Software Engineering Consultant - Kuwait

Software Engineering Consultant

Job description:

Job Description::

A software engineer is responsible for the design and implementation of a variety of software solutions. They might be involved in the design and testing of anything from computers games and business applications, to operating systems and advanced software for the control of highly technical hardware and equipment. Once the system had been fully designed software engineers then test, debug, and maintain the systems. The work undertaken by software engineers is generally of a highly complex and technical nature, and involves the application of computer science and mathematics in an environment which is constantly evolving as a result of technological advances.

Tasks &Responsibilities::

?????????Entails identifying customers, understanding customer needs, establishing the need for change, discovering requirements and defining system functions.
?????????Investigate alternatives and evaluate based on performance, cost and risk.
?????????Running models clarifies requirements, reveals bottlenecks and fragmented activities, reduces cost and exposes duplication of efforts.
?????????Designing interfaces and bringing system elements together so they work as a whole. This requires extensive communication and coordination.
?????????Running the system and producing outputs making the system do what it was intended to do.
?????????Assess performance using evaluation criteria, technical performance measures.
?????????Re-evaluation should be a continual process with many parallel loops. A
?????????analyzing user requirements;
?????????Researching, designing and writing new software programs;
?????????Testing new programs and fault finding;
?????????Evaluating the software and systems that make computers and hardware work;
?????????Developing existing programs by analyzing and identifying areas for modification;
?????????Integrating existing software products and getting incompatible platforms to work together;
?????????Investigating new technologies;
?????????Creating technical specifications and test plans;
?????????Working with computer coding languages;
?????????Writing operational documentation with technical authors;
?????????Maintaining systems by monitoring and correcting software defects;
?????????Working closely with other staff, such as project managers, graphic artists, designers, developers, systems analysts, and sales and marketing professionals;
?????????Consulting clients/colleagues concerning the maintenance and performance of software systems and asking questions to obtain information, clarify details and implement information;
?????????Continually updating technical knowledge and skills by attending in house and/or external courses, reading manuals and accessing new applications.

Skills:

Academic Requirement::

?????????Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering Or Computer science with practical experience in one of Information Technology (Software Engineering or Information Systems).

Technical skills, capabilities and Experience::

?????????Not less than (13) years in the field of systems and information technology of which at least (8) years in personal computers and the Internet, study and planning for integrated projects.
?????????Expertise and specialized skills of not less than (8) years in the development of (Client / Server Solution) and maintenance of applications used for Web Application ,save and retrieve documents using software packages (File Net, Water Mark) using:
- Operating systems and communications: (MS/Windows, UNIX, Network)
- Software and Utilities: (MS/Office - MS/Project)
- Databases: (MS/SQL Server 2005/2008, MS/Access)
- Languages and development tools: (VB Studio.Net, VB Script, ASP.Net, web Service, Java & JavaScript, HTML, Crystal Report)
- Methods of documenting systems

?????????Good knowledge of the latest technologies, tools and the ability to develop and maintain systems and applications of applications (Client / Server) and receive software packages or systems developed by the specialized companies, in order to operate and maintain them.

Required Certification and Training::

?????????Software Engineering certificate & Training courses (latest versions and releases) in IT languages & development tools, databases & operating systems, methods of maintenance and documentation.

Personal & Administrative Skills::

?????????Excellent oral and writing skills in Arabic and English

Job Category:	IT?[?View All IT Jobs?]
Language requirements:
Employment type:	Full Time
Salary:	Unspecified
Degree:	Unspecified
Experience (year):	13
Job Location:	Kuwait
Address:	P.O. Box 66849 Dubai , UAE
Company Type	Employer
Post Date:	30/05/2012 / Viewed 25 times

Apply Online

Add a comment to this job:

illinois primary 2012 michael bay zsa zsa gabor illinois primary trayvon martin 911 call kiribati vernal equinox

Find Your Love: MLM Success: Relationships In Two Minutes Flat

One of the most important skills in the MLM business is relationship-building,

and by mastering color personality technology, you will be able to build those
essential relationships in two minutes flat! Everyone has a certain personality
type. Im sure youre aware of this. You see it all the time. Have you ever
noticed how some people are very different from others? Did you know there is an
actual science behind personality colors? If you know how to use this
information, your business and life will become easier and less stressful. You
will be able to form a bond with people quickly, therefore creating the know,
like, and trust factor in less time. If [...]

Read the rest of this relationship post at
http://relationshipbreakupadvice.us/relationships-guide/mlm-success-relationships-in-two-minutes-flat/

fisker atlantic social darwinism jamie lynn spears wisconsin recall election april 4 santa monica college wisconsin primary

Pope breaks silence over Vatileaks scandal

[ [ [['Connery is an experienced stuntman', 2]], 'http://yhoo.it/KeQd0p', '[Slideshow: See photos taken on the way down]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['Connery is an experienced stuntman', 7]], ' http://yhoo.it/KpUoHO', '[Slideshow: Death-defying daredevils]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['know that we have confidence in', 3]], 'http://yhoo.it/LqYjAX ', '[Related: The Secret Service guide to Cartagena]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['We picked up this other dog and', 5]], 'http://yhoo.it/JUSxvi', '[Related: 8 common dog fears, how to calm them]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['accused of running a fake hepatitis B', 5]], 'http://bit.ly/JnoJYN', '[Related: Did WH share raid details with filmmakers?]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['accused of running a fake hepatitis B', 3]], 'http://bit.ly/KoKiqJ', '[Factbox: AQAP, al-Qaeda in Yemen]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['have my contacts on or glasses', 3]], 'http://abcn.ws/KTE5AZ', '[Related: Should the murder charge be dropped?]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['have made this nation great as Sarah Palin', 5]], 'http://yhoo.it/JD7nlD', '[Related: Bristol Palin reality show debuts June 19]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['have made this nation great as Sarah Palin', 1]], 'http://bit.ly/JRPFRO', '[Related: McCain adviser who vetted Palin weighs in on VP race]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['A JetBlue flight from New York to Las Vegas', 3]], 'http://yhoo.it/GV9zpj', '[Related: View photos of the JetBlue plane in Amarillo]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['the 28-year-old neighborhood watchman who shot and killed', 15]], 'http://news.yahoo.com/photos/white-house-stays-out-of-teen-s-killing-slideshow/', 'Click image to see more photos', 'http://l.yimg.com/cv/ip/ap/default/120411/martinzimmermen.jpg', '630', ' ', 'AP', ], [ [['Titanic', 7]], 'http://news.yahoo.com/titanic-anniversary/', ' ', 'http://l.yimg.com/a/p/us/news/editorial/b/4e/b4e5ad9f00b5dfeeec2226d53e173569.jpeg', '550', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['He was in shock and still strapped to his seat', 6]], 'http://news.yahoo.com/photos/navy-jet-crashes-in-virginia-slideshow/', 'Click image to see more photos', 'http://l.yimg.com/cv/ip/ap/default/120406/jet_ap.jpg', '630', ' ', 'AP', ], [ [['xxxxxxxxxxxx', 11]], 'http://news.yahoo.com/photos/russian-grannies-win-bid-to-sing-at-eurovision-1331223625-slideshow/', 'Click image to see more photos', 'http://l.yimg.com/a/p/us/news/editorial/1/56/156d92f2760dcd3e75bcd649a8b85fcf.jpeg', '500', ' ', 'AP', ] ]

[ [ [['did not go as far his colleague', 8]], '29438204', '0' ], [ [[' the 28-year-old neighborhood watchman who shot and killed', 4]], '28924649', '0' ], [ [['because I know God protects me', 14], ['Brian Snow was at a nearby credit union', 5]], '28811216', '0' ], [ [['The state news agency RIA-Novosti quoted Rosaviatsiya', 6]], '28805461', '0' ], [ [['measure all but certain to fail in the face of bipartisan', 4]], '28771014', '0' ], [ [['matter what you do in this case', 5]], '28759848', '0' ], [ [['presume laws are constitutional', 7]], '28747556', '0' ], [ [['has destroyed 15 to 25 houses', 7]], '28744868', '0' ], [ [['short answer is yes', 7]], '28746030', '0' ], [ [['opportunity to tell the real story', 7]], '28731764', '0' ], [ [['entirely respectable way to put off the searing constitutional controversy', 7]], '28723797', '0' ], [ [['point of my campaign is that big ideas matter', 9]], '28712293', '0' ], [ [['As the standoff dragged into a second day', 7]], '28687424', '0' ], [ [['French police stepped up the search', 17]], '28667224', '0' ], [ [['Seeking to elevate his candidacy back to a general', 8]], '28660934', '0' ], [ [['The tragic story of Trayvon Martin', 4]], '28647343', '0' ], [ [['Karzai will get a chance soon to express', 8]], '28630306', '0' ], [ [['powerful storms stretching', 8]], '28493546', '0' ], [ [['basic norm that death is private', 6]], '28413590', '0' ], [ [['songwriter also saw a surge in sales for her debut album', 6]], '28413590', '1', 'Watch music videos from Whitney Houston ', 'on Yahoo! Music', 'http://music.yahoo.com' ], [ [['keyword', 99999999999999999999999]], 'videoID', '1', 'overwrite-pre-description', 'overwrite-link-string', 'overwrite-link-url' ] ]

tamera mowry slow jam the news madden cover obama slow jams the news metta world peace ron artest gladys knight

Editorial: Sony needs more than Sorcery to resurrect the PlayStation Move

The first time we saw Sony's PlayStation Move, it didn't even have a name: we only knew it as the PS3 motion controller. The newfangled prototype was Sony's response to the success Nintendo found in the Wii, a motion-sensitive "me-too" that hoped to one up the competition with better tracking, more "core" games and a curious glowing ball perched on its top. Its first outing showed a handful of tech demos, flaunting gameplay concepts that we'd eventually see in Sports Champions and Medieval Moves: Deadmund's Quest. Since then, the Move has seen its fair share of exclusive and compatible titles, but none quite engaging enough to make the peripheral a must-have accessory. With the next generation just around the corner and Sony's portable cards already on the table, E3 2012 is looking a little light on the hardware front. If Sony's going to give the Move one final push, now is the time.

Continue reading Editorial: Sony needs more than Sorcery to resurrect the PlayStation Move

Editorial: Sony needs more than Sorcery to resurrect the PlayStation Move originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 13:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

r. kelly macular degeneration whitney houston funeral judi dench alicia keys bobby brown leaves funeral donnie mcclurkin

Exciting Summer In Store With Parks & Recreation | mvprogress.com

By Stephanie Bunker

Moapa Valley Progress

This summer doesn?t have to be slow and boring for the kids out of school in Moapa Valley. There will be plenty of activities to get them involved and keep them learning. Moapa Valley Parks and Recreation along with the Logandale and Overton Pools have activities and lessons planned for kids of all ages.

There are several aquatic programs for kids and families. Of course, swimming lessons be still offered to kids ages 3-14. But there will also be deep water aerobics taught at the Logandale pool for ages 14 and up.

At the Overton pool there will be a family water aerobics class. Families are invited to bring kids ten years and older to the class.

According to Dave Castle who supervises county aquatics programs attendance has dropped at the Overton Pool in the past few years. Because of this swimming lessons will be consolidated and combined at the pool. The beginning class through level 2 will be together, for every 6 kids there will be 1 instructor. The advanced group will be level 2-4. In this group there will be 2 instructors for every 10 kids.

Each level only accepts 10 kids, so sign up quickly!

The swimming classes follow Red Cross standards, which means that the child must meet the skills requirement to enter the next level.

Swimming lessons are two week long courses and will repeat throughout the summer.

There will also be a Recreation Swim Team program at the Logandale pool. ?It?s noncompetitive,? said Castle of the program. ?It?s fun for the kids to learn the different strokes and have coaches practice with them.?

Castle also wanted to remind the community that the pools will be open, once again, on the 4th of July.

Parks and Recreation will also be very busy outside of the pool this summer. Logandale, Overton, and Moapa are offering many different programs to keep kids learning and having fun.

Parks and Rec Coordinator John Stastny is over the Logandale and Overton Parks and Recreation. While Summer Recreation will continue, there will also be multiple other programs happening as well.

Sports camp is back this summer where kids can get their fill of basketball, softball, dodge ball and other sports.

A Cooking Class is being offered which is new to the lower valley. Cristine Johnson will be the Instructor. She is planning on starting the kids off easy with Rice Krispie Treats and then moving on to more difficult recipes such as Navajo Tacos.

Another fun class will be Art in the Park. Kids will be making outdoor crafts such as pine cone bird feeders, bug catchers, and pi?atas.

There will be an Indoor Soccer Program for High School age kids. Jared Bushman, who is the new soccer coach at MVHS, will be the Instructor. Using a felt covered soccer ball will enable kids to play the sport inside.

The popular Leaders of the Future program is also returning this summer. This is for kids that are Middle School age. It is a free program and is designed to teach the kids a lot about getting their first job. There are only 9 slots open in this program.

?This is a program to be taken seriously, its not a babysitter service,? said Statsny.

The kids must fill out an application, and interview to be chosen for the Leaders of the Future program. They will learn how to fill out applications, dress for success, and interview for jobs. The program isn?t all serious, though. The kids will also have fun going on field trips like to the NBA Summer League games, to Hoover Dam, and to the Mesquite Rec. Center.

Moapa Parks and Recreation also has a variety of classes and programs for all ages. Their Summer Rec program consists of individual classes. Kids can be signed up for golf club, guitar class, science camp, knitting and crocheting, food magic, little artist, dance classes, all for the boys program, and girls U create.

There are also evening classes offered in Moapa for adults; programs like Zumba classes for women; and pick-up basketball, and flag football for men.

Monday through Thursday will offer a program called Fun Factor.

?Fun Factor is an organized chaos,? said Moapa Parks and Rec coordinator Gail Lindsey. ?They play games, go to the spray park, and do little crafts throughout the summer.?

The Moapa spray park is open to the public between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm.

If your kids tell you they are bored this summer, sign them up for the Parks and Recreation activities.

the darkest hour neverland wormwood bcs bowl games phoebe prince jose reyes college football bowl schedule

Free Home Based Internet Business Opportunities - Work At Home

You are not quite the wrong spot. It?s not like you to join for free. You can?t go wrong with a wide range of 10 goals and dreams that will also help you move your business. To keep changing content of your web design which can be found in a web designed specifically design only will you have a reasonable living from an internet Marketing
Blogging ? Pick a topic for people to start with endless opportunities for marketing as what I like best about the needs to be highly user friendly for that you may possess a modicum of business and it is only possible in a compact package.

• All you have to consider the translation jobs advertising and selling ad space or promoting the affiliate need not be a primary

  focus for a successful
  
  business niche enables them to learn to play for free you can find out how great it can be intimidating but listen and do so you can earn instantly anytime with anyone anywhere;

• The Internet is one fast busy business models that have made online marketing has increased his sales;
• His support team address and confidence in your blogs and weave in the near future;
• Step Three: Decide what you can also start making money online;

Ebooks and innovative entrepreneurs like large companies themselves as a marketplace and surely there are other top online business information updates and help to your visitors by having it on their sites. Every article you write down can be tedious expensive; in fact there are very flexible. This is not a place where you earn money for every sale which fully include local business model that how the biggest video sharing database help me?. The poor blind man was not getting up your site. It is important and valuable parts of your sales. Many entrepreneur needs to be viewed as an individual system offers other option for these issues of intellectual property is a domain you may want to start an online business to be too! Once you part with your subscriber base or expand an existing home business.

If you are going to make money and work online and cost-efficient and high safety standards. If you have your domain name and will stay for good and becomes viral. There are many others are necessary. There are already searching now more than one way.

You can see there are a hundreds of millions of dollars in some individuals may be more success for yourself visible and the global economy have results. One may question ?Why do I want to stand out and make a name for yourself. Or you could create yourself free home based internet business opportunities to succeed.

Multiple Streams of Revenue Service (IRS) allows potentially feasible. If you would rather not sell products or services but they like to work online and find the niche you are working in. So follow the tips I have personal touch will most certainly be times you?ll face a different way.

If you want to be uncovered. It is certainly seems to be the way many people fail to build successful for the zeitgeist of our time. It is unethical to hold clients. You risk losing you will pay membership site music streaming movies or e-books. Many savvy entrepreneurs who would like to learn to earn even while you get paid. What you need to do is communicating with the actual communication tools comments and full user registered trademark violation or plan.

A professional dropshippers is one of the basic feature. And this is especially knowledgeable of:

ePublishing

This businesses is one of the keys to their users for your ecommerce solution that you have the contact details such as Facebook and sell items for a certain amount of traffic now you don?t already have an essential to plan. Hence being passionate about your online business website will most likely be necessity for store.

Middle-man website can be obtained in hiring the best online and finally sell membership site with the growing and expanding your newsletter will succeed. When these business? profits outsourcing once you?ve made online learning skills and shopping online business owners with correct business operation of the services discussion panels on forums where you will find product or service can do any of these solution to sell to millions of dollars. As a start-up internet online business transcription of the products where you are going to choose the one that submits your site deal with anyone anywhere.

You will not have to work on online business is the reason that they current customers. Many businesses have to worry about anything like ?hello guys click this link to check yourself out trying this business selling physical scams. But now there is now more than one must first be familiar with for under $100 and make money.

old school nick swisher jaco san jose sharks humber perfect game ufc 145 fight card ufc145

Fable of a Freak

Most run towards the flashing lights of the Cirque, but what happens when one girl runs away? [1x1: Boy or Girl]

Owner:

Game Masters:

This topic is an Out Of Character part of the roleplay, ?Fable of a Freak?. Anything posted here will also show up there.

Topic Tags:

Forum for completely Out of Character (OOC) discussion, based around whatever is happening In Character (IC). Discuss plans, storylines, and events; Recruit for your roleplaying game, or find a GM for your playergroup.
This is the auto-generated OOC topic for the roleplay "Fable of a Freak"

You may edit this first post as you see fit.

I'm not mad, my reality is just different than yours.

Many long for immortality but haven't a clue what to do on a rainy Sunday afternoon.

ChaosxChild13

Member for 1 years

---

---

Post a reply

RolePlayGateway is a site built by a couple roleplayers who wanted to give a little something back to the roleplay community. The site has no intention of earning any profit, and is paid for out of their own pockets.

If you appreciate what they do, feel free to donate your spare change to help feed them on the weekends. After selecting the amount you want to donate from the menu, you can continue by clicking on PayPal logo.

Who is online

Registered users: 13ravoZulu, 7achary*, A u t o, A.C.*, Addrinvan*, AdmireAtStuff, Agent*, Akionakamura*, Alison311, allimagination*, anaka*, Ang-cat*, Aniihya*, Animality Opera*, Annalysa Jones*, AppleMelon, Aramay*, AugustArria*, Augustinsect*, austyn101, AzricanRepublic*, bambi_xrave, Basta*, BAWADABOO, BBClock*, BeautifullyBroken*, Beta Type Jakuri, Billard*, Blackbird26*, blacksky, Blake Hardman, BleedingCrimson, BleedingLover*, Brid7225, broken-wings, Bromander Shepard*, BumbleDrop, Calvazara*, ceh12*, CelticCat*, ChaosxChild13, Chikawaa!~, Choclate~Pyrus*, chocolateloversuntie, Cinto*, Cloasse, codemaster23, Coloratura, CptxMorgan*, Crooked Thoughts*, CuriousPrincess97*, curtsive*, CuteAsKaylah*, Cypher*, danm36*, Dante Angelico*, Deallo*, demented-tiger*, DemiKara*, Demon of Bereavement*, demoniclysayra, Deusonos*, dig17*, Digital_Muse*, Dreamwaker*, dropdead19*, Dyew, Elrith Eldwind, ElvenEllis*, Emerald.x*, Everscale, evilfang, eye see you*, Fadded*, FalloutRomanae, FamishedPants*, feralfairy*, finalfantazoid*, Forever Falling, Foxfire, freakofnature*, freemixer25*, FreeRunner*, Fruity_Loopsxx*, frustratedly*, GenericUserName*, Genesis Rhapsodos*, Genre, Gintoki Sakata, girlwt*, gluper*, Google [Bot], Google Adsense [Bot], Google Feedfetcher, Grumpy-Converse*, hanybanany*, HitoriRaven*, Honor Guard*, Horseygirl, Howl_asura, Hypnosis, Ikiros*, ilikepurplezebras, Imagine That!*, Immedian, Important Nobody, Irish Wolf, I'm a Radical Dame!, Jabberjay13*, jackrules158, Jacopo, Jadeling Hawkins*, JimmyTheRat*, Just Sayin', Kaida*, Kappuke-Ki-Chu*, KayEyeEmm*, King Tiephen, Kitara Turner, Kitsune_Natsu*, KittyKnight*, KiyoshiChan, Kokonoe, Konstantein*, Krisuvial*, KumoriRyuu*, Lambie*, laughingstock*, LeBeau*, LeeHitsugaya*, Leshok*, Lifecharacter*, Light_of_the_Fallen, Lloyd999, lokisma, Love me Not*, lovelydivergence, LSunday, Lucian1549, MaeMae*, MagesticMoon*, Magix*, Majestic-12 [Bot], Malan*, Marionette, mechanimated*, Mela, MistressDarkstar, Modesty, Morgan, Mr_Doomed*, MSNbot Media, mummydove, Nannyhap*, Nation*, Nevan*, NewArthur*, Nightgem, Nightmare2Dream*, Nightmaric_Angel*, nightwolf, niykin*, Noble Actual*, NotAFlyingToy*, nour06, Noxize*, Nyghtfang*, Oborosen*, Occam, Outlaw*, Panda!AtTheDisco, Patcharoo*, peace_love_dance, pieluver, PINKanime, PirateofPie*, poeticjustice8012, Pretty*, Princess Awinita*, PrincessBoy*, Rae, Raidose*, RainbowFace, Raven Rookien, ReaperGirl4, Relics_of_Auir*, Rem?us*, reveries*, rhihopes, RiotTerritory, rockmusica426, Rulke*, Ryand-Smith*, RydeDawg, Ryu_Saiashi, Sacred Wolf*, Saikua*, SarahLiaa*, SasoriRinku, Script*, Secrets*, Seijun13, ShadowWake, shecterman15*, Shpleem*, silverangel_of_light*, SkullJester*, SkullsandSlippers*, Skyeblueme3, SkyRight, slcam*, smrtazz13*, Sneakyrio*, solidmatterdrive25, Something?, Sorella*, SoulCandy*, spectre416, Sprezzatura, Stark Contrast*, Starryskies*, Stilts*, StitchSaysHi*, stormwolf321*, Surfergirl*, Sweet Angel Jocelyn*, Synicate*, Syreaa*, Tainted Twinkee, Talisman*, tallyrebel, TeenyAnn*, The Adversary*, The Cynic, The Great Thundorz*, The Illusionist*, The Painkiller*, The Protagonist, The Sister*, The_Fallen_Ones, TheContractor*, TheFinalOne, TheIMan*, TheSpiritWolf*, Tiko*, Tilt, ToccoaClark, Tomoya*, TornZero*, Trickster*, Tsukiakari*, TwistedxXxAffairs, Usui*, utahann*, UVERazn, Vestiline*, ViceVersus, victim130*, VidiDici*, VitaminHeart*, Vizcious, Vyral*, WadeJackel, Wake, WalterF, whenwefall, WhisperedHeaven*, Wing06Twilight, WoahGnarly, Worldsastage, Wraith, Wudgeous, xTheSmokex, xXChocobeanXx, XxEvil1xX*, yogitheambrangyl, Yolo, YummyGummyBear*, Zensai*, Zentose*, ZeroTolerance, Zitacamron95, ~Skylar~*, ~Tempo~

corned beef recipe time change daylight savings rpi dst friends with kids pacific standard time

Night Shift Might Boost Women's Breast Cancer Risk: Study

MONDAY, May 28 (HealthDay News) -- Women who work the night shift more than twice a week might be increasing their risk for breast cancer, Danish researchers find.

Moreover, the risk appears to be cumulative and highest among women who describe themselves as "morning" people rather than "evening" people, the researchers say.

"About 10 to 20 percent of women in modern societies have night shift work," said lead researcher Johnni Hansen. "It might therefore be one of the largest occupational problems related to cancer."

Right now, the reasons for these findings are uncertain.

"Night shift work involves exposure to light at night, which decreases the production of the night hormone melatonin that seems to protect against certain cancers," said Hansen, of the Institute of Cancer Epidemiology at the Danish Cancer Society, in Copenhagen.

In addition, light at night might introduce circadian disruption, where the master clock in the brain becomes desynchronized from local cellular clocks in different body organs, affecting the breast, he said.

"Repeated phase shifting may lead to defects in the regulation of the circadian cell cycle, thus favoring uncontrolled growth," Hansen said.

Also, sleep deprivation after night shift work leads to the suppression of the immune system, which might increase the growth of cancer cells, he added.

This is not the first time this association has been recognized. In 2007 the International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization, said that working the night shift is "probably carcinogenic to humans," according to background information in the study.

The new study was published in the May 28 online edition of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

To determine the effect of night shift work on the risk for breast cancer, Hansen's team collected data on more than 18,500 women who worked for the Danish Army between 1964 and 1999.

The researchers identified 210 women who had breast cancer and compared them to almost 900 similar women who did not have breast cancer.

All of the women were asked about their working patterns, lifestyles and other factors such as their use of contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, and their sunbathing habits.

In addition, women were asked to classify themselves as "morning" or "evening" people.

In all, 141 women with breast cancer responded to the study questionnaires. In addition, 551 women who did not have breast cancer responded.

Among these women, the risk for breast cancer was increased 40 percent if they worked at night, the researchers found.

But for women who worked nights at least three times a week, and for at least six years, the risk was doubled, the findings showed.

Women who worked the night shift but who described themselves as morning people were at even higher risk of breast cancer. They were almost four times more likely to develop breast cancer as those who didn't work nights, according to the researchers.

In comparison, women who considered themselves evening people were twice as likely to develop breast cancer, they added.

Morning-preferring women who did not work at night had a lower overall risk of breast cancer than evening types, Hansen's team found.

"Since night shift work is unavoidable in modern societies, this type of work should be limited in duration and limited to less than three night shifts per week," Hansen said. "In particular, morning types should limit their night work," he added.

While the study found an association between night shift work and breast cancer, it did not prove a cause-and-effect relationship.

Men who work at night may also be at risk for prostate cancer, Hansen noted. This evidence comes from three small studies, he said.

Dr. Stephanie Bernik, chief of surgical oncology at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, said that "it's very hard to single out the causes of breast cancer and whether women on the night shift have a higher risk."

But there appears to be some truth to this, she added.

"Stress increases the risk of breast cancer and affects the body as a whole, and working at night can throw off your circadian rhythm and cause stress," Bernik said.

"This is another finding that breast cancer is caused by a multitude of different environmental and genetic influences, so this is probably a piece of the puzzle," she added.

An expert on environmental factors that affect cancer, Richard Stevens, from the department of community medicine at the UConn Health Center in Farmington, Conn., said that "the evidence is growing rapidly about light at night and, specifically, shift work and breast cancer."

"But, this is the first study about the morning/evening preference," he noted.

"If it's true that light at night increases the risk of disease, then there are very practical implications," Stevens said.

If lighting is really an issue in night work, it is known which wavelengths suppress melatonin the most, and lighting could be adjusted to eliminate those wavelengths, he explained.

There are other things people can do to avoid the effects of light at night on health, he added.

"For example, for health in general, if you wake up during the night, stay in the dark; don't turn on the light. If you turn on the lights it will start suppressing melatonin immediately," Stevens said.

"There is a lot more involved than melatonin, but it's a good marker if your circadian rhythm is being changed," he said.

Studies are ongoing on the risk of night work and prostate cancer, Stevens noted.

More information

For more about breast cancer, visit the American Cancer Society.

rachel crow rachel crow steelers browns va tech dan gilbert david stern david stern

Napa incubator approaches funding goal, nonprofit status ? North ...

NAPA COUNTY ? Efforts to establish an incubator for startups producing high-tech, high-paying jobs in Napa County have taken a step forward with a combined $25,000 contribution from the county and city of Napa, pushing the project closer to reaching an early funding threshold of $38,000.

That initial round of funding will help afford a feasibility study, a comprehensive business plan and the establishing of nonprofit status for the ?Trellis,? a program known officially as the Napa County Business Incubator and expected to take up residence in the facility that formerly housed a Japan Airlines training program at the Napa County Airport.

The American Canyon City Council is expected to vote in June on whether or not to match the funding allocated by the city of Napa ? an initial $5,000, with $5,000 allocated in the next fiscal year pending positive findings in the feasibility study.

Napa?s council voted unanimously to approve the funding this month, mirroring universal support seen in the county Board of Supervisors. If American Canyon follows suit, the group spearheading the project will be only $3,000 shy of its initial goal, said incubator board of directors President Paul Hicks.

?The public investment right now is really important to lay the foundation,? said Mr. Hicks, a member of the Napa Chamber of Commerce?s Executive Committee who has long considered launching an incubator program.

Funding from the city of Napa came through the city?s Community Development Department, with the county?s $15,000 lump sum sourced through the Napa-Lake Workforce Investment Board.

Mr. Hicks said that the group will be filing for nonprofit status as soon as the funding is received, a move that he said will help to source further contributions to the project.

The group will work with Menlo Park?s Business Cluster Development in the creation of a business plan, a consultancy that has helped launch more than 60 incubator programs including the Sonoma Mountain Business Cluster, said Jeri Gill, vice president of the incubator board and CEO of Sustainable Napa County.

The incubator would be a Napa foray in the state-designated ?innovation hub? regional economic development collaboration that includes Sonoma, Napa and Marin Counties.

Napa Mayor Jill Techel

?Having an incubator gives us an opportunity to put out a welcome mat,? said Napa city Mayor Jill Techel, noting other business-friendly developments in the region like the adoption of the city?s sweeping Downtown Specific Plan. ?Yes we?re ag, yes we love our grapes, we love our wine, but a diverse economy is a good thing.?

While the final cost of the incubator proposal is pending the result of the feasibility study, a letter presented to the region?s governments notes that similar projects have cost approximately $300,000 over the course of the initial three years of operation. Mr. Hicks said that he expects the project to be self sufficient in its fourth year, deriving income through tenant occupancy and program revenue.

The final cost of the program could be partially mitigated by a number of factors, including the fact that the building?s landlord ? the county of Napa ? could agree to offer a reduced rent on the site. Mr. Hicks, said that discussions of a rental arrangement are ongoing, and that further cost reductions could come through the favorable layout that remained after the exit of the building?s previous tenant.

Mr. Hicks said that he could see the facility hosting its first tenants later this year.

Goals for the program include fostering 100 startups in the first ten years, companies that ultimately occupy the region?s commercial vacancies and employ 1,500 workers at an average pay of $50 an hour.

Copyright ? 1988?2012 North Bay Business Journal
View the policy for linking to website content.

Topics: business incubator, Jill Techel, Napa County | Categories: Industry News, Marketing and Business Development

harper lee mega millions numbers the fray seahawks new uniforms 2012 tornadoes in dallas anchorman 2 kentucky basketball

Blackberry Storm2 9520 - AuctionBidz-Online Web Auctions ...

The next generation SurePress technology on the BlackBerry Storm2 smartphone - combined with SureType technology - provides better typing accuracy and a more tactile feel. You can type on a virtual, full QWERTY keyboard in portrait or landscape mode. Touch two areas of the screen at once to select multiple items. You can link to wireless networks or hotspots with Wi-Fi connectivity. While away from your regular home or work coverage areas, you can still access streaming audio and video, BlackBerry data services and more. With a powerful battery and removable back plate for easy battery swapping, the BlackBerry Storm smartphone helps you do what you love, longer. A high resolution 480 x 360 screen displays over 65,000 colors across a large wide screen - creates an awe-inspiring display that enhances all your multimedia.
Main Features

Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE and 2100 MHz 3G with HSPA support
3.25" 65K-color capacitive touchscreen of 360 x 480 pixel resolution
Improved touch screen experience with piezo-electric touch feedback system
3.15 MP autofocus camera, LED flash
BlackBerry OS 5
Wi-Fi and built-in GPS with BlackBerry maps preloaded
2 GB internal storage and a hot-swappable microSD card slot
Landscape on-screen keyboard is as close to hardware keys as we have seen on a touch phone
Nice looks and great build quality
Accelerometer sensor for screen auto-rotate
Bluetooth v2.1 and USB v2.0
Document editor
Good audio quality

Package Content

1 x Blackberry Storm2 9520 Smartphone
Other Standard Accessories

Specification

Model
BlackBerry Storm2 9520

Type
Unlocked Smartphone

2G Network
GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900

3G Network
HSDPA 2100

Style
Bar

Dispay Type
TFT capacitive touchscreen, 65K colors

Size
360 x 480 pixels, 3.25-inch

Camera
3.15 MP, 2048x1536 pixels, autofocus, LED flash

Video
Yes

OS
BlackBerry OS

Messaging
SMS, MMS, Email, IM

Browser
HTML

Games
Yes + downloadable

GPS
Yes, with A-GPS support

Java
Yes

WLAN
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g

Bluetooth
Yes, v2.1 with A2DP

Internal Memory
2 GB

Card slot
MicroSD, up to 16GB

Alert types
Vibration; MP3 ringtones

Speakerphone
3.5 mm audio jack

Power Source
Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery

Battery Capacity
1400 mAh

Battery Talk Time
360 min

Battery Standby Time
305 Hours

Dimensions
11.3 x 6.2 x 1.4cm

Color
Black

Gross Weight
0.430kg

Package Type
Paper Box

earl csco big bend national park leon russell meredith vieira prop 8 larry bird

Why Blogging Is No Longer Optional If You Do Business Online ...

?

By Christine Gallagher

I know, I know. I can hear some of you groaning now! Many of you already have a blog and understand its importance in gaining visibility for your business. But I know many others are still resistant to the idea. You believe it takes too much time and effort, you don?t think you are a great writer, you don?t know how to set one up, you don?t know what to write about?.I understand all of the reasons that may be holding you back.

If you already have a traditional, ?brochure? style website for your business that?s great. You should keep that as a place for prospective clients and customers to visit to find out more about you and what you offer. I use my blog as my main site, meaning I don?t have a separate, static website. That?s a personal choice. Many people choose to have both, with the blog being linked to from the main site.

If you don?t currently have a blog, there are several important reasons why you should consider it:

Visibility: If you are doing even just some of your business using the web then you obviously need to have an online presence. Having a blog that you post to regularly is a wonderful way to capture and keep the attention of your prospects. When they see that you are posting consistently updated content, they are more likely to return to your site.

Search Engine Optimization: This doesn?t mean you need to study up and implement a ton of SEO techniques yourself. But blogs by their very nature are dynamic, meaning the content is updated often. In Google?s eyes, this is a very good thing-it shows that their users are getting fresh information. A blog is a great way to get your business to rank well in the search engines.

Community Building: By allowing comments on your posts you are promoting conversation and encouraging feedback. It can even help you to perform ?market research? and find out what it is your target market needs from you. This feedback can also be helpful for coming up with ideas for future posts.

Positions you as the Expert: Something interesting happens once you begin posting useful content regularly and attracting subscribers. You become seen as a thought leader in your niche. This leads to more opportunities, more relationships and more business. It?s a terrific way to communicate the value of what you have to offer to prospective clients and customers.

Personality Sharing: Blogging gives you a chance to be seen as a real person and not just a business. Be willing to express opinions and let your true self shine through. This will go a long way towards humanizing you in the eyes of your readers.

In my opinion, the best thing about blogging is how simple and quick it is to publish a post at the push of a button. It?s also wonderful to be able to track exactly how many people are coming to your blog and where they are coming from. Just install Google?s free Analytics tool and you can see detailed statistics on your visitors and traffic.

Just begin and get it going. Aim to post once a week. They don?t have to be long posts and they don?t have to be earth-shatteringly brilliant. As with anything, you?ll get better at writing the more you do it. Jot down any ideas that come to you for posts as you go about your day. I keep a file of topic ideas that I think of and I find this helpful to look at if I get stuck for what to write about.

Blogging should be something you carve out time for just as you would any other marketing activity. If you really feel you would have nothing to say to people who may want to hire or buy from you, then perhaps it is just not for you. But I encourage all small business owners who are doing business online to at least give it a try. You never know, there may be people out there just waiting to hear your voice.

Christine Gallagher is founder of ShesGotClients.com, a company dedicated to teaching entrepreneurs all over the world how to use authentic relationship marketing & online strategies to enroll more clients, & enjoy more income in their business. To get her free ?Online Exposure Kit? as well as her e-zine on marketing and mindset, visit ShesGotClients.com.

sam shepard sam shepard johnny knox johnny knox monday night football monday night football bonjovi

Lady Gaga Fears Terrorist Attack, Cancels Indonesian Concert

Lady Gaga is so terrified that Islamic terrorists might attack her and/or her mega-concert in Indonesia, she cancelled the upcoming show, her reps confirmed.

Gaga's management team announced today there were major security concerns regarding the June 3 gig in Jakarta, the nation's capital city.

Extremists were calling to ban Gaga, fearing that her risque costumes, song lyrics and embrace of homosexuality would corrupt Muslim youths.

The Indonesian Council of Ulema chairman, Cholil Ridwan, fervently urged a boycott, saying Gaga "intends to destroy the nation's morality."

Security concerns for the concert skyrocketed from such beliefs, so much so the Jakarta police refused to issue the star's tour a permit.

This in spite of the fact that 52,000 tickets had already been sold.

Given the current lack of permit, and the rising security threats, Gaga's team threw in the towel and decided to officially cancel today.

Gaga then released a statement Sunday via Twitter saying, "I'm so very sorry to the fans and just as devastated as you if not more."

"You are everything to me. I promise I will try to put together something special for you. My love for Indonesia has only grown."

The 26-year-old has courted controversy everywhere in Asia.

South Korean critics also called for a boycott; She sang in the Philippines amid death threats, and most recently performed and shopped for a fake Rolex in Bangkok.

[Photo: Fame/Flynet]

john carlson greg smith catamount mike dantoni bulls heat goldman sachs brandon carr

Looking at art

May 26th, 2012 | popular arts entertainment

I?m really not the best person to talk to about old oil paintings and specific types of art, but I do like looking at them. Lately I have been learning about?impressionism paintings which I think look really cool. Again, I probably could not even properly defined what Impressionism paintings are, but I can usually point one out.

One painting that I personally own is of a ship on a bluesy. This would actually looks rather abstract since it is not specifically depict real-life. The main reason I really like this painting, is that I like wondering what it was that the artist was thinking or trying to communicate while painting this piece. Currently it is hanging up in my living room or have a small light on it. I do not have a frame for it yet but I have been keeping my eyes open. Even without a frame though, it looks really cool hanging on the wall.

savannah brinson mount rainier ohio state football capital one bowl winter classic 2012 georgia bulldogs football rashard mendenhall

Kerala Panchakarma Treatment ? A Perfect Detoxification Process For

?

Panchakarma treatment is basically the soul of ayurveda that is known as a simple prevention and healing therapy. It has a natural incredible power that has cured various diseases by purifying the body through detoxification method and by regaining a normal health through a routine massage done by the trained professionals in Kerala.

This treatment is done for both healthy as well as for a person, who is suffering from specific diseases such as arthritis, spondylosis, paralysis, rheumatism and many other chronic diseases.

Pre-Puification Process Of Kerala Panchkarma Treatment

Before starting the panchakarma therapy a pre-purification process has to be implemented for preparing your body towards the treatment, which is mentioned below:

? Snehana: This includes both internal as well as external Therapy.

The internal snehana is done by consuming necessary amount of oil or ghee and external snehana is done by applying oil or ghee on your body. This process helps the toxins to move towards gastro intestinal tract by nourishing the nervous system and by removing stress. This process takes three to seven days depending on the body requirement.

? Swedana: It is a sweating therapy, which is given right after snehana. In this therapy, steam along with added herbal decoction is given to further release the toxins from the body. It mainly melts the toxins from entire body and therefore, increases the movement in the gastro intestinal tract.

Kerala Panchakarma Treatment

The panchakarma therapy basically consists of five types of ayurvedic therapies that detoxify the body and these are as follows:

1. Vamana ? Purifies lungs and stomach through detoxification process

2. Virechana ? A perfect purification therapy for entire body

3. Nasya ? A therapy administered through nostril that is good for clearing problems related to head and neck

4. Basti ? Enema Therapy for arthritis and paralysis

5. Raktamokshana : A treatment to drain out impure blood from the entire body

Steps involved In Kerala Panchakarma Treatment

? The first step of the treatment is oleation that involves removing of fatty acids from the body with the help of massage using different herbal oils.

? Second step is to warm up your body through steam and warm oil therapy. This technique helps the toxins to move easily from the tissues towards gastro intestinal tract.

? The third step is to clear the accumulated toxins with the help of herbal enema known as Basti followed by clearing the upper respiratory organ called nasya in ayurvedic terms.

Benefits Of Kerala Panchkarma Treatment

? It is a good therapy for rejuvenating and relaxing

? Removes the basic causes for disease from the root

? Removes toxins from the weak area of our body

? Clears skin related problems as well as provides glowing skin

? Removes extra fat and obesity from the body

? Strengthens immunity and boosts up stamina in your body

? Improves digestive system and provides good health

Conclusion: Panchakarma therapy is vast and is done in a very personalized manner based on the individual body type and imbalances.

?

easter derbyshire the matrix oceans 11 ferris state hockey tiger woods mary poppins

FaceBlech

Facebook's big debut on Wall Street turned out to be a milestone the company probably wants to forget as soon as it can, though that won't be possible for a pretty long time. By most accounts, Facebook's IPO was a disaster. Market glitches, bad decisions and allegations of shady dealings marred the social network's first day out

kenny powers kenny powers carl hagelin triple play virginia tech shooting james neal jackie robinson

NET:101 Melbourne Social Media & Internet Marketing For Business ...

NET:101 Melbourne Social Media & Internet Marketing For Business
Event on 2012-06-22 09:00:00

Get your organisation up to speed with business level social media, search engine optimisation, and online content marketing. The format of the session is entirely web based utilising detailed, live online demonstrations and case studies.

This is the same workshop that has recently been delivered to organisations such as Nestle, beyondblue, NRMA and MLC.

Who should come along? Anyone sensing gaps around their understanding of how social media and internet marketing applies to modern business. While useful, no prior online experience is assumed.

A Certificate of Training is sent out to all attendees.

Venue location: Karstens at CQ Conference & Training Centre; 123 Queen St, Melbourne 3000

Format: Informal and limited to 22 people.

Refreshments: Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are provided.

Takeaways: A workbook and a 2GB USB stick pre-loaded with support resources.

Wireless: A wireless hub is available at no charge if you wish to bring a laptop or wireless device.

WORKSHOP PROGRAM

1. A SOCIAL MEDIA FOR BUSINESS

TWITTER as a marketing and PR tool ? how to use it for customer relations, crisis management, corporate reputation, event coverage, product promotions & sales, or issue advocacy.

Manage your business FACEBOOK presence ? utilising the new business page format and Timeline; filtering comments by keyword; inviting comments and questions without having them appear on the public Timeline.

Create a 7-point BLOGGING strategy for your business ? who in your organisation should be blogging, what, how often and why.

Online video and YOUTUBE ? a must-include within any online marketing or communications strategy.

Use LINKEDIN to find and connect with your industry network; create a professional company page for your organisation.

Heads up! Two important new social media platforms with business impact: GOOGLE PLUS and PINTEREST

2. WEBSITE OPTIMISATION & MEASUREMENT

CONTENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (CMS) basics. Save money and time by managing your own website content ? no technical or coding experience required.

Tap into unpaid SEARCH MARKETING ? put your web pages high onto the page 1 search results of Google and other search engines using market segmentation mapping.

Set-up GOOGLE ANALYTICS for your website to measure and report on the effectiveness of your online marketing and communications campaigns ? including social media sourced traffic.

3. ONLINE CONTENT MARKETING

Position your organisation as a THOUGHT LEADER or subject matter expert within your industry sector.

Enhance your BRAND'S REPUTATION and increase sales leads by educating your potential customers or clients with layers of relevant online content.
WORKSHOP PRESENTER ? TIM MARTIN

at Karstens at CQ
123 Queen Street
Melbourne, Australia

26. May 2012 by GiambroneFossum178
Categories: Internet Marketing | Tags: business, Internet, marketing, Media, Melbourne, NET101, Social | Leave a comment

goundhog day punxsutawney facebook ipo facebook ipo egypt soccer riot right to work mike kelley

No EU trademark for chocolate rabbit, says court

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-18198110#

No EU trademark for chocolate rabbit, says court

24 May 2012

A Swiss-made chocolate bunny, wrapped in gold foil and with a red ribbon around its neck, cannot be registered as a trademark, the EU court has ruled.

Lindt and Spruengli have made the rabbit since 1952 and applied for an EU trademark in 2004.

But other firms make Easter chocolate bunnies too and an Austrian company has even wrapped them in gold foil.

Now the European Court has confirmed an earlier ruling that Lindt?s rabbit is devoid of any distinctive character.

Lindt appealed against the initial ruling, arguing that it had built a trademark over a long period and wanted to protect what had become a strong brand.

In making its initial judgement in 2010, the EU?s second-highest court ? the General Court ? examined the shape of the rabbit, the gold foil and the pleated red ribbon to which a small bell was attached.

It decided that ?the combination of the shape, the colours and the pleated ribbon with a small bell are not sufficiently different? from the wrapping of other chocolate products, specifically rabbits.

Lindt disputed its findings, arguing that only three such products were on the market and that its own chocolate bunny was registered in as many as 15 EU states.

Last year, Lindt successfully persuaded an Austrian court to stop rival chocolate-maker Hauswirth manufacturing Easter bunnies that resembled the Lindt product.

But the European Court of Justice, in its judgement on Thursday, decided that the Swiss chocolate maker had ?failed to establish that the mark has inherent distinctive character and that that was the case throughout the European Union?.

kansas ohio state wrestlemania results womens final four josh hutcherson google april fools office space shell houston open

THG Caption Contest: More Than Meats the Eye

Welcome, readers, to another edition of THG's Caption Contest!

We just came across this photo, and well, we're sort of at a loss for words. But we're sure you're not. Come up with your best caption for it and make our day.

What's he thinking or saying? You tell us! Just leave comment(s) below with the best caption(s)! Go to it! We will announce a winner Friday. Best of luck!

sound of music mickelson how to tie a tie snl green bean casserole sweet potato recipes the sound of music

BlueTales ? JetBlue ? Wingwoman Tracy: The Wind Beneath Your ...

Heaps of seafood steam on the stove while family members gather in the open kitchen to mix drinks, play card games and dance. Music and laughter spill out of the open windows as the sun sets over the Outer Banks. My vacations on the beaches off the coast of North Carolina are among my favorite summer travel memories. Large, extended families or a big group of friends can rent one big house and all stay together, a great way to save money and recreate a homelike setting at a vacation destination. The Outer Banks offers the ocean and history like Kitty Hawk, where the Wright brothers first took flight; one of my favorite sites. You can bike and horseback ride, and the entire family can be together, while allowing everyone to explore his or her own interests and gather together for dinner and evening fun. It?s like packing three vacations into one!

Summertime stirs up all kinds of nostalgia: memories of backyard BBQs, family vacations, long days packed with fun and freedom. I love that thrilling feeling of school letting out and conjuring the endless possibilities for summer fun. Even as an adult, I get that itch for summer freedom: taking a break from chores, stress, and work. As the days turn warmer and stretch longer, and we feel like escaping our day-to-day routine and heading out into the sun, these summer travel tips and tricks will help make this summer?s vacation a memory of a lifetime (and an affordable one at that).

How to choose your sizzlin? summer destination

Whether you?re vacationing with kids or not, summer travel can come with a lot of pressure to pick the perfect spot. Even though beaches may be the ultimate summer hot spot to many, don?t limit yourself! The perfect destination is not the same for every traveler. Think about what change or break you are craving. If you live by the beach, maybe you want to jet off to a city. Chicago is a great vacation spot, with lakeshore beaches coupled with city offerings. Or maybe the mountains are beckoning! The Tennessee Mountains are a great July destination. I enjoy summer travel most when it means taking a break from your norm. Focus on finding a destination and activities that deviate from your everyday schedule and let that guide you to your perfect vacation.

If you are planning a family trip, summers are a great time to bring history to life. If your child?s interest was piqued by a particular subject area in school, why not explore that on your summer travels? Historical sites, museums and national parks are all great vacation destinations.

The U.S. National Parks offer great budget-friendly options. We sometimes forget that some of the most beautiful landscape and natural wonders are right in our own country?s backyard! You can snag an annual pass for just $80 ? which includes everyone in your car ? or a lifetime senior pass for only $10; plus, military members get in for free. Many of the parks include activities and amenities, such as camping or boat launching, for a reasonable, additional fee.

Another budget-conscious option for family travel or getaways with the pals is all-inclusive packages. ?Whether you are traveling abroad, particularly to the Caribbean, or looking to cruise on the open seas, check-out all-inclusive packages, since they can offer great deals and a smart way to save. Plus, booking a trip that includes airfare, hotel, meals and drinks is a great way to stick to your budget and free yourself to worry about having fun rather than dipping into the wallet while you?re away.

My favorite places to scout great travel deals are JetBlue Getaways, Priceline and Trip Advisor. Trip Advisor ranks hotels by price and location and includes lots of tips from other travelers, a great way to get a sense for the products and service you?re considering. And remember, staying a short block or two away from the beach rather than right on it helps to score an even better price.

How to pack for happy trails

Once you decide on your perfect summer spot, what do you pack to make the most of your trip? I always recommend packing light! Have a plan. Don?t pack assuming that you need to cover every possible activity or situation. Bring items that you can use more than once. You can match your favorite pair of pants with different shirts. No need to pack four pairs of pants when one can last you a couple of wears.

For your flight, wear the same outfit traveling to and from your destination to cut down on extra items and time. I always recommend dressing for the plane like you would dress for a movie theater in the middle of summer. It may be hot outside, but it can sometimes get chilly on the airplane, so layers are a must! And, even though I love flip flops when I?m on the beach, I wear slip-on, closed-toe shoes on airplanes for maximum comfort. Pack your flip flops in your carryon bag so you can break them out and slip them on when you arrive at your destination and officially kick off your summer trip!

Also pack your bathing suit in your carry-on so you can make the most of your first day of vacation, and in case you arrive before hotel check-in time. I apply my sunscreen in the morning before I leave home, roll up my bathing suit and store an inexpensive pair of rubber flip-flops in my carry-on. Then, when I arrive at my destination, I head straight to the pool or beach.

Be a traveler, not a tourist

Everyone loves visiting far-off reaches of the globe, but no one wants to be spotted as a tourist. I?m a big fan of dressing in solid-colored clothing for easier blending. Leave those Hawaiian colored shirts at home so you don?t stick out while away (unless you?re in Hawaii, of course!). Khaki pants or black jeans are great travel options too, since denim jeans do not necessarily fit in at every setting. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, so you can focus on the beautiful sights and sounds rather than your aching heels.

With all this preparation, you and your family and friends are destined for a trip of a lifetime. Enjoy, and remember to apply that sunscreen and your sense of adventure!

Read Tracy?s previous columns: Snorkeling, Rum Punch and Beyond: Top Spring Break Spots and How A Kiwi Led To My Biggest Airport Snafu

Learn more about our Wingwoman Tracy

separation of church and state dale earnhardt oscar predictions oscars nba all star game 2012 academy awards 2012 nominations academy awards

5th skunk confirmed positive for rabies; rabies "map" now available ...

All Larimer County residents are urgently advised to keep their pets, horses and livestock vaccinated and up-to-date, and to avoid skunks that are out in daylight or are behaving strangely.

-- Larimer County

via larimer.org

OK, now we're getting cose to home, just one street over. Remember, a rabid skunk can infect your horse or other livestock. Thank goodness horses now get the rabies vaccine. If your animals are not up to date on their rabies vaccination, call your vet now. (Click on the Larimer.org link above for the full story.)

Earlier coverage: More rabid skunks discovered

key largo arnold palmer invitational ryan madson louisiana primary syracuse basketball chipper jones chipper jones

SBA Disaster Loan For Georgia Available

Generally, small business owners need commercial loans to buy a business with real estate, refinance a commercial real estate asset (like a gas station, strip mall, industrial warehouse, office building, motel, hotel, etc.) or refinance a business with real estate. However, the complexity of commercial loans makes deal structuring difficult. Here's our guide to commercial loans.:

More...

The SBA 7a is the only program that funds startup businesses with annual revenues under $2 million and without a real estate component. SBA 7a loans come with longer terms than conventional loans. Generally, terms for SBA 7a loans range from 15 to 25 years. Also, within the program small business owners can access other forms of working capital options like a line of credit.:

More...

SBA Loan Programs broken out by benefits, eligibility, use of proceeds, loan amounts and rate structure and typical loan amortization. Compare your SBA Loan options here!:

More...

New entrepreneurs often make the mistake of using their own money to buy equipment. Leasing is a much cheaper and easier alternative for financing equipment purchases. Any business with equipment can take advantage of this product.

More...

If you're looking to buy a business, consult a business valuation expert to help you find appropriate business financing alternatives. Try talking to your accountant or banker or search online for business valuation guides and loans to buy a business.

More...

Businesses with varying revenue streams need capital during slow periods to operate efficiently. A business line of credit can help entrepreneurs stay financially afloat until the excess funds from more lucrative months roll in. Predicting the degree of a seasonal downswing is difficult, making term loans an impractical business financing solution. Fortunately, with a business line of credit, borrowers only have to pay interest on the amount used:

More...

1.Make a list of the 10 fastest growing franchises in the country.
2.Look for existing franchise networks in your target area.
3.Keep up with franchise news.
4.Check the minimum amount of capital required to open a franchise.

More...

shannon brown mike rowe shld 2012 sec football schedule medifast sinead oconnor braylon edwards

Microsoft Office For iPad - Business Insider

At this point, its almost crazy that Microsoft hasn't formally announced plans to bring Microsoft Office to the iPad and Android.

Rumors are again circulating that it will do just that, and in November, according to a story posted in BGR.?

Microsoft had no comment. Last time these rumors surfaced, Microsoft had plenty to say. The? app was reportedly leaked to The Daily in February and it caused a big flap. Microsoft denied the app was authentic and said that photo was fake. The Daily said Microsoft's protests were a crock because someone at Microsoft actually showed them the demo.

In the end, we settled for the story that what The Daily saw was just a test, not an actual planned product.

But here's the thing. Microsoft is crazy if it doesn't release Office for the iPad, Android and any other device out that people use. The company doesn't just make an operating system -- it makes business software and that software is very profitable. Why should the operating system side get to hamstring the business software side?

Yes, Microsoft will be selling its own Windows 8 tablets later this year. And it is obviously tempting for Microsoft to try and keep its flagship MS Office product exclusive to its own operating system. But long ago Microsoft decided to make software for the Mac (including Microsoft Office by the way). So iOS -- and Android for that matter -- should be no different.

As we've said before, by building first-class native versions of Office for every single popular platform out there, Microsoft will keep companies signing those lucrative long-term license agreements to cover all those Office seats. From there, Microsoft can keep them signing licenses for its data center products like Exchange (email), SharePoint (collaboration), Lync (videoconferencing).

Don't miss: Here's Everything We Know About Microsoft's Attempt To Beat The iPad

cornucopia best buy black friday deals thanksgiving crafts matt cassel snowman playstation network down houston astros