Tours Travel

South Africa Cape Town Table Mountain and cable car

The Table Mountain Cable Car began operation on October 4, 1929.

The Cable Car has become as much of a landmark in Cape Town as Table Mountain itself, carrying almost 15 million passengers to the top. Some of its best-known visitors include Oprah Winfrey, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Margaret Thatcher, and Jackie Chan, to name just a few.

Work on a complete upgrade began in January 1997, and the new Cable Car officially opened on October 4, 1997, the anniversary of the original launch nearly 70 years earlier.

Table Mountain provides a magnificent backdrop to Cape Town, and is famous for the blanket of clouds that rolls down its slopes when the south-east blows. This is a mountain of many moods and offers walkers and hikers a variety of routes at various levels of walking. If you want the view without the effort, take the state-of-the-art revolving cable car to the top and have lunch or dinner at the table restaurant.

Rotating cable car:

Unlike their predecessors, the new cable cars (or Rotairs) transport you to the top in less than 10 minutes. Each car has a carrying capacity of 65 people and a rotating floor that provides a 360-degree view of the city and the mountain as you glide to the top. The cars also offer excellent aerodynamics in high winds, allowing for a more reliable service.

At the top of Table Mountain, designated walkways take you across the entire tabletop surface to experience extraordinary views beyond Robben Island, to the edge of the world as it curves into the Atlantic Ocean. Then look south along the ridges of the Rocky Mountains leading up to Cape Point. The curio shop lets you take home flagship souvenirs from Table Mountain, South Africa’s top tourist attraction. Visitors can also enjoy a hot or cold buffet meal at the self-service restaurant.

Biodiversity Hot Spot:

Table Mountain is a biodiversity hotspot with many endemic species. Some of the most conspicuous fynbos plant species on the mountain are proteas, including South Africa’s national emblem, the King Protea.

One unusual animal that you can expect to find on the mountain is the Dassie or Rock Hyrax. At about 50cm long, it resembles a guinea pig, but is actually the closest living relative to the elephant! Table Mountain dassies are very social and have lost their natural fear of humans, but do not touch or feed them while they are biting.

Table Mountain National Park:

Take a walk, a walk, a walk, a walk. Fly your kite, catch a wave, scuba dive, sleep in or have a picnic.

If you’re a nature junkie in need of a fix, the breathtaking sunsets, exquisite flora and fauna, sprawling white-sand beaches and waves endlessly crashing against sheer cliffs should satisfy your cravings.

All of these elements combine to form the essence of Table Mountain National Park (TMNP). Established in 1998, TMNP begins in the city of Cape Town and runs along the Table Mountain range from Signal Hill in the north to Cape Point in the south. The park incorporates 24,000 hectares and an additional 1,000 square kilometers of marine and coastal reserve.

Part of the Cape Floristic Region World Heritage Site, TMNP is the heart of the unique plant kingdom of Fynbos, the only plant kingdom on earth contained in one country. It is also the smallest but richest kingdom in the world, with an area smaller than the City of London boasting no fewer than 2,285 species of plants, many of which are endemic to the park. Because TMN is a park within a city, conservation land is fragmented by urban development and private land. Few people realize that it is actually a single Park, which offers a diversity of attractions.

Within the SANParks stable, the TMNP is unique in that it is very much an open access park, offering locals and visitors alike free admission at most of its access points. In certain sections of the park, entrance fees are collected, which are channeled directly towards conservation initiatives and environmental education.

Technology

10 factors to consider before buying an air purifier

If you are looking for a good air purifier, it is of the utmost importance to consider some relevant factors. Ignore these factors and you may end up with the wrong drive. Let’s take a look at some of those factors. Read on to learn more.

Coverage area

First of all, the square footage listed on the unit is enough to cover the area you want to clean with the unit.

CCA

This term is short for air changes per hour or ACH classification. From this reading you can get an idea of ​​how often the unit can change all the air in your room. If the device is rated 6, for example, you can change the air at least 6 times in 60 minutes.

CARD

This term is short for clean air delivery rate. Based on this reading, you can get an idea of ​​how much air is being purified in the unit. Plus, it tells you how well the air has been purified.

Price

The price of these devices ranges from $100 to $1,000. If you have a large room to cover, you may want to go for a larger, more expensive unit.

Filter Replacements

If you want to go with a HEPA filter, we suggest you find out the cost of filter replacement. If you wish to purchase a unit that has a HEPA filter, you will need to replace it separately. It may not be easy for you, especially if you don’t know how to replace them.

Noise level

Some air purifying units don’t make a lot of noise. On the other hand, some units are quite noisy and consume a lot of power. Therefore, you can check the noise level in the store before placing your order.

energy use

Power consumption is also different depending on the unit you have purchased. Unlike other common appliances in your house, air purifiers will keep running for hours. Therefore, you may also want to consider the energy uses of the machine.

For example, mechanical air cleaners can burn up to 200 watts. However, there are smaller units that cannot cost more than 50 watts.

the air pollution

Some units produce ozone and pollute the air. This can cause lung irritation, which can be very dangerous for the elderly, children, and pets in your home.

Manufacturer reputation

Another important factor to consider is the reputation of the manufacturer. Some manufacturers have a good name in the industry for their quality products and excellent customer service. Therefore, it is better that you check the customer reviews before buying an air purifier.

Warranty

It’s important that you get a unit that comes with at least a 10-year warranty. Apart from this, make sure that the warranty covers the maximum number of parts such as electrical parts, fan, and motor. Having a product that comes with a warranty is a must.

In summary, these are some of the important factors that you may want to consider before placing your order for an air purifier for your home or office.

Real Estate

What Are Some Homes For Sale in Kissimmee?

Homes For Sale

There are plenty of houses for sale in Kissimmee but what you might not know is that Kissimmee is also home to a handful of luxury real estate properties. Whether you’re in the market for an executive style residence or a large family vacation home, there’s something to fit your budget and your lifestyle. With the help of one of the top Kissimmee realtors, you can find a home with all the amenities you’re looking for at a price that’s right for you.

Using the latest technology, you can track down your next dream home on a whim without any hassles or high costs. We’re here to assist you every step of the way! – Call or e-mail us today to discuss your needs and we’ll do the rest. The experts at Weichert Realtors are here to guide you through your next Kissimmee move. The best way to find the perfect Homes for Sale Kissimmee is to get started with a free, no obligation, no pressure consultation. Then, we can start the discussion about your goals and objectives for a Kissimmee real estate purchase that will make you happy for years to come.

Another popular amenity in Kissimmee homes is a screened-in porch or patio. This is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while still being protected from mosquitoes and other insects. Screened-in porches and patios are perfect for hosting outdoor dinners, relaxing with a book, or just enjoying the fresh air.

What Are Some Homes For Sale in Kissimmee?

Central air conditioning is another common amenity in Kissimmee homes. With temperatures reaching the high 80s and 90s in the summer, air conditioning is essential to staying cool and comfortable. Most homes in Kissimmee have central air conditioning, although some may have window units or other types of cooling systems.

Kissimmee is also known for its natural beauty, and many homes offer views of lakes, rivers, or conservation areas. Some homes may even have their own private access to these natural areas, allowing residents to enjoy activities such as fishing, kayaking, or hiking.

For those who enjoy an active lifestyle, many homes for sale in Kissimmee offer amenities such as tennis courts, basketball courts, or fitness centers. These amenities are often found in gated communities or planned developments, which offer residents a sense of community and security.

Finally, many homes for sale in Kissimmee offer modern features such as updated kitchens and bathrooms, smart home technology, and energy-efficient appliances. These features not only make a home more comfortable and convenient but can also save homeowners money on utility bills.

In conclusion, homes for sale in Kissimmee offer a wide range of amenities to suit different lifestyles and preferences. From swimming pools and screened-in porches to natural views and modern features, there is something for everyone in Kissimmee. When looking for a home in Kissimmee, it is important to consider what amenities are important to you and to work with a real estate agent who can help you find the perfect home.

Business

cover letter application

Application cover letters are written in response to a known vacancy

These are 1) a letter in response to a known job opening, 2) a letter inquiring about possible openings, and 3) a networking letter requesting help with your job search. An application letter is sent along with the resume which will provide additional information about the applicant’s skills and qualifications that are relevant to the job applied for. The application letter provides the prospective employer with an opportunity to take note of the applicant’s specific skills, experience, and accomplishments. If well written, this type of letter can lead the employer to form a good opinion of the applicant. It is the mistake of most applicants that the application cover letter is not as important as the resume. This is incorrect and CL is, in fact, the first applicant’s writing that the prospective employer will read.

The application cover letter is just as important as the resume itself. Since it lends itself to the applicant’s first impression, it is imperative that you write an effective application letter to make a good impression. This can be accomplished by highlighting how your skills match the desired skills needed to get the job done. All cover letters have one goal in common: to grab the reader’s attention and get the reviewer to call the applicant in for an interview. How is this goal achieved? There are some basic rules when it comes to writing a proper cover letter.

1. The resume has to be impressive as CL says. This is important since the content and the cover letter must be accompanied by an excellent resume.

2. The format used for the cover letter will depend on the type of work requested.

3. A good application cover letter should not only address the applicant’s abilities, but also align them with the job requirements mentioned in the advertisements.

4. Make your application letter unique. Most applicants will go online and download a sample cover letter and won’t change any elements to make it more personal. A cover letter that is not personalized will not be effective.

5. The opening statement must be strong. Instead of placing the identification position in the left corner of the letter, you can center it and express it clearly.

6. The letter should convey to the reader that the applicant is competent, courteous, and confident.

7. Be brief. The letter should not be longer than four paragraphs. You must explain why he is interested in the job and why you think he is the best person for the job. Be positive and convey your enthusiasm for the job and finally provide information on how you can be contacted for an interview.

For your application cover letter to be effective, use positive and professional language. Avoid using clichés and slang words, but don’t be too formal. Don’t try to impress your employer by using unnecessary long words. Do not use the word “I” more than three or four times. Knowing information about the company or organization you are applying to will help better convey your skills and qualifications. Review the letter to make sure there are no grammatical or spelling errors.

Home Kitchen

Cut cabinet melamine board without chipping

There are special techniques that we use in the cabinet making industry to cut melamine board so it doesn’t splinter. Without the correct blades or tools, splinters will occur. Melamine board is used for many different cabinet parts, including doors, shelves, and drawers. Some stores use it for everything except the areas where the toes are placed.

If you are cutting with a table saw, you have two options to cut the board with minimal chipping. You won’t be able to produce perfectly clean, splinter-free surfaces on both sides of the board unless you have a double-blade table saw. They usually cost more than fifteen thousand dollars. If you’re just undertaking a do-it-yourself project, you may have some small chips to deal with.

sharp blades
The first method requires you to have a freshly sharpened saw blade on your machine. You will want to adjust the blade so that it only cuts the top of the board about an eighth to a quarter of an inch. Practice on a few pieces of melamine before working with the actual cabinetry materials. Adjust the height of the blade until you get a clean cut on both sides of the board. You need to push your material slowly through the cutter; the slower you cut, the less chips you will have.

reverse rake blade
This is a special table saw cutter that is designed to make clean cuts on both sides of the melamine board. This is not a cheap item to add to your tool collection. So if you’re only going to use it once, you might want to consider doing something else.

Use of adhesive tape (not recommended)
You can mark exactly where the blade will cut into the cabinet’s melamine board, and then place a strip of masking tape over the area on the side of the board that would normally chip during cutting. This usually works quite well. The biggest drawback to using any tape is that stickiness can create difficulties when making cuts. Be very careful if you decide to try this method, it is not very secure.

Other methods of making clean cuts in melamine boards include using table saws that have two blades and then cutting two boards at once.

Specialty saws that have two blades are very expensive. Most medium to large size kitchen and bathroom cabinet manufacturers have these types of saws. If you only need a few pieces of melamine cut cleanly on both sides, you should consider going to a large cabinet store in your area and having them cut the materials for you.

Cutting two melamine boards at once will only give you one board that won’t splinter on both sides. One of the boards will chip on one side.

Depending on the color of the material you are working with, you may be able to cover the chips with some type of filler. We use white “Seam Fill” on all of our white melamine boards that have small chips. This liquid material was designed to repair seams in Formica plastic laminate. Seam Fill is an excellent option for filling chipped areas in melamine.

There are also several ways to hide the tabs. If you’re cutting shelves, you can place the tiles up or down so they don’t show. If you are building drawers with melamine, you can make sure to put the clean cut side on the inside of the drawers. If you are using the cabinet door material, you should try to get the cleanest cut possible on both sides.

Auto

co-branding

Co-branding consists of combining two or more brands in a single product or service. Companies engage in co-branding to take advantage of a strong brand. It is becoming popular business practice to strive for a positive association between different brands that can develop synergy. A well-executed co-branding strategy can lead to a win-win situation for both co-branding partners and can help realize untapped markets or untapped opportunities. In a concise way, it is essential to handle almost all marketing issues, from initial awareness building to customer loyalty.

The companies form a co-branded alliance to meet the following goals:

► Expansion of the customer base

► To make economic benefits

► Respond to the expressed and latent needs of customers

► Strengthen your competitive position

► Introduce a new product with a strong image

► Create a new value perceived by the customer

► To obtain operational benefits

Co-branding is frequently practiced in the fashion and apparel industry. Some of the co-branding examples are between Nike – Phillips (electronics manufacturer) and Adidas -Porsche (car manufacturer). Co-branding can be used for promotional campaigns, to use cartoons on T-shirts, to use logos, distribute through brand name retailers, etc.

Co-Brand Agreements

In a co-branded alliance, both companies must have a relationship that has the potential to be commercially beneficial to both parties.

The co-branding agreement includes rights, obligations, and restrictions that are binding on both parties. It includes important provisions and must be carefully drafted to provide clear guidance to the parities involved.

The agreement also explains the marketing strategy, brand specifications, confidentiality issues, license specifications, warranties, payments and royalties, indemnification, disclaimers, term, and termination. The person involved in the campaign must be very clear about these issues.

Co-branding can take the following forms:

Promotion

Promotional co-branding is the most common type of co-branding practiced by companies. Co-branding begins with endorsements from celebrities and institutions. It can improve the brand image. Sponsorship can provide ample opportunities.

Agreement with the Provider

The alliance with suppliers provides easy access to offers and long-lasting relationships, which leads to a low level of investment. Distinctiveness is very important for such co-branding, which is possible through patent protection.

Agreement with members of the Value Chain

Their goal is to provide customers with a completely new experience and enhance customer value. In value chain co-branding, both horizontally and vertically linked members of a distribution channel form an alliance. Said co-branding can be between supplier-retailer, companies that offer a similar product or service or between the product and the service provider.

Innovation

This approach offers the opportunity to grow in the existing market and explore new markets. In such an alliance, companies come together to create new offerings for customers. Risk and return are two important aspects that need to be considered. Top management cooperation and organizational collaboration are essential to a successful deal.

Co-Branding Benefits

► Increase in sales revenue.

► Exploration of new markets with a minimum expense.

► Appropriate approach when the company seeks a faster response.

► Access to a new source of financing.

► Technological collaboration between two companies yields better results than could be achieved with the efforts of a single company.

► Income from royalties.

► Shared risk.

► Companies can get a higher price for the added value of the additional brands associated with it.

► Better product image and credibility with another brand association.

► Increased customer confidence in the product.

► Greater coverage and exposure of joint advertising.

► Prospects for developing working relationships leading to future joint ventures

Co-branding issues

► A proper understanding between co-branding partners is essential. The greed to get too much in a short time can spoil relationships and even result in failure.

► Once a co-brand takes hold in the market, it becomes difficult to dismantle the co-brand and even more difficult to re-brand alone.

► Companies that have different visions and cultures are incompatible for co-branding.

► If the brand does not have enough credibility in the market, it can negatively affect the other partner’s brand.

► Rebranding by one party may negatively influence the brand or campaign of the other party.

► When two products are totally different and have different sets of customers, co-branding may not work.

► Failure to meet the other party’s requirements may result in termination of the co-branding agreement.

► Legal requirements.

► Mergers and acquisitions by one party may be detrimental to the other party.

► Future environmental changes such as political, legal, social and technological or changes in consumer preferences can give unexpected results.

If you want to download/republish the above article on your website or newsletters, please include the “Article Source”. In addition, you must create a hyperlink to our site. To read more articles on textiles, fashion, apparel, technology, retail and general trade, visit www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article.

Copyright © 2006

Digital Marketing

Latest software development trends

Software companies with strong and agile release management practices have a significant competitive advantage. To gain this advantage, an organization must first optimize its release management process and identify the most appropriate release management platform and tools.

In 2016, we heard the slow and steady pace of smart tools, including chatbots and other AI-based solutions, predictive analytics, and cloud offerings. In 2017, they will be completely well established in companies in a wide range of industries and this year will present different trends. This year introduces more advanced techniques compared to last year. All of these solutions are geared toward helping businesses better connect with their users on a personal level and enhance the customer experience, whether the customer is in the office, the store, or the doctor’s office. These smart solutions, which will become standard tools everywhere, will bridge the gap between humans and computers; more closely mimic the role of humans and, in some cases, replace them. Here, we will be discussing some of the latest software development trends that will help you to know more about the latest trends.

Mobile apps-

Most consumers prefer native mobile apps to mobile websites and want their knowledge to move with them across their devices. Therefore, having a responsive website will not be enough and businesses will continue to move their business activities to native mobile apps.

Agile Practices-

Agile has come of age and is now taking even stronger positions than before. Entrepreneurs like it due to the fact that the agile methodology allows them to make applications work faster, start generating revenue sooner, and make further improvements when necessary. Many software developers also like it because Agile facilitates communication between the development field and management and helps increase the efficiency of the development process.

Greater demand for security-

Due to the increasing amount of personal data and open APIs, sensitive user information becomes prone to cybercrimes such as breach of mobile consumer payment systems, hacktivism, cracking of cloud storage, takeover of Iot and ransomware (corporate extortion). This will require security measures to expand both your reach and your superiority.

Cloud technology is gaining popularity. Users are using more and more devices, they want to access their data from multiple devices, and this is where cloud technology becomes versatile. In addition, electronics manufacturers around the world are investing heavily in cloud computing and cloud security. Gartner predicts that by 2018, 30% of service-focused companies will move the majority of their ERP applications to the cloud.

Technologies such as virtual personal assistants, security solutions, and marketing solutions will deliver this new level of functionality for business users by incorporating cognitive learning and robotic process automation. Most of the world’s largest software companies will use smart solutions to improve the business user experience in the coming year. So, these are some of the latest software development trends that help you to know more about software development trends and also to choose the best software development company based on your planned career.

Relationship

How to choose the right studio for dance classes

Whether you’re looking for dance classes for yourself or a child, you should do some research before parting with your hard-earned money. While it may be tempting to simply enroll at the first school you visit or the one closest to your home, you should meet with someone at the school and ask the following questions.

Ask about policies for dance classes

Each school will have their own policies, so it’s important that you understand what you’re getting into when you sign up for dance classes. For example, if you or your child have to miss a lesson, what happens? Can you attend a make-up class or will you just miss that week’s instruction? Also, will you be required to sign a contract or are these lessons held on a monthly basis? Don’t be afraid if the studio requires you to sign a contract; this just means that the school takes its students seriously and wants to make sure everyone gets adequate instructional time. It is also important to ask about parental expectations if the student is your child. You will need to know if parents can view the lessons and if parents are expected to do any costume work.

You should also ask about the recital and the fees that go with it. Some possible recital costs include costume fees, hair and makeup, photography, and a video of the recital. Depending on your studio, this could add quite a bit to the cost of dance classes, so it’s important to know this up front.

Ask about teacher credentials

Another thing to consider before signing up for dance classes is the credentials of the teachers. Teachers must be accomplished dancers, both in acting and in education. Look for instructors who have a bachelor’s degree in dance or fine arts, as well as professional experience.

Ask what ages the teachers work with

Some studios work with students of all ages. If you’re looking for a class for your two-year-old, make sure the school accepts students this young. However, if you are looking for a class for yourself, you will need to verify that the studio has an adult level class.

Ask what types of lessons they teach

If you’re looking for a hip hop class, it won’t do you any good if the studio you’re interested in only teaches lessons like ballet and tap. Many studios offer a variety of lessons, including beginning ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, pre-pointe, and pointe. Knowing what you’re looking for can help you narrow down your options, making your decision easier.

These aren’t the only criteria by which you should judge dance classes, but it’s a good starting point. Make sure you know what to expect from teachers, as well as what is expected of you and your child. This can help ensure that you or your child have fun during the lessons and learn a lot about the art of dance.

Health Fitness

Acupuncture Weight Loss? More 5 Step Weight Loss Plan

I remember in my last year of high school: my best friend since fifth grade lived in France. He wrote that they didn’t like Americans very much. “They think we’re all fat,” he said. With his own slim body, of course, he mistook his belief.

But it added a funny, or perhaps ironic, twist to the subject. “I went to a store, and they were selling statues of these fat people, and at the bottom of each one was written, ‘American.'”

Obesity is not just an American problem. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is a global problem. They call it globosity. Paradoxically, his understanding of this problem began with his original mission to eliminate hunger and malnutrition. We live in a world where many have nothing to eat and many eat too much. From 1995 to 2000, the number of obese adults worldwide skyrocketed from 200 to 300 million. That’s a 50% increase in just 5 years!

What is obesity and what is overweight?

Overweight means excess body weight. This excess weight can be muscle, bone, fat, and/or body water. Obesity specifically refers to an abnormally high proportion of body fat. You can be overweight without being obese, for example, a bodybuilder or other very muscular athlete. But many people who are overweight are also obese. It doesn’t directly measure body fat and isn’t gender specific, but it does give you a pretty reliable estimate.

To find your BMI, divide your weight (in kilograms) by your height in meters squared. Yes, for those of you struggling with math, that’s complex, so I’ll give you a website that will figure it out for you, the National Institutes of Health BMI Calculator (http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/ ). This will tell you very quickly if you are normal, overweight or obese, and does all the calculations and metric conversions for you!

Overweight is defined as a BMI greater than 25 (including those with a BMI greater than 30), and obesity is a BMI greater than 30. Therefore, all obese people are overweight, but not all overweight people they are obese.

The obesity epidemic

Obesity isn’t just about not feeling well or having trouble getting dates…

* Leads to more than 300,000 premature deaths each year in the United States. 90,000 are preventable cancer deaths. (CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION)

* Severely obese men die 13 years earlier than normal-weight men (JAMA).

* As a cause of death in the United States, obesity is second only to tobacco. (CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION)

The weight loss industry

* Spending: Americans spend between $40-50 billion per year to lose weight.

*Results: I haven’t seen any recent news that Americans are losing weight, have you?

* Conclusion: What people are doing is not working. If we want different results, we have to try a different solution.

Weight loss with acupuncture: fantasy or reality?

* Fantasy or Reality? As a well-trained and fairly conservative Chinese medicine practitioner, he had assumed that acupuncture for weight loss was a marketing fad and a patients’ fantasy.

* Evidence: But while researching my next book Chinese Medicine: A Practical Guide to Optimum Healing, I came across surprisingly positive information that changed my mind.

Collective Chinese Medicine Clinical Data on Acupuncture Weight Loss

Chinese medicine has thousands of years of clinical experience. These collective data are not as convincing as randomized controlled trials, but they contain the truth: they are imperfect but still valid and important.

A US government study in the 1980s concluded that 85% of Western medicine is based on clinical experience, not research. (US Congressional Office of Technology Assessment, The Impact of Randomized Controlled Trials on Health Policy and Medical Practice, Background Paper OTA-BP-H-22. See also Michael Millenson’s book, Demanding Medical Excellence)

There is good Chinese medicine research in Taiwan, Australia, and Europe that is ignored by American scientists and media. Much of the research in Chinese has not even been translated into English.

Seven studies of acupuncture for weight loss

How it works: By improving the function of two neuroendocrine pathways that regulate many bodily processes, including metabolism.

What are you doing:

* Reduces body weight, body fat, insulin levels and blood lipid levels

* Decreases excessive appetite and makes it easier to satisfy hunger with less food.

* Decreases menopausal weight gain

* In one study, acupuncture removed 10 pounds in 2 months, that translates to 60 pounds in a year!

* Combined with diet control and aerobic advice, you not only shed the pounds and body fat, you keep it off, especially if you’re diligent about your exercise.

(See references at the end of the article for research)

Ephedra misuse and bad legislation

Ephedra is a Chinese herb for colds and coughs. It has been misused to increase metabolism, and this misuse has caused numerous deaths. As a result, the FDA is considering an outright ban on ephedra products. We can blame two main things:

1. Supplement companies that care more about your money than your health (no, not all are like this, but some are, especially those that market weight loss formulations).

2. The idea that you can safely self-medicate with herbs: Self-medication of any kind is risky. Herbal self-medication is off the radar and people generally think they can do it safely. The ephedra debacle is an example of how dangerous it can be.

Traditionally, Chinese herbs are given in formulas (not alone), which is safer and more personalized. They are prescribed by a Chinese medicine practitioner who first diagnoses your specific imbalances. Ephedra would never be given for weight loss, but only for certain types of colds and coughs, and only to people whose bodies can handle it.

No traditional Chinese herb should be banned without allowing Chinese doctors to continue to use them traditionally.

food cravings

* Problem #1 (Enzyme Deficiency): The foods you crave depend on your personal imbalances. Modern digestive science explains that when your body can’t digest a food, it wants more of it, it’s not getting what it needs from it. This leads to a cycle of craving and overeating the exact food you can’t digest.

* Problem #2 (Low Blood Sugar): Another vicious cycle occurs when you can’t digest complex carbohydrates, so your blood sugar is low, so you eat simple carbohydrates that raise your blood sugar. blood sugar, which increases insulin, which lowers blood sugar again. , and you’re stuck eating donuts and feeling horrible.

* Solution: Enzymes (I recommend several enzyme formulations from a company called Transformations) and Chinese herbal formulas can help you digest your food and break both cycles.

Weight can be lost safely if done slowly and naturally.

You can lose up to 2 pounds a week without gaining it back. That means you could lose 104 pounds this year and keep it off!

Positive change is like stretching a rubber band: if it is stretched too far too fast, it will snap or snap back.

So avoid the temptation to take an easy fix like ephedra or citrus aurantium (both misused Chinese herbs), because you’ll gain the weight back and risk heart problems and stroke.

5 things to do right now

To lose 10 pounds in 2 months

And keep them away:

1. Avoid highly marketed supplements; instead consult a trained professional herbalist (acupuncturist); it is safer and more effective; my preference would be a chinese medicine practitioner, but some very well educated western herbalists are good too.

2. Acupuncture Weight Loss: Consult a Chinese acupuncturist/herbalist. Receive acupuncture (one to three times per week) to SAFELY regulate your metabolism and satisfy hunger. Your acupuncturist can also provide you with the herbs that will balance your digestion and cravings, and based on your Chinese pattern diagnosis, can also provide personalized dietary advice. Herbs and enzymes (specific formulations from the Transformations enzyme company) can eliminate your food cravings.

3. Develop a plan and goals with your acupuncturist and aerobics instructor, make it realistic, and stick to it. If you mess up, don’t beat yourself up, get back to normal as soon as you can. Any progress is better than nothing at all.

4. Eat less, exercise more: Eat a low-fat diet and don’t skip breakfast! Weigh yourself regularly and exercise for an hour a day. Start by walking for a few minutes each day or take the stairs at work. Don’t overdo it! Remember the rubber band. In fact, you may want to wear a rubber band around your wrist to remind yourself to make changes slowly. Get help with aerobics: a public class or private aerobic counseling.

5. Join a support group like Weight Watchers or Overeaters Anonymous. There’s nothing like positive friends to cheer you up and keep you on track. OA members say this spiritual action program has changed the way they relate to food.

References and resources

1. US Congressional Office of Technology Assessment, The Impact of Randomized Controlled Trials on Health Policy and Medical Practice, Background Paper OTA-BP-H-22.

2. Michael Millenson’s book, Demanding Medical Excellence

3. Effect of acupuncture on weight loss assessed by adrenal function. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1993 Sep, 13(3):169-73.

4. Wozniak, P., Oszukowski, P., Stachowiak, G., and Szyllo, K. [The effectiveness of low-calorie diet or diet with acupuncture treatment in obese peri- and postmenopausal women] (in Polish). Ginekol.Pol. Vol.74 Number 2 pages. 102-107. 2003

5. Acupuncture on the spleen, stomach and Ren Mai channel points for the treatment of simple obesity with stomach and intestinal heat pattern. Summarized and translated by Bob Flaws, Dipl. CA & CH, Lic. Ac., FNAAOM, FRCHM

6. Richards D, Marley J. Stimulation of auricular acupuncture points in weight loss. Aust Family Physician. Jul 27, 1998 Suppl 2:S73-7.

7. Zhao, M., Liu, Z., and Su, J. The time-effect relationship of central action in acupuncture treatment for weight reduction. J Tradit Chin Med Vol.20 Number 1 pp. 26-29. 2000

8. Liu, Z. Mechanisms underlying the effects of acupuncture moxibustion in simple obesity complicated by hypertension. Inter J Clin Cup 371-378, 1995.

9. Weight Loss Industry Studies

10. Prevalence and effect of obesity

11. Overeaters Anonymous

Legal Law

The success of the negotiation is in the planning

The drama and theatrics one sees during conflicts and confrontations easily lead one to believe that successful negotiation lies in persuasion, eloquence, and clever maneuvering. What good courtroom drama would be without these critical entertainment factors? While these elements may be the enjoyable part for some negotiators and certainly are the entertaining parts for observers, they are not the keys to negotiation success.

The following quote was so important in Lewicki, Saunders, Barry, and Minton’s “Fundamentals of Negotiation” that the authors italicized it. I point this out because I want you to pay close attention to this: “The foundation for successful negotiation is not in play or role-play. The dominant force for successful negotiation is the planning that takes place before the deal.” dialogue”. .” Yes, the tactics used during negotiations are important and success is also influenced by how you react to the other party and how you implement your own negotiation strategy. However, the foundation of success is preparation.

There are many ways one can prepare for negotiation, and none will be perfect for everyone. By sharing different strategies, I hope you’ll be able to absorb what’s useful for your trading style and decide what planning steps are necessary for the trades you’re involved in.

In “Fundamentals of Negotiation,” the authors lay out ten areas to focus on when planning effective distributive and integrative negotiations. I want to share and briefly discuss the ten areas to consider:

1. Definition of the problems. Analyze the general situation and define the topics to be discussed. The more detailed the better.

2. Assembly of the problems and definition of the negotiation mix. Gather the problems that have been defined into a comprehensive list. The combination of lists on each side of the negotiation determines the negotiation mix. Large trading mixes allow for many possible components and arrangements for payout. However, large trading mixes can also prolong trades due to the many possible combinations to consider. Therefore, the issues must be prioritized.

3. Defining your interests. Once you have defined the problems, you must define the underlying interests and needs. Remember, positions are what a negotiator wants. Interests are why you want them. Asking “why” questions will help define interests.

4. Knowing your limits and alternatives. Limits are the point where trading stops instead of continuing. Agreements beyond this point are not acceptable. You need to know your starting point. Alternatives are other offers that you could achieve and still meet your needs. The better alternatives you have, the more power you will have during negotiations.

5. Establishment of objectives and openings. The destination point is where you realistically expect to reach an agreement. You can determine your goal by asking what outcome you would be comfortable with or at what point you would be satisfied. The opening offer or sales price generally represents the best deal you can hope to achieve. Care must be taken when inflating opening offers to the point where they become counterproductive because they are too unrealistic.

6. Evaluation of my constituents. When negotiating in a professional context, there are likely to be many components to the negotiation. Things to consider include direct stakeholders, opposing stakeholders, indirect stakeholders, interested observers, and environmental factors.

7. Analysis of the other party. Meeting with the other party allows you to learn what issues are important to them. Things to consider include your current resources, interests, and needs. Also, consider your objectives, alternatives, negotiation style, authority, and likely strategy and tactics.

8. What strategy do I want to follow? Chances are, you are always determining your strategy and have been throughout the planning stages. However, remember not to confuse strategy with tactics. Determine if your compromise strategy will be Competition (Distributive Bargaining), Collaboration (Integrative Bargaining), or Accommodative Bargaining.

9. How will I present the problems to the other party? You must present your case clearly and provide ample facts and arguments to support it. You’ll also want to rebut the other party’s arguments with your own counterarguments. There are many ways to do this, and during your preparation you should determine how best to present your problems.

10. What protocol should be followed in this negotiation? Elements of the protocol or process to consider include the agenda, the location of the negotiation, the time period of the negotiation, other parties that may be involved in the negotiation, what can be done if the negotiation fails, and how the parties follow up on what was agreed? In most cases, it is better to discuss procedural issues before the main substantive issues are raised.

There are many different planning templates. Each one emphasizes different elements in different sequences. These ten areas represent what the authors of “Fundamentals of Negotiation” believe are the most important steps in the planning process. There is more to each of these areas than I have had space to describe in this column. However, if you consider each of these ten areas during your planning, you’ll be well prepared for the challenges you’ll face during negotiations.