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<title>Latest Articles by Sandy.Cosser</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/</link>
<description>Articles at ArticleTrader</description>
<language>en-us</language>
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<title>Chairs and tables to compliment your deck</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/gardening/chairs-and-tables-to-compliment-your-deck.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/gardening/chairs-and-tables-to-compliment-your-deck.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ You’ve built the garden deck or patio of your dreams, you’ve weather-proofed it and are planning an inaugural grand-deck opening party, but first you need to find furniture that befits your architectural masterpiece. Deck furniture comes in many guises, from the simple, yet traditional deck chair to more sophisticated bars and stools. How you choose to decorate your deck space is largely dependent on what you intend to use it for.<br /><br />If you built your deck to catch the sun, so that you could enjoy the quiet solitude of your garden, perhaps buried in a good book, you might want to focus on comfort. In which case, deck chairs and chaise lounges will be the order of the day. But your options don’t end there. You could get folding deck chairs, standing deck chairs or long deck chairs. You could even invest in some rocking chairs.<br /><br />Folding deck chairs are traditionally made with durable frames and canvas. They’re comfortable, and, as the name suggests, fold up easily for convenient transport and storage. These days you also get folding chairs that are made of plastic; these may be more weather-resistant but can be more bulky than their canvas brethren and aren’t quite as flexible during storage.<br /><br />A popular type of standing deck chair is the Adirondack, which is usually carved out of a single wooden board and cut into eleven pieces. Their broad arms are their distinguishing feature. They are broad enough to serve as tables, and can comfortably hold glasses, mugs, cups and the occasional side plate of snacks. The chair is generally not adjustable like other deck chairs, but the back is set at a slight angle for greater comfort.<br /><br />Long chairs or chaise lounges are especially evocative of summer holidays and long sunny days. The defining feature of these chairs is their length, which is ample enough to accommodate even the longest of legs. <br /><br />An alternative to single-seater chairs are benches, or quaint love-seats. These are great for sharing romantic sunsets, or even just to spread out on your own. The important thing to remember when buying a bench is that they’re often made of hardy material designed for durability and not comfort. Test out the benches before you make the decision to buy, and keep an eye out for some cushions anyway. <br /><br />Think carefully before purchasing any tables for your deck space, as your choice can be the difference between homeliness and cluttered. Many outdoor tables are small and compact, and around the height of deck chairs for ease of use. One or two of these can come in handy as people are always looking for space for cups and plates.  <br /><br />If you intend to use your deck as an eating area, however, you may want to consider larger and sturdier table options. Picnic tables are ideal for families who like to entertain outdoors, especially if they come with large umbrellas to shield users from the sun and rain. If you do plan on using an umbrella with your table it’s a good idea to look for one that’s easy to assemble, take down and store. <br /><br />Your deck was probably designed with relaxation and comfort in mind; it’s only fair that it be furnished in the same way. <br /><br />Recommended sites:<br /><br />http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deckchair<br /><br />http://www.outdoorfurnituremarket.com/outdoor-furniture-styles-and-designs<br /><br /><br /><br />--<br />Sandra wrote this article for the online marketers DeckPro <a href="http://www.deckpro.co.uk"> deck and patio builders </a> Leaders in the field of decking and patio construction.<br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Is it better to rent or buy?</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/is-it-better-to-rent-or-buy.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/is-it-better-to-rent-or-buy.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Investing in property can be a contentious issue, especially when you consider slumps in the housing market and rising interest rates in a volatile economy. Two issues in particular have fed the debate regarding whether it’s better to buy property or merely rent it. It’s a matter of some significance, especially in South Africa, where interest rates seem to be stuck in an up-hill climb, and consumers are faced with the rising prices of everything from food to fuel. <br /><br />Two financial experts in South Africa, Justin Hooper (managing director of Fincorp) and Magnus Heystek (managing director of Magnus Heystek Investments) took to the podium in the Sandton Hotel in the hopes of settling the debate once and for all. <br /><br />Hooper argued in favour of renting and investing in the stock market. Using an array of tables and statistics, he showed that by investing in the stock market for 20 years, you could in fact retire R2 million richer than if you had spent that time investing in a house. Which sounds like such nice news, after all, who wouldn’t want to come out with an extra R2 million? <br /><br />But what happens next? Do you continue to invest that money so that you can afford to rent a place to live in for the rest of your life? Or do you use that money to then enter the property market? If it’s the latter, R2 million won’t get you very far. In many places in South Africa, Cape Town in particular, R2 million will currently get you something nice and comfortable. In 20 years time it’ll probably only get you the very basics, like two bedrooms and one bathroom, and maybe a lockup garage. By the time your investments have matured, you’ll be in your 40s or 50s, and will probably want a little more than the basics, especially if you’ve been renting the basics in the interim. R2 million suddenly looks rather paltry.<br /><br />Heystek argued in favour of investing in property. He acknowledged that investing in the stock market rather than housing may one day result in financial independence, but countered that human nature makes this outcome rather unlikely. He says that few people actually make decisions like accountants do, and that when it comes to buying a house, there are larger considerations at play than just the facts. People who are not familiar with the stock market may be timid when it comes to high-risk, high-yield investments, and may choose safer, lower-yield options. They may also withdraw funds as and when they need them, rather than waiting for them to mature.  <br /><br />Heystek’s points are valid. Investing in the stock market while renting can be more expensive than simply paying off your bond every month. Many people barely make ends meet after they’ve paid their rent for the month. After their children have been clothed and educated, and food put on the table, scraping money together for an investment may seem like a bit of a luxury. <br /><br />And even if people can afford to invest money every month, how many of them would actually do so? People can be very casual about their future, mainly because it hasn’t happened yet. Many believe that the future will take care of itself or at the very least, that their children will take care of them in the future. Immediate needs are met with little thought of the years still to come.  If you want proof, all you need to do is take a look at South Africa’s disastrous national savings rate.<br /><br />There is pride in ownership, in knowing that the sweat of your back puts a roof over your head. A roof that belongs to you and that no one can take away. There is pride in maintaining your home, in making it comfortable for you and your family, which is missing when every nail and coat of paint has to be approved by a landlord. Home-ownership also fosters accountability. Because your home is your responsibility, leaking pipes and an overgrown lawn become your problems and not someone else’s. Some may find all of this responsibility daunting and shy away from it, while others will rise to meet the challenges that owning a home brings. <br /><br />In the end, the debate rages on, and all we can do is follow our instincts and do the best that our financial circumstances allow. <br /><br />Recommended sites: <br /> <br />http://www.btimes.co.za/97/0615/btmoney/btmoney.htm<br /><br />http://www.realestateweb.co.za/realestateweb/view/realestateweb/en/page196?oid=9316&sn=Detail<br /><br /><br /><br />--<br />Sandra wrote this article for the online marketers Trafalgar <a href="http://www.trafalgar.co.za"> property managers</a> leading specialists in property management, residential letting and property insurance.<br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Internet access from your car</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/internet/internet-access-from-your-car.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/internet/internet-access-from-your-car.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 26 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Mobile internet access generally refers to accessing the web from your phone. But what if mobile started to mean more? What if it incorporated systems that allowed you to access the web from your car, while you were driving? Wouldn’t that be the ultimate in mobile? After all, cars are designed with mobility in mind.<br /><br />In-car computers used to belong to the realm of science-fiction. They were a pipe-dream and nothing more. Now though, it seems that every major IT player is developing technology that will make that dream a reality. Microsoft is busy with Auto, a system that allows for voice recognition, as well as navigation and emergency response services. It currently has a contract with Ford, but that will expire soon and it’s expected that either Hyundai or Kia will pick it up.<br /><br />BMW is working on a system that will allow unrestricted access to the Net in all of their new 2008 cars. There are some restrictions in place, however, as the technology will only be available in Europe, at least for the time being. BMW has also wisely limited the access of front seat passengers so that they can only use the service when the car is travelling under 3mph (4.8kph). Front seat passengers searching the Net are one thing, but the idea of drivers searching for information is terrifying, regardless of how slowly they’re going. Back seat passengers, meanwhile, are free to interact online to their heart’s content, whether they’re bogged down in traffic or cruising the open road.<br /><br />The ATX Group, who consider themselves the “largest independent telematics services provider to the automotive industry” have been developing initiatives to address the safety issues surrounding in-car computing. Their partners in this endeavour are the Connected Vehicle Trade Association. One of their proposals includes a generic top-level domain that would “dumb down websites” while they’re being used in vehicles. An article in engadget.com proposes text-to-speech software that would read text aloud, enabling drivers to concentrate on the road ahead. <br /><br />Finally, Intel is working on a vehicle-friendly version of its Moblin OS. It’s a Linux-based system, which runs on atom processors and will control in-car systems as well as multimedia functions. It also allows third-party developers to build applications and services that can be added to the platform.<br /><br />In-car computing sounds like a terrific innovation and a significant step forward for IT-related industries. Traffic authorities, who are still struggling to get a handle on drivers using their phones while travelling, will bear the brunt of its disadvantages, however, and may not view it as favourably as others. Data recovery specialists, on the other hand, can expect business to go through the roof with the influx of hard drives damaged in automotive skirmishes. <br /><br />Recommended sites: <br /><br />http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/21/intel-working-on-linux-car-computing-initiative/<br /><br />http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/23/bmws-connecteddrive-brings-the-whole-internet-to-your-car-on/<br /><br />http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/20/atx-proposes-car-tdl-for-expected-influx-of-in-car-internet-use/<br /><br /><br /><br />--<br />Sandra wrote this article for the online marketers DTI Data <a href="http://www.dtidata.co.uk"> data salvage and recovery </a> one of the most experienced and expert providers of data recovery services in the UK<br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Does your deck demand that you wear socks with your shoes?</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/does-your-deck-demand-that-you-wear-socks-with-your-shoes.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/does-your-deck-demand-that-you-wear-socks-with-your-shoes.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ People can be finicky about their floors. In Japan it’s polite to take your shoes off before entering someone’s home. If people ask you to remove your shoes elsewhere in the world, it’s likely to be so that you won’t scuff their floors. We seldom give our floors much thought, except when we’re cleaning them, and even then the consideration is only cursory. But in some situations, the surface that you walk on demands shoes designed specifically to suit its purpose. <br /><br />Deck shoes, for instance, are designed with the often wet and slippery surfaces of boats in mind. They’re made of durable, non-slip rubber soles and leather uppers treated with oil to keep them waterproof. They’re easy to slip on and off and are equally manoeuvrable on land and water.<br /><br />Not content with life at sea, deck shoes evolved into footwear fashionable enough to be worn in a variety of non-sea faring situations. They are perfectly acceptable at events ranging from the semi-formal to the very casual. This means that you can step off the deck of your boat and onto a garden deck for a snazzy cocktail party or to simply relax at a barbeque with friends, without having to stop and change. Not only will your hosts applaud your style, but they’ll also be grateful because your rubber soles don’t pose any risk to their floors, wooden or otherwise.<br /><br />As with all fashion items, questions abound as to the correct manner of use. What pants can you wear your deck shoes with? Do you need to match your shoes to your jacket? Do you have to wear socks? <br /><br />The last question may give you pause for thought. Socks may be optional on the open sea where they get wet, and wearing them for long periods would not only be uncomfortable but also unhygienic. But surely you would wear socks to a semi-formal event? When it comes to deck shoes, the rules are somewhat vague and seem to depend entirely on personal preference.   <br /><br />Whether your deck is on a yacht out on the open sea, or in your garden, deck shoes will keep your feet comfortably grounded in sporty style, with or without socks.<br /><br />Recommended site:   <br /><br />http://www.content4reprint.com/culture-and-society/consumer/some-of-the-basics-you-need-to-know-about-boating-shoes.htm<br /><br /><br /><br />--<br />Sandra wrote this article for the online marketers DeckPro <a href="http://www.deckpro.co.uk"> deck and patio builders </a> Leaders in the field of decking and patio construction.<br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>What does it take to be a successful blogger?</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/writing/what-does-it-take-to-be-a-successful-blogger.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/writing/what-does-it-take-to-be-a-successful-blogger.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ There are an awful lot of blogs currently residing in cyberspace, and more are added every day. It takes a certain amount of courage to create a blog of your own. First, you have to have something to say. Second, you have to be reasonably sure that other people will want to hear it. Third, you need to be confident in your ability to present your ideas in a coherent and entertaining manner. Fourth, you need to be able to handle criticism and rejection without stooping to name calling and puerile retorts. <br /><br />Many things contribute to the success of a blog, not least of which are long hours and hard work. When asked what they think the most important trait of a successful blog is, professional bloggers (who seldom agree on the colour of the sky) are unanimous in their reply – passion.<br /><br />Passion will carry you through the initial stages of your blog, when you’re still trying to build an online presence and attract readers. It’ll sustain you years down the line, when motivation and fresh content are hard to come by. It’ll even, to a degree, mask dodgy grammar and a barely average writing ability. The fantastic thing about passion is that you can’t hide it; it’s self-evident and highly infectious. Your passion ignites passion in others; it stimulates interest and spreads like wildfire, which is exactly what you want.<br /><br />Following hot on passion’s heels is an intense desire to communicate. No one starts a blog and then hopes that it’ll pass unnoticed. Successful bloggers build communities of similar-minded people around them. They interact and comment on other niche posts and invite people to express their opinions via comments and emails. Building relationships is the cornerstone of blogging, which at its core, is what communication is all about. <br /><br />A questioning mind also plays a pivotal role in the success of your blog. Good blogs aren’t merely opinion pieces or virtual soap-boxes for their writers. Your opinion counts, but only if your reasoning is sound. Successful bloggers research their topics to provide content that has value for their readers. They don’t spout theories cobbled together from half-truths and hearsay. They often learn things that alter their perceptions or refine their thinking in the process.  Their desire to communicate means that they can’t wait to share what they have learnt with their online community, and hopefully enlighten others. They are as willing to learn as they are to teach, and welcome divergent views.<br /><br />The technical aspects to blogging, the template you use, the site design, the plug-ins you choose (if you choose any at all) are never mentioned when considering the success of a blog. Of course the way your blog looks and feels are important, but they are not nearly as important as the character with which you infuse your blog. When it comes to blogging, personality counts for more than looks.<br /><br />Recommended site:<br /><br />http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/05/20/11-traits-of-successful-bloggers/<br /><br /><br /><br />--<br />Sandra wrote this article for the online marketers MediaVision Interactive ZA <a href="http://www.mvi.co.za"> SEO marketers</a> leading SEO marketers and experts in the field of search.<br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Pyrotechnics: when playing with fire brings in the big bucks</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/business/career/pyrotechnics-when-playing-with-fire-brings-in-the-big-bucks.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/business/career/pyrotechnics-when-playing-with-fire-brings-in-the-big-bucks.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ When we’re children we’re warned against the hazards of playing with fire. Threats range from the tame but embarrassing consequence of bed-wetting, to the scarier scenario of the neighbourhood going up in flames, all because the hapless child wanted to light a match. But fire appeals to something primitive deep within us all and not everyone grows out of his or her early fascination with its destructive beauty.<br /><br />There are several options available to fire-lovers. They can pit themselves against the flames as fire-fighters, or they can learn to control fire and all things fire-related as pyrotechnicians. There is also the option of arson, but that’s not something we like to encourage.<br /><br />According to Wikipedia, pyrotechnicians are “responsible for the safe storage, handling, and functioning of pyrotechnics and pyrotechnic devices.” The term refers chiefly to those who work in the entertainment industry, but can be stretched to include those who handle fireworks and explosives.<br /><br />In most countries, aspiring and professional pyrotechnicians are required to have a licence or some form of certification, although there is very little consensus as to what that means. In the United States for example, there is no national certification programme and it’s up to the individual states to implement their own licensing regulations. Problems arise when states don’t use the same definitions or have the same operating requirements. The situation is further complicated by a lack of reciprocity. Some states refuse to recognise certification granted in other areas of the US, which leads to a situation where technicians have to carry multiple licenses.  <br /><br />In the UK, there are two major pyrotechnics associations, which regulate the industry and work to ensure that high standards of safety and professionalism are upheld. The British Pyrotechnists Association is involved primarily with fireworks, while the Association of Stage Pyrotechnicians is interested in anything to do with theatrical pyrotechnics, including stage, concert and conference events.<br /><br />If money is as interesting to you as fire is, look no further than the entertainment industry, where the bigger the pyrotechnics the better. Countless entertainers (singers and wrestlers) like to make an appearance amid fireworks or deceptively dangerous flames. And there is nothing movie makers like more than to blow things up. <br /><br />One thing you’ll never be short of is excitement. One veteran pyrotechnician says that even after 22 years in the industry, he still gets a little scared. That’s because pyrotechnics can be unpredictable, and unpredictability is dangerous. As another professional says, it can be embarrassing when nothing happens instead of the big bang everyone was expecting. But then you have to go into an uncertain situation to try and find out why. Many technicians have been injured investigating erratic fuses that didn’t burn as they should have.<br /><br />Not all accidents are unhappy ones, however. During the filming of the movie Blown Away, an explosion in Boston Harbour was badly miscalculated, and shattered windows up to 30 blocks away. The result was caught on 14 well-placed cameras and the dramatic images played an important role in the movie’s marketing campaign. <br /><br /> <br />Recommended sites:    <br /><br />http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrotechnician<br /><br />http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrotechnics<br /><br />http://www.salary.com/careers/layouthtmls/crel_display_Cat10_Ser177_Par277.html<br /><br /><br />--<br />Sandra wrote this article for the online marketers Pitmans People <a href="http://www.pitmanspeople.com"> temporary and casual labour opportunities </a> one of the leading suppliers of temporary and casual labour to the UK workforce <br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Protective clothing for motorcyclists</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/protective-clothing-for-motorcyclists.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/protective-clothing-for-motorcyclists.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 19 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Motorcycles conjure up different images for different people. For some they speak of freedom, adventure and the open road, for others they epitomise rebellion. Many mothers and wives hate them because they stand for danger and death. This is a perception further fuelled by the fact that emergency room staff tend to refer to motorcyclists as organ donors. Riding a motorbike is inherently dangerous, for one thing there is the constant temptation to give in to speed, and other drivers seldom see them, for another. <br /><br />To make riding a motorbike a more pleasurable and relatively safe practice, it’s advisable to invest in a range of protective clothing. This clothing is designed not only to keep you warm and dry in the cold and rain, but also to provide a measure of protection when your body inevitably introduces itself to the tarmac.<br /><br />According to motorcycle experts at flamesonmytank.co.za the areas of your body that need the most protection (aside from your head) are the places where your skin is thinnest and the bones are closest to the surface. These places include your knuckles, shoulders, hips and knees. They recommend that you look for clothing that has thick, but soft, body armour sewn in.<br /><br />They also say that in non fatal accidents, the most common and permanent injuries are to your legs and feet. This means that when buying motorcycle boots, you need to consider a lot more than style. It’s important that your boots support and protect your ankles and are sturdy enough not to buckle, bend and crush your foot. Many long-distance bikers opt for “off-trail” hiking boots, as they are designed to support your feet in a variety of extreme conditions and over awkward surfaces. <br /><br />Don’t forget about your shins. If your boots don’t provide enough protection, you might want to do the same as some professional bikers do and tuck a pair of soccer pads into your socks. They may not be cool, but they’re one hell of a lot cooler than having your broken shin bones poking through the legs of your pants.<br /><br />When it comes to pants, many bikers choose to ride in denim jeans. They’re convenient, they’re inexpensive and they don’t look out of place when you’re not on your bike. They are not without their disadvantages though. Studies have shown that that cotton used in jeans isn’t able to withstand all of the abrasion that results from a motorcycle accident. Once wet, they take a long time to dry, which means that you’ll still be damp and uncomfortable hours after the rain has passed. Leather, on the other hand, can be treated with waterproofing and is hardier in prolonged contact with the road.<br /><br />Another thing that you need to consider when buying protective gear is the “crash and slide factor”. This refers to your clothing’s ability to remain in place while you’re becoming intimate with the surface of the road. You don’t want the cuffs of your jacket or pants to ride up and expose your skin and bones to the abrasive qualities of the asphalt. What you want is for all of your belts, zips and Velcro fasteners to stay fast and protect you as much as possible while your life flashes before your eyes. <br /><br />Heat resistance suddenly becomes very important, as you will generate a lot of it while you skid across the road. If your garments are of a delicate nature, and the care instructions state that only a cool iron should be used, you’re going to be in trouble. Your clothes will melt and could possibly melt into your skin, adding further insult to considerable injury. Look for clothing that can withstand temperatures higher than 110 degrees Celsius; in other words, something that you can iron the hell out of. <br /><br />Riding a motorbike is dangerous, and for many that is part of the allure, but that doesn’t mean that all bikers are reckless or careless with their lives. Any biker worth his or her salt takes precautions on the road, no matter how rudimentary. Ear plugs, gloves, helmets and jackets all play a crucial role in keeping you safe on and prolonging your enjoyment of the open road. If you’re worried about stifling in all of that protection, remember these wise words from flamesonmytank.co.za, “it’s better to sweat than to bleed”.<br /><br />Recommended site:<br /><br />http://www.flamesonmytank.co.za/Clobber.htm<br /><br /><br /><br />--<br />Sandra wrote this article for the online marketers Dickies Store <a href="http://www.dickiesstore.co.uk"> functional protective clothing </a> one of the most successful protective clothing stores in the UK<br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>The importance of ecotourism</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/travel/the-importance-of-ecotourism.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/travel/the-importance-of-ecotourism.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 19 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Ecotourism is increasing in popularity across the world, but has significant practical value in developing countries where the needs of impoverished communities may conflict directly with the need to capitalise on the growing tourism industry. In many cases developers move in and designate certain areas as tourism hotspots without giving much thought to the impact that this will have on local communities. These communities may depend on the area for food and shelter, but their concerns are buried beneath the potential for financial revenue. <br /><br />Ecotourism is a move to counter this. It aims to create viable and sustainable tourism opportunities, and limit the impact that all related activities will have on the environment, while improving the lives of the local people living in the area. According to Ecotourism.org, the concept consists of a number of core principles, including: <br /><br />•	Minimising industrial impact on the environment<br /><br />•	Building environmental and cultural awareness<br /><br />•	Empowering local communities<br /><br />•	Raising awareness of the political, environmental and social issues of the country concerned, and<br /><br />•	Ensuring that the experience is positive for all parties, including visitors and hosts<br /><br />The aim is to achieve sustainable and responsible tourism practices to the benefit of all and the detriment of none. One of the most important factors in the success of any ecotourism venture is knowledge. Those proposing the project must gain intimate knowledge of the area, the fauna, the flora and the communities living there. They must understand how they impact on each other and how a change in one will affect the rest. They must understand the culture governing the people’s relationship with the environment, and how they view concepts such as territory, hunting, farming and gathering materials for personal use.  <br /><br />It’s vital to include the local communities in the project, not merely as grateful beneficiaries of charity, but as empowered and informed team members. Their input is to be valued, as chances are that they understand the area and complex ecosystems better than anyone else involved in the project.<br /><br />The ultimate goal is to create a sustainable resource that protects both the people and the nature involved. Over 20 years ago, in 1987, the World Commission on Environment and Development stated that sustained development implied, “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” This sentiment is just as applicable now as it was then. <br /><br />Equally important is that within in all this concern for sustainability and empowerment, we don’t forget the tourism aspect of ecotourism. In 2002, the Cape Town Declaration on Responsible Tourism stated that responsible tourism should provide a more enjoyable experience for tourists through meaningful interaction with local people, and a greater understanding of cultural, social and environmental issues. It is the tourist-dollar (or Pound) that we are after, and to get it we have to ensure that what we offer is worthwhile. What’s important is that with a little planning and a little compassion, all of this can be achieved.<br /><br />Recommended site:<br /><br />http://www.ecotourism.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/eco_template.aspx?articleid=95&zoneid=2<br /><br /><br /><br />--<br />Sandra wrote this article for the online marketers Outlook SGE <a href="http://www.outlook.co.za"> specialists in South African safaris </a> one of the most successful companies organising safaris, catering especially to smaller groups.<br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>How to make the most of networking opportunities</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/internet/how-to-make-the-most-of-networking-opportunities.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/internet/how-to-make-the-most-of-networking-opportunities.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 19 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Networking has long been considered standard business practice. Networking events are useful to people who are seeking employment opportunities, partnerships, mentors or simply wishing to increase their list of contacts. These days, networking has moved online, with niche social networks catering to a variety of professional fields and industries. Whether you’re networking online or in person, you need to do your utmost to ensure that you stand out from the crowd. When it comes to creating a good impression and securing influential contacts, simple courtesy and an innate humanness often trump gimmicks and flashy grandstanding.<br /><br />You know from personal experience that people are interested in other people who show an interest in them. We are often our favourite topic of conversation, and like nothing better than to be praised for recent achievements or to revisit old ones. This is why, regardless of the network setting, you should do your best to find out who the key players are, and conduct a little research on each of them. People are flattered when you’ve taken the time to learn something about them. Be careful, however, to keep your interest professional, as there is nothing more off putting than a sycophantic stalker.<br /><br />You need to be prepared before you enter a networking situation. Your preliminary research on others is one aspect; knowing exactly what you want out of the experience and preparing an appropriate pitch are two other aspects. If you’re looking for partners, your approach will be different than if you’re after a job, which in turn will be different if you’re only interested in getting your name out there.  <br /><br />An article called “The four most common networking mistakes”, calls this the “elevator pitch”. Basically it’s a summary that briefly outlines who you are, your experience and your abilities. It’s called an “elevator pitch” because it must be short enough to be completed during a ride in a lift or elevator. About three minutes is considered long enough. <br /><br />You need to practice your pitch so often that it doesn’t sound forced or rehearsed at all. There is no greater deterrent to building relationships than an introduction that’s vomited out like a cat getting rid of a hairball. It’ll lie awkwardly between you until the other person backs away gingerly and warns everyone else of the mess you made on the floor. Be confident, be yourself and don’t be arrogant.  <br /><br />Remember that a little respect goes a long way. The purpose of a networking event or website is to mingle and interact with as many people as possible. Don’t latch onto one person and take up all of his or her time. Respect your acquaintances’ personal space, don’t do any unnecessary, over-familiar touching and when they want to go, let them. When networking online, don’t bombard contacts with messages or questions and whatever you do, don’t spam them. You want to be professional, approachable and accessible, and not a pervasive presence that can only be shaken with the help of police interference.<br /><br />Lastly, career-advice.monster.com says that you should never forget where you came from. Anyone who has ever networked knows how difficult it can be, and so owes a helping hand to everyone who follows in his or her footsteps. The person you help could turn out to be the next Richard Branson, and who knows what form his or her gratitude will take.<br /><br />Recommended sites:  <br /><br />http://ca.hotjobs.yahoo.com/networking/The_Four_Most_Common_Networking_Mistakes__2004324-1355.html?subtopic=Networking+Tips<br /><br />http://career-advice.monster.com/career-networking/Thirteen-Networking-Mistakes/home.aspx<br /><br /><br /><br />--<br />Sandra wrote this article for the online marketers Find In Africa <a href="http://www.findinafrica.co.za"> comprehensive Internet directory service </a> one of the leading Internet directories for information ranging from business news and contacts to weddings.<br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Children and social networks</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/internet/children-and-social-networks.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/internet/children-and-social-networks.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ One of the primary concerns facing modern parents in this digital world is how to protect their children from visiting unsuitable and unsafe websites online. It’s common knowledge that the Internet is an effective tool for unsavoury characters to attract and prey on vulnerable children. Now, with the rise of social networks and the ease with which young children can set up profiles; parents are more concerned than ever. Or at least they should be.<br /><br />According to a survey conducted by Ofcom in the UK, 59% of children aged between 8 and 17 use social networks such as Bebo, MySpace and Facebook to make new friends. This is despite the fact that these sites generally have a minimum sign-up age of 13 or 14. They claim to remove all underage profiles, but currently no technology exists to help them establish the true age of their members. Consequently many children fall between the cracks, especially if they’re fairly adept at lying. In the virtual world, truth is subjective. <br /><br />Children, particularly adolescents, are often not aware that they can limit access to their profiles with privacy settings, and as a result, all of their personal details become public knowledge. Some proactive networks set the accounts of their younger users to “private” automatically, so that only certain individuals nominated by the user can see his or her profile, but many don’t use this security setting. There is currently a move in the UK to address this issue by making it compulsory for the account settings for all users under the age of 18 to be set to private by default. <br /><br />Social networks are also working on methods that will improve their overall security, including age verification technology and banning all known paedophiles. This is great news but we can’t expect social sites to do all of the work, and parents need to step up to the plate and take their share of responsibility for their children’s online activities. <br /><br />According to statistics provided by Ofcom, it seems that parental concern is unfortunately lacking. 16% of parents aren’t aware of the status of their child’s social profile, so they don’t know who has access to their child’s details. Even more disturbing is the statistic that shows 33% of parents don’t set rules regulating the way in which their children use social networks. Children are left to use their own discretion when choosing applications and making friends. Considering the nature of some of the applications available, as well as the devious character of some users, the concept of a child’s discretion is laughable.       <br /><br />No one ever said that protecting your children was going to be easy, and in most instances any action that you take in pursuit of that will make you unpopular. The bottom line is that parenthood is not a popularity contest. Your children need you to protect them, not be their friends, and to do that you sometimes have to become a dragon. But it’s better to endure a few hours of furious sulking than a lifetime of regret. In November 2007, a 13 year old girl hanged herself after an adult with a fake profile directed some hurtful comments at her. You don’t want your children to suffer the same fate.<br /><br />Recommended site:<br /><br />http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7325019.stm<br /><br /><br />--<br /> Sandra wrote this article for the online marketers MediaVision Interactive UK <a href="http://www.mvisearch.co.uk"> search engine marketers</a> leading SEO marketers and experts in the field of search.<br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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