Can Print Management Solutions Improve Your Business?

Printing is not what it used to be in the past. Decades ago printers were obsolete as people used to keep handwritten documentation. Can you imagine how many orders were processed by hand and how long that must have taken? Luckily for us, we live in the modern age where printers and computers make our lives much easier and software solutions simply make it a breeze. In saying that, print management solutions are certainly a good way to improve your business and this is how.

A print management solution is a software system that allows staff members of a particular organisation to efficiently and quickly print documents. A good print management solution will allow a staff member to conveniently print documents from both a computer and a mobile phone remotely. That means it needs to be a wireless system which integrates easily into an organisation. With most devices being able to operate wirelessly this is certainly a great benefit.

Another ideal feature for a print management solution is for it to be accessible to multiple staff members. In large organisations many staff members may require a printer so it would be best to connect, say, one department to one printer and thus control the printing of documents at a central point. Ten staff members could use one printer instead of each one having their own one. Therefore it would save space and costs in terms of acquiring this equipment. This type of print management solution is particularly popular amongst universities where students need to print reports or projects at a central point on campus. Many universities have print rooms at selected areas on campus where students are given access to print their projects.

A great benefit of print management solutions is that it is able to keep track of the quantities printed in terms of the number of sheets and the amount of ink used. For managers, this tool makes their planning and budgeting much easier. They can see what the usage was for each month and plan ahead for the next month. Over the period of a year, they can lower the costs with the correct system because they can eliminate over-usage by controlling the quantities. Print management solutions afford organisations a centralised solution that allows staff members to print efficiently and quickly. It gives managers the ability to check the number of prints for each month. This, then, allows the organisation to plan for the ink and paper usage for the following month which makes budgeting an easier task.

It is our aim to combine world-class print technology with managed print services and enterprise solution services that suit your needs. We endeavor to understand the uniqueness of your organization and business goals. Our Service philosophy extends beyond hardware, software and technical service. At ETG we want to help you find ways to improve your business such as cost control, information security, process improvement, financial solutions, business insights and technology trends. Contact us:  info@etg.solutions or call 087 230 0335.


 By Suniel Seejiram


Article Source: Can Print Management Solutions Improve Your Business?

What Is A Workflow Solution?

Large businesses already have an idea of what a workflow solution is however many SMMEs battle to get their workflow to function efficiently. In short, a workflow solution is the method of controlling and managing the flow of orders and documents within an organisation. It is the process of when an order is received, capturing all the documents along the way until the order is completed. For some businesses this procedure is short as in it only involves one or two staff members whereas for other businesses it involves a lengthy step-by-step process that involves anything from four to ten staff members.

There are many workflow solutions available for small to large businesses that involve either keeping a paper trail or documenting all the information via a computer system. It is imperative that any business keep record of all the orders that come through their doors. When an order is received, it is necessary for them to capture the order on a computer software system so that other staff members within the organisation can track the order and update its status at any given time during the order process. With this information on a computer software system it allows the customer service team to keep the customer informed of the status of their order until it is dispatched. It is, therefore, imperative that a business has the most efficient workflow solution implemented so that staff members are able to keep track of information. Workflow solutions also need to be easy to use as well as efficient in processing documentation. It is ideal for a workflow solution to be coupled with a scanning system so that any hardcopy documents can be scanned and attached to the relevant orders. Companies such as banks or law firms that are reliant on original signed documents need to keep track of such information. When a legal document is uploaded to a customer record, it is quick and easy to retrieve the correct information when it is required. This allows your staff members to find information quickly which, in turn, makes your workforce more effective.

An efficient workflow solution and document scanning system can save companies a lot of money as well as improve the productivity of staff members. This improvement can result in increased orders, faster processing of orders, quick retrieval of documents and happier clients. Therefore the correct workflow solution can help a business to grow from strength to strength.

It is our aim to combine world-class print technology with managed print services and enterprise solution services that suit your needs. We endeavor to understand the uniqueness of your organization and business goals. Our Service philosophy extends beyond hardware, software and technical service. At ETG we want to help you find ways to improve your business such as cost control, information security, process improvement, financial solutions, business insights and technology trends. Contact us:  info@etg.solutions or call 087 230 0335.


 By Suniel Seejiram


Article Source: What Is A Workflow Solution?

Important Tower Crane Safety Considerations To Keep In Mind In Harsh Weather Conditions

Various grave accidents and disasters involving tower cranes have been written down in history. Most of these unfortunate incidences happen when the weather conditions aren't at their best. This is mainly because tower cranes are supported by a small structural mass which is found below it and as such, they tend to be susceptible to the elements. Under strong winds, they will sway in any direction and can cause accidents and damages to its surrounding area.

If there is a tower crane being used or present in your construction site, there are different steps and ways you can observe and follow to ensure that your crane survives extreme weather conditions and mitigate possible accidents and structural damages. These include the following:

1. Make sure that the operator follows the correct protocols after using the crane. There are certain procedures crane operators have to do before leaving the equipment. If they are using a luffing jib, the crane should be left with the jib luffed up in parking position. In case they are operating a hammerhead or flat top crane, before leaving it, the hook block must be brought back to the jib and left slightly away from the cabin. By doing so, the operators will ensure that the hook block will not blow in the wind freely and hit the cabin or swing around and injure anyone below the equipment.

2. In addition, the operator should release the crane parking brake and left in free slew when high winds are expected. Operators must ensure that there is nothing that can make contact with the jib within a 360 degree radius around the crane. Following these safety practices enable the slew ring to move freely with the wind and not fight against it. In case the parking brake is left on and the slew ring is parked in a fixed position, there is a huge risk that the wind will blow against the jib and impose loads on the crane that it's not engineered to sustain.

3. Make sure there are no tools, bolts, nuts or any debris that can blow off the top of a crane during severe weather. This means removing anything on top of the tower crane that can be blown off and fall down. Failure to do so can result in a major incident or fatality for not only the workers on the job site, but also innocent pedestrians which are passing by the construction area.

4. Finally, once the weather condition has normalized, have the tower crane undergo a thorough examination before using it again. This is to ensure that everything is in working order. Have the operator perform a max load test to make sure that there hasn't been significant damage to the crane during the storm. Have the site structural engineer inspect the tie-in points of the tower crane to the building to ensure that the structural stability of the crane has not been compromised because of the additional wind loadings on the crane and building.

Read more tips on investing in and using tower cranes here.


 By Harold Lynn


Article Source: Important Tower Crane Safety Considerations To Keep In Mind In Harsh Weather Conditions

Tips For Recruitment Company Owners For Keeping Their Clients Happy And Loyal

Recruitment agencies always need to have these two things: a pool of qualified candidates and paying clients. For companies in the recruitment business to continue to stay open, they will need to have a steady source of income. Of course, this will be possible if they satisfy and keep their loyal clients and find new ones and make them happy with the services they offer as well.

Owners of recruitment businesses can retain their clients by keeping them always happy and satisfied by following some useful tips. These tips include the following:

Give clients more value for their money.

Many recruitment agencies are charging their clients a lot of money. There is nothing wrong with this as long as they provide amazing service and even more. You can make sure your clients get everything they are looking for when they invest in your service by providing them with the most ideal solution to a problem or issues they are experiencing. Customizing your recruiting strategy for a particular client is also a great way to give them more value for their money instead of just doing things routinely for them.

Listen to what your client really wants.

Many recruiters make the big mistake of overselling their company, especially if they are talking to a new, potential client. However, many companies (and even candidates) dislike recruiters who always seem to name drop, talk about the other organization they have recruited for, and what types of candidates they've placed instead of listening to their clients' needs. To get new clients and retain current ones in any client interaction, whether it's the first meeting, a presentation, or during the discussion of a formal offer, always listen to what your client wants. This is also a good way to know your client and fully understand what they want from their business relationship with you.

Lastly, keep in touch with your clients even after they have paid you.

For recruitment business owners, nothing can be more fulfilling than getting paid by the client once they paid the invoice. However, even if you've already gotten your money, it isn't right for you to simply disappear off the radar. The last thing you want to happen is to be a "one-hit wonder" - be successful with one client and find another one. The smartest entrepreneurs know that there is no small business and client and that all clients should be treated and valued the same way. To retain current clients and keep new ones loyal to your company, show your appreciation to them (a simple thank you e-mail will work) and keep in regular contact with them.

Read more articles about starting and running a   recruitment agency here.


 By Harold Lynn


Article Source: Tips For Recruitment Company Owners For Keeping Their Clients Happy And Loyal

Leading A Disruptive Workplace

We seem to be facing a world where changes happen so quickly and customer expectations seem hard to pin-point. The ever-reliable market research before developing a marketing strategy stance is thrown out the window because the parameters used become irrelevant.

Change is the new normal.

The calculation of ROI appears impossible when investment function appears infinitely variable and non-stop.

To compound all this is an inter-generational divide in the workplace of baby boomers, Gen X & Y (and soon Z). we have a big mix of chaos.

So how can a business-owner create some order in a disruptive workplace?

Comparative Advantage

The familiar Ricardo's Theory of Comparative Advantage is a good starting point. In a world where it is really hard to create a totally unique product or service, the reason is very simple. Technology and social media has made the transfer of information move in break-neck speed.

R&D and Patents merely protect your invention for a brief period of time. But will your customers taste and preferences stay constant within this protected period?

Not so.

Thus you must use a very short product life cycle and never stop improving your expertise.

Open-Communication

You must develop a culture of open-communication with you employees because a single suggestion of improvement can make provide clues to how your organisation should proceed. The days of depending in the flair and bravado of the marketing team is over. We are now looking at the might of the entire company becoming one malleable and flexible entity.

Watch out for the tipping point

Gladwell was right. The only difference now is that the tipping point of your future customers will be reached faster and with more complicated variations. We are now looking at a few minor tipping points leading a very big tsunami of a change. Think GPS having an effect in driverless car technology.

Stakeholders

Widen your definition of who are your stakeholders. The reason is very simple. The more relevant is your organisation to different demographics, the more chance of it having a strong mindshare and branding. The operative idea here is there must be the development of your product and service that your customers be hooked like Google Search.

Embrace robotics and automation

The earlier you embrace robotics and automation, the faster your team will too. Do a matching system and enquire how each member can use this technology.

Change of employment contract

There must be a willingness to look at a new employment contract where the potential employee will be committed to follow through with a robot or an automated process especially in training. Of course the role of the organisation is also to ensure that the robot is relevant to a dynamic workplace or it should have to be replaced.

Motivation

The idea of one-size-fits-all motivation has to be thrown out as different people have different expectations and beliefs. It is not good to assume that high pay and large fringe benefits like free travel will necessarily be good motivation tools. Go to the ground to find out what rocks the world of your team. You may be very surprised.

Colin Ong Tau Shien is an economist and futurist. He is also a recognised business educator based in Singapore and can be emailed  colinongts@hotmail.com. You can also follow his Twitter @m4s (Mentors For Startups)


 By Colin Ong


Article Source: Leading A Disruptive Workplace

How To Uphold Efficient Business Growth And Expansion

In today's competitive business realm, all enterprises must aim for growth and expansion. If a certain business won't work toward these 2 objectives, it is basically setting itself up for a failure.

Experts highly emphasized that business growth and expansion can successfully be achieved through following time-tested success principles. Such principles will create focus for all your efforts toward growth. Also, they uphold excellent standards for each activity performed toward the goal. Thus, if you are preparing your business for growth and expansion, it is very crucial for you to be aware of the success principles you must uphold.

4 Essential Principles Every Corporation Today Must Uphold

Innovation is a must. Your business must fully understand the needs of your target clients. It should work toward efficiently meeting such needs. Innovation refers to coming up with something that is new and great from something that is already great so you can be able to deliver the best value to end users. This further means that your business must always find time to study meticulously the journey of your target customers so you successfully innovate.

Always be inspired. Most successful individuals say that inspired efforts don't deplete energy. Instead, they are very invigorating. Moreover, inspiration allows your organization to use your drawbacks to aim for victory. Hence, be always inspired as you are working to expand your venture due to the fact that a joyful process won't fail to yield the best outcomes.

Timing is very crucial. When it comes to growth and expansion, you cannot be late or early. Bear in mind that plenty of great opportunities are just accessible for a limited amount of time. Also, pre-empting things will spoil their potential. Hence, you must take action at the most ideal time. This will involve the need to study provisions meticulously, to get help from consultants, and to know the different financing solutions that your business can efficiently use.

Expect sacrifices. There will always be sacrifices that must be made if you are aiming for better and bigger things. Indeed, sacrifices are inevitable. And this can mean longer work hours and avoiding some pleasures and physical comforts for a specific period of time or perhaps saving on a couple of things so that your resources can be allocated to more significant aspects of operations.

All of these principles will allow you to properly manage your venture. Consider implementing all of these properly. Surely, you will find your enterprise increasing steadily toward your goal of becoming successful in today's competitive market arena. More information mentioned here.

For an organization to become competitive and successful, there are crucial principles it must uphold. For more info, check out this site.


 By Harold Lynn


Article Source: How To Uphold Efficient Business Growth And Expansion

Best of Turkey - Secret Beauty of the Mediterranean

Do you have your heart set on going to Turkey this year?

Before we start. Just close your eyes and think what comes to your mind when someone mentions "summer holidays in Turkey". Is it all about all-inclusive holidays and crowded hotels or maybe spoiled tourists, good bargains and very pushy sellers? I want to show you that none of these pictures is true.

No doubts that Turkey is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, justifiably famous for its hot-sunny weather, luxury beach holidays, wide range of accommodation, good pricing and availability. However, does really your dream life-holiday mean overcrowded beaches, noisy swimming pools and overrated attractions?

Nothing could be further from the truth. Turkish Riviera is definitely the most beautiful part of the entire Mediterranean coast. Full of natural sceneries and exceptional sightseeing opportunities. So it offers pristine coastline, stunning beach-mountain landscapes, marine-mammal-rich waters, picturesque villages and boundless adventure opportunities.

Now, if you are already looking for some new holiday ideas to Turkish coastal resorts - discover the Adrasan Bay. A delightful spot in Paradise, Antalya province. It`s a very great place to swim, dive, hike, sunbathe, take one of the boat tours and relax. It is a beautiful seaside resorts of Turkey's southern Turquoise Coast, located in a cove ca. 10km off the main road. Even though it may lack historic attractions, Adrasan makes a perfect base for visiting many antique places and ancient ruins. What`s more, because it`s a naturally protected area - surrounded by the Olympos national park, Taurus Mountains, blue water lagoons and stunning beaches, the bay of Adrasan is a heavenly place for nature lovers, voyagers and backpackers from all over the world. It is the ideal spot for relaxing break that at the same time provides plenty of outdoor activities starting from water sports, though daily boat trips, up to hiking and scuba diving, canoeing or even river rafting.

The town itself, even though peaceful and small is more than sufficient to meet your vacation needs. There are many local shops, restaurants, guesthouses, friendly B&B`s and all the most important facilities to have a comfortable, stress-free vacation. Adrasan is easily accessible from the city of Antalya and well-connected to many other towns in this region.

Once visited, it will conquer your heart. Breath-taking beaches, clean air and crystal waters -helped along by an ancient landscape and very friendly people. It`s said to be one of the most beautiful bay of Mediterranean embracing pure nature and history. Absolutely unforgettable. The Adrasan Bay.


 By Aleksandra Zapiec


Article Source: Best of Turkey - Secret Beauty of the Mediterranean

Unleashing Creativity With Clay

The simplest form of model making or sculpting is with clay. Working with this flexible and malleable material is both interesting and enjoyable. It is quite easy to create even three dimensional figures with clay. So much so that, even small kids can easily use their creativity to knead, squash, roll and otherwise shape the material into any form they wish.

The versatility of the humble clay is such that it suits children, novice artists as well as seasoned sculptors. In fact, sculptors often create large figures with clay. However, as the clay cannot support its own weight, an internal metal armature is used to build the model.

Clay comes in a ready to use form and lends itself beautifully for making masks, prototype models and special effects as well. In fact, clay modeling is also used in animation and this dedicated art is known as claymation.

Types of clay

Not only can clay can be molded in a number of ways, it comes in a variety of types too. They vary depending on the composition and process of production as well. While water-based clay generally tends to harden on exposure to air, non-hardening variations are also available. In fact, some clay types need to be heated in an oven for the model to harden properly. This is generally used in ceramics.

The non-hardening clay is either oil or wax based that keeps it from drying out, cracking or shrinking. This is preferred by artists and sculptors as it stays flexible, holds fine details well and can even be reused by heating. There are certain high grade clays that stay permanently malleable and so can be used time after time. Then there is ballistic clay that replicates animal tissue and is useful for testing body armor and in forensics.

The final choice of clay is personal and is based as much on the feel, texture and hardness of the material, as on the potential requirements of the finished piece.

And irrespective of the choice of clay, you will surely need diverse tools to cut, pierce and sculpt the clay before you can form it into the shape you want. Cutter, trimmer, rasp and tongs are but just a few of them. And once the clay modeling is ready, it is finished with paint or even stain effects can be created.

Special care is needed when clay molds are used for making resin, rubber or metal casts. The mold has to be sealed properly prior to casting as the clay can distort or even dissolve when it comes in contact with the solvent. Furthermore, the sulfur content of certain clays often ends up inhibiting the setting of silicone rubbers and polyurethane rubbers. Therefore, sulfur free clay is considered a better option for clay modeling.

In sum, the pliable clay emerges as a modeling material of choice. It is handy and you can use it as you want!

The author,    Aarron Barry is an enthusiastic writer who loves writing on creativity; art likes topic and attention the detail. Through this article he shared his valuable information on    clay modeling, latex rubber or two part molds. Want to know more about those topics, visit the website.


 By Aarron Barry


Article Source: Unleashing Creativity With Clay

Building SEL Skills Through Formative Assessment

As the focus on EQ (emotional quotient) is gaining far more importance vis-�-vis IQ, social and emotional learning (SEL) has become indispensable in the education system with an aim to develop the much needed social skills and emotional maturity in students.

SEL enables students to develop empathy, leadership skills, effective listening skills, relationship skills, life skills, decision making, problem solving abilities, social awareness, and positive attitude.

Schools and educational institutions are imparting the SEL programs via formative assessment as this type of assessment enable teachers to tailor their lessons to suit the requirements of students and help them grow as mature and responsible adults.

The formative assessment's objective is to give feedback to both students and educators as the learning program progresses. Formative assessment helps teachers in recognizing the gap between the desired performance of the students and their current performance so that measures can be implemented to eliminate the gap.

SEL practitioners can enable building the requisite skills in all educational institutions and students from all backgrounds by training, forming, and easing the applications of these skills in the day-to-day lives of students.

It has been found out that SEL programs increase academic achievement, classroom behavior, self-esteem, social and emotional skills, in students and decreases their chances of bullying, using aggression, indulging in antisocial activities and using drugs.

Imparting SEL Programs via Formative Assessment

SEL programs can be imparted via formative assessment by using a chart that helps in determining progress of students from high-level to low-level SEL skills.

The progress levels portrayed in the chart meets the standards set for formative assessment and the chart renders a definite objective, which is to be able to implement the higher level of it. The chart enables students to monitor their improvement in the course of the program.

Furthermore, the chart guides students to take the subsequent steps to rise up the levels in the SEL progression chart.

The SEL progression chart consists of four levels, those are score 0, score 1, score 2, score 3, and score 4, that help to measure the progress of students.

Score 4

In this level, students use the skills by making conscious efforts in suitable situations. In this level, they are capable of making amendments in their own beliefs, they understand how their beliefs can prevent them from articulating an understanding of others who have dissimilar views.

Score 3

In this level, students are able to implement the strategies and steps linked with SEL skills easily and without mistakes. Here, students actively listen to others, acknowledge their views even if those are dissimilar to their own. While making a point to contradict the views of others, students focus on their point's logic.

Score 2

In this level, students recognize that the important aspect of SEL skills is declarative knowledge and they are able to express the meaning of its expertise. Here, students are familiar with the meaning of respect, confrontation, disagreement, opinion, and conflict. They acknowledge that the skills exist and the importance of the knowledge of it.

Score 1

In this level, students have limited knowledge of particular skills.

Score 0

In this level students don't have any understanding of it whatsoever and achieve little proficiency in following skills.

Three assessments to develop SEL skills

Teachers can use these three assessment strategies to assist students in building their SEL skills.

Probing Discussions

In this assessment, teachers meet students and ask them questions on the topic. Here, teachers can ask as many questions until they are sure about the proficiency level of students.

Unobtrusive Assessments

In this assessment, students may remain unaware about the fact that they are being assessed. Here, teachers subtly assess a group of students when they are debating among themselves on a topic and have differing opinions on the subject.

Student-generated Assessments

In this form of assessment, students approach teachers and propose how they are going to show a particular performance level of the proficiency scale.

Yvonne Sim is freelance private tutor since 2003. She completed her Masters from SIM University, Singapore. She writes daily and publishes articles to help people know about the trends of education and learning. She writes for   MyPrivateTutor Singapore. She strives to positively influence the youth about how to make the most of education as well as co-curricular activities.


 By Yvonne Sim


Article Source: Building SEL Skills Through Formative Assessment

Five Reasons Your Humanities Degree Was a Great Idea

In 2014, President Obama offhandedly dismissed art history, and by extension, the humanities, as irrelevant in the job market. He wisely apologized. His remark is indicative of a widespread sentiment: The humanities are useless in a technology-driven economy. This view is wrong, and here are five reasons why.

1. Humanities majors are taught to innovate

Innovation comes from putting together ideas that have no business being together. Steve Jobs famously combined ideas from Chinese calligraphy with ideas from computer science to create Apple's aesthetics. Amazon was born by mashing together bookselling and algorithms. Sticky notes were invented when engineers at 3M screwed up trying to make a new adhesive and later realized they could use the botched result to stick pieces of paper together, and then separate them without leaving a residue. In order to innovate, you have to see how things can go together in a way nobody else has thought of.

Humanities majors are singularly equipped to do this. The basis of a humanities education is exposure to the breadth of human knowledge. From literature, philosophy, and art to social sciences, hard sciences, and mathematics, the liberal arts curriculum has exposed humanities students to ideas from wildly different fields. They are in a position to take two disparate concepts - say, ideas from evolutionary biology and ideas from economics - and make them work together. Businesses, government, and the social sector need this kind of thinking to tackle the increasingly complex problems they face.

2. People who study the humanities are the best communicators

Organizations want employees who can communicate in a way that furthers the organization's interests. For global businesses operating in multicultural societies, unambiguous cross-cultural communication with customers, colleagues, and business partners is essential for success. It is also ridiculously hard. A humanities education makes it easier.

Research has shown that reading serious fiction increases your ability to empathize with others. Those English or world literature courses humanities majors take in college make them better able to relate to people who are not like them. That means they are invaluable when their companies move into foreign markets, or they are sent to other parts of the country to rake in sales. People do business with people they like, and people will like those who can easily, and authentically, empathize with them.

Studying the humanities also hones means of expression. Someone who spent years reading the best literature our civilization has to offer, and writing cogently about it, can get an organization or cause's message across eloquently and succinctly, orally or in writing. Humanities majors who studied the best visual, kinesthetic, and musical culture on offer can craft social media campaigns with impact and style, in a way students of marketing, whose apprehension of visual culture begins with soda advertisements, simply can't.

3. Analysis is second nature for people who studied the humanities

Analysis is central to studying the humanities. Whether learning a philosopher's ethical system, the aims of a cubist artist, or the economics of Tudor England, humanities majors routinely imbibe vast amounts of information, make sense of it, and then critique what they've learned. People who have studied the humanities understand arguments, discern their strengths and weaknesses, and formulate responses. They practice looking at data and using it to craft an argument. Whether the raw data are examples of symbolism in Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man or consumer demographics in a potential new market, the skill is the same: Finding meaning in the data, and convincing others your interpretation is correct. This works in the seminar room and in the board room.

Studying the humanities inculcates an open mind and penchant for asking questions. These are valuable weapons against conformist thinking, and aid in the critical evaluation of new ideas. In a constantly changing economy, old thinking simply won't work. Being open to new ideas, helping generate them, and helping refine them by asking penetrating questions will make an employee valuable to his or her organization.

4. Humanities majors see the big picture

Many people see only the work in front of them. Accounts to reconcile, reports to write, widgets to sell. Leaders see the big picture. They see where the organization is headed, and what it needs to do to get there. This is the quality that separates leaders from the rest. They ask and answer the big questions.

Studying the humanities trains you to ask and attempt to answer the big questions about society, politics, life, and art. You figure out how the pieces go together. You argue about how things should be. These experiences are analogous to what goes on in the upper echelons of any organization, where arguments about how the pieces of an organization will work together, what the future of the organization should be, and what impact the organization will have play out. Someone versed in debates about the best way to organize society politically will have no problem joining a conversation about how a company should organize its operations.

5. The humanities are our moral compass

Art, literature, and philosophy are the arenas in which societies debate who they are, what is acceptable and what isn't. It is impossible to read great works of literature and not ponder moral dilemmas. Judging or pardoning characters in a work of literature exercises our moral judgment. Recent events (the sub-prime mortgage crisis, Gov. Christie's Bridge-Gate) suggest that the private and public sectors need ethical thinkers.

Humanities majors are people who have wrestled with ethical issues and know them when they see them. They are more likely to speak up when they see wrongdoing occurring, because they are free of the blinders and acceptance of the status quo that come with specializing in a vocation. Organizations would do well to hire humanities majors if they want to avoid harmful ethical lapses.

A critic of the humanities may concede that humanities majors possess these soft skills, yet assert that they simply lack the technical skills required for most jobs, i.e. understanding particular technologies, markets, or regulatory regimes. This is true, to an extent. To be a doctor, lawyer, engineer, or computer scientists, you need certain knowledge and skills. These jobs are and should be closed to humanities majors unless they pursue formal education for them. However, jobs in management, sales, human resources, marketing, consulting, and many others fields do not rely on technical skills that cannot be learned on the job, despite protestations to the contrary from those who wish to aggrandize their professions. The details of any of these professions can be learned quickly if you are a fast learner, which studying the humanities helps you become.

For those of you who currently hold humanities degrees, be confident in the worth of your degree and skills. Convince employers that you have the skills they need to accomplish their goals. For those of you currently studying for a humanities degree, stay upbeat in the face of that perennial question, "So what will you do with that degree?" You have a great answer.

Stephen Seaward is a writer and editor specializing in bringing scholarship to wide audiences. To get in touch and see more work, visit    https://smseaward.journoportfolio.com/.


 By Stephen Michael Seaward


Article Source: Five Reasons Your Humanities Degree Was a Great Idea

What Is EasyJet's Cancellation Policy?

Do you have an EasyJet flight you cannot use any more? EasyJet will not allow you to cancel your flight (and get your money back). But, do not despair! EasyJet allow flight name changes, which means that you can sell your flight to someone else! You are unlikely to recover 100% of the price you paid, but even getting half of your money back is better than losing all of it.

The name change fee depends on when you make the change. If it is 60 or more days before the day of the flight (for return flights this is the day of the outbound flight), the fee is €21, �15 or $23. If you change the name within 59 days of the departure the fee is €65, �45 or $68.

Change fees are per person, per flight segment. E.g. the change fee for a return flight is double the amounts mentioned above.

EasyJet allows changes to the departure and destination airport. This means that for a fee you can change a ticket from London to Rome to become a flight from Madrid to Sofia. You can also make changes to the ticket dates. The flight change fee again depends on how long before the flight you make the changes. If it is 60 or more days before the day of the flight (for return flights this is the day of the outbound flight), the fee is €21, �15 or $23. If you change the flight within 59 days of the departure the fee is €65, �45 or $68. For flight changes, in addition to the flight change fee stated above, you will also need to pay the difference in price between the cost of the original flight booked and the cost of the flight at the time the change is made. No refund will be made if the cost of the flight is lower at the time of the change.

A lot of people will be happy to buy your tickets from you, as long as you offer them a good price. You will rarely recover 100% of the price you paid (unless the price of the flight has increased significantly and you do not have to pay the fare difference), but even getting 50% back is better than not getting anything!

If you have an EasyJet ticket and you need to sell it, you can go to a marketplace for transferable flights and holidays, where you can hopefully sell your ticket! http://www.SpareFare.net is a secure marketplace for transferable flight and holidays. If you are stuck with a flight you cannot use, visit us! We are also the place for bargain flights and holidays to exotic destinations!



 By Georgi Stavrev


Article Source: What Is EasyJet's Cancellation Policy?

Caring for & Storing Your Tent

Just like a vehicle, you have to maintain your tent if you want it to last. If you don't take care of it, you will more than likely need a new one soon. Take care of it well, and it will last almost forever!

Cleaning your tent

Don't try to go the easy route and throw your tent in the washing machine; this can damage your it. The agitator could actually tear your tent. The heat of the dryer can damage the material as well. The best way to clean your tent is by hand. Use a mild detergent and a non-abrasive sponge or rag and gently scrub the soiled areas. This is especially important when your tent has been exposed to sand, silt, bird droppings; well you get the idea. You also want to avoid any harsh household cleaning products. Pre-soaking products, bleach, and spot removers; these products will damage the tent's waterproof coating.

Cleaning Mildew & Mold

Hopefully, you'll never have to do this. But even the most seasoned campers have to deal with mildew and mold. How do you know if it's there? Typically, there is a musky smell and some discoloration. Use an enzymatic cleaner to stop the growth of mold & mildew. Your goal is to stop the growth because continued growth of mold and mildew will leave a permanent stain and smell. There are also the health ramifications of sleeping in a moldy tent. The gear cleaners that are available are either spot cleaners or submersive. Monitor the time your tent is submerged. Prolong exposure to these cleaners can also damage the waterproofing properties.

Cleaning Pine Sap

If you get sap on your tent, it can be a hassle. Sap isn't necessarily an end game. You can gently clean it with mineral spirits being careful not to scrub too hard or you can damage the waterproofing. Another option is to sprinkle some powder on the sap and simply move on. After time and more and more sap, your tent can look freckled, but that's not really a big deal.

Zippers & Poles

Don't neglect cleaning the zippers and poles. Simply brushing off the zippers and poles before storage will go a long way! Adding a dry lubricant formulated for outdoor gear will prolong the life of your zippers.

Tent Storage

There is no more important rule than NEVER STORE A WET TENT. If you get nothing else from this article, please remember this. There is no such thing as too much drying time. A wet or damp tent will breed mold and mildew and can ruin the wall and roof materials. As soon as you get home from a trip, pitch your tent in a shady area or inside to let it air out. If you don't have the space to pitch the tent, drape it over something to air out.

Store your tent loosely in cool dry place. The fabrics work best when they're able to relax. Sure storing your tent in a stuff sack or the bag it came with is better for space savings, but a loosely stored tent will let be able to breathe and not be as stuffy.

Avoid storing your tent is really hot or damp places. A car trunk is not a good option as much as it sounds good to be "ready to camp at any moment". The heat can damage the materials. Store your tent in an air tight bin or container if you live in a tropical or moist area.


 By Eric Hirning


Article Source: Caring for & Storing Your Tent

The Enchantment Of Volubilis

The ruins of Volubilis, a former Roman city of power that became a Berber city, lay in the North African country of Morocco. Web search the name Volubilis to see photographs of its ruins, and you will understand why I find it to be an attractive and interesting subject. Even as a ruin, the city is situated on a high plain that offers a breath-taking view of a fertile valley and mountains behind it. Some intricate mosaic tile floors of its homes still survive.

Volubilis has a long and complicated history of being conquered. As conquerors came and went, some of their DNA and culture remained to blend with the underlying indigenous Berber population. Morocco sits strategically on both the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, to include the southern portion of the Strait of Gibraltar. Thus, the area could not be ignored by the great powers of the day, which included the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians, and the Romans, the latter of whom swept up the spoils of the city-state of Carthage, which it destroyed after nearly being destroyed by it.

Yet, being on the fringe of the Roman Empire, it was only a matter of time before Rome would let Volubilis go when it had more numerous and nearer threats to face. Thus, the Berbers got Volubilis back. So, the ruins are there, but how would you see them and when? Probably, the time to see Volubilis is when you decide to see the more famous Moroccan city of Casablanca.

After your kids are grown, you have taken a couple of Mediterranean Cruises, and you have decided to vacation in a specific European country each year, consider this trip as an add-on to your trip to Spain or Portugal. Before you travel, read what you can about the different tribal factions that came and stayed in Morocco, so that you can experience differences in food, speech, manner of dress, attitudes, and habits and not just see the final blended culture.

That part of the world is an outcome of repeated cultural blending, and experiencing it may help you to understand what is happening today in the United States, Canada, and Western Europe, whose cultures are being drowned out by more dominant cultures that originate from the Middle East, Asia, and Central/South America.

"Pondicherry,"    https://www.amazon.com/Pondicherry-Tony-Grayson-ebook/dp/B00Q7E39Z6

Tony is a writer, an author of several published novels, and an independent publisher. He wrote and published "A Voice from New Mill Creek: The Methodists," "Goodnight Paige," "The Star of India," and a guidebook titled "How Tony Wrote and Published Two Novels."    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICK8qpv0a30


 By Tony A Grayson

Article Source: The Enchantment Of Volubilis

Perform the Role of Your Life Purpose As If Performing on a Broadway Studio

*Our ethereal Earth, always in sync, with its own seasons; a world that invokes inspiration everywhere, even in the birds, flowers, plants and trees, they ALL appear to be so busy. Let's not forget the business of you and me and our synchronicity in that natural equation as well!

To watch the renewal process is a real hoot! The renewing of SEEDS, planting of trees, the sprouting of ROOTS AND LEAVES, blossoms in pursuit, and the eager birth of new ANIMALS. And then that leaves you and me. We would also like to show our love for nature and the elements. When we do what comes to us naturally, we are showing one another a graceful performance of enormous importance. We are performing our lives for others to see and to realize that we are the main characters in our natural way of doing things.

There is the joy and peace brought forth by the heartbeats of fresh souls preparing to perform the role of a lifetime, as if on a Broadway studio.

Performing on a Broadway Studio is precisely what people and animals do! They enjoy performing for a broad stream of people, places and events that appreciate their glamor respectively. Both perform their lives in their own way of doing things and achieve goals and results in Divine Timing. It is a beautiful show of life that is unfolding by the season, or by the hour. The life cycle of planets, plants and animals is the way that we live, survive and enjoy a more exuberant and colorful life-style. Their Broadway performance when witnessed live and in person is much better than studio quality. The same can be said about the lives that you and I live. We live life as if we are the main characters. We enjoy performing our art on a live Broadway studio for the entire world to see and know our creative or artistic expression as our contribution to the world -wide stage, also known as the world-wide web.

A real life performance is sharing natural skills for the entire globe to see and recognize brilliance and exceptional performance attributes and capabilities.

*To perform what you do naturally is always the most sincere performance that you will provide, giving or performing for an engaging or receptive audience of great friends and well-wishers is exciting!

As the end of winter draws near, it is time to get more focused and clear about what your intentions are for springing forward. Spring and ring in a great new mindset and attitude much like the birth of spring flowers. Spring flowers cannot survive and flourish in a winter snow storm.

Spring has sprung, in some places even before the animals finished hibernating, and in other places we hope that the snow shall go elsewhere.

Please, please, Cold/OLD Man Winter go FAR AWAY to the other hemisphere, as scheduled, if not sooner,. Give us a chance to warm up like everyone does and to miss you again until next year.

Whether you are plagued by the energy of an OLD/COLD MAN that does not want to go away and keeps on Ruthlessly and SHAMEFULLY stalking you, decide quickly that you have had enough!

You and me should be allowed to live our lives in peace. Do not be frustrated that by the OLD MAN, HE HAS TO GO AWAY! BEAT IT! Tell him to go away, stand your ground, show your worth and don't be like him: without any EMPATHY or SYMPATHY for yourself and your own privacy, need to be left alone, and allowed to live your life in peace, unfettered and unmonitored by a ruthless, delusional OLD MAN that lacks scruples. His obscene obsession causes us anxiety by his voyeurism,stalking and causing us to suffer great pain, disdain and anxiety, Please don't dismay. The day of reckoning is closer that it is far away!

There is always a better time of day when Spring had sprung and set us free to pursue our goals and access our dreams in autonomy, security and privacy. We live life as if we are the main characters performing on a Broadway Show. It's captivating and the actions are very real for you and me and has a significant amount of expenses, costumes changes and a few dress rehearsals too!~

***I enjoy learning from you and from others offering me knowledge continuously!~

******Freelance Writer of Inspirational Articles, Motivational Speaker and Writer of catchy, trending, poetry- Advertising and more! You pick the venue and I will expertly write it for you!***You can reach me via U.S. mail in Orlando, Florida.~ Writing is my hearts genuine desire to reach the masses and teach, share, learn, motivate, or engage my readers in an original, poetic, whimsical or informative discipline. Thanks for reading this article. I invite you to follow me on my personal website, or on Twitter.** Namaste,

@lorieannjermoun

http://lorieannj.com/poetry-by-lorie-ann-j/


 By Lorie Ann Jermoune


Article Source: Perform the Role of Your Life Purpose As If Performing on a Broadway Studio

A Beginner's Guide to a Camera Kit

Understanding camera lenses will give you the ability to have greater flexibility and control over your creative imagery. When first starting out it can be daunting trying to understand which lens or lenses you should be purchasing. The kit lens that came with your camera will only go so far. Below I've listed some different types of lenses that you will come across and what their main purpose is. A small introduction to allow you to get the basic information on what that particular lens is actually created for.

Zoom Lens:

A zoom lens allows you to get closer to your subject without the need of actually moving closer to it. It allows you to achieve a variety of different compositions in the quickest time. The focal length is measured in mm. i.e.: 70-200 is equal to 70mm to 200mm. This focal point is the key to the way the lens focuses. It magnifies the image by changing the focal point.

Prime Lens:

Unlike the zoom lens, a prime lens has a fixed focal length which cannot be adjusted. Prime lenses are slightly quicker to focus with a much better level in picture quality as there are less moving parts within the lens itself.

Macro Lens:

Macro lenses allow you to capture extreme close ups. They create a unique image of tiny subjects that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Wide Angle Lens:

This lens allows you to fit much more into an image than others, widening the amount of space that you can capture within the image.

This lens is great when you have limited ability to step backwards to get more into an image or when shooting land and seascapes.

Fish Eye Lens:

This is an oval shaped, 180 degree view of the world. Initially created to give the photographer the ability to capture whole skies and landscapes. A fun little lens that you can use creatively.

Telephoto Lens:

High magnification lens enabling you to take long range action photography for the likes of sports and wildlife. It allows you to be further from the action and still capture in close shots. A monopod is usually used to stop camera shake on the images.

Tripods:

These are pretty straight forward. They hold the camera steady for long periods of time. It also give you the ability to take yourself into the image!

Monopod:

The same basic functionality as the tripod with only one 'leg'. Much more convenient to carry around than a tripod, easier to carry and transport. Some places won't allow a tripod, like courtside at a sports match. They are often used in fashion and paparazzi images as well as they are easy to pick up and carry. Having only one leg means that you cannot simply let the camera sit on top of it and walk away, the main difference between the two.

Once you understand the purpose behind each of these items, it will allow you to get the correct ones for the purpose of your creative outlets, and remember, it is always better to shell out a little extra for the right lens instead of a new camera body. The better the glass, the better the image.

My crazy world has included successfully combining all the skills of a artist, photographer, designer, programmer, and marketer into one crazy life.

I'm available for guest blogging, article writing and speaking events.

~ Frank

Tazz 1 Pty Ltd

Follow me in my crazy world via my site
or Insta!


 By Frank Perez


Article Source: A Beginner's Guide to a Camera Kit