Computers on a Cloud: The Internet and Distance Learning
by Roberto Bell
Present-day higher education students are learning about an innovative new phenomenon that has been impacting degree programs across the nation. A number of people working on a class assignment can now write, edit, and enter reference notes all at the same time. Best of all, each one can complete this task while each is sitting in the comfort of his or her own home!
All of this can be effected by an exciting new alternative known as cloud computing. In spite of the name, the process is not related to levitation, weather balloons, or any other method of teleportation. Rather, students connect to one central computer databank with their PCs and link to the project all at the same time. Every person who is connected through the organization’s website is able work on the project and make changes to it simultaneously.
At this time, just two corporations, Google and Microsoft, possess the capability to facilitate cloud computing. These businesses have developed a means of using the Worldwide Web to connect personal desktops to one central computer owned by the facilitating organization. The facilitating company’s computer has the responsibility for storing the document, in addition to carrying out the numerous steps in the process that permit multiple computer users to edit the assignment.
How will online university degree programs be impacted by these new technologies? Because of this information technology, distance education degree students are now able to teleconference and collaborate on a class assignment without preventing any participant from accessing project. Furthermore, they have the ability to view changes made to other sections of the project even as the other persons are making changes. If one student believes that another person has erred, he or she can address this concern with the group or edit the project with present and involved in the project.
A possible drawback to this technology is that it could potentially result in a power struggle if a few group members are in complete disagreement about certain features, including font, writing style, or word usage. Most likely, both corporations will add options allowing the leader of the group to prevent certain changes from being made or lock out other project workers from changing the project when other members disagree with them. If this does not happen, these problems could result in a lot of damage!
New approaches to distance learning are often made possible through this kind of growth in the field of information technology. Issues about data loss and worms have led a majority of persons to abandon flash drives or CDs for the increased security offered by online information storage sites. System malfunctions and other worries have also encouraged many to opt for Internet-based mail applications like those provided through America Online or G-Mail.
Students should know, though each of these recent technological changes increase concerns about network safety and data privacy. Logging in to these huge computerized information storage sites may make it possible for unscrupulous hackers to mine data or gain access to banking information. Last of all, people who use this technology will only be able to hope that those organization who provide the information storage will demonstrate high ethical standards and not attempt to mine any data from private users who access these tools.
Distance education degree program Professor Sheila Danzig provides constantly updated information about online learning. For more information, go to www.degree.com. Visit Computers on a Cloud: The Internet and Distance Learning.
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What are Watches Made With? Popular Watch Materials
by Joseph Levy
Watches are made out of different materials depending on the brand and the model. However, these are the most popular materials used in the making of watches. All or most of the watches that are featured on TheWatchery.com are made out of one of the materials listed here. The following segments explain the material, as well as the positive and negative aspects of the material.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel, St, has a composition of being an iron-carbon alloy, mixed with chromium and nickel. The best thing about watches that are made out of stainless steel is that they are not only light-weight, they are also highly resistant to corrosives. However, it is stainless steel watches which are most easily scratched. Still, stainless steel is one of the most ubiquitous watch materials and it can be used in a number of different types of watches.
Ceramics
Ceramic, or Cm, has a composition of zirconium oxide. There are a number of positive aspects to watches made out of ceramics. Items made out of this material are heat resistant and very durable. As a point of interest, NASA used ceramics on their space shuttle heat shields. However, many people find ceramics to be too modern for comfortable use. Still, watches made out of ceramics are great for luxury watches.
Titanium
Titanium, Ti, is titanium alloyed with other materials. There are a number of strengths to watches made out of Titanium. First of all, this material allows watches to be light-weight, since it is a light-weight material. It also allows watches to be very durable. While it weighs half the amount of stainless steel, it is about twice as strong. Nonetheless, Titanium is difficult to work with, so it can be expensive to repair. Luxury sports watches are going to be best suited to be made out of titanium.
White Gold
White Gold, WGd, is pure gold, typically mixed with silver or palladium. White gold is very popular and effective because it looks like steel and it is more discreet than watches made out of yellow gold. Still, people often mistake white gold watches for watches made out of stainless steel, and not all wearers appreciate this mix up. White gold is best suited for watches that are high-end, luxury or heirloom dress watches.
Physical Vapor Deposition
Physical Vapor Deposition, PVD, is steel with an added layer of either carbides, nitrides or oxides, which have been deposited ionic attraction, which is completed atom by atom in a vacuum. It is a masculine patina, but it is not one of the most scratch resistant materials. Eventually, it is possible for the original steel color to show through because of this. This material is best suited for sports watches.
Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold, or YGd, is pure gold, which is 24 karat, that has been alloyed with other materials. This is a great material because it is so shiny and traditional, but some people do not appreciate yellow gold as much because it is a very soft material that can scratch and otherwise become damaged, the more pure the metal is. However, this is a great material for showy watches that want to attract attention.
Rose Gold
Rose Gold, RGd, is pure gold, 24 karat gold, that has been mixed with varying amounts of copper. Many people appreciate this material because of its rich and distinctive coloring - but it can still be prone to dents and scratches. This is the best material for formal evening watches as well as very dressy sports watches.
TheWatchery is the leading discount luxury watches store. Offering luxury watches at discount prices. All Luxury watches are brand new and authentic. http://www.thewatchery.com or call 866-843-9282
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An Insider’s Look at Cap Rate
by James Kobzeff
Capitalization rate (or cap rate as it is more commonly called)is a rate of return at which you discount future income (net operating income) to determine its present value (price).
Although cap rate alone does not provide a true picture of a property’s profitability, because it provides a quick first-glance look at a property’s ability to pay its own way, capitalization rate is one of the most popular returns used for real estate investing.
Real estate agents, appraisers, investors, property tax assessors, and others that evaluate real estate investment property typically all use cap rate in one form or the other.
HOW TO USE
In practice, you will use capitalization rate to express the relationship between a property’s value and its net operating income for the current or coming year.
As a result, you can use the cap rate formula to achieve three useful purposes.
1) Compute a property’s cap rate - When you want to know the cap rate for a recently sold property, for instance, you would use that property’s net operating income and sale price to determine the cap rate it sold for as a way to compare it against similar properties.
2) Compute a property’s estimated value - In preparation for a listing presentation, for instance, you can transpose the formula and compute a property’s estimated value and then use that value to see how it measures up to recently sold properties of similar configuration.
3) Compute a property’s net operating income - In cases where you are given a specified price and cap rate, you can transpose the formula again to determine what the property’s net operating income should be.
FORMULAS
1) Capitalization Rate = Net Operating Income divided by Property Value
2) Property Value = Net Operating Income divided by Cap Rate
3) Net Operating Income = Property Value times Cap Rate
We want to look at three examples to drive the formulas home. But, first, it’s crucial that you understand net operating income and the role it plays in making capitalization rate such a popular real estate investing return.
Mathematically, net operating income equals the gross operating income of an income property less the sum of all its operating expenses. If your rental property produces an annual income of $30,000, for example, and its annual operating expenses are $12,000, then the net operating income produced by your rental property would be $18,000.
When a property is not financed, net operating income, by virtue of the fact that there are no mortgage payments to deduct, is the cash flow. When the property is financed, then net operating income represents the amount of money available to make the mortgage payment, which is why NOI and returns such as cap rate and debt coverage ratio (both computed using NOI) is important to lenders.
Okay, on to our examples.
EXAMPLES
1) Calculate cap rate: Assume that a rental property sold for $300,000 and had an NOI of $30,240. To make the calculation you will divide the net operating income by the sale price (30,240 / 300,000). The capitalization rate is 10.08%. Now you can compare this rate to the rate similar properties sold for and determine whether it is in line with the market.
2) Calculate property value: Assume that a rental property has a net operating income of $26,676 and you want to know its value based on a capitalization rate of 7.41%. To make the calculation you divide the NOI by the cap rate. The value is $360,000. Now you know, based on similar properties, what the fair market value for this property should be.
3) Calculate net operating income: Assume that an apartment complex sold for $810,000 at a capitalization rate of 5.77%. To make the calculation you will multiply the price by the rate (810,000 X 5.77). The NOI is $46,728. Now you know, based on the price and capitalization rate, what the net operating income is.
IMPORTANT
Here are four closing thoughts you should take with you.
1) There is no such thing as a universal capitalization rate. It depends on individual market areas. Whereas a 6% rate might suggest a bargain in Los Angeles, it might not get a second look in Salem.
2) Cap rate provides an easy way to compare various investment properties, but you would be wise to never rely on it alone to provide a true picture of a property’s profitability. Real estate investing decisions must never be made without first computing all the cash flow, rates of return, and profitability scenarios correctly.
3) Remember that numbers can be manipulated. When someone tells you that an income property has a desirable cap rate, reconstruct your own raw data to insure that nothing is being concealed before you actively pursue the real estate investment further.
4) Real estate investment software solutions typically calculate capitalization rate and net operating income and include it in such reports as the APOD.
James Kobzeff is the developer of ProAPOD - leading real estate investment software since 2000. Discover how to create cash flow, rate of return, and profitability analysis presentations with cap rate in minutes! Go to => http://www.proapod.com
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Take Back the NFL
by Joe Brady
We’re knee deep in the NFL season and by now the pretenders are starting to get weeded out from the contenders. There is however another group within the NFL that needs to be pulled out by the roots and cast aside. I’m speaking about an ever growing genre of NFL fans.
Most serious NFL fans are aware of the notorious individual fans of each NFL team. For instance, the maniac Jets fan who wears the team modified firefighter helmet and leads the J-E-T-S chant. Then there’s the Hogette Redskin fans that shamelessly adorn themselves in women’s clothing and wear ridiculous pig snouts. You also have the Silver Surfer Patriots fan who paints his cue ball head with a flying Elvis and a sparkling silver coating. The Goldie-locks Vikings fan with the power mustache and a crossed out Packers logo tattooed on his arm is another TV camera man favorite. The doom and gloom Raiders fan with the…ok let’s face it there’s a thousand different Raiders fans worthy of note.
The problem is, fans of this ilk (and even worse) are slowly becoming more abundant. No longer is there one lone nutcase per team obsessed with getting on TV. Now, when I watch a game, it seems like there’s an organized freak show packed with Styrofoam fans dueling for air time and to see who can attract the most attention. The formula is simple; all you have to do is dress up like a 7 year old child on Halloween, throw your sense of dignity out the window, and try as hard as you can to get on TV through self promotion…even if it means not paying attention to the actual game. These clowns enjoy getting on TV more than they do the actual game. How do I know this? Because if their eyes opened any wider and if they got any more excited than what they demonstrate when the camera is on them, the laws of physics would cause them to instantly explode. Not worth it. What ever happened to a team sweatshirt, a tall beer, a loud voice, and a “get off your god-forsaken cell-phone while you’re at the game” style attitude. It’s a shame that a growing contingent of NFL fans are being coerced into feeling like they have to play dress up and partake in the “spectacle” of the modern NFL environment.
With the NFL fining people for sneezing on the quarterback, it’s getting bad enough as it is. Now, with the gradual movement toward bringing in a European fan base (home of the soccer flop), we need to stop this epidemic before it consumes our entire beloved sport. How do we do this? It starts with you. It starts with me. It starts with anyone sick of seeing people walking around NFL stadiums looking like Pokemon characters on PCP. Start calling people out. Let them know how ridiculous they look, and let them know the general consensus is that they’re more akin to American Idol groupies than actual NFL fans. Bottom line, go out, pick up some NORMAL NFL gear, wear it proudly, cheer for your team, and bring back the time old NFL tradition of a knowledgeable NFL fan base with a love for the game, not a love of themselves.
Joe Brady is a longtime sports fan who has witnessed the slow decline in true sports fans first hand through his ownership of an NCAA Shop, NFL Shop and MLB Shop in the city of Chicago.
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Install Commercial Photo Controls for Lighting to Beef Up Your Company’s Security
by Chris Robertson
Every business building needs a substantial amount of light during night hours for security purposes. Commercial buildings such as plants or warehouses that cater to second or third shift workers need adequate lighting outdoors for employees as they enter and leave the building and parking lot or garage. But before you rush out to look for lighting solutions, consider installing commercial photo controls for better security and to save on costs.
Commercial Photo Controls Eliminate Hassle while Saving Energy
As a business owner, you might be tempted to install the first lights you find such as bright flood lights or wallpacks, which are small lights that hang flat against a building wall. These lights not only cause a lot of glare, but also waste much energy. You will likely need to turn them on and off manually, which can be a real hassle. Even with lights that are set on a timer, they’ll have to be reset for every seasonal change. The timer for lighting won’t always be synchronized with dawn and dusk, which wastes energy by the lights being left on during daylight hours.
Commercial photo controls differ in that the controls work by sensing natural light, and will turn on automatically when the sun goes down because of the lack of natural light. When the sun rises again in the morning, commercial photo controls will detect an increase of natural light, and will subsequently turn off automatically. This means that once you install commercial photo controls for lighting, you won’t have to worry about turning the lights on and off manually, or about setting a timer for the lights at every turn of the season.
Your business will save on energy costs by installing commercial photo controls because the lights will remain on only during night hours. Commercial photo controls also work with compact fluorescent light (CFL), which saves even more energy. Fluorescent photo controls will extend the life of bulbs, which can reduce lighting expenses for your business tremendously. CFL bulbs can fit into existing light fixtures, and they use less wattage for the same amount of lighting when compared with traditional incandescent lamps. CFL bulbs also last much longer so you won’t have to change your light bulbs as often.
Where to Install Commercial Photo Controls
Develop a lighting plan that maximizes security while providing adequate lighting for employees while entering or leaving the building. Even if your business doesn’t operate on second or third shifts, employees will need sufficient lighting when going out after first shift once Daylight Savings ends because it will get dark much earlier.
The lighting should be installed at every entrance/exit as well as each window to deter burglary. Burglars usually look for a dark window or door where they can easily access it without being seen. The photo control lighting needs to be out of reach so burglars can’t remove or destroy your fixtures. Also, add plenty of light throughout parking areas and walkways. Light up important signs as well as outdoor break areas for employees.
When installing lamps for parking areas or walkways, be sure to use shielded fixtures to prevent up-light and glare. Fixtures that are well shielded help you light a larger area because the light is cast downward and dispersed sideways so the light will not be wasted.
Before choosing a lighting system for your business building, be sure to shop online at reputable lighting companies such as Touch and Glow (R). Online lighting stores carry everything you need to install adequate lighting at affordable prices. You’ll also find other items such as touch lamps and touch lamp controls, light dimmers and switches, portable lights, holiday light controls, and other lighting products. Secure your business today with commercial photo controls!
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies.For tips/information, click here: commercial photo controls
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