Tuesday, May 27, 2008

The Importance of Information and Communication Technologies.

The Importance of Information and Communication Technologies.
By: Jack Moe

ICT is an abbreviation that means “Information and Communications Technology” (or technologies). This is a blanket term that refers to many forms of communication. ICT in society might include television, cellular telephones, satellites, radio, computer software, computer hardware and many others.

Basically, any form of moving information from one place to another could be considered a kind of ICT, but it generally refers to systems that use electronics, computers or other forms of modern technology. It is a term heard more often outside the US, and often is used in reference to a particular area such as: "ICT's in education or healthcare."

In our modern world, we are using these technologies every day in so many ways and it is very easy to take them for granted. Like the light bulbs in our houses, we seldom stop to think about how amazing it is that we can walk into a dark room and flip on a light switch. However, like the complex system of power stations, wires and amazing devices that bring us electric power, the ability for us to communicate so quickly and effectively requires and amazing amount of knowledge, resources and time to implement.

We have a whole world of information at our fingertips through the power of the World Wide Web, television and radio, as well as the ability to reach out to another person nearly anywhere in the world through the amazing advances of telecommunications. These technologies are absolutely essential to the operation of our modern culture, illustrated by the fact that I am writing and you are reading this via the most profound of Information and Communication Technologies: the computer.

Not everyone is so lucky, however. These essential tools to our modern existence that we so take for granted are not present everywhere. There are entire nations that are still struggling socially, politically and financially, and these places lack the resources to make full use of these modern wonders. For nations looking to join modern society and thrive in the global community, these Information and Communication Technologies must be understood, implemented and used effectively. Development through ICTs is one of the most effective ways for nations to join the global community.

Of course as you can well imagine, that takes a lot of support from experts who are already doing this in other places. This is where organizations like the Global e-schools and Communities Initiative comes in.

GeSCI was established in 2004, founded by the UN ICT Task Force. The United Nations ICT task force approved a proposal for a UN affiliated organization to provide demand-driven assistance to developing countries seeking to utilize the tremendous potential ICT’s have for improving the quality of teaching and learning in primary and secondary education.

There was a wealth of information at www.gesci.org about how these programs are selected and implemented. Reading through some of the amazing things they are doing, and they’re unique approach to working with the ministries of education in these communities, I was inspired. GeSCI is transforming education, empowering communities and promoting development through ICTs. Imagine the amazing information, stories and culture that is waiting to be shared by folks who have never before been able to reach out to a neighbor across the sea.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Saving the Muscle Car

I remember when I was in my early teens, fantasizing about the car I would be driving when I turned 16. That birthday happened in 1990, but the car I always saw myself behind the wheel of, was a 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback, complete with hood scoop, spoiler and racing stripes. I must have seen myself in my minds eye winding up the mountain road in that beautiful black and chrome street machine a thousand times or more. Sun shining; windows down; Cheryl McGadden, the cheerleader of my high school dreams, sitting in the passenger next to me.

Well, needless to say when I finally got my drivers license, it turned out to be my mom’s old station wagon I was cruising the strip in, with my geeky best friend in the passenger seat next to me. Who knew that years later I would be making my motor vehicle choices based more on how economical and environmentally friendly they are, and less on whether or not I can blow the doors off that 1969 Camaro at the red light.

My love for old-school muscle cars with maximum horse power never faded, however, and I often lamented the unfortunate inevitability of the death of these classic icons of American engineering. The prices at the gas pump threaten to make these beauties nothing more than show room trophies.

Thank goodness there are some very smart people over in Knoxville, Tennessee that share my passion for the American muscle car. They also happen to be experts at classic car restoration and muscle car restoration kits. Keisler Engineering want to do everything they can to keep these cars right where they belong...cruising the strips of every town in the U.S.

The Keisler Engineering Company has done something, in my opinion, worthy of a new category of Nobel Prize. Keisler Automotive has developed a line of 5 and 6 speed transmission system conversion kits for a wide variety of classic street rods. These are high tech, high performance manual transmissions kits designed to easily mount right up, require minimal or no cutting of floor boards, and most importantly, offer the driver of a classic muscle car speed, horse power and fuel economy previously unthinkable.

Keisler offers a PerfectFit classic car transmission upgrade for the following years and vehicles:

Ford:

1964-1973 Mustang 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-500

1964-1973 Mustang 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-500 automatic

1964-1973 Mustang 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.64)

1964-1973 Mustang 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.64) automatic

1964-1973 Mustang 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.82)

1964-1973 Mustang 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.82) automatic

Chevrolet:

1967-1969 Camaro/Firebird 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-500

1967-1969 Camaro/Firebird 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-500 automatic

1967-1969 Camaro/Firebird 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.64)

1967-1969 Camaro/Firebird 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.64) automatic

1967-1969 Camaro/Firebird 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.82)

1967-1969 Camaro/Firebird 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600(.82) automatic

1967-1969 Camaro/Firebird 6 speed transmission PerfectFit T56

1967-1969 Camaro/Firebird 6 speed transmission PerfectFit T56 automatic

1970-1981 Camaro/Firebird 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-500

1970-1981 Camaro/Firebird 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-500 automatic

1970-1981 Camaro/Firebird 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.64)

1970-1981 Camaro/Firebird 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.64) automatic

1970-1981 Camaro/Firebird 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.82)

1970-1981 Camaro/Firebird 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.82) automatic

1955-1962 Corvette 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-500

1955-1962 Corvette 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-500 automatic

1955-1962 Corvette 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.64)

1955-1962 Corvette 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.64) automatic

1955-1962 Corvette 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.82)

1955-1962 Corvette 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.82) automatic

1963-1967 Corvette 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-500

1963-1967 Corvette 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-500 automatic

1963-1967 Corvette 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.64)

1963-1967 Corvette 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.64) automatic

1963-1967 Corvette 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.82)

1963-1967 Corvette 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.82) automatic

1968-1982 Corvette 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-500

1968-1982 Corvette 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-500 automatic

1968-1982 Corvette 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.64)

1968-1982 Corvette 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.64) automatic

1968-1982 Corvette 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.82)

1968-1982 Corvette 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.82) automatic

1984-1988 Corvette 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-500

1984-1988 Corvette 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-500 automatic

1984-1988 Corvette 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.64)

1984-1988 Corvette 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.64) automatic

1984-1988 Corvette 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.82)

1984-1988 Corvette 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.82) automatic

1962-1967 Chevy II/Nova 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-500

1962-1967 Chevy II/Nova 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-500 automatic

1962-1967 Chevy II/Nova 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.64)

1962-1967 Chevy II/Nova 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.64) automatic

1962-1967 Chevy II/Nova 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.82)

1962-1967 Chevy II/Nova 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.82) automatic

1968-1974 Chevy II/Nova 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-500

1968-1974 Chevy II/Nova 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-500 automatic

1968-1974 Chevy II/Nova 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.64)

1968-1974 Chevy II/Nova 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.64) automatic

1968-1974 Chevy II/Nova 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.82)

1968-1974 Chevy II/Nova 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.82) automatic

1964-1967 Chevelle/GTO 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-500

1964-1967 Chevelle/GTO 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.64)

1964-1967 Chevelle/GTO 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.82)

1964-1967 Chevelle/GTO 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-500 automatic

1964-1967 Chevelle/GTO 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.64) automatic

1964-1967 Chevelle/GTO 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.82) automatic

1968-1972 Chevelle/GTO 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-500

1968-1972 Chevelle/GTO 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-500 automatic

1968-1972 Chevelle/GTO 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.64)

1968-1972 Chevelle/GTO 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.64) automatic

1968-1972 Chevelle/GTO 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.82)

1968-1972 Chevelle/GTO 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.82) automatic

1958-1968 Impala 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-500 automatic

1958-1968 Impala 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.64) automatic

1958-1968 Impala 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.82) automatic

1958-1968 Impala/Bel Air 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-500

1958-1968 Impala/Bel Air 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.64)

1958-1968 Impala/Bel Air 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.82)

1955-1957 Bel Air 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-500

1955-1957 Bel Air 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-500 automatic

1955-1957 Bel Air 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.64)

1955-1957 Bel Air 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.64) automatic

1955-1957 Bel Air 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.82)

1955-1957 Bel Air 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.82) automatic

1955-1957 Bel Air 6 speed transmission PerfectFit T56

1955-1957 Bel Air 6 speed transmission PerfectFit T56 automatic

Mopar:

1964-1966 A Body 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-500

1964-1966 A Body 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.64)

1964-1966 A Body 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.82)

1967-1976 A Body 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-500

1967-1976 A Body 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.64)

1967-1976 A Body 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.82)

1962-1965 B Body 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-500

1962-1965 B Body 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.64)

1962-1965 B Body 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.82)

1966-1970 B Body 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-500

1966-1970 B Body 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.64)

1966-1970 B Body 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.82)

1971-1974 B Body 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-500

1971-1974 B Body 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.64)

1971-1974 B Body 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.82)

1970-1974 E Body 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-500

1970-1974 E Body 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.64)

1970-1974 E Body 5 speed transmission PerfectFit TKO-600 (.82)

Sunday, May 18, 2008

How to Buy Shoes Online

How to Buy Shoes Online
By: Jack Moe


Remember when the idea of shopping online brought images of pale, overweight computer nerds ordering technical gadgets from the basement of their Mothers house? Then, with the growth and expansion of the internet some intrepid souls caught on to the ease and convenience with which online shopping could be accomplished. However, security became a big issue, and fears of having personal information stolen curbed the rise of this consumer phenomenon.

These days, however, online security is better than ever, most retailers have an online counterpart to their establishments, e-stores have popped up all over cyberspace and millions of people are using the internet as their primary source for all the things they need in life. The days of stigma and fear of internet shopping have long since passed.

Still, shopping online can pose other challenges. Certain products lend themselves better to being purchased online, such as electronics, household supplies and tools. Some items are little more difficult to get right when acquired from the web. The most obvious example would be trying to shop for clothes or shopping for shoes online. Shopping for things like women's dress shoes, mens running shoes or childrens sandals can be particularly tricky, because the sizes and fit from one brand and style to another can be very different. Certain brands may have a higher or lower arch, or a wider or narrower toe box. Another big difference from brand to brand is the size itself. A Dansko shoe may work in a particuloar size, but a pair Cole Haans may be a half size different.
For this reason, always be sure you are dealing with a reputable online store, such as Houser Shoes. Companies like these understand the challenges of online shopping, and it is reflected in the level of customer service you will get. Always, no matter what store you are dealing with, make sure you know and understand the return policy. Also, make sure to check and see if the shipping cost for returns is your responsibility, because if you must return shoes multiple times, these costs can really add up.

If you happen to be buying shoes that you are familiar with, shopping online becomes a dream come true. No gas used; no inconvenience of parking or fighting crowds. If you have a favorite brand or style, replacing them from an online store is very likely to save you quite a bit of money, as an online store has far less overhead than a discount footwear retailer with a physical address. For that reason, finding your favorite styles at an online discount shoe store such as housershoes.com can really cut costs.

If you are not sure what you are looking for, or feel like trying a brand new style, make sure to shop around a little bit. Look at all the styles available from the multitude of online shops. Be honest as to what styles your really feel comfortable with...that model in the picture on the website has been digitally enhanced to look good in those crazy shoes, but when you get them home and try them on, it may not have the same effect! Consider whether you are buying womens dress heels or mens work boots or childrens casual shoes, and stick to it. Its easy to get carried away shopping for shoes online!

Call the customer service number and try to connect with a real person. Any reputable online store will have a great support staff to help with you any questions. Make sure to double check the shipping and return policies, and perhaps inquire about the satisfaction rate for the item you are considering. Ask if the sizes run true, or if there are any special points about the brand you should know.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

How to Choose the Right Creamtion Urn

Choosing the right Cremation Urn
By: Jack Moe

When a loved one passes, one of the questions that will inevitably arise is how to memorialize them. The traditional method of a casket burial is one way, but a method that is rapidly gaining popularity for many reasons is cremation. When the decision has been made to cremate, one of the important factors to consider is how large an urn to use.

The Measurement for the volume of cremation urns is done in cubic inches, or CI. It is very simple to figure out how many cubic inches will be required for the funeral urn you choose to memorialize and protect that special someone.

The general rule of thumb, is to take the weight of your beloved, and simply convert that some number from pounds into cubic inches. If you measure your weight in kilograms, convert the weight from kilograms to pounds first, then from pounds into cubic inches. For example, if the loved one you are celebrating weighed 160lbs, then your measurement will be 160 cubic inches of space.

This is not a perfect conversion rate, but it serves the purpose. The cremated remains of a 100 pound person will actually only create about 90 cubic inches of ashes, not the full 100. However this conversion is the standard used in order to ensure that you will have plenty of space in the water tight bag that goes inside of whichever decorative cremation urn you choose to memorialize your loved one.

After you have figured out the size of the vessel that you need, you will have to think about the type of urn you wish to use. There are a variety of styles and colors to choose from, but the material it is made out of is very important.

If you intend to bury your loved one after cremation, you will need a burial urn. Metal cremation urns are generally used for this purpose. A metal cremation urn will ensure that your beloved is protected and that the vessel they are resting in will stay intact for a very long time. If this is not as much of a concern, other materials may be used that biodegrade, and you can allow nature to take its natural course.

If you intend to erect an outdoor memorial with the cremation urn as your centerpiece, it is wise to choose a material such as bronze, marble or other long-lasting stone. These will be resistant to rust, weather and sun. These types of materials are also very beautiful, and are used for memorials of every type around the world.

Urns made of porcelain, glass, wood, or other fragile materials are best suited for indoor memorials and above ground memorials. Choosing an indoor location offers you many more choices of style and materials, as any of the previously mentioned materials are also perfectly appropriate for any indoor setting. Decorative cremation urns, unique creamtion urns and many styles of art urns can serve this purpose nicely. This allows for a great deal of versatility in that you may also choose to display the urn of your beloveds with other keepsakes and items to honor the departed.

Resources are available today to get all the information you need on choosing proper cremation urns, as well as a huge variety of styles of urns available. The finest cremation urns are one of a kind and handmade, by artists who understand the importance of the item they are crafting. The best place to go for these types of specialty items is http://www.shineonbrightly.com/.

Healthy Natural Foods

Healthy Natural Foods
By: Jack Moe

Everyone wants to be healthy. With so much information available these days, we have all become increasingly aware of threats to our health such as high blood pressure, hypertension, diabetes and others. Doctors, nutritionists and other experts agree that prevention is the best defense against these types of problems. Where does prevention begin? Well, exercise and an active healthy lifestyle are very helpful, but the best thing we can do to make sure we continue to keep our bodies in proper working order is to eat healthy, all natural foods.

The natural foods industry has evolved and grown tremendously over the past ten years, making healthy natural and organic foods available to everyone. Stores dedicated to these types of diets have sprouted up all over the place, and most mainstream grocery stores have begun to carry alternative selections to mainstream processed foods. Large companies have started to take notice of the great demand for natural foods, and most now offer a line of products free of pesticides, preservatives and artificial ingredients.

These products are a great way to transition to a healthier way of eating. Companies have developed a wide array of delicious foods that are packed with nutrition. In most cases there is some product out there to replace the ones your doctor may warn you away from. The days of associating healthy foods with tasteless, boring cuisine are long gone.

Even better than the pre-packaged health food items are fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and un-processed herbs and spices. This often requires a little more effort to prepare, but are well worth the extra benefits from a health perspective. Using these types of slow cooked foods can also be fun and allow you to experiment with recipes and menus. Natural recipes and healthy menus are abundant these days and can make it that much easier for you to eat healthy.

The way most foods are processed in our modern industrial society eliminates a large amount of the nutritional value. Folks who have spent anytime gardening know how fresh fruits and vegetables are so superior to their canned and pre-packaged counterparts. Finding produce in our grocery stores that is from local farms is one way to ensure that your meals are full of all the vitamins and minerals we need.

Bulk nuts and grains are available form co-ops, health food stores and now even larger chain grocers. These traditional staple items are the basis for most diets around the world, and combined with the right fresh fruits and vegetables can create complete nutrition for most people.

Contrary to popular belief, a healthy natural foods diet does not necessarily have to be a vegetarian one. Most health food stores have begun to offer more and more selections of all natural, hormone and antibiotic free meats and poultry. These animal products are generally also produced in a way that is more humane to the animals, and also more environmentally friendly.

For someone just becoming aware of the natural foods world it can be a bit overwhelming. Many folks who begin to make this transition will try to do so with no help, and no support and often will give up before they see the benefits of this important choice. There are many resources available now to help folks with all the question and concerns about making this transition. One of the very best is gnliving.com. The good folks there are dedicated to helping anyone who wishes to do so learn how to make the switch to a healthier way of eating.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Boat Shoes: What Are They?

Boat Shoes: What Are They?
By: Jack Moe


The term “boat shoe” describes a wide variety of womens, mens and childrens casual footwear. Sometimes referred to as “deck shoes,” the boat shoe was originally designed to be a tough, sturdy shoe with particularly good traction to keep sailors on their feet in wet weather and on slippery decks. The modern boat shoe most likely evolved from the Native American moccasin, and still bears a resemblance to this ancient shoe.

Over time, with so many nautical enthusiasts wearing these types of shoes around, the boat shoe became a status symbol as much as a functional piece of sailing gear. The style became popular with people from all walks of life, even if they had never stepped foot on the deck of a boat. A good example is the famous Sperry Top-Sider, perhaps the most common brand of deck shoes. As a result, the boat shoe is now a style of shoe as much as anything, and wide gap exists in the quality of a boat shoe designed for sailing and one that is simply styled on the technically superior shoe.

A good pair of boat shoes should fit snug, but comfortably. Your foot should not slide side to side or forward and back, yet your toes should not be cramped in the toe box. The most important feature of a boat or deck shoe is the sole. If the boat shoe is quality footwear, the soles should have a lot of grip and really keep your feet where you plant them. The whole purpose of deck shoes is to help keep you upright on a slippery deck. Sometimes with laces, but more often without, boat shoes are also designed to be easy to sip on and off.

Most quality boat shoes will be made of leather, and you can treat them with various kinds of leather conditioners and waterproofers. Products specifically made for extremely wet conditions are available for the best protection possible. If your deck shoes have a removable liner, regularly take them out and spray them to keep them fresh and clean.

From a fashion standpoint, boat shoes would likely be categorized and casual shoes or perhaps sport-casual. These types of footwear are likely not going to be seen running around the office; penny loafers or mens dress shoes such wingtips, cap toes or oxfords as are the norm there. You may more likely find a pair of boat shoes under the table on an outdoor patio on someone sipping ice tea at the tennis club. Perhaps by a young fellow in pastel shorts strolling along a sunny beach someplace.

When buying any shoe, always try on both feet and walk around the store a little bit. For a deck shoe, see if you can get off the carpet and stand on a hard surfaced floor. Plant your feet and test the grip. See how the traction feels under your feet. Make sure the shoes are comfortable and stable without being too tight.

When purchasing boat shoes online, always find a reputable website like www.housershoes.com to buy from. One of the benefits of shopping through a website like Houser Shoes is you are likely to find an amazing deal as well as a top quality product. The only danger is that with such an amazing inventory of quality discount footwear you are likely to find yourself suddenly taking up tennis or running as well!