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Archive for July 1st, 2009

During the early part of the last century, the popularity of cigarette smoking underwent explosive growth among men. Two decades later, women joined the ranks of habitual smokers in droves. Today, lung cancer claims nearly 150,000 lives each year; eighty percent of cases are directly attributed to cigarettes. Despite it’s devastating effects, lung cancer is largely avoidable. Learning some simple health facts can make all the difference in the world

While smoking is the leading cause of the disease, there are other, less prevalent causes. In this article, we’ll describe a few of them in detail, beginning with habitual smoking and continuing with secondary smoke, and exposure to other elements.

Habitual Smoking

Doctors measure the risk that a patient might develop lung cancer by considering two variables. They want the medical history of the smokers usage in regards to how many packs a day and how long the patient has been a smoker. The larger the number, the more risk of the disease manifesting. Most smokers believe that there is little risk with cigars and pipes, the risk however remains.

Smoke from a cigarette includes 1000’s of chemicals. Some of them, like nitrosamines, are known to be carcinogenic. Over time, those chemicals infiltrate and damage the cells in the bronchi, leading to the development of malignant tumors. The cancerous cells can eventually affect the heart, causing the right side to enlarge.

Secondary Smoke

Many people mistakenly believe that inhaling secondhand smoke does not represent a risk of developing lung cancer. In fact, it does. Thousands of people in the U.S. die each year from developing the disease after constant exposure to secondhand smoke. A person whop doesn’t smoke themselves but is lives with an habitual smokes is also 24% more likely to contract the disease.

Exposure To Asbestos

Years ago, asbestos was used liberally within houses, apartments, and office buildings in order to insulate them. Unfortunately, while it provides effective insulation, asbestos also damages the tissue within the lungs. With increased time and exposure, the damage can lead to cancer. Further, asbestos significantly increases the likelihood of a smoker developing the disease. For example, a non-smoker who works with the material is 5 times more likely to be affected than someone who does not work with it. In contrast, one working with asbestos and being a smoker is 90 times more likely.

Other Risk Factors

There are other risk factors besides those mentioned above. For example, people who are exposed to radon gas, arsenic, nickel, and chloromethyl ethers on a regular basis run the risk of developing lung cancer. Genetics also plays an important role. A person is more likely to have the disease if an immediate family member has also been diagnosed in the past.

Once diagnosed, a doctor will recommend a number of possible treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. If the disease is identified early enough, it is possible for the doctor to treat it successfully and for the patient to enjoy a long, healthy life.

Here are some web design rules to keep in mind in order to have a successful website. These guidelines will definitely help to make your site more usable as a first principle. Whatever else needs to happen with regards to web design aspects is a different story.

1. Have a clear and simple navigation structure

This is probably one of the most important rules for having a successful website. Menus that are not clearly marked with text, or menus that have complex navigation structures will cause your website visitor to leave your site rather than try and figure out how to get to the information that they really need. Keep it simple and and easy.

2. Have a clear indication of where the user is

This goes hand in hand with the simple navigation web design rule. Always clearly indicate to the visitor where they are on your site – a ‘breadcrumb’ trial at the top of you site will clearly assist with letting them know in which part of the site they are at any one time and also helps to act as a backup navigation system.

3. Do not use splash pages

Splash pages use to be very fashionable a couple of years ago. But just like in real life, fashions and trends change on the internet. The website visitor of today does not have time for meaningless splash pages any more. Time is of the essence and if they cannot find the information that they need immediately they might just leave. If they cannot find it immediately on your site, they will leave and go to someone else’s.

4. Avoid using audio on your site

Whatever you do, do not have an audio loop on your site that starts automatically. Apart from the fact that it is an intrusion and an irritation if your audio starts playing immediately, you are also not showing any regard for the privacy of your visitor, who might not want the whole world to know that he is currently on your website. If you do want to have audio, make sure that the audio controls are available to stop or start the audio loop.

5. Do not use flash technology for your whole website.

Flash technology is good to use in selected areas of your site to add interest and liveliness to the site, for example in a flash header. But flash technology hides the content of the site from the search engines since the search engines cannot read flash sites, it would therefore be a big web design mistake to build your website completely in flash. Since your flash website will be invisible in the search engines, it is therefore a bad idea to completely use flash to build your site!

Public transport operators who already use passenger surveys may not fully appreciate the multiple benefits that surveys can bring. Surveys are the ideal way to gather market research information that once analyzed can help identify problems and spawn initiatives required to address them, further surveys can monitor the initiatives effectiveness and promote the changes to the customers.

Establishing a Starting Point

When embarking on any change management programme it is always good practice to establish a base line before any changes are made. This baseline survey can serve four purposes, it will:-

• allow the proper targeting of investment
• allow measurement of the effect of change
• assist in the moral of those implementing change
• ensure that new issues are kept separate from the original plan and budget

Targeting Investment

There are many areas of any public transport system that can cause passenger dissatisfaction all of which need to be monitored to ensure that the service being provided meets, and where possible, exceeds, performance level targets.

Issues that can be of concern to passenger include:-

• safety and security
• punctuality
• fares and ticket types
• capacity and overcrowding
• quality and design of vehicle
• cleanliness
• facilities at stations and terminals
• facilities for passengers with disabilities

Often limited resources and budgets means that investment needs to be carefully planned and properly targeted.

Operators can use passenger surveys to canvas their customers as to what the main issues are. By analyzing passenger feedback operators can confirm that their improvement and investment plans are in tune with the passenger demands and concerns. Issues can be classified into low and high priority, as well as short and long term plans.

Some capital investment such as the building of new terminals, runways, laying new track or upgrading air traffic control or rail signalling equipment may take years to implement. However, the initial survey will almost certainly identify some main concerns that can be addressed immediately and for a reasonable cost.

Measuring Change

From having established a comprehensive programme from an initial survey the objectives for running periodic surveys are twofold.

One objective will be to confirm that passenger concerns have been addressed by any changes and initiatives that are implemented. A second objective will be to advertise and promote the initiatives that have been implemented and also educate and inform passengers of ongoing improvements and future plans.

Passengers can appreciate that it can take time to resolve some of their concerns and more understanding towards the operators if they know that the problems have been identified and are being addressed.

Keeping Moral

Those implementing change can often develop a siege mentality. It can take time for changes to take effect and for any improvements to be noticed by the passengers.

By monitoring passenger opinion and measuring the results against earlier surveys a successful change programme should see passenger issues change over time, some issues that were problems will no longer be raised.

Passengers who are suffering can be very impatient that improvements are not instant and their negativity can cause those tasked with implementing change to become demoralised. It is vital that a team implementing change can see clearly the effects of their efforts.

Identifying New and Old

In any long term change management programme issues can change over time. The situation can change instantly so that due to an event what was important, is no longer important and what wasn’t an issue, is suddenly an issue.

A baseline survey will make sure that the passengers concerns are chronologically documented. Passengers are themselves an evolving group, individual travel arrangements change, fashion changes, life styles develop along with technology. Annual surveys will ensure that any changes in passenger attitudes are monitored.

Online Surveys Make It Easy

Online surveys can reach a broad cross section of any travelling public. They are quick to design and implement and they provide feedback in a format that is ready for detailed analysis. Because online surveys are low cost and flexible it is practical to publish multiple surveys aimed at specific groups such as the disabled passenger, the business traveller and single parents travelling with children.

Not only will online passenger surveys make it easy to collect important market research data it will also deliver a message to the passengers that the operator has a genuine pro-active commitment towards passenger satisfaction.

Passengers benefit by having an effective channel to raise issues and through periodic surveys will begin to appreciate that the operator is continually investing and improving the service. The following are links to samples of Passenger Surveys

Sample Passenger Survey for an Airline Carrier: Airline Passenger Survey

Passenger Survey for a Train Operator: Train Operator Passenger Survey

Sample Passenger Survey for a Bus Operator: Bus Operator Passenger Survey

Italy is not only one of the most powerful and influential economies in the world. Italy is also a major player in music, theatre, arts, design, fashion and of course – cuisine. There are different Italian restaurants that are providing gastronomic delight to its customers. Where could one gather much information about Italian dishes? Where to learn about Italian food and methods of preparing them?

Italian cuisine traces its roots back to 4th century B.C. Significant changes, of course, had happened since that time. The discovery of the New World and the introduction of agricultural items such as potatoes, tomatoes, bell pepper, and maize had significant impact on the central parts of the cuisine. Students learn more that cuisine and food, they also learn a lot about Italian On Line.

Many Italian cooking schools in Italy already offers bedding, cooking utensils, furniture, etc. Students who have gone abroad or to a different school to study just need bring necessary clothes and other necessities. It is important to take into consideration that the student’s stuff will gradually increase.

Most students spend an entire semester or years in culinary schools to expand their knowledge and horizon. Meanwhile, there are students who see that learning how to cook Italian would be a great way to spent time with their vacation. This is regardless if the students are great chefs or just passionate about cooking.

By participating to one of the many cooking or culinary schools in Italy can enable you to learn the secrets of authentic Italian cuisine while having fun with people who share your interests and passion. Cooking skill can start from even the most basic knowledge, there are culinary schools, informal cooking classes and even cooking academies.

Informal cooking classes can last from a day to a few weeks. Informal schools or even some culinary schools, create a fun and casual atmosphere. These experiences can be enjoyable for any level of cook, from amateur or even professionals.

These are several notable Italian school that teach cooking and culinary arts:

• Andrea Sposini is from Scuola darte culinaria Alta Societa’. She teaches students simple, understated, authentic Umbrian cuisine with exquisite extra virgin olive oils, superior wines and world famous salamis and cured meats. She had conducted series of international shows both in America and England. Meanwhile, Alta Societa’ offers intensive courses in gourmet cooking for aspiring chefs. They also conduct day classes for visitors who want to learn the basics of Italian cuisine.

• Cook Italy offers regional cooking lessons, sepcializing in regional dishes in Tuscany and Bologna. Cooking lessons are conducted in excellent locations in Bologna, Cartona, Lucca and even in Siracusa, Sicily.

• Tours and cooking vacations in Italy is what Mama Margaret and Friends are known for. Aside from cooking, they also conduct tours and visits in vineyards, country farms and kitchens of local chefs.

• Culinary Institutes are more similar to academies. This is not usually for beginners, aspiring cooks and professionals usually go here to learn about Italian cuisine for a full semester. Italian culinary institutes are for those who are interested in mastering regional and national specialties.

• Apicius- Culinary Institue of Florence offers culinary education for those who are just learning the field. They also offer a Master in Italian Cuisine course for experienced chefs.

• Designed for non-professional and professional chefs, the Higher Institute of Gastronomy and School of Regional Cooking can be found in the heart of the city. They also conduct visits to traditional cheese and balsamic vinegar making facilities.

• Fontana del Papa sets an excellent introduction to Italy. They offer cooking and wine classes and special cookery for children.

Learning and eating Italian food is truly a gastronomic delight. Mangiare bene!

Please visit: http://1st-LearningItalian.com where you can get your FREE Report on “Beginner’s Guide to Learning Italian”, videos, resources, and discover more on Italian Classes. Good Luck!

minority women owned business

Leave the workplace for good!  Or at least have the opportunity.   How? By joining as a Benefits Specialist with an excellent company.  Have you heard of Ameriplan®? See Dental Medical You can do the business locally or nationwide on the inernet.My upline quit the Post Office after a 21 yr government career to do this business.

We work with you to build a full time home based business , and you don’t need a license to do so.AmeriPlan Discounts are not insurance.As a Rep you will offer people big savings on Dental and Health.

I realize people are afraid to branch out on their own.I was scared also.With all my research, if there was something better, I would have found it.It’s great to work at home on the internet.I travel when I have the urge, I can.  If I want to go see my daughter in Indiana, I can.  If I want to go on vacation, guess what, I can.It’s fantastic. Did you feel as if your work efforts were not pay off, while the kids were in daycare?   Think!You can retire real early with money in the bank.AmeriPlan helps you create true lifetime resiudual income.

I believe in what I am doing.  I can honestly say I have made money and more than one check, even more than two checks.I get excited about the income potential of this program.  I had been in other businesses such as Avon and Tupperware and never made anything.  I have found my passion, and that is caring and helping people.

I believe God wants me to share this vision with other stay at home moms.  I have been on the bad end of being broke.I thought it would be good to wake up with money in thebank.I saw the potential and knew what I had to do.It was obvious that Ameriplan is where I needed to be.I did avoid joining another MLM.   I chickened out but came back to it.I am glad that I made the right choice.  A magazine article about AmeriPlan at Barnes and Noble made me see the light.   

I found a great company.We’re a company that delivers on the promise.I’ve participated in other MLM Programs, but never made a penny.  I never made money with YTB Travel, Tupperware, and Avon amongst others.  But I have with Ameriplan®.

We have an awesome compensation plan.It’s great to get home from vacation to find checks at the post office.If you do the work, you’ll be paid.Ameriplan has big goals for the future and reward the IBOs very well.  But one thing I can say for sure is that I believe in them.   Ask me how you can quit your job!

For more information visit Ameriplan Work at Home 

The kitchen is a tough area to decide on when it comes to flooring.  On one hand, the kitchen flooring must remain flexible enough to support the legs and back.  On the other hand, however, the flooring must be resistant to stains and a high level of foot traffic.  The best flooring looks great for years without a lot of maintenance.  Spills and accidents will occur frequently, demanding reliability and durability from flooring that is installed in the kitchen area.  To prevent serious maintenance problems and future expenses, it pays to install the right kind of flooring to begin with.

Wood flooring has long been used in the kitchen, but it can lead to high maintenance costs.  Wood aborbs moisture, causing it to warp and crack over time.  When a wood floor absorbs too much moisture it can end up crowning or cupping, leading to a surface that must be replaced or sanded down.  The only solution to this problem is to sand down the bowing section, or to go the expensive route and replace the floor.  These options are both time consuming and costly, and involve many hours as well as thousands of dollars.  While a properly constructed and processed wood floor may resist these problems, wood flooring is definitely more likely to break down because of these problems.

Slate and ceramic tile are more reliable.  Tile and slate do not suffer from water exposure, and do not suffer from warping or cracking.  As fairly tough materials, they undergo little expansion or contraction.
Slate and ceramic flooring are available in a broad range of colors and shades.  Slate and ceramic flooring are also very slip resistant, making them a safer surface to use in the kitchen as well.  Hardwood flooring may be hazardous when wet, especially if it has been exposed to moisture.  When using slate as a kitchen surface, be sure to go with a low gloss or finish for extra slip protection.

Laminate flooring is also another viable option in the kitchen.  To achieve that hardwood look without the maintenance issues, laminate flooring can be a wonderful option.  Laminate flooring is easy to install, affordable, and very resistant to both absorbing moisture and food stains.
Laminate flooring is also engineered to work under heavy loads and traffic.  The kitchen is a demanding place for flooring, and should be given flooring that will withstand as much.  Choosing the right kind of flooring will give homeowners lasting durability, with low maintenance requirements.

Each year a bunch of youngsters from India go to US to pursue higher studies. Normally in the summer vacations,few of the students come down to India but few prefer to stay there only and get employed in summer internship assignments. These summer internships are a very wise option for the youngsters as they get the opportunity to earn pocket money for themselves. But this year those who decided not to go back to India for the summer break are taken aback a little as for the first time, they have seen a scarce situation of job supply here. Astonishingly then, there aren’t enough jobs…not even in local shops and fast food joints. Amar, an Indian student in US,understood that he wouldn’t be able to survive in US without a summer internship in hand for too long. After a lot of job scouting when he could not manage himself a summer summer internship, he chose to start something on his own. He was standing at his balcony one bright morning and he noticed a Fairfax Plumber working in his neighbor’s residence. He wondered that this could be a good career for him, keeping in mind that plumbing works and services would continue to remain in demand. He swiftly rushed to the neighbor’s house to catch up with him, and see if there is any chance for him to work as an apprentice to the already-qualified plumber. Amar requested him to train him on plumbing works. The Plumber consented on training him but only at a fixed charge for the same. Amar agreed on paying the fees and understood from him how to install and repair pipes, fittings, fixtures, and other plumbing works. Cut to present- As on date, Amar is conveniently among the top Fairfax Plumbers who sensibly opted for a lesser favorite career, and did not go after the customary management jobs. according to him, all credit goes to the magnanimity of Fairfax Plumbing.

Of all the precious stones in the current world, diamonds still say it all for most people today. Besides the fact that they truly are forever and that they don’t tarnish as fast as other rare precious stones, they glisten the most when portrayed with the right colors and lighting around it.
 
From the basic cut precious stones for all jewelry, various cuts of diamonds are used to bring out the best quality in any diamond mined. Depending on where the diamond is to be used, the cut of the diamond also has to be considered. Most jewelers would let you know that the simpler the diamond cut the cheaper the price.

A princess cut diamond is the cheapest, as it is just either a square or rectangular shaped diamond, nothing too extravagant. A princess cut diamond is cut as simply as possible omitting excessive work on it. The facets would normally make the diamond look so much brighter due to the fact that the facets make the light reflect inside its so much more.

If your budget is tight and you would still like to impress someone with a diamond the princess cut diamond is the only way to go, otherwise you could be paying a arm and a leg for all those other fancy cuts and designs.
 
Right Gift For Right Occasion
 
From dropping the simplest little princess cut diamond engagement ring into the glass of bubbly, one could also open the velvet small case with the perfect set of earrings in it to match. This should surely change many people’s heart if it was paid with the right gesture in mind, and not as a repair patch on a relationship. The princess cut diamond earring would be cut the same size in ratio to match with the engagement ring, simple by design but effective enough to win the heart over with a gift.
 
Not everyone enjoys the over rated ostentatious or heavy jewelry that blind everybody when they walk past them, and so if diamonds are on the cards then the simplest means to make them happy would be with the princess cut diamond. Simply clenched in a clasp that could last a lifetime. The most common of any princess cut diamond ring would be in the case of an eternity ring, saying exactly what it is – for eternity.

As with most single princess cut diamond rings the diamond itself is raised to maximise all light passing through it, it is rarely sunken into the metal used to hold it as it would look dull and dirty within a short while making you wonder if the stone was a real diamond or not.