reflections

Effective Advertising and Info Management

February 2nd, 2010 A Primer on Templated Solutions for E-commerce Websites

If you buy a vehicle like a car or a motorbike, a custom-built model, instead you’re given a pick of well engineered and designed vehicles that have required years of design and development. However, when it comes to websites it seems to be different. Many business owners expect that their website will be planned to their precise stipulations. This is absolutely reasonable of course, and in a good deal of cases it’s utterly necessary.

But hold on - is that really the best way to go about things for all situations? Ask yourself this : how can I make a website? Take into account content managed websites for example : these will possess dozens of facilities, with rigorous security prerequisites, a backoffice area so the site owner can maintain the content. All of this, while requiring the front-end to be simple to browse and buy items for shoppers. Responding to all those needs is no light task, and if a bug or other problem happens, you’re going back to the designer to ask for fixes. Custom websites in this context have a large weight to carry.

Nevertheless, there’s another alternative to this method which is far more cost-effective, potentially gives you a lot more features, and provides more security, reliability, and stability - the website template.

Individuals realise these days that custom websites frequently aren’t essential and that in plenty of situations, it’s best to amend your goals even ever-so slightly so they fit a strong, well-performing website template than to chance with a custom website design to fit your plans. But why is this? Due to the complexity a contemporary website asks for. You want a strong, tried and tested codebase that runs your website, not freshly-minted code that hasn’t had the benefit of months and years of real-life testing. Not only that, but templates ordinarily are updated often and these updates patched to your website, so your website is tracking all the cutting-edge advancements on the internet the ability to copy and paste fashionable widgets onto your pages.

But perhaps most compellingly, templated solutions are much more cost-effective than custom sites. Why would you spend £7000 on a site when you can acquire a website with lots more features for just £450, for example?

The above issues should make you think twice about your online plans and whether to pick a website template or go for a custom website.

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April 21st, 2008 What You Need To Know When Buying A Treadmill

Aerobic flyers, ab rollers, and other fitness fads may come and go, but the trusty treadmill has stood the test of time.Treadmills are much less likely to end up in next year’s garage sale for one simple reason-people use them.

Exercising at home has many perks, especially among today’s time-crunched families. Studies have shown that people who have home fitness equipment are more likely to exercise consistently than those who have gym memberships or attend fitness classes. At home, the machine is right there in sight, calling your name. It’s much easier to get a quick 20- minute workout when you don’t have to find matching socks or fight through gridlock traffic.

One of the main reasons people buy treadmills rather than other machines is because the movement required is something they already know how to do. With all the treadmills on the market, you really have to be a savvy shopper. Your first stop should be the nearest fitness specialty store. To make sure you get the best machine for your money, you should follow some tips.

Measure the space allocated for the machine both horizontally and vertically. You don’t want to bump your head on the ceiling every other step.Bring a measuring tape with you to the store. Leave home dressed for a workout. Test the equipment at the level you expect to use it and stay on the machine for at least 10-15 minutes.

Exercise equipment is not supposed to make you seasick. If the treadmill rocks back and forth, forget it. Sturdy construction will not only ensure durability, but also make your workouts more enjoyable. Parts of the machine should be welded together, not held together by nuts and bolts that will soon jiggle loose.

Shoppers may also want to consider purchasing a short-term gym membership to try out equipment. Many gyms offer a one-month trial membership and some even give one- to two-week free memberships.

Added features usually mean added dollars. Fancy programs and heart monitors may serve as motivation, but many people find these addons unnecessary. If you are pinching pennies, look for quality parts and sturdy construction, and skip the virtual racing programs and automated pacers. It is always better to go in knowing what you need, rather than letting a salesman talk you into something.

Sit down with the retailer and review the warranty. Get everything in writing and ask questions. Does the retailer assemble the treadmill? Does it have a weight limit? Be aware that some warranties may be voided if the user is over a specified weight. Keep all the packaging just in case you need to return the machine.

The first thing to investigate on a treadmill is the motor. Depending if you are walking or running, you can easily place 80 to 250 percent of you weight on the treadmill every time your foot hits the belt. It’s the motor’s job to take a beating and still keep a constant speed.

Overall motor strength is measured in ‘continuous’ horsepower. But, things get tricky, Some cheaper treadmills advertise a deceptively higher ‘peak’ horsepower rating to make up for below-average continuous-duty rating.

When inspecting the belt, comfortable length and width should be your main concern. Get a belt that is too short and, with one foul step, you could end up slamming into a wall. But too large a belt makes the treadmill work harder, adding wear and tear to the motor.

Advanced treadmills come with a series of customized workouts that act as your personal training coach. Some offer preprogrammed workouts that automatically adjust grade and speed as you exercise to keep your heart at a steady aerobic rate. There also is space to program several of your own workouts.

Buying a treadmill can be a costly investment. Many fitness experts will tell you that a solid, dependable treadmill costs at least $1,000. But knowing what to look for can save you hundreds of dollars.

Get the inside information for buying a buying a treadmill that is right for you.

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April 11th, 2008 The Importance Of Fitness

The Importance Of Fitness by John Mac

Did you know that if you are physically inactive that you
increase your risk of heart disease by the same amount as if you
smoked ? In the UK it is estimated that 70% of the adult
population can be classed as physically inactive. In the US 60%
of adults do not participate in the recommended level of
physical activity & 25% are not active at all. In Australia 33%
of the population are said to be so inactive that they gain no
health benefits at all & the risk to the community from their
physical inactivity, and therefore lack of fitness, is great.

For thousands of years physical activity and your level of
fitness have been linked to good health. Due to the advance of
science in this day & age this link can be proven, with
overwhelming evidence that people who lead active lifestyles are
less likely to die early or to experience major illnesses such
as heart disease, diabetes & colon cancer.

Fitness is therefore a major, if not the major, factor in the
type of health you are likely to enjoy. Regular exercise will
improve your level of fitness and improve the way you look and
feel. In conjunction with a balanced diet regular activity can
help you maintain a healthy weight. It can even increase self
confidence and reduce the risk of depression.

In order to maintain ones fitness it is recommended that you
should use up approx 200 calories per day for most days of the
week. This equates to 30 minutes of exercise which can be all in
one go or even in 3 10 minute stints.

Here are some suggestions to help maintain your fitness.

Walk up the stairs (even part of the way) instead of taking the
elevator. Walk up moving escalators. For short journeys leave
the car and walk. Do the house work at twice the speed. Try DIY
such as painting or do some gardening such as raking the leaves.
Get off the bus or subway a couple of stops early and walk the
rest of the way.

Here are some benefits you will get from improved fitness
through exercise.

Increased levels of HDL or “good” cholesterol. Lower high blood
pressure. Help improve body composition by burning fat. Promote
healthy blood sugar levels. Promote bone density. Boost the
immune system. Improve mood and reduce the chance of depression.

Improving your level of fitness needn’t be hard work, find some
activity that you enjoy, maybe with your partner, family or
friends. Stay motivated, keep a diary of your activities so you
can look back and see how far you have come. Post inspirational
quotes or stories at work or around the home. Set goals, both
long and short term, rather than say you want to be fit for the
summer, commit to going to the gym or aerobic class at least
once a week.

Goals should be SMART Specific Measureable Achievable Realistic
Time based

Picture where you want to be, maybe competing in a local fun run
or race, get out an old pair of jeans or a dress that no longer
fits & picture yourself wearing them/it.

Remember that exercise releases chemicals to the brain such as
serotonin which has a great effect on your mood, helping to
reduce anxiety, stress and depression. So even if you don’t feel
like exercising, remind yourself that you will feel better after.

(c) John Mac 2006

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