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Outsourcing 3PL – Warehouse and Distribution Partnership for Efficient Fulfillment

There are many moving pieces to any business operation that involves the selling and/or movement of products. Whether they’re consumer products or business to business supply relationships, the activities involved in taking products from source to customer are many. Larger companies may handle their supply chain from end to end, but this is almost entirely a thing of the past.

Today, large and small companies alike have many partners. Partners for transporting freight (raw materials or finished goods) and supplies; partners for storing goods until they’re ready for delivery; partners for transporting goods locally, nationally and internationally. Warehousing, distribution and fulfillment are essential links in supply chain management. Not all 3PL’s are created equal, and it may be time to consider a partner that can assist you throughout the chain.

Warehousing, Distribution and Fulfillment – Vendor Efficiency

What is vendor efficiency? In sum, it can be described as seeking expert service providers that can handle as many of the activities that you require on an outsourced basis. The premise is that you have to manage as little relationships as possible if and when you can achieve expertise or capacity not otherwise found in-house.

In the case of a retailer who sells its own branded products, this may mean selecting a vendor who can import offshore manufactured products, store them locally, and distribute to retail points or pick-pack-and ship directly to end consumers on your behalf nationally (and internationally). This import to fulfillment model can be quite efficient and cost-effective. Further, it reduces human resource burden and supervision resources needed internally in most cases.

Having an “expert” as a warehousing, distribution and fulfillment partner is vital. In other words, if you are reviewing prospective third party warehouse and logistics partners and you have to explain what you need (other than things that are very specific to your business) – beware. Experts should by definition should be aware of industry best practices, and the conversation should be an engaging exchange where potential 3PL partners are not only listening, but offering ideas for efficiency and achieving maximum cost effectiveness.

Of note, however, is that you must not have “all your eggs in one basket”. When dealing with a partner handling several aspects of your operation (i.e., all of your supply chain) you risk difficulty if that partner should fail. Also, it may provide it leverage in negotiating rates with you. These are points for consideration and alternate suppliers should be close at hand and contingencies in place.…

Are Labor Unions Going to Drive Out the Last Remaining Major US Manufacturers?

It is amazing that so many people blame China for the decrease in manufacturing jobs in the United States. I suppose it’s really easy to blame another nation for the challenges we face. However, you really can’t blame a large Corporation wishing to cut its costs, and ditch all the challenges they have with labor unions in our great country. Worse, many politicians take the side of the labor unions, and attempt to increase regulations on corporations creating a lopsided playing field between labor and business.

Now then, many folks that work in the labor force say that it’s not fair that corporate executives make so much money. However, that’s not for the labor to decide, that is for the shareholders to decide. Recently there has been a big to do with the National Labor Relations Board (which I might add my voice recognition software automatically capitalized, when it often doesn’t capitalize various other agencies, no surprise there, but it is a clue as to how powerful the incestuous relationship between labor and government has become), and a major airliner manufacturer.

In fact, it’s getting to the point that this major airline manufacturer is going to have to completely de-unionize just to survive, or move its factories out of the country as every other major Corporation has done. It’s too bad that many politicians and other policymakers can’t see what’s going on. It’s been ruining America, and the manufacturing industry, our industrial base in this country for nearly 50 years. Yes, it’s been going on a long time.

By the time the manufacturing corporations get done with big labor, and then try to build a new factory and deal with the environmentalists, EIR reports, and other government regulations they realize they can’t turn a profit in this country. Not considering the global market, supply and demand, and the price points to sell US products throughout the world. Is that China’s fault that we have so much regulation, so many lawsuits, and so many threatening labor unions which might strike at the drop of a hat?

Why would any major manufacturing corporation wish to deal with that?

There was an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday, June 15, 2011 by Melanie Trottman titled “Boeing, NLRB Clash over Plant” which discussed the labor dispute which even the Obama Administration has publicly addressed, and many states have joined in lawsuits to protect the right of businesses to choose which states they wish to put their manufacturing facilities in, without being forced to unionize.

Are you beginning to see some of the problems that are going on? This is merely one example of so many we’ve seen over the last few years. Indeed, it has become a highly charged political debate, and yet on one hand we claim we want workers rights, high-paying jobs, full pension and health-care benefits, but we won’t allow the companies to make a …

You Want to Improve Productivity? Start With the Performance Management Process!

Recent Research on Employee Engagement and Motivation indicates that on average only 50% of employees receive regular, timely feedback to help them improve their performance – and less than half believe that their manager deals promptly with poor performance within their team. Further analysis reveals that various factors undermine productivity improvements, but key ‘problem areas’ include:

* Insufficient focus on the importance of building trust based relationships – and the type of conversations required to build genuine commitment

* An over reliance on ‘systems and processes’ to manage performance

* Failure to equip managers with the practical leadership skills required to create a work climate where performance can flourish

* Poor understanding of individual motivation – or how best to build commitment, encourage accountability and get real ‘leverage’ of performance

The study suggests that organizations need reliable diagnostic tools to identify the specific issues they need to address. Sound analysis, based on a clear model, is a vital start point in identifying the steps required to improve productivity. This information provides insight into how performance management can be strengthened – and the actions that will have the greatest impact on motivation and commitment. The research suggests that the factors that help create and sustain high performance are linked to the ‘dialogue and trust’ established between managers and their direct reports. Four key areas are identified, which can be summarised as follows: (1) Creating Direction & Meaning (2) Building Capability & Support for Learning (3) Encouraging Autonomy, & (4) Stimulating Engagement / Trust.

To monitor and strengthen positive relationships, the findings suggest that organizations need to obtain employee feedback at two levels. At a broad level, there is value in running a web-based survey. This provides analysis of key factors that create the “enabling environment” required for productivity improvement. A well-designed survey will show how well the existing appraisal / performance management process is truly adding value. Results can be analysed by different demographic groups to identify areas of ‘good practice’ and clarify the best follow-up intervention.

At a more specific level, it is evident that managers can benefit from open and honest feedback from team members. An online 180A� feedback tool, completed by managers and their direct reports, is particularly effective in assessing communication issues. This study suggests that 180A� feedback will provide managers with insights relating to the work relationship they have with their direct reports – and factors that may require attention. Perhaps most significant are the ‘purposeful conversations’ that build trust and strengthen performance.

However, organizations need to gauge their readiness to adopt more open feedback processes. Careful preparation, including additional training for managers, is often required in order to gain commitment. That said, effective 180/360 degree feedback systems do allow team members to either remain anonymous or choose to be identified (to facilitate more meaningful discussions). Wider, in-depth group reports, i.e. reports based on groups of managers, are also an option. These can help the …

Dental Assistant Career And Job Overview

A dental assistant career would involve various important duties and tasks. This can include caring for patients, helping and coordinating with senior medical staff, and ensuring daily office work is completed on time. Assistants are not the same as hygienists, a hygienist is allowed to perform certain procedures independently, this is not the case with assistants who are supervised.

The work carried out by assistants can be learned through training on the job, though there are also study programs available at vocational schools and community colleges that train students in the profession. The actual employment requirements and licensing regulations vary depending upon location. Most individuals that take up this occupation would be expected to have completed their high school education, and have achieved excellence in subjects such as chemistry, health, and biology.

One of the positive aspects of this profile is the way in which the daily work always changes. There can be days when assistants are expected to spend most of their time updating patient information, whilst at other times they can be called upon to work all day in an examination room. The scope of the work would depend in part on the size and prestige of the employer.

Dental assistants are often asked to help make patients feel relaxed and comfortable, especially if the client is a child. Instructing patients on oral hygiene and care is also an important duty.

Being an assistant is an excellent way to get a foothold in the dentistry industry. Though it is only an entry level position, there can often be the opportunity to receive training that allows for a career to advance. Many dental hygienists originally started out as assistants.

The salary offered today ranges from $25,000 to $35,000. The actual figure would depend upon whether a full week is worked, or if the profile is part time. Location is another important criteria, those individuals employed in private practices in large urban centers would command a higher wage than if employed in a government clinic in a rural location.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for individuals seeking a Dental Assistant career is expected to increase at a fast rate over the coming decade. This is in part due to an aging population, and the propensity to consume a large amount of sugar in our diets. Dentistry occupations, as with most healthcare jobs, are somewhat cushioned from the fluctuations in the national economy.…

Unions And the Fallacy of Composition Considered

Perhaps you haven’t heard the term “fallacy of composition” or maybe you have had some logic classes in the past, and you understand mathematically that if something works for one person, that’s fine, but if everyone else starts doing it, it generally won’t work. Nevertheless, this is something that one should consider when they talk about the philosophy and economic modeling of labor unions in our civilization.

Now then, I’d like you to consider for just a moment what would happen if everyone worked union, therefore everyone was paid a higher wage, and after you’ve thought about that for a few moments, let’s continue this dialogue.

There is a very good book I think you should read titled; “Economic Facts and Fallacies,” by Thomas Sowell. Interestingly enough, he does bring up this issue of unions in his book. Okay so, if everyone worked union then all of those workers would demand a higher wage. This would cost the companies more money, and therefore those additional costs would be figured into the products and services the company makes. This would cause the prices to go up, meaning everything that you bought, borrowed, or rented would cost you more.

If everything cost you more, then you probably wouldn’t be any better off than you are right now, sure, you might make more money, but that money you made would go right back out, so it’s kind of a Catch-22 isn’t it? Have you ever heard of wage inflation? If everyone gets paid more money, and everyone has more money to spend, then there is more money floating around the economy, therefore there is a greater demand for the products available. Therefore the price of the products goes up. When those companies raise their price, the labor unions will demand more money.

If everyone works union, and all the wages are already preset, you eventually have a situation of uncontrolled inflation, not to mention that no one is better off than they were before, in fact they’d be worse off. It’s amazing that all this gets lost in the debate, because it seems like something fair to do, to pay people more money. From a business standpoint it’s a horrible situation because the unions demand more money for doing less work, and more benefits which have nothing to do with the products and services the company to sell; it just as cost – which must be passed on. If the prices get too expensive, no one buys the products, company goes out of business, and laid off workers.

Indeed, if you work union did you don’t like this article, but it’s the truth, there’s nothing I can do about that, I can’t change reality of economics, supply and demand, or human desire to purchase goods and services. All that is predetermined by the individual wants and needs of the consumer, you can’t fix that issue by paying people more so they can buy anything they would …

The Secrets of Successful Warehousing for Small Businesses

There is a common misconception that warehousing is only significant to large companies and is not a major concern for small or startup businesses. However, the truth is actually otherwise. Storage management and supply inventories are one of the basic foundations that can strengthen the roots that emerging businesses plant in the market. Without efficient warehouses, small traders can fall short with their efforts of profit generation and can even cease to exist.

Thankfully, well-established firms shared their secrets of successful warehousing that enabled them to reach their top spot in the market. Just like how any other retailers should think, these businesses aimed at safe and systematic inventory of their products. This is because only through that can become a profitable and competitive business.

The first essential element, according to most experienced business proprietors, is the location of storage spaces. Choosing the spot where warehouses will be built should be done meticulously. All options should be explored to maximize the accessibility, functionality, and practicality of warehouse areas.

Depending on the field of trade where the businesses belong, owners can choose specialized warehouses with the right facilities and equipment needed for their items to be stored. Again, at this point, safety and efficiency are crucial. Nonetheless, customized facilities and machineries are not the only elements needed for successful and secured storages. Of course, there should also be an effective and reliable supply management system like the use of warehouse inventory software.

It should be corrected that such complex management tools are not only on an enterprise-scale system. In fact, there are specially-designed small business inventory management software products that can help starting up retailers with their warehousing systems. Not because they are small means that they should only be using index card labels and Excel spreadsheets. Of course, they are entitled to enjoy the benefits of technology as well and take advantage of all its commercial profits.

Starting up their trades right with these small business inventory management software products can also leave them a lot of rooms for growth. Expansion and diversification of their trades will not be much of a problem because the warehousing systems they use are crafted to be flexible enough for their operations. Since deliveries and product qualities are well maintained, growth is surely not far in the way, but with the efficient automated systems that they hold, branching out and expanding can be done easily.…

Having a Yard Sale

When you have a lot of stuff and you want to get rid of some of it and you don’t want to keep storing it in storage areas like your garage or because you’re tired of looking hi and low for Los Angeles Public Warehouse or Los Angeles Fulfillment then you should talk with your family and discuss with them to decide whether or not you want to have a yard sale for a way of getting rid of some things that you have around that are in excess of what you really want in life and what you will be having crowding all the space in your home.

If you are in fact looking around your house to see what things you don’t need anymore or trying to find things that you may realize are just taking up space and are not really doing their job anymore because no one uses them, you should know that there are a lot of things that you can do to make sure someone else finds use out of them and that they do not just end up in a dirty landfill somewhere once you put them in the garbage. If you want to make money on them you should have a yard sale, as many people are pretty excited about yard sales as they know that they can find some really great deals there and will probably stop by if they have the time and they have seen the sign for the yard sale, but there are a few things that you may want to consider when you are thinking that you want to have a yard sale to get rid of some of your unused things.

If you can, try to get neighbors to join in to see if they want to have a yard sale with you or at least on the same time or same day as you, as the more there is to look at at the yard sale the more people will be interested and will be attracted to the area and once there they will probably want to buy something so they don’t feel as if they came for no reason at all. If your neighborhood or street has a day or two a year that they dedicate to this type of thing like by having a neighborhood yard sale day then it is probably a very good idea to make sure that you and your family participate as much as you can if this is possible for you to do, because the larger the sale, the more people will show up to the area and the more likely they will be to stop in and buy something from you, and that will be very good for business, and you will have much more advertising than you would otherwise if your neighborhood does this type of thing on a regular basis. Another great option for getting rid of unwanted things is to …

Issues in Tip Sharing

Many restaurants and bars across the country require their employees to pool their tips into one big reserve which is then divided across all employees evenly at the end of the night. Playing into this is that the restaurant may pay the employees less than minimum wage and then use the tips to bring the wage up to minimum wage or above.

One of the big issues in tip sharing comes up when those that directly earn tips share their tips with those that don’t earn tips. For example, requiring the servers and bartenders to share their tips with the busboys or cleaning staff of the restaurant. The servers and bartenders did all the work to earn the tip and yet they are required to share their tips with the staff of the restaurant that doesn’t bring in any tip money. Yes, they help the overall atmosphere but they don’t actually bring in tips.

Another problem with tip sharing is that it doesn’t necessarily spread evenly. Someone with 10 tables at a time should reasonably expect to earn more in tips than someone working only 5 tables. Under pooling and sharing, the tips aren’t an extra in addition to minimum wage. They make up the difference between minimum wage and the base rate meaning that it doesn’t matter how many tables a person works, the amount at the end of the night will be the same.

Sometimes a restaurant will opt to divide the total tip haul at the end of a pay period. Some restaurants may not divide the tips based on the number of hours worked but rather award a flat rate based on the number of employees. This is not fair to those that both work a lot of hours and more tables as they get the same amount as a person who works one shift during the entire pay period.

Overall, there are a huge number of problems with the concept known as tip sharing. Many of the tip sharing schemes have been deemed illegal both by legislatures and courts across the country. This, however, does not stop restaurants and bars alike from attempting to find ways to use tips to ensure that all of their employees make minimum wage without spending more out of pocket. The biggest problem with this system is that the tips aren’t tips anymore if they are used to even out salary. They are then salary except they can’t be fully depended on. …

Myths and Dangers of Self-Inducing Labor

I have been asked more than once how a pregnant woman could induce labor at home. Usually, they are ready to try last few days and weeks seem like an eternity. Back aches from pre-labor hormone releases, false labor and not being able to see the feet all contribute to one thing. You want to have the baby *now.*

Unfortunately, some of the methods don’t work; they are myths. Others can be hazardous to mother and child, though they do seem to start labor. A few work, but are seldom discussed often as they are not topics generally accepted in polite conversation.

Bumpy Roads: I’ve read that this can start labor, but it is actually a myth. I even tried it, and it didn’t work, for either pregnancy. I can tell you that riding on a bumpy road when you really are in labor is extremely uncomfortable. It’s not much better right after birth, either.

Balsamic Vinegar: I can’t find any evidence proving this works, but many women swear by it. There are a few restaurants that end up in the news because pregnant women go there for a salad dressed with the vinegar. Many send pictures of the newborns, and they are convinced labor was started by the salad. There usually isn’t a problem with eating these salads, so if you want to try, go for it.

Blue Cohosh: There’s good news and bad news about blue cohosh. The good news is that it may work. The bad news is that it could kill you and your unborn child. This herb causes a massive increase in blood pressure. As your circulatory system is still attached to the baby’s, both of you could suffer a heart attack or a stroke. There are confirmed cases of infants being born in the process of having a heart attack.

Before deciding to try at home labor induction, please talk to your doctor. This is both for your safety and your child’s. The doctor can provide you information about safe methods and warn you about hoaxes and dangerous methods. He can also tell you if the child is ready to be born, which is important information.…

5 Steps in Selecting a Time and Attendance Solution

Here are 5 steps to help you in the selection process:

1) Assess your current time and attendance system.

The first step is to learn how your current time and attendance system works and doesn’t work. Look for problem areas like data input errors, redundancies, antiquated processes, and an increase in administrative costs. During the analysis be sure to look at the whole picture. Consider creating a flow chart, it’s an excellent way to understand and define your current process from employee hire and clock in to paycheck.

2) Set your goals.

Now that your current payroll process has been defined, you will be able to set your goals for the new automated system. Take into consideration system requirement goals, as well as organizational goals. System requirement goals are time off requests, potential overtime flags, missing time indicators, etc. Organizational goals are to decrease annual payroll costs by 5%, decrease data input error rate by 2%, increase profits’ by 3%, etc.

3) Calculate your costs.

Make sure that you establish all your costs involved in making your purchase. Consider costs associated with hardware, software, installation, training and ongoing fees.

4) Determine your return on investment.

Implementing an automated time and attendance solution will immediately help to reduce your labor costs. To calculate your organizations reduction in labor costs, consider the following: decrease in payroll errors, decrease in processing time, and the improvement in labor reporting.

5) Evaluate and select a vendor.

Begin by creating a list of potential sources. Next, gather your payroll team, as this will provide different perspectives. Use your predefined goals and compare the features and benefits of your new time and attendance software. Consider ranking each criterion on a scale from 1 to 5. Last, consider the company background, obtain references, and research the customer service team.…

Acupressure: The Most Effective Natural Labor Method

Towards the end of the third trimester of a woman’s pregnancy, she should know the natural ways to induce labor because it can benefit her and her baby a lot. Resorting to the natural methods to induce labor can prevent a pregnant woman from suffering from any adverse effect of invasive medical procedures start the delivery process. Also, medical methods to induce labor can put the baby’s health at risk. There are actually lots of natural methods to begin the delivery process but using acupressure to induce labor is considered to be the most effective natural method.

The top ten natural methods include engaging in relaxation exercises, nipple stimulation, castor oil, intercourse, raspberry leaf tea, evening primrose oil, cinnamon stick oil, acupuncture, walking and acupressure.

A relaxation exercise brings the pregnant woman in a relaxed state that can trigger the onset of labor. Nipple stimulation triggers the production of oxytocin which is responsible for the faster contraction in the uterus. Despite its foul smell, many midwives are recommending the use of castor oil to induce labor. Meanwhile, sexual intercourse works in two ways. Female orgasm can bring about contractions and prostaglandins in the semen can soften and ripen the cervix just in the same way that primrose oil works.

Raspberry leaf tea brings a pregnant woman in a relaxed state that can induce labor while using cinnamon stick that is made into a tea can help in toning the uterus. Walking is also thought to be effective in triggering the induction of labor because it drops the baby into its proper position. The upright position when walking adds pressure to the cervix which helps a lot in dilating the cervix. Acupuncture is considered as one of the most effective methods to however, women should only deal with professional and credible acupuncturists for best results.

Maternity acupressure is considered to be the most effective and safest natural labor induction method. Acupressure makes childbirth easier for both the mother and the baby without resorting to drugs with less labor pain. Basically, the process of acupressure makes use of pressure points. Unlike acupuncture that uses needles to add pressure, fingers are used to add pressure in the sensitive points along the body that can help in inducing labor. Maternity acupressure has been widely used in Asian countries for thousands of years because it brings about a number of highly satisfactory results during childbirth.

Maternity acupressure helps a lot in starting the delivery process with the absence of drugs. It also lessens labor pains, difficulties and discomfort and helps achieve cervix dilation faster while strengthening the contractions. Other benefits of maternity acupressure include increasing the probability of having a normal and complication free childbirth. Bringing your baby into a calm relaxed state, preventing vomiting and nausea and turning a posterior baby are also benefits of using acupressure.

Hoku spot which is found at the top of the hand between the forefinger and thumb is one of the …

An Overview of Labor Laws in India

The labor laws in India provide for labor rights and regulate terms of employment. Typically, labor laws are laws pertaining to employer-employee relationships. They guarantee few legal rights to the workers. Further, they aim to promote interests of the workers.

The labor laws can be classified in two major categories. The first category consists of laws defining the relationship between trade unions, employees and employers. The second category includes laws that provides for rights of employees at work place. Labor laws were formulated to address demands of workers for improvement of working conditions, wages, working hours, protection of labor rights and settlement of industrial disputes.

Indian laws on labor rights and work places are regulated by the Ministry of Labor and Employment. The major Indian laws pertaining to rights of workers and employment are, such as:

The Industrial Dispute Act, 1947.

The Payment of Bonus Act, 1965.

The Payment of Wages Act, 1936.

The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986.

The Trade Unions Act, 1926.

The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961.

The Factories Act, 1948.

The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976.

The Employee’s State Insurance Act, 1948.

Labor Law: Things to Know

Labor laws in India provide for the provision of legal strikes and the right to strike. However, the Government is empowered to limit these rights in favor of public order. Here are few things to know about labor laws in India:

The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947

The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, was enacted in 1947. Few provisions of the Act are derived from the Trade Dispute Act, 1929. It provided for formation of two types of institutions to promote industrial peace, namely, the Works committees and the Industrial Tribunals.

The committees comprise of the representatives of workers and employers. It aims to promote harmonious relations and smooth the communication process between the parties. The tribunals were empowered to address industrial disputes.

The International Labor Organization (ILO) is the international body that addresses labor issues and promotes labor rights. Further, it upholds the principle ‘labor is not a commodity’ and calls for equal, fair and dignified treatment to workers at workplace.…

Warehouse Temperature Mapping Explained

Temperature Mapping is the process of recording and mapping the temperature in a 3 dimensional space. You may think that in a small fridge, large cool room, freezer or warehouse that the temperature would be the same everywhere, but you may be surprised to learn that the temperature can vary by as much as 10A�C from one location to another.

Temperatures in the corners will most likely be different to the centre of the space being measured. We all know cold air sinks, and hot air rises – so it goes without saying that the temperature at the bottom of a cool room will most likely be different to the temperature at the top of the cool room.

There are also “specific areas” within the cool room where the temperature also will differ such as: next to the cooling fans where the temperature will be at its coldest or close to the doors where it likely to be at its warmest.

Why is it important to Temperature Map your cold storage area?

Product efficacy relies on goods being stored correctly. Fruit and vegetable that has been stored in an area that is too cold can freeze and damage them; Vaccines that are stored in a fridge may get too warm or too cold and reduce/destroy the medicines efficacy. Ensuring that all locations within the refrigerated area are within the correct temperature range is critical to maintain the quality of the products.

Temperature Mapping and Temperature Monitoring are integral to the storage of goods such as foods and medicines.

How to conduct temperature mapping?

Data loggers need to be strategically placed within the 3 dimensional space to map temperatures along a horizontal, vertical and depth plain as well as in locations that are likely to have temperature variations.

Temperature monitoring should be conducted within a normal working day rather than on a weekend as the internal temperature of the space will vary depending on how many times the coolroom or warehouse doors are opened and closed. Ideally you should use an experienced company in temperature mapping to make sure that your temperature controlled storage area is mapped correctly followed by the placement of data loggers and sensors in the correct locations (warmest and coldest) for ongoing monitoring.

CoolPac specialises in Temperature Mapping and helping companies install a quality data logging system that complies with the requirement of the authorities such as HACCP or TGA.…

Kids’ Auditions for TV Advert

The advertisement world has indeed come a long way. Long ago kids weren’t allowed to appear on TV, let alone commercials. Nowadays, there are a lot of products in the market that specifically target children, and in order for them to sell, kids just have to be convinced that they are the best products for them. Such that when the kid’s parents visit a supermarket they would prefer to buy the same products their kids showed them in TV. To be convincing to this particular age group, companies use fellow children to appear in adverts. Mostly, these kids appear on screen after permission from their parents. Before you present your kid to audition for a TV advert, the following are some of the things you should consider:

1) Does your kid really want to do this? Even if you are broke and in need of some quick cash, never do the mistake of using your child to get money by presenting the kid to audition for a TV advert. Most parents present their children to audition only after the kids have willingly accepted to do so. Another point to consider is that your kid doesn’t have the capacity to make wise choices; as a parent, explain to the kid both the pros and cons of the child auditioning for TV. After he/she has understood this, then a go ahead can be allowed.

2) Comply with legal procedures. Remember that kids, even your own, form part of the minority group in the society. Most states don’t allow children below a certain age to do TV adverts as this is viewed as child labor; and the penalties may be stiff. Also, there are guidelines that separate the ads kids can do and those ones left for adults. For example, alcohol adverts are not recommended for persons below the age of eighteen.

3) Another factor you should look into is your child’s self confidence. Most kids tend to be helpless and only cling to their parents. Invest in helping your child develop trust in other people who’ll be working with him/her at the auditions. This will save you from embarrassment of the kid trying to bite strangers or crying excessively. Remember, once your kid develops poise and self confidence, they can last with him/her for a lifetime.

4) Give your kid constant reassurance. The love and support you show to your kid would serve to boost the kids’ self esteem as he/she prepares to audition. Words like “I know you can do it” or “you were meant for this” can help a lot in preparing the kid for the TV advert.

5) Manage your kid’s income wisely. Remember that it’s the kid’s money and not yours; so don’t go around wasting it in bars or throwing unnecessary parties. You can save it in the bank and later use it to fund the child’s college education. Or use it to look for better roles your child can feature in …

Three Steps From Great Business Improvement Systems

Do you own a small to medium business and have an immediate need to increase business profits? Business planning when profits are down can be an exercise in frustration, but by following three logical steps, it’s possible to get your business back on track.

Step 1: Seek Professional Help

It may seem counterproductive to seek the assistance of business management specialists when you’re struggling to pay the bills. The truth is, however, that following the same unsuccessful strategies repeatedly won’t produce more profit.

Find business consultants willing to tailor their solutions to your company’s needs and, by all means, compare their services and rates. The best consultants offer some type of guaranteed business improvement system, further minimizing your risk.

Take advantage of the training and technology business planning specialists possess, as well as the objective feedback they can offer. By incorporating their business management strategies, you can take control of freefalling profits and put your company back on solid ground.

Step 2: Make Strategic Changes

Armed with information gleaned with the help of your business management consultant, make changes in key areas that will produce the most profit. Cutting staff or decreasing expenses in some other way might not always be the best way to stop the bleeding. The answer might lie with other benchmarks you identify.

The owner of a secretarial services firm, for example, isn’t sure whether she should increase her hourly rate or keep trying to cut expenses. With the help of her business improvement system, she learns that a slight increase in her rates will more than cover her increased expenses and allow her to rebuild reserves. Making strategic adjustments such as this often makes the difference between business expansion and business failure.

Step 3: Keep Your Staff Informed and Motivated

Your employees may be planning their own exit strategies if they’re unsure of your company’s stability. Give them solid information about what to expect by sharing regular reports about key business activities.

Being transparent about the state of your firm, even when you’re trying to improve business profits, gives employees the chance to offer solutions. Include time for creativity and innovation in your ‘state of the company’ update sessions. Allowing employees to be part of the solution doesn’t mean handing over the reins of your company, but it could keep them motivated to stay during hard times.

Companies that stay in business during difficult financial times are managed by people not afraid to ask for help. If you’re struggling to keep your business afloat, the right business tools can be a lifeline. Their promise of a guaranteed business improvement system may seem too good to be true, but such a tool could be your company’s best hope for survival.

Seek professional help, use what you learn to make the most productive changes in your business and keep your staff motivated by sharing information and involving them in problem solving. Following these three steps can help your firm stabilize …

Employment and Labor Law in California – 2011 Updates

While federal legislation on small employers remains complex and burdensome across the country, overbearing employment and labor laws in California are helping it maintain its reputation as the one of the most litigious states in the Union. Below are two recent court cases which highlight the complexity and exposure of labor laws in California, and the lengths to which employers must go to be informed and protected.

Wage and Hour: Payroll Companies are Not Liable as the Employer

Outsourcing payroll processing is a common business practice. A recent case that reached the California Supreme Court addressed the issue whether or not a payroll processing service could be held responsible, as an employer, for wage and hour violations. The California Supreme Court had determined in a previous case, Martinez v. Combs, what defines a legal “employer”. The Court applied this definition to the recent case of Futrell v. Payday California, Inc. It found that in order to be liable as an employer, an entity must exercise control over an employee’s wages (the authority to negotiate and set the employees’ rate of pay). In Futrell v. Payday California, the court found Payday merely calculated pay, tax withholding and issued paychecks but did not manage the employees’ wages. They determined that payroll preparation alone does not meet that standard.

This case shows that employers who utilize outside processing firms for payroll administration will be liable for wage and hour violations, such as meal and rest period and overtime violations. Conversely, the case is good news for organizations who simply provide administrative payroll services to employers but are not involved in managing employees wages.

Compensation Agreements

In McCaskey v. California State Auto Association, the California Court of Appeals ruled that an employer may unilaterally terminate its duty to honor a compensation policy only if the following conditions are met:

A� The policy must be of indefinite duration

A� The employer must effect the change after a reasonable time and with reasonable notice

A� The employer may not interfere with the employee’s vested benefits.

In McCaskey v. California State Auto Association, the court ruled that the plan was not for an indefinite duration under California law. Rather, it said that the plans terms suggested an implied-in-fact durational term by which CSAA’s duty to honor the policy, either at age 65; after 10 years; or, upon the employee’s retirement. The court affirmed that a contract of indefinite duration is terminable after a reasonable time on reasonable notice, which was not met in this case.

Employment and Labor Laws in California

The cautionary note to California employers is to review your compensation agreements carefully to determine if they were properly drafted by an attorney. Prior to changing agreements, particularly those related to compensation (including sales/commissions agreements), you should consult with legal counsel.

Alternatively, if you are a California-based employer, it is imperative that you contact a California human resources services provider who can advise you in all areas …

How Warehouse Storage Can Help Your Business

You may be the type of business that needs to have a warehouse due to the nature of the products you are selling, or you may not work out of a warehouse but find that there are times you need extra storage. Having warehouse storage can be useful for your business in so many ways, including helping your business run more efficiently, which can lead to increased profits. Good shelving systems in the warehouse can help keep your products organised which means that staff can access items easily and quickly.

Relocating offices

A lot of companies don’t work out of a warehouse, nor do they have products that need to be stored in one, but there are other times businesses need to use one. When a business is relocating offices using a warehouse to store their office equipment is a good idea. There is plenty of space for storage, and to move around in so furniture and other items don’t get damaged when moving them in or out. Storage systems, such as shelving or pallet racking, can often already be in place, and a business can store their office equipment and be happy with the knowledge that everything will be secure.

Renovations

A company may also need storage for office equipment and furniture if their offices are undergoing renovations. It can cause too much disruption to try and pile any furniture or other items in a corner of the offices. Renovations are disruptive enough without making customers and staff dodge displaced furniture as well, so putting it in storage in a warehouse is the best thing to do.

Excess stock

Your store may find itself with excess stock. It is better to reduce the amount of stock in store for a number of reasons. Too much stock on the shelf can look cluttered. It can also deter customers if they think there are so many of a particular item available. It makes it look unoriginal and this can turn certain customers off. It is also better to not ‘put all your eggs in one basket’. If something happens, like a fire or water damage for example, then only half your stock is lost.

General storage

You may find that your business needs extra storage and a warehouse can accommodate your businesses needs. As well as any excess stock you might want to clear any clutter from your office, such as old files that you need to keep for legal reasons but you no longer need to access quickly. You may have furniture that you aren’t currently using or display stock that needs to be put out of the way. Some stores need to rotate their stock depending on the season so having the storage space of a warehouse is ideal. If your company imports products from overseas then you will need a warehouse to make deliveries easier. It is a lot easier for a truck to unload into the large space of a …

Effective Businesses With Data Warehouses

These days, it is important for businesses to be very competitive in the industry. And in order to do so, it is also very vital for them to have the latest technology in order to handle businesses efficiently. This means that they should have everything from manpower to software that would help them be successful. With this, it is important for these businesses to know what a data warehouse is.

Data warehouse is considered the powerhouse in the business. This is because it has the overall business strategies needed by a business for success. For example, this is where all the decision-making strategies and even knowledge base applications were done in order to help the business be competitive in the industry.

Since it has all the things they need for business, business analysts can use this in order to predict how the business will run. Aside from this, they will be able to know the potential problems that may occur in the business. Since they can predict this, then they will also be able to know the most appropriate solution that they need to do in order to settle the problematic business issue.

However, having a data warehouse may not be that simple. The reason for this is that they should have every professional worker needed in order to manage the data warehouse. Without them, all the effort when it comes to conceptualizing the data warehouse project is lost.

So what will these professionals do? First of all, they are in charge in taking care of the limitations and scope of the subject that they will use in the warehouse. In this way, they will be able to make the data warehouse as focused as possible to one particular topic or issue that they wish to settle.

Aside from managing the limitations of the warehouse, they are also in charge of calibrating every application in order to make sure that they run properly and give accurate results every time. This will assure not only accuracy but also consistency with all the data they need in order to run the business.

Developing a new application that is suitable for the latest needs of the business is also one of the data warehouse tasks. Doing this will definitely increase the business’ competency in the industry since they will have the latest application that they can use for their business.

In general, getting a data warehouse is very helpful for the business but of course it is important to choose the right people to do the task properly. This will make sure that the business will have the best benefit from getting this overall business strategy method that will surely be helpful for the business.…

How Workers Compensation Insurance Protects Employees

The United States created the workers’ compensation insurance program to make sure that employees are taken care of on the job. This program has been around for decades, and specifically states that employers must pay for injuries or illnesses that occur on the job or as a result of the job that people are doing. Almost every single employee in the nation is covered by a workers’ comp program that pays benefits for injuries or illnesses that are work-related, regardless of who is liable for the injury or illness in the first place.

When a workers’ compensation claim is filed, there is typically a pre-determined benefit amount that is paid out to the employee(s) in question. This amount is reflective of the employee’s pay as well as the amount of time that they are off work because of the issue. If someone works in a factory where they use their arms regularly, having a rotator cuff procedure due to extended wear and tear would be covered by workers’ compensation, for example. They would be compensated for time off work, the procedure itself, and the recovery and rehabilitation that will get them back on the job.

Every state has their own guidelines and regulations surrounding workers’ compensation claims, and it is up to each employee to know what they are subject to, eligible for, and which things are excluded from their claims. This is not a lawsuit directed at the employer, but a claim filed against the employer’s insurance company much like a claim filed against a car insurance company when a car accident occurs. According to workers’ compensation laws, employees cannot sue their employer for accidents that occur on the job and employers cannot terminate employees that file a claim under this provision.

Workers’ compensation typically pays for medical bills, temporary disability in place of paychecks because the employee cannot work, and benefits for permanent disability when the employee cannot return to work. By taking care of these areas of protection, people are guaranteed the treatment that they deserve. No one has to worry about being fired because they aren’t able to work or losing their income because they have to take time off for an injury. Sometimes, insurance companies will not recognize a legitimate claim, which requires the addition of a workers’ compensation lawyer and legal filings to the claim to contest the decision made when it is not the right decision.…

Setting Up a Warehouse in a Proper and Organized Arrangement

Whether you have small company or big corporation, setting up warehouse is a very important thing to do. The main purpose in setting up warehouse in proper and organized arrangement is to increase the efficiency in storing inventories, shipping and received goods and many other stocks. By arranging your warehouse in proper and organize arrangement, you will get easiness in accessing those stored things in your warehouse. Here are some tips in arranging and setting your warehouse properly.

First, you need to make plan with the storing are in your warehouse. Design which area that you are going to use as the storage of shipping goods, received goods, inventories, and many other else. You should also include a break area in order to keep comfortable chairs, coffee maker, as well as small fridge. Your employees need those things during their break time. Bathroom facilities should be provided as well.

Second, you have to determine the kind of shelving and storage that you need to have in storing all items in your warehouse. Make sure to provide any shelving products that come in strong and sturdy constructions, so it will be strong enough to hold your stored things. Besides, you have to make sure that the shelving is installed and attached professionally and securely to the walls and floors of your warehouse. Leaving enough space between some units is also important so you can move any items comfortably and easily.

Third, it will be important for you to create any storing room for any items that are usually needed in warehouse, such as packing tape and boxes. You have to regularly stock these items since those items are very important in supporting any activities in warehouse.

Fourth, installing an inventory control system is also great idea. By providing this system, your employees can easily enter information about any received and shipped out items from the warehouse. To provide this certain system, you need to add a work station with a computer and printer. Choose a safe area in your warehouse with less risk of dropping or spilling item onto the computer device.

Fifth, you need to provide mats. Use them for any areas where your employees might spend a long time standing in a certain place. Besides, it will be better for you to install heating and cooling system so your employees could feel comfortable to work in this certain place in any kind of seasons.

Try to set your warehouse in that arrangement. You and your employees will get a lot of easiness and convenience to work in the warehouse.…

PR Employment – Top 10 PR Job Opportunities

PR employment is the hottest new thing after the economic dropdown. The major reason behind this bubble is the desperate need to maintain the existing customer base and not do away with their faith in the company. Work for PR professionals become extremely important for instilling new confidence thus bringing in new and impressed customers/consumers.

1. Foremost position is taken by advertising PR jobs. Advertising is the most effective revenue generator and makes the most share of some of the company’s annual turnover. With the proper PR induction the sector becomes more challenging and lucrative.

2. Marketing and Public relations go hand in hand and their concurrence transform it into something different altogether. Marketing, undoubtedly makes the most high paying PR career and if you manage the dual responsibility of marketing and PR, you will turn out to be the most prized asset of any company.

3. Communication takes the third place. With proper network base and its blend with the right set of communication skills there will be no stopping you in the field of PR employment. If you have training in this field PR job search will be relatively easier and that also for a switchover.

4. PR attorney jobs also constitute a considerable chunk of PR employment. With the growing days of bankruptcy you are expected to maintain proper balance in company assets and liabilities and you will be paid more than your fair share with a guarantee.

5. PR management constitute the overlords of the company. You probably will not get here till you have some substantial work experience in your grasp. You will convene almost everything in the administration and be held responsible for anything right/wrong inside the company.

6. PR recruitment jobs got a hike with the steady enhancement of switchovers and lack of consistent experience in PR people these days. If you turn out to be different you will be hailed as the company’s biggest strength in its integrity.

7. PR employment in medicine and healthcare is gaining popularity everyday with the healthcare boom and organizations will be cashing in a lot in choosing their PR professionals.

8. With the rapid boom in outsourcing consultancy PR has found its way in the PR job search listings. With the latest extensive workload to economize things, auditor PRs have gained much attention and hence paycheques.

9. PR labor in self employment is also very much in vogue in the new market. You may set up your own firm and be your own boss managing client provided you have the right experience and considerable exposure and reputation.

10. With the term globalization being uttered in every sentence these days and foreign students flooding campuses PR officials and PR temp are employed to cater their needs forming a slow and silent rise in PR employment.

Job search in PR has become easier with the new internet boom. So make the best of your social network profile and PR clubs …

The Rise in Popularity of Do It Yourself (DIY) Home Repairs

It used to be that for home plumbing and heating repairs and upgrades it was a skilled even licensed tradespersons job. Simple as that.

Tools, equipment and the plumbing and heating hardware might not be available commercially to the ordinary person let alone having them work or upgrade on this equipment. Even today in some areas furnaces can only be purchased through, by and even installed by bona fide registered heating companies and mechanics. Still there is a lot of work that can be done currently and is done by do it yourselfer.

Why the changes from a tradesmen only system to the current prevalence of doing it yourself or having a handy friend conduct house or building renovations and upgrades?

Cost is the answer. Labor used to be one of the components of repairs of all types and building projects and upgrades and renovations in this case. Materials costs used to be the major component of any building project or household renovations for the most part. Now its labor.

People used to fix things have them repaired.

You expected for example to have a watch cleaned every couple of years to keep it running.

Now it is “not worth it”. You throw out the watch. You have disposable VCRs, DVD players and other electronics. In most cases the cost of repairs including the diagnostics (which is composed mainly of labor costs) is simply not worth it. Its cheaper to replace the device, devices or items – usually on top of that the replacements are not even made in North America the US, Canada or Mexico.

Hence as a result many people figured out that if they did the work themselves first of all there would be major cost savings. Even if they wasted money by damaging materials in the learning processes they overall were ahead of the game in term of final project costs. On top of that it was an enjoyable educational project on top of that with the satisfaction of being able to look at the end results and announce “I did the home renovations” (or upgrades).

As a result of the increase in do it yourself handyman, contractors plumbing and heating workers a whole industry and service industry sprung up to satisfy the needs for products as well as supportive information and even classes in some of the full service do it yourself hardware, lumber, plumbing and heating retail outlets and supply stores.

In the end it’s a fact of life for the commercial trades. A lot of people do their home renovations and upgrades them.

Whether it is for a rec room, electrical work or plumbing and heating do it yourself construction and renovations projects are truly a force on the scene.…

Natural Induction Methods For Labor

You love being pregnant and seeing all of the changes happen with your body because you know that the miracle of life is happening right inside of you. It is a fascinating time in your life and everything is going perfect until now. You are near or past your due date and the baby isn’t coming out. You are in a terrible amount of pain and all you want is for the baby to come out. You need some help.

Medical induction isn’t an option for you because you don’t want to put the baby’s health or your own health at risk. You want the labor process to be as natural and safe as possible and you won’t have any medical procedures interfering with that. However, you are desperate to get out of this state of turmoil that you are in so you do need a solution.

Luckily, there are natural induction methods for labor that can help to put you in labor fast and get that baby out of there and safely into your arms. The easiest way to make this happen is to eat spicy foods. There are triggers in spicy foods that go off in your body, causing everything to work double time. You will notice right away that the systems of your body are speeding up including your heart rate and your salivary glands. The same can be said for labor. The spice in the foods will help to speed up the natural process of labor and help to get that baby delivered.

This is only one of the many tips that are available for you. If you are sick and tired of being in this pain and you desperately want the baby to come out, then you need this help today.…

Do Maternity Acupressure and Induce Labor Safely

There are times when a pregnancy may need a little push to get labor started. Choosing to do maternity acupressure is a great choice for several reasons

You can do maternity acupressure anywhere

The process is simple and in most cases can be done on yourself, although there are some pressure points on the body that would be much easier to reach with a partners help.

It is very effective in inducing labor with 48 hours

In fact, scientific evidence proves this. 83% of women who do acupressure go into labor and sometimes within 30 minutes.

It is non-invasive and safe for both mother and baby

It has even been shown to improve the overall labor experience because it prevents the baby from becoming distressed due to a shorter and easier labor.

It provides pain relief and can stop nausea without any risk of stopping contractions.

You do not need any experience to do maternity acupressure. If you can push down on your skin with your thumb, you can do maternity acupressure. It does not take any special skills. The process has been around for thousands of years and is accepted by the WHO (World Health Organization) as safe for pregnant women.

It is a good idea to practice acupressure points before the need arises, but be very careful. If you practice and do maternity acupressure before a woman is ready to go into labor, she may go into labor early which can cause problems for both mother and baby, such as a premature birth.

Although many people will tell you that there are three main acupressure points on the body to induce labor, there are actually many more that serve different purposes in the labor process. These include:

Inducing labor naturally

Dilating your cervix

Speeding up a slow labor

Stimulating contractions

Pain relief

Relief from nausea

Relaxation due to stress or tension

Do not be fooled into thinking that you can effectively do maternity acupressure without training. It is imperative that you find a good resource, preferably one that includes videos so that you can see how it is done exactly. Without proper instruction, you will be like many others who have tried to do maternity acupressure, and assume that the system does not work because you did something wrong.…

Becoming Your Own Distributor – A Useful Tip for Wise Wholesalers

Wholesale business is a prospective business with unending opportunities in it. Many wholesalers have their businesses successfully running but they still strive to take this business to a new level. Wholesalers who have the urge to excel can opt for distributorship and start distributing their own products. Most of the people think of wholesalers and distributors as the same entity but in actual these are two separate businesses in the same supply chain. Wholesaler is a smaller entity as compared to distributors. Distributors have various kinds of products in different varieties and sell those products to small wholesalers who then resell products to retailers.

Becoming your own distributor is a useful tip for wholesaler as he can reap higher profits from it. In order to do so, the wholesaler would need to have a plan and follow it to the end to successfully start distributorship services. First, the wholesaler would need to estimate the amount needed to start the distributorship services. While calculating the amount, add prices of new product lines to be bought, extra warehouse space to store more products, extra staff to handle massive inventory, transportation services and much more. After estimating the total amount, you should check if you would be able to back up the amount easily and can support that for next some months.

The next thing you as a wholesaler would need to do is to decide the new product lines you will have in your inventory. After deciding the product lines, arrange extra warehouse space. You can get a separate warehouse on rent to stock new product lines, add extra space in existing warehouse or shift your whole setup to another place where all operations can easily be operated.

When done with warehouse, the next step is to contact various manufacturers to get quotations and make the deal with the best ones. Remember that best one does not mean the one who offers cheapest products but the best means the manufacturer who offers good quality products at reasonable price. As you will be now acting as distributor, so you will need to contact wholesalers to buy products from you. The plus point you have is that you will act as distributor as well as wholesaler. This edge would bring you confirm high profits.

As distributors also transport products to wholesalers, so you will be also doing that and will ultimately saves the amount paid to private transporters. You will directly transport products from manufacturers and stores them at your inventory. On demand you will transfer products to wholesalers and retailers. The last thing you need to do is to market your business to get potential customers. It is up to your intelligence that how you mould marketing strategies to entice customers. Many wholesale distributors offer different discount deals, schemes and freebies to wholesalers and retailers to get their attention.…

Website Traffic – Is Video Marketing the Best Strategy You Can Use?

One of the ways people are starting to get visitors to their site is by video marketing. You have to realize that this is a great strategy if you know how to use it but it is not for everyone. In this article I want to show you exactly how to figure out if it is for you.

The First Thing You Need To Know – You have to realize that it is a manual labor traffic source.

That means you or someone is going to have to constantly work at creating more and more videos for the sites on the internet that host them.

You have to realize that once you have a video up for a few months, it gets old and people won’t want to watch it any longer. So unless you are working to create more of them, your traffic will start to drop off and you will make less money.

The Second Thing You Need To Know – They do not provide the best quality levels of traffic.

You have to realize that most video sites that will allow you to host your videos will not give you the best quality of traffic.

A lot of them attract people who have no desire in buying what you are selling & who are not even targeted to your video.

So you have to realize that you are going to have to get a lot of traffic to your site if you want to make this source work well!

It will work but you have to factor the above thoughts into your strategy and think about how you can or can’t use this strategy in your business to get more visitors to your site.…

Small Business Funding For Retail Real Estate

There is an issue faced by small companies that make use of commercial real estate including office, stockroom or retail industry properties. The tightening on the accessibility of finances has made it difficult for a large number of small business owners to acquire funds to enable them to move their enterprises along. One of the most popular or popular financing product is the SBA 504 program.

Fairly recently, the SBA 504 lending program for businesses transformed their 504 Program to allow for the refinancing of existing debt and the capacity to use capital in an estate for prolonged capital demands. Now, small businesses will certainly have easy access to longer term resources at an attractive lending rate. Renewals aren’t assured anymore of existing financial debt on mortgages due to the economical downturn that we have been experiencing.

When a business venture funds their company with a short-term balloon, it induces excessive strain in budgeting plans as small business owners scurry to pay for the commercial mortgage. Here is the way the SBA 504 benefits small businesses. If the business owner has beyond 10 % capital in their property, the company owner can acquire against that capital for working capital demands. The SBA creates funding for these loans by selling 10 year and 20 year bonds that are ensured by the SBA. Current interest rates for these types of loans are running as low as 5.04 % for a 20yr amortization.

To become eligible, an enterprise must have functioned for a minimum of 2 years before the loan application is given to the SBA. The business needs to be a commercial business and possess a valuation of less than $ 15 million bucks as well as an after tax profit of below $ 5 million dollars. The business must fill a minimum of 51 % of the commercial real estate to be re-financed and the property ought to have been obtained at least 2 years ago. In addition, the borrower must exhibit that the current loan is current on the real estate and that they haven’t made any payments 30 days late under the initial or modified conditions of the lending institution for the last year.

There is no restriction to the project size; however the 504 loan is limited to $ 5 million dollars maximum. A ceiling of $ 5.5 M is for manufacturing businesses or companies that integrate energy saving techniques. The underwriting is based upon recent assessed worth and 90 % of that value may be re-financed. Business owners can easily utilize the equity in their commercial property to use towards working capital or to pay business expenses.…

The Prison-Industrial Complex

Today, we hear the term “prison-industrial complex” a take-off on the older term “military-industrial complex,” which was coined by President Eisenhower in his televised farewell address to the nation in 1961. The prison-industrial complex refers to companies and governments that build and operate prisons and buy or sell goods and services used or produced in correctional facilities. This “complex” involves a complicated relationship between governments, the correctional systems they administer, and the private corporations supplying goods and services to correctional facilities.

The phrase “prison-industrial complex” was intended as a derogatory term, implying a motive to incarcerate more offenders. Profiteers and unions representing correctional officers are accused of encouraging large prison populations to secure their jobs and profits. Modern incarceration is compared to the exploitation of antebellum slavery. Many prisoner advocates denounce the profiteers of the “prison-industrial complex,” and instead demand the elimination of oppression, injustice, poverty and racism. Most such prison advocates are horrified that someone might be making a profit.

This term is misleading, because it implies thriving industries and the industrious working of prison labor. We do not exploit “new age slaves” in economic terms. To the contrary, they are the best-supported welfare recipients in the nation. Percentage-wise, very few work full-time, and private industry is not permitted to fully use or exploit prison labor. Modern socialists complain of this alleged conspiracy, but a fully industrialized prison system is actually something we need and do not have.

Private correctional corporations replicate the warehousing function of prisons and try to do so at less cost than a government-run prison. But they do not run efficient prison industries or make many profits from the labor of the prisoners. Over 100 years ago, prisons used to make profits, but that changed with the Hawes-Cooper Act of 1929, which took away the interstate commerce status of prison-made goods, allowing states to bar them from sale. Many states then prohibited the sale of those goods. The Ashurst-Sumners Act of 1935, as amended in 1940, prohibited interstate shipment of prison-made goods. In 1936, the Walsh-Healey Act banned convict labor on federal procurement contracts. As a result of these legal barriers, the prison-industrial complex as a whole never became very industrious. It has primarily been an “industry” of government jobs making things for the government. We ought to repeal those and other statutes to permit prisoners to work for private businesses or religious organizations under any terms the parties can negotiate; provided that, prison industries manufactured products now made exclusively overseas.

Prisoners want to work, and work is good for them, their victims, their families and the state. Prison wardens complained and objected when prison industries were squashed with protective legislation, because it made the warden’s job far more difficult. Idleness is the devil’s workshop. Rehabilitation suffered. Hard labor and imparting a work ethic rehabilitates offenders and teaches them to survive in the free world. Prisoners without work think criminal thoughts, create gangs and learn better how to commit crimes when released.…

How To Transition From Season To Season Without Chaos

One of the most stressful responsibilities of families who live in climates that change throughout the year is preparing for the upcoming season. Sometimes it feels as if the moment you have everything done from the current season, the new season is upon you requiring prep. Before you know it, your entire year is spent looking ahead to the next season, and you never have a chance to relax and enjoy the present season. If you would like to keep the seasonal household chores under control, there are things on which to focus that are the most important. If you are able to prioritize your tasks, it will not be that big of a deal if you skip the occasional minor chores. Your first step is to get seasonal items in storage during the seasons you will not be using them. If you are cramped for space, consider putting large items like lawn mowers and snow blowers off-site at a Texas contract warehouse or California contract warehouse. This gives you room for smaller storage needs like holiday decorations and garden equipment.

Your next step is to get the interior and exterior of your home ready for the upcoming season. If the cold is on the way, make sure everything is properly insulated so the warm air stays in and the cold air stays out. If summer is right around the corner and you own a swimming pool, there are a variety of things that need to be done so your family can enjoy cooling off with a swim all summer long. Finally, if you live in an area where temperatures get frigid, be sure you have an adequate supply of salt for melting the ice on sidewalks and porches.

Once your house is prepped for the upcoming season, get your wardrobe ready. Usually people do not wear every article of clothing they own year-round. In order to make space in your closet, put away clothing that is out of season. It can be fun at the start of each new season to pull out last year’s clothes and enjoy items you have not seen in months.

One of the most important things to prepare for the coming season is your vehicle. If you live where the winters are harsh, be sure you have snow tires or four-wheel drive, an emergency kit in case you get stuck somewhere, and de-icer should your door locks freeze over. If summer is on the way, take the car into the shop so the mechanic can make sure you have plenty of coolant and that your air conditioning is working fine.

Families with kids, or even adult students, will need to prepare for school when autumn rolls around. School supplies hit the market mid-summer, so do your shopping early. Remember you will need more than just notebooks and pencils when shopping, so stock up on hand sanitizer, tissues, and new school clothes. If you are ready …

How Do I Predict When I Am Going Into Labor? 5 Beginning Signs of Labor That You Must Know

There is actually no way to predict when you will be going into labor. Experts have no clue as to what triggers the onset of labor. However, there are 5 beginning signs of labor that you can look out for.

(1) Baby “drops”

You will feel the baby “dropping” and there is more weight at your pelvis. Suddenly you lost the heartburn problem that you have over the past few months and you feel yourself breathing easier due to lesser pressure at below your ribcage. Many experienced mothers and grandmothers may even comment that your tummy seem to have “dropped” – lowered.

(2) Braxton Hicks contractions

You will feel more frequent and painful contractions when the expected delivery date draws nearer signaling beginning signs of labor. However, if the contractions do not get more intense, longer per time and more frequent, this is likely false labor.

(3) Changes to cervix

Your cervix may start to open. This is especially so if you are not a first-time mother. However, a 40-week second-time mother with 2-centimeter cervix dilation may not guarantee that labor is imminent!

(4) “Bloody Show”

You may see some blood-tinted discharge as beginning signs of labor as your cervix begin to dilate when you get closer to actual labor. This is the mucous plug, the small amount of thickened mucus that has sealed your cervical canal throughout your pregnancy.

(5) “Water-bag” Breaks

The amniotic sac (commonly called “water-bag” by many mothers) surrounding the baby is filled with water. When it breaks, fluid will leak from your vagina. It can come out in a small trickle or large gush. Whichever, you should call your doctor immediately.

These beginning signs of labor may vary from pregnancy to pregnancy. Not all the 5 signs have to be present to mean labor is coming. Some people experience just one sign while others a combination of symptoms. Whichever do not be afraid that it may be false alarms. Call and seek advice from your doctor when and of the beginning signs of labor are there.…

Ditch Digging – Not Such a Bad Career Choice After All

Who would have thought that well educated professionals could end up wondering whether ditch digging, or any other unpleasant sounding type of manual labor, might have been a better career choice? Not me. But now there seems to be a reason for white collar workers to be at least a little envious of those who work at physically demanding jobs. A growing body of research indicates that people who work at jobs that require moving around throughout the day tend to live longer, with fewer health setbacks, than those whose jobs require that they sit for eight hours or more, five days a week.

A 2007 study done by researchers at the University of Missouri found that people who spend the most time doing “non-exercise” activities burn significantly more calories per week than those whose jobs require little or no movement but who spend about an hour per day at the gym. In other words, going to the gym or for a jog will not counteract the negative effects of sitting if that’s how you spend most of your day. And the tendency to gain weight over time isn’t the only problem faced by office workers. Researchers have learned that one of the genes responsible for heart disease does not respond positively to exercise no matter how hard, or often, you work out. To make matters worse, this potentially dangerous gene becomes more active when too much time is spent in a chair or on a couch. So, even though a morning boot camp or an evening trip to the gym is beneficial for many reasons, these short bouts of physical activity are not enough to protect your good health if you’re required to sit all day.

It’s not surprising, then, that the best way to reduce the likelihood that too much sitting will have negative health consequences is to spend a greater percentage of your waking hours on your feet. Since there are few jobs that actually require someone to remain seated for hours at a time, it’s possible for most of us to stand up and move around more frequently than we do. Phone calls can often be made while standing, sometimes an email to a co-worker can be replaced with a short walk to convey information face to face, and there’s usually no good reason to choose the elevator over the stairs. Figuring out how to spend less time sitting may require some creativity on your part, but it’s worth the effort because increasing the time you spend on your feet may actually add years to your life!…

Why Giving Massage As Gifts Is a Wonderful Thing to Do

Giving massage as gifts for any occasion is a great idea because one of the number one causes of mental and physical pain today is stress. Stress can actually kill a human being. It may seem like something as small as daily pressures can kill but the body and mind can only take so much. It needs some kind of help in recovering from the strain we feel every day.

Massage works in several different ways. It relaxes the muscles through gentle and firm kneading. As the muscles relax, the body sends signals of comfort to the brain. This kind of relaxation is what people pray for every day, especially if they have particularly strenuous or stressful jobs.

People with all professions will reap benefits from getting a massage on a daily or weekly basis. The body sometimes needs more to recover than just simple sleep. Construction workers spend all day using those muscles and often go home with pulls, strains and stretches that ruin their evening. This is a practical method for easing the pain of strained and pulled muscles. Those that are given by professionals are recommended because they will know just where the pressure points are that will force the muscle to relax. Sometimes a pulled or strained muscle should be seen by a doctor and should not be pushed or have pressure applied to it because of the risk of further damage. This is also a good reason why a professional should look at it if it is particularly painful. Doing more damage is never good.

Construction workers and other men and women who use brute force and physical labor to perform their jobs every day are not the only ones who can benefit from receiving massage as gifts. People who work in high corporate offices and in positions that require a great deal of analytical thought can also benefit from them. Doctors may not use all their strength to perform their duties but they have to look at others who are in pain every day and they have the responsibility of other people’s lives in their hands. Training physicians, nurses and others in the medical field will often spend a lot of time working and only a little time sleeping. They may have trouble sleeping because of the high pressure they feel at their job. This is an excellent opportunity to get a massage. It will relax the mind and work in an opposite fashion as those who work in physical labor. Once the mind is relaxed, the muscles and body will also relax.

Not to be forgotten, give certificates for a free massage as gifts to those stay-at-home mothers out there who are working hard all day long, cleaning the house, doing laundry and seeing after the children. This job is at times forgotten by many who have never had to actually do it themselves. This is one of the most stressful and …

Find Employment in Fort McMurray

With global labour markets still under the fringes of recession, northern Alberta is booming with job opportunities across industry. Known as “Canada’s energy capital” for its extensive oil sands mining industry, the region experienced a slowdown in employment activity following suspension of various projects by oil sands producers in response to the global recession. Today, employers are back on the prowl for skills and there has never been a better time to consider employment in the region for the following key reasons;

Excellent Compensation: Fort McMurray is known for having one of the highest compensation rates in the world. For anyone seeking better compensation for skills, employment in Fort McMurray almost certainly guarantees that. In fact, for many positions across industry in the region, compensation is almost double compared to rates in other provinces of Canada. Many fast food establishments in the region start their employees off at $14/hour or more compared to the minimum wage offerings in other provinces, a trend observable for other occupational groups across industry.

Affordable Housing: There’s been a radical change in the cost of housing in Fort McMurray and that is an incentive to anyone who has previously considered employment in the region but decided against the cost of housing. Today, rental rates in Fort McMurray are comparable to Atlantic province rates in cities like Halifax, Nova Scotia. This change can be attributed to growth in the real estate market and the drop in demand for housing following the economic slowdown. So whether you are looking for a room in shared accommodation or a place to call home, rates are available from $800 a month.

Career Growth: As home to Canada’s youngest and most dynamic workforce, the region is a perfect environment for career advancement. If you are a hardworking, skilled individual with a drive to succeed, opportunity for career success awaits you in Fort McMurray no matter which industry you choose to work in. The oil sands industry offers employment for people from all works of life and is supported by an equally substantial variety of industry that provide opportunity for all who have the drive to succeed; to earn an honest reward for a job well done.…

Steps to Follow When You Are Making an Important Decision

When Larry was asked if he would be interested in taking over a distributorship for a locally produced line of Italian products, he thought it over carefully before he said yes. He knew the product was excellent and he himself enjoyed the spaghetti sauce and succulent meatballs whenever he had the chance but he wondered if he had what it would take to be responsible for delivering the goods to prospective customers. He researched storage possibilities for the huge volume of food he would be in charge of storing until he could line up clients who would contract with him for delivery. He was gratified to find a public warehouse that was not only affordable but offered great service as well. His area of distribution was mostly limited to the city and this facility specialized in Los Angeles fulfillment of orders in a prompt and efficient manner leaving Larry time to contact clients and arrange for new business.

Thinking things through is a must in every area of our life and it is always wise to weigh the pros and cons of every major decision before acting upon it. Rushes to judgment are most often seen in the personal areas of our lives and inflict the most pain upon our peace of mind and that of our loved ones. Many people have made a rash decision to get married for instance because they were infatuated and then discovered to their horror that the person they married was not at all as they imagined them to be. When considering a major lifestyle decision like getting married it is best to follow these suggestions:

• Give yourself time – It is not wise to rush into anything that requires a major commitment either from yourself or the other person unless you have taken the time to get to know and observe the person in all kinds of situations. When you date for awhile, you allow yourself the opportunity to see how that person will react to adversity and also how he or she will relate to you as you go through various trials in your own life. Whether kindness and consideration will prevail or indifference or impatience are displayed will give you a true picture of this person.

• Introduce this person to friends and family – Include your loved one in family events and celebrations so that he or she can develop a better appreciation of where you come from and how you have developed into the kind of person you are. This is also a good way for your family and friends to observe how the two of you interact and sometimes they are able to pick up on things that you may be blinded to that are definite warning signs that may signal trouble in the long run.

• Communicate as much as possible – This seems like it would be a given but actually many people are not …

Data centers need high-quality rack systems, and having them near Nashville can help them achieve this. Companies like LanLink Communications can provide these systems to customers to help them organize patch panels and wire management while mounting network equipment. Rack systems can be of two types: open-air and enclosed. In fact, these systems are commonly used in data centers, and they provide a number of benefits. Here are a few of those benefits.

Drive-in rack systems eliminate aisles in a warehouse

Drive-in rack systems, Nashville eliminate the need for aisles in a warehouse, allowing for more efficient storage density. Drive-in racks have no aisles, making them the densest static storage application available. See more photos of Drive-In systems at UNARCO’s photo gallery. Some benefits of drive-in racking include it being easier to find items and saving floor space.

Designed for a single or double aisle, drive-in rack systems increase density and reduce forklift operating aisles. The drive-in system allows forklifts to pass through the shelving from the back to the front, thereby increasing the number of pallets workers can pull at a time. Drive-in rack systems are the preferred choice for cold storage applications, where more density is needed.

Maximize productivity

You can increase your productivity by installing a good rack system in your warehouse. A good rack system is designed to maximize the horizontal space in your warehouse and minimize costs per position. Almost every warehouse stores some kind of commodity. Active distribution means that a forklift must circulate throughout the warehouse to pick up the items, which increases the risk of damaging the racks. There are several different types of racks. A drive-in pallet rack system will save you a great deal of space and allow for high-density storage.

Drive-in racking provides easy access to stored goods, and it can be customized to fit your needs. Drive-in systems can be ordered in either structural steel or roll-formed steel, and they are ideal for LIFO inventory management. A drawback of this system is that it can be difficult to rotate time-sensitive products. To avoid damage, make sure your rack system is structurally sound and has good support. It’s also important to check bearings and cartwheels for free-flowing moisture or liquids.

Cost-effective

When you’re looking for a warehouse storage system, you need to consider whether or not drive-in rack systems will meet your needs. Drive-in systems allow you to store more inventory than a shelf-supported system, and they are best for high-volume warehouses with low turnover rates. Drive-in rack systems are also advantageous for those looking for LIFO inventory management. Drive-in systems are more difficult to rotate time-sensitive products, so you should be sure to have structurally sound racks with adequate support. They’re also more prone to damage from forklifts. Bracing the front uprights is important, too.

If your existing racks have become rusted and discolored, a licensed professional can tear them down and install new ones. This way, you won’t have to spend money on additional racking. Afterward, …

Labor Law – Corporations and Companies Should Have Equal Bargaining Power with Labor Unions

There are people who are pro-business and those who are pro-union, for the rest of society, they just want everyone to get along, and don’t like to see power labor unions attack a company, nor do they wish to see big corporations cheat their workers out of an honest wage for a good days work. Okay so, this is not just a United States challenge, it’s a world-wide power struggle that is never ending between big labor and big business.

Indeed, if that doesn’t throw a giant bull in the proverbial China shop, I don’t know what would. So, let’s begin this debate shall we? Not long ago, a pro-union, pro-labor, and socialist leaning individual from a Middle Eastern Nation and I (me being a capitalist) got into a heated debate over the how capitalism worked. My antagonist was under the belief that workers and labor should have equal say in the company no matter what, and he stated;

“I believe in Central Bargaining among union and employers also.”

Okay, but if the workers are allowed to walk out and strike, the company should be allowed to tell them to never come back and hire a new batch of people too. Are you okay with the responsibility on the union side of things? Most people aren’t thus, there is no real negotiation, just union extortion, threats, etc. And if a union walks out and hurts the business, the owner should be allowed to deduct the pay from the workers for lost profits, if the workers do come back ever.

Therefore I ask the question, why do we have such lop-sided laws in the nation, and why are labor unions so likely to use strong-arm tactics to bully their way in negotiations? We need new labor laws in this country that allow for greater competition for employment, after all, if everyone wants to enjoy the fruits and abundance of capitalism, lets’ make it a competitive endeavor all the way around. Please consider all this.…

Planning to Buy Warehouse Shelves? Read This First

Warehouse shelving has gained significant importance over the period of years. In the past, there was only one size available, and they were mainly made of wood. But with recent trends, lots of significant changes have been made in warehouse shelving to cater to the different needs of diverse individuals. The most significant change is the materials used for making the shelves.

Nowadays the storage shelves are made of safe and sturdy materials that have the capacity to hold any type of goods. The wooden shelves of the past had several downsides. They used to chip or crack easily, and were also prone to fungus and termites. These issues have has been overcome by replacing wooden shelves with other materials that are free of these downsides and can hold heavier items. Also today’s warehouse shelving has a variety of big and small shelves than can hold the smallest as well as the largest things.

Warehouse shelving is also called as industrial racking. This requires certain specific rules of coding. It is essential to adhere to these set of rules and regulations. This is indispensable as your industrial racking will be inspected regularly and if your warehouse does not comply with these regulations then you will be served a citation that would make you part with a lot of money. So if you plan to continue with your industrial racking business, you must always have a complete set up in order to avoid any future embarrassments. Make sure that your shelving meets the requirement of the codes and complies with the size of your warehouse building area.

This can be achieved by seeking the services of a professional company that can offer you with great advice on which racks should be purchased and in what sizes they need to be purchased along with the arrangement in the interior of the warehouse. This will save you a lot of space and help you to stay away from trouble. The professional company will also provide you suggestions subsequent to a preliminary inspection in your premises.

Another important thing to consider is the type of warehouse equipment you must have. This is highly important to be able to reach the highly placed shelves to store or remove the goods. Purchasing an industrial rack will provide you with all the required equipment and tools for racking. With extensive equipment, you can reach up to a rack that is 11 metres in height. This will offer you full advantage of accessing all the spaces in your warehouse and would also help you to use it for storage without wasting any space in your warehouse.

Once you establish proper shelving in your warehouse, it becomes easier for you to provide various benefits to your customers such as maximum storage capacity, accurate delivery to the customers, perfect maintenance of goods until delivery, and so on. It also enables the businesses to maintain a proper record of the goods that come …

How Is A Secure Self Storage Our Responsibility As Well?

It’s undeniable that self storage brings so much convenience to our lives. However, with convenience comes a whole bunch of new worries, especially in terms of security issues. We often take for granted that the self storage company should be responsible for the security and we will just blame them if our things go missing. However, self storage security is our responsibility as well!

Lock

Most self storage companies will often recommend on what locks to be purchased. A good quality and sturdy lock that cannot be cut by a bolt cutter is an investment that must be made. Although it will definitely cost a lot more than simple locks, it provides a barrier that cannot be broken. Do make sure that you do not misplace the key to the lock. Some self storage companies may require you to leave a key with them in the event that you misplace yours so that the unit can still be opened. For added security, you can even consider using a sturdy number lock or even a biometric lock.

Mobile camera

If you are intending to store things that are extremely valuable, a very good security investment would be to install a mobile camera in your self storage unit. You are able to remotely control the camera by sending SMS instructions to it such as tilting and zooming and all these images can be viewed on your mobile phone or on your computer. Since the mobile camera uses a 3G sim card to work, it eliminates the need for cables and increasing the stealthiness of it. Monthly subscription charges are relatively affordable at around $7. Through the use of a mobile camera, any unofficial access to your units can be monitored real time and you can even capture the image of the intruder, making it easier to trace back your items if they get stolen.

Eliminate tailgaters

One common modus operandi of thieves is to tailgate a user and gain entry into the self storage facility. You should inculcate a habit of covering the keypad when you are keying in the access code into the self storage facility and always shut the gate before you move on even if someone is approaching the gate. Do not be nice by trying to hold the gate for them. If the person approaching is also a user of the facility, he will know the access code. In fact, he will even be grateful to you for reinforcing the security of the facility.

Total security of the self storage facility requires the cooperation of both the service provider and the customers. No matter how sophisticated the security features are, if the customer unknowingly invites potential thieves into the facility, things will still be stolen.…

Warehouse Consulting

Warehouse Consulting Services are a great way to improve your warehouse operations and/or design your distribution center. This includes maximizing material flow through a facility, minimizing operational costs (such as labor), maximizing productivity and order accuracy levels.

Improve your Warehouse Operations – here are some ways to help you bring value to your warehouse and distribution operations.

Benchmark warehouse operations and costs – Benchmarking is a tool that allows us to determine whether we are “On Course” or “Off Course” and measure progress in a very objective way. If we are “On Course” stay the course, if not; then determine what it will take to get back “On Course”. This is one of those simple yet powerful principles… You can’t manage what you can’t measure!

Benchmarking in logistics organizations enables the company to constantly monitor and assess its performance and operating techniques against other logistics practices both within a specific industry (Retail, Wholesale, etc.) and against best of class companies.

Implementing Benchmarking in a logistics operation involves using the following major steps:

1. Choose which process or processes to benchmark. The choice can be based upon which function in the logistics organization is the most expensive to perform, causes the most trouble or has the greatest impact on customer service.

2. Identify the key performance variables for the selected functions. These items can include efficiency (timing, cost, productivity, etc.), quality (errors, customer service parameters, etc.) or cost (cost of outbound transportation as a percentage of company sales, cost per unit sipped, etc.).

3. Document the current processes, steps required and operations flow observing all physical activities and supporting information system interactions. This documentation should be kept at a summary, high level so as not to get bogged down with detail.

4. Identify competitors and best-in-class companies with whom to compare benchmarks. Best-in-class information is relatively easy to obtain. Many companies are willing benchmark partners.

5. Decide which competitor or non-industry practices or measures would be the most beneficial to a company. Choices should be based upon strategic quality and/or customer service and not just for cost cutting.

Distribution Center Design

To achieve any of the above, you need to find powerful & experienced warehouse consultants that specialize in these areas. I would also recommend asking your proposed consultants to offer references, real life Case Stories to demonstrate their abilities and most importantly to take you on some warehouse tours to see some real world stories in action..

Design new facilities (including space calculations) or redesign existing operations

Produce CAD facility designs for both physical layout improvements and new facility designs

Deliver improved layouts and operating plans for distribution centers emphasizing materials flow, staffing & equipment

Specify material handling equipment, storage equipment and warehouse automation

Perform analysis and recommend materials handling systems, operations, engineered work standards and management productivity control systems

I would also recommend a consultant who is familiar with material handling systems design capabilities.…

Determining Whether it is Worth Joining a Warehouse Club

The economy has caused many families to become incredibly frugal with their money. The question is whether it is worth joining a warehouse club such as Sam’s Club, Costco, or BJ’s Club. Some families decide to cancel the memberships to save money while others question if it is worth joining or not.

How do they decide if it is worth it? The best way is to really compare prices and let the whole family take part. Decide the type of items you would purchase at the warehouse. The purchases could be just your non perishables or your food only or a combination.

When making the decision about the items to purchase some things should be taken into consideration. Make sure the warehouse location is close enough that it is not going to be an ordeal to get there. If it is too far, you will never go and your current grocery store will always win. Even if it is 5-10 miles away, for many that is too long especially if there is heavy traffic normally during the time they would go.

Take your storage availability into account. The non perishable items need a place with easy access to retrieve when you run out. If you will be purchasing items that can be frozen, take a look at your freezer and the amount of room available.

Once the decision concerning items to be purchased is made, go to your regular grocery store and write down the items you will be purchasing, price and quantity included. Get the kids involved and let them keep track. They will enjoy doing the math at the end to find out which store offers a better deal. Only keep track of items you purchase on a consistent basis. Items such as trash bags, laundry detergent, toilet bowl cleaner, toilet paper, Kleenex or napkins. Next, go to the warehouse even if you are not a member. Many warehouse clubs allow you to look around before you join. Take the time to compare the same items with price and quantity. Stick to the items you looked at your grocery store.

If you find it is cheaper to purchase at the warehouse, then decide how often you would purchase those items. Is the savings enough to justify the membership cost?

It is easy to get caught up in the quantity and variety the warehouse stores have to offer. Take a list with you just like you do the grocery store and stick to it. It is easy to buy more than you planned and then you are defeating the purpose of saving. Obviously, occasionally there will be great deals on items that were not on your list, but make sure you really need them and have a place to store them.…

How to Relax Into Success This Labor Day Holiday

Each year Americans celebrate the first Monday in September as a national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well being of the United States. Thanks to the planning of labor unions back in the late 1800s, workers in this country are awarded a “workingman’s holiday” or quite simply an extra day off for personal time. This was quite contrary to the notion of “working your fingers to the bone” that seemed to build a great nation. So what is it? Does time off from work really cut production? The answer to this question is not only surprising, it will give you back valuable time for your loved ones, personal hobbies and interests, vacations, and more!

If you’re the type of worker who believes you have no time for a “holiday,” let alone a day off from work, I’ve got news for you… This can be dangerous to your business, your family and your health!

The key to getting more done with less time is penciling in fifteen to twenty minute “Me Breaks” throughout your day and planning not just your work schedule, but also your personal time. The reason many people see ‘taking a break’ or a ‘day off’ as being lazy is because these same people don’t even schedule their work time. These people are just full on. The difference with having a schedule for work and personal time is that it allows you to plan your entire day and gain total control of your life

So if you haven’t done it yet, it’s not too late to plan some fun and relaxation this weekend. Go ahead…. you deserve a break today! Here are some action steps or ideas to help you have a wonderful and safe Labor Day weekend. And, you can use this holiday as a “Customer Appreciation” opportunity — hint, hint.

The obvious thing to do is throw a party, a barbecue or a picnic this Labor Day. Of course, invite family and friends; and also invite customers and clients. There’s nothing better to create customer loyalty than sharing fun times and allowing your customers to know you on a personal level. Ask your tax adviser about the tax write-off opportunity (see, I told you this was helpful for your bottom line.) However, don’t think about work, just relax and have fun; and remember a day off is not selling at your party. The important thing here is to just have fun.

To make this Labor Day easy on yourself, plan ahead to save time and avoid frustration. You may want to cook some of your dishes ahead of time. And you may also need to schedule time for decorating. You can even invite others to bring and share their favorite dish and recipe.

It is important to delegate some of the tasks; you don’t have to do it all by yourself. Kids love to help decorate and party plan. And …

The Prospect of Transition From Work in the Office to Work at Home

The prospect of transition from work in the office to work at home. At any time in the world there is a vacancy suited to your desires. Working in this position, you can implement any serious financial goal. If you have a strong desire to get good money, you should be active immediately.

A looking for job only at first glance it seems a simple process.

First, you need to present yourself as one of the objects of the labor market. The employer will evaluate you just as you evaluate any vending item before you buy it. Therefore, you must provide a way to “look and feel” to the buyer. To do this well you should know that the most important to the buyer, what his criteria of preference. This is especially important when you are pursuing rather severe financial goals.

In a global labor market is a growing trend of gradual transition from work in the office to work at home. Admit that you are working in an office, often caught yourself thinking: “This is what I do now; I could still do with great success at home, where one would not disturb me.”

You must have a clear idea about the state of the overall picture of supply and demand in the labor market in the light of the above trends. Submissions on the labor market are usually very large.

In this regard, a few tips that should be heeded:

1. Determine, above all, their preferences, i.e. their financial goal, work on their specialty, how many hours a week do you want to be employed and in what country you want to work. 2. Do not spend much time to looking for a job independently. Currently, there are many companies that have a solid database of vacancies; it is their business to find a suitable candidate to fulfill the order to another company for this search. Use them while your interests are aligned with their interests. 3. Fill up their simple forms (only tell what you think it possible to tell). Usually they ask your name, how to contact you (phone, email address), your specialty, financial goal, and the country where you want to work. No need to report on the first stage of your mailing address, age, and, all the more, any bank details. Avoid companies that require fill up complex and voluminous yourself, you would require from any additional information not related to the subject of the request. 4. Ask provide you with a list of vacancies on the basis of filled forms. A receiving lists of vacancies that match your requirements from various companies – this is the first important phase of job search. 5. Choose not more than five of the most suitable jobs to you from each list. 6. Next the most important phase of job search is your personal self-esteem and the answer to a question, but if you …

Mold remediation services in Morris County can quickly and safely remove the threat. They prioritize their customers’ and employees’ health and safety, so they document conditions and processes before starting work.

Mold is a fungus

If you notice funny odors or stains on your walls, chances are that you have some form of mold growing on your property. The best way to deal with this problem is to contact Restoration 1 for Mold Remediation Services. Mold is a fungus and requires professional help to eradicate. Calling Restoration 1 for mold remediation services in Morris County is the best way to prevent it from spreading in the future.

Professional mold remediation services include removing and mitigating the fungus and prevention techniques. They also address the underlying causes of the mold, including excess moisture in the crawlspace and other areas of the home. Professional remediation services may take a few days or even weeks, depending on the type and location of the mold. Fortunately, Restoration 1 offers emergency services, so you can call them whenever you notice a problem.

It is a fungal bacterium

The human body is host to several different fungi. These organisms eat organic matter, releasing too tiny spores to be seen with the naked eye. These spores then wind up on surfaces throughout your home. Fungi live in a network of multicellular fungi, or mycelium, which is the fungi’s home. Mycelium has a rigid cell wall to protect its spores, as do the septa.

During its early stages, mold appears as a tiny spot confined to one area. However, the mold spores are live and will continue to multiply if you leave them unchecked. A small patch of mold can grow to the size of a sheet of paper if you don’t treat it immediately. A water-bleach compound can be used to remove surface mold. If you see multiple spots, the mold may have spread throughout the food.

It is a fungus

Fortunately, it is not difficult to prevent the growth of mold. You can avoid it by keeping the bathroom and kitchen cabinets and countertops dry and sealed. Avoid moist bedding and curtains, and regularly clean your mattress and other items. Keep your windows closed to prevent water damage and mold growth. The cold drafts in winter will cause the glass to sweat. If this moisture continues to sit, mold spores can quickly propagate.

Full-service mold remediation services in Morris County can help mold remediation, including prevention techniques and addressing the underlying causes. For example, water and moisture are the most common causes of mold growth; if these factors are not addressed, the problem will return. In addition, mold growth typically proliferates in hard-to-reach places and can make cleaning difficult. Using a professional mold restoration company will eliminate the problem for good.

It is a bacterium

What’s the difference between mold and bacteria? In simple terms, mold is a type of fungus. Both fungi and bacteria have spores. However, a fungus spore has a nucleus, whereas …

Racism, Immigration Reform, and Disenfranchising Minority Voters

As election season approaches, we are seeing a lot of ugly politics surrounding voting and immigration aimed at disenfranchising people who are traditionally seen as liberal voters. New laws have been passed or are being debated in a number of states with the explicit goal of stopping people from taking part in the democratic process.

The first nasty trick being pulled is harsh immigration laws (most notably in Arizona). These laws allow officers to randomly stop anyone they suspect of being an illegal immigrant regardless of whether they him of having committed a crime. It also gives police broader deportation powers and criminalizes being in the United States without a new green card, perm labor certification, or like document.

The Obama administration is assembling a team that features many a US immigration lawyer, as well as constitutional law experts to fight the Arizona law. It is clear the law is going to disproportionally effect Mexican-Americans, even individuals with legal green card status. It will also lead to an increase in crime because no Mexican-Americans will report crime due to fear of deportation. Tension between the Mexican-American community and the police will rise.

The people behind these laws claim that they are designed to prevent crime and illegal immigration, but their real intension is clear. They hate Mexicans and want them to leave America, even those who have new green card statuses.

The same could be said about voting reform laws, which are up for debate in several states where Republicans hold state office and have a majority in both state houses. They want to make laws requiring people to provide ID and other information to vote. Previously, proof of residency (a college ID or utility bill) was the only thing needed to vote. They claim this is an anti-fraud measure but there has not been a notable instance of voter fraud in this country for decades.

They also want to cut down on grass roots voter registration and early voting. They are targeting young voters, old voters, and minority voters (all left-leaning groups) and trying to stop them from participating in the democratic process. Instead of applying to more voters they are trying to stop democracy from working.

Redistricting is another attempt by Republicans to stop democracy from working. They draw up voting district maps along racial and economic lines to try to limit the impact of minority and liberal voters. They don’t care about green card status, citizenship or voter fraud. There one goal is keeping liberals away from the polls.…

Why Are Warehouses Always Places of Violence in Movies?

Does any location get as a bad a reputation from the movies as warehouses do? Think about it, they’re essential to modern life yet movies like The Departed, Kick-***, Layer Cake, Unknown, Hard Boiled, Shoot ’em Up, etc… all show warehouses as havens for criminals to do bad things. They should be celebrated for getting us everything we need to stay alive (food and other goods) in an efficient and timely fashion.

So why is this? Why does a place that’s so integral to everyday life get such a bum rap?

1. Isolation – you’re rarely going to see a warehouse in the heart of downtown; they’re usually on the outskirts away from ears and the centralized police forces. To somebody who’s not a criminal, it seems like it would be the ideal place to commit crimes. Movies are all about allowing the audience to project their thoughts onto the characters up on the screen. Obviously, something about warehouse violence just makes sense to the people who watch these movies.

2. “Cold” Surroundings – warehouses in movies are typically relatively uncluttered. Just like the old saying, “a place for everything and everything in its place,” movie warehouses are heavily organized and typically lack any characteristics that make it unique. They’re coldly efficient, have a distinct workflow to them that characters can work their way through, have lots of places for a quick rest and to duck behind and are filled with machines that can dispose of any “messes.”

3. Common Perceptions – like it or not, people think they’re shady places, run by shady people. Take a hyper-violent movie like Kick-*** for example, where a crime boss headquarters his operations from a warehouse. Or in The Departed where the Boston Mafia centers its operations around one as well. Warehouses may be great, well-run businesses but they just can’t shake the perception that they’re a front for something nefarious.

4. Isolated Real-life Incidents – perform a Google search for “Warehouse Violence” and you’ll be treated to a cavalcade of stories about shootings in a city’s “warehouse district” or results for arsons and murders that have taken place. Sometimes it only takes a couple bad eggs to spoil the bunch.

5. When it Comes Down to it, It Just Looks Cool – watch an early John Woo movie and focus on the stark contrast between the cold backdrop mentioned above and the mess of violence. It can be breathtaking to behold. In their essence, movies are just supposed to entertain us visually and warehouses provide a great setting for that (if you’re into violent movies).

There is a bright spot on TV though, where NBC’s The Office includes a warehouse with smart hardworking people, where fun events like jam sessions and basketball games can take place to let people blow off some workday steam.…

Organizing Your Space Through Warehouse Racking Systems

Nothing is more frustrating than working in a place that’s cramped, unorganized and unmanageable. There are in fact many work spaces, warehouses and even homes packed with so many things that believe it or not, not everything inside the place is worth keeping or being used regularly. This is where a warehouse racking system can help you to organize all of your belongings in a manageable way. Because the last thing that you would want done is to empty out your house out just to get everything organized.

If you are now on the verge of calling people to clean up your house, office or storage space, your money would be better spent visiting the nearest home improvement store in your area and purchasing the right tools to organize your belongings yourself. Chances are, home improvement experts would recommend using warehouse racking systems to get things organized and clutter free. However, if you own a business that needs serious organization to display your items efficiently, then these warehouse racks are the best solution. Finding the best kinds of warehouse racking systems can help a store owner like you, which is often the perfect accessory when it comes to making sure that all your items are in good selling condition.

Be certain that you are aware of the size and weight of your merchandise so that you can buy the best racking system available. As soon as you have this information, your shopping will be effortless. Once you have purchased all the racks that you need for your shop, warehouse or home, it’s now time to consider the best place to display your racking system to maximize the most space. Of course it is best to do an ocular inspection of the place to decide where you would like your warehouse racking systems installed or put up.

If you are one who doesn’t have a knack for installing things, then it would be best to contact experts who can set up the racks for you. Of course, if you are into trying new things out, feel free to put up the warehouse racking systems while keeping in mind that you should always adhere to the safety measures in the work area. Just make sure that you are ready for this job and that your work will not collapse after sometime. If you do not want to risk experiencing such things, then step aside and let the experts handle the project.…

How to Have an Easy Birth – 3 Exercises to Have a Less Painful Labour

Becoming pregnant can be both a time of joy and a time of uncertainty. If this is your first pregnancy your body will be going through a transformation for the first time and this can feel a little strange. Closer to the time of delivery you may experience premature contractions. You can view this as your body’s way of helping you become prepared for what to expect on that glorious day when your baby makes his or her appearance.:)

The question of how to have an easy birth is a common one. There are exercises that you can do to make labour less painful and the experience more of a joy.

Each woman will experience pregnancy and labour in her own way…while some may tolerate the pain well, others may need help dealing with the contractions. Therefore, taking the appropriate steps during your pregnancy in order to prepare yourself for the day of the delivery should always be at the forefront of your mind. Yoga is an exercise that prepares the body and the mind in order to release stress and embrace calm state. It takes an individual through various exercises to increase flexibility and peacefulness.

However, yoga can be challenging and thus there is an altered form of yoga called pregnancy yoga which is specifically designed for the health and safety of pregnant women.

Walking is also a great exercise. The entire body gets a work-out without the impact of running or jumping jacks. All you need is a comfortable pair of walking shoes and loose-fitting clothes and you are on your way to feeling better and helping prepare yourself for an easier labour.

Moreover, you are preparing your body to be stronger during and after childbirth, which will speed up your post-pregnancy recovery. Start out with three days of walking for 30 minutes then you can increase days and times as you feel fit.

Another beneficial exercise to help ease childbirth is swimming. Some women actually find swimming easier and more beneficial than walking. Swimming on a regular basis provides an entire body workout with no impact. Your body weight is reduced because of the water, and you can work against the water, creating resistance, making it an effective workout.

It’s also a great way to get out and not join a special pregnancy swimming class at your local pool. Meeting up with other moms-to-be is a super way to share your experiences and get some added motivation.

Staying fit during your pregnancy will help when the delivery day comes. While the above tips are will help you out when deciding how to have an easy birth, make sure to get the green light from your doctor before starting any exercise regimen.…

Tips For A Successful Apparel And Accessories Distribution Business

Earning your living by picking and choosing the latest trends in fashion and accessories could be a dream come true for many people. In fact, many people have a special talent for this type of of occupation. Learn how your love of fashionable clothing and accessories could turn into a successful business.

Years ago, traders and barterers set the path for modern retailer businesses. Your role as a distributor would involve price negotiations with your suppliers. Getting your merchandise at the lowest cost is an important part of making a profit. Avoiding piled up and unsold merchandise in your warehouse is always best.

Consider the financial part of your business. Getting started means you purchase a start up inventory. The potential distributor should begin making a list of all prospective vendors for the purchase of usable merchandise. Securing the services of a trusted accountant is a good idea as well. Keep in mind the addition of accessories and jewelry to your garment shipment as well.

Most clothing and accessory warehouses consist of several departments for separating, preparing, and shipping merchandise. One department might hang clothing while another sorted and packed belts and costume jewelry. Researching the most successful process for the sorting and shipping of your inventory is vital to profitable operations. You might consider available software for allowing you step-by-step instructions for the most important parts of your business.

Choosing a special area of sales could be a part of your business plans. However, if you are considering apparel, accessories, and jewelry, you might keep in mind the more variety you maintain, the better sales you will make. Another important part of specializing in the distribution of clothing and accessories is staying on top of the latest styles and trends.

Larger apparel distributing companies generally hire buyers for dealing with the purchase of new merchandise. These are the people you should trust in choosing the best of the best. Making sure you have meetings about what you want and what your buyers have come across in the industry is important and recommended by successful professionals.

Being a successful clothing distributor means you staying ahead of the competition. Keeping a close eye on what your competition will allow you the advantage of getting ahead. Hiring only the employees you know you can trust to help you maintain smooth operation is another way you can ensure success, even if you only have a few people in your entire business.…

Getting Your Cervix Ready for Labor

As the time for your birth approaches you may feel anxious, wondering if there is any way to make your labor easier. The answer is a definite YES! Starting at 38 weeks pregnant there are some very real steps you can take to make your labor progress more smoothly and lower the risk of a c-section. These very simple actions that can be done in the comfort of your home will put you on the road to a successful and easier delivery.

Not to be too graphic, but your cervix is a bit like a peach. It needs to be soft and ripe to be ready for labor. In the last weeks of your pregnancy your body produces prostaglandins to help soften the cervix and prepare it for labor. You can actually give your body a helping hand with this by taking Evening Primrose oil capsules beginning at 37 weeks pregnant.

Evening Primrose Oil capsules contains a prostaglandin that helps your cervix to soften and become favorable for labor. Evening Primrose oil will not cause contractions or send you into labor. It’s main function is to ripen the cervix, making it soft and ready to open once labor has begun. If you are looking at a possible induction Evening Primrose oil will make an induction much more likely to succeed. This is a safe and natural alternative to induction agents such as cervadil. If order to achieve maximum effectiveness you must begin Using the Evening Primrose Oil capsule’s 1-2 weeks prior to delivery.

The capsules look like large vitamin E pills. They will not make you nauseous and can be taken on an empty stomach. I recommend you get capsules that are 1300 – 1500 mg. Take three capsules daily starting at 37 weeks in your pregnancy. An additional side benefit of taking the Evening Primrose oil capsule is that your hair will be very shiny. Once you have reached 39 weeks gestation, in addition to taking the capsules orally you can insert 3 capsules vaginally at bedtime. The capsules will completely dissolve. Try to lay on your side for at least 30 minutes after you insert the capsules. This will allow the Evening Primrose oil to sit on your cervix and do it’s important work.

If your cervix is soft and ripe when your contractions start it will help to shorten the length of your labor. The uterus will no longer have to do the pre-work of softening the cervix and can move on to the important business of opening the cervix. This will mean a much shorter, less painful labor. Allowing you a glimpse of the precious baby you have waited so long to see.…