if we talk about finance of company there are a complex system to account it because there are so many components of finance like salary, properties, debit, credit, capital. All components are important for company because it can effect on the company life, but from there is one component that critical in relation with society life. It's salary for every single person.
Salary has some supporting components and one of them is tax. To account the tax needed a good software like Turbo Tax for accurate tax handling. Need more than ordinary software to handle all work about taxes especially if the number of employee is a big number and one of software that can do all of that is TurboTax Tax Software. there are more benefit that can achieve than other similar programs. May be some company have a focus on price of software with minimum attention to the function and benefit, but actually the TurboTax Tax Preparation 2008 will give more power to handle all taxes jobs. So let you try out this software before you buy the tax software.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
Legal Service
When we talk about legal service, our mind will directly think about lawyer or advocate. Even we found only one name as representative, but actually they never work alone because to handle a case they need a set of team especially for big cases. Even legal service is easy to be founded in every city but still there are some questions about them especially about fee for every case of client.
If you need a legal service before you come to their office, may be you can find as much as possible about their capability. Information of friends, internet, newspaper or other trusted source should be collected as our reference. For easier way you can find using internet and track the lawyer in your city for example you can track lawyer in New York, Jersey or Los Angeles.
I am sure in every city there are some famous name in legal service world, may be we can found their popularity in the television or newspaper. About fee of legal service I think it’s can be negotiated between client and lawyer so it’s not impossible if we can get lower fee base on beginning deal. The important thing is smooth communication between client and lawyer to solve the case first
If you need a legal service before you come to their office, may be you can find as much as possible about their capability. Information of friends, internet, newspaper or other trusted source should be collected as our reference. For easier way you can find using internet and track the lawyer in your city for example you can track lawyer in New York, Jersey or Los Angeles.
I am sure in every city there are some famous name in legal service world, may be we can found their popularity in the television or newspaper. About fee of legal service I think it’s can be negotiated between client and lawyer so it’s not impossible if we can get lower fee base on beginning deal. The important thing is smooth communication between client and lawyer to solve the case first
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Company Cares Green
Day by day there are so many companies who care about global warning. They care because we live in the earth and now the condition is not close to danger situation. Pollution becomes wider and closer to limitation and nothing can stop it except all of us.
We can see there are some bad culture of human like never manage waste, using dangerous material. Now companies try to build a commitment to save the earth from destruction. No more”Company sells blinds for people” because we have business for human wealth, not for destructing people and earth”
They try to care about greeneries with plant tree which can shades and give fresh air to environment. Beside that company will maximize the usage of eco friendly material because some market has requirement about eco material.
We can start to help supporting company’s program with small thing like care about cleanness of our working and try to manage our waste. For example; we arrange some program for window treatments, floor treatments and provide at least 2 kinds of bin; for organic waste and an-organic waste. If we have full commitment on this we will have a good habit for our better future
We can see there are some bad culture of human like never manage waste, using dangerous material. Now companies try to build a commitment to save the earth from destruction. No more”Company sells blinds for people” because we have business for human wealth, not for destructing people and earth”
They try to care about greeneries with plant tree which can shades and give fresh air to environment. Beside that company will maximize the usage of eco friendly material because some market has requirement about eco material.
We can start to help supporting company’s program with small thing like care about cleanness of our working and try to manage our waste. For example; we arrange some program for window treatments, floor treatments and provide at least 2 kinds of bin; for organic waste and an-organic waste. If we have full commitment on this we will have a good habit for our better future
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Buy Ticket
Every music concert or sport match especially for international tournament commonly has a good preparation to promote their event. They has some promotion way like television, radio, direct public advertising and internet. The best promotion way is depended on the power of event or the scale of event like local / region / international event.
The purpose of this promotion is selling as much as possible event ticket so every existing resource used to achive this goal. We can found that the event organizer provide some ticket box on the strategic place like theater, mall, music shopor sport shop. Beside working offline, usually the provide special website as promotion and receive online order including payment.
Using internet with online ticket buying can make costumer become happy because they don't have to stay in sequence just to buy the ticket. They just open the recomended site, check the avaibility of tickets and the buy it. They can pay with their credit card and it's mean they can pay the ticket later on the due date of credit card.
The purpose of this promotion is selling as much as possible event ticket so every existing resource used to achive this goal. We can found that the event organizer provide some ticket box on the strategic place like theater, mall, music shopor sport shop. Beside working offline, usually the provide special website as promotion and receive online order including payment.
Using internet with online ticket buying can make costumer become happy because they don't have to stay in sequence just to buy the ticket. They just open the recomended site, check the avaibility of tickets and the buy it. They can pay with their credit card and it's mean they can pay the ticket later on the due date of credit card.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Camera Digital
When I go to Shanghai two years ago I borrowed my friend’s digital camera. At that time that is the best compact digital camera as I knew, because He bought it when he stay at Japan for six month for job training. The red camera with brand Sony and its feature 5 MP became the pioneer of resolution changes. When he back to Indonesia with this camera I can’t found the series of camera in the famous camera shop so I thought maybe this series didn’t sold in Indonesia.
Now there are so many brand and featured offered to costumer. Some brand show their dust and water proof for protection, some brand raise their power of Mega Pixel and the other show their lowest price, anti hand shake and video feature. Each brand could claim their product as the best travel digital camera but the selling point still on the hand of customer.
For we as ordinary people what we need just a simple camera but enrich with benefit features to capture our important moment. So market share for pocket digital camera is bigger than professional type. Because of pocket camera digital has single and fix lens system so the one of important thing to check before buying camera is how wide the lens can capture the object. My opinion on the next competition there are some brand that show their product power capturing wide screen object. The best wide angle digital camera will be a good competition for provider survival.
Now there are so many brand and featured offered to costumer. Some brand show their dust and water proof for protection, some brand raise their power of Mega Pixel and the other show their lowest price, anti hand shake and video feature. Each brand could claim their product as the best travel digital camera but the selling point still on the hand of customer.
For we as ordinary people what we need just a simple camera but enrich with benefit features to capture our important moment. So market share for pocket digital camera is bigger than professional type. Because of pocket camera digital has single and fix lens system so the one of important thing to check before buying camera is how wide the lens can capture the object. My opinion on the next competition there are some brand that show their product power capturing wide screen object. The best wide angle digital camera will be a good competition for provider survival.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Translation of Business Contract
Multilateral treatment is a good way to grow our business because we can get more costumers for our product. We can sell more numbers of products as per their request. Before you deal with foreign costumer, better if you make a business contract that including all right of both sides with clear definition.
One of problem that commonly faced during business contract making is language. This could happen when one side (costumer / seller) didn’t communicate in same language for example English. So what have to do? Should be used translator to solve this problem. For example there are two companies, from India and Arab, will make business contract for long term. Both companies ask independent translator to make a business contract in two versions with India translation and Arabic translation.
The translation will look to be very important when the business contract is made with regional language like Farsi and Hindi. There will be each regional language version for these: Hindi translation and Farsi translation.
One of problem that commonly faced during business contract making is language. This could happen when one side (costumer / seller) didn’t communicate in same language for example English. So what have to do? Should be used translator to solve this problem. For example there are two companies, from India and Arab, will make business contract for long term. Both companies ask independent translator to make a business contract in two versions with India translation and Arabic translation.
The translation will look to be very important when the business contract is made with regional language like Farsi and Hindi. There will be each regional language version for these: Hindi translation and Farsi translation.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Build your Site Map online
(XML, ROR, Text, HTML)
This website is to let you:
Create an XML sitemap format that can be submitted to Google to help them crawl your website better.
Create a Text sitemap to submit to Yahoo.
Create a ROR sitemap, which is an independant XML format for any search engine.
Generate an HTML site map to allow human visitors to easily navigate on your website.
Here are 4 simple steps to get it done
Enter your full website URL and some optional parameters in the form below.
Press 'Start' button and wait until the site is completely crawled (the progress will be indicated)
You will see the generated sitemap details page, including number of pages, broken links list, XML file content and link to a compressed sitemap. Download the sitemap file using this link and put it into the "public_html/" folder of your site.
Go to your Google Webmaster account and add your sitemap URL.
Please check About Google sitemaps page for more info.
This website is to let you:
Create an XML sitemap format that can be submitted to Google to help them crawl your website better.
Create a Text sitemap to submit to Yahoo.
Create a ROR sitemap, which is an independant XML format for any search engine.
Generate an HTML site map to allow human visitors to easily navigate on your website.
Here are 4 simple steps to get it done
Enter your full website URL and some optional parameters in the form below.
Press 'Start' button and wait until the site is completely crawled (the progress will be indicated)
You will see the generated sitemap details page, including number of pages, broken links list, XML file content and link to a compressed sitemap. Download the sitemap file using this link and put it into the "public_html/" folder of your site.
Go to your Google Webmaster account and add your sitemap URL.
Please check About Google sitemaps page for more info.
LIFE STYLE TIPS
1. Start with a food diary. Record everything you eat. This will help you to understand just how much you eat
2. If you’re about to cheat…it’s O.K. Allow yourself the treat but eat only half
3. When hunger hits do not eat right away. Wait 10 minutes and see if the urge passes.
4. Instead of eating a piece of candy, brush your teeth. The taste of the toothpaste will often stop your craving
5. Set attainable short term goals.
6. Be aware that watching T.V. encourages snacking. If you can’t stop watching T.V. then at least try to make your snacks healthy and low in fat. (the book ‘Get Fit Stay Fit’ has a great section on treats under 100 kcal.)
7. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily. It helps cut down on water retention by acting as a diuretic and will make you feel full it taken before a meal.
8. When a craving hits, try to do something else…anything. Phone a friend or walk around the block. Do anything that will take your mind off the cravings.
9. Keep an orange slice or a glass of water by your bedside to help stop you from getting up in the middle of the night and heading to the refrigerator.
10. If you use food as a reward, find another reward like buying new clothes or flowers for yourself.
11. If you feel yourself ready to really binge…suck on something sour like a pickle or a piece of lemon.
12. Do not shop when you are hungry, because you will buy fattening food.
13. Avoid finger foods. They are too easy to eat in large amounts
14. Keep plenty of raw vegetables and air popped popcorn around. They’re high in fibre, satisfying and filling.
15. Eat at a table and not in front of the T.V.
16. Lose weight for yourself and not for anyone else.
17. Never skip meals. Schedule all your meals and snacks at regular intervals so you don’t get hungry in between
18. Try to avoid sugar. It tends to increase your cravings
19. Plan your meals. A weekly planner is ideal
20. Eat breakfast to start your day and body off right.
21. Skip the mayonnaise on your sandwich and save 50 to 100 kcal.
22. Park a few blocks from your work. The walk will do you good. Parking just 5 minutes away from work will add an hour of exercise per week and ultimately 10,000 kcal. or the equivalent of 3 pounds of fat. Take the stairs instead of the elevator…providing you don’t work of the 42nd floor. This will burn about 7 kcal. per minute.
23. Soup is like water. It’ll fill you up, so that you will eat less of the main course. Choose clear soups rather than creamed.
24. Skip the chips and dip at parties and go for the unbuttered popcorn.
25. Get rid of the snacks that are around, because if they’re not there, you can’t eat them.
26. If you’re really lucky, have sex before breakfast! It’ll burn about 200 kcal and hopefully get your mind off food.
27. Have some protein following a workout. It will satisfy you and help balance your blood sugar levels.
28. Eat more frequently but in smaller amounts
29. Women need to make sure they get enough calcium and iron. They need about 700 –800 mgs. Of calcium and 13 mgs. of iron.
30. Exercise can temporarily raise your metabolic rate so that you continue to burn calories for several hours after your workout.
31. All bread is low in fat. It’s what you put on the bread that really counts.
32. Avoid adding salt. It retains 10 times its weight in water and leads to bloating and extra pounds.
33. Replace caffeinated beverages with water.
34. Out of sight out of mind. Get rid of all the high fat, high calorie snacks in your kitchen or in your desk at work.
35. Eat a grapefruit. It’s not only low in calories but also contains 15 grams of pectin, the special fibre that is linked to lowering cholesterol and fat.
36. The body burns 22 to 25 kcal. to digest 100 grams of complex carbohydrates but burns only 2 kcal to digest the same amount of fat. This means 98% of fat can turn right into body fat while only 75 to 78 percent would be available from complex carbohydrates.
37. Eat fewer dairy foods and make sure what you eat are non fat or skim
38. Change from butter to margarine or better yet, nothing at all.
39. Eliminate fried foods. Instead broil, poach, roast, steam or barbecue.
40. When grocery shopping, make a list so you know exactly what you are going to buy and stick to it.
41. Be label conscious. Read about the ingredients, the nutrition information and percent of fat in the food.
42. But and eat well trimmed lean meats and consider eating smaller portions.
43. Cut back on oils, dressings, gravy and sauces or at least ask for them on the side.
44. Phrases that signal low fat preparation are, steamed in its own juice, garden fresh, broiled, roasted, poached, tomato juice/sauce
45. High sodium food terms to watch for are, pickled, smoked, in cocktail sauce and broth.
46. High fat food terms may include, buttery, creamed, in its own gravy, hollandaise or bernese sauce, sautéed, fried, crispy, au gratin, marinated, in oil, basted and casserole.
47. Do not put serving dishes on the table. Let the remaining food stay in the kitchen.
48. Quick weight loss programs rarely produce the best long-term results, and can be very dangerous. Instead of crash dieting, try to increase your lean muscle mass. One pound of muscle burns 39.6 calories per kilogram per day while one pound of fat burns just 4.4 calories per kilogram per day.
49. Remember good things come in small packages. Try to eat 6 smaller meals per day instead of three larger meals. Also try to consume 15 to 30 grams of protein per each meal. Doing this will result in improved muscle growth and better endurance while also helping digestion.
50. In ancient Arabic the word coffee means, gives strength. While caffeine can give you a boost, too much can leave you feeling fidgety and fatigued.
51. To be the best…rest. If you are lifting heavy weights, be sure to rest between sets and give your body time to recover. Also do not work the same muscle group two days in a row. Your muscles grow when you're resting not when you're working out.
52.Breathe…Breathe…Breathe…Remember aerobic exercise is sustained physical activity that requires oxygen for fuel, lasts for a minimum of 20 minutes and causes an elevation in your heart rate.
53.Trying to keep up with the Jones's can be hazardous to your health. You don't have to lift more or stretch farther than others in the gym. Simply focus on improving the quality and quantity of your own movements.
54.Don't be a copycat. Trying to mimic others more advanced then you can lead to frustration and injury.
55.Athletes are often judged by their accomplishments. What you should think about is if you've tried your best. It's called 'heart'.
56.Start by doing what's necessary, then what's possible and before you know it you can do what you thought was once impossible.
57. Exercise makes your heart work more efficient. If you incorporate an aerobic program into your daily routine you can decrease your heart rate by more than three million beats per year.
I know you want to get in shape and look great. Whatever your fitness goal…to slim down…gain muscle…tone your arms or flatten your tummy…I’m here to help you accomplish your goals and to improve your fitness level. You will learn how to select and combine your diet with exercise, so that you can be the best you can be.
2. If you’re about to cheat…it’s O.K. Allow yourself the treat but eat only half
3. When hunger hits do not eat right away. Wait 10 minutes and see if the urge passes.
4. Instead of eating a piece of candy, brush your teeth. The taste of the toothpaste will often stop your craving
5. Set attainable short term goals.
6. Be aware that watching T.V. encourages snacking. If you can’t stop watching T.V. then at least try to make your snacks healthy and low in fat. (the book ‘Get Fit Stay Fit’ has a great section on treats under 100 kcal.)
7. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily. It helps cut down on water retention by acting as a diuretic and will make you feel full it taken before a meal.
8. When a craving hits, try to do something else…anything. Phone a friend or walk around the block. Do anything that will take your mind off the cravings.
9. Keep an orange slice or a glass of water by your bedside to help stop you from getting up in the middle of the night and heading to the refrigerator.
10. If you use food as a reward, find another reward like buying new clothes or flowers for yourself.
11. If you feel yourself ready to really binge…suck on something sour like a pickle or a piece of lemon.
12. Do not shop when you are hungry, because you will buy fattening food.
13. Avoid finger foods. They are too easy to eat in large amounts
14. Keep plenty of raw vegetables and air popped popcorn around. They’re high in fibre, satisfying and filling.
15. Eat at a table and not in front of the T.V.
16. Lose weight for yourself and not for anyone else.
17. Never skip meals. Schedule all your meals and snacks at regular intervals so you don’t get hungry in between
18. Try to avoid sugar. It tends to increase your cravings
19. Plan your meals. A weekly planner is ideal
20. Eat breakfast to start your day and body off right.
21. Skip the mayonnaise on your sandwich and save 50 to 100 kcal.
22. Park a few blocks from your work. The walk will do you good. Parking just 5 minutes away from work will add an hour of exercise per week and ultimately 10,000 kcal. or the equivalent of 3 pounds of fat. Take the stairs instead of the elevator…providing you don’t work of the 42nd floor. This will burn about 7 kcal. per minute.
23. Soup is like water. It’ll fill you up, so that you will eat less of the main course. Choose clear soups rather than creamed.
24. Skip the chips and dip at parties and go for the unbuttered popcorn.
25. Get rid of the snacks that are around, because if they’re not there, you can’t eat them.
26. If you’re really lucky, have sex before breakfast! It’ll burn about 200 kcal and hopefully get your mind off food.
27. Have some protein following a workout. It will satisfy you and help balance your blood sugar levels.
28. Eat more frequently but in smaller amounts
29. Women need to make sure they get enough calcium and iron. They need about 700 –800 mgs. Of calcium and 13 mgs. of iron.
30. Exercise can temporarily raise your metabolic rate so that you continue to burn calories for several hours after your workout.
31. All bread is low in fat. It’s what you put on the bread that really counts.
32. Avoid adding salt. It retains 10 times its weight in water and leads to bloating and extra pounds.
33. Replace caffeinated beverages with water.
34. Out of sight out of mind. Get rid of all the high fat, high calorie snacks in your kitchen or in your desk at work.
35. Eat a grapefruit. It’s not only low in calories but also contains 15 grams of pectin, the special fibre that is linked to lowering cholesterol and fat.
36. The body burns 22 to 25 kcal. to digest 100 grams of complex carbohydrates but burns only 2 kcal to digest the same amount of fat. This means 98% of fat can turn right into body fat while only 75 to 78 percent would be available from complex carbohydrates.
37. Eat fewer dairy foods and make sure what you eat are non fat or skim
38. Change from butter to margarine or better yet, nothing at all.
39. Eliminate fried foods. Instead broil, poach, roast, steam or barbecue.
40. When grocery shopping, make a list so you know exactly what you are going to buy and stick to it.
41. Be label conscious. Read about the ingredients, the nutrition information and percent of fat in the food.
42. But and eat well trimmed lean meats and consider eating smaller portions.
43. Cut back on oils, dressings, gravy and sauces or at least ask for them on the side.
44. Phrases that signal low fat preparation are, steamed in its own juice, garden fresh, broiled, roasted, poached, tomato juice/sauce
45. High sodium food terms to watch for are, pickled, smoked, in cocktail sauce and broth.
46. High fat food terms may include, buttery, creamed, in its own gravy, hollandaise or bernese sauce, sautéed, fried, crispy, au gratin, marinated, in oil, basted and casserole.
47. Do not put serving dishes on the table. Let the remaining food stay in the kitchen.
48. Quick weight loss programs rarely produce the best long-term results, and can be very dangerous. Instead of crash dieting, try to increase your lean muscle mass. One pound of muscle burns 39.6 calories per kilogram per day while one pound of fat burns just 4.4 calories per kilogram per day.
49. Remember good things come in small packages. Try to eat 6 smaller meals per day instead of three larger meals. Also try to consume 15 to 30 grams of protein per each meal. Doing this will result in improved muscle growth and better endurance while also helping digestion.
50. In ancient Arabic the word coffee means, gives strength. While caffeine can give you a boost, too much can leave you feeling fidgety and fatigued.
51. To be the best…rest. If you are lifting heavy weights, be sure to rest between sets and give your body time to recover. Also do not work the same muscle group two days in a row. Your muscles grow when you're resting not when you're working out.
52.Breathe…Breathe…Breathe…Remember aerobic exercise is sustained physical activity that requires oxygen for fuel, lasts for a minimum of 20 minutes and causes an elevation in your heart rate.
53.Trying to keep up with the Jones's can be hazardous to your health. You don't have to lift more or stretch farther than others in the gym. Simply focus on improving the quality and quantity of your own movements.
54.Don't be a copycat. Trying to mimic others more advanced then you can lead to frustration and injury.
55.Athletes are often judged by their accomplishments. What you should think about is if you've tried your best. It's called 'heart'.
56.Start by doing what's necessary, then what's possible and before you know it you can do what you thought was once impossible.
57. Exercise makes your heart work more efficient. If you incorporate an aerobic program into your daily routine you can decrease your heart rate by more than three million beats per year.
I know you want to get in shape and look great. Whatever your fitness goal…to slim down…gain muscle…tone your arms or flatten your tummy…I’m here to help you accomplish your goals and to improve your fitness level. You will learn how to select and combine your diet with exercise, so that you can be the best you can be.
Being cyber/internet addict? Be careful!
You know drug addiction. But what is internet or cyber addiction? You may also call it being over cyber crazy. This happened to me. In this article, I am going to let you know you about how this happened to me, effected my health, lifestyle and I wasted my time but latter I managed to return to normal life( Yes, I call that life abnormal). This may happen to anyone.
am very crazy about technologies. From the time I entered into the world of cyber, I started being attracted more and more day by day to the world. This was good thing in one way. Because the more I was crazy, the more I discovered new things and increased my knowledge. That habit turned negative when I started to spend more than 10 hours continously without leaving the chair even if I didn't have anything special things to do. Everyday I used to spend at least five hours continously and didn't have attention whether I ate, drank, slept, went to college and many more. I termed this habit addiction because it had effected me psychologically
I use to spend my time on the internet every day and if I didn't sit before computer and browse internet one day, then different type of wave used to run in my body and mind. I used to feel as being unsatisfied of one or another thing and be offmooded. This was not only. After spending some time on the internet, I didn't use to have desire to leave the computer. My mind used to tell me that you must stay here. If you do not have anything special to do, just look for different sites by searching Google. What happened to me next then?
I started having back problem, eye problem, unbalanced sleeping, untimed meal and bad health condition. This also had effected my daily works- sometime absent in my classes, no interest to do other things than browsing internet, and negative effect in my whole lifestyle.
But I always take care of myself and look for immediate solution to any problem. My relatives and friends also raised concern about my changing habit. Then, I used different ideas some by consulting with others and some from myself and after sometime I totally regained my origional state and became happy. Here I am outlining what I did:
prior to sitting before computer, I fixed the things I had to do with approximate time for each one and left the computer with force initially.
After saparating time for each task, I made strong belief that I would stay for only separated time. I felt hard in the beginning but improved day by day. I decreased the time I spent on the internet by half an hour a week. I had done this before but was not concerned about the negative effects then.
I tried making myself busy with other daily works and with my study.
It is necessary to make strong determination that you should change your habit.
Some people have to spend most time of the day on inetrnet. I do not want to called them being internet addiction.
am very crazy about technologies. From the time I entered into the world of cyber, I started being attracted more and more day by day to the world. This was good thing in one way. Because the more I was crazy, the more I discovered new things and increased my knowledge. That habit turned negative when I started to spend more than 10 hours continously without leaving the chair even if I didn't have anything special things to do. Everyday I used to spend at least five hours continously and didn't have attention whether I ate, drank, slept, went to college and many more. I termed this habit addiction because it had effected me psychologically
I use to spend my time on the internet every day and if I didn't sit before computer and browse internet one day, then different type of wave used to run in my body and mind. I used to feel as being unsatisfied of one or another thing and be offmooded. This was not only. After spending some time on the internet, I didn't use to have desire to leave the computer. My mind used to tell me that you must stay here. If you do not have anything special to do, just look for different sites by searching Google. What happened to me next then?
I started having back problem, eye problem, unbalanced sleeping, untimed meal and bad health condition. This also had effected my daily works- sometime absent in my classes, no interest to do other things than browsing internet, and negative effect in my whole lifestyle.
But I always take care of myself and look for immediate solution to any problem. My relatives and friends also raised concern about my changing habit. Then, I used different ideas some by consulting with others and some from myself and after sometime I totally regained my origional state and became happy. Here I am outlining what I did:
prior to sitting before computer, I fixed the things I had to do with approximate time for each one and left the computer with force initially.
After saparating time for each task, I made strong belief that I would stay for only separated time. I felt hard in the beginning but improved day by day. I decreased the time I spent on the internet by half an hour a week. I had done this before but was not concerned about the negative effects then.
I tried making myself busy with other daily works and with my study.
It is necessary to make strong determination that you should change your habit.
Some people have to spend most time of the day on inetrnet. I do not want to called them being internet addiction.
Mazda RX-8 Review - Japanese Rocket Ship with Turbine Smooth Rotary
By Gary Chan
Pros
Rigid car
Driving dynamics
Driving position/seating
Engine is turbine-like
Cons
Fuel economy
Oil consumption
Small trunk and back seat
Low height
Low torque
I remember when a high school classmate got a brand new RX-7 in the mid 80’s … that was back when the BMW 320i and the Porsche 944’s were out … and have always liked the car especially the 3rd generation RX-7. Well, a lot has changed since then with updates and technology advances so I was excited to be able to drive this 40th Anniversary Edition. Having never driven a RX-7/8, I was excited to learn how a rotary felt and the driving dynamics of the RX-8. The last Mazda I drove was the phenomenal Mazdaspeed3. Thus, the bar was set high.
Driving Impressions
The gray metallic color of the car camouflages the sportiness of the car. Who would suspect a gray-colored Japanese car to perform so well; lucky for me, I never garnered any interest from the police.
Being a 40th Anniversary Edition, this RX-8 was endowed with a firmer suspension, larger 18” alloys, and badges commemorating the edition. The wheels and suspension dampers definitely transmitted small undulations to the passenger; my girlfriend and I joked as we made monotone sounds (over closely spaced expansion joints) that sounded like someone karate-chopping our backs. You could feel the firm suspension trying to absorb these small bumps as the car teetered ever so slightly back-and-forth. On the smooth, open road of Highway 5 heading up to Chico State, the ride was quite comfortable (partly due to the supportive, leather seats). Hard braking was controlled and strong. The HID lights are amazingly bright and cast a wide blanket of light (just like the Mazdaspeed3) making the included fog lights almost useless in additional illumination. The steering system is responsive and provides very good feedback to the driver. Linear in effort, the steering remains on center regardless of the road conditions. The low hood height and expansive windshield provide an excellent view of the road ahead.
I liked the dash with its three circular pods. The center pod housed the analog tachometer and a digital speedometer. Both displays were easy to read regardless of the lighting condition. The storage under the center armrest provides two covered storage areas with an additional 12v outlet in the aft compartment. This came in handy for the phone while the main outlet , located on the center console, was used for my GPS unit.
Build
With its diminutive size, the RX-8 is very rigid. The engine compartment bracing and the additional bracing that Mazda uses to compensate for the lack of door pillars combine to produce a chassis free from detectable flex. Zero-flex equated to responsive driving dynamics. Everything closes and opens solidly, although opening both of the doors (front and rear) in a parking lot (to access the back seat) creates a problem: you have to close the front-facing rear door otherwise you’ll be trapped between the two doors (assuming a car is parked next to you). The red/copper-colored leather and the aluminum trim pieces are of high quality. I did notice an annoying rattle behind the center console that would rear its head on harsh bumps. For a brand new car (with only 750 miles on the odometer), the noise was surprising.
The engine compartment is heavily disguised with various plastic covers. The main engine cover easily pops off revealing the yellow oil filler cap/tube, but finding the oil dipstick required a private investigator. I finally found the very small dipstick (with small pull ring) under some tubing on the right side of the engine. For an engine that requires regular oil checks, burying the dipstick is an ergonomic “no-no”.
Interior Comfort and Ergonomics
This is a sports car and maybe you have to give Mazda some slack when climbing into the rather low cockpit. But once in, the 8-way adjustable seats coddle your torso with well-bolstered seats and a power-adjustable lumbar support feature. My better half, being slightly shorter than me, complained about hitting the back of her head on the metal epitrochoid-shape pressed into headrest; I thought it was a cool design feature. Finding the right driving position was easy using the intuitive controls on the left side of the seat. One thing that was missing was a telescoping steering column; tilt was adjusted with a manual lever. Overall, I found the driving position and all of the controls just right for my 5′7″ frame. The height of the center console perfectly supported my forearm and the ergonomic shape of the shifter sits comfortably in my hand. Heating and air conditioning systems work well and the radio system sounds good. With the small LED display, located in the center dash, you have to either push or turn various knobs to see more satellite radio information (same issue on the Mazdaspeed3).
Due to the wide center tunnel, the foot wells for both the driver and passenger are tapered and narrow. Mazda designers obviously recognized this and decided to sew a rubber or vinyl piece to the right side of the tunnel adjacent the accelerator to prevent wear. It’s not uncomfortable, but you do notice it. The drive tunnel continues onto the rear seat effectively splitting the rear seat in two reducing seating and storage space.
Ergonomically, things are laid out well for the driver or passenger and all of the controls are clearly labeled and intuitive to use. I especially liked the cruise control button layout on the steering wheel making it easy to adjust my speed in 1-mph increments. The “Cruise” indicator in the dash changed from yellow to green when cruise control was engaged. I only had three complaints about ergonomics:
Knob design: Although the knobs for the fan speed and temperature dials had raised graduations at regular intervals around their respective circumferences, grabbing them and turning them was not that easy. If they protruded a bit more from the dash, it would have been easier to grasp/turn them. The “Tune/Auto-M-ESN” and “TEXT/AUDIO CONT” buttons are way too small. I have relatively small hands, and found them difficult to grasp/turn; again, either make them bigger or have them stick out more. The Tune button is used for changing the satellite radio channels so I used it regularly.
Locking system: Getting out of the car, you have to manually press the unlock button. I would like to see the door open (if the engine is stopped) by just pulling on the door handle. At night this was a big problem because you can barely see the unlock button requiring a bit of finger fumbling on the door arm rest; Mazda, please include better backlighting for the controls on the door.
Trunk release: Why bury it next to the hood release? You have to reach under and find the button, or if I was standing outside, I had to kneel down to see the button location.
Performance
Clutch action was smooth and light, and take up was just as smooth. Shifting through all the gears were positive and direct (definitely not the “notchy” feeling in the MS3); 6th gear did pose a regular engagement issue and required a deliberate effort to engage. It goes without saying that the 160 ft-lbs of torque is inadequate making it necessary to rev the engine to 4000+ RPM to do anything productive. Once at the higher RPM range, the little Mazda darts and scoots like a squirrel being chased by a dog. For passing, I learned to shift down a gear to get the RPM’s in the 5-7k rpm range which then provided ample power. The rotary engine definitely loves to rev and it’s easy to pass the 9,000 RPM redline (the car will sound a warning beep when you do so). On one section of Highway 5, I got the car quickly to over 100 mph and it remained rock solid and relatively quiet inside.
Handling
Being the Anniversary Edition, the engineers chose to put special 18” wheels and sticky ultra performance summer tires (Bridgestone RE040 225/45R18) on the feet of the Mazda. Just press on the tire’s stiff rubber blocks and you can tell this is a performance tire. Picking this car up on a rainy day meant cautious driving was in order, but the Bridgestone’s performed amazingly well. Perhaps due to the deep circumferential grooves. With the poor weather during my test drive, I only had a small window to test its dry handling. The RX-8 remained extremely flat and controlled as I navigated some sharp turns at speed. As stated before, the steering wheel/system is quick and gives the driver good feedback.
Styling
The styling of the RX-8 is definitely unique. Mazda has chosen to share the flared fender bulge-design with other vehicles in their lineup (CX-7 and CX-9) and creates a more aggressive stance. To me, it looks like a sleek rocket ship with four-wheels with a low slung body that slices through the wind. I do like the large vertical vents behind the front wheels adding to the performance look of the RX-8. The designers have tastefully included the epitrochoid shape to the exterior below both bumpers as well as on the chromed 40th Anniversary badge on each front fender. The enclosed front light pods integrate well with the tapering front quarter panels. I do like the bold interior colors. The red leather seats, door panels, and the black vinyl/leather interior speak volumes.
Value
For a $32k car, it handles like a dream. Its definitely down in power and torque compared to some of the competition, but beats them in price and uniqueness. Practically speaking, this car lacks storage. Both the trunk and rear seating space are rather small, and the rear seats don’t fold down. For two people, we easily filled the trunk with our weekend gear. The build of the RX-8 is impeccable (save for the annoying rattle), and you do get a lot for your money. Navigation and the Bose sound system would bump the price up several thousand dollars. If I was just looking at a well-balanced sports car, the Mazda would be it.
Conclusion
The car is has a style all its own, and garners attention to those unfamiliar with it. While loading the car with luggage at the Chico Holiday Inn, a large man dressed in a flannel shirt and jeans asked what kind of car it was and its mileage rating. I told him it was a Mazda RX-8 and the [2008 EPA] ratings are 16/23 (city/hwy). He remarked that those numbers were better than his full-size Ford truck. I thought the ratings were low, but I guess it’s all relative. For 220 miles of driving (rather fast I must admit), I averaged 19.2 mpg. Using up ¾ of a tank traveling 200 miles is disconcerting, but it’s the price you pay for performance (and the smoothness of a rotary engine).
The balanced chassis, low-weight, and low center of gravity with responsive steering make this Mazda a blast to drive. It hugs the terrain (though rough surfaces may upset the firm dampers) and remains poised at all speeds. Besides the ergonomic and trunk space complaints, I had none about the actual driving experience. The Mazda USA RX-8 entry page says “A Sportscar Like No Other”, an absolutely true description of the car. What you’re buying is uniqueness whether it is the rotary engine, rear suicide doors, or futuristic car design. You will not be disappointed.
Wit of the Keating era
Reviewed by Danny Gocs
TURN back the clock to the Keating years in Australian politics for a dose of entertaining musical comedy in the stage musical Keating! which has returned for another season.
The show burst into life at the 2005 Melbourne International Comedy Festival and has continued to delight audiences around the country.
Written by Casey Bennetto and directed by Neil Armfield, we meet the major political leaders of the 1990s -– Bob Hawke, John Howard, John Hewsen and Alexander Downer.
Naturally, Keating takes centre stage as he comes across as a suave charmer wearing his dapper suits matched by his acerbic wit.
Mike McLeish has played the role of Keating since the first production in 2005 and delights with his smooth delivery and energetic dancing.
He provides a strong contrast to Bob Hawke (played by experienced actor Terry Serio) who has a more rugged, matey manner.
Serio also doubles up as John Howard, with one of the highlights being the variety of outfits that are literally pasted on while on stage to represent different personas.
The story in Keating! is told entirely through song, with the talented band performing at the back of the stage.
There are a variety of musical styles in the show, ranging from a rap dance to accompany the Liberal's GST proposal to a reggae beat as Keating sings Ruler of the Land.
While the characters of Keating and Hawke dominate the show, there are cameo appearances by the other political players which all add to the quality of the production.
Alexander Downer struts the stage in fishnet stockings (a reference to time he wore stockings to a children’s charity fundraiser in 1996) as he sings Freaky (with shades of Sweet Transvestite).
Brendan Coustley plays former Liberal leader John Hewsen, although there is little physical resemblance, while band member Enio Pozzebon dons a safari suit to play plays Gareth Evans, whose love affair with Cheryl Kernot led her to the Labor side of politics.
The lyrics of the songs are clever and pointed and are a highlight of the show, although some events and anecdotes have almost been forgotten over the years and lose their impact.
Overall, Keating! is a wonderfully entertaining musical that continues to grow in popularity -– the current Melbourne season has already been extended to cater for demand.
Keating! is at the Comedy Theatre, Melbourne, until March 9. It then tours around Australia, culminating with a season at the Seymour Centre, Sydney, from July 30. Bookings: www.ticketek.com
Property Review Weekly
Property Review Weekly is a full-colour real estate weekly newspaper incorporating residential and commercial property advertising as well as articles and editorial support for advertisers.
It is inserted free in the Melbourne edition of the AJN as well as distributed in an extensive letterbox drop in Melbourne. PRW is also available at selected newsagencies.
WHY ADVERTISE IN PRW?
Readership
With an estimated audience in excess of 170,000 across Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs, PRW reaches far more potential buyers than any of its competitors. PRW currently distributes 59,000 copies weekly via letterbox drop to households in Caulfield, Armadale, Toorak, Elsternwick, St Kilda, Balaclava, Prahran, South Yarra and Elwood (see map below).
Statistics from the 2001 Census show that 16% of families living in the areas PRW is delivered to have incomes between $1500 and $1999 per week, while 23% of families have income over $2000 per week. These Australian Bureau of Statistics figures also show that 12% of residence are managers and administrators, while 32% are professionals.
To give its advertisers the widest possible coverage, PRW is also inserted into the Melbourne edition of the Australian Jewish News with a weekly readership in excess of 42,000. In addition to this wide readership, 18 newsagents in surrounding suburbs carry the free paper.
With its large readership, PRW is definitely going to give your company and your clients great value for money and excellent exposure in Stonnington, Glen Eira, Port Phillip and beyond.
Email: manager@prw.net.au for further information.
It is inserted free in the Melbourne edition of the AJN as well as distributed in an extensive letterbox drop in Melbourne. PRW is also available at selected newsagencies.
WHY ADVERTISE IN PRW?
Readership
With an estimated audience in excess of 170,000 across Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs, PRW reaches far more potential buyers than any of its competitors. PRW currently distributes 59,000 copies weekly via letterbox drop to households in Caulfield, Armadale, Toorak, Elsternwick, St Kilda, Balaclava, Prahran, South Yarra and Elwood (see map below).
Statistics from the 2001 Census show that 16% of families living in the areas PRW is delivered to have incomes between $1500 and $1999 per week, while 23% of families have income over $2000 per week. These Australian Bureau of Statistics figures also show that 12% of residence are managers and administrators, while 32% are professionals.
To give its advertisers the widest possible coverage, PRW is also inserted into the Melbourne edition of the Australian Jewish News with a weekly readership in excess of 42,000. In addition to this wide readership, 18 newsagents in surrounding suburbs carry the free paper.
With its large readership, PRW is definitely going to give your company and your clients great value for money and excellent exposure in Stonnington, Glen Eira, Port Phillip and beyond.
Email: manager@prw.net.au for further information.
So Far, Time Has Been on Obama’s Side
WASHINGTON – They are certainly premature, but the post-mortems are beginning to roll in on Hillary Rodham Clinton’s presidential campaign. And should her campaign ultimately fail – Mrs. Clinton is clearly not out of it yet; she’s looking to wins in Ohio and Texas on March 4 – there will be a lot of blame to spread around.
Candidate Topic PagesMore Politics NewsBut without exonerating Mrs. Clinton’s campaign or Mrs. Clinton, there is one factor that, more than anything else, may prove to be the root cause of Mrs. Clinton’s troubles: Senator Barack Obama.
Political analysts and journalists, in judging a candidacy gone bad, invariably focus on a campaign’s bad moves and wrong turns, with a dash of the requisite infighting among powerful staff aides and complaints by contributors. And the Clinton campaign, after starting off smoothly and with such self-assurance, provided a wealth of that: Wasted money, bad strategic calls on what states to contest, a message that failed to grasp how the mood of Democrats had changed and the questionable deployment of a certain former president.
But could even the best-operated campaign – say, for example, if Mrs. Clinton’s campaign had been run by the crew that ran George W. Bush’s campaign in 2004 – have done better against Mr. Obama? To reflect a discussion that many Democrats are having these days: Could Mrs. Clinton have sailed to the nomination had Mr. Obama sat this one out, leaving her facing John Edwards of North Carolina, who dropped out after losing four Democratic contests?
In Mr. Obama, Mrs. Clinton encountered an opponent whose campaign skills and public appeal were strong to begin with, and that have improved markedly every week he has been in this campaign. The man who sat next to her at the debate in Texas last Thursday – and who is lifting people out of their seats in arenas across the country – is a much more polished, commanding and poised candidate than he was just months ago. Even Democrats inside Mrs. Clinton’s campaign point to Mr. Obama’s growth as a candidate as an example of why long presidential campaigns have some merit. Mr. Obama learned from his mistakes.
The confidence of Mrs. Clinton and her advisers last fall was based on their belief that Mr. Obama’s inexperience as a candidate would lead him to make mistakes on the campaign trail, and that the image of Mr. Obama’s making mistakes as a candidate would reinforce her central argument that he did not have experience to be president.
Did Mrs. Clinton and her campaign underestimate Mr. Obama’s potential as a candidate? Yes they did, to echo a phrase, but so did many people in Mr. Obama’s own campaign who had attended his often enervating campaign appearances in Iowa, or watched him fade to the back of the stage at candidate debates.
Did the Clinton campaign underestimate his appeal, in no small part because of the not-unreasonable assumption that many Americans were not prepared to elect a black man as president? Perhaps. But one of the things that happened was that Mr. Obama’s victories, particularly in states with overwhelmingly white populations, produced more victories for Mr. Obama by quelling doubts that Mrs. Clinton was trying to sow about his electability.
For the Clintons, the world changed with remarkable swiftness — all within a few days after Feb. 5, a day when more than 20 states voted, an outcome that left the two candidates essentially tied. This was the big turn where Mr. Obama’s campaign lapped Mrs. Clinton’s campaign. He had organizations and plans in place to compete in the 10 Democratic contests that took place before March 4, while Mrs. Clinton’s campaign made the decision that it could ride through a series of what it assumed would be small losses there until the Ohio and Texas contests on March 4.
But this also was the period when Mr. Obama really caught fire as a candidate, and when the questions about his electability and appeal were erased. Thus, not only did Mr. Obama win these states, he won them big, building up a big delegate lead and cutting into Mrs. Clinton’s electoral coalition.
Mrs. Clinton has, in truth, been a very strong candidate. She has displayed an unerring command of issues, is focused on the campaign trail, strong at debates, evocative with crowds large and small. “She is better than her campaign,” said Harold Ickes, a long-time friend and a senior official in her campaign.
If Mrs. Clinton ends up losing the race, the real reason may be nothing more than she was not better than an opponent she could never have anticipated.
Candidate Topic PagesMore Politics NewsBut without exonerating Mrs. Clinton’s campaign or Mrs. Clinton, there is one factor that, more than anything else, may prove to be the root cause of Mrs. Clinton’s troubles: Senator Barack Obama.
Political analysts and journalists, in judging a candidacy gone bad, invariably focus on a campaign’s bad moves and wrong turns, with a dash of the requisite infighting among powerful staff aides and complaints by contributors. And the Clinton campaign, after starting off smoothly and with such self-assurance, provided a wealth of that: Wasted money, bad strategic calls on what states to contest, a message that failed to grasp how the mood of Democrats had changed and the questionable deployment of a certain former president.
But could even the best-operated campaign – say, for example, if Mrs. Clinton’s campaign had been run by the crew that ran George W. Bush’s campaign in 2004 – have done better against Mr. Obama? To reflect a discussion that many Democrats are having these days: Could Mrs. Clinton have sailed to the nomination had Mr. Obama sat this one out, leaving her facing John Edwards of North Carolina, who dropped out after losing four Democratic contests?
In Mr. Obama, Mrs. Clinton encountered an opponent whose campaign skills and public appeal were strong to begin with, and that have improved markedly every week he has been in this campaign. The man who sat next to her at the debate in Texas last Thursday – and who is lifting people out of their seats in arenas across the country – is a much more polished, commanding and poised candidate than he was just months ago. Even Democrats inside Mrs. Clinton’s campaign point to Mr. Obama’s growth as a candidate as an example of why long presidential campaigns have some merit. Mr. Obama learned from his mistakes.
The confidence of Mrs. Clinton and her advisers last fall was based on their belief that Mr. Obama’s inexperience as a candidate would lead him to make mistakes on the campaign trail, and that the image of Mr. Obama’s making mistakes as a candidate would reinforce her central argument that he did not have experience to be president.
Did Mrs. Clinton and her campaign underestimate Mr. Obama’s potential as a candidate? Yes they did, to echo a phrase, but so did many people in Mr. Obama’s own campaign who had attended his often enervating campaign appearances in Iowa, or watched him fade to the back of the stage at candidate debates.
Did the Clinton campaign underestimate his appeal, in no small part because of the not-unreasonable assumption that many Americans were not prepared to elect a black man as president? Perhaps. But one of the things that happened was that Mr. Obama’s victories, particularly in states with overwhelmingly white populations, produced more victories for Mr. Obama by quelling doubts that Mrs. Clinton was trying to sow about his electability.
For the Clintons, the world changed with remarkable swiftness — all within a few days after Feb. 5, a day when more than 20 states voted, an outcome that left the two candidates essentially tied. This was the big turn where Mr. Obama’s campaign lapped Mrs. Clinton’s campaign. He had organizations and plans in place to compete in the 10 Democratic contests that took place before March 4, while Mrs. Clinton’s campaign made the decision that it could ride through a series of what it assumed would be small losses there until the Ohio and Texas contests on March 4.
But this also was the period when Mr. Obama really caught fire as a candidate, and when the questions about his electability and appeal were erased. Thus, not only did Mr. Obama win these states, he won them big, building up a big delegate lead and cutting into Mrs. Clinton’s electoral coalition.
Mrs. Clinton has, in truth, been a very strong candidate. She has displayed an unerring command of issues, is focused on the campaign trail, strong at debates, evocative with crowds large and small. “She is better than her campaign,” said Harold Ickes, a long-time friend and a senior official in her campaign.
If Mrs. Clinton ends up losing the race, the real reason may be nothing more than she was not better than an opponent she could never have anticipated.
Are you smarter than a NFL player?
By JEFFREY ZUPANIC
The Review
If the NFL Draft is a meat market, then the NFL Draft Combine is where the beef is weighed and measured.
Starting next week in Indianapolis, hundreds of future Sunday heroes will take part in a full physical, sit still for X-rays, participate in a face-to-face interview with countless NFL personnel members.
And of course, they'll take the Wonderlic.
The Wonderlic is an IQ test with just 50 questions -- it is a shorter version of the test normally given to kids preparing for job interviews. Players have just 12 minutes to take it and most don't finish. Nor should they finish the test given the amount of time.
The score is calculated by the number of correct answers given in the allotted time. A score of 21 is intended to indicate average attendance. In fact, the average NFL test-taker scores a little below average with a 19.
The questions start off easy such as: In the following set of words, which word is different from the others? 1) copper, 2) nickel, 3) aluminum, 4) wood, 5) bronze.
A tougher question: A rectangular bin, completely filled, holds 640 cubic feet of grain. If the bin is 8-feet wide and 10-feet long, how deep is it?
(The answers will be revealed at the end of this story)
A majority of the NFL teams consider the test results crucial. Others say they dismiss the results, expect for those players who score extremes, such as the case with former Cincinnati Bengals punter Pat McInally.
McInally is the only NFL player to ever score a perfect 50. There is also a rumor that at least one player scored a 1.
Charlie Wonderlic Jr., the president of Wonderlic Inc., says a "score of 10 is literacy, that's about all we can say about the test."
While at Northwestern as a psychology grad student, E.F. "Al" Wonderlic invented the test in the 1930s. It first become prominent in the NFL in the 1970s when a handful of teams started testing the intellectual prowess of potential draft choices.
The test became a popular combine tool because it placed a number on performance and it was an easy way to evaluate a player.
According to the Wonderlic Inc., Web site, nearly 2.5 million job applicants in all lines of work take the test yearly. By comparison to a standard IQ test, a score of 20 on the Wonderlic indicates an IQ of 100 -- which is average.
Cleveland Browns general manager Phil Savage is a firm believer in the test because he wants to maximize his monetary investment when he picks a player in the draft.
"When I take a player, I want that person to represent the entire organization on and off the field," said Savage. "Even though their studying days are left behind in college, I want to look at them as students even as professional athletes. When you have two players equal in ability and one is a little smarter than the other -- on and off the field -- the majority of GMs are going to take the more intelligent player."
In addition to the mental endurance, all 300 players at the combine will be given an extensive fitness examination. The Cybex Test deals with the joint movement of the prospects. Every player is hooked up to a special machine, which collects and computes information into figures that are analyzed by experts and coaches.
While the Cybex Test isn't the most important test, coaches will give serious looks to results that come back from previously injured players. Prospects who enter the combine injured will raise a few eyebrows from NFL personnel.
For Mount Union's Pierre Garcon, timing is everything. The 6-1, 209-pound wide receiver suffered several minor injuries during his three-years with the Purple Raiders.
In 2005, Garcon missed several games in the middle portion of the season because of a muscle strain in his leg. During the last two seasons, Garcon suffered a fracture in his right hand.
Garcon is slated to arrive in Indianapolis on the second day of the combine (Feb. 21) and will go through the registration, pre-exam X-rays, orientation and interviews with NFL scouts.
On Friday, he along with every other wide receiver and running back, will have their measurements, psychological testing and medical examinations conducted. They will also meet with the media in attendance and interviews.
The third day features a National Football League Player's Association meeting, more psychological testing and another round of interviews.
Sunday marks the most physical day of the combine for Garcon. He will take part in the workouts -- timing, stations and skill drills -- before departing Indianapolis to return to Georgia.
"It's a long process," said Garcon about the combine. "I just have to take it one day at a time and give it my best each day."
By the way, the answers to the sample questions are 4) wood, and 8-feet deep.
Are you smarter than an NFL player?
The Review
If the NFL Draft is a meat market, then the NFL Draft Combine is where the beef is weighed and measured.
Starting next week in Indianapolis, hundreds of future Sunday heroes will take part in a full physical, sit still for X-rays, participate in a face-to-face interview with countless NFL personnel members.
And of course, they'll take the Wonderlic.
The Wonderlic is an IQ test with just 50 questions -- it is a shorter version of the test normally given to kids preparing for job interviews. Players have just 12 minutes to take it and most don't finish. Nor should they finish the test given the amount of time.
The score is calculated by the number of correct answers given in the allotted time. A score of 21 is intended to indicate average attendance. In fact, the average NFL test-taker scores a little below average with a 19.
The questions start off easy such as: In the following set of words, which word is different from the others? 1) copper, 2) nickel, 3) aluminum, 4) wood, 5) bronze.
A tougher question: A rectangular bin, completely filled, holds 640 cubic feet of grain. If the bin is 8-feet wide and 10-feet long, how deep is it?
(The answers will be revealed at the end of this story)
A majority of the NFL teams consider the test results crucial. Others say they dismiss the results, expect for those players who score extremes, such as the case with former Cincinnati Bengals punter Pat McInally.
McInally is the only NFL player to ever score a perfect 50. There is also a rumor that at least one player scored a 1.
Charlie Wonderlic Jr., the president of Wonderlic Inc., says a "score of 10 is literacy, that's about all we can say about the test."
While at Northwestern as a psychology grad student, E.F. "Al" Wonderlic invented the test in the 1930s. It first become prominent in the NFL in the 1970s when a handful of teams started testing the intellectual prowess of potential draft choices.
The test became a popular combine tool because it placed a number on performance and it was an easy way to evaluate a player.
According to the Wonderlic Inc., Web site, nearly 2.5 million job applicants in all lines of work take the test yearly. By comparison to a standard IQ test, a score of 20 on the Wonderlic indicates an IQ of 100 -- which is average.
Cleveland Browns general manager Phil Savage is a firm believer in the test because he wants to maximize his monetary investment when he picks a player in the draft.
"When I take a player, I want that person to represent the entire organization on and off the field," said Savage. "Even though their studying days are left behind in college, I want to look at them as students even as professional athletes. When you have two players equal in ability and one is a little smarter than the other -- on and off the field -- the majority of GMs are going to take the more intelligent player."
In addition to the mental endurance, all 300 players at the combine will be given an extensive fitness examination. The Cybex Test deals with the joint movement of the prospects. Every player is hooked up to a special machine, which collects and computes information into figures that are analyzed by experts and coaches.
While the Cybex Test isn't the most important test, coaches will give serious looks to results that come back from previously injured players. Prospects who enter the combine injured will raise a few eyebrows from NFL personnel.
For Mount Union's Pierre Garcon, timing is everything. The 6-1, 209-pound wide receiver suffered several minor injuries during his three-years with the Purple Raiders.
In 2005, Garcon missed several games in the middle portion of the season because of a muscle strain in his leg. During the last two seasons, Garcon suffered a fracture in his right hand.
Garcon is slated to arrive in Indianapolis on the second day of the combine (Feb. 21) and will go through the registration, pre-exam X-rays, orientation and interviews with NFL scouts.
On Friday, he along with every other wide receiver and running back, will have their measurements, psychological testing and medical examinations conducted. They will also meet with the media in attendance and interviews.
The third day features a National Football League Player's Association meeting, more psychological testing and another round of interviews.
Sunday marks the most physical day of the combine for Garcon. He will take part in the workouts -- timing, stations and skill drills -- before departing Indianapolis to return to Georgia.
"It's a long process," said Garcon about the combine. "I just have to take it one day at a time and give it my best each day."
By the way, the answers to the sample questions are 4) wood, and 8-feet deep.
Are you smarter than an NFL player?
On the doorstep of a dream
By JEFFREY ZUPANIC
The Review
INDIANAPOLIS -- Pierre Garcon's journey has been nothing short of circuitous.
The journey began at John Leonard High School in West Palm Beach, Fla. and eight years later has landed him on the brink of realizing a dream.
Garcon doesn't know exactly when he started thinking about playing in the NFL -- at least seriously -- but he took another step in the right direction this past weekend at the NFL Scouting Combine.
"I felt I had a small chance to play in the NFL, but it was a shot in the dark," said Garcon Friday in Indianapolis. "When I was in high school, I thought about it, everyone thinks about it down in Florida, but it wasn't serious thoughts."
Instead, Garcon was more focused on just getting on the football team. In high school, he was academically ineligible to play as a freshman or sophomore.
"I didn't have the best grades to play all four years, so I played my last two years," Garcon admitted. "I got to finally play as a junior and I had probably 100 yards and one touchdown."
Mount Union fans were used to seeing those types of numbers on a game-by-game basis from Garcon, but those were his totals for his entire junior season at John Leonard.
Garcon said he was confused as he prepared to enter his final year of high school because he didn't know where he was headed. He thought his meal ticket would come on the football field, but he found that wasn't the case unless he improved in the classroom.
"My sisters really convinced me to straighten up. I thought football would take me anywhere," said Garcon. "I knew that I didn't have the grades to go D-I and my sisters got on me so I decided to change that up really quickly."
Garcon's older sister, Maquissia, graduated from Florida International and was a Wendy's Heisman candidate for best high-school athlete.
"My sisters were a lot smarter than me," Garcon said. "My one (Maquissia) was in National Honor Society."
Garcon put away the video games and started hitting the books. When it came time for summer two-a-days (practices) he was ready to go. As a senior, Garcon played quarterback, wide receiver, tight end and defensive back for the Lancers. Despite having a stellar campaign, his college options were already doomed.
When ask if any Division I schools inquired about him, Garcon mentioned a handful including Syracuse, Florida Atlantic and Bethune-Cookman, but his grades were not good enough.
In fact, they were so inadequate that even junior colleges turned away from him.
"I was pretty far (away from being able to qualify academically to play in college), I don't remember how far exactly," Garcon said. "My GPA and my test scores didn't average out to Division I standards."
After a tumultuous high school career, Garcon found himself at Norwich -- an all male military school nestled in the green hills of central Vermont, about 30 minutes from the state capital of Montpelier.
Because Norwich is a Division III school that doesn't offer scholarships, Garcon did not have to meet any clearinghouse standards and was eligible to attend school and play football.
He put up pretty impressive numbers for the Cadets as a freshman to earn all-Empire 8 first-team honors. Garcon caught 44 passes for 1,017 yards.
However, Garcon was not happy, even with getting the shot to play college football.
"It was a military academy and I was a civilian," he said. "I decided that wasn't the right school for me."
As he pondered his future, Mount Union came to the forefront of his thoughts. After all, the Purple Raiders were on national television eight times and had won seven Division III national championships since 1993.
"I Googled it (Mount Union) a couple of times before I went there. I sent an e-mail (to head coach Larry Kehres) and told him I was interested in coming there," recalled Garcon. "The next day, they responded."
The move paid off as Garcon helped Mount Union win two national championships (2005 and 2006) and a national runner-up (2007) during his three-years. For his college career, Garcon finished with 246 catches for 4,200 yards and 60 touchdowns.
In the process, Garcon instantly became a house-hold name in Alliance and throughout the Ohio Athletic Conference and on the Division III map.
"I knew I had a shot (at the NFL) following my junior year," Garcon said. "I also knew it would depend on how well my senior year would go but I knew I would have a chance."
Garcon knew the first step would be to secure an invite to the combine, a place where hundreds of players get to showcase themselves for NFL scouts and personnel.
"I didn't imagine it. It was always a dream, now it's a reality. It was more like a fantasy, too (of being here)," said Garcon. "Being interviewed, being in front of the media and waiting to get drafted. I knew I had a small shot, but it happened. I was kind of lucky."
Garcon arrived in Indianapolis Thursday and started going through the rigorous four-day process that helps players impress as many NFL scouts as possible. Thus far, Garcon appears on his way to hearing his name called during the NFL Draft in April.
Several NFL scouts commented on how impressed they were with Garcon's demeanor and physical abilities. On Friday, Garcon met with the Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals and Green Bay Packers.
"He's very prolific," said Green Bay general manager Ted Thompson. "He's big, he's strong. He catches the ball very well. He's good after the catch. He's all the things people are looking for."
All five teams mentioned said they had Garcon on their draft board and that he could go as high as in the fifth-round or in the seventh-round as a low-end pick. Should any of those scenarios happen, it would mark the first time a Mount Union player has been selected.
"Just to be here, just to think someone in the NFL wants me to play on their team ... ," said Garcon before pausing.
He was unable to finish his thought. Garcon shook his head because he knows that he is one step closer to realizing a dream of his.
A dream that seemed so far away just a short period of time ago.
The Review
INDIANAPOLIS -- Pierre Garcon's journey has been nothing short of circuitous.
The journey began at John Leonard High School in West Palm Beach, Fla. and eight years later has landed him on the brink of realizing a dream.
Garcon doesn't know exactly when he started thinking about playing in the NFL -- at least seriously -- but he took another step in the right direction this past weekend at the NFL Scouting Combine.
"I felt I had a small chance to play in the NFL, but it was a shot in the dark," said Garcon Friday in Indianapolis. "When I was in high school, I thought about it, everyone thinks about it down in Florida, but it wasn't serious thoughts."
Instead, Garcon was more focused on just getting on the football team. In high school, he was academically ineligible to play as a freshman or sophomore.
"I didn't have the best grades to play all four years, so I played my last two years," Garcon admitted. "I got to finally play as a junior and I had probably 100 yards and one touchdown."
Mount Union fans were used to seeing those types of numbers on a game-by-game basis from Garcon, but those were his totals for his entire junior season at John Leonard.
Garcon said he was confused as he prepared to enter his final year of high school because he didn't know where he was headed. He thought his meal ticket would come on the football field, but he found that wasn't the case unless he improved in the classroom.
"My sisters really convinced me to straighten up. I thought football would take me anywhere," said Garcon. "I knew that I didn't have the grades to go D-I and my sisters got on me so I decided to change that up really quickly."
Garcon's older sister, Maquissia, graduated from Florida International and was a Wendy's Heisman candidate for best high-school athlete.
"My sisters were a lot smarter than me," Garcon said. "My one (Maquissia) was in National Honor Society."
Garcon put away the video games and started hitting the books. When it came time for summer two-a-days (practices) he was ready to go. As a senior, Garcon played quarterback, wide receiver, tight end and defensive back for the Lancers. Despite having a stellar campaign, his college options were already doomed.
When ask if any Division I schools inquired about him, Garcon mentioned a handful including Syracuse, Florida Atlantic and Bethune-Cookman, but his grades were not good enough.
In fact, they were so inadequate that even junior colleges turned away from him.
"I was pretty far (away from being able to qualify academically to play in college), I don't remember how far exactly," Garcon said. "My GPA and my test scores didn't average out to Division I standards."
After a tumultuous high school career, Garcon found himself at Norwich -- an all male military school nestled in the green hills of central Vermont, about 30 minutes from the state capital of Montpelier.
Because Norwich is a Division III school that doesn't offer scholarships, Garcon did not have to meet any clearinghouse standards and was eligible to attend school and play football.
He put up pretty impressive numbers for the Cadets as a freshman to earn all-Empire 8 first-team honors. Garcon caught 44 passes for 1,017 yards.
However, Garcon was not happy, even with getting the shot to play college football.
"It was a military academy and I was a civilian," he said. "I decided that wasn't the right school for me."
As he pondered his future, Mount Union came to the forefront of his thoughts. After all, the Purple Raiders were on national television eight times and had won seven Division III national championships since 1993.
"I Googled it (Mount Union) a couple of times before I went there. I sent an e-mail (to head coach Larry Kehres) and told him I was interested in coming there," recalled Garcon. "The next day, they responded."
The move paid off as Garcon helped Mount Union win two national championships (2005 and 2006) and a national runner-up (2007) during his three-years. For his college career, Garcon finished with 246 catches for 4,200 yards and 60 touchdowns.
In the process, Garcon instantly became a house-hold name in Alliance and throughout the Ohio Athletic Conference and on the Division III map.
"I knew I had a shot (at the NFL) following my junior year," Garcon said. "I also knew it would depend on how well my senior year would go but I knew I would have a chance."
Garcon knew the first step would be to secure an invite to the combine, a place where hundreds of players get to showcase themselves for NFL scouts and personnel.
"I didn't imagine it. It was always a dream, now it's a reality. It was more like a fantasy, too (of being here)," said Garcon. "Being interviewed, being in front of the media and waiting to get drafted. I knew I had a small shot, but it happened. I was kind of lucky."
Garcon arrived in Indianapolis Thursday and started going through the rigorous four-day process that helps players impress as many NFL scouts as possible. Thus far, Garcon appears on his way to hearing his name called during the NFL Draft in April.
Several NFL scouts commented on how impressed they were with Garcon's demeanor and physical abilities. On Friday, Garcon met with the Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals and Green Bay Packers.
"He's very prolific," said Green Bay general manager Ted Thompson. "He's big, he's strong. He catches the ball very well. He's good after the catch. He's all the things people are looking for."
All five teams mentioned said they had Garcon on their draft board and that he could go as high as in the fifth-round or in the seventh-round as a low-end pick. Should any of those scenarios happen, it would mark the first time a Mount Union player has been selected.
"Just to be here, just to think someone in the NFL wants me to play on their team ... ," said Garcon before pausing.
He was unable to finish his thought. Garcon shook his head because he knows that he is one step closer to realizing a dream of his.
A dream that seemed so far away just a short period of time ago.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Shoes - DC H2Zero Alias
The Bottom Line
The Alias is a great shoe of it's own accord, with all the versatility of a skate / running shoe. The H2Zero treatment is a huge added bonus - making the shoe water resistant, and a must have for anyone living in an area with much rain, snow, slush - anything wet. The only drawback is the low cut - a bonus for flexibility, but a negative if you're thinking you're going to walk through deep snow with these shoes. But then, they aren't boots you can skate in, but instead shoes you can get wet in.
Manufacturer's Site
Pros
H2Zero treatment protects the shoe from water and snow
Low cut design proides more freedom for running and skating
Color design is simple but eye-catching
Cons
The low cut design means that the shoes are good for rain, but snow can get in at the ankles
Like most DCs, the soles are fairly flat. If you have high arches, you might be uncomfortabletechnical control
Tricot lining is soft and light
Cool color design calls attention, but not by looking stupid
Guide Review - Shoes - DC H2Zero Alias
I live in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, so I know rain and snow. These shoes are a dream. You know how nice it is, to be able to walk outside and not have to worry about getting my feet soaked? I field tested these shoes in the slushy snow of Spokane Washington, and not only did they keep my feet completely dry, but I even got complimented on how "clean" they looked! Oh man ... I can't say it enough. The H2Zero treatment is a brilliant idea.
But what about the shoe as a shoe? Well, the Alias was an established design before it was chosen for the H2Zero treatment - it's a great shoe of it's own accord. The Alias is a basic shoe, with a low cut design for more flexibility, and the tread is versatile for both skating and running. It's a good looking, comfortable, solid shoe.
The H2Zero treatment involves water-resistant oil nubuck, heavy-duty water resistant mesh, and internal tongue gussets to prevent water seepage. It's more than a simple spray - the H2Zero treatment speaks to how the shoe is actually made.
These shoes are the perfect all around shoe - you can skate in them, run in them, and not worry about rain or snow. The tread is flat enough to skate, but has more depth than most skate shoes so you should be able to navigate snow. Now these are not rain boots or snow boots - they're shoes that resist the elements so they should last longer and keep you dryer.
Expect more from your shoes, and try the H2Zero Alias.
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