Business

CIO Cloud Computing 101 – Why Use the Cloud?

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Does anyone besides me remember the great Furby craze that swept the US in the early 90’s? People went crazy for these little stuffed animals and started collecting them in the hope that one day they would be valuable. Well, that never happened and a lot of people got stuck with expensive toys that they couldn’t get rid of. Is it possible that the current cloud computing craze in IT is another Furby fading that will fade?

What kind of services come in a cloud?
If a CIO can get beyond the hype, they need to spend some time doing their homework to figure out what kinds of services a cloud might offer that their business could use. Neal Leavitt has spent some time studying cloud computing and has summarized cloud services into four types of services:

  • Basic Services – This isn’t glamorous, but it may be the most popular type of service a cloud environment can offer your business. Basically, simple Internet-based services such as database functionality and capacity, middleware, and additional storage are used to supplement what your business already has.
  • IaaS: Buzzword alert: “Infrastructure as a Service”. This is when you are renting an entire computer (CPU, storage, bandwidth, etc.) that you access over the Internet. You would use this infrastructure to run your company’s applications on lock-stock-and-barrel.
  • PaaS – Platform as a Service – Provides your business with a development environment that your IT staff can use to create new applications for the rest of the business (and your customers) to use. This is a computer plus development tools.
  • SaaS – Software as a Service – This is where you don’t care what the software runs on, you just want to buy access to the application. The most famous example of this is the Salesforce.com CRM application.

Why bother with a cloud?

The research company Forrester has done some digging and now claims that most of the company’s data centers use less than 50% of their total capacity. Despite the hype surrounding cloud computing today, Leavitt has discovered three very good reasons to consider having his company go cloud computing:

  1. Availability – Interestingly, despite many companies’ misgivings about losing control over their IT team, there’s a lot to be said for having a professional company that has the deep pockets required for redundant systems and proven disaster recovery plans to execute. your IT infrastructure. If you work in a small or even medium-sized business, this can be especially valuable to you.
  2. App integration: Sorry, we can’t do anything with those old apps you’re running. However, the new ones that are developed to run in the cloud will be easy to integrate almost automatically because they will use the set of web interface languages/tools (SOAP, XML, etc.) that facilitate this task.
  3. Flexibility: Unlike most cell phone providers in the US, most cloud computing service providers today do not require users to sign long-term contracts that insure them. This makes it easy to quickly get more cloud resources when your business needs them.

final thoughts

It’s all too easy for CIOs who are opposed to change to see the current enthusiasm for cloud computing and decide that it’s just another fad that will fade with time. The reality is that cloud computing provides several different types of services that are useful to any IT department. This cannot be ignored.

Furthermore, successfully adding cloud computing resources to the company’s existing IT infrastructure will mean that CIOs will have found a way to apply IT to enable the rest of the company to grow faster, move faster and do more. .

Home Kitchen

How can PAAVAA help with your home renovation project?

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Home renovation requires a lot of preparation, patience, and research to get it right. Otherwise, you’re setting yourself up for some pretty twisted headaches down the road when problems start to crop up. But your home deserves a makeover, so you need to find the best way to carry out your renovation project, and you need to do it on a tight budget. With proper preparation and PAAVAA, you can predict the timescale and cost of the entire project. Let’s take a look at the most critical areas that face renovation on a regular basis:

Living room

The living room is where you and your family spend most of your time, so it’s a prime consideration when doing a home renovation. Take those dark pieces of furniture and replace them with brighter, more modern ones. Change the arrangement of furniture, remove old wallpaper and repaint the walls to make the room feel more open and welcoming.

Add hardwood floors for a polished look, kick out those old rugs, and maximize natural light by adding a mirror or sheer curtains.

bath

In the entire renovation process, this is perhaps the most daunting and expensive task. So before you start, make a checklist of all the things you’d like to change and calculate the costs (you can do this yourself or with your plumber). to a tub/shower combo and change the storage, sinks and cabinets. Also, installing a vent is a must because you will need an air circulation if there is no window in the room.

Kitchen

The next room you need to freshen up is the kitchen. Remove outdated wallpaper and add a tile backsplash because you can easily maintain it. Brighten up and replace old tiles with new ceramic ones. If you’re painting the walls, don’t skimp on cheap paint alternatives and go for high-quality semi-gloss paint because it lasts longer and doesn’t hold moisture.

Making small improvements can make a surprisingly big difference. Replace old cabinet door knobs or drawer handles with new ones to complement modern kitchen decor.

bedroom

If you have a small bedroom that gives off a bit of a claustrophobic feeling, you’ll need to think about making the most of that space. Make it comfortable and cozy with a strategic style: For more storage space, buy a daybed with built-in drawers and a sofa bed instead of a regular bed.

Replace large closets with quality shelving, add a built-in closet, and add a large mirror on the wall to enhance the size of the space. This can be your go-to DIY for a home renovation because a bedroom doesn’t require as much professional work as kitchens or bathrooms do.

Make a plan and try to stick to it, because it will save you a lot of headaches and transform your home into a comfortable place to live and rest. To find the best professional service providers to help you renovate your home in Edmonton, Calgary or Toronto, download our PAAVAA app and register as a client.

Start your search for the best plumbing, heating, electrician, cleaning, flooring, painting, roofing and moving services below by simply telling us what you’d like us to do. If you are a service provider, sign up and offer work to those who are preparing to make their home renovation project a reality. Get things done with PAAVAA – one app does it all.

Download PAAVAA today!

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11 reasons why transport companies should buy second-hand buses

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From churches and schools to public transportation, many companies are in high demand for second-hand shuttle buses. Even individual artists and executives prefer to buy second-hand buses over new ones for various reasons.

Buying a second hand bus is different than buying a used personal car or any other vehicle. Through research and preliminary thoughts, there are many reasons why you should consider buying a used shuttle bus, especially if you are in the transportation business. Below are eleven reasons to buy a second-hand bus.

11 reasons why transport companies should buy second-hand buses

1. personalization – The equipment and parts of a used bus can be easily added, changed, replaced or removed, whereas you do not have this option when you buy a new bus. For example, you can increase or decrease the number of passenger seats to add more luggage space or wheelchair capacity to your bus. Similarly, you can even add a toilet and sink if needed, with the right amount of money you can make any changes you want to a used bus.

two. Save money – You will save a lot of money buying used nozzles. A transport company needs to make a profit, and the best deal is to look for cheap and reliable buses. Buying a second-hand or used shuttle bus is the best option and if you are looking for more than one bus, it is possible to find quality buses at a cheaper cost than buying new buses.

3. reliability – If you want an affordable bus that will serve you for a long time, opt for second-hand buses. Used shuttle buses simply outlast new buses. This means you can save money and expect a good lifespan from these buses.

Four. Automatic Cleaning Check Report – When buying a second-hand vehicle, you may need to get some information about it. It’s possible to get that even before you buy the vehicle. Some of the information you can get includes previous owners, previous status, accident, repairs, mileage validation, and legal history, among many others. Although the history report may not help identify all concerns, easy access to such information provides peace of mind when purchasing the vehicle.

5. road tested – Used shuttle buses are road tested and certified road ready. Most second-hand buses are sold by airport transportation companies that prefer new ones for foreigners. This means that you can find a quality shuttle bus for your transportation business.

6. overall offer – Your budget to buy a transport bus can buy more second-hand buses than new ones. The overall deal is excellent and you can quickly expand your transportation business with used buses.

7. Low registration fee – The registration fee for most vehicles is based on their price. Since shuttle buses that have already been used are cheaper, it means you will pay low registration fees. Cheaper buses mean cheaper fares. Therefore, you can also save on registration costs.

8. cheaper insurance – The insurance of any vehicle is determined by its value. Since you will be buying the bus at a lower cost, it means you will pay cheaper insurance rates. This is also beneficial for your company as you could purchase many buses.

9. lower depreciation – New nozzles typically drop more than 11 percent once they hit the road. Also, during the first year, the bus will lose more than 30 percent of its value. But this is not the case with second-hand nozzles. Depreciation is already low and you get the best value for your money.

10 Drive a better bus at a low price – For people who have bought used mouthpieces in the past; they can confirm that it is possible to find a comfortable bus for business transportation at an affordable price. No matter what model of bus you need, you can find one at second-hand dealers.

eleven Storage capacity – For transport companies, storage capacity is essential when buying any bus, whether old or new. When shopping for a second hand shuttle it is possible to find one that meets your storage requirements, seats can be increased or decreased depending on your specific requirements. There are many cheap buses that can carry any type of luggage.

last word

Buying a used shuttle bus is no more risky than before. Today, there are many second-hand mouthpieces that are affordable and much better than new. By getting bus history/auto check report, you can easily know vital details about bus past. In addition, the report guarantees that you are investing your money in a valuable asset.

So whether you are adding a shuttle bus fleet or planning to start a shuttle business, buying second hand shuttle buses is the best option.

Digital Marketing

gothic calendars

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For many historians, the ancient calendars discovered in historical sites are like guides or tips to solve a puzzle (ie a historical puzzle). Why? Because unlike our current calendars that only contain numbers and the names of months and days, ancient calendars tend to contain more information. Holidays and important historical events, for example, are well recorded in most ancient calendars. The language and form of writing used in calendars, on the other hand, can reveal the culture of the people who used the calendar. With all this information, calendars can help historians solve a historical puzzle, though not if the calendar itself is part of the puzzle.

Such is the case of the Gothic calendar or calendar used by the Goths, an East Germanic tribe originally from Scandinavia. Historical documents relating to the Goths are rare, and the Gothic calendar once found in a Gothic church did not provide enough help for historians to learn more about their history. Why? Because the gothic calendar was incomplete. In fact, the calendar contained only two months, which historians have interpreted as belonging to the months of October and November.

Due to the extreme lack of detail, even the exact names of the months used in the Gothic calendars (except for the months of October and November) are unknown to historians. However, some historians have tried to reconstruct the calendar and have found the following names: Sulamenoths (January), Hrothimenoths (February), Austramenoths (March), Thrimilukimenoths (April), Fruma Linthja (May), Afar Linthja (June), Wiudamenoths (July), Hailagamenoths (August), Wintrufulliths (September), Blotamenoths (October), Fruma Jiuleis (November) and Afarjiuleis (December).

Like our current calendar system, Gothic calendars are also made up of a seven-day week. Again, the names and details about these days were not clear either in the discovered Gothic calendar or in any other historical documents related to the Goths. However, using various sources, including the Bible, some historians were able to find the following names: Fraujinsdags (Lord’s Day), Kirikadags (Church Day), Arjaussdags, Midjawiko, Pintadags, Pareinsdags, and Sambatodags.

With names that probably only Germans and historians can figure out, there isn’t much we can understand about the history and culture of the Goths of the Gothic calendar; not even the one reconstructed by some historians. And until such time as other historical documents relating to the Goths and the Gothic calendar can be found, the calendar will likely remain only one part of the historical puzzle.

Relationship

Comparison of games for children of the past with the present

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While buying some games as gifts from Angel Tree, I realized that many games nowadays are electronic games. It made me start thinking about my own childhood days and the games we used to play.

Since we were poor, many of our games were free or very cheap. I remember one of our favorite indoor games was playing a card game called “Go Fishing” or “Go Fish”. It is usually played with two to five players. Usually both adults and children would join in a game of Go Fish.

Using a standard deck of cards, 7 cards are dealt to each of the players. The rest of the deck is spread out in the center of the table. The first player will ask another player to give him their cards of a particular rank. For example, “Give me all your Queens.” The requesting player cannot request a card that he does not have in his hand.

If the requested player has cards of the requested value, he hands them over and the requesting player wins another turn. If the asked player does not have any cards of the requested rank, he says “go fishing” or “go fishing”. The requesting player draws a card from the well in the center of the table.

When a player has four cards of a given rank, then he has “a book” and places that book face up in front of him on the table. When a player runs out of cards, he draws a card from the pool and the game continues until all cards are gone from the pool. At that point the game ends and the player with the most books wins.

We had several different card games that we could play with the same deck of cards.

When the weather was nice and we could play outside, we’d play a neighborhood baseball or softball game or grab a stick and play a game of hopscotch in the dirt or on a sandy area.

We lived in a rural area and our preference was to play outdoors. We would walk through the woods and go down to the nearby pool to swim on a hot day.

Kids today start very young with learning DVDs, TV entertainment and as they get older there are all the video games that consume hours and hours of their time.

That is not to say that these games cannot be shared between adults and children. For example, Mario Kart Wii is a game that is loved by both racing fan parents and children.

Learning DVDs can help your child get a head start on things like their AB-C, even before they start kindergarten.

And even before that, parents can get an entertaining DVD that helps the child to learn to go to the bathroom.

Little girls still have dolls; they are simply more sophisticated. Today’s dolls are almost like a real baby. Years ago, families had so many children that I guess we just had something real to learn about what babies really do.

Little kids still have toy trucks, but I guess you don’t have to push them by hand anymore.

There’s nothing too good or bad about the old and the present, however, sometimes it’s fun to just look back and compare. It’s even fun to share some of the older games with your kids and play them together.

Health Fitness

Is water retention something to worry about?

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Excessive fluid retention is a serious symptom and should be addressed immediately by your healthcare professional. You must treat water retention before it damages your heart.

Check for these symptoms of water retention (as listed in The Waterfall Diet)

1- Do you have trouble losing weight, no matter how hard you try?

2- Press a fingernail firmly into the thumb pad. Does it stay deeply indented for more than a second or two?

3- Press the tip of your finger on the inside of your pimple. Can your finger make a tooth?

4- Do your ankles ever swell?

5- Does your shoe size seem to increase as you age?

6- Do your rings sometimes seem to not fit you?

7- Is your belly often tight and swollen?

8- If you are a woman, do you often suffer from breast tenderness?

9- Does your weight ever fluctuate between several pounds in the space of just 24 hours?

Your problem may very well be water retention.

There are many causes of water retention:

1- Dehydration is the most common cause of fluid retention. Your body is responding to the emergency of water scarcity. Believe it or not, the best thing you can do early on for water retention is to drink more water. Drink water throughout the day to ensure you have enough water available for all your bodily functions throughout the day. Stop around 5pm so you can sleep.

2- Hormonal problems can also cause water retention. This can be easily ruled out IF your doctor examines you. If you suspect fluid retention, INSIST that your hormones be tested.

3- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are a very common cause of discomfort and chronic diseases. Even if you eat a wide variety of whole foods, you can still suffer from malabsorption. You may have a deficiency and not be aware of it. The seemingly “magical” cure for many chronic foods using specific nutritional supplements has been well documented.

4- Food allergies may be the problem. Seek professional advice for proper testing for problem foods. This cannot be done with blood tests, only by eliminating all possible allergens in your diet and then reintroducing foods one by one, you can find YOUR problem.

5- Many sensitive people do not tolerate chemical foods. Also, eating the same foods all the time is likely to cause an intolerance. When your body can’t tolerate a food you eat, the result is a very uncomfortable gastric upset and eventually bloating and fluid retention. If your “gut” isn’t healthy, it can’t absorb any of the vital nutrients that chewing and swallowing provide. Refined sugar is one of the biggest culprits for the growth of bad bacteria in the gut. You do well to avoid it altogether. Good gut bacteria in the form of probiotics can be helpful, as well as enzymes to help with digestion and bring balance back to the body. You ingest most of the chemicals and stimulants that overload your liver and adrenal glands through your mouth.

6- When you are exposed to chemicals in your living, school, or work environment, you can become increasingly irritated, eventually causing swelling and fluid retention. Cleaners, and even floors, upholstery, etc., can build up and cause real liquid problems for some people.

7- If you do not eat enough calories; your body will retain fluid.

8- If you have lung and/or heart disease and you don’t treat your low oxygen levels, you will see fluid in your ankles when your heart has weakened and is deprived of oxygen. Treating your low oxygen levels will actually remove the water from your ankles. I have seen many times that supplemental oxygen resolves fluid buildup around the ankles.

IF YOU RETAIN A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF FLUID, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ABSORB OXYGEN WHICH WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO ALL YOUR ORGANS AND WILL WEAKEN YOUR HEART MUSCLE!

Please make swollen ankles a RED FLAG!

If you have water in your ankles, there is a good chance you have water in your lungs.

In fact, water retention needs to be addressed BEFORE it starts to collect in your ankles.

YOU CANNOT BREATHE THROUGH WATER!

Every time your body suffers from an unmet need for oxygen, your body is damaged. You will soon notice problems with your eyesight, short-term memory, and heart muscle strength.

You may have an oxygen deficit that you are not aware of, but you know that you are always tired.

Ask your doctor to check your blood oxygen level with a pulse oximeter if you experience any of the following symptoms:

*water retention (especially feet/ankles)

*extremely tired

*shortness of breath/shortness of breath/dyspnea

*chest tightness

*brain fog/short-term memory loss

*tingling in fingers

*chronic cough

*blue coloration around the lips

(If you wake up at night breathless, TELL YOUR DOCTOR!)

Remember that any blood oxygen saturation level below 92% warrants supplemental oxygen treatment, although insurance companies will not pay until the readings drop to 88%.

Your body requires more oxygen with physical activity!

You should check your oxygen levels DURING normal daily activity.

Legal Law

Real estate – Cook Islands

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Is there a man alive who hasn’t thought at least once of packing up and going to the South Seas? Well, this could be your chance, especially if you have around two million dollars to invest in a new business. The popular private resort, Shangri-La Beach Cottages in Muri Beach, Rarotonga, Cook Islands, South Pacific, is now for sale (February 2006) as the owner is considering retirement.

The Cook Islands are located in the heart of Polynesia in the South Pacific. They are found about 700 miles west of Tahiti and about 1,000 miles east of Samoa and Tonga. Hawaii is about 2,500 miles to the north, New Zealand about 1,800 miles to the southwest. The climate is tropical, similar to that of Hawaii and Tahiti. Tourism is a year-round industry. Rarotonga is the largest of the 15 Cooks Islands and the main administrative center.

The cook population is about 15,000, of which about 9,000 live in Rarotonga. The main island has banks, ATMs, and dozens of restaurants, shops, and markets. There is a modern telephone and international communications system with Internet access and email. They all speak English, which is the official language, along with Cook Islands Maori. It is a stable autonomous democracy in free association with New Zealand and a member of the British Commonwealth. The people are very friendly, with a vibrant local culture of dance, music and crafts. There is a low crime rate.

There is a large international airport that handles wide-body aircraft. There are around 17 flights a week, connecting Rarotonga with New Zealand, Los Angeles, Tahiti and Fiji. Later connections to Australia and Europe are timely. The main airline is the renowned Air New Zealand and Pacific Blue, the low-cost airline associated with Virgin Blue, which now serves the Cooks of Australia and New Zealand.

The number of visitors to the Cooks has increased from about 40,000 a decade ago to about 80,000 a year more recently. Projections show that it will reach about 100,000 in the next few years. From the 1970s to the late 1990s, the only way to market Cook Islands accommodation abroad was through “wholesalers” and travel agencies. These middlemen collectively take around 30-35% of what guests pay to stay in an accommodation. In recent years, the Internet and email have opened up new ways to market accommodations abroad, and Shangri-La has been at the forefront of this more lucrative “direct booking only” system.

With its continued popularity assured by rave reviews on Lonely Planet, Frommers, the South Pacific Handbook, and travel websites like Trip Advisor and Lonely Planet Thorn Tree, as well as word of mouth from loyal guests, Shangri-La has been able to avoid the high cost of working through wholesalers and travel agencies. By only accepting direct bookings, they have kept their rates 35% to 50% below comparable properties and also have a higher net return per night. This has been one of the keys to its success as an ongoing company. Their goal has always been to provide luxury accommodation at a moderate price. They seem to be succeeding at this and as one former internet guest put it succinctly: “Shangri-La offers the best value for money on the island!”

Shangri-La is a small, private resort that occupies a prime beachfront section directly on beautiful Muri Beach, considered Rarotonga’s best beach. There are twelve luxury cabanas, a large swimming pool, an office, and a two-story luxury oceanfront home for the owner. Five of the cabins have a partial view of the lagoon and seven are garden cabins. This large property is 4,544 square meters. m., about 1.12 acres.

Although there are resorts and accommodations all over Rarotonga, Muri Beach is considered the best vacation spot. There are four small islets in the crystal clear lagoon and the best snorkeling on the island starts off Shangri-La. Several of the island’s best restaurants are within walking distance, as are shops, car rentals, the Internet Cafe, the Yacht Club, and lagoon tours. All island tours stop at the Shangri-La entrance on the main road.

The Shangri-La is next to the best snorkeling area in Rarotonga and they have complimentary snorkel gear for all guests. Kayaks are very popular with guests as there are four islets within a few minutes of paddling from us. There are sun loungers by the beach, under a large almond tree, and a nearby beach shower. The entire property is completely fenced, except for the beach of course. The large parking area can hold up to ten cars or six cars and eight motorcycles and is rarely completely full. There is room for a couple of rental cars and motorcycles if you want to rent vehicles for guests. The local bus also stops at the driveway entrance. Tropical plants abound on the property, including trees such as banana, papaya, mango, coconut palms, and breadfruit, and flowers such as hibiscus, gardenia, jasmine, bougainvillea, and alamander. A large garden is located in front of all the cabins on the T-shaped property.

There are several local law firms that handle business matters and it is recommended that prospective buyers consider hiring a local firm to assist them in the purchase of any local business.

No one associated with this article is in any way connected with the owner of Shangri-La and/or its agents and the content herein is provided for general public informational and educational purposes only.

Lifestyle Fashion

Book Review – Energy Work: The Secret of Healing and Spiritual Development by Robert Bruce

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I am always looking for new tools for myself and others to aid in self-improvement, healing, and empowerment. I think having an understanding of subtle energies is one of those tools. So, in the library, I decided to type “energy body” in the keyword search.

This brings me to Robert Bruce’s book. I was immediately drawn in when I read the introduction of how the author discovered body awareness tactile imagery to better teach energy to blind students. Since energetics is most commonly taught through visualization, as a teacher he was fascinated with another approach. In teaching, being able to alter the way you present information to different students to maximize their understanding is a highly desirable skill. Since the vast majority of people have difficulty visualizing, I wanted to learn the technique myself.

Body awareness tactile imagery is about moving your sense of touch through your body. The first practice exercise she recommends trying is lightly rubbing or scratching a specific area to help focus your body awareness. For example, rub your knee to cause a slight tingling. Feel the tingle. Then feel more of your knee and move further away from it as a joint. Move your body awareness around the knee as if you were bandaging it. You can try this anywhere on your body. Touch helps you focus on the spot, but with practice you don’t need to rub or scratch the area you’re focusing on.

Most of the exercises involve creating some kind of physical stimulation in order to create a memory to draw. This is the same as visualization. The mind depends on memory to assist it in energetic work.

Bruce also had some other helpful tips. To calm the mind, he suggests journaling before a relaxation session or energy work. If the mind starts to chatter, he firmly says, “I choose not to think about it. I choose to relax and clear my mind.”

For Chapter 3, you will create energy balls and learn different energy work actions that will help you manipulate energy. Bruce guides you on how to use the inhalation and exhalation of the breath with each action; this is something I use and teach myself.

The book covers the work of the chakras, or as Bruce calls it, “primary energy center work,” as well as charging energy with intention, energy blockages, self-healing, and healing others with energy. There is a LOT of information contained in the book and it completely covers the topic of energy work. I haven’t digested it all yet.

Bruce swipes the screen with the tactile image (ie “make a green ball”). Also, at several points, Bruce’s energetic perspective didn’t quite match mine. However, he would still recommend this book to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the energy body and its systems. He explains things in a simple and systematic way with a close and realistic style that I appreciated. I think it would be particularly useful for Reiki practitioners, as well as other healers who work or want to work with energy.

Pets

Thinking of Alpacas? Some basic questions and answers

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Raising alpacas continues to gain popularity among all kinds of people. Some are drawn to the lifestyle of owning a small ranch. Others see alpacas as an investment opportunity (although we would call it a business, No an investment!) Those with a particular fondness for spinning and weaving may be drawn to the idea of ​​growing their own source of beautiful fiber. Whatever the reason, choosing to breed alpacas is not an easy decision. We’ve put together a set of questions and answers that we hope you’ll find useful.

what: What “breeds” and colors do alpacas come in?

HAS: There are two varieties of alpaca: huacaya Y suri. You can see images of each on our website (see the resource box below). Both varieties have very soft fleece, although they look very different.

Huacayas are “fluffy” or “curly” and often “bouncy” to the touch. Suri fleece has a straight fiber, often with a higher sheen, that hangs down and tends to form “dreadlocks”. Both types of fibers are popular in the textile industry, with cria fleeces generally commanding the highest price. Almost all of the 130,000 or more alpacas in the United States are Huacaya. Only about 5% are Suri. You’ll find eight “basic colors” of fleece on alpacas: white, light, fawn, brown, gray, black, multicolor, and “undefined.” What this really means is that there is a wide variety of colors and some patterns as well. Pure white is very popular in the textile industry as it can be dyed to almost any color.

what: Do alpacas spit?

HAS: Oh yeah. But not as often as you might think, and rarely to people. Spitting is both a defense and a way of communicating. Often that communication is about who claims the food or who wants to be “in charge” today.

And… just so you know… spitting in this case is NOT saliva. They are genuine stomach juices, often including partially digested hay. It is a lovely experience.

what: What kind of space do alpacas require?

HAS: Alpacas have 3-chambered stomachs, making them very efficient herders, more so than almost any other farm animal. Grazing density of 6 to 7 alpacas per acre is usually reasonable, although density varies greatly depending on soil conditions, climate, and forage quality. Don’t forget that if you plan to keep breeding stock, you will need multiple fenced pastures to accommodate mixed-sex groups and to allow for pasture rotation. Fencing is required. The good news is that alpacas generally respect fences. The 4- or 5-foot non-climbing horse fence is a cost-effective option. If you don’t have room for alpacas, consider hosting them on a ranch. Many alpaca owners start out this way.

what: Are alpacas noisy? Will my neighbors complain?

HAS: Although we can’t answer the second question (it depends on your neighbors!), the answer to the first is that alpacas are generally very calm. They hum softly, especially when they are a bit anxious. If they see something truly worrisome, they may emit a trill that some describe as a cross between a squeaky toy and a hawk’s cry.

Most of the time, that call means they’ve seen a house cat in the grass…

what: We do not plan to breed alpacas. Are they good grass pets?

HAS: Definitely! Many people feel that the best alpacas for pasture pets are neutered males, often called “fiber boys.” Alpacas are herd animals, so you will need at least 2, preferably 3. Alpacas are not like dogs. They are alert, curious, quiet and quite likely to snoop around when you are working in the garden. However, they most likely spend their time with the pack, not their humans.

what: What do you do with the alpaca fleece?

HAS: Alpacas produce fibers that are, without exception, the best in the world for spinning and weaving. Do you knit? Then you probably already know the exceptional qualities of alpaca yarn. Many small mills will take the fleece, wash it, card it and spin it, with various folding options. Knitting with animal yarn that you have is very rewarding! Do you spin? You can ask the factory to provide you with clean fleece or wicks. If fiber arts aren’t your thing, you can sell your fleece to mills, spinners, or even fiber cooperatives.

what: How big are alpacas, anyway?

HAS: Alpacas are camelids, but small. The babies, called crias, generally weigh between 12 and 22 pounds at birth. Adults generally weigh between 120 and 210 pounds. A good sized adult is around 36″ at the shoulder and you can probably look him in the eye if he is under 5’3″. This means that they are much smaller and can feel less intimidating to some people than their larger cousins, the llamas (who are also very nice, don’t get me wrong!). When you know how to handle them, alpacas are generally easy to work with, even though they may weigh more than you.

what: How long do alpacas live? How much of that time are they actively reproductive?

HAS: Alpacas generally live from 17 to 22 years and are usually very healthy for most of that time. We currently have a 14 year old girl on our ranch who is expecting a calf this summer and she often takes the herd for runs around the perimeter of the pasture! Females may be ready to begin breeding at 18 months of age. Males mature a bit more slowly and are usually ready to start breeding at around 30 months.

what: How long are females pregnant and how long after giving birth before they breed again?

HAS: Gestation periods in alpacas range from a low of around 325 to a high of around 360 days, with an average of around 345 days. Single births are the rule. Alpacas are normally bred again about 3 weeks after calving.

what: What are alpaca babies like?

HAS: So cute. Incredibly cute. Terminally, incredibly cute. They usually stand up within 30 minutes of birth and are actively nursing within an hour. Although a bit shaky on their legs on the first day, they were up and with the pack very quickly. Weight gain for the first two weeks can be around a pound a day. Aside from some basic postnatal precautions and a few vitamin injections and vaccinations, pups generally need little special care. However, Crias nurses for 6 months, so mom will need extra calories and protein to nurse.

what: What kind of care do alpacas require?

HAS: A small herd of alpacas is quite easy to care for. Fresh water, good hay, a small daily grain supplement and a little mineral salt should suffice for feeding. As natural foragers, alpacas will eat almost anything their pasture provides, including (thankfully) blackberries. However, some plants are poisonous to camelids. The bookshelf on our website has a reference to a good book on this topic, and you can find more information online. For shelter, depending on their climate, alpacas need a simple 3-sided covered shelter or barn. Alpacas are generally shorn once a year, often in early May here in the Pacific Northwest. To see some before and after photos, take a look at the news section of our website. Shearing is a job for a professional, but it is relatively easy to work with an established local ranch to participate in your shearing party. In hot weather, especially southern climates, heat stress can become a concern. Special cooling arrangements may be required.

Like other animals, alpacas are susceptible to a variety of parasites, internal and external. Your vet will likely have a management plan that you can adopt. Alpaca hooves need regular trimming (every 3 to 6 months, your mileage may vary), but if your alpacas have been trained to know the “foot” command, trimming shouldn’t be a problem.

what: How do I take the next step?

HAS: First, determine your goals. Breeding? Fiber cultivation? Grass farts? Second, determine your timeline: how soon and in what order do you want to achieve these goals? Third, decide on your budget and decide if you will have your own pasture or if you will perform (accompany) your animals on a ranch. Fourth, take your time to find the animals that will help you achieve your goals. Don’t be in a hurry. Take your time. Talk to people from various breeding farms.

You want to know more? You can start by visiting our website. There you will find several resources to help you determine the direction that is right for you. We also invite you to contact us through the site and if you are not far away, come visit our ranch! If we don’t have what you’re looking for, or we’re too far away to be practical, we can suggest ranches in your area.

Good luck!

Copyright (c) 2009, Inti Gift Alpacas

Real Estate

How to choose a debt settlement company

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As consumer debt continues to spiral out of control, debt relief is fast becoming a major concern for many Americans. In 1999, American made $1.1 billion worth of credit card purchases. In 2001, US credit card debt hovered around $690 billion. Unfortunately, in today’s unstable economic conditions, many Americans are forced to turn to credit cards as a way to expand their income. Consumer debt is at an all time high and Americans need to know what they can do to get out of debt. Consumers often seek the services of professional debt settlement companies to help them regain control of their finances. However, before making such an important decision, it is important to fully understand who you are doing business with.

The most important thing you can do when making the decision to get help with your debt problems is to be an informed consumer. It is absolutely critical to do your research. Don’t rush into things; this can cause more harm than good. Before signing up with any debt settlement company, be sure to ask the following questions and consider their answers:

* Is the debt settlement company you are considering accredited by the Association of Settlement Companies (TASC)? Personally, I would not consider doing business with any debt settlement company that is not! TASC Accreditation reduces risk to consumers and provides overall confidence because the member company has been independently assessed by a third party for its competence and ability to perform. Any company that truly has the customer’s best interest in mind will take the time and effort to do so. Although the process can be long and difficult, in the end it is the best thing for the consumer and the company.

* How much does the service cost? When choosing a debt relief solution, it’s important to make sure the program is affordable and realistic within your monthly budget. If you can’t afford the show and join anyway, you’re only causing yourself more financial trouble in the long run; however, if you can meet the program’s monthly financial requirements, debt settlement is a great form of debt relief for unwanted credit card debt. Most people don’t realize that debt settlement is the fastest and least expensive form of debt relief outside of bankruptcy.

* Does the company offer any kind of service guarantee? If so, what is the warranty? If a business is unable to settle your debt, you should never have to pay a fee, or the fee should be fully refunded. Also, stay away from any debt settlement company that promises a quick fix to your debt-related problems or tells you that debt settlement will not have a negative effect on your credit. By enrolling in a debt settlement program, your credit score will likely get worse before it gets better. This is a lower price to pay for receiving a substantial debt settlement and not having to file for bankruptcy! However, it’s important to realize that if you want to maintain a “good credit rating,” you must pay your bills on time; anything else will cause your credit score to suffer.

* Does the debt settlement company you are considering have IAPDA certified debt arbitrators? IAPDA Certified Debt Arbitrators possess a solid understanding of the laws that govern the debt settlement industry and fully understand your current financial situation.

* Does the debt settlement company you are considering offer any type of bankruptcy assistance in case debt settlement doesn’t work for you? For example, some debt settlement companies will offer reimbursement of some of the program costs to help pay for a bankruptcy attorney of your choice. Of course, the funds would have to be paid to a licensed attorney and not directly to you. Again, a company that does this will likely have your best interests in mind.

* Does the debt settlement company you are considering belong to the local Chamber of Commerce? If so, is the Chamber a member in good standing of the United States Chamber of Commerce? This type of affiliation will help ensure that the company conducts business properly.

* Is the debt settlement company you are considering a member of the Better Business Bureau? Really do not care. Unfortunately, the BBB still does not recognize debt settlement as an industry because, in my opinion, it was not well informed by the credit card industry and its agents, the credit counseling industry, about the effectiveness and success rate of debt settlement. its participants. In fact, in some states, the BBB has not allowed debt settlement companies to join the BBB, and the BBB has a rating scale that is biased to give debt settlement companies a D or F rating for only the industry to which they belong. . This is a disservice to consumers because it does not allow them to distinguish between reputable debt settlement companies and those that are less desirable. For consumers who are truly interested in doing research to select a qualified debt settlement company, a great resource is the Association of Settlement Companies website, which is http://www.tascsite.org TASC is the watchdog group that enforces a strict code of rules and disclosures on its member companies. Companies are monitored through a third-party “secret shopper” program to ensure they consistently uphold the high standards that TASC stands for.