The Nissan LEAF: An Electric Car for the Family

With the stories of oil companies discouraging the development of electric cars, many people wonder if there will ever be an electric car that is exclusively designed for families. After a long wait, the chance for car users to own an electric family car has finally arrived. This new car is different from the Toyota Prius hybrid car that was introduced some time ago; it is a car that is fully powered by electricity.

The Nissan LEAF, an acronym for “Leading, Environmentally-Friendly, Affordable, Family”, was released in the US market in December, 2010 and the UK market in February, 2011. It is a 100% family electric car with zero emissions. This 5-door car has an attractive appearance, and it can reach a top speed of 90 mph.

It is capable of traveling approximately 100 miles before it has to be plugged in for recharging. It comes with features such as alloy wheels, Nissan Navigation System, Bluetooth hands-free system, iPod-compatible audio system, and bottle-holders. Similar to other green cars that are available in the market, the Nissan LEAF comes with a high price tag. It costs about $25,000 in the US, but it qualifies for certain tax credits. Considering the rising cost of gas, it can be a good investment in the long run.

The Nissan LEAF was sold out six months before it was launched. Buyers were required to register online and put down a refundable $99 registration fee to gain the rights to buy the car. Nissan offered the car at a lower price in the US to attract more buyers, and it seems that the incentive has worked. In the UK, the Nissan LEAF is selling for about 30,000 pounds, but buyers can get a 5,000-pound incentive from the government. Since it only costs about two pounds to charge up the car, users can expect to save more than 1,000 pounds on fuel if they drive about 8,000 miles a year.

One of the things that deter people from buying electric cars is the difficulty of finding a place to charge the cars in public. Most electric cars can be charged through any standard electric point at home. The problem arises when car users go on long trips away from home. There are electric car charging points in public places, but they are not widely available. More and more charging posts are being set up these days, and they should be more commonplace in the near future.It takes about eight hours to fully charge a Nissan LEAF with a standard 220/240V electrical supply. This means that it is impossible for users to travel far in a single day.

Recently, the Nissan LEAF was reviewed by a popular TV show called Top Gear. The Top Gear reviewing team drove the car to the seaside, and found that it has a good feel and features. However, they had trouble finding a place to recharge the car. Nissan announced that it will be installing “quick charge points” in all its dealerships in the next few years to enable LEAF owners to charge up their cars in just 30 minutes.

However, one thing that LEAF owners should know is that quick charging can cause the battery to deteriorate at a faster rate, and possibly destroy it in just three years. If the car is charged the normal, slower way, the battery can last about 10 years, and the cost of a new battery is 7,000 pounds.

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Can Science Fiction Motivate Us to Save the Environment?

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How To Save Your Fruit Tree Blossoms From A Spring Freeze

In most parts of the country it's still dead of Winter. However, in a few spots like here in the Desert Southwest, the warming weather starts to play tricks on Spring budding trees and plants. They think it's time to wake up when it's really not quite safe to.

In my own garden, I have an old Peach Tree that produces the most wonderful almost softball size peaches. And up until a few years ago, I rarely got the opportunity to see one make it past the blossom stage.

As sure as the first warm days would wake the old tree up in a display of absolute pink, so surely would a Springtime freeze bring it to an end.

But then one day a few Springs back..... I had a great idea.

It was a little overdue but still quite fortunate that I picked those first warm Spring days to take down and put up the Christmas lights. Because as I held those lights in my hands and looked over at that beautiful pink tree just coming into its glory, a light bulb turned on in my head.

Hmmm....., are you thinking what I’m thinking? I'm sure you are and it does work.

From then on I've been able to get the majority of my blossoms to the point of battling birds and June bugs. However, battling the birds and June bugs will be another article altogether.

While I am more comfortable to grow more fruit trees now, I find that this method still works well for me because I do only have a few trees. I'm not sure how practical, cost effective, or easy it would be to string Christmas lights through more than a few trees.

If you do ever use this method, use the old fashioned base type bulbs and not the little twinkling lights. They put off more heat. Also, if you live in an area where the climate is harsher than here in the desert, it may be helpful to place a sheet of plastic or tarp over the trees in addition to the lights.

While there are other ways of protecting your trees and plants from a freeze, I just thought I would share this with you.

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Ten Principles Of Good Food Storage For Safe Food Hygiene

Good management of food storage areas is of paramount importance for the prevention of food contamination. Here is a rundown of my ten principles of correct food storage.

Wash out and defrost your fridge at least three times a week. Clean up spillages immediately.

Keep all cupboards, pantries and larders spotlessly clean.

Check regularly for signs of mice, rats, cats, birds, cockroaches, ants and such pests. Deal with them promptly. In professional kitchens, shelving should never be against the wall. Leave a space of thirty centimeters so that you can easily see trails of mice or rats.

Do not keep highly perishable foodstuffs in the larder, put them in the fridge. E.G. Eggs, milk, cheese, meats. Store prepared food separate from uncooked food.

Keep all cleaning chemicals and equipment out of food storage spaces. Put them in a special cupboard under lock and key.

Food storage spaces should be designed to stand against interior walls only. This will serve to ensure that these places will always be cool and dry.

Do not run water or drainage pipes through places where food or food utensils are stored. Keep your stores dry.

Be sure to rotate your supplies thoroughly. Remember this saying; "last in, last out".

Keep animal feed separate from human food!

Keep vegetables and eggs in a separate storage area but failing that keep all root vegitables at the very bottom of the fridge in suitable closed containers. (special storage solutions can be found on the market that allow the vegetables to breath).

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Height Safety How to Develop a Rescue Plan

Working at height - How to Develop a Rescue Plan

Rescue plans don't have to be complex.

Employers should implement a rescue plan that includes procedures for:

· Preventing prolonged suspension


· Performing rescue and treatment as quickly as possible


· Identifying orthostatic intolerance signs and symptoms

Management's reasonability for safety needs to give careful consideration to the methodology of rescuing a fallen operative. Such considerations might include:

Dialing 999 - Often we think of the word 'rescue' as calling 999, but calling the local fire brigade does not constitute an effective rescue plan. Response times can be too slow, and not all fire brigades have the capability to rescue from height.

Crane Man Basket - This option has severe limitations, the main one being time. Target time from 'Man Down' to being recovered needs to be no more than five minutes. Other restrictions and shortcomings that make this a less than ideal solution are: (a) the crane is out of action for some reason, e.g. it may be 'winded-off'; (b) the driver may be away from the crane (c) rescue by crane is limited to building façades and often is not able to provide access and rescue internal to the structure; (d) the crane man basket may be in the wrong location.

MEWPs - This option for rescue can have its limitations such as available access and height restriction as the casualty may be at a height greater than the reach of the MEWP.

Rope Access Rescue - Rope rescue requires a technical competency which demands a high level of training and re-training to acquire and retain this skill set. Given the limited time to complete a rescue, trained rope rescue personnel would need to be on stand-by and within close proximity to any incident. Donning the necessary kit to carry out a rope rescue can also be time consuming given that every minute the casualty is hanging is critical. Perhaps the greatest restriction is that it is a skill to which only a few would, or could, be trained.

Third Party Rescue Systems - There are a number of considerations to take into account when considering third part rescue systems. In every consideration TIME is the critical factor. The speed with which the system can be deployed and the rescue carried out is vitally important, as is the SIMPLICITY and EASE of use so that a typical operative can deploy and carry out a rescue after being trained.

Remember: whichever methodology you choose, the target time should be to rescue the casualty in under ten minutes.

Planning for Fall Protection must include Rescue

Having a rescue plan is just as important as having a fall protection plan. No site should have one without the other. Just putting together a fall protection program without rescue is only doing half the job.


The onus is on the employer to ensure that the suspended operative is rescued quickly. That means ensuring that for anyone who works at height, there's a rescue plan. Fall protection must include an emergency rescue plan.

How will you rescue an operative who has fallen and is suspended in a fall-arrest system? Answering some basic questions can help in developing a rescue plan.

Developing a Rescue Plan

Rescue plan requires answers to the following questions

If an operative's fall is arrested can they be rescued in under five minutes?

How will you know that someone has fallen?

· Will someone see it happen?


· Co-workers


· Other trades


· Plant personnel


· Members of the public

What communication systems will be used between the suspended operative and the rescue team?

· How will the operative call for help?


· Voice


· Whistle


· Mobile Phone

Who will the Co-worker call?

· Nearest co-workers


· Supervisor


· Site Management


· 999 Fire /ambulance where available

Is information available? Who and how will it be communicated?

· Emergency phone numbers


· Site address


· Directions and access for ambulance/fire vehicle or other emergency services


· Which floor/how high up


· Operative's condition after fall

How will the safety of the rescuers be assured, as well as that of the suspended operative?

· Are operatives trained and competent in the use of rescue equipment?


· Is there sufficient number of trained personnel onsite?


· Are rescue-training records kept up-to-date including any re-assessments?


· Is the rescue equipment selected appropriate for the nature of the work?


· What obstructions are in the way reaching the suspended operative?


· Have assessments been made of anchor points?


· Has consideration been given to the method of attaching to the casualty?

How will rescue workers get to the casualty?

· Rescue Ladder System


· Rescue Haul System


· Keys to building and roof


· Elevator


· Pull casualty in through window or balcony


· Pull casualty up to floor/slab/roof


· Climb/abseil down the building/structure


· Aerial equipment from ground


· Suspended access equipment


· Crane Man Basket

How will rescue be assured within five minutes of the occurrence of a fall to minimize the risk of further injury or death due to suspension trauma? And, what rescue equipment is needed?

· Rescue Ladder


· Rescue Haul System


· Toxic shock strap


· Suspended access equipment


· Ropes


· Aerial ladder truck


· MEWPS or scissor lift


· Climbing/rope rescue equipment


· Crane Man Basket


· First aid kit


· Stretcher available should casualty be seriously injured

What if the operative is injured?

· Can the casualty still be rescued within five minutes?


· Is there a qualified first-aider who understands suspension trauma and knows how to treat it?


· Who and how will the emergency services and hospital be alerted?

How will the public be protected?

· Assign someone to direct traffic


· Set up barriers

How will the accident scene be protected?

· Prevent further injury or damage


· Set up barriers


· Preserve wreckage


· Aid investigation later

Are there other considerations?

· Working alone


· Language barrier


· Unusual features of building/structure


· Wind


· Other hazards


· No emergency services nearby


· Distance from rescue teams

WARNING! An operative who has suffered a fall and is suspended in his harness is a true medical emergency. Just because they are hanging in a harness doesn't mean you have all day to perform the rescue. Rescue has to be planned, practiced and performed quickly and effectively or the victim may very well die before the rescue finally occurs.

"If you're not going to give your employees the skills to perform rescue, then you might as well not even put them in the harness at all."

Practice can save lives

Perhaps just as important as having a rescue plan in place is practicing the plan before a real-life fall occurs.

Author: Drew Beardmore


Leading Edge Safety height safety training courses and equipment are specifically designed for anyone whose job requires them to work at height and involves using the necessary safety equipment required to do this.





For more information visit www.leadingedgesafety.co.uk

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What You Can Expect When Buying CCTV LCD Video Monitors

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workplace Surveillance: Use the Right Surveillance Equipment">Workplace Surveillance: Use the Right Surveillance Equipment

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Tips for Using a Self-Recording DVR Hidden Camera

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Tips on How to Use Pinhole Cameras

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Advantage and Disadvantage of Using Mace Pepper Spray

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How to Improve Focus by Learning Martial Arts

Believe it or not, but fancy moves aren't the only things you can learn from martial arts. Few people are aware that martial arts is more a mental activity than physical and if you want to learn how to improve focus, enrolling in a martial arts class is j... Read >

Root causes of discrimination

Discrimination is defined as showing differences in preference to or not in favor of people, classes or groups, or on the basis of one’s ethnicity, religion or race. It is the treatment of a particular person based on bias, instead of on their personal merits. Discrimination involves excluding, proscribing, rejecting or prohibiting an individual from a group from getting access to particular opportunities or options offered and available to others. The term "discrimination" developed as a result of its usage during the American Civil War as a phrase pertaining to hatred of individuals established exclusively on their African American ethnicity. The term is shortly thereafer widened to encompass belonging to a specific, perceived unworthy group or set of people.





Discrimination has played a dishonorable role in the extended record of human civilization. Successful groups throughout history have carried out forms of discrimination in one way or another and to varying degrees. It should also be known that ruling communities as a trend have a larger predisposition to discriminate against other people. The level of advancement and the breadth and complexity of larger communities enabled them to create ways of socializing in a manner adequate to sustain their own social order. However, even with such great achievements, populations often remained insular surrounded by their particular culture and had limited contact with other populations. One group of people might look at theirs with self-importance and look at another as "lesser" or not possessing notable worthy achievements. And thus gives rise the tendency to discriminate against societies who are foreign. For instance, the nation of spain discriminated against people of Jewish faith, and the United States also discriminated against its African-American and local Native American Indian populations. Discrimination in the workplace has also been rampant in the past.





There are no obvious established hypotheses of the original source of discrimination. There may possibly be many likely explanations, however, generally scholars go along with the idea that discrimination is not a common individual feeling; nobody is born with it. There exists data indicating that the feeling is brought about by social structure and learned behavior. Just to illustrate, if discrimination was a born trait of humans, then marrying outside of one's group and integration among differing groups would not be possible. Observation also demonstrates that little kids don't exhibit prejudice or discrimination. Though there isn't general understanding as to the trigger of discrimination and prejudice, there is concurrence that together they consitute a behavior resulting from observation. The formation of a kid's beliefs all begins with the teachers, family, parents and early social friends. Sports organizations and the press further contribute to discriminatory attitudes which can later give it social authority. Therefore when people speak of eliminating hatred, people must bear in mind that prejudice is learned and accordingly needs to be untaught. The best plan is to make certain that the spirit of justice and righteousness are omnipresent through teaching and legislation.





Luckily, the current human race on the whole is at the present less tolerant of discrimination than it once was. For the most part countries presently have enacted legislation prohibiting discrimination in various forms, if not altogether, in many parts of culture. Discrimination in the office in the U.S. is illegal according to legislation. The value of individual liberties, educated immigration procedures and directives for quota hiring are part of the basis of legal approaches to decrease the impact of prejudice and discrimination. Yet, the final place the world must locate a way to end discrimination lies in the private arena, and eventually in each human person.

Child Safety

When protecting your family, the safety of your children is likely your number one concern. Child safety is important at all times, inside or outside the house. Here are a few ways to maintain child safety in your life.

Child Safety Tip #1: Arm Against Strangers

You can’t be with your children all the time. If your children are old enough to play in the yard alone, or ride bikes around the neighborhood, you must protect them from dangerous strangers. When it comes to child safety, protecting your child from people who mean to do them harm is parents’ number one concern. Pepper sprays can effectively disarm a criminal and give your child time to run and scream for help.

Child Safety Tip #2: Arm Against Animals

Strangers aren’t the only ones who can do harm to your child. A loose dog or angry raccoon is an equal danger in many neighborhoods. Protect your kids by arming them with animal repellant when they leave the yard to play. Give them canine repellant and even bear repellent if you live in bear country.

Child Safety Tip #3: Make Some Noise

Many children are snatched right from their front yards. Sometimes screaming isn’t enough. Personal safety alarms will draw attention to your child’s situation immediately. If a stranger approaches and tries to attack your child, the child can set off their personal safety alarm, which will emit a high pitched siren to call for help. Often, the criminal will run away.

Child Safety Tip #4: Keep Them Safe From Fires

In the event of a fire, a smoke alarm’s shrill tone is often enough to rouse sleeping adults and alert them to the danger, allowing them time to escape. However, studies have shown that young children may actually sleep through such alarms. Doctors have found that children respond best to the sound of their parents’ voices. Hence the invention of the vocal smoke alarm. It allows you to record your own instructions that will play in the event of a fire: “Maddie, wake up. It’s Mommy. There’s a fire. Get out of the house like we practiced.” Make sure your child knows what actions to take in the event of a fire, like feeling doors for heat and crawling below the smoke. Have a designated meeting place for all family members to gather once they escape, so you can do a quick headcount and ensure everyone is out.

Child Safety Tip # 5: Watch Them When You Aren’t Around

It’s hard to leave your children alone with a nanny or babysitter. Are you sure you can trust them? Would the children tell you if something was wrong? Get peace of mind from a hidden camera that can monitor your children for you, either while you are away or even just in another room. Whether you have a spy camera in every room or just one, the technology is an excellent addition to your child safety security system. If you have suspicions that something is happening in your home without your knowledge, a spy camera can be your eyes for you when you are not around.

But aside from using high-tech child safety devices, increase your children’s personal security by teaching them how to protect themselves.

• Never get into a stranger’s car.
• Don’t even talk to strangers.
• If someone makes you uncomfortable, go tell a trusted adult or just shout “No! Help!” as loud as you can and try to run away.
• Stop, drop, and roll.
• Dial 911 in an emergency.

All these basic rules will help protect your children. Technology can boost child safety, but common sense is also a must.

How to accelerate wound healing.

Science has advanced our knowledge of wound care significantly over the last few decades. No longer is "letting it air out" seen as a safe and effective method of healing. Instead, moist healing has been found to be most effective for healing, providing significantly less scarring than dry healing. Keeping a wound moist maintains a constant temperature at the healing site, and allows the cells to move and regenerate better; this allows for faster healing and less chance of scar development. While one should never remove a scab that has already formed, preventing a scab from forming by moistening a wound is the best way to help a wound heal faster and with less scaring.



Oxygen Free Radicals



When a wound occurs, oxygen free radicals, also called reactive oxygen species (ROS), are created. These ROS molecules are unstable, containing unpaired electronics which are highly reactive, seeking to steal and bond with electrons from other molecules, thus creating more ROS's. This cycle continues, and can, in some cases, end up destroying living cells in and around the wound, slowing the healing time, and in some cases, putting a complete halt to healing. In severe cases, this healing can be halted to such an extent that the wound becomes susceptible to contamination, and problems such as infection.



Medical researchers have been working on products to help remove the oxygen free radicals from open wounds. One product, walled Wound-Be-Gone, has an active ingredient that can remove these radicals, while also forming a barrier over the wound to protect it from the environment, keeping the wound clean and accelerating healing. This gel also provides a protective layer over the wound, maintains constant moisture and temperature, allows the gel to penetrate the open wound, and creates the perfect conditions for would healing.



Wound-Be-Gone helps to heal, effectively reduce pain, swelling, and scarring in wounds of any severity. Effective in private and clinical settings, this revolutionary healing gel accelerates the healing process in all wounds by binding with free oxygen radicals that are created at the injury site. When an injury occurs, free oxygen radicals are a type of byproduct that is created, which can significantly slow healing, even causing further damage to healthy tissue surrounding the wound. Wound-Be-Gone neutralizes these radicals, by binding with them, and removing them from the healing process.

Wound-Be-Gone's ability to reduce inflammation and removal of free oxygen radicals helps wounds of any type, from simple scrapes to severe burns and deep tissues wounds, to regenerate more quickly, and with less scar tissue formation. The impressive healing properties of Wound-Be-Gone have been proven in multiple clinical trials, with a variety of wound types.



--

wound healing interest

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Ergonomic Risk Factors: Protecting The Lower back

Lower back injuries are among the most common complaints seen in primary care and workers' compensation. Approximately 85 percent of the general population in the western world is afflicted with an episode of back pain in their lifetime.

The peak incidence of lower back pain is found to be highest during the most productive years of life, ages 25-60, making work-related lower back injuries a major health concern. In order to address this, a strategic three-step plan to reduce work-related lower back injuries is required:

• identification of ergonomic risk factors that can contribute to injury;

• implementing ergonomic control measures;

• following safe work practices, including proper posture and safe lifting techniques during work activities.


Ergonomic Risk Factors

Ergonomics is a multidisciplinary field-it addresses the interactions of people, work tasks and the total work environment. Ergonomic risk factors are job attributes or exposures that increase the probability of developing a work-related injury: repetition, forceful exertion, stressful postures, contact stress, vibration and temperature extremes.

The presence of an ergonomic risk factor does not necessarily mean that a person is at an excessive risk for developing a work-related injury, but the greater the exposure to an ergonomic risk factor, or multiple risk factors, the greater the probability will be of a worker becoming injured.

Posture: The No. 1 Culprit

The primary ergonomic risk factor responsible for back injuries in the workplace is stressful posture. Posture refers to the position of a specific anatomical body part in relation to an adjacent body part.

Stressful postures occur when an extreme or awkward body position places undue stress on muscles, ligaments and joint structures. Stressful postures can result in physiological damage to the tissues within or around a joint. Stressful postures typically include end range of joint motion and excessive rotation.

Stressful postures should be minimized to reduce physiological damage. To achieve this, the evaluator must be familiar with the components of posture-adjacent body parts, the angle of the joint connecting adjacent body parts, and motion-as well as how these components induce damage.

Adjacent body parts. In assessing back posture, the position of the legs and the thoracic and cervical spine is critical. If the adjacent body parts are positioned in awkward angles in relation to the spinal segment, there will be a greater physiological stress placed on the tissues that support and maintain the position.

The more awkward these positions are, the greater the physiological stress, so adjacent body parts should be maintained in positions that promote open-packed joint positions, tissue relaxation and maximum circulation to the working tissues.

The angle of the joint. This angle will influence the degree of joint and tissue stress. Awkward joint angles place physiological stress on the joint structures, muscles and tendons. The more awkward the angle of the joint is, the greater the tissue damage. Awkward joint angles, including end range of motion and excessive rotation, should be minimized.

Motion. This refers to whether the posture is static or dynamic. Static postures must be held for a period of time, and can cause tissue fatigue and microtrauma due to continual muscle firing and strain on the tendons and ligaments.

Dynamic posture involves rotational forces of one body segment relative to another about a common axis or joint. Dynamic postures involve angular displacement, velocity and acceleration, and are preferred over static postures due to the ability to use multiple muscle groups, enhance circulation and prevent local tissue fatigue.

Because of physiological requirements to maintain muscle and tendon functions, no position can be maintained indefinitely; all positions have some dynamic component to them. The more stationary a position is, however, the greater the degree of risk for tissue fatigue and injury; for this reason, dynamic postures and the ability of a worker to vary position are of utmost importance.

Ergonomic Controls: A Three-Pronged Approach

Instituting ergonomic controls in the workplace, which place limits on duration, frequency or the intensity of ergonomic risk factors, can be an effective method in preventing lower back injuries. Ergonomic control measures fall into three categories.

Engineering Controls. These involve modifying the work interface:

• Adjust work surfaces to minimize awkward postures and ensure appropriate sitting and standing postures;

• Provide footrests to standing and sitting workstations;

• Tilt work surfaces to bring the work closer to the worker;

• Make the work more accessible by raising or lowering the work with lifts, platforms, or scaffolds;

• Reduce the size and weight of the materials handled;

• Design the workstation for the target population (male or female, as one example);

• Provide carts to reduce material-handling activities;

• Maintain all equipment on a regular basis;

• Install mechanical lifting aids to counterbalance loads: lifting devices, reaching devices and pulley systems;

• Provide joint protection, anti-vibration or shock absorbance to reduce exposure to the physical environment (vibration, concrete floors, cold). This can include anti-fatigue mats, gel insoles and anti-vibration seating systems.

Administrative controls. These involve modifying the work process, flow or organization to reduce the exposure of the worker to an ergonomic risk factor. Examples include:

• Provide job rotation or alternating work activities;

• Reduce the length of work shifts;

• Limit employee overtime;

• Increase the number of employees available to perform a task;

• Implement mandatory or additional rest breaks;

• Alternate highly repetitive work tasks with less repetitive ones;

• Reduce production quotas or machine pace.

Work Practices. These include general health habits, complying with safety rules and maintaining proper posture and good lifting techniques. Examples include:

• Maintain good health habits;

• Participate in a smoking cessation program;

• Participate in a weight loss and/or regular exercise program;

• Follow safety rules;

• Understand the limitations of safety equipment.

Proper Posture

Since postures can contribute to the development of lower back injuries in the workplace, reducing these stressful positions throughout the day is critical.

Proper postures result in the least amount of physiological stress and fatigue on the local tissues through proper positioning of the adjacent body parts, the connecting joint and the degree of motion. They place the least amount of stress on the working ligaments, muscles and joints, resulting in less tissue damage.

Proper postures should be maintained during both static and dynamic activities. Examples include:

Sitting:

• Keep your head directly over your shoulders;

• Do not rotate or tilt your head;

• Keep your shoulders in a relaxed position, resting close to your body;

• Keep your back well supported by the back of the chair;

• Keep your knees at the same height or slightly lower than your hips;

• Keep both feet on the ground or a footrest;

• Do not cross your legs;

• Sit as close to your work as possible.

Standing:

• Keep your head directly over your shoulders, and keep your shoulders relaxed at your side;

• Keep your feet approximately shoulder length apart;

• When possible, place one foot on a stool or rest bar to alleviate back strain;

• Move and stretch frequently.

Finally, functional activities include reaching, bending, squatting, climbing, lifting, pushing and pulling. It is important to maintain a neutral back position when performing all of these functional activities. Keep your stomach muscles tight, and avoid excessive spinal twisting, forward flexion, extension and lateral flexion.

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Workplace Safety Tips - Attitude and Behavior the Keys to Improve Safety

safety is about company policies and procedures. It's even more about people; more specifically, your employees' natural behavioral style and safety attitude at work.

Training plays an important role in workplace safety. But who your workers are, not just what they do, may be even more significant according to a 1993 study conducted by

Behavioral-Values Research Associates.

SAFETY STUDIES

The research was conducted on railway maintenance workers. Participants were given four assessments that measured their knowledge of safety rules, their pictorial and mechanical reasoning abilities, and their behavior and attitude. The study shows the only significant differences between two groups of workers (injured vs. non-injured) were in their behavioral styles and attitudes/values.

The research validates that when companies implement a pre-hiring employee assessment selection system, four things occur. These companies:

• Reduce accident costs and risk
• Reduce worker's comp claims
• Reduce employee turnover
• Improve profitability

By utilizing this system when hiring drivers, G & P Trucking in South Carolina reduced accident costs and cut its accident rate in half over five years. G & P President, Clifton Parker says, "We are doing a better job during the hiring process. The behavioral testing has given us insight on the applicants' true beliefs and actions rather than finding out later. The bottom line is that it has helped us lower accident cost."

Common sense tells us that people who are naturally careful and cautious are going to cause fewer accidents than those who are impatient and short-tempered by nature. The BVRA research concluded the safest workers are those who are steady and cautious and who genuinely put others' well being above their own.

The safety studies found workers with the best safety records are those who are high in the "S" and "C" behavioral styles and low in the "D" factor. They are also high in the Social value.

DISC BEHAVIOR, VALUES, AND SAFETY

In 1928, Harvard psychologist William Moulton Marston defined the four DISC behavior styles we all have. Around the same time, psychologist Eduard Spranger published his studies of six values that determine our motivation attitude. Target Training International in Scottsdale, AZ, continued their research and produced the first computer-generated attitude and behavior DISC assessment that companies use today to hire, develop, and retain superior performers. This was the assessment used in the BVRA research project.

The four behavioral styles are:

• D-Dominant
• I-Influencing
• S-Steady
• C-Cautious

Those high in the "D" factor want control, they are quick to anger, and become impatient easily. They are the ones most likely to cause accidents.

Those high in the "I" behavioral factor are extroverted and people oriented; they talk a lot and like attention. The research found no significant difference in the "I" factor between the injured and non-injured workers.

People high in the "S" factor are steady and patient, they move slowly, and have a strong focus on their team's success. Safety and security are of utmost importance to them.

Those high in the "C" factor are extremely cautious and detail-oriented, and adamantly follow rules set by others.

So, it's understandable that workers high in both the "S" and "C" factors and low in the "D" style will have or cause fewer accidents.

It's also significant that research shows those high in the Social value are the safest workers because they selflessly put others' needs above their own. It's also important that they rank low in the Individualistic Value. Even more than those with Core "D" behavioral styles, people high in this value are passionate about having power and control over situations and other people.

Simply put, the worker you want to hire when safety is crucial is one who is high in the "S" and "C" factors, low in the "D" factor, high in the Social value, and low in the Individualistic attitude.

Understanding each of your employee’s innate behavior and attitude is the key to improving safety in the workplace.

Five Common DIY Tiling Injuries: Gory, Yet Preventable

The risks of DIY tiling projects include unsatisfactory results, poor installation, and personal injury. Although freak accidents happen every day, when you bring heavy tile and sharp cutters into the mix, the odds raise. To do everything you can to prevent a tiling mishap, take every precaution and wear goggles, gloves, masks, hard-toed shoes, and other protective gear. Even so, accidents such as these five common mishaps plague the eager improver.

1. Falling wall and ceiling tiles lead to serious injury during the installation process and long afterwards, such as in this New Jersey Church. Moisture behind the wall, improper installation, and blunt force against the tiles can cause them to loosen and fall, and depending on the distance and force of impact, has been blamed for concussions, bruises, broken bones, and even death. The best way to prevent falling tile accidents is to replace them when they start chipping or cracking, before they start falling out on their own. During the installation process, make sure that every tile is securely glued to the wall or ceiling before moving on to another row.

2. If not properly secured or balanced, many people fall of ladders. If your tiling project requires some height, make sure to keep one hand on the ladder at all times and remember, the higher the ladder and harder the ground, the more serious the injury. Ladders cause the most DIY deaths and the number of ladder injuries rise each year. Thankfully, this man survived, but his mishap demonstrates the need for sturdy ladders and trustworthy spotters.

3. Sharp tools, such as tile cutters and power saws, are difficult to use without proper training. The sharp blades can cause lacerations, deep, open wounds, and even amputation of fingers. Also, when you cut tile, pieces can fly off and imbed in your skin, or worse, in your eye, if you don’t wear protective goggles.

4. Permanent damage to your arm, back, and rotator cuff is common after lifting heavy tile and bending over during an installation project. Use a cart or dolly to carry especially heavy pieces of tile made of stone, marble, or granite. Lift slowly and smoothly and ask for help if necessary. Sometimes years of rehab result from these injuries in which the victim never regains full range of motion.

5. Toxins in the home release during the tiling process if the room is not ventilated properly. Lead, asbestos, smoke, fumes, and adhesives can cause headaches, skin rashes, and nausea. More seriously, they can lead to asthma, cancer, nerve damage, and allergies. Before you start a tiling or any home renovation project, identify the hazards and seal off the ventilated workspace from the rest of the home. Practice safe work methods to minimize dust and fumes and effectively clean your workspace at the end of each day. Take heed of this British family’s warnings after their loved one died following exposure to tile asbestos.

The good news is that these injuries are 100 percent preventable. Always wear protective gear and close-fitting clothing when working in your home. Make sure you know how to operate each tool correctly and be realistic about your skills. Professional consultations never hurt, and if you need to hire the pro, feel no shame.

Learning to install tile safely is easy, if you go to Denver Tile Installation's website and click through to the blog.

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The Importance of Kilowatt Meters

The kilowatt meter is used to read the amount of energy used by a home, business or building. They are fundamental to the maintenance of power consumption.

Types
There are three main types of kilowatt meter used for measurement.
- Electromechanical (standard): These kilowatt hour meters are the basic ones found on houses and offices. They work by counting the revolutions of a metal disc inside the machine that rotates in proportion to the amount of power being used. The machine itself requires energy, about two to three watts.

- Electronic (display screen): LCD or LED displays are used on these meters to show power readings, allowing the owner to track the jumps and dips in usage and calibrate accordingly.

- Multiple tariff (price): Multiple tariff meters work on variable rates that allow the electricity retailer to charge clients different prices at different times of the day. This flexibility enables them to be cost effective, distributing/reducing energy when it is needed most/least.


Practical Uses

Different meters can be used in different ways, depending on the user’s needs. Today’s kilowatt meters are convenient, practical and easy to install and operate.

- Appliance: Also known as plug-ins or plug loads, these are used to measure appliances. As the name implies, they are simply plugged in to a wall socket and are ready to read. The user then plugs an appliance into it and they can see the power consumption.

- Smart: The next generation of meters, these offer the ability to measure power quality, power outage notification and give real-time read-outs.

- Prepaid: These are often used for customers who are considered payment risks. Users are required to pay in advance for electricity they will be using. If credit runs out before the allotted time, electricity is cut off.


Saving Energy

Reducing energy costs is a common goal for home and business owners. Methods and technologies are always being implemented in an effort to save money and minimize impact on the environment.

- Time of day: TODs are programmed to use less or more energy, depending on the time of day, month or season. It automatically controls loads for on-peak, off-peak and mid-peak times.

- Power export: Some people go beyond their electric companies and have generating equipment installed. Excess energy is exported to the power grid, causing the meter to run backwards, reimbursing the user.


All of these are examples of steps being taken to save money, energy, cover redundancies and be environmentally helpful. Customers and companies are able to work together to find the best solution to home and business electricity needs.

If you are interested in finding kilowatt meter, be sure to visit http://www.hoytmeter.com/.

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Ways to Store Homemade Chocolate Candy

Who wouldn't want to find out how to store chocolate the right way? Chocolate is perhaps the single most desired food on the face of the planet, enticing people from all parts of the world to have that sinfully delightful bite, that delicious taste of darkness and sweetness, that unmistakable and absolutely irreplaceable chocolaty experience bursting in their mouth.



Knowing how to store chocolate allows one to repeat the delightful experience of eating chocolate again and again because you know there's more where that tasty chocolate treat came from - and that it is kept fresh and rich.



Storing chocolate candy or chocolate fudge by the bulk is easier than it sounds. This heavenly food is not demanding in terms of storage, but there are considerations to be made if one wants the chocolate to keep its original flavor - or even enhance it.



Ideally, chocolates need to be stored in a place that's dry, dark and slightly cool. The perfect environment, to paint a picture, would be that with a temperature of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. But that's not all. It also has to have low humidity, be out of range from direct sunlight, and must not have any other foods or substances that carry strong odors which could be easily absorbed by the chocolate to be stored in the same area.



What happens if chocolate is not stored properly? Well, there are different answers to this question, depending on what kind of storing as well as handling has been done. For example, when chocolate is exposed on a regular basis to high temperatures, the cocoa butter may rise to the surface, prompting the birth of a rather unpleasant cloudy, gray color. This is called a bloom and can be easily corrected by melting as well as appropriately tempering the chocolate.



Moreover, white chocolate may experience not just a bloom but rancidity when it is left exposed to strong lighting, affecting the chocolate's flavor and the quality.



That is why people who live in tropic areas or who have no air conditioning available to them must keep their chocolates in a freezer, or even just in a refrigerator, so as to avoid melting. This is the easiest way to store gourmet chocolate candy as well as gourmet chocolate fudge.



To freeze chocolate the right way, it must be placed in an airtight container, such as a zip-lock plastic bag, and must not be removed until it is brought to an area that has room temperature. This will prevent condensation from forming anywhere on the chocolate. Water droplets are known to keep chocolates from melting smoothly and, in addition to this, they also affect the texture and overall quality of the melted chocolate.



Chocolate candy makes a great gift for people of all ages, and making gourmet or homemade chocolates is the best way to save money and still give thoughtful presents. To make sure the chocolates one wishes to hand out have that perfect taste and texture, don't forget to store them properly.



I usually make homemade chocolate candy for gift giving at Christmas. It is always well received and allows me to give people that I don't really know that well something that they are likely to like and appreciate. If you would like to have the recipe that I use then view this article: An Easy Chocolate Fudge Candy Gift for all Occasions . I typically place the candy in plastic containers with wax paper sheets between the layers and store in the refrigerator until delivered.



If you would like the idea of giving chocolate candy as a gift but don't have time to make your own then visit: Gourmet Chocolate Candy . If you would like to choose from some nice chocolate gift basket selections check out: Gourmet Chocolate Gifts - Your Place For Chocolate Lovers Gifts.

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Safety requirements for a Diesel Generator

There are many requirements to meet when considering the safety of your generator. These do not always involve consideration for personal safety but measures to protect the generator itself. If your generator is a permanent installation it is important that a safety feature such as an automatic shutdown device be installed. This will protect from several malfunctions.

There are basically three monitored factors that can be considered when installing a shutdown device. One of these monitors the engine temperature and if these values are too high the generator is shutdown automatically. There is another that deals with the oil pressure and if there is a drop in oil pressure the generator is shutdown. There are also over-speed shutdown kits that can be used. It is by far the best choice to install all of these shutdown devices as a safety precaution to protect your equipment.

It is also recommended as a safety precaution that regular maintenance is carried out. The most maintenance that is required of a diesel generator is a regular oil change. This can do wonders in increasing the lifetime of your generator. Once properly maintained there will be few issues with your generator up to 30,000 hours or an approximate time period of 3 years.

Regular inspections of the generator should also be carried out at every oil change. Ensure that the generator is kept clean so it is easy to observe any leaks. This is important as a safety requirement as even if you installed the oil pressure shutdown device it is possible for significant damage to be done before it is triggered. The diesel generator in particular is very much dependent on proper oil amounts as it has a high pressure on the components.

It is of importance that the diesel generator be exposed to the proper amounts of fresh air or ventilation for cooling. Although the machines have a water cooling system built in it is vital that they are well ventilated. This ensures that the machines do not overheat. If storing the generator in a shed ensures that there are large enough ventilation openings. If noise is a concern the installation of a blower is a good safety precaution to protect your equipment. High temperatures are what will eventually kill an alternator and it is vital that this is controlled to extend the life of the generator.

In order to extend the life of your diesel generator it is possible to install an hour meter. This will alert you in terms of usage when maintenance is required and avoid improper maintenance practices.

In terms of your safety it is important that you are knowledgeable in electrical aspects and take proper precautions. Do not remove guards put in place for your protection unless you have professional assistance. If the machine is overheating be cautious of handling the equipment as serious burns can occur. Do not allow oil spills onto the floor as this is a fire hazard. Noise is another consideration for your safety. Make sure you install your diesel generator away from earshot range of your home and any neighbors. A sound barrier enclosure may be an idea if space is a limitation.

Environmental protection TV ad

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Value Investing: 3 Lessons from Seth Klarman's "Margin of Safety"... and 1 Value Investment Recommendation

When the stock market gets stuck in a trading range, funny things happen on Wall Street.

This year, Yahoo! (Nasdaq: YHOO) reported an 83% jump in revenues, and its stock promptly fell 13%. Starbucks (Nasdaq: SBUX) said new-store sales rose 4% - considered terrific at many restaurant chains -and its shares tumbled 8% on heavy volume.

In short, growth is no guarantee of higher stock prices.

That is why investors are switching to "value" plays, looking for stocks that may not have the best earnings outlook, but are selling so far below their intrinsic value that they have little downside risk and considerable upside potential.

Thus, the new hot "sector" is value investing. At the end of this issue, we'll reveal one of today's most successful value funds. But first, let's look at a used book on this strategy that's currently selling on Amazon and Bookfinders for anywhere from $1,295 to $2,003. You can even rent it on eBay for $75 a week...

The World's Most Successful "Value" Investor

The book is Margin of safety: Risk-Averse Value Investing Strategies for the Thoughtful Investor, by hedge fund manager Seth Klarman. It was written in 1991, but is long out of print, and the author and publisher have no plans to reprint it.

Why? Because Klarman has been so successful as a hedge fund manager that he doesn't care to reveal his secrets to the general public. Since 1982, his oldest Baupost Group partnership posted a cumulative return of 6,133% after fees, four times better than the S&P 500 Index (1,517%, including dividends reinvested).

But before you run out and buy this obscure title, let me give you a summary of its contents:

Basically, Klarman is a devotee of Benjamin Graham, who first wrote about his "margin of safety" formula for picking stocks in Graham and Dodd's classic work, Security Analysis. The idea is to buy companies at deep discounts to underlying business value.

Of course, there are thousands of value-oriented investors and fund managers, but Klarman takes Graham and Dodd to an extreme. Despite his subtitle of seeking "risk-averse" value investing, Klarman speculates in distressed securities and even bankrupt companies where the current price is close to the value of its tangible assets (excluding goodwill).

According to the latest SEC filings, Baupost Group holds mostly obscure securities whose prices have plunged, and have hopefully bottomed out, such as:

- Mills Corp. (NYSE: MLS), a REIT

- Alliance One (NYSE: AOI), a tobacco company

- Pxre Group (NYSE: PXT), a reinsurer; and

- Novelis (NYSE: NVL), an aluminum manufacturer.

His biggest position is in News Corp. (NWS). Clearly his approach is not for the faint-of-heart.

Three Highly Valued Investing Lessons From A Highly Priced Book

1. Value investors must be patient, willing to wait for months to find a truly undervalued play. Klarman has sometimes invested half his portfolio in cash waiting for opportunities to buy cheap stocks or bonds. According to Klarman, value investing "can be a very lonely undertaking, and may experience poor, even horrendous, performance."

2. Successful investors "tend to be unemotional, allowing the greed and fear of others to play into their hands." His statement reminds me of Joe Kennedy, a strict contrarian who had an ideal temperament for speculating: "a passion for facts, a complete lack of sentiment, a marvelous sense of timing," as one confidante said.

3. Create a "margin of safety" by waiting for stocks of good companies to sell at a significant discount to enterprise value (or in his case, distressed companies that have valued assets and a good chance of turning around).

A Mutual Fund That Shares Klarman's Value Investing Philosophy

Mutual Shares is one of the most successful value funds, stressing turnarounds and distressed securities. The fund's founder was the late Max Heine of Heine Securities.

Heine died years ago, and his successor, Michael Price, has left the firm. Today, Mutual Shares is owned by Franklin Templeton Group of Funds and managed by Peter Langerman, who used to be an analyst for Heine in the 1980s.

Mutual Shares is available in A shares (TESIX) with a front-end load; or B shares (FMUBX) with a back-end load. Mutual Shares owns a big position in Tyco (NYSE: TYC), a potential turnaround. The fund is rated 4 stars by Morningstar.

By the way, don't bother to contact the reclusive Klarman, who manages $6.2 billion of assets in nine partnerships. His firm is so successful that they are refusing new investors.

And don't bother buying Margin of Safety. I suspect it won't be long before a new edition comes out, or pirated copies appear in Asia.

Good trading, AEIOU,

Mark

Stress In The Workplace

According to the Australian Council of Trade Unions’ (A.C.T.U.) 1997 survey, fifty per cent of workers had suffered some form of stress at work in a 12-month period. The statistics in care professions were even higher, with the Department of Education and Training in Western Australia reporting in its 2002 Attitudes To Teaching Survey that seventy per cent of teachers identified workplace stress as a cause for concern in their teaching positions.

Stress in the workplace is becoming a major concern for employers, managers and government agencies, owing to the Occupational Health and safety legislations requiring employers to practice ‘duty of care’ by providing employees with safe working environments which also cover the psychological wellbeing of their staff.

One of the costs, for employers, of work place stress is absenteeism, with the A.C.T.U. reporting that owing to stress, nearly fifty per cent of employees surveyed had taken time off work. Other negative effects were reductions in productivity, reduced profits, accidents, high rates of sickness, increased workers’ compensation claims and high staff turnover, requiring recruiting and training of replacement staff.

While a certain amount of stress is needed to motivate individuals into action, prolonged stress can have a huge impact on overall health. More than two-thirds of visits to doctors’ surgeries are for stress-related illnesses. Stress has been linked to headaches, backaches, insomnia, anger, cramps, elevated blood pressure, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and lowered resistance to infection. For women, stress is a key factor in hormonal imbalances resulting in menstrual irregularities, PMS, fibroids, endometriosis and fertility problems. Stress can also be a factor in the development of almost all disease states including cancer and heart disease.

Each profession has its own unique factors that may cause stress; below are some causes of stress that cross many professions:

• Increased workload
• Organizational changes
• Lack of recognition
• High demands
• Lack of support
• Personal and family issues
• Poor work organization
• Lack of training
• Long or difficult hours
• Inadequate staff numbers and resources
• Poor management communication
• Lack of control or input

So what can be done to effectively manage workplace stress?

Organizations can:

• Educate their employees to recognise the signs of stress.
• Where possible, give their employees the chance to be involved in decisions and actions that affect their jobs.
• Improve employer-employee communications.
• Provide employees with opportunities to socialise together.
• Be understanding of employees’ personal and family responsibilities.
• Ensure employee workloads suit their capabilities and resources (provide more training and resources if not).
• Provide support (internally or externally) for employees who have complex stress issues.

Employees can reduce their overall stress by:

• Regularly exercising, as this releases ‘happy hormones’.
• Eating a healthy diet, as stress depletes vital nutrients.
• Getting adequate rest.
• Using tea and lunch breaks to read, listen to a relaxation CD or have a five-minute power-nap.
• If appropriate, playing relaxing music at work and burning aromatherapy oils.
• Being more organized. Get up earlier to have more time.
• Delegating responsibility where possible. Say no!
• Taking time out to laugh by telling someone a joke. Start a laughter group: by standing in a circle and all forcing a big laugh, it will soon become real!
• Avoiding caffeine and sugar. Although this may provide an instant lift it later depletes the body of energy and nutrients.
• Taking time to do things that bring enjoyment and pleasure.
• Making the work environment pleasurable. Have relaxing sounds in the form of music or a water fountain. Have enjoyable smells by burning candles or aromatherapy oils. Hang beautiful pictures or posters on the walls; have photos or flowers on the desk.
• Taking care of their overall health and wellbeing by practising good self-care.

Sometimes trying to implement change (even for the better) can itself cause stress and prevent a person remaining motivated. In this case it’s important to get support for your stress from a counsellor, doctor, naturopath, friend, peer or life coach who specializes in stress issues.

The benefits of a systematic and joint approach to reducing work stress are:

• Increased productivity
• Decrease in absenteeism
• Improved morale
• Decrease in workers’ compensation claims
• Reduction in workplace accidents

The most important benefit in reducing workplace stress is that it will promote a pleasant work environment for all.

Hawaii Employers Facing Inceased Litigation over English-Only Rules as More Complaints are Filed with the EEOC

Title VII prohibits discrimination because of “national origin.” The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the agency charged with the enforcement of Title VII, defines national origin discrimination as the denial of equal employment opportunity because of an individual’s ancestry, place of origin, or because the individual possesses the physical, cultural, or linguistic characteristics of a national origin group.

The EEOC has consistently scrutinized English-Only policies very closely and has taken the position that such policies can be a proxy for national origin discrimination. In the EEOC’s view only the most limited policies do not violate Title VII.

Given the amount of attention given to immigration issues on a national scale, the significant increase in national origin claims being filed with the EEOC in the last few years is no surprise.

Recently, the EEOC brought suit against a California Nursing Home company that prohibited Spanish-speaking employees from speaking Spanish to Spanish-speaking residents, and also while on breaks or in the parking lot of the facilities.

According to the EEOC, in addition to being required to comply with an overbroad English-Only policy that the employer did not apply even-handedly, it was alleged that Hispanic employees were given desirable work than non-Hispanic counterparts, were paid less, and promoted less often. In April 2009 the EEOC and the company settled for $450,000.

Hawaii employers are also finding it difficult to balance legitimate business needs and Hawaii employment practices law prohibiting ancestry or national origin discrimination. Hawaii law, HRS Chapter 378, prohibits discriminating against an employee in the terms or conditions of employment, because of their “ancestry.” However, as a practical matter “ancestry” and “national origin” are synonymous under Hawaii law.

Hawaii law is arguably more expansive than Title VII in that employers are precluded from making pre-employment inquiries and requests for information which tend to lead to disclosure of the person’s ancestry/national origin, unless the inquiry is justified by a bona fide occupational qualification.

Both the EEOC and the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission (“HCRC”) have issued regulations addressing the issue of English-Only rules and whether and to what extent employers prohibiting foreign languages to be spoken in the workplace have violated the prohibition against national origin discrimination.

The EEOC and HCRC’s regulations presume that blanket English-Only rules are per se unlawful. Their position also is that limited English-Only policies are lawful only if justified by business necessity. 2002 EEOC guidelines list the following examples where business necessity justifies an English-Only policy:

• For communications with customers, coworkers, or supervisors who speak only English;
• in emergencies or other situations where workers must speak a common language to promote safety;
• for cooperative work assignments in which the English-Only rule is needed to promote efficiency;
• to enable a supervisor who only speaks English to monitor the performance of an employee whose job duties require communication with coworkers or customers.

Employers with English-Only rules should also consider doing the following:

• Implement cultural sensitivity training programs for supervisors;
• provide non-native English-speaking employees English classes;
• ensure to the extent possible an even-handed application of the rule;
• draft or revise the English-Only rule as narrowly as possible;
• give employees fair notice of the rule and consequences for violating the policy;
• have the policy written in other languages spoken in the workplace.

Additional information may be accessed here: www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/national-origin.html#VC.

Roman Amaguin, Esq;
http://www.amaguinlaw.com
http://www.virtualhawaiiemploymentlawyer.com

Crop Protection Methods Increase Agricultural Productivity Manifold

Pests attacks, depletion in soil fertility, using inferior quality of seeds, etc. are some of the factors which result in a huge loss to the crop and agricultural productivity. However, the point which needs to be noted unlike earthquakes and floods, these factors are within the reach of human control. Therefore, the best way to deal with such problems is to vigorously follow the various crop protection methods and techniques at continuous basis to ensure high level of agricultural productivity.

The first and foremost thing which is imperative to follow by every farmer is to protect his farms and lands from pest attacks by effectively following pest control methods. Pest control method comprises of employing pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, at the regular intervals in order to get respite from the damaging attacks of pests, insects, unwanted weeds and plants, etc.

Seed treatment is one of the most famous methods which aid in improving the growth environment for seeds, seedling and young plants by adopting specific techniques. Infestations of seed borne diseases are successfully prevented by using seed treatment methods. In addition to this, seed treatment aids in achieving various benefits like protecting seeds from seed rot, seedling blight, season diseases and attacks of pests, increases germination, ensures uniform emergence of seedlings, etc.

Application of fertilizers, at a regular basis, is another method of crop protection and increasing crop productivity to a significant level if carries out cautiously. Every year, numerous plants are grown at a same land which results in depletion of soil essential nutrients considerably. Therefore, it becomes important to keep enriching your land with the fertilizers which act as a plant growth regulator. Fertilizers are chemical compounds which provide essential nutrients to the plants, encourages plant growth, and thus acting as plant growth regulators.

However, it is pertinent to disclose that these methods will provide lucrative results when farmers are giving proper training regarding how to apply fertilizers, pesticides and how to carry out seed treatment techniques. Gaining knowledge regarding these matters aids farmers in performing and implementing crop protection methods and techniques in the desired manner. So, if you want to gather more information about the crop protection methods, then browse the web. Through internet, you will come across numerous websites that are providing useful information regarding these matters and supplying high quality of crop protection products at reasonable price.

Agropages.com is an efficient online marketing platform for Crop Protection methods, Pesticides and agrochemical business. We also provide Herbicides, Insecticides and other agrochemicals products for protecting crops.

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Drive Traffic to Your Door With Effective Newspaper Advertising

You've worked hard saving your money to purchase that dream of owning your own business. After years squirreling away the capital necessary to start, the day arrives when you're ready to open your doors to the public.

Of course, if your business is in a highly visible location along a fairly well-travelled road with great access to your car park, the public will see you easily. This is especially true if you take advantage of that high roadside visibility by placing messages about your grand opening soon to take place. I know my interest gets peeked passing by a soon-to-open business with all the colourful signs announcing the big opening. Big beautifully decorated signs, colourful balloons, and even people waving signs or carrying hand-held billboards can grab the attention of passer-bys.

But, how do you get your message out to people who don't travel this road or what if your business location is not on the main drag? It would be a fairly unwise business decision to rely on just passing traffic as your only source for customers. Plus, as any successful business entrepreneur will tell you, successfully getting the word out about your business - your goods and or services - will be the key to your success.

There are many ways you can investigate to promote your business from the extremely expensive to merely depending on word of mouth. However, one of the best and oldest methods for any business to promote itself remains to this day through newspaper advertising.

"Why Is Newspaper Advertising Still Effective?"

Well, despite all the hyped up gloom recently about the demise of the newspaper industry, your local paper isn't going anywhere. Today, newspaper strength drawing readers and potential consumers for businesses placing advertisements still makes the medium a cost-effective marketing tool.

According to the Newspaper Association of America (NAA):

• Nearly 50 percent of adults read a newspaper every day

• Average Sunday adult readership is 54 percent

• Daily newspapers are read by 67 percent of adults Monday through Friday

• Studies show people pick up newspapers seeking local products and services

• Since newspapers use themed sections, unique demographic targeting is available

• Newspapers remain the number one source for coupon marketing

• Newspapers remain the number one source for automotive marketing

• Today, most newspapers operate accompanying websites adding greater advertising value

Now, if you're convinced newspaper advertising is something you need to explore, the first thing to do is actually pick up your local paper for a few editions. Check out the ads that catch your eye, because this aspect of an ad is something you'll want to incorporate into your own. Ask yourself "Why has this particular advert caught my eye?"

"The Headline Is The Key..."

If you have a local paper nearby, take a look at the classifieds section. What do you notice? Do they all look alike? Do any stand out? If so why do they stand out? These questions should educate you to understanding what makes an eye catching advert. Try to make your advert incorporate the things that you notice...

Request a media kit, or at least a rate card, from your local newspaper so you can get an idea about what costs are associated with what type and size ads are available. Sure there is a lot of self-education necessary to become an informed advertising consumer.

Don't fret - find out about great methods to use when advertising in newspapers on the AdSense-On-Demand training course, designed to teach you all you need to know about successfully promoting your business in a variety of media.

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Everyone Can Save The Planet

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Why you Absolutely Must Take Control of Your Subconscious for Permanent Weight loss

From the moment of birth your first emotional experiences establish your subconscious perceptions of the world. There is not a moment of the day or night that you are not affected by your emotions. More often than not it is your programmed emotional states, not logic that control your behavior. Therefore in order to apply the process of Burris MIND/FITNESS you must first understand how your subconscious mind works.

Your subconscious mind flawlessly records everything you have ever seen, felt, smelled, heard, or tasted. Unfortunately it is not capable of interpreting the true meaning of the information it records. It simply takes the information it accumulates, and organizes it into individual programs that determine how you will respond to recurring circumstances in your daily life. Once your subconscious mind has taken certain information and formed it into a program, it will devote its considerable power to the continuation of that program behavior or habit, regardless of the consequences.

Your subconscious programming can be useful. This is what allows you to do things automatically like drive a car, type a letter, or use a computer. If the subconscious did not store this information for you in the form of a program, you would not be able to do these things automatically. The disadvantage to this is that there are some subconscious programs that simply do not work.

At some point in your life you may have been programmed to eat poorly or to respond poorly to a certain situation or to link pleasure to things like smoking, drugs or alcohol. The dilemma later in life is how to change the behaviors that do not work for you.

The bottom line is that there are two subconscious components that activate an emotional state, which in turn determines your behavior.

1) You must talk to yourself which usually begins with a question and

2) By asking yourself a question your subconscious mind will always give you an answer, which in turn produces a correlating picture.

It is from this subconscious picture that your emotional state is determined and in turn determines your behavior. A good example of this process is when a person is overweight; they constantly ask themselves negative questions like: “Why am I so fat?” or “How did I get so fat?” or “Why can’t I lose this weight???”

By asking yourself these types of negative questions, your subconscious mind will produce negative answers such as: You are fat because you overeat or you overeat because you are stressed and for each of these negative answers the subconscious mind will produce a correlating picture of you as a fat person.

The mind now interprets these subconscious pictures, as how you should look, and devotes its tremendous power toward maintaining this body image. So you see, every time you ask yourself a question there is a correlating subconscious picture, which determines your emotional response. Through the process of Burris MIND/FITNESS you will learn how to Recognize, Access and Change these two subconscious components.

Unlike your conscious mind, your subconscious mind is always active, it never sleeps. An example of this is when you ask yourself the question: What is that person’s name? For the life of you, you cannot think of their name and then maybe an hour or two later or even the next day their picture and name pop into your mind. The reason for this is your subconscious mind was continuously working on the name, even though you had consciously given up.

If the subconscious does not already have a stored answer for a question, it will search through all of its available information until it formulates one. This is why you need to ask yourself any question you think may move you toward your weight goal because the subconscious will always find an answer.

It is estimated that your subconscious mind generates over 60 thousand thoughts per day. We refer to this thought process as talking to ourselves. The reason your subconscious mind is capable of generating over 60 thousand thoughts per day is because your inner voice continuously speaks to you at a rate of one thousand to twelve hundred words per minute. You can only speak however at about two to three hundred words per minute. This means your inner voice runs at a rate of about four times faster than you can speak and produces a correlating picture for each of these thoughts. In other words if your mind was the world, your conscious mind might take up the space of LA or New York but your subconscious mind would take up the space and activity of the rest of the world.

Regardless of weather your goal is a change in diet for weight loss, an increase in your fitness program or to take control of an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. In the end the question you need to ask yourself isÂ…Am I completely happy with the mind running itself or do I need to take control of it? If your answer is I need to take control of it, then Burris MIND/FITNESS is the answer.

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What is your attitude towards your work?

What is your attitude towards your work?
The position you take just might mean the difference between fulfillment and misery!

This is the sixth article in a ten-part series, based on Craig Nathanson's trademark "Ten P" model for vocational happiness.

By Craig Nathanson
The Vocational Coach™

What is your attitude towards your work?

This is not a trivial question. On a recent trip to teach and speak
in Russia I discovered that one's culture can influence one's position or
attitude about their work. For example, in Russia, the pairing of work and joy doesn't compute. The general feeling there is that one's work is something that must be done whether one likes it or not. In North America, while there is a growing trend to choose more carefully one's work, there still are remarkable similar attitudes about work.

Mid-life is the chance to re-adjust your position about your work

Mid-life is the perfect time to change or even recreate a new attitude about your work.
It's time to discard old non-useful ideas of the past and replace them with more useful ideas.

This is not easy

I should know. Now almost 4 years removed from corporate America, I have had many days and nights wondering what am I doing. Trading a six figure income managing other people in their jobs to now spending my days typing articles like this? Trying to give people new ideas how to discover and do what they love? Spending hour after hour in my private practice discussing with clients the same fears, concerns and yet eager anticipation that I had in recreating one's work life.
This isn't a real job I would think. What am I doing while all those OTHER people commute to their real jobs.

Work and Joy do fit together

Having an attitude about your work that you must not only enjoy but love what you do is not just reserved for the privileged in our society. Sure it may be harder to get started for some but just because we all have different starting lines doesn't mean we can't join the race to an authentic work life

Are you too comfortable in your job?

Up to age 40 or so, many of us have settled into a comfortable pattern about our work. We don't necessarily love it or even like it, but it pays the bills and helps build our egos.

Mid-life is a time of attitude adjustment

You can live a more authentic life by starting to change your position about your work.
Is what you do JUST a job to retire from? Or do you want to do activities each and every day which you love and never have to stop until you die?
The only people who retire are people who don't love what they do. Are you one of them?
You can live a more authentic life but the changes reside in you. If you don't change your position and direction of your work, then who will?
I am still waiting for the first Human resource benefits package to offer ''Authentic life'' with the 401K program and two weeks vacation but I am not holding my breath!

Will this be hard work??

Changing one's position or attitude about one's work will be the hardest thing you have ever done. You will have to defeat external attitudes about work. These attitudes will come from co-workers, bosses, spouses and mother-in laws. Second you may lack the self confidence to stand up for your new attitude.

It all starts with you

Can you think of someone who you have been around who has a great attitude about their work? How can you try on a similar attitude about your work?

Our beliefs about work may have to go

Many of us have beliefs about work which just don't fit us any longer but we hold on to them like an old familiar coat. Sometimes we forget its hard life we are living and not our fathers or our mother's or our wife or husband.

What can you do now? Ten steps to get started NOW!!

Expect to find happiness in your work if you are prepared to search for it
Delete old patterns of thoughts and attitudes which are no longer useful for your work
Don't expect anyone else to change your attitude for you
Do expect lots of resistance from others
Practice daily a new attitude about your work
Discard as quickly as possible negative thoughts about your work. Instead, change your work!
Take a new position that you will no longer settle for unfullfilling and work without meaning in your life
Create an inner awareness that the second half of your life can be authentic, happier and more satisfying
Smile and laugh more in mid-age! Negativity gets defeated this way
Expect to discover and do what you love!

Practice a daily consistent attitude which is the same in the morning and at night. You'll feel calmer about yourself as a result

More fruit on your cereal

Now over forty, You may have adopted a new diet, a new exercise schedule and maybe your relationships are improving and you might even be sleeping better. What possibly can be even better then this?
Well, recreating a new attitude or position about your work will be like adding fruit on your cereal in the morning. It will put a smile on your face and a bounce to your step.
In mid-life, this might just be what we need the most!

Craig Nathanson is the author of P Is For Perfect: Your Perfect Vocational Day and a coaching expert who works with people in mid-life. Craig's systematic approach, the trademark "Ten P" model, helps people break free and move toward the work they love. Visit Craig's online community at www.thevocationalcoach.com where you can sign for a class, private coaching, or group coaching. Or, you may read other stories of mid-life change and renewal.

Video Source: Youtube

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