Arts Entertainments

Back in the chain gang

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For many black and Hispanic youth living in urban communities, going to jail has become a badge of honor. This is a very puzzling phenomenon. The stigma of becoming “youthful” used to be embarrassing, now it is a sign of being “tough” or being “depressed”. Why have so many “minority” young people become so willing to “make an offer”?

Many blame hip-hop culture for this phenomenon, due to its perceived glorification of violence, criminal behavior, and the “bully” lifestyle. However it appears that this is putting the cart before the horse. Young black and Hispanic men have been disproportionately incarcerated in America long before there were such things as recordings of hip-hop music or associated movies that tell their story. Therefore, hip hop culture is only a platform for young people to give their version of the narrative, not the cause of the problem.

According to a 2002 study conducted by the Journal of Labor Studies, “Over the past two decades, America’s prison population has quadrupled.” In response to this fact, the study concludes that “corporations seek profit opportunities from this prison population” and there are “two main areas through which corporations are capitalizing on prison labor: the privatization of prisons and the creation of prison-based industries. ” despite strong evidence such as that of a 2012 study by the Justice Policy Institute, an organization located in the nation’s capital, which concluded: “Since education is correlated with crime and incarceration rates, addressing deficiencies in the [D.C.] the educational system must be part of a comprehensive public security strategy “

Yet instead of estimating how to invest in transformative education reform, the business community has positioned itself to capitalize on the robust incarcerated population as a source of cheap labor. The public sector has chosen to promote “tough on crime” rhetoric rather than educational policy. While businessmen and politicians vilify rappers for profiting from glorifying acts of criminality fantasized in wax, they plot and plan to cash in on the growing prison population in reality.

As stated in a report in the July / August 2006 issue of the Associated Oregon Industries Business Point of View, “Although it is adults who go to jail, the probability that a child will eventually end up there can be predicted before they can tie their shoes. Some prison systems have noticed a correlation: they have started to project the number of beds needed in the future based on current third grade reading scores “A progressive nation simply should not adapt to such a cynical point of view. Working to create and implement policies that lower dropout rates and institute relevant curricula that prepare students for the economic realities of today and tomorrow are better solutions.

Perhaps if the leaders of society looked to the “Hip-Hop Generation” for the answers instead of laying the blame, we would all be better off. Black and Hispanic youth seem to be searching in jail of all places for a sense of structure, family, and community that is lacking in their homes, schools, and neighborhoods. The goal of government policy in America’s urban communities should be to alleviate the pressures of drugs, crime, and community poverty. Instead, they aspire to demonize, imprison, and ruin the lives of young people living in difficult circumstances. To paraphrase the lyrics to a song by the controversial rap duo Dead Prez, policymakers and businessmen must realize that the real problems affecting our society are “… bigger than hip-hop.”

Technology

Promoting Your “Posted on Amazon” Book or Ebook Online

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You have just been through the work and excitement of completing your first book or ebook and are ready to show it to the world. Now, you have to spread the word and try to get some buyers. This, by the way, is just as exhausting, if not more, than writing the book in the first place. You will soon realize that you have to dig deep into yourself to market what you’ve created for others to make the sales. An author I know when asked once how they managed to sell their books so well said. “It’s easy. Write it down, post it where people can buy it, and then promote it for about 3 years.”

In this article I don’t plan to discuss the myriad of things you can do offline to promote your creation, like book signing, getting a table at trade shows to display your book and giving away autographed copies, trying to get retailers. sell it (if you have created a bound version), etc. The tips provided below are written to help you get maximum publicity for your book or e-book online.

Let’s start with building your online sales strategy. Where will you put your book to sell it?

The most popular option on the Internet is Amazon. This is a very good first step for many books, especially e-books. Amazon owns Kindle Books, the de facto leader in e-book marketing and distribution. Everyone has heard of Kindle and there are literally millions of Kindle readers that people can use to read their e-book not to mention that Kindle book reading software is available for computers, tablets, and even mobile devices, so it is very useful. easy to distribute and make your creation accessible to others. Amazon also owns “Create Space”, a second entity that can turn your e-book into a bound book that can also be sold on Amazon-Kindle and through distributors worldwide. If you want to “market for a fee” your book through Amazon? You can also do it by creating one of your advertising campaigns at cheap prices.

By going through this process, you will also get an ASIN number for your book or an ISBN number for your book if you want to go down that path (required for selling print books through Create Space, but not for e-books that have just been sold on Amazon -Kindle). You can also enroll your book in the Kindle KDP Select program, which is like an online library that people pay a monthly subscription to and can get additional royalty payments for your book from here based on the number of pages read. You can also get Amazon promotional banners that you can put up on your website or blog and even send emails to people to further promote your book.

The bottom line is, to get started, Amazon: Kindle has a lot to offer a new self-publisher. You can literally publish your book in less than a week and start making money from it if people buy it.

But you will have to work harder for your book to actually sell and start generating income. Your book will hit Amazon OK, but it must be viewed and desired for you to make sales. There are books that have been there for years without any sales, so don’t think you’re done once you’ve published your book and it’s on the site. You have to help make sales happen by promoting them. So below is a list of things you should also do yourself online to get people to go to the page you bought on Amazon to buy your book.

  • Make sure to create your author profiles on Amazon Central and on book review sites like “Good Reads.” At Good Reads, also be sure to include your book in the “Listopia” program, so learn how. Find other sites of similar authors and make your name known too.

  • Consider posting an online press release about your book as well. Make sure you have back links to places where people can see and buy your book. Take a look at “Reddit” as a possible site for this.

  • Promote your book on different social media platforms like Pinterest, Twitter, Google+, Instagram, etc.

  • Consider creating a YouTube channel and creating a promotional video for your book with backlinks to where your book can be purchased.

  • Create your own “Author” blog site to further promote your book. Surf the internet for links to your site or book through guest posts, article writing, etc.

  • Get an automated email marketing and autoresponder system and use it to help promote your book – build your email subscriber lists!

  • Consider posting a podcast series to iTunes where you can have “podcast discussions” about the content of your book. FYI: Once you’ve created some of these, put a picture of your book in front of them and upload them to your YouTube channel, as well as “Video Podcasts.”

  • Keep posting and guest posting and getting in touch with people. The more people know about you and your book, the better your sales will be. Build bridges with other authors (EzineArticles and Good Reads are good places to do this), with book critics, people who are knowledgeable about your “book space”, and so on. Make yourself known out there.

  • Create a Facebook Business Page for your book and put your Author’s “Good Reads” button on your Facebook Pages to get people back to your Author Page on GoodReads. Promote your book on Facebook using the “Boost Post” feature – This is a very inexpensive marketing platform with excellent targeting capabilities.

  • Make sure to go to Google+ and create your profile there. Then find and join various communities related to your subject area and also related to other authors – become a positive content contributor for these communities.

In short, if you can follow all the steps above to promote your book online, you are well on your way to start building the foundation you need to start earning income for your book. Good luck in your writing career.

Home Kitchen

The 5 most popular marble countertops

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When it comes time to choose a natural stone countertop for your kitchen or bathroom, it’s no wonder that marble is at the top of many homeowners’ wish lists.

The timeless beauty of marble has been displayed for centuries in some of the world’s most famous buildings, the Parthenon, and sculptures, Michelangelo’s David. In modern homes, marble remains the natural stone standard for all kitchen and bathroom countertops, and granite is the second most popular choice.

There are so many types and colors of marble to choose from, your first order of business should be to find an experienced and well-qualified natural stone dealer to help you decide. The most important thing to remember about marble is this: no two slabs are the same. So you are guaranteed to have a unique marble kitchen or bathroom countertop that is one of a kind.

While there are many types of marble to choose from, there are five popular options that stand out above the rest. They are mined in Italy, home of the finest and most popular marble in the world, and in Spain.

Let’s look at each of the five:

Calacatta marble

Simply, this is the jewel of marble. Mined in the Italian region of Carrara, the stone is somewhat rare and makes it more precious and expensive. This is usually a white marble with dark gray veins running through the natural stone and a hint of gold.

Its popularity is partly due to its historical importance: the stone was Michelangelo’s favorite. But its stunning beauty is unparalleled in the world of natural stone and is hard to resist.

Carrara marble

This could be considered the poorer sister of Calacatta marble, not because it is less beautiful or functional, but because it is found in greater quantities, making it less expensive than the rarer Calcutta.

Still, it is a precious stone. While it is also white like Calacatta, it is not as bright. In addition, its streaks are not gray but of another shade of white.

Milan gray

This marble, mined in Milan, is nothing like Calacatta or Carrara marble. It has a dark gray color with light gray veining. Homeowners with a contemporary design often prefer Milan gray for its fresher, more uniform appearance. Although it can be used for bathroom and kitchen countertops and as a flooring, one of its most popular uses is as a shower wall or tile backsplash.

Dark emperor

Emperador marble is found in various regions of Spain and comes in a variety of colors. The most popular among them is known as the Dark Emperor. Its coloration, an intense chocolate brown with irregular veins, gives the stone a warm feeling that translates into a cozy feeling in any kitchen or bathroom where it is used. A popular choice among homeowners, Dark Emperador is especially popular as adjoining flooring or fireplaces, but is also a good choice for kitchen and bathroom vanity countertops, depending on the color schemes in play.

Ivory Cream

Although this Spanish marble comes in a variety of colors, the most popular, and widely known, is a creamy yellow with many variations of grain. Like Emperado, Crema Marfil is a warm natural stone and adds a homely touch to any home.

Crema Marfil is a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops where its color blends very well with the right color scheme. It is also a popular choice for backsplashes, flooring, and wallcovering.

Since marble is a natural porous stone, oils and stains can seep onto its surface. It is also softer than granite or quartz. This means it can easily chip or scratch if you’re not careful. Therefore, care is required when you have marble in your home. Many homeowners choose to seal their marble countertops to remove any stain problems.

As mentioned above, your first step in deciding what type of marble you would like to use for your kitchen or bathroom vanity is selecting the right distributor. When you work with an established and reputable cultured marble dealer, you can be sure that you will find the right natural stone for the kitchen or bathroom of your dreams.

Auto

Cars with the best gas mileage: hybrid electric and oil vehicles

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With the cost of goods and fuel skyrocketing, drivers are looking for all available alternatives to reduce fuel consumption and therefore lower monthly fuel expenses. That’s why fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles that offer great fuel efficiency are the best option for these drivers. Three hybrids that offer just this are the 2011 Toyota Prius, the 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid, and the Toyota Prius V.

The 2011 edition of the Toyota Prius has been voted by car reviewers as the most fuel efficient hybrid available in today’s automotive market. The Prius retails for an affordable starting price of $ 23,520, although with the installation of additional features and options, the starting price can exceed $ 30,000. This hybrid from Toyota is critically applauded for its exceptional fuel-saving capabilities. For a highway trip, the vehicle effortlessly covers 48 miles per gallon and 51 miles per gallon for city driving. Other features offered by the Prius are ABS brakes, a rear-view camera, and airbags.

Japanese auto companies have demonstrated to their American and European competitors that their stronghold in the hybrid vehicle market will remain strong for the foreseeable future. The 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid is another testament to this. For a starting price of $ 24,050, the Civic Hybrid is considered Honda that offers the best fuel economy. Its fuel economy allows the vehicle to cover 43 miles per gallon of fuel for highway driving and 40 miles per gallon for city driving. In terms of speed, the 2012 edition is a much quicker improvement than its predecessor from the previous year. It also sports a sleek, modern and stylish interior and exterior.

No Japanese company has stronger control in today’s hybrid market than Toyota. This is demonstrated with the launch of the 2012 Toyota Prius V. The retail price of this Toyota hybrid is between $ 26,771 and $ 30,303. Its fuel economy allows coverage of 40 miles per gallon for highway driving and 44 miles per gallon for city driving. Although it fares slightly worse on gas mileage than its predecessor, the 2011 Toyota Prius, this can be attributed to its larger size that makes it look like a pickup truck. Their wagon similarities offer drivers and passengers spacious cargo space and roomy passenger seating.

Current hybrid models that offer the best gas mileage are the 2011 Toyota Prius, 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid and 2012 Toyota Prius V. However, with the latest innovations in green car technology, newer and better models are sure to emerge. .

Digital Marketing

Formal and informal page layout formats for layout

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A page layout is an art of arranging or organizing text and images (illustrations, symbols, photographs, etc.) on a page or pages to create a desired and pleasant effect. A well-designed page attracts the reader’s attention and presents the material in an easy-to-read way. Modern page layout offers the Graphic Designer many options that make their work very attractive, effective and unique.

I. Formal / symmetric arrangement:

This is a format that is divided into two equal parts to achieve balance. It is achieved when an imaginary vertical center line divides the design and each side contains the same amount of text and illustrations. Express dignity and stability. The formatting “toolbar” on the computer has commands or operations that help designers organize their page layouts, such as typing their work according to specifications. Some examples are Justified, Unjustified, and Centered layouts.

• Justified – In this arrangement, all lines are equal in length and are aligned to form a straight line both left and right, or aligned left and right. The word spacing is adjusted so that each line spans the entire measure. It is the most common format and is very easy to read. However, its disadvantage is that it contains many hyphens.

• Unjustified – Type lines in this format are either left-aligned and right-rough or right-aligned and left-rough. Left alignment is common and easy to read, but right alignment is unpopular and difficult to read.

• Centered – The typographic lines in this layout appear rough at both ends. Lines centered on an imaginary vertical line that make it symmetrical. It is a good design format for holders and certificates.

ii. Informal layout

It is also known as an asymmetric design. This format has an informal balance. Each side contains unequal amounts of text and illustrations. The informal balance gives the artist the freedom to locate the different types and elements of design using his opinion and personal taste. It is often difficult to read. Examples of informal design are contour, running, and slanted designs.

• Outline: In this style, each side contains uneven amounts of copy text and illustrations in a wavy shape (they move in a wavy pattern).

• Correct – In this format, each side of the design contains unequal amounts of text and illustrations in a circular shape.

• Slanted – In this layout style, each side of the layout contains uneven amounts of copy text and illustrations that are slanted to the left or right (diagonal pattern).

Business

5 rules of shared flats: create a contract with your roommates

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Living in a shared apartment is a great way to meet new people and save money on living expenses. However, some tenants have had problems with their roommates, such as invasions of space, noisy nights, messy situations, and more. You can avoid all of these problems by meeting with your roommates and laying down some rules on paper. Set the rules together and have everyone involved sign the agreement.

1. Security

Safety should be number one in the deal. It is vital for everyone. Roommates must lock their doors when leaving the property, even if it is at the end of the street. If you open a window, make sure it is locked when you close it. Protect your house keys. Don’t let others borrow them. It is too easy to make copies.

2. Food and drinks

Everyone buys their own food and drinks and labels them. If it is not labeled; is at stake. That will ensure that roommates label their food and drinks. Assign shelves, cupboards, and refrigerator drawers in the kitchen for each partner. Yes, you should also include this in the agreement. It is difficult to argue about something that you previously agreed with your own firm.

3. Noise

Establish a noise curfew for everyone in the apartment. Generally, 10 p.m. is a good time. A noise curfew means no loud noises will be made after the agreed time. This includes loud music, loud guests, etc. Agree on a time and write it down in the agreement.

4. Cleaning

There are two general types of space in a shared apartment: public and private. Public areas are usually the kitchen, living room, and bathroom. If you make a mess, clean it up right away. Roommates shouldn’t have to clean up after everyone else. It is inconvenient and annoying. All public areas must be kept clean. Private areas must also be kept clean. Dirt can cause pest problems that no one wants. Tasks should also be outlined in the roommate agreement. Write down who will do what and when. General tasks include dusting, vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, and washing dishes.

5. Space

Roommates must respect each other’s space. Designate the apartment space for each roommate. What is not designated is the public space. A roommate should use her own space and nothing else.

It would be wise to invest in a lawyer to have a professional meeting with you and your roommates, and have him draw up the contract for you. Your contract will be in writing, signed and drafted by a lawyer so that you and your roommates can enjoy your stay together.

Relationship

Early vs late potty training

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Many doctors or psychologists will tell you not to potty train until your child is 3 or 4 years old. Some even say that the child should not be potty trained; that they will learn to go to the toilet themselves when they are ready, which they say is between 4 and 5 years old. Personally, I don’t know how and where they got their stats because I’ve found the exact opposite.

Through my many years of potty training, I have found that parents who begin to introduce the idea of ​​potty training to their children at a very young age have faster and easier success than expectant parents. until the child is much older.

Younger children are more impressionable, they do not notice their ways. The closer a child gets to three years of age, the more he establishes himself in his way of acting. They are comfortable in their diaper and the way they do things.

The older the child, the more difficult and the longer it takes for parents to teach their child to go to the bathroom. Children of this age know how to control the situation and use their control. They are also very comfortable with the way things are, so it’s hard to get them to change.

I have found that most children by the age of 22 months are potty ready and can be potty trained in as little as three days. Why wait for a child to turn 4? Why make it harder for him later? Why change diapers for another two years?

Is your child 3 or 4 years old already? Well, the good news is that it is not too late. You too can learn to go to the bathroom in as little as three days. You may have a little more fighting on your hands, but it can be done!

Now, I am not a doctor or a psychologist, but I am a mother of 6 children and I have had 8 adopted children. I have also successfully helped over 2,100 children around the world to potty train. Personally, I feel like I’m an expert on potty training. So, in my “expert” opinion, I think that if you learn to go to the bathroom early you will succeed faster and easier.

At EasyPottyTraining.com you can find a potty training guide that provides a fail-safe test to assess your little one’s readiness. If your little one can pass this simple test, then he’s ready to potty-train.

Gaming

PDA and Handheld Buying Guide

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The Personal Data Assistant (PDA) has gained rapid acceptance among college students and executives on the go due to its ability to pack a large number of different data requirements into a palm-sized device. . The PDA is designed to make your busy life easier by providing responsive connections to all the information you need, keeping it close at hand when you need it, and transporting it to other systems. Once “organized” with your PDA, you will have all your contact phone numbers, collect your emails, process your business orders, display your photos, and relax in your mp3 library. Many PDAs also act as digital recorders and have Windows-based support for word processing and spreadsheet financial calculations.

PDA At the simpler end of the market, a PDA can help you manage your daily to-do lists, keep track of your journal, and record your notes. But it is important that people who are starting to use a PDA understand that it is a tool that is most beneficial to an already organized mind: it will not actually do the organization for you. But if you find that you need to view and manage documents on the go, keep track of your appointments, and have instant access to your name and address book, then the basic functions of a PDA will likely improve your productivity. And of course the added benefits of listening to your mp3s, watching short video clips, reading e-books, and being able to rehearse and review your presentations can only help.

PDAs with Windows Pocket PC operating system and gutsy memory are compatible with your normal Windows and office environments. Screen size and image resolution can be critical if you intend to use the device to read books and manage text-intensive documents. While PDA sales have declined steadily for the past two years, losing out to smartphone technology, major manufacturers have made progress in the usability of PDA devices with faster processors, increases in memory capacity, and multimedia. . In many situations, smartphones have been able to replace many functions of the PDA, combining data management with mobile phone technology. But if you want to work with spreadsheets and web pages on your PDA, smartphones are at a disadvantage because screen sizes and data storage capacity are smaller and sometimes costly, but avoid the need for carry two devices.

What to look for

There is a portable PDA device that fits virtually all budgets and needs. You need to consider how much data you want to carry with you and how connected you want to be. Obviously, more memory, a faster processor, and a larger screen attract higher price tags. You can compare makes, models and prices by searching Myshopping.com.au using the following specifications to guide you.

An inexpensive entry-level unit can offer a 16 MHz processor speed, 8 MB of memory, and a 2.5-inch (diagonal) display. At the higher end, you can get a 4GB micro hard drive, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, 400MHz processor, 256MB memory, with expansion slots, 4-inch (diagonal) LCD screen with 65,000 colors and resolution of 640 x 480 screen, GPS functionality, MP3 player, digital camera and instant messaging. In the middle of the range you will find devices with 64 MB of memory, a 200 MHz processor, 3-inch screen and a built-in microphone or audio input connector. Keep in mind that all these specifications and functionalities are continually changing, and devices are updated with new functions in very short periods of time.

In addition to processor speed, memory, and screen size, some of the critical specs you can use to compare costs and brands include:

Data Entry: While some models have a built-in full QWERTY keyboard, you may want to consider adding a full-size folding external keyboard. Entering a lot of text with the small built-in keyboards or using handwriting software can be frustrating.

Audio input: A built-in microphone or microphone jack is required to record voice memos and meeting notes and store audio files.

Music Playback: Playing MP3 audio files may sometimes require additional software.

GPS: While there are a number of handheld devices specially designed for industrial applications, the GPS capability of your PDA may not be adequate for difficult outdoor activities.

Communication: Look for built-in Bluetooth 1.1 and a built-in 802.11b Wi-Fi adapter

Smartphone – Combines the functions of a mobile phone with a data management device in a single unit. Phone capacity requires separately purchased service contract

Audio output: a headphone jack is essential for listening to your audio files

Cradle / Charger: This device allows easy connection and syncing with your PC while simultaneously recharging the battery. Consider purchasing an additional office crib for added convenience. Some PDAs include a special cable or cradle that provides an interface to your desktop computer to synchronize data.

Battery Life – Each device will have its own battery life characteristics. The duration of recharging the battery also depends on the data you are processing. You can use the manufacturer’s specifications as a guide for comparing makes and models, but these specifications are laboratory measurements and may not reflect actual use.

Bluetooth – This wireless technology allows you to exchange data with other portable devices or any other Bluetooth-enabled device, such as a cell phone, fax machine, personal computer, laptop, headset, or printer. The Bluetooth function will allow you to add an external keyboard.

Digital camera: PDA cameras generally capture low resolution images (around 1.2 megapixels), which are perfect for emailing but not ideal for printing.

GPS: the global positioning system allows you to navigate from any point on or near the surface of the earth.

Music / Audio: MP3 playback quality will depend on the bit rate of the audio file and the quality of the built-in speaker. Audio quality is usually best when played through quality headphones.

PDA Screen – PDA screen sizes are measured in inches diagonally and are available from 2.6 inches to 5 inches in the very high range. Larger and brighter displays require more power to operate, thus increasing battery consumption.

Processor speed: refers to the speed at which a PDA coordinates its internal functions. Processor speeds are measured in MHz (megahertz) and range from 4 MHz to 624 MHz. Although these specifications can change rapidly as technology develops, a processor speed of at least 16 MHz is recommended for general functions. from day to day.

Video Capture – Video playback often requires an additional expansion card and third-party software download, and increased memory capacity.

Web browser – Used with a Wi-Fi connection, it allows you to browse the Internet as you would from a desktop computer.

Wi-Fi: Integrated 802.11b WLAN (wireless local area network) that allows you to connect to the Internet at any access point. Enabling Wi-Fi features tends to drain your battery life quickly.

In summary

You may want to consider whether you are a newbie (that is, new to PDA technology), an entrepreneur, or a technophile, and search based on your level of understanding of the technology involved. As a newbie, you will be looking for a basic unit, as a technophile you will be looking for all the comforts. An entrepreneur will seek the most adaptable capabilities. The following might help.

Choose from functionalities. Consider what you need for mp3 players, video players, or web browsing. Doubling the functionality of your PDA can reduce the need to carry another device to enjoy the benefits offered.

How much internet access do you need? Bluetooth connectivity can give you mobile phone-enabled internet access, Wife can give you access from hotspots, and a simple wired connection to your desktop computer can allow you to read your emails on the road.

Go for maximum memory for the money. Memory determines how much data your PDA can process and store, and its ability to handle applications. Memory can be increased in many devices using expansion slots and flash memory cards.

Search Myshopping.com.au to compare models and brands, suppliers and prices.

Health Fitness

Increase in size: bodybuilding with the best supplements

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Controlling your nutritional intake is important to your health no matter what your exercise regimen is. Eating the right amount of healthy and healthy food plays a key role in staying fit. When you have a specialized regimen, are training for a sport or are doing bodybuilding and looking to gain mass, a strong focus on nutritional intake is even more crucial to achieve the results you are looking for.

If you’re just starting a new exercise program and don’t know how it all works, or you’ve been doing it for a while and want to see better results, you probably need to focus more on what you’re doing. put on your body as well as what you do with it.

Gaining size with bodybuilding supplements

When you’re bodybuilding and looking to gain size, you need the fuel to power your workout and give your body something to build muscle. Eating right is an important part of this process, as the right foods give you the nutrition and energy to gain muscle, but bodybuilding supplements are the ones that will give you the added edge. If you are really focused on growing, you need to research which supplements work for your body.

Creatine

Creatine helps your muscles recover faster after exercising. After loading your body with creatine for up to seven days, you’ll want to reduce your intake to a steady 5-15 grams per day. This will give your muscles everything they need to train harder and see better results. With few side effects, creatine seems to be a fantastic supplement to weight training, but it’s always best to cycle your intake as no studies have been done on the effects of long-term use.

Whey protein

Whey protein helps you add mass and build muscle. It’s free of fat, carbohydrates, and gives you all the power you need to bulk up. Mixed with other dietary supplements, whey protein can be an incredible addition to your training regimen – it is absorbed quickly by the body and will help you achieve the results you want faster.

Beta Alanine

Beta Alanine supports lean muscles and gives you more energy to power your workout. This supplement also helps you build muscle, gives you more strength, and also leads to more mass. Bodybuilders who take beta alanine also claim that it delays muscle fatigue and gives them the ability to train longer.

Improve your training with the right dietary supplements. See faster results and enjoy more energy and strength.

Legal Law

The David Maister strategy and the fat smoker

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As the title of David Maister’s next book Strategy and the fat smoker suggests, the problem isn’t that we don’t know what to do, it’s that we know and choose to ignore. Based on a series of articles written and published online, Maister’s latest offering promises a dose of “real” strategy: “The real strategy lies not in figuring out what to do, but in devising ways to ensure that, compared to others Let’s really do it. More than everyone knows to do. ” In other words, it’s about implementation, and that’s the focus of the book. Organized into sections related to how organizations should think about strategy, customers (including marketing and sales) and management, Strategy and the Fat Smoker speaks to those who understand that knowing without doing brings little value.

I started by reading the introductory chapters on strategy. Various gems leapt at me, including:

If you really want to be successful (and many people don’t want it enough to make it happen), then you should never settle, never give up, never let go, never just accept what is, even if you are currently performing at a high level. . .

and

[T]The main result of strategic planning should not be an analytical vision or smart choices, but a superior determination to achieve something.

and

The best way to approach this reassessment [of the organization’s purpose, mission, vision and values] is to start with a very small inner circle of top management leaders, who can look each other in the eye and ask, “Are these really the decision rules that we as leaders are willing to stick to?”

Maister invites readers to dive into any chapter, and after I understood his approach to strategy, I dove into Chapter 17: The Problem with Lawyers. Maister’s preface to this chapter indicates that he originally wrote it to explain “why lawyers and law firms are different from other professions,” but that other consulting and financial services professionals identify with the culture and behavior that Maister attributes to the legal profession. Almost any attorney reading this chapter will recognize that Maister is speaking to us. It highlights four problems that prevent “lawyers from working effectively in a group”:

  • problems with confidence;
  • difficulties with ideology, values ​​and principles;
  • professional detachment; and
  • unusual approaches to decision-making (referring to the propensity of lawyers to attack any idea presented to locate and highlight its weaknesses, with the result that “in a short time, most ideas, no matter who initiates them, will be destroyed, discarded, or postponed for future review. “)

Having identified and explained these peculiarities, Maister asks why lawyers do so well financially if the profession is plagued with these problems, and his answer is proven by the closed approach that companies tend to apply to innovation:

The biggest advantage lawyers have is that they only compete with other lawyers. If everyone else does things equally poorly, and clients and recruits find little variation between companies, even the most egregious behavior won’t lead to competitive disadvantage.

Maister suggests that only customer pressure can force companies to start acting “like companies, delivering seamless service, practice areas that have depth (and not just a collection of individualistic stars), and true cross-border teamwork. “. Having come to understand some of the problems that have thus far been avoided will help companies adapt as customer pressure is applied.

Other chapters of Strategy and Fat Smoker also have application for lawyers and firms. The book does an excellent job of fulfilling its subtitled promise of teaching organizations and individuals to do “the obvious but not easy.” It is readable, practical and revealing.