for their families.

Almost a third of women consider themselves early adopters willing to buy cutting-edge consumer technology.

CEA reported that women in the United States are becoming more likely to use consumer electronics. CEA's study provides detailed information about the attitudes, purchase considerations, decision influences, purchase channels, current product ownership, and future purchase intent. Here are some of the findings:
• Women are involved in 89 percent of all consumer electronics purchase decisions.
• 84% of women believe that new technologies can improve their lives.
• 48% of women age 18–34 own a digital camera.
The CEA survey noted that women have very positive reactions to specific technology areas, like HDTV, cell phones, and digital photography.
Women have more buying power and they increasingly use technology to manage their busy schedules. Women's comfort level with technology is at an all-time high.

Women want products that make it easy to connect and make it easy to operate; limited wiring or no wires at all; slim, well-designed products; making electronics available in different colors is not very important; low on setup and high on usability. Usability often is an important factor to women when they buy technology;
At CES, organizers hung big pink banners saying "Technology is a Girl's Best Friend," even though the group's own research found a third of women surveyed don't like products with girlie colors.

Nearly three-quarters of women surveyed complained about being ignored or patronized by sales people when shopping for electronics.
A growing number of companies are starting to target their wares toward female buyers.

Sony is outfitting its electronics with features that many women seek and is designing Sony Style retail stores to appeal to women’s preferences by creating an environment where women feel comfortable. Many of Sony’s efforts are focused on functionality.
Women are becoming informed and involved in technology areas where they once had little or no presence.

Rabu, 13 Juli 2011

NightStar Flashlight

Coolest, Newest Flashlight.

The NightStar flashlight is a great gadget for anyone to own. The NightStar is the original battery that runs without batteries and uses a trademarked technology. There are many advantages of owning a NightStar flashlight and only needs to be shaken in order to work. For anyone who ever needs a flashlight, the NightStar flashlight is the greatest new invention.

The NightStar Flashlight is just as effective and powerful as battery powered flashlights.
The LED light is very long life, light emitting diode are said to last up to 100,000 or more. LED is much more efficient and use less power than traditional light bulbs. The LED housing is also very durable and virtually unbreakable.

The Flashlight itself is made of a heavy duty plastic housing. The flashlight is also resistant to chemicals such as acids, ammonia, saltwater, and alcohol. It is also resistant to shock, and is fully functional after repeated drops from high levels. It is also fully functional after being run over on a concrete surface by a heavy weight vehicle.

There are now many types of the NightStar flashlight available on the market. They range in price from around $20 to $50. The NightStar CS is a smaller flashlight for more convenience. It needs to be shaken only seconds for 30 minutes of light time. This type is great for fishers and hikers who need light for extended periods of time. A great advantage of the NightStar is that it floats beam up when in water.

The NightStar II is another option that is larger. It comes in a variety of colors and can also be purchased with different color LED lenses. A red lens is important for astronomers or hunters who need nighttime light. There is also a green lens that is useful for seeing outdoors at night. These larger flashlights need to be shaken for 30 seconds to power 20 minutes of light. Both types of batteries have a 5 year warranty.

Now there is a flashlight that runs without batteries, without ever having to replace the batteries or recharge the batteries. It never needs new batteries and is great for outdoor enthusiasts or those who love gadgets. And the NightStar flashlight is the only gadget with its patented technology.

Selasa, 12 Juli 2011

Home Theatre - What Difference Do Cables Make?

If you go to your local home theater store, you may be confronted by a variety of “extreme” sounding names for cabling: Mega Cables, Monster Cables, Uber Cables… the proliferation of “boutique” cabling is always a source of controversy in home theater and audiophile circles. The question is, how much difference do they make, and are they worth it? Well despite the perils involved in even mentioning this topic, I’m going to attempt to add something to the discussion.

The most important thing to recognize is that a cable cannot improve the sound of a home stereo system any more than an electrical wire can create extra electricity when you plug it into the wall. That’s actually a very good example, because when you’re listening to audio for instance, what we’re hearing is an electronic representation of acoustic sounds – that is to say, the actual sounds have not been captured and stuffed into a compact disc like fireflies in a child’s jar – they have been copied, imitated, and a representation stored on the disc as a series of numbers.

These numbers are then read and translated into electronic signals, which are sent to the speakers in order to approximate the actual sounds. With that in mind, it makes sense that poor quality wires don’t physically change the sound – instead it’s like a game of ‘telephone’, in which the band tells the CD, the CD tells the player, the player tells the wires, and the wires tell the speakers, with something being lost at every step so that the message “Aunt Betty baked a pie” is altered to “Fat Eddy wants to cry” or what should be a great live recording sounds tinny, distant, or otherwise just plain wrong.

A good cable will change the signal as little as possible, but all cables do damage your signal a bit – it’s simply a matter of degree. As far as which cables are the best? That’s up to you or your local audio guru to decide – much is up to personal preference, with the rest probably being left up to your budget to decide.

Senin, 11 Juli 2011

The Inner Workings Of the Satellite Phone System

In a lot of the very remote places around the world, satellite phones are becoming more and more popular. Since these phones do not require cabling, the need for communication in these areas has been covered by the use of these satellite phones. A lot of these remote areas just do not have the infa structure available to allow for a more traditional land line phone. Radio frequencies could be considered as well but all the frequencies for radio are for the most part, already occupied with other things.

For communication, satellite phones use what is called low earth orbiting satellites or LEO for short. The main advantage to using these types of satellites over other types such as geo stationary satellites, is that there is very little latency. Since low earth orbiting satellites are quite a bit closer to the earth, there is less delay in communication.

Each satellite phone system includes a number of LEO satellites usually called a constellation. The use of many satellites makes sure that there is always a satellite visible to the phone so that calls can be made or received whenever they are needed. This ensure that there are never any missed calls or calls that get go through to the person that you are calling.

There are a number of different providers that offer these types of phone services - Iridium and Globalstar are just a couple and there are a number more. Each of these companies use various technologies to get the service done but in the end, they are mainly all the same. They all provide the satellite communication service.

A few of these companies use a multiple access method of time division to allow and increased number of calls. This includes connections that are satellite to satellite and the phones work directly with these satellites. There are also digital technologies that are used to manage the traffic of calls and sometimes this is called, code division multiple access.

When division multiple access is used, the satellites are used to forward the incoming calls directly to the telephone gateways that exist on the earth. This way, the call eventually goes through the tradtional land telephone network.

With the different ways this satellite phone technology work, the end result does not change. The basic thing is that in the end, you get through to who ever you need to talk to!

Minggu, 10 Juli 2011

Why Is Digital TV Better Than Analog TV?

To believe this one should watch both of them and feel the difference on their own. The quality of picture and sound are of high quality which gives you ultimate excitement and satisfaction while watching your favorite programs. Digital TV compresses images which help to broadcast multiple channels at a same band width. Whereas Analog which is generally called as SDTV uses magnetic waves to transmit and display pictures and sound which has been traditionally used. The special features available in Digital TV is surround sound, crystal clear pictures, sharper pictures which is all requires for the latest evolution of television the High Definition Television.

Compared to the analog the SDTV is significant as it provides more channels from the same station. If you observe the analog broad casting you will find that it is a hassle the capacity to accommodate only a few stations. Where as with digital it contains more information than the analog.

If you already have an analog set and wish to upgrade it to a digital one its possible by using digital tuner decoder though it will display the high quality pictures as provided by the original digital sets. In today’s market you find digital quality sets are available and the best news is that their prices have decreased.

The cable providers always do not supply with digital cables which digital signals. As such cables do not meet the standards when a digital cable is connected to a digital TV it will receive only analog signal, thus eliminating the advantages of a digital television. A solution for this is the digital quality pictures provided by satellite service providers.

Digital TV is used for the latest innovation in entertainment the HDTV. Here you get to watch pictures in a wider screen with more clarity than in analog sets. The picture quality and the audio clarity are far better as compared with the analog.

If this revolution from analog to digital continues what about consumers who have analog system is a question which ponders the minds of many.
For this a transition period has been set up and that is through the year 2006. If necessity requires then that can be extended too.

Sabtu, 09 Juli 2011

lifecycle Batteries

Exercise equipment and gym equipment.

Home exercise and gym equipment is a great way to stay in shape and stay at home. There are many great advantages to owing the newest types of exercise equipment such as a treadmill or stationary cycle. Often these types of equipment need specialized battery power. When shopping for exercise equipment batteries, there are many things to keep in mind.

There are many different types of exercise equipment. Lifecycle is a very popular brand that makes a variety of different styles of exercise cycles. Some cycles are standard frame while others are recumbent for back support and relief. Stairmaster is the top brand for Stairmasters in any model. However, Stairmaster also makes treadmills, elliptical trainers, and exercise bikes. There are a number of types of exercise equipped built to suit any type of fitness need.

Most types of exercise equipment use a normal AC wall adapter along with a battery to power certain components. All exercise equipment needs a specific type of battery to provide power for extended periods of time, and at a high power output. These types of batteries are high voltage and contain electrolyte, known as sealed lead acid batteries, and therefore should be handled with care.

Different brands of batteries. There are several different exercise equipment manufacturers. Lifecycle makes a number of batteries that fit lifecycle equipment as well as Stairmaster and Star Trac equipment. PowerSonic is another battery manufacturer that makes batteries and chargers for all types of equipment.

If the decision has been made to purchase a new piece of exercise equipment, be sure to become familiar with the manual and all the specifications. Proper care and operation of exercise equipment will keep in functioning for years. And always get the best by purchasing Lifecycle batteries.

Jumat, 08 Juli 2011

Keyless Door Lock Batteries

Most cars come equipped with keyless entry systems. The keyless entry system increases the safety of a vehicle. It also reduces the likelihood of theft. There are many different types of keyless entry systems that use different types of battery power. There are many brands of keyless door lock batteries and systems as well.

Keyless door lock batteries can be made for a number of specific manufacturers. Some common brands include EveryReady, Panic Door, Room Safe, and Intellis to name a few. It is important to locate which brand of keyless door lock device you have when ordering replacement batteries.

There are a variety of types of door lock batteries. Alkaline is a very common type used in most batteries. Another type is NiCD or NiMH. Both are metal based batteries that are more powerful and efficient than alkaline batteries. An even more powerful type of battery that is relatively new to door lock batteries is Lithium Ion. Li-Ion batteries are said to last ten times longer than alkaline and nickel based batteries. Most new models of keyless door lock systems are now being equipped with Li-Ion batteries.

Keyless door lock batteries are generally not very expensive. Expect to pay at most $20. In some cases the entire unit may need to be replaced due to electrical problems or failure. While some keyless door lock remotes are relatively inexpensive, others can cost over $100. Price of the remote is something to consider when purchasing a keyless door lock system.

Keyless door lock systems are a great advantage for any vehicle owner. If the system is connected with extra features such as battery shut off it can give insurance breaks. With battery shut off, the car will not start unless unlocked by the keyless door lock remote.
Another great feature to purchase with keyless door lock systems is remote start. This can start the engine without putting the keys in the ignition. On a cold day, a car can be warmed up without every going outdoors.

The keyless door lock system provides automobile owners with a variety of advantages. To maintain the system it is important to purchase the right type of door lock batteries, and also purchase quality batteries. Doing so will ensure the keyless door lock system will remain functional for its lifetime.

Kamis, 07 Juli 2011

Buying DVD: Is it worth it?

There are a lot of good audio/video players available especially for movie enthusiast but is “good” enough? Guess not. Video and audio performance in all modern DVD players is excellent. Personal preferences, your budget, and your existing home theater setup all play a large role in determining which player is best for you. The budget and quality should be taken into consideration before buying the product by most consumers.

When we talk about quality, DVD is the new generation of optical technology. DVD is essentially a much bigger and faster CD that can hold cinema-like videos, better-than-CD audio, still photos, and computer data. DVD aims to bring home entertainment, computers, and business information with a single digital format. DVD has the capability to produce near-studio-quality video and better-than-CD-quality audio. DVD is vastly superior to consumer videotape and generally better than laserdiscs.

Most players support a standard set of features such as Language choice (for automatic selection of video scenes, audio tracks, subtitle tracks, and menus). Special effects playback: freeze, step, slow, fast, and scan. Parental lock (for denying playback of discs or scenes with objectionable material). Programmability (playback of selected sections in a desired sequence). Random play and repeat play. Digital audio output. Recognition and output of DTS Digital Surround audio tracks. Playback of audio CDs. Instant search to title, chapter, music track, and timecode. Durable (no wear from playing, only from physical damage). Compact size (easy to handle, store, and ship; players can be portable; replication is cheaper than tapes or laserdiscs).

The primary advantages of DVD are video quality, surround sound, and extra features. In addition, DVD will not degrade with age by overplaying it like a videotape hence it will allow you save lots of money and be able to collect your favorite movie and televisions shows for years and still be able to play it over and over again.

Most movie experts choose DVD as their preference for movie entertainment because of high quality resolution and excellent audio performance giving an excellent movie experience in their homes! Try it and see it for yourself and you’ll learn than every penny spent is worth it!

Rabu, 06 Juli 2011

Searching On The Web For A LCD Monitor With TV Tuner

Are you searching for a LCD monitor with TV tuner? Are you on a budget and looking for a decent LCD monitor with TV tuner that is in your price range? The internet is a great place to start your search for a LCD monitor with TV tuner. Here you can not only read reviews and get an idea of what kind of model you are looking for, but you can also comparison shop to find the best deal on the web for a LCD monitor with TV tuner.

A great place to start your search for a LCD monitor with TV tuner is through Consumer Reports. They will give you unbiased reviews of the LCD monitors with TV tuners out there. You can find Consumer Reports online at http://www.consumerreports.org.

If you are the type of person who needs to see in person what it is they will be buying, then it is a good idea to visit a store like a big box retailer in order to get an idea of what kind of LCD monitor with TV tuner you are interested in. Make sure you take a pad and pencil with you so you can write down the model numbers of the LCD monitors with TV tuners that you liked the best. This will give you a good place to start comparison shopping.

Here are a couple tips if you decide to buy a LCD monitor with TV tuner for yourself online as opposed to a bricks and mortar store. First of all, you need to take into consideration the cost of shipping and what that will add to the overall price. Let’s say you find the LCD monitor with TV tuner model you’ve been searching for online, it is in your price range and it appears to be a couple hundred dollars less than it would be if you bought it at a big box retailer. Shipping could easily add an extra couple hundred dollars to the total price, so you wouldn’t be getting much of a deal after all.

Another thing to consider when shopping for a LCD monitor with TV tuner online is that you should shop through a reputable dealer. Before whipping out your credit card you want to make sure that they are a reputable business and offer a warranty as well as everything else you would get from shopping at a reputable bricks and mortar store such as a big box retailer.

Prices and models change often, be sure and stop by our site to take a look at the latest models.

Selasa, 05 Juli 2011

Dyson D15 Vacuum Cleaner

The Dyson DC15 is a great vacuum to hit the market, as it is the first and only vacuum cleaner to feature the very unique ball. Even though robotic vacuum cleaners are becoming the most popular types of vacuum cleaners, the DC15 is ideal for housewives who want a traditional vacuum cleaner with a twist. The Dyson DC15 upright vacuum has a large yellow ball that will allow the vacuum to pivot and roll with the greatest of ease. You can simply turn your wrist and the vacuum cleaner will change its direction. The ability is something that is commonly associated with canister style vacuum cleaners. It also offers quite an interesting filtration system. No matter what you may think or hear, Dyson vacuums don't use filters in the way that most vacuum cleaners do. The air and dirt are sucked into the container where the outer cyclone removes large particles such as food, hair, and even fibers. The air will then move into the shroud and inner cyclone where it is rotated with a higher velocity to drop fine particles of dust out of the air.

From the inner cyclone, the air will move about through a washable inner foam pre filter where a majority of the particles will remain trapped. This feature helps the DC15 to keep dirt and debris trapped inside and out of the motor. The last step in the system after moving through the motor is the trip through the final HEPA filter. The DC15 has a very strict filter system, which will prevent 99.9% of bacteria and mold from getting to your home. The vacuum will suck it up and keep it inside of the vacuum where it belongs. Even though they aren't very well known, Dyson has been around for many years. They aren't as popular or as well known as the bigger companies such as Hoover, although they offer you great quality and performance with their vacuum cleaners. Unlike Hoover, Dyson works to improve on their own products as well as the competition with each product they release.

The Dyson DC15 is also known for its suction power and attachments as well. With the ball assembly, using attachments are a breeze. The only problem you may have, is getting the hang of things. The attachment wand is stored inside of the handle of the vacuum and is always attached. To use it, you lock the handle in the upright position then push a button on the front of the handle that will allow you to telescope the wand for use.

Senin, 04 Juli 2011

Vacuum Cleaners A Brief History

These days, vacuum cleaners are a familiar tool in any household cleaning arsenal, but this has not always been the case. In days gone by, cleaning was a job performed by using more primitive tools, like the trusty sweeping brush or broom. And while these tools were undoubtedly of enormous value to the house cleaner who had little else to work with, we have come a long way since then, and, in some ways, have come full circle.

It was the Industrial Revolution that set the cleaning world alight. Before that time, the sweeping brush was king, and really, it was probably quite adequate. But though the presence of heavy dust and grime increased during the revolution, as the cities in which many people lived became covered in soot and other industrial by-products, the dirt that was created was really not sufficient reason for housewives to become the queens of cleanliness they did. Around this time, though, a huge propaganda campaign was born that alarmed people with its prophecies. Health and lives were in mortal danger if dirt was not tamed, and cleaning products of all sorts witnessed an enormous jump in sales.

It was against this backdrop that the first vacuum cleaner came into being. Invented in Chicago in 1865, this hand pumped device lead the way in vacuum cleaner development. Followed by a range of similar devices, the design became more and more intricate as the years progressed, with the cleaners growing ever more ornate and multifunctional, being used as sideboards, among other things. However, requiring two people to operate it, this type of machine was less than user friendly.

The democratization of electricity availability opened new door in vacuum cleaner development. Emerging just after the turn of the twentieth century, the electric vacuum cleaner, made by brands such as Hoover, made housework easier for millions. Using a fan motor and a pillowcase as a dust collector, a man named Spangler began a trend. Soon after, William H. Hoover came aboard, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Today we are eager to eliminate dirt from our lives as were our Industrial Revolution forefathers, and the choice of vacuum cleaners available today reflects this trend. And while housework can be a tiresome chore, it was this enthusiasm for cleanliness that brought the vacuum cleaner into our world, so that now, after a hundred years or so of technological development, we can rid our homes of dust and dirt in minutes.

Minggu, 03 Juli 2011

An Introduction To Plasma TV Technology

Plasma TVs have become increasingly available, and their cost is lowering all the time. We have all heard about plasma TVs, and advertising campaigns are constantly telling us that they are the status symbol to have. Adverts are extremely effective at glorifying the benefits of having a plasma TV, so much so that it appears that even our pulling power and popularity will be improved. The one thing that these adverts don’t really tell us is what a plasma TV actually is. Here is a brief guide to plasma TVs to help you appreciate this apparent miracle of modern technology.

Plasma TVs have a higher resolution than other conventional display devices which means that they can display the high definition signals of HDTV and DTV. Also, plasma TVs are compatible with the computer signals SVGA, VGA, and XGA.

Unlike other display devices, plasma TVs have a transistor electrode for every pixel cell which means that there are none of the scan lines that are visible with regular TV sets. The whole image is evenly lit across the display by these electrodes, and not produced by an electron beam which is the cause of scan lines.

Top-of-the-range plasma TVs have display capabilities of over 16 million colours. This ensures that the picture has far more realistic colour than that shown on a conventional TV screen. This is because they are able to show far more shades of colours compared to the lesser quality TV screens.

Plasma TV screens are completely flat which has two benefits. There is no edge distortion, unlike on more curved conventional TV screens, and also there is a far wider viewing angle. The viewing angle of a plasma TV is 160 degrees, and allows the image to be seen properly from more areas of the room where the TV set is situated. This makes plasma TV screens ideal for large groups to view, and lessens the need for more than one TV set to be placed.

Of course, the main benefit that most people are aware of with plasma TVs is their space-saving quality. They are extremely shallow, and can therefore be installed in many more locations than a conventional TV set. The depth of a 50 inch screen is approximately 4 inches, and it can therefore be hung on a wall.

Sabtu, 02 Juli 2011

Scuba Gear

Scuba (Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) diving and its various equipment have gone a long way. It began in 360 B.C. when divers first used the air underneath a crude diving bell as their source of air when submerged in the water. Guglielmo de Lorena then developed this “technology” into a real diving bell that was fastened by slings on top of the shoulders. In the past, it took hundreds of years to develop the equipment that enabled man to explore the wonders of the underwater world.

Today, with modern science, every diver finds himself engulfed with newer tools, proof of man’s eagerness to make underwater exploration easier and more secure. Newer and better equipment like masks, dry and wet suits, fins, lights, oxygen tanks, weights, regulators, bags, buoyancy compensators and other accessories are easily available today. Each has been designed to make moving, swimming, and breathing easier.

In purchasing equipment, the most important advice to remember is to ask experts on what to buy and why. Diving gears can be expensive, so, a few tips from other licensed divers and instructors would make the task of choosing less of a burden. But, on the other hand, the risks of the sport are often fatal and would depend on the quality of one’s equipment. Take the breathing regulator for example. The machine is attached to the scuba tank. It decreases the pressure of the oxygen stored in the tank, making safe for the divers to breathe in the air. Another example is the wet suit. The durability and the strength of material ensure the body’s protection from intense temperatures, specifically the coldness under the depths of the ocean.

No matter what the sport, the most important consideration that should be taken, is one’s safety and freedom to fully enjoy the activity.

Jumat, 01 Juli 2011

Covert Cams Bring Peace of Mind at Home

According to the Vanished Children's Alliance, a child is missing or abducted every 40 seconds.

A car is stolen every 24 seconds in the United States, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

What can you do to prevent these crimes from happening to you and your family? Video surveillance is one option you may not have considered.

Video surveillance usually brings to mind retail stores and malls. But many people are finding video surveillance useful in their homes and their personal lives.

Today, people use cameras to watch their front doors, back doors, yard, children's room or car. Why? Many video cameras have saved children from household help, such as cleaning people and baby sitters, who exhibited irrational or harmful behavior. Cameras can also indicate if someone enters a home or room without invitation. And, nothing can prove who stole a vehicle better than video evidence.

You can record environments with equipment designed in such a way that only the person using it is able to tell that it's a camera. CCS International (OTC BB: SITG) makes sophisticated video surveillance systems for home and personal use that monitor, record and broadcast real-life conditions to ensure peace of mind.

Here are a few examples:

* Hand Held Clock Video Cam: Housed in a palm-size clock, this device views live events through its hidden pinhole camera. It will transmit video imagery for up to 24 hours or use a DVR for long-term recording. A camera system concealed within a functioning alarm clock radio is also available.

* Briefcase Camera Portable Recording System: It looks like an ordinary briefcase, but its pinhole lens provides high-resolution recordings with clear quality.

* Body Worn Spy Cam: This video surveillance camera can be worn or alternatively placed in a concealed area. It is connected to a microtransmitter that sends a video signal to a video receiver. This included receiver can be connected to a VCR, DVR or video monitor.

Other available CCS systems are housed in a gym bag, a pair of sunglasses and even a man's tie.