The Refresh Orlando Heirs

As we sit glued to the television set listening to all the gory details of yet another terrorist attack leaves us all in a state of shock. We all feel sad. We all feel that enough is enough. We all listen to how much the death toll is rising into the hundreds. We all wait in anticipation to hear of any survivors, then after a few days. We all forget

I recall years ago when the seat belt was introduced and how it was drummed into us each and every day, clunk click every trip. The nation was brainwashed into abiding by the new law imposed that was to save so many lives. Well I say make a stand and bring back brainwashing in the form of terrorist awareness, it may cause a lot of paranoia amongst a great many but it may also save a lot of misery suffering pain and most importantly lives.

Terrorists are like actors where they are well rehearsed in their role to kill. Drama classes pay off for terrorists in their preparation for slaughter.

A Massacre murderer is well trained to keep his or her composure and not to look suspicious. The question is how we can help the system in the fight against terrorism.

What signs do we have to look for to sniff out a walking time bomb, especially when these murderers have re enacted the role over and over again in portraying the look of innocence?

I am not sure if there are any signs to look out for where a professional is concerned, but we can help by being more observant

This can be done by being more aware of how serious terrorism really is, the next time you go shopping or take the tube to work or when taking the kiddies to school, watch what the person next to you is doing

If traveling on a bus even high in the sky make a little note of what your fellow passenger is wearing. Make an image diary in your head of what they look like, note little tell tale signs as in i.e. tattoos scars jewelry whatever. Take in enough information on that person so that should any circumstances arise on that day where police are involved and are looking for information, you may hold the key to conviction.

But remember not all suspicious looking characters are guilty and there are times you may well get paranoid by the person next to you. Do not panic keep calm then go and speak with someone if you feel there is need for concern.
I know this approach can cause paranoia among a lot of people but it also may save lives. CCTV can not do all the work alone

Experienced or lost a loved one to an act of terrorism, talk to some one. For counselling visit my information page, you may find help to get you through the pain and suffering. Check out Kacys Content Page at www.benidormbeaches.com

You are at your computer, checking out software on EBay. The computer is really sluggish, and you are not running anything else. You click on a link, and BLAM you are redirected to a search page you’ve never heard of and the “back” button won’t work.

You’ve got Spyware! Just what is “Spyware?” The word brings to mind exploding pens and shoe phones. In fact, software makers have struggled to define what spyware is, and is not.

The Anti-Spyware Coalition, a group of companies that include EarthLink, Microsoft, and Hewlett-Packard, have recently published a document that defines spyware as such: “Spyware impairs users control over material changes that affect their user experience, privacy or system security; use of their system resources, including what programs are installed on their computers; or collection, use and distribution of their personal or otherwise sensitive information”

In simpler terms, spyware “spies” the software on your computer, personal information, what web pages you look at, and in some cases, usernames and passwords. Ugh.

The first spyware distribution was in 1999, and is attributed to a popular freeware program called “Elf Bowling.” Many users found to their dismay that this “harmless game,” was sending information to the creators, Nsoft. This spawned the first anti-spyware program in the year 2000.

Now, both spyware and anti-spyware programs are too numerous to count.

There are several types of software that fall under the generic description of spyware. Let’s look at a few, and what they do.

Adware – adware is an application that displays advertising banners. The reason this is criticized is that it can send information back to the company, who then “targets” you with specific banners based on the web pages you’ve opened. This is different from clicking on a banner for more information. This program sneaks in the “back door,” not “advertising” its presence. Please note that the word “AdWare” is a trademark of AdWare Systems, an honest software company. They are not a part of adware, just share the unfortunate name.

Key loggers are just that. They collect the keystrokes you make, like logging into your bank account, and send it to the hacker. Now he has your account number, user name, and password.

Hijackers and Toolbars are another form of spyware. Hijackers take over your browser, opening pages you don’t want, and preventing you from opening ones you need – like a site that tells you how to get rid of them. Toolbars are the same sort of thing. Now, you may want to have a toolbar like Yahoo or Google on your browser. They can make searches easier, and may have popup or ad blockers. The malware forms of these try to look like them, but they have completely different motives.

Malware is a generic term for “malicious” software. These programs don’t just collect information; they are out to get your computer. Technically, these are not spyware, but a brief explanation seems to be in order. Malware spreads itself through the computer, changing files, making copies to send, even erasing the hard drive. Virus’ and worms are a part of this group.

Other malware programs are “Trojan Horse, or Backdoor.” These hide quietly in your computer until you connect to the internet. Then they creep around your browser, “reporting in” to the owner, who then uses your computer “address” to send out virus’s, malware, and spam. Some hackers link several computers to send so much nonsense information to a particular web site that it is overwhelmed, causing it to shut down.

How does spyware end up on your computer? You’re not going to like this . . . but most likely you loaded it on yourself! Wait! Before we get nasty letters, let us explain. Remember those “smileys” you downloaded last week? How about the cute cursor the nine year old picked? Most of these “free” programs have spyware attached, or imbedded in them. Even Adobe Reader loads a “Yahoo search bar” when you update the reader.

Remember when you installed the program and that gray box popped up with a thousand lines of small print? Did you read it? I doubt anyone does. The spyware distributor counts on that. If you do manage to slog through the legalese, and stuff only advanced programmers would know (or care about), there will be a few innocuous lines, something along the lines of: “this program will collect information to better your enjoyment of this program,” or “a web search toolbar will be added to your browser.” When you click on the “accept” button to install the software, you have also agreed to the spyware program.

Another way is when a box pops up claiming to be legitimate software needed to view the site properly, or that it is an update. It only has a “yes” button, implying that you are required to allow the download. These are copying legitimate updates from places like Microsoft, or Macromedia.

Just what is spyware going to do to your computer? Anything you can do, he can do better. It is an executable that can record keystrokes, read your files, watch your word processing program, change your home page, add and delete files, read your cookies (with personal info), then “phone home” with the info. Some spyware will crash your browser if you try to uninstall it. Others may “pretend” to be uninstalled, but they wait until your back is turned to load itself back on your system.

You don’t know how the stuff was loaded on your computer, but it is causing all kinds of problems. The computer is running slower, certain programs are not working, and on occasion, you see the dreaded “blue screen of death.” (crash). Don’t worry, you are not alone According to an October 2004 study by America Online and the National Cyber-Security Alliance, 80% of surveyed users’ computers had some form of spyware, with an average of 93 spyware components per computer. 89% of surveyed users with spyware reported that they did not know of its presence, and 95% reported that they had not given permission for it to be installed.

Now what do you do? There are several good “spyware removal” programs out there. But be warned! There are also a number of programs that claim to be anti-spyware that do not work, or worse add more spyware to your system! A good resource for “suspect” spyware is the list at:
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm They have a list of over 200 programs that claim to take care of spyware, but may not do what they claim.

Once you get your computer “clean,” how do you avoid getting “dirty” again? There are firewalls and programs designed to watch for known spyware. When you register, the “known spyware” definitions can be updated on a regular basis.

You could use a browser other than Internet Explorer (most spyware exploits problems here). This writer loves Mozilla Firefox – it’s free at www.mozilla.org

Our lawmakers are doing their best to stem the tide of spyware/malware. For example, in Washington State, USA, it is illegal for anyone other than the owner/operator of a computer to install software that alters web browser settings, monitors keystrokes, or disables computer security software.

The Gibson Research Corporation, www.grc.com, has several free fixes to “plug holes” in Internet Explorer’s security.

There is hope. In 2005, NY Attorney General Eliot Spitzer brought suit against Intermix Media, Inc. Intermix’s spyware program spread by drive-by download (loaded without permission), and installed itself in such a way it was very difficult to remove. Intermix settled for $7.5 million dollars.

Spyware is here to stay. Your best bet is to be informed – know the tricks used by spyware to load itself. Use a firewall or spyware blocker program. Most important, understand exactly what that new program will install on your innocent computer.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mike Christy is the owner of http://www.spywarecenter.info which is a free information site providing the latest Spyware news and instructions on how to remove Spyware from your computer.

The motivation behind hackers has evolved noticeably over the last couple of years. Developing harmful viruses is less about “bragging rights” or satisfying the creator’s ego and is becoming more and more about generating profit or commercial return.

The destruction of data on your computer or corruption of programs you use is a common side effect and what people have traditionally associated with a computer virus. The reformatting of your computer “c: drive”, especially at work, and the loss of valuable data used to be an incredibly painful experience.

The widespread deployment of data back up solutions within companies to comply with legislation and other factors means less and less valuable data is now stored on your computer’s local hard drive. More importantly for the virus writer this attack does not generate much tangible profit so there is not much motivation to develop more sophisticated programs to counter improved anti virus applications and corporate network security.

However, there is profit for the virus writer in turning your computer into a spam distribution machine. “Spam” is email sent without the permission of the person receiving the message. Hackers gain control of your computer through a Trojan Horse which gives them the same access rights as the user. Once your computer is controlled by the hacker it becomes known as a “Zombie.” A group of zombie machines is known as a “botnet.”

By controlling a botnet a hacker can generate profit in a number of ways. The botnet can be used to exhort a ransom from a company by threatening launch a damaging “Distributed Denial of Service” (DDoS) attack against its web site. The botnet can also be hired out to other hackers.

The most common way of profiting from a botnet is to use it to send out spam email. According to the security software company Sophos over 50% of all spam email now originates from botnets. Hackers use spam email to drive traffic to pay per click advertising sites or distribute virus programs further. Using a zombie computer helps cover their tracks.

The drive for generating profit is clearly evident in a new form of virus dubbed “Ransomware” by security experts which started to appear in 2005. Ransomware, as the name suggests, holds data on your computer “hostage.” Files on your hard drive are encrypted with a password. The user is then contacted and asked to pay a ransom to release the file.

Here are some simple tips and strategies to help prevent your computer turning into a “Zombie.”

• Keep your computer up to date with the latest software patches for Windows and other Microsoft programs. Most viruses and other malware exploit vulnerabilities in widely used programs.
• Install a reputable anti virus program. Keep the definitions up to date and scan your computer regularly.
• Install a personal firewall or buy a router with a hardware firewall. Ideally you need a firewall solution which filters both incoming and outgoing traffic from your computer to the internet.
• Never open spam email or associated email attachments which is frequently used to distribute virus programs. Use a spam filter to help reduce the amount of spam you receive.

Richard Rogers runs a number of computer-related sites offering Spyware Remover and Anti Virus Software help.

Many music box and antique collectors enjoy collecting inlaid music boxes, wooden keepsake boxes, musical jewelry boxes, and other mechanical music and musical gifts. In part two of this two article series, we will take a look at additional tips to consider when seeking to develop a valuable music box collection.

1. While music box collecting can be expensive, its important to remember to make sure the item that is being purchased does not have inflated value. So, take your time and develop a systematic appraisal, which can be used for all music box purchases. For example, some things to look for are loose, damaged, and missing veneer; looking to see if the design on the lid is an inlay and not a transfer. It is also necessary to check to make sure the musical movement is not damaged, no corrosion is present which can lead to lead leaks, and listen to make sure the tune on the music box is perfect. Plus, take your time when making a decision

2. If you find a music box that you fall in love with, but it has defects, go ahead and buy it! Usually, everything is capable of being replaced if you have the time, money, and know someone who is skilled in this area.

3. When buying a music box at an auction, always look at the piece prior to the auction. Make sure you examine the box carefully and decide how valuable it truly it is for you, no matter the cost. This will also ensure that you remain within your budget!

4. Music boxes can be delicate. Therefore, when it comes to transporting them you must be careful. There are precautions to take to ensure that your valuable collectible is not damaged in any way. Transpiration suggestions include putting the piece on the floor in the car, and remembering to never stand a music box on its end. Also, carry a cylinder music box in a level position to keep the cylinder from bouncing up and down. Additional tips include using a high density plastic foam to wrap your valuable in, using large strong crates for large musical boxes (best to let the professionals pack it) and putting “breakable” or “handle like glass” if it has to be shipped a long distance.

Collecting music boxes such as inlaid music boxes, wooden keepsake boxes, musical jewelry boxes, and other mechanical music and musical gifts, and many other mechanical instruments and movements are hobby loved by many a music box and antique collector. Following the above tips can greatly assist collectors in forming a valuable music box collection.

Copyright 2006 Monique Hawkins

AjaxGear is a toolkit that allows you to take advantage of the
client-side technique known as AJAX. AJAX is shorthand for
Asynchronous JavaScript and XML. It uses the XMLHttpRequest
object to allow a Web browser to make asynchronous call to the
Web server without the need to refresh the whole page. AjaxGear
powers this website and has been tested and compatible with
Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher and Mozilla Firefox 1.5. As
AjaxGear evolves, new features will be demonstrated on this
site. As such, the fastest way to learn how to use AjaxGear in
your web application is to download the source files of this
website and see how AjaxGear is used. Components under
development Three components are currently being developed as
part of AjaxGear toolkit namely progress bar, auto complete and
form validator. Progress bar allows us to view in real time the
status of the request sent to the server. Auto complete allows
us to efficiently navigate a dataset on a server. Form validator
allows us to validate user entry in real-time. Client-side form
validation has been a feature of ASP.NET. However, I am
developing a component that we could use on any server-side
technologies including ASP.NET, PHP, JSP, Pearl, and CGI. The
functionalities of these components will soon be demostrated in
the Contact section of this site.

Most Americans are enthusiastic supporters of their own civic rights, but few bother to meet any would-be democrat’s (or any would-be republican’s, if you prefer) number-one responsibility: that of keeping oneself sufficiently literate and well informed to be able to vote rationally and knowledgeably. Mountains of too-long ignored evidence show that the vast majority of our nation’s citizens cannot possibly meet that responsibility — that their functional literacies are so limited that our form of government can’t accurately be called a “democracy.” The word, rather, is “ochlocracy”: government based on the uninformed passions and whims of the mob.

In 1988, the United States Congress mandated a massive study on adult literacy in America. Some of the nation’s most highly esteemed testing and evaluation specialists fanned out across the country, interviewing and testing literally thousands of citizens, young and old, rich and poor, educated and not. The result, published in 1993 as “Adult Literacy in America,” showed that at least 96 percent of America’s adults were unlikely to be able to perform tasks that one might think preposterously simple. Specifically, the study showed that only tiny percentages of us can dependably do such things as (1) read and demonstrate basic comprehension of a 1-page juror information sheet; (2) peruse and explain essential elements presented on a 1-page printed table such as one might receive at a school board meeting; or (3) explain how to solve a simple consumer arithmetic problem.

Subsequent studies (such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development ’s “Literacy in the Information Age,” published in 2000), tend to confirm the general impression one is left with after a close reading of “Adult Literacy in America”: that we as a people simply don’t have the kinds of tool knowledge and basic skills necessary to sustain any democracy worthy of the name. In other words, as citizens, the vast majority of Americans are functionally illiterate.

“If you don’t use it, you lose it,” the saying goes, and that’s a major reason we’ve come to this sorry pass: we’re too busy doing other things to keep our minds from atrophying — and one of those “other things” overshadows all the rest as our most villainous time thief. Let’s do a little arithmetic. From the 24-hour day we all start with, we’ll subtract seven hours for the abbreviated night’s sleep that most of us get. Our workdays may be eight hours in theory, but they often go longer, and then there’s the commute, work-related errands, etc., so subtract another nine hours. A day’s meals, personal hygiene, and household chores will consume about two more hours — more if meals (including preparation, consumption, and cleanup) are permitted to last longer than 30 minutes each. A million other unpredictables (answering emails or phone calls from friends or family, soccer practice, car problems, surfing the Net, card club, a talkative neighbor — whatever) will inevitably conspire to relieve us of a couple more. That leaves about four available hours, give or take, per weekday.

Care to guess how much TV Americans watch, on average, every day? Could it be … four hours? Yep. In 1961, FCC Chairman Newton Minnow famously called TV a “vast wasteland.” Maybe it was, maybe it is, maybe not. But let’s leave questions of quality aside for the moment. Whether one’s TV viewing choices are ridiculous or sublime, the arithmetic is the same: the vast quantity of television Americans watch leaves virtually no time (at least during the workweek) for anything else — no time to read, write, or cipher anything unrelated to our jobs or maybe a favorite hobby or two. And so we become a nitwit nation, with most of its citizens comfortable operating within their own little worlds of work, family, TV, familiar social activities, and errands, but self-deprived of the time necessary to practice the art of thinking and acting like a citizen.

One wonders what our republic might be like if its constituents suddenly saw fit to struggle by on only, say, three hours of TV time per day, and gave the remaining hour to something more enlightening. If the unthinkable were to happen and we were to disengage from our tubes once in awhile, how might we best hone and exercise the essential skills we need to cast responsible ballots?

How about reading some mind-stretching books? Those who like to sentimentalize books in general tend to gush naive nonsense, and the old saying that it doesn’t matter what you read as long as you read something is the purest idiocy. It couldn’t possibly matter more. Americans are tremendous buyers and readers of books (on weekends, perhaps) but the dominant varieties are genre fiction and self-help books. Those may be fine for what they are, but how they’ll strengthen the Union — or their readers’ basic literacies — is beyond me.

So what “should” a citizen of the republic be reading? A little bit of everything — because in a democracy, one needs to know at least a little bit about pretty much everything. We need to read that which might make us more mentally agile and better informed about our world, be it works of science, history, economics, quality literature … the choices are endless, and we need to say yes to as many of them as possible, as often as we possibly can. In a democracy, functional literacy demands promiscuous reading, including but certainly not limited to books.

Apart from the fact that books can disseminate essential information (which TV or the Net can, arguably, do more efficiently), there’s another aspect of reading them that makes our doing so essential to the health of the republic. Reading well-written books, unlike watching most TV shows or cruising through a succession of websites, demands sustained and nuanced thought. It’s easy to spend countless hours in front of the television or on the Internet without ever having to examine an idea of any consequence for more than a few seconds, if at all. When democracy’s working its hardest and best, it’s a deeply involved and profoundly complicated enterprise. It requires that its practitioners focus on vexing problems, see many sides and shadings of a given question, and a find creative and satisfying solutions: precisely the kinds of mental processes one is led through over the course of most well-crafted, demanding books. Reading worthwhile books is a form of democratic calisthenics for the mind.

Simply turning off our TVs and reading the best books we can find won’t necessarily strengthen the republic or heal the world. But it couldn’t hurt, and our continued failure to do so is causing incalculable harm. Democracy may be what we want, but until we as a people acquire the habit of stretching our minds a whole lot further than we presently do, ochlocracy is most assuredly what we shall have.

Dan Nerhaugen is a freelance writer and Web designer who in other lives has also been a stockbroker, English teacher, journalist and editor. Since 1999 he’s produced and sold over 5,000 articles to more than 50 Upper Midwestern newspapers, for three of which he served as managing editor. He maintains the website the48er.com, featuring books, DVDs, and more for liberals and progressives.

Ladies in long flowing skirts and Spanish shoes with sturdy heels take centerstage. Minutes later, you’ll see them clap their hands and stomp their feet in perfect harmony with the guitar accompaniment that finally break the ear-deafening silence. With rhythmic moves, you now see them with raised arms, swaying and literally drowning in the crescendo-building guitar music. Interpreting the singer’s joy or sadness (or whatever emotion the song depicts) is key to the overall performance.

That is flamenco dancing—very passionate, sexy and definitely mysterious.

Characterized by its sensual allure and appeal, flamenco is truly a dance that exudes a gamut of emotions. It consists of the song (cante), the dance (baile), the guitar (torque) and extra elements of rhythmic accompaniment such as handclapping (palmas), finger snapping (pitos), tongue clicking and even knuckle bashing on a tabletop. In some dances, castanets (a Spanish classical influence) are part of flamenco, with some dances and performers also incorporating shout words of encouragement (jaleo).

Brief historical background
Flamenco, based on online sources, can be traced back to the religious dances of the Hindus. The body movements and emotions found in Indian dances are close to the more serious dance forms in flamenco. Then, there were nomadic tribes that traveled from India across Europe and Africa. Later on, these tribes settled in southern Spain (Andalusia); with gypsy tribes also joining in the rush to Andalusia from Africa with the Moors. The Moorish dance then mixed with Hindu dances and gypsy facility for rhythm. This then formed the early influences of flamenco that developed to its modern form today.

Flamenco, as the gypsies say, is in their blood. But Spain’s famous poet and writer Fredrico Garcia Lorca called flamenco “one of the greatest inventions of the Spanish people.” Some disagree though. But the tragic lyrics and tones of flamenco clearly reflect the sufferings of the gypsy people.

Flamenco in the Philippines
Locally, flamenco is also very much present here. With almost 300 years of Spanish colonial rule, Hispanic influences are very predominant among many Filipinos’ cultural dances which are performed even today.

At present, flamenco is being promoted and taught at the Fundacion Centro Flamenco, a Makati-based private group that teaches flamenco (all levels), palmas and cajon (flamenco rhythm), Spanish classical dance with castanets, Spanish guitar (classical and flamenco), Baile Latino, Capoiera (Brazilian martial arts), Pilates and jazz.

Apart from other schools/groups, Centro Flamenco is truly serious in propagating flamenco dances. Recognized by Instituto Cervantes, Centro Flamenco prides itself in the continued development and training of its in-house teachers, even bringing to the country world-class professional maestras like Clara Ramona. Fundacion Centro Flamenco president Emma Estrada said: “we want to be known as the primary movers of flamenco in the country.”

In line with its present objective of honing its students’ raw talent and skills, Centro Flamenco has, among others, celebrity students such as Dante Silverio and Lucy Torres-Gomez.

Dante Silverio on expressive movements
A motor racer in the 70s, renowned PBA coach/player and painter, Dante attends classes at Centro Flamenco thrice a week, with Emma as his instructor. He prefers Bulerias, with Tangos and Alegrias among his list of favorite flamenco dances.

Dante says flamenco “is very de-mystifying. There is an attraction to flamenco that you cannot explain. The movements are so expressive. It’s a beautiful dance and art to learn.”

Lucy Torres-Gomez on gypsy dancing
For Lucy, flamenco has helped her to slowly overcome her shyness and enjoy something that allows her to maintain her weight.

But more than that, Lucy looks at flamenco as a rich art that she wants to immerse herself into. “I like the discipline. It really involves training and practice. I like the idea that I actually know a dance that is a part of some culture; some old world charm and old world culture,” she enthused. Lucy attends classes at Centro Flamenco twice a week and particularly likes the Tangos and Bulerias.

More than the get-up though
Indeed, flamenco can be learned by anyone with or without a dance background. Flamenco is not just wearing Spanish mantons, printed tops, flowing skirts and shoes with heels. The real artistry of flamenco is imbibing the multi-faceted rhythm into your spine, your very being that initiates you to move and render steps that are emotion-filled. This way, you’ll be one with the story, the music and culture that’s distinctly flamenco.

About the Author: Mia is a senior copywriter at a public relations agency in the Philippines for 6 years now. She graduated from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) with a degree in AB Journalism. Mia is a voracious reader and sells dogs on the side.

Source: www.isnare.com

Computers have been long since introduced among mankind; and it was not so long after people adopted it and became iconic as they are now. Most residence, nowadays, own a set or two of computers; varying from desktops, laptops, notebooks and the sophisticated palm versions. Computers have opened the Information World; and Information Technology now dominates most aspects of living from the outskirts of business districts to the desks of those rendering public service in the government, from the armed forces to the school grounds.

Amidst these overwhelming innovations, though, there are still those who’re left with their simple beliefs and lifestyle; not even knowing how to perform a simple operation in a personal or desktop computer. And if you’re among them, there’s still time for you to catch up and start computer training.

Computer training will help you get familiarized with computers, its applications, dynamics and the technologies incorporated with them. You will be assisted by the knowledge you’ll acquire throughout your journey while living in the computer age.

Advantages of Computer Training

Since your everyday life will mostly involve the use of computers and other digital facilities; it will do you better to gain proficiency with each of them. Computer training will arm you with the knowledge you need in operating computers and the things associated with it such as hardware, software and computer applications.

Most jobs and employment opportunities nowadays also require proficiency in computer and IT matters; most computer and IT-related careers commands high salaries and an employee’s marketability largely depends on the diversity of his/her computer skills. Thus, being acquainted with every aspect of computers through computer training will give you the edge and high possibility of getting hired especially in multi-national companies.

Also, the business sectors and other aspects of society have evolved along with the evolution of computer technology; and most business establishments run their entities with computers. It is advantageous to have systematic business processes like staffing, accounting, filing and other transactions made possible with computers; thus, if you’re planning to start-up a business or wants to establish your business, it will help you a lot if you’re aiding your daily business routines with computers. Hence, the need for you to undergo computer training for improved business handlings.

Computer Training Schools

Computer training is mainly divided into several divisions of learning so as to have organized learning process; these are mainly hardware, software, networking and web development. Other computer training will also include basic computer safety, maintenance and troubleshooting. And you’ll learn all these in computer training schools and centers.

There are many schools and training centers that offer computer training and educations; they mostly offer certification courses or degree programs. Here are few tips on how you can find good schools for your computer training:

- Consider the size of the class. It is better to enroll in a computer training course where there are fewer students for the instructor to attend to; you’d be given more attention and guidance through the learning process in this case.

- Look for a school that offers enough training facilities. It is better to learn computers through hands-on process, thus, it would be better if each student is provided a computer. It is also good to learn in a more conducive place.

- The school you’re planning to attend for computer training should be certified so you’ll be assured of the quality of teaching that you’ll get from them. And they should issue certificates for your training; you can use these as proof of your computer studies.

- Your school should also have convenient location and scheduling. Especially for those who are already working and needs certification, you should find schools that offer classes in your most convenient time and are located in a more accessible area.

- Lastly, you must look for computer training schools that offer reasonable training costs and fees. There are also available financial aids that may help you out.

There are also many programs and software available on the Internet that can aid you with your computer training; thus, you can have self-taught computer training at home in your most convenient time.

Thomas DeReyna is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides a news blog.

I’m not really a very religious person and the answer to the
question is definitely not religiously related, but want for
another word “soul” will have to do. What I refer to is that bit
of the artist which goes into the artwork bringing it ‘to life’.
No! Not all pieces have this; the artist has to coax it. Once he
has nurtured it out of materials and medium, and agonized for
hours, his or her creation will come alive.

It’s not difficult to accept and it’s not wimpy, it’s what makes
the investor or the lover want to purchase or drool over the
artwork over and over again. It’s that feeling when you walk
past the piece and you have to return, and return, until you are
so frustrated that you do not own it and someone else does! When
you just cant let it go.

At a little country art show, you walk around checking it out,
and see something that warms you up. From the depths you
remember that you are here not only to mingle with the local art
and cultural elite; or, to help prop the visitor numbers for
your fellow local artists. You are here because you like art, it
does something to you. You are primed, a bit out of practice
maybe as it’s been so long, to buy that diamond in the rough, or
help discover the next Picasso.

You see something in the corner of your eye, it’s good.
Something warm, something frustrating, something good; what is
it? Yes, I like this piece; in fact I love it, but why?

You have to ask yourself why you can rush past so many artworks
but this one grabs you with enough emotion that it can make you
feel sick. In fact… when you see the red dot (sold), damn, you
feel robbed, “If only I was here earlier.” you say.

You know that picture was sold when the first person saw it.

The artist in his studio doesn’t know you, he is not sitting
there or standing there thinking, “What will they like, I know,
I’ll use this color.” Well maybe there are a few that do! The
artist sees something in their picture, it’s not right… agony,
agony: till finally they work the problem through and are so
happy that they start bouncing around the studio all happy
planning another wonderful week. This is the point when the
artwork has ‘come to life’.

The artist enjoys his or her work, though enjoyment is probably
too small a word to capture all the feelings they go through.
They must have their creation near them; there may be a brief
moment they want to hide it from view. Just a while, as it did
strain, it did hurt. But they must take it out again, after a
day, or an hour, and never hide it again. The more works he or
she creates the more their previous creations will hide away,
until they move to a bigger studio, just for more space to show
their favorites, permanently.

BUY THESE PIECES!! These contain part of the artist’s soul.
These are the first to be sold in any art show, the show stopper
in any gallery and finally: the pieces that end up in the State
Gallery, and only either: because the artist has died, or they
have donated it (not wanting it to be spoilt by the callous
association of the coin).

This is truly what the buyer or viewer is experiencing. If you
are not an artist you will not understand, the birth of their
creation, the moment soul starts to enter the ‘nothing’ in front
of them, is to the artist: the elation they experience. They do
NOT want to sell it to anyone. If they didn’t have to eat and
pay bills, believe me, the true artist would never sell anything
with soul. Think about it, the only pieces you could buy would
be the works they didn’t really care about, and neither would
you.

When coming across a piece that really hits your spot, think for
a minute. It affects you because it’s real, it’s got soul. The
artwork is loved by its maker, as one of their children. Of all
those paintings you browsed past in the local art show, you had
to return to this one, you had to have it. Listen to your body,
there is always a reaction to the living and the “attractive”;
it’s probably the time when you should buy, or at least savor
the moment.

Remember, if you feel a great overwhelming desire to keep
admiring the artwork, and the artist will not let it go, you
have discovered a winner.

Have you ever looked into the mirror and wondered, “Where did I
get that hair?” yet at the same time realized that the older you
get the more you look like your mother or father? The DNA that a
son receives from father is not only influential in determining
eye color, hair style, and height; but also in identifying who
the father was. More specifically Paternal Line Research is
defining who we are by helping to determine where we came from.

Paternal Line Research uses Y chromosome testing to trace
the paternal line. Throughout time, Y-chromosome tests are only
available for males, because the Y-chromosome passed only down
the paternal line from father to son. There are tiny chemical
markers on the Y-chromosome that create a unique pattern. This
pattern is used to distinguish male lineages from each other.
This type of testing is often used to determine if two
individuals who have the same surname share a common ancestor.
Furthermore, this test is often used to provide additional also
details in paternity cases where the alleged father is not
present for testing.

The Y-chromosome is passed from father to son and has the
property of remaining unchanged for several generations.
Y-chromosome mutations generally occur once every 500
generations. Because of this consistency in the Y-DNA, it is
very accurate in assessing relatedness and even more accurate in
assessing un-relatedness (Paternal 2005). Additional information
that can be gathered from Paternal Line Research is the
approximation of a common ancestor or most recent common
ancestor (MRCA) and the most likely estimate (MLE) to a common
ancestor–an estimate of when the most recent common ancestor
between two relatives lived (presented in generations).

The field of Paternal Line Research has rapidly improved in
recent years due to the fact that Y-chromosome analysis has
improved. New markers have been discovered and population groups
are being characterized (Kayser et al. 2004). Various tests have
been conducted as well as validation studies. Both have
demonstrated that Y chromosome testing is in
fact reliable (Butler 2005). Many different examples abound that
indicate the value that Paternal Line Research testing has in
forensic DNA casework. In addition, internet-accessible
databases house thousands of Y-DNA haplotypes making Paternal
Line Research an increasingly popular and accessible field.

The Easy Y-Match and Exact Y-Match search engines of the
Relative Genetics’ database allows searches of Y-chromosome
paternal line test results. These two search functions will
allow clients to identify other individuals with whom they may
have a close genealogical connection. Web site visitors may also
search for possible relatives using a basic surname search. The
recently improved flexibility of the Web site allows individuals
to create new projects, participate as members in multiple
projects, and accept project members who have been tested by
organizations other than Relative Genetics. In addition, members
of Group Projects will find that the color coding and sorting
features of the group data table makes it easy to quickly
identify relatives within their group. Web site visitors are
also granted convenient, effective access to the Sorenson
Molecular Genealogy Foundation database.

Paternal Line Research is still largely untapped and it will be
very interesting to see what the future holds. For example, DNA
casework currently has yet to accept Y chromosome testing as a
valid standard and instead still sees it as a specialized
technique only to be used in unique situations (Butler 2005).
Databases will need to expand in size and power in order to
strengthen the statistical information regarding a match. In
addition, the many different markers that are available need to
be further characterized to better define where they fit in
analyzing haplotypes and the strength of matches. At any rate,
Paternal Line Research has great potential in addition to the
great success that it has already produced.

Sources

Butler J. (2005) Forensic DNA Typing; Biology, Technology, and
Genetics of STR Markers, 74, 231-232.

Kayser, M., Kittler, R., Erler, A., Hedman, M., Lee, A.C.,
Mohyuddin, A., Mehdi, S.Q., Rosser, Z., Stoneking, M., Jobling,
M.A., Sajantila, A. and Tyler-Smith, C. (2004) American Journal
of Human Genetics, 74, 1183-1197.

Paternal Lineage. (2005). DNA Diagnostics Center.
http://www.dnacenter.com/dna-testing/paternal-lineage.html.