Family Monthly Budget (FMB) College & Major Day

Today you will create a Journal Entry (Weebly Journal) after reading the following article:

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/explore-careers/college-majors/the-college-major-what-it-is-and-how-to-choose-one

Please describe what major you are interested in and why you chose it at this point in your life.  I realize college is a few years away, and I am sure your interests might change between now and when you are going to go to school, but you will use the information you develop today to research future careers tomorrow.  Eventually, you will be responsible for choosing a College, Career, and your first Job after college to complete the FAMILY MONTHLY BUDGET PROJECT (FMB) over the next few weeks!

After your Journal Entry is complete, please go to CollegeBoard.Org and create an account. (CLICK HERE).  You will use this site to research your College and Major and use the information tomorrow to decide what your first career might be.  You must complete the COLLEGE SEARCH and MAJOR AND CAREER SEARCH sections of the CollegeBoard.Org website prior to completing the survey below.

When you have completed today's research, please add the name of your college and the major you have chosen to the Google Spreadsheet by answering the following questions on this link: 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1a1yKllyW3DBgE_-H6U3P2dLHR_n-PKDvP6ZDcKNFviM/viewform?usp=send_form


Tomorrow we will discuss Financial Literacy and Financial Planning.  Later this week you will see a list of entry-level positions that people could choose based on a variety of decisions.  You will be entering your college and major and choosing a career with this site.  Your choices will determine where you will live and what career you will start with.  We will also be discussing financial planning and investing later this week.

When you have completed the Journal Entry and the College & Major Survey above, you are free to finish your Yearbook Pages that are due by the end of today!

Good Luck!

Mr. S

Technology and Its Functions for Us

Are you playing video games on your personal computer right now? Are using the email in order to stay in touch with your family or friends? Those questions could give us something to talk about, right? Most of you already familiar with term of technology and since technology is part of the human culture, the existence of technology becomes really vital because it changes the way we do something in our life. As we all know, technology affects our society and its surroundings in a number of ways. Sometimes it brings bad effects like environmental issues, but somehow people create just to make everything's easier and try to avoid any kind of bad effects of the technology itself. Initially, we all know that the main function of the creation of technology is to make our life easier as we've mentioned examples above.

Basically, technology is the practice and knowledge of tools, techniques, crafts, systems or methods of organization in order to solve a problem or serve some purpose. People create the technology in order to get its function and we all know that it's not that easy to make one invention since you need more than just a good brain. In order to make an invention, a lot of people have to do anything, including spend their times in the front of the tool they want to create just to know the tool they create is working good. They need to spend a lot of money and not to mention anything else like the times with their family, but when they know that the tool they create is working and brings so many benefits to other people, I think they get what we call as a payout.

There are so many kinds of technology you can find on the entire world right now and the one that becomes really popular since it's really useful is the internet. People use the internet when they need almost everything in this life. Internet provides a lot of benefits for us and we can always rely on this kind of technology. Internet and technology are things that can be separated since internet itself provides the researcher a lot of information that could be really useful for the development of technology.

So, as underline of this discussion about technology, people need technology because all we want is to get an easier life and even though there are also so many bad effects of technology, they just hope that there is something they can do to make it minimized.

How Can Instructional Technology Make Teaching and Learning More Effective in the Schools?

In the past few years of research on instructional technology has resulted in a clearer vision of how technology can affect teaching and learning. Today, almost every school in the United States of America uses technology as a part of teaching and learning and with each state having its own customized technology program. In most of those schools, teachers use the technology through integrated activities that are a part of their daily school curriculum. For instance, instructional technology creates an active environment in which students not only inquire, but also define problems of interest to them. Such an activity would integrate the subjects of technology, social studies, math, science, and language arts with the opportunity to create student-centered activity. Most educational technology experts agree, however, that technology should be integrated, not as a separate subject or as a once-in-a-while project, but as a tool to promote and extend student learning on a daily basis.

Today, classroom teachers may lack personal experience with technology and present an additional challenge. In order to incorporate technology-based activities and projects into their curriculum, those teachers first must find the time to learn to use the tools and understand the terminology necessary for participation in projects or activities. They must have the ability to employ technology to improve student learning as well as to further personal professional development.

Instructional technology empowers students by improving skills and concepts through multiple representations and enhanced visualization. Its benefits include increased accuracy and speed in data collection and graphing, real-time visualization, the ability to collect and analyze large volumes of data and collaboration of data collection and interpretation, and more varied presentation of results. Technology also engages students in higher-order thinking, builds strong problem-solving skills, and develops deep understanding of concepts and procedures when used appropriately.

Technology should play a critical role in academic content standards and their successful implementation. Expectations reflecting the appropriate use of technology should be woven into the standards, benchmarks and grade-level indicators. For example, the standards should include expectations for students to compute fluently using paper and pencil, technology-supported and mental methods and to use graphing calculators or computers to graph and analyze mathematical relationships. These expectations should be intended to support a curriculum rich in the use of technology rather than limit the use of technology to specific skills or grade levels. Technology makes subjects accessible to all students, including those with special needs. Options for assisting students to maximize their strengths and progress in a standards-based curriculum are expanded through the use of technology-based support and interventions. For example, specialized technologies enhance opportunities for students with physical challenges to develop and demonstrate mathematics concepts and skills. Technology influences how we work, how we play and how we live our lives. The influence technology in the classroom should have on math and science teachers' efforts to provide every student with "the opportunity and resources to develop the language skills they need to pursue life's goals and to participate fully as informed, productive members of society," cannot be overestimated.

Technology provides teachers with the instructional technology tools they need to operate more efficiently and to be more responsive to the individual needs of their students. Selecting appropriate technology tools give teachers an opportunity to build students' conceptual knowledge and connect their learning to problem found in the world. The technology tools such as Inspiration® technology, Starry Night, A WebQuest and Portaportal allow students to employ a variety of strategies such as inquiry, problem-solving, creative thinking, visual imagery, critical thinking, and hands-on activity.

Benefits of the use of these technology tools include increased accuracy and speed in data collection and graphing, real-time visualization, interactive modeling of invisible science processes and structures, the ability to collect and analyze large volumes of data, collaboration for data collection and interpretation, and more varied presentations of results.

Technology integration strategies for content instructions. Beginning in kindergarten and extending through grade 12, various technologies can be made a part of everyday teaching and learning, where, for example, the use of meter sticks, hand lenses, temperature probes and computers becomes a seamless part of what teachers and students are learning and doing. Contents teachers should use technology in ways that enable students to conduct inquiries and engage in collaborative activities. In traditional or teacher-centered approaches, computer technology is used more for drill, practice and mastery of basic skills.

The instructional strategies employed in such classrooms are teacher centered because of the way they supplement teacher-controlled activities and because the software used to provide the drill and practice is teacher selected and teacher assigned. The relevancy of technology in the lives of young learners and the capacity of technology to enhance teachers' efficiency are helping to raise students' achievement in new and exciting ways.

As students move through grade levels, they can engage in increasingly sophisticated hands-on, inquiry-based, personally relevant activities where they investigate, research, measure, compile and analyze information to reach conclusions, solve problems, make predictions and/or seek alternatives. They can explain how science often advances with the introduction of new technologies and how solving technological problems often results in new scientific knowledge. They should describe how new technologies often extend the current levels of scientific understanding and introduce new areas of research. They should explain why basic concepts and principles of science and technology should be a part of active debate about the economics, policies, politics and ethics of various science-related and technology-related challenges.

Students need grade-level appropriate classroom experiences, enabling them to learn and to be able to do science in an active, inquiry-based fashion where technological tools, resources, methods and processes are readily available and extensively used. As students integrate technology into learning about and doing science, emphasis should be placed on how to think through problems and projects, not just what to think.

Technological tools and resources may range from hand lenses and pendulums, to electronic balances and up-to-date online computers (with software), to methods and processes for planning and doing a project. Students can learn by observing, designing, communicating, calculating, researching, building, testing, assessing risks and benefits, and modifying structures, devices and processes - while applying their developing knowledge of science and technology.
Most students in the schools, at all age levels, might have some expertise in the use of technology, however K-12 they should recognize that science and technology are interconnected and that using technology involves assessment of the benefits, risks and costs. Students should build scientific and technological knowledge, as well as the skill required to design and construct devices. In addition, they should develop the processes to solve problems and understand that problems may be solved in several ways.

Rapid developments in the design and uses of technology, particularly in electronic tools, will change how students learn. For example, graphing calculators and computer-based tools provide powerful mechanisms for communicating, applying, and learning mathematics in the workplace, in everyday tasks, and in school mathematics. Technology, such as calculators and computers, help students learn mathematics and support effective mathematics teaching. Rather than replacing the learning of basic concepts and skills, technology can connect skills and procedures to deeper mathematical understanding. For example, geometry software allows experimentation with families of geometric objects, and graphing utilities facilitate learning about the characteristics of classes of functions.

Learning and applying mathematics requires students to become adept in using a variety of techniques and tools for computing, measuring, analyzing data and solving problems. Computers, calculators, physical models, and measuring devices are examples of the wide variety of technologies, or tools, used to teach, learn, and do mathematics. These tools complement, rather than replace, more traditional ways of doing mathematics, such as using symbols and hand-drawn diagrams.

Technology, used appropriately, helps students learn mathematics. Electronic tools, such as spreadsheets and dynamic geometry software, extend the range of problems and develop understanding of key mathematical relationships. A strong foundation in number and operation concepts and skills is required to use calculators effectively as a tool for solving problems involving computations. Appropriate uses of those and other technologies in the mathematics classroom enhance learning, support effective instruction, and impact the levels of emphasis and ways certain mathematics concepts and skills are learned. For instance, graphing calculators allow students to quickly and easily produce multiple graphs for a set of data, determine appropriate ways to display and interpret the data, and test conjectures about the impact of changes in the data.

Using Digital Education Technology In Today's Analog School

It's mind-boggling: more than sixty percent of our first graders will some day work at jobs that are not even created today.

We can't even imagine what kinds of jobs exactly might those be, but one thing is for sure: it will has to do with technology. That's why every child needs to learn how to use technology.

It is important to note right away that this enormous emphasis on technology use does not mean that the teachers will become less important, quite contrary. Technology is here to be used as a tool by teachers and empower them to deliver lessons in a way that the old analog school, still stuck in the last century, is simply not able right now. Teacher are indispensable as the most powerful motivators that exist to actually get children to learn, using the most modern technology or not.

Examples of using education technology in practice include, for instance, incorporating rich media and online resources as means of accessing knowledge. Even games can be used as education technology, especially adaptive software that is made to be greatly interactive. Classroom assessment tools can enable teachers to immediately spot the gaps in their students' knowledge and tailor their teaching accordingly. Data analysis and management tools can offer valuable feedback that assists teachers and school leaders in better information management.

Some studies have found that when technology is involved in learning, the students are more engaged in knowledge acquisition. Since technology in the classroom offers specialized learning, struggling students are more likely to catch up with their peers when they can use education technology.

Of course, it is impossible to talk about education technology without at least mentioning e-learning and the MOOC (massive open online courses) revolution. They are giving the students around the world the unprecedented access to the best schools and best teachers available today. At the moment, MOOCs are used in higher education almost exclusively, but in the not too far off future they may be used from kindergarten!

It is hard to stress enough how important is incorporating modern education technology and all it can offer (we're only just starting to scratch the surface on its possible uses and benefits) in today's school.

Expenditure on technology in schools is steadily rising every year, and around the world. Mobile technology, such as tablets and laptops are contributing to this rise the most.

School leaders obviously firmly believe that investing in education technology is the way of the future.

Knowledge Management in Healthcare: Succeeding in Spite of Technology

Technology and healthcare always have had an uneasy relationship. On one hand, there is the promise of technology and the enhancements it offers healthcare. These include improved medical information access, streamlined reporting, automation, reduced errors and more efficient processes. On the other hand, technology has fallen short of its full potential in healthcare, as too many competing systems make integrated data difficult to obtain. Additionally, the burdens of data entry and analysis burdens overwhelm rather than streamline processes.

Healthcare faces these mistakes if it "applies" technology to organizational Knowledge Management (KM) without first identifying KM goals and understanding how a KM system will be used by administrators, physicians, managers, and staff. Technology facilitates knowledge exchange, but it is not the end-all to managing knowledge effectively. Technology designed to enhance the interaction among a community of similar-minded participants, such as healthcare employees, can greatly enhance the exchange of knowledge. But it is the process and culture of an organization rather than the level of applied technology that make a KM system a wealth or void of retrievable information.

An effective KM system is built on communication and education and thrives in organizations encouraging shared learning both within and outside of the hospital walls. These systems store historical knowledge and knowledge created during exchanges of information among people who are interested in learning. Knowledge management systems designed with goals in mind, versus just acquiring the most advanced technology, is what will support healthcare organizations in streamlining processes, reducing costs and improving care.

Why Knowledge Management in Healthcare?

Healthcare industry professionals are realizing that previous efforts, (e.g. searching for the elusive "best practice" and applying it as a commodity), bureaucratic and toothless performance improvement initiatives and poorly thought-out IT implementations, have not led to improved results and reduced costs. As a mindset, KM attaches importance to knowledge and identifies the value of knowledge at different levels. As a framework, KM facilitates knowledge access and transfer, which helps change behaviors and improve decisions. Knowledge management systems support healthcare workers in using available knowledge to develop organizational learning. This learning assists the employees in critiquing a compilation of practice ideas and successfully designing a customized "Best Practice" for the organization. A good KM system can help staff create and exploit new knowledge. It is capable of driving decisions, change and improvements to all levels of the organization. And, in this era of escalating costs and declining reimbursements, an effective KM system is virtually essential to a healthcare organization's process improvement and cost reduction strategies.

Hospitals can be isolated places, which make it tough to gather 'knowledge'. The clinical side has the measurable research and knows the outcomes, but the operational side of the hospital lacks this information. Consider this example. A hospital's operational staff may be well aware of the increased benefit to changing one of its products used for patient care management. Nevertheless, the staff struggles when it comes to demonstrating the cost/benefit to administration and to the physicians. A KM system offers a hospital staff access to strategies and contacts so they can learn how others have successfully carried out similar situations.

Can We Talk?

Hospital staff is willing to share their knowledge with others in the field, although it's often done informally, such as networking at a convention or conversations with internal and external peers. Effective KM systems capitalize on these opportunities.

How does a KM system change behaviors and improve decisions? One hospital department is concerned with retaining staff, especially in light of the current nursing shortage. Typically, the manager struggles with the staffing issues alone or relies on a few peers within the department. Yet, what if the manager could connect with a peer internally and solicit his or her advice, even though this employee works in an unrelated department? The insight and perspective from an "outsider" may be very useful. How about contacting peers at other facilities? An effective KM system would facilitate 'experience sharing' among people struggling with staffing issues. It also archives the solutions brainstormed from the interaction to use as a basis for growing the collective knowledge of the group. This information is then readily accessible the next time a hospital manager (within the hospital or from another facility) faces retention issues.

Another method hospitals typically use to gain knowledge is gathering ideas from a multitude of experts, as is done when attending a conference or a convention. Yet, how is that information disseminated throughout the hospital or healthcare organization if only two employees attended the convention? If it is difficult to share and build ideas within one department or even throughout one hospital, how can anyone expect cross-hospital exchanges to prove fruitful? Obviously, it is more difficult to share information when individuals are not physically together and even more complex when the individuals are employees of different healthcare organizations. The benefits of sharing such a huge reservoir of knowledge are colossal. Technology is a must in these cases.

Knowledge Management ≠ Information Technology

Effective KM cannot be thought of, nor treated, as simply another exercise in information technology. Unfortunately, due to the access and distribution enhancements technology provides, healthcare administrators often have a distorted view of a KM system as an information technology system or as a solution that needs to be applied. While technology enhances sharing and information exchange, even the most technologically advanced KM system will not solve every dilemma. The keys to a successful KM implementation are:

· Identify the knowledge to exchange and distribute

· Determine how knowledge will be managed

· Match technology and resources appropriately to the culture and needs of the organization

Another fallacy about KM is that "knowledge" can be reduced to documents and then warehoused in a computer database for people to access as needed. The improvement resulting from a KM system comes from personal interaction, the sharing of experiences, taking action and recording the results, growing collective knowledge of a group and building new knowledge from the experiences of others. Technology based solely on warehousing knowledge "documents" or best practices are not successful in driving change and improvement in the organization.

It takes resources beyond technology to manage knowledge effectively. Group interactions must be facilitated, results must be archived and reinvested in the knowledge pool and management actions and change must be supported by the organization. Effectively managing and leveraging knowledge in an organization cannot be abdicated to the IT system.

Apply Thoughtful Technology

Organizations have a habit of buying the latest, greatest KM system on the market, if for no other reason than because others have done the same. Yet, elaborate systems that aren't called for tend to breed reluctance. Does the hospital or healthcare organization really need the latest and greatest? When analyzing the implementation of a KM system, first determine what is really necessary to meet the hospital's needs. For instance, take the simple suggestion box. Are the employees making practical suggestions or snide comments? Is the suggestion box readily accessible? Does the hospital culture encourage suggestions and incorporate them into the organization's routines? If so, this is a working and useful KM system. This is when technology can really enhance the system by extending its reach and providing a historical warehouse of implementations. But, when the suggestion box isn't used appropriately, then having the latest, greatest, technologically advanced computer suggestion box won't improve anything. Once again, an organization requires a "learning" culture to value the collaborative learning obtained through KM systems.

Some organizations overcome these obstacles by using technology as a tool instead of as a solution. Technology can enhance knowledge exchange by providing multiple access models (interactive events and data warehouses) and widespread distribution of new and innovative ideas. Thoughtful abstracting and archiving of events and documents enable managers to actively apply lessons learned by others and applies knowledge to their daily work.

Managing Competing Expectations of Users and Administrators

Unless it fills some need and is easily accessible in one's daily routine, a KM system will probably be ignored. Healthcare runs at a hectic pace and staff needs to spend as little time as possible navigating a KM system to obtain useful information. Administrators will not support KM efforts unless they see demonstrated results. Consider the following criteria when weighing the pros and cons of a KM system:

· What is the organization's purpose for the KM system?

· Where is the existing knowledge?

· How is the knowledge transferred?

· Who will have access to the system?

· How will access privileges vary among staff members?

· How will each department use the system?

· How will ideas be exchanged, in-house exclusively or
with other organizations?

· What is the structure of the KM system? Will it just
create directories of experts or will it also create active learning communities (active learning)?

· What amount of support will be required at each level?

· How user-friendly is it?

It never serves an organization to design a system with all the fancy bells and whistles, just for the sake of having slick features. Create a KM system consistent with the way the hospital staff will use it. If the purpose is to inspire employees to think 'outside the box', systems can be designed to facilitate this. The best way to manage competing expectations is to understand it all upfront. The healthcare industry, especially, does not have the bankroll to pay for underutilized features.

Key Components for A Successful KM System:

1. Fulfills organizational goals. A KM system structured around an organization's goals will support the efforts of employees to reach these goals. John Ager, Team Coordinator of the Endoscopy Department for Sentara Healthcare Systems, located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, has participated in monthly teleconference calls with colleagues nationwide. "It is part of my hospital's goal to do benchmarking. This hospital is very strong on sharing information and the previous methods were not effective. Prior to the teleconference calls, we were doing phone communication, which was difficult at best. Now we have set scheduled times on a monthly basis and we just recently picked up using computer-based knowledge."

2. Addresses social networks. If employees feel like they belong to a particular group, then they are more likely to share successes and failures with that group. Sharing failures is especially beneficial to a knowledge management system since people tend to learn more effectively when they're told/shown what not to do. Develop knowledge communities or communities of practice (COP's) around functional and clinical topics. Orchestrate events where staff can share experiences (especially failures) without fear of censure.Collective history of a social network is important. The background information from all participants in a COP builds a shared, historical base, which solidifies commitment to the group process and increases exchanges. "I've really enjoyed the participation," says Ager. "It has really helped me get a better picture of the field I'm in because I'm actually having a one-on-one immediate interaction with somebody as opposed to the old process where you'd have a fixed set of questions you'd e-mail to them. Then, you'd try to call them to get answers or they would fax their answers back to you. It wasn't as clear and concise. This is ongoing and I like the immediate and personal response back," explains Ager.

3. Archives existing knowledge. Create historical records by categorizing and abstracting knowledge gleaned from interactions. Make it easy for users to locate relevant learning. Ager uses his KM system to share documentation prior to the actual teleconference with the other participants. They use spreadsheets and data management for references when talking on the telephone. "I've found this aspect beneficial because as we are talking, I'm able to look at the information firsthand and it spurs questions for me too," says Ager. Additionally, all participants receive e-mail summations of the teleconference (created by the KM system coordinator). Call topics are based on the suggestions and questions introduced in previous teleconferences. If one facility has a specific question, the coordinator will request examples related to this question from all participants, summarize the information and then forward it to all facilities.

4. Facilitates "new" knowledge. Knowledge comes from many sources including knowledge forums, conference calls, research articles, surveys, and opinion polls. Encourage participants to exchange ideas and share experiences, challenges and successes. Most people are not able to develop an action plan simply by reading or analyzing data. Rather, they are more inspired by talking and exchanging ideas. According to Ager, "Participating in the teleconference calls is one of the best ways of sharing information that I've been exposed to in the last nine years since I've been working for this facility. It's given me real time data and real people to talk to. Issues constantly change. At one point, staffing was a priority at several of the facilities and because we shared information, other facilities implemented the shared ideas when it was the right time for them. It's easier than looking at a piece of paper with raw data on it wondering what to do with it."

Moving Forward

The explosion of information technology and its instant accessibility have created powerful solutions for the healthcare business. Healthcare must invest its resources and technology wisely. A carefully considered and well-resourced KM implementation will enable organizations to leverage data, knowledge and experience to improve patient care and lower healthcare costs. Why 'reinvent these conversations' when they've already taken place countless times? KM systems designed to serve an organization's goals, and built to foster social interactions that encourage the exchange of knowledge, will assist organizations in revolutionizing healthcare.

Sidebar: Keys to Generating New Knowledge
Use these ideas when designing a KM system:

· Create Communities of Practice (COP)

· Moderate COP processes to extract learning

· Make continuous learning available

· Determine how successes are shared and how failures are communicated

· Analyze failure for future learning

· Generate, abstract and categorize historical knowledge records

· Provide multiple access paths for participants

The Importance of Technology

Technology refers to the collection of tools that make it easier to use, create, manage and exchange information.

In the earlier times, the use of tools by human beings was for the process of discovery and evolution. Tools remained the same for a long time in the earlier part of the history of mankind but it was also the complex human behaviors and tools of this era that modern language began as believed by many archeologists.

Technology refers the knowledge and utilization of tools, techniques and systems in order to serve a bigger purpose like solving problems or making life easier and better. Its significance on humans is tremendous because technology helps them adapt to the environment. The development of high technology including computer technology's Internet and the telephone has helped conquer communication barriers and bridge the gap between people all over the world. While there are advantages to constant evolution of technology, their evolution has also seen the increase of its destructive power as apparent in the creation of weapons of all kinds.

In a broader sense, technology affects societies in the development of advanced economies, making life more convenient to more people that have access to such technology. But while it continues to offer better means to man's day to day living, it also has unwanted results such as pollution, depletion of natural resources to the great disadvantage of the planet. Its influence on society can also be seen in how people use technology and its ethical significance in the society. Debates on the advantages and disadvantages of technology constantly arise questioning the impact of technology on the improvement or worsening of human condition. Some movements have even risen to criticize its harmful effects on the environment and its ways of alienating people. Still, there are others that view technology as beneficial to progress and the human condition. In fact, technology has evolved to serve not just human beings but also other members of the animal species as well.

Technology is often seen as a consequence of science and engineering. Through the years, new technologies and methods have been developed through research and development. The advancements of both science and technology have resulted to incremental development and disruptive technology. An example of incremental development is the gradual replacement of compact discs with DVD. While disruptive developments are automobiles replacing horse carriages. The evolution of technologies marks the significant development of other technologies in different fields, like nano technology, biotechnology, robotics, cognitive science, artificial intelligence and information technology.

The rise of technologies is a result of present day innovations in the varied fields of technology. Some of these technologies combine power to achieve the same goals. This is referred to as converging technologies. Convergence is the process of combining separate technologies and merging resources to be more interactive and user friendly. An example of this would be high technology with telephony features as well as data productivity and video combined features. Today technical innovations representing progressive developments are emerging to make use of technology's competitive advantage. Through convergence of technologies, different fields combine together to produce similar goals.

May Is National Stroke Awareness Month - Risk Modification and Technology Crucial to Prevention

Stroke does not discriminate; it can strike anyone, anytime, anywhere - all races - infants and older adults - you and me - celebrities. With 795,000 stroke cases a year in the U.S., chances are you know somebody that has suffered a stroke - a loved one, friend, neighbor, colleague, or your favorite celebrity. Some risk factors are controllable, and if modified will result in a significant decrease in the incidence of stroke according to the Dr. Jeffrey Thomas Stroke Shield Foundation (SSF). The SSF is promoting the message Technology Against Stroke this May in recognition of National Stroke Awareness Month.

Celebrity Stroke Connection

Dick Clark, Bob Barker, Candice Bergen, Peter Boyle, Tedy Bruschi, James Cagney, Charlie Daniels, Kirk Douglas, James Garner, Hugh Hefner, Burt Lancaster, and Samantha Morton are among the famous people who survived a stroke. Joe Biden, Terri Garr, Quincy Jones, Bret Michaels, Patricia Neal, Della Reese, Sharon Stone, and Neil Young all survived a cerebral aneurysm or hemorrhagic stroke.

"While age, race, and family history cannot be altered, most stroke risk factors can be modified or treated medically. Many stroke risk factors increase the probability of developing a host of other serious diseases including cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes, adding to the grave socioeconomic and personal health burden placed on society," said Jeffrey E. Thomas, M.D., F.A.A.N.S., F.A.C.S., founder and chairman of the SSF.

Technology Against Stroke

"Great strides have been made in minimally invasive treatment of stroke through endovascular interventions, but little progress has been made in prevention," said Dr. Thomas. Scalable digital technologies utilizing iPhone and other platforms need to be developed and made widely accessible/affordable to help prevent stroke. The apps would incorporate technology to enable the analysis and ongoing modification of stroke risk factors in high-risk individuals. Ultimately, the SSF aims to minimize the necessity for emergency intervention through its grant program that will fund awards to researchers working on promising, cutting-edge stroke prevention modalities.

Stroke Symptoms

The range and severity of early stroke symptoms vary considerably, but they share the common characteristic of being sudden. Warning signs may include some or all of the following symptoms: Dizziness, nausea, or vomiting; unusually severe headache; confusion, disorientation or memory loss; numbness, weakness in an arm, leg or the face, especially on one side; abnormal or slurred speech; difficulty with comprehension; loss of vision or difficulty seeing; and loss of balance, coordination, or the ability to walk.

Controllable Stroke Risk Factors

Diabetes: The disease affects 25.8 million people of all ages or 8.3 percent of the U.S. population. Of those, a staggering 7 million cases are undiagnosed and therefore untreated, leading to a myriad of health implications. While type 1 diabetes (juvenile or early adult onset) is not preventable, studies estimate that 58-71 percent of type 2 diabetes can be prevented through lifestyle intervention.

Obesity: More than one-third of U.S. adults (35.7 percent) and an estimated 17 percent of children/adolescents ages 2-19 years are obese, equating to about 86 million obese people based on 2011 U.S. census population estimates.

Hypertension: An estimated 76.4 million people age 20 and older have high blood pressure and according to 2005-2008 data, more than 52 percent of cases are uncontrolled. According to 2010 mortality data, 26,577 deaths were attributed to essential hypertension.

Cigarette/tobacco smoking: The leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., an estimated 19.3 percent or 45.3 million adults smoke cigarettes. Cigarette smokers have double the risk of stroke as non-smokers and cigar/pipe smokers have a 30 percent increased risk.

Alcohol: While studies are not conclusive, most healthcare professionals agree that drinking more than one to two drinks everyday can increase stroke risk. Statistics indicate that nearly 1 out of 4 Americans admitted to hospitals have alcohol problems or are undiagnosed alcoholics.

Heart disease (atrial fibrillation, valve disease): Heart disease is the number one leading cause of death in the U.S. People with atrial fibrillation have a five-fold increase of stroke risk, with about 35 percent of all Afib patients suffering a stroke during their lifetime. In 2005, an estimated 5.2 million adults in the U.S. were diagnosed with aortic valve disease.

Hyperlipidemia (elevated cholesterol levels): About one in every six adults or 16.3 percent of the U.S. adult population has high total cholesterol.

Previous stroke: Of the 795,000 annual cases, 185,000 are recurrent attacks. Experiencing a previous stroke is a very serious indicator and puts one at a heightened risk of suffering a subsequent attack.

Stroke Shield Foundation (SSF) Prevention Tips

• If you have diabetes, control your blood glucose, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure
• Modify your diet and participate in regular exercise - under medical supervision if you are severely overweight
• Control hypertension through sodium reduction, diet modification, stress reduction, exercise, and/or medication
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake
• If you have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation or valve disease, control it through medication, regular monitoring, and surgery if warranted
• Control your cholesterol levels through diet modification and/or medication
• Know the warning signs of stroke and call 911 immediately if stroke is suspected

Not All Loan Modification Leads Are Created Equal

As the title of this article implies, it is without question that the quality of a lead whether loan modification, debt settlement or home refinance is dependent on properly targeting the sample group using current real time demographic specifications that can be used to compile a data list of leads. The quality of the lead is also dependent on utilizing the compiled data list with a reliable technology that can be used to generate a prospect which could potentially turn into a sale. Companies or individuals that are looking to purchase loan modification leads should inquire about these factors with their vendor prior to finalizing the sale.

After all, the cost per acquisition will dictate how much money would need to be invested in order to generate at least one sale out of x amount of leads. Your C.P.A. should be around $75-$250 assuming there is a quality sales person closing the prospect and the hired vendor is using quality data and sound lead generating tactics.

I have found that loan modification leads, debt settlement and refinance leads have a high closing rate (20%-30%) when technologies such as live voice broadcast or predictive dialing are being utilized to generate the prospects. In addition, it is equally important that the data source (Credit Bureau vs. Local County) is of quality value and the criteria used to extract the data could potentially fall under a loan modification candidate. The closing rates have been shown to increase when a lead generation specialist combines these technologies with this data source because we know the exact financial position of the prospect at the time a broker/call center communicates with them.

In contrast, an Internet generated lead using a form simply cannot guarantee that the information is 100% accurate. Internet generated leads have its place but if you want to cut down on costs and have the power to get your phones to ring with quality prospects (real time credit bureau data) then live transfer voice broadcast leads or predictive dialing leads is the way to go.

Using credit bureau data is far more advantageous than local because there is a time lag in reporting to the counties. Credit bureau data is real time allowing the vendor to cherry pick the candidates so that it cuts down costs to the buyer and increases the probability of a sale. A quality loan modification lead generation specialist should be using targeted demographic criteria which includes home owners that obtained a loan on or before January 1, 2009, possibly under foreclosure, payments that are 30, 60, 90 past due, borrowers with an adjustable rate mortgage currently paying high interest rates, minimum home value of $100,000 and L.T.V. of at least 85%.

Once this data is extracted by the lead vendor it can be used with voice broadcast technology to potentially produce a prospect for a broker or call center. The vendor now has the ability to call and voice broadcast a loan modification message to thousands of loan mod prospects. As an example, the broadcast message will give the loan modification prospect an option to press #3 on the phone which will connect them to a call center or broker. The beauty of this technology is that the broker or call center can dictate throughout the day when they want to receive calls, how often and how many.

Genetic Engineering - The Technology of 21st Century

Genetic engineering today is no longer a new term for the world. Every day in the newspapers, televisions, magazines the new inventions of genetic engineering are noticed. Genetic engineering may be described as the practice that manipulates organism's genes in order to produce a desired outcome. Other techniques that fall under this category are: recombinant DNA technology, genetic modification (GM) and gene splicing.

HISTORY

The roots of genetic engineering are connected to the ancient times. The Bible also throws some light on genetic engineering where selective breeding has been mentioned. Modern genetic engineering began in 1973 when Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen used enzymes to cut a bacteria plasmid and inserted another strand of DNA in the gap created. Both bits of DNA were taken from the same type of bacteria. This step became the milestone in the history of genetic engineering. Recently in 1990, a young child with an extremely poor immune system received genetic therapy in which some of her white blood cells were genetically manipulated and re-introduced into her bloodstream so that her immune system may work properly.

PROMISE

Genetic engineers hope that with enough knowledge and experimentation, it will be possible in the future to create "made-to-order" organisms. This will lead to new innovations, possibly including custom bacteria to clean up chemical spills, or fruit trees that bear different kinds of fruit in different seasons. In this way new type of organisms as well as plants can be developed.

PROCEDURE

Genetic engineering requires three elements: the gene to be transferred, a host cell into which the gene is inserted, and a vector to bring about the transfer. First of all, the necessary genes to be manipulated have to be 'isolated' from the main DNA helix. Then, the genes are 'inserted' into a transfer medium such as the plasmid. Third, the transfer medium (i.e., plasmid) is inserted into the organism intended to be modified. Next step is the element transformation whereby several different methods including DNA guns, bacterial transformation, and viral insertion can be used to apply the transfer medium to the new organism. Finally, a stage of separation occurs, where the genetically modified organism (GMO) is isolated from other organisms which have not been successfully modified.

APPLICATIONS

Genetic engineering has affected every field of life whether it is agriculture, food and processing industry, other commercial industries etc. we will discuss them one by one.

1. Agriculture Applications

With the help of genetic engineering it would be possible to prepare clones of genetically manipulated plants and animals of agricultural importance having desirable characteristics. This would increase the nutritive value of plant and animal food. Genetic engineering could lead to the development of plants that would fix nitrogen directly from the atmosphere, rather than from fertilizers which are expensive. Creation of nitrogen fixing bacteria which can live in the roots of crop plants would make fertilization of fields unnecessary. Production of such self fertilizing food crops could bring about a new green revolution. Genetic engineering could create microorganisms which could be used for biological control of harmful pathogens, insect pests, etc.

2. Environmental Applications

Genetically modified microorganisms could be used for degradation of wastes, in sewage, oil spills, etc. Scientists of the General Electric Laboratories of New York have added plasmids to create strains of Pseudomonas that can break down a variety of hydrocarbons and is now used to clear oil spills. It can degrade 60% of the crude oil, while the four parents from which it was derived break down only a few compounds.

3. Industrial Applications

The industrial applications of recombinant DNA technology include the synthesis of substances of commercial importance in industry and pharmacy, improvement of existing fermentation processes, and the production of proteins from wastes.

4. Medicinal Applications

Among the medical applications of genetic engineering are the production of hormones, vaccines, interferon; enzymes, antibodies, antibiotics and vitamins, and in gene therapy for some hereditary diseases.

Hormones

The hormone insulin is currently produced commercially by extraction from the pancreas of cows and pigs. About 5% of the patients, however, suffer from allergic reactions to animal-produced insulin because of its slight difference in structure from human insulin. Human insulin genes have been implanted in bacteria which, therefore, become capable of synthesizing insulin. Bacterial insulin is identical to human insulin, since it is coded by human genes.

Vaccines

Injecting an animal with an inactivated virus stimulates it into making antibodies against viral proteins. These antibodies protect the animal against infection by the same virus by binding to the virus. Phagocytic cells then remove the virus. Vaccines are manufactured by growing the disease-producing organism in large amounts. This process is often dangerous or impossible. Moreover, there are difficulties in making the vaccine harmless.

Interferon

Interferons are virus induced proteins produced by cells infected with viruses. They appear to be the body's first line of defence against viruses. The interferon response is much quicker than the antibody response. Interferons are anti-viral in action. One type of interferon can act. Against many different viruses, i.e. it is not virus specific. It is, however, species specific. Interferon from one organism does not give protection against viruses to cells of another organism. Interferon provides natural defence against such viral diseases as hepatitis and influenza. It also appears to be effective against certain types of cancer, especially cancer of the breast and lymph nodes. Natural interferon is collected from human blood cells and other tissues. It is produced in very small quantities.

Enzymes

The enzyme urokinase, which is used to dissolve blood clots, has been produced by genetically engineered microorganisms.

Antibodies

One of the aims of genetic engineering is the production of hybridomas. These are long lived cells that can produce antibodies for use against disease.

5. Gene therapy for treating hereditary diseases

The earlier gene transplantation experiments were concerned with trans¬planting genes in vitro into isolated cells or into bacteria. Gene transplantation experiments have now been extended to living animals.

6. In Understanding of Biological Processes

Genetic engineering techniques have been used for acquiring basic knowledge about - biological processes like gene structure and expression, chromosome mapping, cell differentiation and the integration of viral genomes. This could lead to a better under¬standing of the genetics of plants and animals, and ultimately of humans.

7. Human Applications

One of the most exciting potential applications of genetic engineering involves the treatment of genetic disorders. Medical scientists now know of about 3,000 disorders that arise because of errors in an individual's DNA. Conditions such as sickle-cell anemia, Tay-Sachs disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Huntington's chorea, cystic fibrosis, and Lesch-Nyhan syndrome are the result of the loss, mistaken insertion, or change of a single nitrogen base in a DNA molecule. Genetic engineering makes it possible for scientists to provide individuals who lack a certain gene with correct copies of that gene. The proposal for human cloning are still waiting to come on floor. Genetic engineering has benefited the couples who are infertile.

Safe guards of genetic engineering

The general safeguards for recombinant DNA research are outlined below:

1. Genes coding for the synthesis of toxins or antibiotics should not be introduced into bacteria without proper precautions
2. Genes of animals, animal viruses or tumour viruses should also not be introduced into bacteria without proper precautions.

3. Laboratory facilities should be equipped to reduce the' possibility' of escape of pathogenic microorganism by using microbial safety cabinets, hoods, negative pressure laboratories, special traps on drains lines and vacuum lines.
4. Use of microorganisms occupying special ecological niches such as hot springs and salt water should be encourage If such organisms escape they will not be able to survive.
5. Use of non-conjugative plasmids as plasmid cloning vectors is recommended as such plasmids are unable, to, promote their own transfer by conjugation.

Dangers of genetic engineering

Recombinant DNA research involves potential dangers. Genetic engineering could create dangerous new forms of life, either accidentally or deliberately. A host microorganism may acquire harmful characteristics as a result of insertion of foreign genes. If disease-carrying microorganisms formed as a result of genetic manipulation escaped from laboratories, they could cause a variety of diseases. For example, Streptococcus, a bacterium causing rheumatic fever, scarlet fever, strep throat and kidney disease, never acquired penicillin resistance in nature. If a plasmid carrying a gene for penicillin resistance is introduced into Streptococcus it would confer penicillin resistance on the bacterium. Penicillin would now become ineffective against the resistant organism.

Aircraft Modification Design

Ideas keep an aircraft young.

Custom cabin conversions ensure that aircraft are up to the changing demands and requirements that the experience of passing time brings. Whether its a more efficient galley, state-of-the-art communications technology, or retrofitting the latest developments in avionics, aircraft modification design achieves all these things. The process has three stages, aircraft design, production and aircraft certification.

Performed by approved maintenance, design and manufacturing organisations certified by airworthiness authorities, FAA and JAA, the future is here now: commercial aircraft with broadband internet and wireless LAN, aircraft cabins where all entertainment and communications systems are connected via Ethernet.

In Flight Entertainment design

The latest GPS technology makes possible Moving Map Displays, providing real-time flight information to passengers using information from the navigation system to display present position, altitude, destination, speed, time travelled or to travel, and more. Personal entertainment is now part of everyday life, hence IPOD connectivity & DVD. iPod and iPhone music and video connectivity in all classes on Airbus A330-300 aircraft will allow passengers to listen to music and watch videos on their iPod or iPhone through the inflight entertainment system built into the seat. The connector is included in a multi-port panel placed next to the 26cm in-flight entertainment screen on the seat back. Broadband Systems will enable airline passengers to use their own Wi-Fi & cellular devices such as laptops, PDA's, phones and Blackberries in a fully-integrated wireless cabin affordably.

Cockpit mounted cameras can provide enhanced safety in the modern world. Accident investigators have put all their faith until recently in information from black box recorders, Cockpit Voice Recorders and Flight Data Recorders. Neither recorder gives enough information to fully understand the vital last minutes of for example, a terrorist incident. Recorded images, stored in the Black Box, from cockpit mounted cameras, and from other interior and exterior locations can provide authorities with conclusive evidence.

Aircraft galley modification design

Aircraft modification design produces many varied aircraft conversions, aeromedical air ambulance equipment, low voltage aircraft lighting and mandatory modifications like TCAS and EGPWS.

Providing passengers with the highest level of in-flight customer service and catering is crucial to any operator's success. Incorporating the latest equipment into existing galleys, or even designing new custom galleys, with potable water systems, espresso machines, microwave ovens, refrigerators and cabin storage.

VIP and executive jet design.

Modifications extend to many and varied customers, heads of state, special purpose, military special mission, sports teams, VIPs, private individuals, and corporations. From design and manufacturing to management, certification, and installation.

Aerostructures design

Advanced computer software technology is now available for interior monument stress analysis, damage tolerance analysis for aircraft skin penetration, bulkhead modifications and other fuselage cutouts or expansions like cargo doors, analysis of high stress zones such as engine mounts, engine nacelle environment and analysis of avionic rack installations, and aircraft seating.

HHO Gas Car Modification - How To Do It Yourself?

With a sudden increase of the prices for gas in many countries, science has come up with a terrific solution to this problem. In order to increase the amount of mileage available to your car, the cost of gasoline, and to reduce dangerous car emissions, technology has created the HHO Gas Car Modification to make your car more ecologically friendly. The system has brought the automobile to a whole new era, where fuel consumption and economic conditions have contributed to the growth of car sales with these techniques.

Many people find that the car is very important to them; it can even be described as a necessary. The HHO gas car modification technology will help the person save a lot of money, on average this modification saves people up to 20% on fuel cost with the HHO gas.

How to modify your auto

The HHO gas car modification conversion is easy to follow; you will simply use electricity from your cars battery in order to change water into a gas. HHO stands for 2 parts Hydrogen and 1 part Oxygen and it stands for exactly what you thought it was, normal everyday water, separated by electrolysis and converted into a usable gas. HHO burns much smoother and provides more energy. When using this conversion technique, a HHO generator which creates HHO gas and reduces gas mileage, and it burns much cleaner in our the house.

Buying a conversion kit may not start out inexpensive, but after a while it will have paid for itself, in the amount of gas that you will save. When you convert water into gas, the HHO gas is mixed before your manifold air- flow uses the Engines vacuum. This gas is mixed to provide you with great gas mileage, when you convert this product it will provide enough mileage about it.

If you are interested in saving the environment and would like this ultra clean burning system for you car, you will want to be sure that you have researched all of the kits, you will find that some kits are sold for many thousands of dollars, or you may have some for lower prices, but the cost is pretty minute compared to the incredible benefits you will receive from this money saving system. It will lower your spending for gas, it will reduce the oftentimes dangerous car emissions and the technology will help you save much needed monies.

Anyway this great guide to leaning how to modify your automobile, and with the help of conversion your car could be saving you money with its cleaner burn and its giving you more gas. It is a recommendation that you try out this money saving device and help save your environment. You will find that you are happy with the new changes to your car anyway. Remember if you decide to make the homemade version, be sure that you safe and take your time to follow directions clearly and in a matter of hours you could be using, the more you can start saving.

Information Technology Professionals in the Decision Making Process

Information technology is a vital part of any business. Although some companies are not able to have an IT staff, computers and or server are still used in day-to-day business processes. There was a time when a companies it department consisted of desktop support staff and a manager. Decisions were made by upper management and no one from the IT department was ever-present. After all who needs anyone from the IT department when it comes to making business decisions? Your company does.

The information technology professionals can help management in the decision-making processes when it comes to enhancing business processes. To compete in today's economy you need an edge and technology implementations will give your company the needed edge to compete. IT manager who are present can help stake holders in the company's success by recommending the right technologies to reach goals. When IT is excluded or becomes a second thought when it comes to technology implementations, it could prove costly in the near future.

It's always bad business when companies never take the time to do it right the first time and they always have the time to do it over, because they simply must to survive.

Employee Training

Companies who don't see the value in training their employees to use new systems implemented will greatly increase their cost of ownership of the implementation. How is this? Employees, who are not familiar with the proper use of a newly implemented system, will report wrong problems. These are not system problems, but a misunderstanding of how a process works. When the company is spending money to have support technicians troubleshoot a user's inefficiency in using the system and not a real technical problem, you waste unnecessary dollars. Training your employees will make sure your business processes run efficiently and real system problems can be reported and fixed.

Training your IT staff will also aid your company in stabilizing or lowering your cost of ownership. When your IT staff is knowledgeable on hoe your system work, they can effectively troubleshoot and separate user problems from system problems. The worst thing a company can do is leave their new implementation in the hands of all employees to figure it out. Information technology encompasses a range of technologies or systems, this makes training essential.

IT Managers

IT managers have a definite place in board and conference rooms of the companies in which they are employed. When decisions are made by managers with little to no technical background, implemented technologies could impact a company's business process and drive your customer base to the front door of your competition.

IT managers should be required to attend business meetings and their knowledge and ability should be tapped in the decision making processes of the company. Failing to do so will cost the company in failed implementations or the purchase of the wrong technologies for the company's business processes.

How is Technology Making Life Better?

The recent development of technology has made it possible for us to live in ways that have never been possible before. From accessing massive amounts of information on the internet to simply experiencing an enriched personal lifestyle, technology continues to push the boundary of our living standards every day. It is undoubtedly true that technology is an important part of our daily lives.

Since the internet was first made public, it has changed and improved in many ways. It is foolish to underestimate the change that easy and widespread access to the Internet has made to our way of life. The web is now so common that it has become a part of our everyday life, changing the method of how we share and finding information, staying in touch, real-time online services, and even helping people with disability.

Surfing the Internet is a global phenomenon. It has been expanded its reach and influence in one way or another to all parts of the world. It can serve as an individual's public commentary on whatever takes their interest on a particular day. For instance, an employer seeking new employees simply needs to post the wanted add on their business web site to start receiving applications from qualified candidates. The other side, employees who are looking for jobs, search job postings and if they found jobs that are interested in, they sent e-mail or fax their resume. Potential employees can also obtain information about the company to help determine if this is the right choice for them.

Another example of the technology improving our lives would be email. We used to write letters to stay in touch with those living far away. It was also not uncommon for persons to send pictures to others as part of sharing life experiences. This process would have included developing the photographs-waiting anywhere from an hour to days to get the prints. We'd then hand over the cash, go home, put everything in the envelope, stick a stamp on it and post it off. Nowadays, we grab our digital camera, take as many shots as we want, upload them directly on to our PCs, attach a copy to an e-mail and send it off into the recipient. No more delivery charges, no more postage is needed, no more waiting for days to share our experiences.

People with certain disabilities can also benefit from the technological advancements. People with disabilities can receive enquiries via Internet, phone or fax. They can equip themselves with machines that can help them move, communicate, work or relax. Medical support is made a lot easier with patient monitoring equipment. Future technological discoveries will further increase the living standards of the disabled.

A whole new revolution in technology has sprung up dedicated to providing new ways to improve productivity, in the process changing how we communicate and allowing us to fit ever more into our ever busier lives. I wonder what the future holds for us and the Internet, and if services like Google Earth are anything to go by, the future is going to be pretty amazing stuff.

Current Technology Moves to Making Something Out of Nothing

You've heard of it I am sure. 3-D printing has arrived - the process of making a three-dimensional solid object from a digital model. It is being used to make exact reproductions of things from human tissue to cars.

Although the technology has been around since the early 80's, like all things tech, it has become cheaper and easier to use, and now it is the hot new thing to be talking about. A few years ago, I watched a video where a printer set up in the desert, used solar energy for power, and sand as the building base, to produce beautiful glass objects.

Star Trek fans, does this sound vaguely familiar? We appear to be getting closer to birth of the Star Trek food replicator.

It might also remind you of something else, something more inclusive, and perhaps more elusive and harder to understand.

What about this: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Bible John 1: 1

Isn't the ability to print 3-D objects out of almost nothing, a taste, a clue, a breadcrumb, leading us to a better understanding how it could be that an omnipresent Intelligence-often called God-could create the heaven and the earth, and man and woman made in his image and likeness, simply by thinking it?

Isn't the technology that is making something out of-almost-nothing, simply a more comprehensive symbol of how this concept could be the Truth?

Our human minds have a hard time grasping ideas that are so far beyond our five senses' awareness and understanding. I can't really understand how 3-D printing works, but I can believe that it does, because I see the outcome.

Even more so, I can't conceive how divine Mind works, but I can believe that it exists, because I can see the outcome. I can understand enough to be aware that the ideas of divine Mind made visible, are all the ideas that make up every aspect of Life.

Using 3-D printing as my own model to understanding, I can translate the infinite into a bite size understanding of how an idea becomes a visible object, in the image and likeness of the original model.

In our everyday life, we understand how this works don't we. We have an idea, and carry it to fruition. In our creative life, we have ideas and develop them into the world as an expression of who we are.

Science and spirituality agree that there is no "matter." It's what we do with that revolutionary idea that makes all the difference. We can tuck it away as a mystery we can't solve, or try to bring it into human terms, or we can let go of what we think is real, and be open to understanding the majestic mystery of the infinite.

It's not that big of a leap from the technology of today to the acceptance that we are the expression and image and action of an omnipresent, omnipotent, intelligent, and loving force.

In fact, our technology, and quality of life improvements, only exist because people have let go of what everyone else said was possible and listened, imagined, and acted on what they heard from within.

Like the sun breaking through the clouds, infinite Mind breaks through the fog of the human mind, and dissolves the misperceptions that cause our blindness to who and what we are.

Making Your Event Succeed With Audio Visual Technology

At any conference or party, the audio visual equipment used is often the defining factor of the event. Choosing the right equipment can make the difference between ordinary and extraordinary, reinforcing the key messages of the event and creating a memorable experience for those present. It is one of the key areas of event management, with event planners usually offering a wide range of audio visual equipment to choose from according to the size and scope of the event.

The right event organisers

When looking for an event management company to organise your event you will need a mix of experience, knowledge and value. The equipment should be in good condition and the team that you are hiring it from should demonstrate an understanding of safety requirements and technological know-how. Experienced event management companies will also be familiar with the different venues in the area as well as the technology that is best suited to each. They will work alongside you, ideally being flexible and open to listen to your views in order to fulfil your vision in creating the event.

Equipment to suit the event

A corporate event is especially dependent on audio visuals to create a lasting imprint on the minds of attendees. One of the first things to consider when choosing audio visual equipment is the type of venue that you will use to host your event as well as the mood you are trying to create. Indoor and outdoor venues require different types of equipment as do small and large spaces.

Videos are an excellent way of transmitting a message to the entire audience and can be played on an LCD/plasma screen or projector. Media players such as Apple TV allow iPad and Macbook users to wirelessly stream presentations and content to large format screens.

For the accompanying sound to be clearly heard, you can choose from a variety of high quality powered speakers that can project sound at a range of volumes from a pleasant pitch to a tone that suits large outdoor gatherings.

If individual speeches or presentations are to be made you will also need equipment such as microphones and lecterns. Event management companies may offer to customise the lectern with your business logo. Public address systems are available in configurations to suit both small and large events, allowing presenters and the audience to enjoy crisp, clear and quality sound throughout.

If your event is an exhibition you may also want to look at equipment such as exhibition audio kits for your booth. Other equipment to consider includes mixing desks, amplifiers, headphones, cameras, video walls and touch screens. Special dinners, parties and launches can also benefit from audio visual technology.

Latest Technology Making the News

Technology is the lifeline of the busy routine of today. There has been nothing more obliging than the latest technology to see off the pressing concerns of a modern lifestyle. Wherever there is talk of an innovation, technology is the first thing that comes to mind. This is because though the idea may be relevant to some other walk of life but it can only span its reach through technology and the latest advents it has brought about. It is very common to see the latest gadgets and technology making the headlines every other day. Here are some of the latest technological marvels doing the rounds these days.

Curved UHD TVs

Gone are the days of the flat screens and sleek LCDs and even LEDs are going out of vogue slowly. The future presents a brighter picture with curved screen UHD (Ultra High Definition) TVs that are slowly making their way to the market and consumers. These new age TVs have decidedly higher resolutions, somewhere to the tune of 5120X 2160 pixels and high aspect ratio like 21:9, and therefore present a much better picture quality. The screens afford a truly optimized picture suited aptly for different viewing environments and preferences.

Acer Iconia W4 Tablet

Acer is one of the innovators in the market for computing devices. Since the time computers are slowly being replaced by tablets, there have been a host of new and innovative products introduced to entice. Acer Iconia W4 is one the most affordably attractive among these. Sporting an 8" screen with IPS and zero air gap technologies, this tablet gives users an enhanced experience with regard to clarity and brightness. Housing a fourth generation Intel Atom Processor, it is swift as well as easy to use since it comes preinstalled with Windows 8. Another aspect worth mentioning is the superb battery life that gives a user great value for money.

Vigo

Long drives are a lot of fun. But they can also be extremely dangerous if undertaken with a sleepy head. But this is something drivers won't have to worry about anymore. Vigo, a new wearable device, keeps you on track by nudging you when you tend to doze off on a long drive. And the most amusing aspect is that it can also be used by students to prevent them from nodding off in a class or lecture. On a serious note, the device tracks patterns from your body movements and blink durations and intensities to decide when you are sleepy and gives suitable stimuli to wake you up in time. Vigo can be used like a Bluetooth headset and is capable of doing much more than just nudging you awake.

Tips on Buying Mobile Phone Armbands

It is often said that choosing a mobile phone armband is a very easy task. This is mainly attributed to the fact that the number of arm bands has increased significantly. But, this increase has started making it difficult for customers to choose an arm band to buy. The tips in this passage will help you to easily choose arm bands to buy.

To start with, you have to take into account the popularity of the arm band's brand name. This will have a huge bearing on your ability to buy a reliable armband. If you are attentive to the media, you will easily know the brand names of the arm bands that are popular. This applies to all kinds of advertising platforms including those that are used for the online promoting of products and services. For example, you can know whether a particular product is popular or not depending on its popularity on the social media.

Although a product may be popular, it may not possess the exact features you may be looking for. This can happen if you do not belong to the audience of customers who are interested in that product. For example, a very cheap product can attract scores of customers belonging to the middle income class. Suppose you do not belong to this class of customers, you will not find the product worth buying. Therefore, it is always advisable to know the actual audience of customers who find a particular armband worth buying.

In most cases, reviews are always helpful when it comes to helping customers to choose the right product to buy. If you are looking for the best mobile phone armbands, you can take your time to read some of the latest reviews on such products. Although the views of different customers may differ, it is possible to make a general conclusion on a variety of aspects related to the product you want to buy. Using reviews, you can deduce the actual strengths and weaknesses of a particular arm band. On the other hand, you can also use reviews to know whether the product is popular or not.

When buying any armband, it is important to take into account the additional features possessed by the armband. The general purpose of any armband is to hold the phone in place during events such as physical exercises or any other outdoor activities that can damage the phone. But, arm bands may have certain additional features which may enable them to perform secondary functions. For example, some armbands are equipped with extra slots or pockets. Such features can be used for keeping ATM cards, finger nail polish, small mirrors, credit cards and money.

Is It Time to Consider a Logo Redesign?

Some of the biggest companies around the world have used logo redesign services to keep their designs current. Over time your design can become outdated, it may not show what your business does or the size of your business or it may just be a cheap design that you used when you first opened and it's now time to improve on that.

In most cases a company will choose to use logo redesign services when their design doesn't relate to their business anymore. When you started your business you may have concentrated on one type of product, over time you expand your range, changing your business. It is confusing for customers to relate a picture on a logo to the other products you sell, therefore while the name stays the same, it's important to change the design to represent the business and what you do.

Your design should show professionalism and relevancy. This means that the logo you designed when you started your business using clip art, probably doesn't give your customers the best impression.

Your design is one of the most important visibility tools you have. It should relate to the type of business you do. Customers are more inclined to remember your design than they are your name, in some cases.

Before you start using logo redesign services to update your design, it's important to take your business and your goals into consideration. If you are looking at expanding into different avenues in the next few years, take this into consideration. Most companies work to a business plan which will point you in the direction you want the business to grow, it's essential your new design incorporates these future goals, ensuring you don't have to make changes again in a years' time.

In some cases you may feel your design not good in the past and while your business has grown and progressed, your logo has been left. This is often with some of the largest companies in the world that have had to redesign their logo to keep up with current trends.

Companies often change their designs over the years. When looking at their first design compared to their current one, you can see distinct similarities.

What this has shown is that you should make your changes drastic. You should try to join some of the original design into the new one, this ensures customers are not completely confused and think they are dealing with a completely different business that just happens to have the same name.

Ensure you choose a good designer to help you. Let them make some suggestions based on current trends which you can consider and see which ones you feel comfortable with.

Designers take your business, customers and plans and along with your current design come up with something that will appeal to everyone. Many companies worry that if they change their logo they will lose customers, this is not the case, as long as you don't offer a completely different design.

A good example would be a catering company that started out as a cupcake company, such as. They may have a cupcake as their design and now customers are struggling to associate catering and a cupcake together. The new design should merge the cupcake into the finished product, while promoting the catering side of the business.

Why You Should Purchase A Security System for Your Family Home

If you want to increase the overall security level of your home, then you should consider installing an alarm system. Alarm systems help to deter criminals from your home, and they can also help to protect your home from intruders and unwanted visitors. When choosing your alarm system, there are several things that you need to think about, and choosing the right one is crucial if you want to protect both your family and your home.

Choosing Your Alarm System

Many security providers offer a complimentary security check when you enquire about their alarms and security systems. This can be a great way to analyze the overall security of your home, not to mention that it can also go a long way when it comes to choosing your system. Your security expert will target weak areas of your home, providing you with an affordable solution which meets your every need. Security systems come in many shapes and forms, so this is another thing to consider before you make your purchase. For example, if your back windows are single glazed, your security expert may recommend that you purchase an alarm system. To further improve your security however, you may want to invest in same double glazing. Whatever you choose, you can be sure to feel the benefits when you choose a reputable security provider.

CCTV and Video

CCTV systems are great for almost any family home. They allow you to effectively monitor the exterior of your home at all times, and the recorded footage can be used as evidence if you or your family experience any criminal activity. The best thing about CCTV systems is that you can install them with ease. They are very affordable, and they can really make a difference to your homes overall security. If you live in a rough area, you may want to consider hiring an on call police service. When the alarm is triggered, the police are automatically contacted and this can go along way if your home is under threat from criminals and anti-social activity. Contact your local security provider today to find out more.

What You (or Your IT Department) Should Do Right Now to Secure Windows XP

For your home or work computers...

We have all heard dire warnings (mostly from Microsoft and computer sales people) regarding how dangerous and irresponsible you are if you dare to keep your Windows XP machines running for another day without upgrading or replacing them immediately, and even though these warnings are usually accompanied by an offer to sell you upgrade licenses or new machines we still tend to take them very seriously. Very recently, we've been shown just how serious that can become...

Why? A "zero day" (meaning something completely unprotected against by either antivirus or other means) vulnerability was discovered within most versions of Microsoft's Internet Explorer that could allow someone to remotely control your computer using your own security privileges.

Sounds pretty scary, right? Panic did set in quite quickly...

The Director of Homeland security last week set the new record for the quickest over-the-top public display of sheer panic by telling the public at large to stop using Microsoft's Internet Explorer completely and recommended everyone immediately switch to Firefox or Chrome.

Who wouldn't take them seriously? Everyone keeps telling you how every hacker on the planet is now targeting you and your XP machine. But is it really the end of the road for your XP machine? Are you left hanging in the breeze with no recourse? The answer may surprise you.

So let's look at how many ways XP was protected last week when a supposedly devastating vulnerability sent even Homeland security scurrying for cover:

The first thing we will look at is the most obvious: Microsoft itself. Microsoft had actually released a tool that stopped the latest vulnerability long before (November of 2013) this zero day ever took center stage.

It's called EMET, or Enhanced Mitigation Experience Tool. In Microsoft's own words: EMET "is a utility that helps prevent vulnerabilities in software from being successfully exploited." It does this by throwing up roadblocks to malicious execution of system files in a wide variety of ways. You can find more detailed info by following the link at the bottom of this article.

EMET has been around for nearly 3 years now and contains a wide variety of protection options that I won't go into here, but I mention here because one of those tools is a full mitigation, or lock-down of Internet Explorer. This single feature stops the zero day vulnerability that hit last week cold in its tracks all by itself without a Microsoft patch, without antivirus updates and most notably, with only very minor side effects. In fact, when I deployed this within an environment running nearly 1000 pieces of software and over 700 users, I experienced only a single problem which was resolved within an hour.

Apple's Cutting Up a Storm in Arizona

This February word leaked that Apple's plant in Arizona was cooking up something exciting. Behind the buzz was a bunch of speculation about the plant's recent receipt of a shipment of new Sapphire manufacturing equipment. What was behind the new equipment, insiders wondered. Word on the street was that the materials gave Apple the capacity to manufacture enough synthetic sapphire to double the current global output. As more details have become available, Apple's CEO hinted at a "secret project" that the materials would be used for, rather than to create new iPhone display covers, as had been suspected.

Sapphire which is stronger than guerrilla glass necessitates specific laser cutting tools that can handle its tough surface. Conventional processing of this would be cumbersome and costly. A new patent submitted by Apple is specifically for a special laser cutting technique that they have designed to make their processing of Sapphire more cost-effective.

A Story of Sapphire

Sapphire, also known as aluminum, was the metal chosen for the pyramid of the Washington monument. The rationale behind this choice was that sapphire has the best of many desirable qualities; it's incredibly light and corrosion resistant, durable, yet pliant enough to be cast in the form of a cone. Corundum, the crystalline form of aluminum oxide, which is popularly known as sapphire (or ruby for red corundum), is considered a precious gem or stone. The strength of this metal is such that it can nick virtually any other mineral. And that strength coupled with its transparency makes it ideal for a multitude of different applications. The challenge, in using corundum, however, is that it can really wear down conventional processing tools. (source: "Carolina Gems Crown The Top of The Washington Monument", Main.NC.Us)

The Apple Laser Cutting Solution

Apple's new patent appears to get around this challenge in several ways. Firstly, by providing a method for better cutting of hard, transparent materials with polished surfaces, specifically directing a laser beam onto the rough portion to melt and cut through it. Secondly, by producing a system designed to prepare and cut polished corundum.

In Apple's patent FIG. 3C, an embodiment is illustrated showing a laser being used to roughen the surface of the sapphire. Also, the laser appears able to move relative to the sapphire member, thereby etching a cutting pattern on its surface. Laser cutting, such as this, enables highly precise cutting, controlled by computer. In the patent's roughening technique the pattern is chemically etched.

Possible applications are hinted at in Apple's patent FIG. 8, which illustrates an iPhone, in which a sapphire member could be implemented. The next figure shows a sapphire wafer that may be the source of multiple sapphire components. Finally, in Fig. 10 an example of a sapphire processing and growth system is illustrated and the system includes slicers and polishers, typically pre-processing equipment. Apple indicates that this system is will create increased efficiencies and save costs by laser cutting of sapphire in the long-term (source: "Apple Reveals Laser Cutting Techniques for Processing Sapphire", Patently Apple).