Who doesn't want to capitalize on the iPhone app gold rush? With close to 120,000 apps created and over two billion downloads so far, this is officially a multi-billion dollar industry. Apps like "Don't Push the Red Button" and iFart making the top spots in the App Store, it's not unreasonable to ask "How are these apps making money anyway?" At first glance, it certainly appears to be random, but there is a method behind the madness.
There are few but powerful models for making money from iPhone apps, but across the board success comes down to two things -- users and engagement. Before we look at these models in depth, there are some strategies that any app should apply to increase downloads and user-base.
First of all, those apps lucky enough to have an online user-base such as Facebook, Huffington Post, and Yelp are best served by leveraging their existing users. Facebook in particular does an excellent job of converting users by posting a news feed item whenever a current user first connects to the iPhone app - this has enabled the Facebook app to consistently remain on the top ten list of free apps . Secondly, developers with multiple iPhone apps can use one app to leverage the other. For instance, Flipside5 has a series of iPhone games that they cross-advertise on their family of apps, reaching an instant loyal user base for new apps. App networks like ngmoco's Plus+ and OpenFeint are increasingly popular and profitable for developers as they deeply incorporate social networking virality into iPhone applications that propel new downloads.
The main ingredient -- and conversely the most elusive -- is buzz. An app that will get buzz is hard to define, but you'll know it when you see it. Buzz worthy apps generally do one thing and they do it well. They take full advantage of iPhone functionality so that the app immediately makes you feel like you can't live without it and you can't wait to show it to your friends -- case in point: Shazam. If you're one of the ten people who haven't yet heard of it, Shazam allows you to hold your iPhone up to a song and, after 30 seconds, tells you the title and artist of the song that's playing (and let's you buy the song on iTunes, of course).
Shazam leads nicely into a new model for monetizing a free iPhone app: in-app purchases. Apple recently started allowing developers to make in-app purchases in free, as well as paid, apps. This allows developers to let users download their app for free and then pay to get extra features or levels. For instance, Rolando 2, relaunched as a free app, where users can play the first level for free, then have to pay to access higher levels. Monetization of this app is determined not simply by downloads, but by conversion rate of users to in-app purchases. The exploding virtual currency market in the social gaming space will surely drive many players like Zynga, Playfish, and Playdom to extend their online social gaming experiences to the iPhone app space and leveraging in app purchasing will be a perfect fit for those developers.
Another model for a free app is the ad-supported model. Ad-supported models enable developers to release completely free versions of their apps. These apps include a premium version with more features and no ads. Some developers such as Inedible Software of Shotgun Free, find that they make much more revenue off of their free version. For in-depth case studies of apps using this revenue model, download a Mobclix white paper. For this model, a great money making app would not only have lots of downloads, but longer session times and greater life time value of users who keep coming back to the app.
Finally, there are paid apps ranging anywhere in-between $.99 to $899.99. Paid applications overall get fewer downloads than free apps, but for many developers this is still a lucrative monetization model for their premium apps. An example of an app that has been very successful with this model is Flight Control, a game that sells for $.99, and is consistently in the top 50 list for games. The key is to release your app at the right price point and schedule price drops and updates as necessary to retain new downloads and keep the app at the top of your category.
App Store success will come to those developers who leverage these revenue models most effectively. When the App Store started, the only real option for developers was to produce apps that sold for one or two dollars. However, as developers worked to build apps with more functionality, more depth, and more utility, they needed additional ways to monetize to make it worth their time. Take CNN's new paid app for instance, they added advertising so there would be a steady stream of revenue to offset the high quality features their app offers. As iPhone apps move from a gold rush, where any random app can get lucky, to a market where only the best, high-quality apps rise to the top, rest assured new and combined monetization models will emerge and serious developers will be looking for serious ways to make positive returns on their investment...which in the end creates a more exciting environment for consumers!
2009/12/28
Financial boards face a strategic game of risk
And grapple more effectively in the next decade: namely the management, not only of risk generally, but also with regard to strategic transactions.
Sir David Walker in his recent review of corporate governance spoke of the "possibility of the heady mix of enthusiasm for the mooted transaction on the part of the CEO and the investment banking adviser". He recognised at the same time that the investment banking advice would typically be provided on the basis of a contingency fee, payable only if the transaction is completed.
In such circumstances it becomes the responsibility of all the directors, and particularly the non-executives, to make sure that proceeding with the transaction is in the long-term strategic interests of the company and its shareholders and then that the execution of the transaction is "conducted with the appropriate degree of detachment and independence from the advocacy on the part of the CEO".
How is this achievable in practice, recognising that a non-executive director is by definition and in practice never going to be as involved or operating with the same level of knowledge as the executive team?
In one sense this is an advantage. He or she may be better able to see the "wood from the trees" and, as a result, identify the less obvious pitfalls. But, even though those who achieve appointments as non-executive directors on the boards of listed companies are unlikely to be "shrinking violets", in many circumstances it may still require some considerable confidence
and courage for the non-executive member of the board to air their reservations about the merits of the transaction itself or the way in which it is being executed in the face of an enthusiastic and potentially unsympathetic majority.
Clearly in any strategically important transaction one would expect a non-executive director to have complete access to all relevant information and similarly to the company's advisers whether financial, investment or legal. The director will need
to be alive to the possibility that the provider of that external advice may themselves have an interest in the successful outcome of the transaction.
It is for this reason that Sir David recommends that, where banks are concerned and strategic transactions involve an acquisition or disposal, as a matter of good practice when advising the full board, the risk committee of that board should ensure that a due diligence appraisal of the proposition be undertaken drawing where appropriate on independent and external advice.
Delegating this advisory role to a risk committee does have the advantage of giving the potential "Jonahs" strength in numbers, quite possibly reinforced by the benefit of external and independent advice, and, where all that has happened, the risk of an imprudent and inappropriate deal is more likely to be avoided.
But ultimately each individual member of the board is accountable for any decision of the full board. Some fear that delegation of risk to a sub-committee might wrongly encourage others on the board inadvertently to drop their guard believing that delegation alleviates them of the full burden of that responsibility.
In the final analysis therefore, it is all about the way in which the collection of individuals, who are the board, as talented and experienced as they may individually be, reach a collective decision. You can have all the rules, regulation and best practice you like and compliance with the same, but they will not necessarily achieve the optimum outcome.
Harnessing the skills and experience of that group for the greater benefit of the organisation is as much about the management of individual behaviours and group dynamics as about compliance with the law and statements of good practice. Walker says as much. "Governance practices are by their nature organic, dynamic and behavioural rather than akin to black-letter regulation."
He now looks to the chairman to engender an environment which encourages challenge, avoiding the phenomena of "group think" or "passive free-riding", facilitating interaction and promoting openness in board members. Nothing new one might think, but seemingly deficient in the well-publicised cases of some financial institutions.
Sir David Walker in his recent review of corporate governance spoke of the "possibility of the heady mix of enthusiasm for the mooted transaction on the part of the CEO and the investment banking adviser". He recognised at the same time that the investment banking advice would typically be provided on the basis of a contingency fee, payable only if the transaction is completed.
In such circumstances it becomes the responsibility of all the directors, and particularly the non-executives, to make sure that proceeding with the transaction is in the long-term strategic interests of the company and its shareholders and then that the execution of the transaction is "conducted with the appropriate degree of detachment and independence from the advocacy on the part of the CEO".
How is this achievable in practice, recognising that a non-executive director is by definition and in practice never going to be as involved or operating with the same level of knowledge as the executive team?
In one sense this is an advantage. He or she may be better able to see the "wood from the trees" and, as a result, identify the less obvious pitfalls. But, even though those who achieve appointments as non-executive directors on the boards of listed companies are unlikely to be "shrinking violets", in many circumstances it may still require some considerable confidence
and courage for the non-executive member of the board to air their reservations about the merits of the transaction itself or the way in which it is being executed in the face of an enthusiastic and potentially unsympathetic majority.
Clearly in any strategically important transaction one would expect a non-executive director to have complete access to all relevant information and similarly to the company's advisers whether financial, investment or legal. The director will need
to be alive to the possibility that the provider of that external advice may themselves have an interest in the successful outcome of the transaction.
It is for this reason that Sir David recommends that, where banks are concerned and strategic transactions involve an acquisition or disposal, as a matter of good practice when advising the full board, the risk committee of that board should ensure that a due diligence appraisal of the proposition be undertaken drawing where appropriate on independent and external advice.
Delegating this advisory role to a risk committee does have the advantage of giving the potential "Jonahs" strength in numbers, quite possibly reinforced by the benefit of external and independent advice, and, where all that has happened, the risk of an imprudent and inappropriate deal is more likely to be avoided.
But ultimately each individual member of the board is accountable for any decision of the full board. Some fear that delegation of risk to a sub-committee might wrongly encourage others on the board inadvertently to drop their guard believing that delegation alleviates them of the full burden of that responsibility.
In the final analysis therefore, it is all about the way in which the collection of individuals, who are the board, as talented and experienced as they may individually be, reach a collective decision. You can have all the rules, regulation and best practice you like and compliance with the same, but they will not necessarily achieve the optimum outcome.
Harnessing the skills and experience of that group for the greater benefit of the organisation is as much about the management of individual behaviours and group dynamics as about compliance with the law and statements of good practice. Walker says as much. "Governance practices are by their nature organic, dynamic and behavioural rather than akin to black-letter regulation."
He now looks to the chairman to engender an environment which encourages challenge, avoiding the phenomena of "group think" or "passive free-riding", facilitating interaction and promoting openness in board members. Nothing new one might think, but seemingly deficient in the well-publicised cases of some financial institutions.
Financial boards face a strategic game of risk
And grapple more effectively in the next decade: namely the management, not only of risk generally, but also with regard to strategic transactions.
Sir David Walker in his recent review of corporate governance spoke of the "possibility of the heady mix of enthusiasm for the mooted transaction on the part of the CEO and the investment banking adviser". He recognised at the same time that the investment banking advice would typically be provided on the basis of a contingency fee, payable only if the transaction is completed.
In such circumstances it becomes the responsibility of all the directors, and particularly the non-executives, to make sure that proceeding with the transaction is in the long-term strategic interests of the company and its shareholders and then that the execution of the transaction is "conducted with the appropriate degree of detachment and independence from the advocacy on the part of the CEO".
How is this achievable in practice, recognising that a non-executive director is by definition and in practice never going to be as involved or operating with the same level of knowledge as the executive team?
In one sense this is an advantage. He or she may be better able to see the "wood from the trees" and, as a result, identify the less obvious pitfalls. But, even though those who achieve appointments as non-executive directors on the boards of listed companies are unlikely to be "shrinking violets", in many circumstances it may still require some considerable confidence
and courage for the non-executive member of the board to air their reservations about the merits of the transaction itself or the way in which it is being executed in the face of an enthusiastic and potentially unsympathetic majority.
Clearly in any strategically important transaction one would expect a non-executive director to have complete access to all relevant information and similarly to the company's advisers whether financial, investment or legal. The director will need
to be alive to the possibility that the provider of that external advice may themselves have an interest in the successful outcome of the transaction.
It is for this reason that Sir David recommends that, where banks are concerned and strategic transactions involve an acquisition or disposal, as a matter of good practice when advising the full board, the risk committee of that board should ensure that a due diligence appraisal of the proposition be undertaken drawing where appropriate on independent and external advice.
Delegating this advisory role to a risk committee does have the advantage of giving the potential "Jonahs" strength in numbers, quite possibly reinforced by the benefit of external and independent advice, and, where all that has happened, the risk of an imprudent and inappropriate deal is more likely to be avoided.
But ultimately each individual member of the board is accountable for any decision of the full board. Some fear that delegation of risk to a sub-committee might wrongly encourage others on the board inadvertently to drop their guard believing that delegation alleviates them of the full burden of that responsibility.
In the final analysis therefore, it is all about the way in which the collection of individuals, who are the board, as talented and experienced as they may individually be, reach a collective decision. You can have all the rules, regulation and best practice you like and compliance with the same, but they will not necessarily achieve the optimum outcome.
Harnessing the skills and experience of that group for the greater benefit of the organisation is as much about the management of individual behaviours and group dynamics as about compliance with the law and statements of good practice. Walker says as much. "Governance practices are by their nature organic, dynamic and behavioural rather than akin to black-letter regulation."
He now looks to the chairman to engender an environment which encourages challenge, avoiding the phenomena of "group think" or "passive free-riding", facilitating interaction and promoting openness in board members. Nothing new one might think, but seemingly deficient in the well-publicised cases of some financial institutions.
Sir David Walker in his recent review of corporate governance spoke of the "possibility of the heady mix of enthusiasm for the mooted transaction on the part of the CEO and the investment banking adviser". He recognised at the same time that the investment banking advice would typically be provided on the basis of a contingency fee, payable only if the transaction is completed.
In such circumstances it becomes the responsibility of all the directors, and particularly the non-executives, to make sure that proceeding with the transaction is in the long-term strategic interests of the company and its shareholders and then that the execution of the transaction is "conducted with the appropriate degree of detachment and independence from the advocacy on the part of the CEO".
How is this achievable in practice, recognising that a non-executive director is by definition and in practice never going to be as involved or operating with the same level of knowledge as the executive team?
In one sense this is an advantage. He or she may be better able to see the "wood from the trees" and, as a result, identify the less obvious pitfalls. But, even though those who achieve appointments as non-executive directors on the boards of listed companies are unlikely to be "shrinking violets", in many circumstances it may still require some considerable confidence
and courage for the non-executive member of the board to air their reservations about the merits of the transaction itself or the way in which it is being executed in the face of an enthusiastic and potentially unsympathetic majority.
Clearly in any strategically important transaction one would expect a non-executive director to have complete access to all relevant information and similarly to the company's advisers whether financial, investment or legal. The director will need
to be alive to the possibility that the provider of that external advice may themselves have an interest in the successful outcome of the transaction.
It is for this reason that Sir David recommends that, where banks are concerned and strategic transactions involve an acquisition or disposal, as a matter of good practice when advising the full board, the risk committee of that board should ensure that a due diligence appraisal of the proposition be undertaken drawing where appropriate on independent and external advice.
Delegating this advisory role to a risk committee does have the advantage of giving the potential "Jonahs" strength in numbers, quite possibly reinforced by the benefit of external and independent advice, and, where all that has happened, the risk of an imprudent and inappropriate deal is more likely to be avoided.
But ultimately each individual member of the board is accountable for any decision of the full board. Some fear that delegation of risk to a sub-committee might wrongly encourage others on the board inadvertently to drop their guard believing that delegation alleviates them of the full burden of that responsibility.
In the final analysis therefore, it is all about the way in which the collection of individuals, who are the board, as talented and experienced as they may individually be, reach a collective decision. You can have all the rules, regulation and best practice you like and compliance with the same, but they will not necessarily achieve the optimum outcome.
Harnessing the skills and experience of that group for the greater benefit of the organisation is as much about the management of individual behaviours and group dynamics as about compliance with the law and statements of good practice. Walker says as much. "Governance practices are by their nature organic, dynamic and behavioural rather than akin to black-letter regulation."
He now looks to the chairman to engender an environment which encourages challenge, avoiding the phenomena of "group think" or "passive free-riding", facilitating interaction and promoting openness in board members. Nothing new one might think, but seemingly deficient in the well-publicised cases of some financial institutions.
What Does Gay Spirituality Mean?
What exactly do we mean when we talk about gay spirituality? Since many of us grew up in religious organizations that told us we were abominations and unworthy sinners there are plenty of people within the GLBT community that aren't interested in religion. Others want some validation from the church and thus look for meaning in religion. If you take your spiritual journey, you'll find that the process can definitely be satisfying.
In many cases, whether we were ready or not, our spiritual quests started in our youth. Not all of us completely grasped why condemnation of the gay population bothered us so much. Some of us understood all too well.
This led to a natural progression of questions that were taken away from the church and into other possibilities. Some people created groups and offered emotional and spiritual support along with the fight for social justice.
Fortunately, spiritual answers do not necessarily have to come from a church or a person of religious affiliation. Not all of us culminate our gay spirituality quest on the steps of a religious building. We've gone from the efforts of a few brave religious figures reaching out toward the community to what are now known as open and affirming churches.
If your family is particularly religious it can be difficult to reconcile your emotional and spiritual ideas. Your emotional side remembers the prayers, the "treatments, " and the casting out while your spiritual ideas look further inside. There is no admission from the religious affiliations that cast you aside, and there is no confirmation from their view that you are just fine the way you are. That's for you to find out. Many would say that's for you to feel.
This means that you never have to set foot into an organized church if you prefer not to, as the answers aren't likely to come from a single man or woman of the cloth. Rather, spiritual answers tend to come from within. They come in the form of a loved one or a partner. They come in the form of a sense of self and a strong sense of owning your sexuality. They come in little tid bits all throughout life. They come in moments that you recognize but often aren't sure what to call them.
Historically, religions and spirituality do not even have to mean the same thing. While we make the associated connection, spiritual beliefs are of a totally different make and model. Religion is a taught belief system. Spiritual beliefs are a felt and internal belief system. Bringing the two together can be an interesting challenge but one that can be done in your own way. Having the option to figure out what works for you is really the key.
You can join the open and affirming churches and learn to grasp your gay spirituality if you choose. It can be a great place to debate and discuss. Or you can create your own private moments that offer you a reflective chance to decide for yourself. The journey simply never really has to end.
In many cases, whether we were ready or not, our spiritual quests started in our youth. Not all of us completely grasped why condemnation of the gay population bothered us so much. Some of us understood all too well.
This led to a natural progression of questions that were taken away from the church and into other possibilities. Some people created groups and offered emotional and spiritual support along with the fight for social justice.
Fortunately, spiritual answers do not necessarily have to come from a church or a person of religious affiliation. Not all of us culminate our gay spirituality quest on the steps of a religious building. We've gone from the efforts of a few brave religious figures reaching out toward the community to what are now known as open and affirming churches.
If your family is particularly religious it can be difficult to reconcile your emotional and spiritual ideas. Your emotional side remembers the prayers, the "treatments, " and the casting out while your spiritual ideas look further inside. There is no admission from the religious affiliations that cast you aside, and there is no confirmation from their view that you are just fine the way you are. That's for you to find out. Many would say that's for you to feel.
This means that you never have to set foot into an organized church if you prefer not to, as the answers aren't likely to come from a single man or woman of the cloth. Rather, spiritual answers tend to come from within. They come in the form of a loved one or a partner. They come in the form of a sense of self and a strong sense of owning your sexuality. They come in little tid bits all throughout life. They come in moments that you recognize but often aren't sure what to call them.
Historically, religions and spirituality do not even have to mean the same thing. While we make the associated connection, spiritual beliefs are of a totally different make and model. Religion is a taught belief system. Spiritual beliefs are a felt and internal belief system. Bringing the two together can be an interesting challenge but one that can be done in your own way. Having the option to figure out what works for you is really the key.
You can join the open and affirming churches and learn to grasp your gay spirituality if you choose. It can be a great place to debate and discuss. Or you can create your own private moments that offer you a reflective chance to decide for yourself. The journey simply never really has to end.
Why Paper?
Because paper is everywhere. Because paper is the single largest business on the globe. Because we are confronted by paper everyday in hundreds of ways; we just don’t recognize it. (I am about to change that for you.) Because paper is a source of cash flows and profits. Because paper can be a predictable and determinable income stream for us.
To know paper is to know the single biggest source of wealth on the planet. There is an unlimited supply of paper with more being created daily around the world. Paper backed by real estate (and properly purchased) can be a very secure investment. The investment yields generated by paper are easy to calculate. Paper is very low management when the payments are on time. There are lots of creative things that can be done with paper - not only when it is created; but also while it is being held and when it is sold. That's the good news.
The bad news is paper can be a real fire drill if you have not done your homework and/or if the payor should default (ask Wall Street and the globe’s bankers who do not understand paper fully.) Unless you do your homework thoroughly, paper is complicated enough to bite you badly. You must be absolutely certain you are getting 100% of what you paid for. Unlike real estate ownership there are no tax benefits from owning paper. Another downside of paper is when the last payment of the note is received, the income stream stops forever. Like any other investment, the investor needs to be extremely careful, have complete paper work and understand the security or the collateral. Remember, if it seems too good to be true; it's not.
In order to bring each of us up to speed, let me discuss briefly the essential basics of Paper.
The definition of paper is "any document that records a promise of payment sometime in the future.”
Examples of paper would be IOU.'s, checks, (demand deposit,) stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, social security, pension plans, IRA's, Keoghs, leases, options, puts, calls, derivatives, Treasury notes, Treasury bonds, account receivable, timber rights, mineral rights, tobacco allotments, deeds, options, mortgages and deeds of trust, to name a just few. My favorite form of paper, over the years, has been notes secured by Mortgages or Deeds of Trust.
As you can see from the above list, paper defines the terms and conditions of an income stream. Paper is a promise of future payment(s). Another way of putting it would be to call them "annuities.” An annuity is a single payment or series of payments sometime in the future.
Annuities (income streams), each and every one of them, have TWO critical items and only two : "N's" (number of payments and payment timing) and "PMT's" (the dollar amount of each promised payment). That’s “N’s” and “PMT”S.” This is what you get every time you buy paper – “the GIVENS” – the paper (note or contract) states the “givens” – so many N’s (monthly payments) of a PMT (the payment amount.)
So far, so good.
The next concept you need to know is the concept of "present value theory." It is simple. "A dollar in the future is worth less than a dollar today.” Therefore, when we purchase the right to receive a single payment or a number of payments, we should always pay something less than the total amount promised. Sounds like "discounting". It is; which is the next topic.
"Discounting" is the mathematical process of reducing all future payments down to today's (present) value in order to reflect the impact time has on money. The greater the time span until we receive the money the less it is worth today.
"All of this is nice, Jay; so what?" Well, if paper is a promise of "n's" and "pmt's" sometime in the future, wouldn't it be great if there were a way to mathematically discount all those future payments to today's dollars and at the same time show us the "yield" (return) on our monies invested? There is a way.
Financial calculators have been around since the early 1970’s. Hopefully, you have one that you can operate. (Today, in 2009, I have an image of a functioning HP 12c financial calculator on my the Desktop of my laptop. It is never out of reach. Once you grasp and fully understand that paper is nothing but a series of "n's" and "pmt's (look for these keys on your financial calculator) you can easily determine how much to pay to achieved a specified yield. Or you can calculate the yield if you know the price asked for an income stream (n's and pmt's). Remember, whenever you buy "Paper", you are buying the right to receive a specific number ("n") of payments consisting of specific dollar amounts ("pmt"). Learn to use a financial calculator well. If you cannot use one, just remember: your completion does.
That's it, my friends. That is as succinctly as I can put it. Next week I shall give you an example or two of real world paper. And then some terms and conditions surrounding paper.
Good Luck, Good Opportunities and Good Papering,
To know paper is to know the single biggest source of wealth on the planet. There is an unlimited supply of paper with more being created daily around the world. Paper backed by real estate (and properly purchased) can be a very secure investment. The investment yields generated by paper are easy to calculate. Paper is very low management when the payments are on time. There are lots of creative things that can be done with paper - not only when it is created; but also while it is being held and when it is sold. That's the good news.
The bad news is paper can be a real fire drill if you have not done your homework and/or if the payor should default (ask Wall Street and the globe’s bankers who do not understand paper fully.) Unless you do your homework thoroughly, paper is complicated enough to bite you badly. You must be absolutely certain you are getting 100% of what you paid for. Unlike real estate ownership there are no tax benefits from owning paper. Another downside of paper is when the last payment of the note is received, the income stream stops forever. Like any other investment, the investor needs to be extremely careful, have complete paper work and understand the security or the collateral. Remember, if it seems too good to be true; it's not.
In order to bring each of us up to speed, let me discuss briefly the essential basics of Paper.
The definition of paper is "any document that records a promise of payment sometime in the future.”
Examples of paper would be IOU.'s, checks, (demand deposit,) stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, social security, pension plans, IRA's, Keoghs, leases, options, puts, calls, derivatives, Treasury notes, Treasury bonds, account receivable, timber rights, mineral rights, tobacco allotments, deeds, options, mortgages and deeds of trust, to name a just few. My favorite form of paper, over the years, has been notes secured by Mortgages or Deeds of Trust.
As you can see from the above list, paper defines the terms and conditions of an income stream. Paper is a promise of future payment(s). Another way of putting it would be to call them "annuities.” An annuity is a single payment or series of payments sometime in the future.
Annuities (income streams), each and every one of them, have TWO critical items and only two : "N's" (number of payments and payment timing) and "PMT's" (the dollar amount of each promised payment). That’s “N’s” and “PMT”S.” This is what you get every time you buy paper – “the GIVENS” – the paper (note or contract) states the “givens” – so many N’s (monthly payments) of a PMT (the payment amount.)
So far, so good.
The next concept you need to know is the concept of "present value theory." It is simple. "A dollar in the future is worth less than a dollar today.” Therefore, when we purchase the right to receive a single payment or a number of payments, we should always pay something less than the total amount promised. Sounds like "discounting". It is; which is the next topic.
"Discounting" is the mathematical process of reducing all future payments down to today's (present) value in order to reflect the impact time has on money. The greater the time span until we receive the money the less it is worth today.
"All of this is nice, Jay; so what?" Well, if paper is a promise of "n's" and "pmt's" sometime in the future, wouldn't it be great if there were a way to mathematically discount all those future payments to today's dollars and at the same time show us the "yield" (return) on our monies invested? There is a way.
Financial calculators have been around since the early 1970’s. Hopefully, you have one that you can operate. (Today, in 2009, I have an image of a functioning HP 12c financial calculator on my the Desktop of my laptop. It is never out of reach. Once you grasp and fully understand that paper is nothing but a series of "n's" and "pmt's (look for these keys on your financial calculator) you can easily determine how much to pay to achieved a specified yield. Or you can calculate the yield if you know the price asked for an income stream (n's and pmt's). Remember, whenever you buy "Paper", you are buying the right to receive a specific number ("n") of payments consisting of specific dollar amounts ("pmt"). Learn to use a financial calculator well. If you cannot use one, just remember: your completion does.
That's it, my friends. That is as succinctly as I can put it. Next week I shall give you an example or two of real world paper. And then some terms and conditions surrounding paper.
Good Luck, Good Opportunities and Good Papering,
Used Rolls Royce - Renting For Special Occasions
When you hear the name Rolls-Royce, an expectation of luxury unconsciously comes with it. This is due to the company having supplied exactly this over the years. If you’re on the school run, driving to work, maybe your train goes past a main road or you spy a Rolls-Royce alongside your more functional car, you automatically envy the owner being able to afford it, whether you want one or not. But what is it about Rolls-Royce that makes them so unattainable? Possibly the mere presence of them is enough to answer that question. They are so unique to other cars now. Once upon a time they might have blended in more, but not today
Because they are so unique and the older models so wonderfully and luxuriously old fashioned, many people want to use them for special occasions, myself included. It might be your daughters’ prom night, and she wants to arrive in style without going for the obvious choice of a limo, or you want to give your parents a stylish ride to their anniversary. Maybe you just fancy being seen in the driving seat or the back seat of one. A friend of mine recently rented one, driver included, for his girlfriend’s birthday just because she’s always wanted to feel like Lady Penelope of Thunderbirds fame. Admittedly it wasn’t pink; the pink Rolls-Royce is better associated with weddings nowadays and is therefore extremely expensive even to hire for just 3 hours, but it was an extremely rare late Rolls-Royce Phantom VI, proving that age isn’t an issue with Rolls Royce so long as they are properly looked after.
The normal function of a rented Rolls-Royce though is for weddings, with many companies who hire them out for such occasions calling them the finest available. A unique choice for example is a vintage 1930s Phantom III, which might be a more romantic choice, although it is a domineering and noticeable structure. It’s therefore not for a shy bride. But if you prefer a modern ride to your occasion, one of the modern Phantoms’s such as the Drophead might be more to your tastes. On average you’re more likely to see a classic Rolls-Royce than a modern one for an occasion such as a wedding.
The pricing for renting a Rolls-Royce varies across the internet dependent on how many hours you want it for and where you are. The price is different outside of London than in the city for example. On average a Chauffeur driven Rolls-Royce will cost £450 if you only want it for 3 hours (to the wedding and back). If you want a Rolls-Royce for the day (8 hours) the cost will be around £1200.00; a small price in comparison to how much it costs to actually buy one. And other wedding cars cost roughly the same.
No one disputes the Rolls-Royce as the choice rent for special occasions, being the highest quality romantic looking cars available, and I don’t think they ever would.
Because they are so unique and the older models so wonderfully and luxuriously old fashioned, many people want to use them for special occasions, myself included. It might be your daughters’ prom night, and she wants to arrive in style without going for the obvious choice of a limo, or you want to give your parents a stylish ride to their anniversary. Maybe you just fancy being seen in the driving seat or the back seat of one. A friend of mine recently rented one, driver included, for his girlfriend’s birthday just because she’s always wanted to feel like Lady Penelope of Thunderbirds fame. Admittedly it wasn’t pink; the pink Rolls-Royce is better associated with weddings nowadays and is therefore extremely expensive even to hire for just 3 hours, but it was an extremely rare late Rolls-Royce Phantom VI, proving that age isn’t an issue with Rolls Royce so long as they are properly looked after.
The normal function of a rented Rolls-Royce though is for weddings, with many companies who hire them out for such occasions calling them the finest available. A unique choice for example is a vintage 1930s Phantom III, which might be a more romantic choice, although it is a domineering and noticeable structure. It’s therefore not for a shy bride. But if you prefer a modern ride to your occasion, one of the modern Phantoms’s such as the Drophead might be more to your tastes. On average you’re more likely to see a classic Rolls-Royce than a modern one for an occasion such as a wedding.
The pricing for renting a Rolls-Royce varies across the internet dependent on how many hours you want it for and where you are. The price is different outside of London than in the city for example. On average a Chauffeur driven Rolls-Royce will cost £450 if you only want it for 3 hours (to the wedding and back). If you want a Rolls-Royce for the day (8 hours) the cost will be around £1200.00; a small price in comparison to how much it costs to actually buy one. And other wedding cars cost roughly the same.
No one disputes the Rolls-Royce as the choice rent for special occasions, being the highest quality romantic looking cars available, and I don’t think they ever would.
2009/12/26
Claiming Compensation For Mesothelioma: Cancer of the Mesothelium
Mesothelioma is a terminal and debilitating illness which almost always results from asbestos exposure. If you are suffering from mesothelioma as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation on a no win, no fee basis.
Here is some important information about the asbestos-related form of cancer, mesothelioma, and how to make a claim for compensation if you are suffering from this disease.
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a terminal cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma forms when malignant cancer cells develop along the mesothelium, or protective lining, which covers internal organs in the human body.
The lungs and chest cavity are the most common sites for mesothelioma. Cancer cells which lead to mesothelioma can also (more rarely) develop around the heart or abdomen.
Symptoms of mesothelioma can include coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue and weight loss.
Why is asbestos dangerous?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral which is now banned from use in the UK because of its toxicity. However, up until the early 1980s, and particularly in the 1970s, the mineral was widely used for industrial purposes due to its apparently valuable properties of heat insulation, electrical and chemical resistance, absorption and strength.
The many uses of asbestos over the years have included use in concrete, bricks, pipes, ceiling insulation, flooring, roofing and in fire resistant coatings. Asbestos has been so widely used for so long that hundreds of thousands of people have now been exposed to its toxic fibres, mostly without realising they were in any danger from the substance.
Claiming compensation
Some of the people who have been exposed to asbestos have gone on to experience asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma. Sufferers of mesothelioma or asbestosis, who have been exposed to asbestos through work, without the dangers being explained to them by their employers, or who can attribute their exposure to someone else’s negligence, may be able to claim compensation.
This option is sometimes open to sufferers who have been exposed through work. It is also open to family members who have been exposed to asbestos due to fibres being brought back on a family member’s work clothes. If there is any evidence that negligence on the part of someone else has led to asbestos-related diseases, compensation may be payable to the sufferer.
In order to claim this compensation, it is possible to make a claim on a no win, no fee basis, through personal injury solicitors. Usually, a personal injury claim must be made within three years of an injury occurring.
However, asbestos-related diseases are an exception to this rule, since the symptoms can appear many decades after the exposure took place. Because of this, many asbestos-related personal injury claims are backdated many years.
In order to find out if you can make a claim, get in touch with a specialist solicitor as soon as possible after symptoms appear. They will be able to assess your claim and find out if you are eligible for mesothelioma compensation.
Here is some important information about the asbestos-related form of cancer, mesothelioma, and how to make a claim for compensation if you are suffering from this disease.
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a terminal cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma forms when malignant cancer cells develop along the mesothelium, or protective lining, which covers internal organs in the human body.
The lungs and chest cavity are the most common sites for mesothelioma. Cancer cells which lead to mesothelioma can also (more rarely) develop around the heart or abdomen.
Symptoms of mesothelioma can include coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue and weight loss.
Why is asbestos dangerous?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral which is now banned from use in the UK because of its toxicity. However, up until the early 1980s, and particularly in the 1970s, the mineral was widely used for industrial purposes due to its apparently valuable properties of heat insulation, electrical and chemical resistance, absorption and strength.
The many uses of asbestos over the years have included use in concrete, bricks, pipes, ceiling insulation, flooring, roofing and in fire resistant coatings. Asbestos has been so widely used for so long that hundreds of thousands of people have now been exposed to its toxic fibres, mostly without realising they were in any danger from the substance.
Claiming compensation
Some of the people who have been exposed to asbestos have gone on to experience asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma. Sufferers of mesothelioma or asbestosis, who have been exposed to asbestos through work, without the dangers being explained to them by their employers, or who can attribute their exposure to someone else’s negligence, may be able to claim compensation.
This option is sometimes open to sufferers who have been exposed through work. It is also open to family members who have been exposed to asbestos due to fibres being brought back on a family member’s work clothes. If there is any evidence that negligence on the part of someone else has led to asbestos-related diseases, compensation may be payable to the sufferer.
In order to claim this compensation, it is possible to make a claim on a no win, no fee basis, through personal injury solicitors. Usually, a personal injury claim must be made within three years of an injury occurring.
However, asbestos-related diseases are an exception to this rule, since the symptoms can appear many decades after the exposure took place. Because of this, many asbestos-related personal injury claims are backdated many years.
In order to find out if you can make a claim, get in touch with a specialist solicitor as soon as possible after symptoms appear. They will be able to assess your claim and find out if you are eligible for mesothelioma compensation.
Used BMW - How to Test Drive One
Driving a BMW is a little bit like learning all over again. By that I don’t mean that they are completely wildly different to every other car on the market – just that to me their drive and balance is a deliciously different experience to the other more generic cars on the market. I find that German cars in particular are worth paying extra for, as they drive beautifully whilst still retaining that attitude and drive that they are so renowned for.
Of course, knowing that you personally like BMWs doesn’t help you much in the car buying process. Sure, it may suggest an area of the market to start looking in, but it doesn’t make it any clearer whether you would be best suited to a smart little hatchback or a huge SUV. Would you prefer a convertible or a saloon? What sized wheels do you want, how much pull do you need. These, unfortunately, are the things that are inspired by your passion, but have to be followed up with plain old fashioned research.
Part of that research needs to be taking a few cars out for a test drive. This shouldn’t be reserved for your favourite model – you should take a selection out of differing brands so that you know exactly when thing to look out for and just what sort of car you prefer. This is the same whether you intend on buying a new or a used BMW – all cars need to be tested regardless of whether they are fresh off the production line!
To test drive a BMW, first do the obvious – book in at your local forecourt for a time, or walk in a try your luck to see if they can take you out in it there and then. As long as you are testing a new or used car from a dealership you should be insured, but always check your insurance if testing a private car – after all, the regulations for buying and selling in their market are pretty much nonexistent. They will also want to see your licence in order to drive it – so make sure you have it on you or it will be a wasted trip!
When you get in the BMW and start driving, you have to pay attention to plenty of things – especially so if you are trying out a used BMW not a new one. Pay attention to the breaks and suspension, noting any bumps and clonking noises, as well as how easily it changes gear. Any little annoying things you notice could reveal some terribly problems underneath, so don’t ignore them so as not to make a fuss.
BMWs feel different to other cars, in my humble opinion, so make sure to test out a few just to make sure you have a frame of reference. Here you want to be paying attention to personal likes and preferences – do you like light steering, or do you prefer a more determined wiggle? Either way could make a difference to whether you love your new car – or hate it!
Of course, knowing that you personally like BMWs doesn’t help you much in the car buying process. Sure, it may suggest an area of the market to start looking in, but it doesn’t make it any clearer whether you would be best suited to a smart little hatchback or a huge SUV. Would you prefer a convertible or a saloon? What sized wheels do you want, how much pull do you need. These, unfortunately, are the things that are inspired by your passion, but have to be followed up with plain old fashioned research.
Part of that research needs to be taking a few cars out for a test drive. This shouldn’t be reserved for your favourite model – you should take a selection out of differing brands so that you know exactly when thing to look out for and just what sort of car you prefer. This is the same whether you intend on buying a new or a used BMW – all cars need to be tested regardless of whether they are fresh off the production line!
To test drive a BMW, first do the obvious – book in at your local forecourt for a time, or walk in a try your luck to see if they can take you out in it there and then. As long as you are testing a new or used car from a dealership you should be insured, but always check your insurance if testing a private car – after all, the regulations for buying and selling in their market are pretty much nonexistent. They will also want to see your licence in order to drive it – so make sure you have it on you or it will be a wasted trip!
When you get in the BMW and start driving, you have to pay attention to plenty of things – especially so if you are trying out a used BMW not a new one. Pay attention to the breaks and suspension, noting any bumps and clonking noises, as well as how easily it changes gear. Any little annoying things you notice could reveal some terribly problems underneath, so don’t ignore them so as not to make a fuss.
BMWs feel different to other cars, in my humble opinion, so make sure to test out a few just to make sure you have a frame of reference. Here you want to be paying attention to personal likes and preferences – do you like light steering, or do you prefer a more determined wiggle? Either way could make a difference to whether you love your new car – or hate it!
Buy a Kachina Doll Made in the Southwest U.S.
Kachinas are spirit beings from the religion of the Hopi Indians, a Native American tribe that lives in the four corners area of the United States. There are 300 to 400 different kachinas representing many things such as Earth, sky, water, corn, ancestors, and a wide variety of other powerful elements of Hopi religious life. Kachina dancers are masked members of the tribe who represent these spirits in ceremonial dances. Kachina dolls are representations of the dancers.
The dolls themselves are not idols to be worshiped, and technically do not even represent sacred beings. Instead, they depict the kachina dancers, who imitate the Hopi spirits during various religious ceremonies. Kachina dolls were originally created as educational tools for children, and used to illustrate, and make visible, the unseen ideas and concepts they represent. Children are presented these dolls by the kachina dancers as they dance their way through the plaza and between kivas during religious ceremonies.
Originally, kachina dolls were simply made by painting blocks of wood. With time, the Hopi artists have turned the dolls into a sculptural art form. Often, modern carvings are detailed and life-like. The material most often used in making kachinas is the cottonwood root, a soft and easily sculpted wood found in the desert southwest.
The Navajo people, who share the four corners region with the Hopi people, eventually began making their own kachinas. As a distinctive touch, they added leather, fur, feathers, beads and turquoise to the statues. Although Navajo kachinas do not have the religious significance of Hopi kachinas, they are still amazingly beautiful works of art that make a stunning addition to any American décor.
There are many kachinas to choose from, each with a distinctive look and a special significance within the Hopi mythology. There is the Eagle, who represents strength and power. There is the Wolf, who is a hunter and the Bear who represents the power to heal the sick.
The White Ogre Kachina represents good, while the Black Ogre threatens naughty children. The Hoop Dancer amuses the audience as does the Mudhead Kachina. The Wolf and Buffalo Warrior are both hunters who ensure adequate food for the winter.
Because the desert region of the Hopi has very little water, many kachinas are responsible for bringing all important rains to the region, including the Ram, the Roadrunner, the Antelope, the Snake and, of course, the Zuni Rain Priest. Kokopelli, who has become very popular in recent years, is a fertility god and seducer of women. The Spotted Corn Kachina aids in the pollination and production of corn, while the Old Man Kachina sings songs for a successful growing season.
Though each kachina has a special meaning and significance, each one is beautiful and evocative of the Native ancestors who inhabited our country in past millennia. By continuing to make kachinas, modern Native artists have carried on the practices and preserved the culture and beliefs of the ancient ones.
Kachinas are stunning works of art. However, their historical and cultural significance make them uniquely American. Each one adds mystery and vitality to a room by its mere presence. Add a piece of history and a bit of mystery to your home décor with an authentic kachina made by hand in the southwestern U.S.
The dolls themselves are not idols to be worshiped, and technically do not even represent sacred beings. Instead, they depict the kachina dancers, who imitate the Hopi spirits during various religious ceremonies. Kachina dolls were originally created as educational tools for children, and used to illustrate, and make visible, the unseen ideas and concepts they represent. Children are presented these dolls by the kachina dancers as they dance their way through the plaza and between kivas during religious ceremonies.
Originally, kachina dolls were simply made by painting blocks of wood. With time, the Hopi artists have turned the dolls into a sculptural art form. Often, modern carvings are detailed and life-like. The material most often used in making kachinas is the cottonwood root, a soft and easily sculpted wood found in the desert southwest.
The Navajo people, who share the four corners region with the Hopi people, eventually began making their own kachinas. As a distinctive touch, they added leather, fur, feathers, beads and turquoise to the statues. Although Navajo kachinas do not have the religious significance of Hopi kachinas, they are still amazingly beautiful works of art that make a stunning addition to any American décor.
There are many kachinas to choose from, each with a distinctive look and a special significance within the Hopi mythology. There is the Eagle, who represents strength and power. There is the Wolf, who is a hunter and the Bear who represents the power to heal the sick.
The White Ogre Kachina represents good, while the Black Ogre threatens naughty children. The Hoop Dancer amuses the audience as does the Mudhead Kachina. The Wolf and Buffalo Warrior are both hunters who ensure adequate food for the winter.
Because the desert region of the Hopi has very little water, many kachinas are responsible for bringing all important rains to the region, including the Ram, the Roadrunner, the Antelope, the Snake and, of course, the Zuni Rain Priest. Kokopelli, who has become very popular in recent years, is a fertility god and seducer of women. The Spotted Corn Kachina aids in the pollination and production of corn, while the Old Man Kachina sings songs for a successful growing season.
Though each kachina has a special meaning and significance, each one is beautiful and evocative of the Native ancestors who inhabited our country in past millennia. By continuing to make kachinas, modern Native artists have carried on the practices and preserved the culture and beliefs of the ancient ones.
Kachinas are stunning works of art. However, their historical and cultural significance make them uniquely American. Each one adds mystery and vitality to a room by its mere presence. Add a piece of history and a bit of mystery to your home décor with an authentic kachina made by hand in the southwestern U.S.
Affiliate Programs
There are several ways to make money on line. If you are a beginner at internet marketing I recommend an affiliate program to guide you on your way.
Think of the possibilities, you have a coaching staff to help you start a home based business on the net. There are several attributes to utilizing an affiliate based coaching club.
Here are some of the benefits,
*Video tutorials.
*Step by step A-Z walk throughs.
*On line and phone support.
*Informative instructional hints.
There are several more benefits to joining a club like this. Think of the possibilities and opportunities that you have being handed to you on a silver platter.
I recommend going through all the steps necessary to make any business work. These steps that are proven to work time and time again by top internet marketers.
The club tutorials are informative and specific. Even if you are a beginner and never tried internet marketing, the tutorials are like having gold bars in you wallet.
While your in the club you also get coached on how to make money through several other sources on line here are a few ways.
*Tutorials marketing.
*Blogs.
*Web page marketing.
*Article marketing
There is much much more to help you learn how to make money on the net and start a new life. You will see other affiliates and hear there stories on how they made the net work for them.
Our biggest offset is that we fear the unknown and have trouble making a move because we feel we have security and stability. Thats okay! This affiliate program is designed so you only have to work a few hours a day.
Many of the affiliates have full time jobs and use this club to make extra money. They eventually after realizing the income they can make, decide to put there efforts solely into the net.
The Video training is spectacular, once you have watched them you can go back as often as you like in case you forgot some things or missed anything. You can also download the video's if you would like so you never miss out on any of the training thats been offered.
Inside this affiliate program there are strategies that outlined for you to follow and utilize. These are all proven to work and used daily by supper affiliates.
Once you have the opportunity to see how easy it is to make money on the net you will make every effort to take what you have learned and apply it to other marketing strategies that you will also be coached on in the club.
It has never been easier to market on the net and create a home based business that could make you 6 figures in a month. Learn more by checking out what it is that has worked for many other marketers and become an affiliate now!
If this sounds good to you and you liked what you've read, please check out my site. Best of luck to you and go make money:
Think of the possibilities, you have a coaching staff to help you start a home based business on the net. There are several attributes to utilizing an affiliate based coaching club.
Here are some of the benefits,
*Video tutorials.
*Step by step A-Z walk throughs.
*On line and phone support.
*Informative instructional hints.
There are several more benefits to joining a club like this. Think of the possibilities and opportunities that you have being handed to you on a silver platter.
I recommend going through all the steps necessary to make any business work. These steps that are proven to work time and time again by top internet marketers.
The club tutorials are informative and specific. Even if you are a beginner and never tried internet marketing, the tutorials are like having gold bars in you wallet.
While your in the club you also get coached on how to make money through several other sources on line here are a few ways.
*Tutorials marketing.
*Blogs.
*Web page marketing.
*Article marketing
There is much much more to help you learn how to make money on the net and start a new life. You will see other affiliates and hear there stories on how they made the net work for them.
Our biggest offset is that we fear the unknown and have trouble making a move because we feel we have security and stability. Thats okay! This affiliate program is designed so you only have to work a few hours a day.
Many of the affiliates have full time jobs and use this club to make extra money. They eventually after realizing the income they can make, decide to put there efforts solely into the net.
The Video training is spectacular, once you have watched them you can go back as often as you like in case you forgot some things or missed anything. You can also download the video's if you would like so you never miss out on any of the training thats been offered.
Inside this affiliate program there are strategies that outlined for you to follow and utilize. These are all proven to work and used daily by supper affiliates.
Once you have the opportunity to see how easy it is to make money on the net you will make every effort to take what you have learned and apply it to other marketing strategies that you will also be coached on in the club.
It has never been easier to market on the net and create a home based business that could make you 6 figures in a month. Learn more by checking out what it is that has worked for many other marketers and become an affiliate now!
If this sounds good to you and you liked what you've read, please check out my site. Best of luck to you and go make money:
2009/12/13
Online Poker Game - Developing A Winning Cash Game System
If you are new to online poker you may not know that texas holdem cash games are one of the most profitable sources of income today. It is a huge adrenaline rush playing in cash games online. With todays explode of new players sitting at the poker tables by the thousands daily, one can profit greatly from new players mistakes. Most new players starting out have only played free texas holdem poker online, which is FAR different then playing cash games. With free online poker, many players constantly play like maniacs without a care in the world or regard for the poker chips. Most people do not understand that to be profitable online, you need to gain experience by playing REAL money cash games, not play money. Who cares when you’re playing cash games to go all in with AJ, 54, 98, 27, etc… when you can just reload your play chips right away if you lose? There is no point in playing for play money, the only true way to gain a grasp on online poker is to play for real money. When playing for real money it is extremely important to develop a cash game strategy to make you a stable income day after day and month after month. When you are playing cash games you can go from zero to hero in a few hands. In interesting fact that you may want to know is that the largest online poker pot ever won in a cash game was slightly over $375K. Could you imagine this type of hand? If you don’t believe me go to YouTube and type in largest online poker pot and you will see it. It was sick and worth more than a house! I couldn’t imagine winning that much but I can imagine winning 10K+ a month, my current average salary.
Earning 10K a month just buy playing cash games online is a nice feat, especially when you understand that it is more than 100K a year! My goal when I first started playing cash games was just to make 100 dollars a day. I accomplished this goal in the first two weeks, not by luck but by having the kind of patience it takes to win cash games. My best profit use to come by playing a waiting game instead of getting impatient and playing rags. The most deadly hand in poker has to be a poker set. With a straight or a flush you can see it out there, not with a set especially if your opponent is holding 2 over cards. That is how pocket AA’s, KK’s, QQ’s get cracked because they are just too hard to fold when it comes a rainbow J 2 9 flop. Your sitting there holding pocket 22’s licking your lips. Depending on what stakes you are playing at, you just made some great profit. In whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best of luck in your future poker career.
Earning 10K a month just buy playing cash games online is a nice feat, especially when you understand that it is more than 100K a year! My goal when I first started playing cash games was just to make 100 dollars a day. I accomplished this goal in the first two weeks, not by luck but by having the kind of patience it takes to win cash games. My best profit use to come by playing a waiting game instead of getting impatient and playing rags. The most deadly hand in poker has to be a poker set. With a straight or a flush you can see it out there, not with a set especially if your opponent is holding 2 over cards. That is how pocket AA’s, KK’s, QQ’s get cracked because they are just too hard to fold when it comes a rainbow J 2 9 flop. Your sitting there holding pocket 22’s licking your lips. Depending on what stakes you are playing at, you just made some great profit. In whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best of luck in your future poker career.
Well Designed Signs
Signs are ubiquitous, business signs, street signs, for sale signs, cottage signs, billboards and more…
A good sign has to stand out and grab a passerby’s attention, even if they are speeding, talking on the cell phone and tending to kids in the back seat. Or in some cases they are doing it all at once.
What makes a great sign?
1.A great sign needs to first comply with local bylaws or it will be removed. So check with your local authorities.
2.A logo or image should be unique, simple and readable from a distance.
Think of famous logos like Nike, Mercedes Benz, MacDonald’s all are simple and instantly recognizable from a distance. Some like Amazon and FedEx even contain subliminal imagery. Notice how Amazons yellow arrow goes from the A to the Z, indicating they carry it all from A to Z. The FedEx logo also includes and arrow, but can be hard to see. Between the E & x, the point of the arrow is in the left side of the crosspoint of the x, and the tail of the arrow is the hollow of the bottom section of the E. Very ingenious actually.
3.Text size and font should simple and clean and again large enough to be read from a distance at speed.
4.Effective use of intuitive symbols and shapes can help express your message as well.
5.Size; in most cases bigger is better. Your sign can be seen from further away and you have room to convey more information without overcrowding the sign.
6.Colors; Should contrast well
If you are designing a new business sign for an area, there are economic advantages to presenting an attractive sign to the public. Sometimes merchants collectively coordinate a sign system to add to a municipality’s continuity. Doing this encourages economic development, beautifies streets and improves a community’s appearance. Since signs are a consumer’s first impression of merchants, designing a good impression is tantamount to attracting customers. To bring in business, a merchant should have a high quality, clear, attractive, appropriately sized sign which fits the context of the overall scheme of the area.
Street signs are a bit different. Street signs must be clear and simple so that it can be read and understood instantly. For example, a red ‘no entry’ sign conveys a message without words or pictures. Color and shape are also very important for street signs. Different colors create differing reactions to the human brain, and different shapes create different reactions. For example, a triangular sign has points and represents danger, which is why the shape is used for warning signs. Rectangular signs are the same shape as a book therefore, they give information. Round signs are instructional because they look like the end of a pointing finger giving you an instruction. Symbols which are easily recognized around the world, are extremely important to convey an idea and be understood. Designing a symbol to effectively translate information to all cultures and languages is difficult, but it is possible. When you research symbols used by designers you can see that sign symbols evoke similar responses in different nations and cultures. Similar living experiences, and memories are the base of understanding symbols, and culture is the common thread between a designer’s ideas and the viewers understanding. This being said, our complex world is comprised of a handful of some very simple design patterns. Patterns are made of basic shapes. These shapes have found their way into human design since the beginning of our time because they tell an eternal tale in a glimpse and their structure instructs us about our connection to the universe. Symbols are intuitive and immediate. Designs that reference these symbols create an immediate relationship with the viewer.
So, the next time you are speeding down the highway, or driving through your city’s heritage area, take a moment to think about the signs. What are they trying to say with their design, colors, shapes and patterns? You’ll never take another sign for granted again.
A good sign has to stand out and grab a passerby’s attention, even if they are speeding, talking on the cell phone and tending to kids in the back seat. Or in some cases they are doing it all at once.
What makes a great sign?
1.A great sign needs to first comply with local bylaws or it will be removed. So check with your local authorities.
2.A logo or image should be unique, simple and readable from a distance.
Think of famous logos like Nike, Mercedes Benz, MacDonald’s all are simple and instantly recognizable from a distance. Some like Amazon and FedEx even contain subliminal imagery. Notice how Amazons yellow arrow goes from the A to the Z, indicating they carry it all from A to Z. The FedEx logo also includes and arrow, but can be hard to see. Between the E & x, the point of the arrow is in the left side of the crosspoint of the x, and the tail of the arrow is the hollow of the bottom section of the E. Very ingenious actually.
3.Text size and font should simple and clean and again large enough to be read from a distance at speed.
4.Effective use of intuitive symbols and shapes can help express your message as well.
5.Size; in most cases bigger is better. Your sign can be seen from further away and you have room to convey more information without overcrowding the sign.
6.Colors; Should contrast well
If you are designing a new business sign for an area, there are economic advantages to presenting an attractive sign to the public. Sometimes merchants collectively coordinate a sign system to add to a municipality’s continuity. Doing this encourages economic development, beautifies streets and improves a community’s appearance. Since signs are a consumer’s first impression of merchants, designing a good impression is tantamount to attracting customers. To bring in business, a merchant should have a high quality, clear, attractive, appropriately sized sign which fits the context of the overall scheme of the area.
Street signs are a bit different. Street signs must be clear and simple so that it can be read and understood instantly. For example, a red ‘no entry’ sign conveys a message without words or pictures. Color and shape are also very important for street signs. Different colors create differing reactions to the human brain, and different shapes create different reactions. For example, a triangular sign has points and represents danger, which is why the shape is used for warning signs. Rectangular signs are the same shape as a book therefore, they give information. Round signs are instructional because they look like the end of a pointing finger giving you an instruction. Symbols which are easily recognized around the world, are extremely important to convey an idea and be understood. Designing a symbol to effectively translate information to all cultures and languages is difficult, but it is possible. When you research symbols used by designers you can see that sign symbols evoke similar responses in different nations and cultures. Similar living experiences, and memories are the base of understanding symbols, and culture is the common thread between a designer’s ideas and the viewers understanding. This being said, our complex world is comprised of a handful of some very simple design patterns. Patterns are made of basic shapes. These shapes have found their way into human design since the beginning of our time because they tell an eternal tale in a glimpse and their structure instructs us about our connection to the universe. Symbols are intuitive and immediate. Designs that reference these symbols create an immediate relationship with the viewer.
So, the next time you are speeding down the highway, or driving through your city’s heritage area, take a moment to think about the signs. What are they trying to say with their design, colors, shapes and patterns? You’ll never take another sign for granted again.
UV Light – the Dangers and Benefits
When people think about UV light they usually imagine lying out on the beach, the sun shining high above, searing the sky and surf and slowly roasting them to a delectable lobster red. With the sun’s force tempered by the Winter, people tend to forget about the dangers of UV, think that the cloud cover or lowered temperatures mean that their skin is safe, that there’s no risk of burning or worse. This is wrong, and since each passing year brings about further erosion of the ozone layer’s protection, it is especially important to learn about the realities of UV light, and how we can best protect ourselves from its pervasive threat.
What is UV light? Simply put, it’s electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength that’s shorter than that of visible light, and longer than x-rays. Visible light, UV rays, x-rays—all of these are just names for different wavelengths of electromagnetic rays. It’s called ultra-violet because these frequencies are higher than the wavelengths that we humans identify as violet. There are five kinds of UV light, but the first two, Vacuum UV and Far UV are both completely absorbed by the atmosphere.
UVC is also rarely found on our planet due to its absorption by the atmosphere, but is sometimes used in germicidal lamps due to its ability to kill germs. UVC is absorbed by the outer, dead layers of our skin, and can cause corneal burns (commonly termed welders’ flash) and snow blindness, a severe sunburn of the face. Though extremely painful, UVC burns usually clear up in a couple of days.
UVB is the most dangers of the commonly encountered forms of UV. It has enough energy to wreak photochemical havoc on our cellular DNA, but not enough to be absorbed by the atmosphere like UVC. UVB is needed by our skin to generate Vitamin D, but too much exposure can cause sunburn, cataracts and can lead to skin cancer. People who work outside are at the most risk of these dangers, and cloud cover is not enough protection to block UVB.
UVA is the most commonly found form of UV, and is responsible for the tanning effect we see in our skin after time spent in sunlight, and can cause sunburn if exposure is excessive. The atmosphere does very little to block this kind of UV, and it’s needed to help generate Vitamin D. However, too much exposure can cause our skin to grow tough, hard, and wrinkled. It can also suppress the immune system and cause the creation of cataracts. Most tanning booths and phototherapy use this kind of UVA.
UV light has too much energy for us. While visible light does little to our skin, UV is to jazzed up. They create heat in the same way that rubbing your hands does—but instead of simply causing the molecules of our skin to vibrate they can actually knock electrons right out of the atoms, or cause molecules to split. This results in a change of the chemical structure of the molecule. This change is especially dangers to living organisms, as changing the composition of your DNA can lead to mutations, which can lead to cancer.
So be careful with exposure to the sun. Even during the winter it’s likely that you’re being exposed to UVA and UVB, and with skin cancer rates rocketing, it’s critical that we take care of ourselves by reducing time spent in the sun and being sure to protect our skin from UV when we’re out and about.
What is UV light? Simply put, it’s electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength that’s shorter than that of visible light, and longer than x-rays. Visible light, UV rays, x-rays—all of these are just names for different wavelengths of electromagnetic rays. It’s called ultra-violet because these frequencies are higher than the wavelengths that we humans identify as violet. There are five kinds of UV light, but the first two, Vacuum UV and Far UV are both completely absorbed by the atmosphere.
UVC is also rarely found on our planet due to its absorption by the atmosphere, but is sometimes used in germicidal lamps due to its ability to kill germs. UVC is absorbed by the outer, dead layers of our skin, and can cause corneal burns (commonly termed welders’ flash) and snow blindness, a severe sunburn of the face. Though extremely painful, UVC burns usually clear up in a couple of days.
UVB is the most dangers of the commonly encountered forms of UV. It has enough energy to wreak photochemical havoc on our cellular DNA, but not enough to be absorbed by the atmosphere like UVC. UVB is needed by our skin to generate Vitamin D, but too much exposure can cause sunburn, cataracts and can lead to skin cancer. People who work outside are at the most risk of these dangers, and cloud cover is not enough protection to block UVB.
UVA is the most commonly found form of UV, and is responsible for the tanning effect we see in our skin after time spent in sunlight, and can cause sunburn if exposure is excessive. The atmosphere does very little to block this kind of UV, and it’s needed to help generate Vitamin D. However, too much exposure can cause our skin to grow tough, hard, and wrinkled. It can also suppress the immune system and cause the creation of cataracts. Most tanning booths and phototherapy use this kind of UVA.
UV light has too much energy for us. While visible light does little to our skin, UV is to jazzed up. They create heat in the same way that rubbing your hands does—but instead of simply causing the molecules of our skin to vibrate they can actually knock electrons right out of the atoms, or cause molecules to split. This results in a change of the chemical structure of the molecule. This change is especially dangers to living organisms, as changing the composition of your DNA can lead to mutations, which can lead to cancer.
So be careful with exposure to the sun. Even during the winter it’s likely that you’re being exposed to UVA and UVB, and with skin cancer rates rocketing, it’s critical that we take care of ourselves by reducing time spent in the sun and being sure to protect our skin from UV when we’re out and about.
The Many Different Jobs You Can Do Online
With the advancements that we have seen regarding computers in recent years it's no wonder why so many people have started to work online these days. Furthering the increase in virtual employment is the increasing need for two adults in the household to work in order for the family to live comfortably. There are numerous jobs online that you or your spouse can do that can provide an income anywhere from supplemental to enough to provide for a family's necessities. With so many options, then, the hardest part about making the switch from employment in a physical setting to employment online is choosing the right type of employment for you. A brief look at some of the many choices will help to inform you of what is available and aid you in making your final decision as it is one that can change your life as well as your families.
One job that you can do online if you're only looking to make a little extra income is taking surveys. Although there are many survey taking sites out there that are scams there are some that will actually pay you to take surveys either in the form of cash or in the form of points or gift cards. Some such sites even offer only entries into contests so it is important to know exactly what a say is willing to compensate you with before spending too much time taking surveys that will get you very limited compensation. Many sites that offer cash for surveys will pay you in the area of one dollar per survey so survey taken should not be your job of choice if you're looking for an online job as a second household income but only if you're looking for a little bit of extra spending cash.
The next type of work that many individuals are doing online is selling items on auction sites such as EBay. Some individuals sell items that they have in their home while others search the internet for wholesale items that they can resell for a little bit more than what they paid to make a profit. It is fairly simple to set up an account at these types of sites and cost very little to list items for sale. One thing you will have to keep in mind regarding this type of work is that you will have to have the time and the motivation that it takes to be consistent with shipping items in a specific time frame following orders. Although you can basically work your own hours you will have responsibility that may determine when and how often you have to perform certain duties.
Finally, another type of online work that is growing in popularity is freelance work in a number of different fields including graphic design, administrative assistance, and writing. There are a number of sites that work as a sort of virtual employment agency for those that are looking for freelance work online. Setting up a profile is easy and will allow you to search through many different jobs that can be done right at home.
Working at home can be very beneficial in many ways but you should be sure that you are choosing a job that will make your time and effort worth while. If you do you will soon see why so many people are choosing to work online today.
One job that you can do online if you're only looking to make a little extra income is taking surveys. Although there are many survey taking sites out there that are scams there are some that will actually pay you to take surveys either in the form of cash or in the form of points or gift cards. Some such sites even offer only entries into contests so it is important to know exactly what a say is willing to compensate you with before spending too much time taking surveys that will get you very limited compensation. Many sites that offer cash for surveys will pay you in the area of one dollar per survey so survey taken should not be your job of choice if you're looking for an online job as a second household income but only if you're looking for a little bit of extra spending cash.
The next type of work that many individuals are doing online is selling items on auction sites such as EBay. Some individuals sell items that they have in their home while others search the internet for wholesale items that they can resell for a little bit more than what they paid to make a profit. It is fairly simple to set up an account at these types of sites and cost very little to list items for sale. One thing you will have to keep in mind regarding this type of work is that you will have to have the time and the motivation that it takes to be consistent with shipping items in a specific time frame following orders. Although you can basically work your own hours you will have responsibility that may determine when and how often you have to perform certain duties.
Finally, another type of online work that is growing in popularity is freelance work in a number of different fields including graphic design, administrative assistance, and writing. There are a number of sites that work as a sort of virtual employment agency for those that are looking for freelance work online. Setting up a profile is easy and will allow you to search through many different jobs that can be done right at home.
Working at home can be very beneficial in many ways but you should be sure that you are choosing a job that will make your time and effort worth while. If you do you will soon see why so many people are choosing to work online today.
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