Green Business Saves Millions Of Dollars Through Switching Off Computers

Ford Motor Company is re-establishing its position as a green business by turning off laptops and desktop computers at their offices, which in turn can cut down carbon dioxide emissions by 16,000 tons to 25,000 tons per year.

Using a new program dubbed as PC Power Management, the program centrally controls power settings on Windows laptops and desktop computers to cut down on electricity waste. Power profiles are used on every computer of the company so that the usage patterns are screened and it can be decided when to switch off the computers.

The program has the capacity to turn off computer systems that are not being used –or those that are left overnight or on weekends– to save electricity. Users that are away do not have to worry about unsaved files as the system automatically saves open documents before shutting down.

Ford’s newly installed program also includes the ability to make sure that all computers linked to the Ford intranet will be able to get software installed at off hours so that networks will not be as congested during work hours.

The new system will be implemented by Ford computers users all over the United States for this month. Other Ford users across the world, on the other hand, aim to follow suit later in the year.

According to Ford information technology project supervisor Keith Forte, in the past, around 60 percent of Ford computer users have not turned their PC’s off at the end of the business day, which resulted in lots of wasted energy.

Forte adds that as a result of the new program, interruptions that are caused by software updates will be lessened and PC electricity use will be managed more efficiently.

In one of the studies conducted by Software company IE Inc., they found out that that almost half of all employees who use computers at work do not turn off their computers by the end of the day. This has resulted in wasted power from computers amounting to over $2.8 billion in the United States alone.

Ford is famous for its efforts to become a green business. Their green business endeavours included improving energy efficiency in its United States facilities by almost 35 percent starting in 2000. The green business initiative translates to saving the annual electricity use of more than 150,000 households.

In 2008, Ford improved energy efficiency again, this time by 5 percent, which resulted in savings of around %16 million.

Ford’s efforts at becoming a green business have earned the company the Energy Star Award for the fifth consecutive year, an award bestowed by the Environmental Protection Agency. Energy Star is an international criterion for consumer products’ energy efficiency. It was first a government program created under the Clinton Administration in 1992.

Ford produces and distributes automobiles across six continents. Ford automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo.

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Monitor Your Tire Pressure Even While Driving

In today's economy, everyone wants to save as much money as possible. That includes saving money on gas in our vehicles. One way to do that is by using Pressure Pro's Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). TPMS offers drivers of all types and sizes of vehicles savings, better handling, safety, braking and stability.

Some benefits of using a TPMS from Pressure Pro is safety. The tire pressure monitor constantly monitors your tire pressure on every tire while moving and even while your car is parked. There is also a display that shows you the tire pressure on all tires. If the pressure becomes low on any tire, there is a warning. It actually has two warnings, one that is visible on the monitor and one that tells you. Low tire pressure is a leading cause of accidents. When your tires are properly inflated, you have better handling, braking and stability. Lower tire pressure can cause you to skid or hydroplane easily.

Having a tire pressure monitor also saves you money. Tires that are properly installed can save you money as they last longer, save gas, extend tread on tires and reduces blowouts. The tire pressure monitor is easy to install and doesn't require tools. It has been shown that the tire pressure monitor can save tread life on your tires up to 35%. The Department of Transportation conducted a study and found that over 2 billion gallons of fuel are wasted every year to low tire pressure.

Keeping your tires properly inflated also helps save the environment. With people keeping their tires longer, there are less resources used in producing new tires. It also cuts down on used tires in landfill, which cannot be broken down and just sit there taking up space. The tire pressure monitor keeps your tires properly inflated and cuts down on the debris on the side of the road, where someone has had a blowout. Rubber particles also fill the air with particles that make it harder to breathe. TPMS also makes sure that your tires are at the correct pressure, ensuring that the tread doesn't wear improperly. Everyone having properly inflated tires also cuts down on the number of accidents, making driving safer.

Installation of the PressurePro system is takes minutes and is very easy and they even provide you with an installation videos to make your install simple possible.

A blow-out on your vehicle can often have fatal consequences. The PressurePro takes the pressure off your driving, making your trip more enjoyable and worry free!

Copyright (c) 2010 Roy Reyer

The Use Of A Gazebo Replacement Cover To Protect It From The Elements

Gazebos are a wonderful oasis built in the garden or lawn to provide protection from the weather when you want to spend some time with nature, especially during the summer time when the sun it at its strongest. Gazebos are built of many different types of materials and are usually left outside year round, however there is a variety of maintenance that you must conduct every year and/or season and one of them is providing a gazebo replacement cover.

The Use of Gazebo Replacement Covers

Depending on the types of material your gazebo is made from, your gazebo replacement cover will provide a protective shield. If your gazebo is made of metal, iron, aluminum or wrought iron (all of which are very popular choices), the roof of the gazebo will tend to get very hot during the summer time and you will require a gazebo replacement cover in order to keep your gazebo cool and breezy.

If your gazebo is made out of vinyl and you leave it outdoors year round because you don’t have extreme cold weather, the roof will suffer the most beating due to the weather such as, rain and sun and you may have to provide it with a gazebo replacement cover to protect and even replace it when needed.

Shopping For Gazebo Replacement Covers

Designated shops for gazebo parts and repairs will be the best choice to shop for a gazebo replacement cover but if you cannot find one close to you, the Internet is yet another great source which will provide you will a large variety and choice. In order to buy the right gazebo replacement cover for your gazebo you need to know the size of your gazebo as they usually come in standard sizes for the different shapes and sizes of gazebos.

Helpful Tip

Proper maintenance will ensure that you use your gazebo for as long as you want irrelevant from what material t is made of. All types all materials have wear and tear whether it is iron or cement and if you neglect to repair and maintain it in time it will deteriorate and eventually it will need replacement.

To always enjoy a great time outdoors ensure that you have a proper gazebo replacement cover and that you take care of your gazebo as much as it takes care of you and it will always be there for you for parties, brunches, a quiet afternoon reading a magazine or why not, enjoying a private spa.

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The 7 disadvantages of being vegetarian.

Summary:
Why do some people choose to not eat meat?
Is there some health related benefits or is it just hot air? Learn the facts and discover the true benefits and disadvantages of being vegetarian.

1) You have to vacuum and clean more around the house.
Being a vegetarian gives you more energy. This means that you can't stay on the couch while the wifey cleans the house. You can't use your excessive weight as an excuse anymore.

2) You have to use more money on gifts and other unimportant stuff
Since being a vegetarian is a lot cheaper than being meat-eater you suddenly have a lot more money. Now you have to spend a lot of time buying gifts for yourself and the family. A huge disadvantage. Think about all the HBO shows you'll be missing out on.

3) You'll have to work a lot more
Vegetarians don't get sick as often as non-vegetarians. This means more workdays for you.
Your immune system will improve greatly and on top of that you even get more energy. Not only is there more work days but your work will actually improve. You really need to love your job if this doesn't scare you off. Go eat some more meat and cut down on those greens. NOW!

4) You will spend much more time playing with the kids
People who eat lots of meat have 50% chance of dying of a heart related disease.
If you vegetarian this will go down to as little as 4%. No heart failures mean more a active life.
You'll have no excuse for sitting down all the time. Now you actually have to get up and play with the kids.

5) You'll have to please the wife more in the bedroom and watch less TV
Being excessive meat eater comes with the joy of impotence. Don't you just hate it when she wants some bedtime fun and you're watching the news? This is a major disadvantage to being a vegetarian. You can't use impotence as an excuse anymore.

6) You'll help save the environment and the earth
Real men don't care about the environment. As a vegetarian you'll actually be better for the environment than your neighbor. Don't fall in to this trap. Ice age and global warming is just a hoax created by the government. Eat a cow and show them who's the boss.

7) You could end up in a situation where you'd have to donate a kidney
Keep eating meat and you'll never have this problem. As a vegetarian your body will be in shape. And maybe someday a loved one will come and claim one of your healthy kidneys. It's way better to experience kidney failure at some point than to share your beloved organs with other.

Round up:
As we learned here, being vegetarian comes with some disadvantages. But in reality these are not hard to live with. If you are curios and want to know more about being vegetarian I encourage you to visit my website.

Video Source: Youtube

Alien Technology and Saving the Environment - Paul Hellyer

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Alien Technology and Saving the Environment - Paul Hellyer

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Online Court Reporting Education: Typical Pre-Requisites And Curriculum

Court reporting is the process of transcribing the spoken word during court hearings, official proceedings and live events. The field itself is quiet steady in its growth, growing with the national average (according to the bureau of labor statistics) and the work itself is now supported with technology which reduces time and effort and improves results. This does not mean that the court reporter is becoming less important; on the contrary, court reporters trained in the latest transcription techniques and possessing the required knowledge base on a variety of subjects, are needed now more than ever as the judicial system and media industry (which requires a large amount of transcription work as well) grow larger.

Online court reporting schools are either accredited or non-accredited institutions which offer students the opportunity to receive the technical training and education necessary to pre-qualify them for certification. Education and training traditionally takes from two to two and a half years to complete, however, with a self paced study, especially through online court reporting schools which offer the full range of training courses online, this education, especially at the associate level, can be completed in a little over a year. Self paced study gives prospective students the time they need for their jobs and family and social lives while studying when it suits their busy schedules best. Most courses are blended i.e. they are offered in a combination of both traditional and online teaching classrooms and workshops.

Online / blended Teaching Methodology

Typically, lectures are pre-recorded and delivered in the format of PowerPoint presentations, webcasts, video clips etc while 'live' transcription exercises are conducted over the internet as well as in periodic sessions conducted in traditional classroom environments. The exact methodology differs from institution to institution and prospective students should look up several good online court reporting schools to find their 'best fit'.

There are several online courses available that offer everything from simple certification in transcription skills to Associates and Bachelor's degrees which cover comprehensive subject areas in paralegal studies. Although a full degree is generally not required, it is preferred as it especially prepares reporters for the courtroom by improving their knowledge base and proficiency.

Online Court reporting education: General Objectives

The primary objectives of online court reporting courses include training students in transcription techniques (the use of stenographs, short-hand, computer aided real-time transcription and the use of modern tools) as well as educating prospective reporters in subject matter that they are relevant to the courtroom e.g. terminology, legal issues and language etc (discussed below).

Text-books and Equipment generally required

Many institutions require that students provide their own stenograph machines however some institutions make such machines available for blended / classroom courses for internal testing and training.

There is generally an online knowledge resource available for students to access in order to read / save information related to courses (including reading and training material as well as referencing material and practice tests & exercises).

Equipment requirements for training

Stenograph machine (Stentura 400SRT, Stentura 200SRT or 400SRT, or other comparable real-time capable writing machine).

A good computer (Desktop or laptop) with the following accessories and software;

- The Windows XP or Vista operating system is usually required to run CAT software
- MP3 player / converter software as well as Office Tools (Word, PowerPoint and Adobe Raeder)
- CD-RW drive, USB ports and Head-Set
- Fast internet connection (Cable / DSL)

Subjects on which typical courses are offered and for which a variety of textbooks may be recommended;

- Medical terminology
- Legal terminology
- Court procedures and Judicial reporting
- Transcription
- Language and Grammar
- Stenography
- Short-hand
- Voice writing
- Broadcast Captioning
- CART and CAT Systems

References:

Wikipedia[dot]org
CourtReportingFAQs[dot]com
TextStreamInstitute[dot]com/realtime[dot]html
Education-Portal[dot]com/articles/Associate_of_Offical_Court_Reporter%3A_Degree_Overview[dot]html
NationalCourtReportingInstitute[dot]com/fees[dot]htm
nvra[dot]org
ncraonline[dot]org

Resource Area:

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Copyright 2009 - All rights reserved by Media Positive Communications, Inc.

Notice: Publishers are free to use this article on an ezine or website provided the article is reprinted in its entirety, including copyright and disclaimer, and ALL links remain intact and active.

http://www.schoolsgalore.com/categories/3/court_reporting_schools.html

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Identifying The Adverse Environmental Impact Of Refrigerant Properties

There are over 100 types of refrigerants, aside from water, which are used in many applications and processes in various types of industries. Refrigerant properties are primarily very useful in the cooling and refrigeration processes. However, refrigerant properties like HCFCs and CFCs can severely damage the environment as it depletes the ozone layer.

In designing any air conditioning, cooling or refrigeration system, four refrigerant properties are usually considered. Cost effectiveness and operational efficiency are high on the list, along with low toxicity and flammability. There are industry standards and tests to document efficiency and safety levels for these factors.

Refrigerant properties are of particular concern to environmental government agencies worldwide because some of the chemical substances used in certain types of refrigerants lead to ozone depletion or have a high global warming potential. The U.S. Major global treaties which imply regulation refrigerant emissions from systems include the Montreal Protocol and the Clean Air Act.

Some of the refrigerant properties which cause harmful effects to the environment include chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons. The gases remain in the atmosphere for hundreds of years, thus depleting the ozone layer that protects the earth from the sun's harmful rays. If no serious action will be taken, climate change results from increased global warming due to greenhouse gases.

There are various classes of refrigerant properties. Refrigerants with toxicity levels below 400ppm are Class B, while those without toxicity levels below or equal to 400ppm in volume are Class A. In addition, numerical designations, ranging from Class 1 to Class 3, indicate flame propagation, with Class 3 being refrigerants that are highly flammable.

Among the refrigerant properties being considered to replace chemicals that are harmful to the environment include ammonia, carbon dioxide, propane and HFC32. However, these alternatives bring additional concerns. Ammonia is considered the preferred refrigerant because there are no global warming concerns. Since it is toxic and combustible, its use is best for certain controlled applications, such as commercial or large facility use.

While carbon dioxide has no safety concerns, the need to use more electricity would negate any global warming reduction. Propane, under consideration as an alternative in refrigerators, is risky because it is very combustible. HFC32 is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon that is efficient and has no global warming impact. However, it could be combustible under certain conditions, so additional safety measures are needed.

Tracking and reporting of refrigerant properties are required under global government treaties to gain a better understanding of how extensive the use of harmful refrigerants are and to measure the amount of dangerous substances released into the air during a refrigerant leak. This will enable scientists to better formulate the extent and impact of global warming and ozone depletion in coming years and devise additional prevention methods.

How to avoid accidents at work

Nobody wants to become injured or hurt at work or at home, but the fact is that accidents can happen anywhere and to anyone. So how can you avoid yourself, or others becoming injured? The truth is you can't. People who become victims of accidents can fall in to two categories: Those who cause the accident and those who suffer from the accidents. By reducing the risk of any possible accidents and taking responsible steps for your actions, this will help limit injures incurred by yourself and others.



What can you do that will reduce your chances of becoming injured at work for example?



1. Take responsibility for your own health and safety - leaving this up to someone else is foolish as you are the only one who is continuously aware of your own actions.

2. Try and avoid wearing loose clothing or jewellery if operating machinery - this is something that you may have been taught at school and is a good thing to practice as it could result in avoiding a fatal accident.

3. In conjunction with your employer ensure that you get all of the correct training that you need to safely complete your job - a lot of companies do provide in house training and explain the health and safety policies that must be followed at all times.

4. Take sufficient steps to avoid putting other people, as well as yourself at risk by what you do or don't do whilst working - It is a good idea to always thing about any possible implications that might occur when undertaking a job.

5. Keep long hair tied back and out of the way - this not only applies to people working with machinery but food as well, as this will reduce the risk of food becoming contaminated with your hair.

6. Inform your employer if you have injured yourself or have something that might prevent you from doing your job properly - this may be a back injury that you have picked up whilst sneezing in the shower or you may have become pregnant so it is advisable to let your employer know as soon as possible.

7. Detail any injuries, illnesses or strains that you might have incurred to your employer as soon as they happen - this will help highlight any problem areas that will need to be re-accessed as to prevent them happening again in the future.

8. Do not interfere with anything that has been provided for your health and safety - by incorrectly using the equipment you don't allow yourself to be properly protected.

9. Refrain from misusing the equipment in the correct manor - it is important to use the tools and equipment only as instructed or this can increase you chance of an injury.

10. Inform your employer if you are required to take any medication that could prevent you from doing your job correctly - this is common when using heavy machinery as using such things under medication will put you and those around you at risk of an accident.



These basic advice tips will help you reduce the amount of possible injuries that could occur in your work place. People today will not think twice of applying for a Accident Injury Claim against if you become negligent toward their safety. There are many more ways to avoid accidents, but with all advice you are the one that needs to make sure that you behave and work responsibly with the safety of yourself and those around you in mind at all times. By following these simple steps then you will be able to reduce the risk of Accident Compensation Claims.



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This article was written on behalf of Claims for you who are able to help you with Accident Compensation Claims and can help with any Accident Injury Claim .

Defensive Driving Quiz Free Interrelated Guide

I am sure your quest for defensive driving quiz has come to an end as you read this article. Yes, gone are those days when we have to search endlessly for defensive driving quiz information or other such information like dmv approved traffic school, Florida defensive driving schools, council course defensive driving national safety or even dmv approved traffic school. Even without articles such as this, with the Internet all you have to do is log on and use any of the search engines to find the defensive driving quiz information you need.

If you aren't sure you will complete an online defensive driving course after you've started it, you may have to forget about your money as well. Many online schools have a no refund policy on classes once they are started, but on the bright side, you did sign up for a cheap defensive driving course.

Attending defensive driving school is a great way to brush up on the skills to operate a motor vehicle with advanced techniques to avoid a potential accident or a situation where one could possibly occur.

The course itself is based on defensive driving. There are statistics, animations, driving examples, videos showing the difference in signs, traffic lights and more. The course is complete when the final exam is taken.

As detailed as this article is, don't forget that you can find more information about defensive driving quiz or any such information from any of the search engines out there such as MSN.com. Commit yourself to finding specific information therein about defensive driving quiz and you will.

A number of defensive driving training schools are located throughout the country. Most schools service all courts within their states. Some schools provide courses on weekends and evenings.

When you are driving defensively you are careful to ensure that other drivers do not have to brake or maneuver to avoid you, you do not assume that other drivers will see and avoid you, and you only proceed when you are sure that there will not be any conflict.

The best defensive driving courses give you specifics on how to stay out of accidents and improve your safety while driving. They will give you tips on little things which can make a big difference in your safety, like how keeping your tires properly inflated will optimize your car's performance. They will instill in you the habit of regularly checking your mirrors, directional, headlamps and brake lights, and windshield wipers to determine if they are working properly.

Many people looking for information about defensive driving quiz also looked online for defensive driving schools Houston, dmv defensive driving course, and even take defensive driving courses.

So here is chance to get your free tips on Defensive Driving Quiz and in addition to that get basic information on saving money visit Quiz Defensive Driving

Good communication and team work

People cannot not communicate... the fact is that the way one communicates reflects one's innermost self, one's skills, one's confidence.



The ability to communicate:

Has a direct bearing on one's friendships, promotion, pay raises, responsibilities, career paths.

It directly affects the level of support and help one receives from others. This is where good communication and team work go hand-in-hand.

Determines how well one gathers and gives information, ideas and feelings.

It decides how well one solves their problems, makes decisions, reach agreements and resolve disagreements.



70% of mistakes at the workplace are a direct result of poor communications.



The communication impact:

7% Verbal

38% Tone of Voice

55% Body Language

... These abovementioned aspects help the receiver interpret and understand the meaning of what is being communicated in a team and otherwise.



The way one begins to transfer their message determines the outcome of the communication process



Thus, one needs to prepare, think carefully how, when and where to deliver. Given here are important pointers to keep in mind to understand what effective communications is all about, especially when team workings come into play...



The way a message is delivered always affects the way it is received.

How one says something is more important than what one actually says.

The real communication is the message received and not the message intended to be delivered.

Find out how important it is to the other person, how much they already know and what their previous experience was.



Communication is a two-way lane - There is giving and receiving.



Good and free communication in a team or between two people is therapeutic.



The barriers that occur in communicating with others:



Obstacles within the self: One tends to screen information and messages, thereby limiting one's understanding and communication ability.

Self beliefs, mindsets, etc., that limit one from seeing the larger picture of life.

People do not talk to each other, but to the images they have about each other.

Physical barriers like noise, etc., make concentration on what is being communicated rather difficult.

The compatibility between the communicators tend to make it uncomfortable, awkward to communicate.

Tendency to evaluate and judge - approve or disapprove other's statement.



Gateways to effective team communications:



Listening with understanding.

One needs to empathize with the speaker.

Aim to achieve the speakers his frame of reference in regard to what he/she is speaking about.



Good communication skills is required to grow in any business or profession. If you want to improve your communication skills you need to read more of inspirational books or short stories on communication.

National Origin Discrimination, Labor Law, and Employment Law in Hawaii: Employers Increasingly Facing Litigation over English-Only Rules as More Complaints are Filed with the EEOC

National Origin Discrimination, Labor Law, and Employment Law in Hawaii: Employers Increasingly Facing 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.

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. Many of these claims arise from employers promulgating English-Only policies. In the EEOC’s view only the most limited policies do not violate Title VII.

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:

http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/national-origin.html#VC.

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