25:
I was lucky to be brought up in the South of England as a child and my earliest memories are of the soft rolling countryside made beautifully lush and green by the chalk based soil. So imagine my trepidation moving North in my early teens and seeing the Peak District for the first time. It was like a scene out of a Bronte novel, all dark and foreboding.
Fortunately for me we settled in Cheshire which, I am told, is very similar to the Home Counties and more importantly to me, like my childhood memories of the South Coast. Cheshire is a large county with Chester as it principle city. Chester has the same kind of feel as York and Bath, being and old Roman city with remnants from the past. The shops and restaurants in the city centre are as interesting as buildings themselves as to also what’s inside them.
The rest of the county sprawls, mainly with fields across the Cheshire Plain, overlooked by the escarpment at Frodsham to give it it’s dramatic effect. Dotted throughout the region are small towns and villages, mostly dainty and picturesque, others are working towns going back to times when industry shaped the area and made it a relatively prosperous place both then as it is now.
From a visitors point of view there is an awful lot to see and do. For the diner whatever you choose, from bistro pub to Michelin Star restaurants, Cheshire has it all with everything in between, there is so much choice and diversity.
Looking back to my childhood and comparing to where I lived then to where I live now, further inland, I do most definitely miss the sea.
by Phil Hendon
22:
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The java instance was keep going down for the previous hosts that I tried, and frequently it was showing “503 server unavailable” errors while checking the website at times. I tried most of the so called reliable java webhosting companies, however their staff weren’t able to provide me with a good fix. After I transferred my java application to Onlinecares, I didn’t face similar problems again.
I like their hosting plan upgrade system which is very easy to purchase addon packages like dedicated IP, private tomcat and SSL certificates etc. Also, their staffs transferred my website from the previous host to their servers at a very reasonable rates as well. Currently, I have a private java tomcat hosting plan with them.
If you are looking for a java hosting provider, I would highly recommend Onlinecares.
17:
A professor argues that business schools must deliver executive education programs that get tangible results.
Money is tight everywhere, and executive education is certainly no exception. Pressure is mounting on business schools to show more direct and systematic evidence of a program’s impact on either the company or the individual manager. Promises no longer suffice; senior executives responsible for financing such programs want an objective assessment of what attending an executive education program actually achieves. They want to see tangible results.
To do that, stakeholders involved in these programs—program designers, business school professors, and human resources executives—must overcome some deeply ingrained habits. Today, the impact of executive education programs isn’t measured, because measuring it is difficult and risky—you could find out the programs aren’t working. But if business schools are going to deliver what the market wants—programs that deliver actual results—they’re going to have to step into uncharted territory and embrace that risk.
Determining the impact of sending top managers to an executive education program is notoriously difficult. And there’s very little incentive for HR executives to try. Once the board has signed off on the program, measuring the results—whether in efficiency, growth, or progress toward strategic goals—is a task that many in HR view as having little value.
That’s assuming such impact can be measured, and that’s a big assumption. Participants come from vastly different settings, face distinct business challenges, and have diverse learning styles and histories that shape their expectations and reactions to the program. Considerable costs are involved. And from the perspective of faculty, there is also an inherent fear that their performance would be measured against their ability to deliver a program with impact.
QUESTIONNAIRES AREN’T ENOUGH
While the individuals sponsoring executive education want to see direct results, many in the HR community are satisfied by simply observing the program development and participating in the learning process during the program itself. Many really on post-program evaluations by the executives who participated. As one human resources manager said: “Evaluations by participants at the end of a program remove any doubt about its impact.” As the literature shows, though, such questionnaires are at best poor measures of a program’s true impact.
For HR executives, the alternative is unthinkable. The impact of an executive education program depends on many pre- and post-program activities. Measuring that impact makes HR responsible for those activities, many of which are difficult to measure and outside of HR’s control—an uncomfortable situation for any executive.
However, theoretical evidence suggests that behavioral changes at the workplace require multiple points of reflection, multiple sources of feedback, linking a program’s learning to an organizational necessity such as project work, linking program learning outcomes to internal company systems, and providing a supportive technology infrastructure for networking and internal knowledge sharing.
Based on article written by Professor Bettina Büechel in May 2009
Bettina Büechel teaches Orchestrating Winning Performance at IMD
10:
When I was younger, I was extremely active, playing sports in school and regularly riding my bike and running around the neighborhood. As I grew older, life got in the way as it does and between family and work I gave up all of the physical activity and traded it in for a nice comfy job behind a desk at a computer. As the years wore on and I grew farther from my activity and closer to my retirement, I began to put on weight and, along with it, pain, specifically in my lower back with a lot of L4 and L5 back pain.
These problems would compound as time passed, leading to further medical problems including depression and eventually a lack of desire to do anything more physical than was required. Eventually I was on a list of painkillers for back pain, as well as a variety of other treatments. Eventually, I’d had pretty much all I could take, and I was looking for a way out. I decided that the weight that I had put on had to have at least a little bit to do with the amount of pain that I was in, so I resolved to do something about it.
I’d been active as a child, but that had been years ago. And I was desperate to do this right so that I didn’t hurt myself even worse. To that end, I hired a personal trainer who talked with me about my goals. I explained my lower back pain in detail and we went over a detailed exercise plan that would hopefully bring me some semblance of peace. The plan was simple enough; I’d start out with mostly cardio exercises, adding in strength training later, in order to lose as much weight as possible as quickly as possible. We’d start slow and build up.
I won’t lie; the first weeks – the first months – hurt a lot. I was still in a good amount of pain. But I pushed at it and I started seeing results. The weight slower started to shed and, as the weight melted away, so did my pain. Ever so slowly, but as time went on, I began to lower my pain killer dosages and eventually even stop using them. I started managing the pain by stretching and exercising. Instead of eating when I stressed, I’d go out and walk or run around the block.
Since started my exercise regimen a couple of years ago, my lower back pain is almost completely gone. I now completely avoid painkillers for back pain, except in the most extreme circumstances. Instead, I’m eating better and running, stretching and working out to manage my pain. I even have bike treats with my grand-daughter. As my health improves, so is my pain. And as I’m making more time to do what I need to do for me, I’m realizing that I have more time and energy to handle the things that I really need to be doing – spending time with my family.
by Louise Haker
08:
Mid-way into November and winter is officially upon us! This is the time of year when we all start to think about nights in front of the fire, TV Christmas specials and a variety of take-away evenings leading up to the ultimate feast- Christmas Dinner. Now, whilst all of this sounds very lovely and cosy…it also sounds rather inactive and, dare I say it, lazy? A lot people seem to think that a bit of wind, rain or snow means that outdoor activities or off the table during the winter months. I am hoping this post will convince you to step away from the pizza and out of the front door- even if its just for a few minutes!
So, Ice Cycling! Sounds scary I know but its really not. It basically just means continuing to cycle cycling (whether purely for simple transport purposes or for fun) come rain/snow or shine. I shall share a few words of advice that I have built up over the years and hopefully you will find yourself a little more inclined to get your bike back out of hibernation.
I guess 2 of the main myths that need dispelling are: ‘it’s too cold’ and ‘Surely its not safe?!’ Well, starting with the whole temperature issue thing. Rather surprisingly, the main issue with ice cycling is keeping cool rather than keeping warm. It is common for us to take a look outside to check the weather and automatically reach for the layers- massive winter coat et al – forgetting that cycling in any weather is pretty energetic and…heated! It is only when temperatures dip to below Zero (F), (-20C) that being warm enough requires some planning. Even then, most winter cyclists keep right on riding until -20F and some to -40F without any problems.
As for the safety aspect- all cyclists can learn to handle their bikes so as not to induce sliding whilst cycling in icy conditions. In addition to this, it is actually possible to purchase studded bike tyres which provide traction. Even if you are unfortunate enough to take a spill (it happens guys!), then landing on a slippery or snowy surface in your winter clothes is likely to result in less of an injury than a bare-limbed cyclist grazing across a dry pavement.
This last little fact isn’t the only plus-side to winter cycling when put to the test with your average moderate-climate cycling. First of all, you will be treated much better by motorists in the winter as they are much more likely to give you a wider clearance. Secondly, so few people brave the the cycling world in winter that you will be the King/Queen of the bicycle lane. Lastly, expect it to be very satisfying! Whilst your friends are complaining about digging out their cars and minor dinting incidents you will be feeling healthy, alive and trouble free!
10:
Heads up to those of you who may have been away and might not know that The Knitting and Stitching Show 2011 is now on at Alexander Palace in London and runs until the 9th October. Doors open from 10am and the event finished at 5.30pm each day. I went today and had a great time, I didn’t get there until lunchtime and so hit the restaurant straight away. I can enjoy browsing and shopping when I have a full tummy and there’s nothing like some English lamb to warm you up. This versatile creature not only provides us with a amazing range of yarns for our projects but is also a sustainable British food source. OK I apologise to my vegetarian friends but for us carnivores this really is the Rolls Royce of meat. So back to the show after I’d stuffed myself with a perfectly cooked pink rack of lamb (and a sneaky glass of red) I was ready to check out the show.
A bit of info for those of you who haven’t heard or visited this annual show. This show is one of the best exhibitions for lovers of textiles in the UK and Ireland. Like the name suggests it covers knitting and stitching but also a whole lot more including; card and jewellery making, embroidery,
felt-making and well lots more. You’ll be pushed to see everything in a single day so it’s wise to get there early. Even though on the first day I only it by noon I plan to go again before it finishes. The core of the show features hundreds of exhibitors selling specialist supplies that you can’t find in the shops. I managed to track down some lovely crochet cotton and crochet hooks from a company who only sell online. There are also galleries from well known artists and tuns of workshops to introduce you to something new. It’s also a great place to meet like minded people, everyone is so friendly I always manage to bump into someone interesting and make a new connection. So get yourself down there if you can and if not put the date in your diary for next year (11th to 14th October 2012)!
Another event coming later in the month and ideal for those of you based in the Midlands is called Fibre Flurry. Being held in central Birmingham from 28th to 29th October 2011 this is another great event full of interesting suppliers and fun workshops.
05:
I have just come back from a trip to Sydney, Australia and was looking forward to the sunshine, sports and beer (until I realised that it’s actually winter there at the moment!) But the sports was a real treat. It is of course currently the Rugby World Cup and there is no better place to watch it than with a home full of Aussies, the sport’s best spectators. I was there for Australia’s recent domination of Russia. Whilst the game was going to be a clear win for the Wallabies there were still some tense moments.
However I really suffer from Sports-viewer’s curse… you know that feeling when you’re watching a sports match and you KNOW that as soon as you leave the room to get some chips, or a pizza you’re going to miss something important? Some call it Sod’s Law, or Murphy’s Law, or just pure bad luck. But my kitchen cravings have in the past made me miss crucial goals, penalties and tries. Luckily, my Aussie mates had found this new site called Delivery Hero that has just launched in Australia. Basically they could order any kind of takeaway food online. One of my mates has a smart phone and ordered a pizza without leaving the couch. He entered his postcode and saw a bunch of online menus from his local area. He could select food by cuisine type and check which takeaways in his suburb were open. The process was very quick and easy and nothing like the old days of scrabbling through cupboards for paper menus. We could even pay online so there was no need to count up the dollars. Before I knew it, we were munching on a Pepperoni and watching the Wallabies seal the deal. Even better is that I didn’t miss a single second of the match thanks to Delivery Hero. Summary? The Aussies clearly know how to play sports, watch sports and eat good takeaways!
15:
Network Attached Storage (NAS) server is a smart computing device that can be connected to all the places in your network, independent of application servers and network. It is very useful to store files and to make them available to the authorized users. NAS technologies are fast gaining in popularity as an excellent device to share files among multiple computers. Since the Network Attached Storage server has its own IP address, it can be accessed directly by the users. Moreover, it is very easy to install, configure and administer. This technology can be easily used by the small and the medium sized businesses.
NAS server offers a plethora of benefits. This technology is very useful as general centralized storage provided to client computers in the ambience of huge pool of data. The main market of this technology is the consumer market which deals with vast amount of multi media data. In recent times, the price of NAS appliances has come down appreciably. This has raised its demand even from the home consumer market. The major benefits of this technology include faster data access, simple configuration, easier administration and many more things. Here we describe the different benefits of NAS server.
Easily deployable
One of the major benefits of NAS servers is that they can be deployed and configured very easily and very fast. Moreover, it does not require deep knowledge of IT, to install this technology. The technology is such that it supports heterogeneous environments. It is not required to configure the storage so as to work with a particular server. Here first you have to insert the technology anywhere on the network. In the next step, you have to assign an IP address to it. And finally you have to specify few environmental settings. Then the storage will be ready to go. To make it more easy, it can effectively utilize wizards and other user-friendly tools.
Effectiveness and dependability
This is made of specialized hardware & software components and a streamlined operating system. This makes SAS server suitable for efficient system performance. It is physically detached from the network server. This feature is helpful to avoid bandwidth bottlenecks. This also allows the entire network to run more efficiently. The NAS server works independently of the network server. The storage can be accessed even during network server outages.
Very much flexible
This technology can be used by different clients and servers. This is like shared network system which can be accessed by all the users. This is useful to utilize storage based upon each other’s actual needs. You can plug the system into a new server so as to add storage. If the additional storage is recognized by the network, it will be immediately available or use.
Meeting business requirements
There are many small and medium business units which do not have specialized IT staff. If the storage systems are complicated to maintain and deploy, many small business units may find it difficult to manage the storage system. There will be high chances of catastrophic losses to critical data. So, it is highly essential that to run your small business effectively, the system should offer you reliability, flexibility and ease to use.
Protection of data
There may be catastrophic loss of data due to disk failure. However, with installation of Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks (RAID), you can protect the company’s business critical data. The NAS technology supports this and is very useful to save critical data.
Countless benefits have placed NAS technologies at a higher position than other storage devices. It provides flexible, efficient storage system, independent of application server and network.
05:
Prom is a very special occasion that offers you an opportunity that whether you can leave a deep impression to others. In order to make enough preparations, it is wise to start to search for your ideal prom dress ahead of time. Facing the sea of prom gowns, if you want to find out the one looking best on you, you had better know some tips that may help you a lot.
How do you know which one will flatter you well? It requires that you should consider your figure first that has an important effect on your decision. If you have got pear shape featuring slim upper-body and fat lower-body, it is a good idea to opt for a ball gown or other prom gown which can show off your beautiful sides and hide you not so perfect sides so that your confidence will be increased. If you are a petite girl, the sheath is tailored to you which can highlight your curves. In addition, you can take empire waist prom dresses into consideration that will make you look much taller and slimmer. Bear in mind that you had better avoid the long dresses. At the same time, the color also should be considered. Make sure the color of the dress is paired with your skin tone.
Now it is time to talk about the styles. If you are pursuing tradition, there is no doubt that the princess dress is your best choice. The reason is that this style is regarded as the most traditional dress for prom. Wearing it, you are nearly like a princess in the fairy tale. However, if the fashion is your aim, there are also lots of styles affordable waiting for you to choose. For example, a black knee-length prom dress with large sequence dots can fit you well because it has a punk look for formal wear.
Strapless dress or the prom gown with spaghetti straps are sure to give an opportunity for petite girls or women with athletic body types to show off your feminine curves. If you feel uncomfortable in the strapless prom gown, the unique one shoulder dress can work well, too. The mermaid dress is a fabulous style which can make your hourglass curve completely highlighted ifyou are searching for the plus size prom dress, you also have wide options. What is more, fatting doesn’t mean the common styles are not suitable for your, what you need do is to ensure the style can make the side you are confident of more charming.
In a word, choosing the prom dress seems like a hard work, but it is really full of fun. Follow the top tips and it is not difficult to get an affordable prom dresses.
12:
Are you planning your next vacation to Disney World in Orlando ? If you are, then you will need to find somewhere suitable to stay. You could stay on one of the many hotels or resorts that Disney has to offer, but then these are not cheap and restrictive.
As soon as you look outside the box, you will realise that you could rent one of the many luxury vacation homes in Orlando with your own private villa pool all within a short distance from Disney and all the other attractions Orlando has to offer. Our luxury vacation rental homes in Orlando have private pools, Jacuzzi’s, games rooms and more. Why share a pool with everyone else – have your own private vacation home with your own pool for just you and your family ?
Ask yourself this… Would you rather have your own luxury vacation home in Orlando or pay for a Disney hotel room and try to squeeze your entire family into one room or double your costs by paying for 2 rooms ? If you have done it before, you will most likely remember how uncomfortable it was.
Please take the time to check out all our luxury vacation homes in Orlando which we offer on Highlands Reserve, Windsor Hills Resort, Emerald Island Resort and Watersong Resort. You will never want to rent a hotel room again once you have experienced the extra room for you and your family and friends in renting one of our numerous luxury vacation homes in Orlando.
Putting aside the convenience of renting one of our luxury vacation homes in Orlando and just compare the relative cost of staying in a hotel compared to staying in one of our luxury vacation homes in Orlando, most villa renters will find that is in fact much cheaper per person to stay in our luxury vacation homes in Orlando. Ten persons can stay for a week in one of our luxury vacation homes in Orlando for around $1000 – that is only $100 per person per week.
Now compare that to a weeks stay in a hotel room for a large family who will most likely need two rooms, costing much more than $1000. Then you have to factor in the regimented meals times. In one of our luxury vacation homes in Orlando you decide when to eat and can prepare healthy food in your private fully fitted kitchen which come as standard in all our luxury vacation homes in Orlando
We specialise in luxury vacation homes in Orlando that are close to Disney World. All our vacation villas, townhouses and condos are beautifully furnished with fully fitted kitchens and laundry facilities.
There is not better way to relax after a fun day touring Disney World, Universal Studios or SeaWorld. Imagine yourself sitting back and relaxing with a cold beer or glass of wine, while the kids work off that last bit of energy in the private pool before they pass out and go to bed. If you are in a hotel room, every one has to go to bed at the same time while with one of our luxury vacation homes in Orlando, you can send the kids to bed and then relax with a drink.
Make a reservation for one of our luxury vacation homes in Orlando couldn’t ne simpler. Simply search for an available luxury vacation home in Orlando and click BOOK THIS PROPERTY NOW button to complete a simple reservation form which then puts you in touch with the owner of the luxury vacation home in Orlando.
We have numerous luxury vacation homes in Orlando for you to chose from – all our luxury vacation homes in Orlando listings come complete with a full set of pictures, detailed descriptions and accurate availability calendars.
Once you have experienced the convenience of renting one of our luxury vacation homes in Orlando, we guarantee that you will always come back and never stay in a Disney hotel again.
Renting one of our luxury vacation homes in Orlando is the way forward!!
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