Archive for February, 2009
February 27th, 2009
The ANSI/RESNA wheelchair standards: sample evaluation and guide to interpreting test data for prescribing power wheelchairs
Posted in Blog, News, Other by Admin
The ANSI/RESNA wheelchair standards: sample evaluation and guide to interpreting test data for prescribing power wheelchairs
This study is a joint project of ECRI and the National Rehabilitation Hospital, supported by a grant from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR, U.S. Department of Education, Agreement No. H133E80016). ECRI is the first independent laboratory to test power wheelchairs and medicare power wheelchairs according to the standards of the Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America (RESNA), now known as the Association for the Advancement of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology (AART); these standards will ultimately be distributed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). We tested 10 power wheelchairs, which are similar in size and configuration, from seven manufacturers; all units are intended for adult use. Our testing showed that none of the sample wheelchairs are ideal for all environments in which these devices are typically needed. Each unit has advantages that should be carefully considered when specifying a power wheelchair. Numerous factors are involved in prescribing power wheelchairs, and learning the subtle differences in features and performance of a particular model and how they will affect the user is difficult. In addition, acquiring objective information about power wheelchairs from manufacturers is not typically easy. Considering these factors, and because the standards on which we based our testing do not generally provide criteria for passing or failing models under test, we did not rate the units. The purpose of this article is to present the data collected in our study, using wheelchair performance characteristics based on some parts of the ANSI/RESNA wheelchair standards, as an example of what prescribers can expect to receive from manufacturers and to provide guidance in interpreting and applying the data in writing power wheelchair prescriptions. Thus, this article provides an overview of the types of problems faced by those who specify power wheelchairs for users, the problems faced by the users themselves, and the components that are most susceptible to damage during use.
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February 27th, 2009
Consolidate YourCredit Card Debt and Ease a Headache
Posted in Other, Projects, SQL by Admin
Consolidate YourCredit Card Debt and Ease a Headache
building business credit card bills are really tough to pay off; once you have more than one card with a balance it can be very difficult to keep up with the payments. Add to that the penalties that you will have to pay for late payments and the problem is never-ending. The headache of having to pay so many bills at one time is one that can easily be eliminated if you consider the option of trying to consolidate your business line of credit card debt. This way you pay off your bills as one bill instead of many and it will actually save you money.
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February 26th, 2009
A College Career Cover Letter Moves You Forward
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A College Career Cover Letter Moves You Forward
Are you a college grad looking for the career of your dreams? Send a college career cover letter to the company you hope to join. Let the hiring manager know your desire, intent, qualifications and readiness as a now that you’ve earned your college degree. College career cover letters can give you the boost you need. Be sure to include your focus, any related experience or volunteer work. For example if you want to teach and you’ve been a teacher’s aide that will help your credibility with any future employer. So write that college career cover letter today.
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February 26th, 2009
Advertising, Promotion and Distribution
Posted in News, Other, Projects by Admin
Advertising, Promotion and Distribution
The difference between advertising and promotion is that advertising is easier and more effective once you identify your customers and determine market potential. This will help you to determine when, where, what and how to advertise. Advertising lets prospective customers (target market) know about your product and makes them want to buy from you. Effective advertising gets the right message to the right audience at the right time plus is measurable so you can determine if it is increasing sales. It creates a business image in the customer’s mind, increases customer information, about the home business and attracts customers.
Choose forms of advertising and the distribution method by their appropriateness to your business. Remember to use a mix of advertising methods. Experts say to not spend your entire advertising budget on one type of media. Take advantage of every opportunity to promote your business. Promotion can be done through news stories of your grand opening or local radio news programs.
Computer marketing. The newest form of advertising and marketing is on-line. It is estimated that over $1 trillion worth of commerce will be done over the Internet by the year 2002, and that most of the products sold will be by entrepreneurs. Advertising can be done for little cost on local bulletin boards and community pages, to sizable monthly fees for sophisticated marketing services. To sell on-line you will need to establish an attractive web page with quality pictures and exact descriptions of your products. You will also need to be ready to accept credit card orders. An advantage to marketing this way will be your access to a much larger market.
Word of mouth. Word-of-mouth advertising can be a powerful medium for a home based business opportunity in the local area. It is sincere, believable and unsolicited. It is also uncontrollable, so you will want to make sure that it is positive advertising. It is largely up to you to make sure that your product and the experience your customers tell others about is the kind of advertising you want. Be professional and prompt, meet deadlines, keep appointments, and do not accept more work than you can deliver. These good business practices and friendly hospitality will enhance your business and make people want to come back. It takes time to build a reputation.
Brochures/Hand-Out Flyers. A brochure or flyer can be small, inexpensive and attractive and is an excellent method to advertise your business. Get advice from a printer or hire a graphic designer to help with the layout of pictures, text and lettering. Do not invest money in these items if you did not consider how either will be used or who it will be used for and it is constructed in such a way that it will be opened, read and responded to. They have many uses but are wasted if not well planned.
Direct mail. Mailing brochures or letters to businesses or people likely to become customers may be helpful when you first open your business. Mailing again at regular intervals throughout the year also may help but you must keep an up-to-date mailing list. Direct mail is most effectively used on clients within a 50 mile radius of your business if it is only used to advertise and not for orders. If orders are taken, distance is no object. It adds a personal touch as a direct communication between you and your customer. Mailing can be expensive and should be weighed with the other options.
Bulletin boards. Post professional looking brochures, flyers or business cards on public bulletin boards in restaurants, grocery stores, laundromats, apartment complexes, schools or anywhere visible to your target market. It is common courtesy to ask permission to post. Some locations specify where posters can be used or may not permit their use.
Newspapers. Contact the local editors and tell them about your new service or product. An editor may want to do a feature story, especially about your grand opening. Getting an article may be easier if you can tie into the activities of a charitable organization, a benevolent group or a community activity. Include a black and white picture and send along a news release. An article like this is promotion and not advertising, but may be very effective.
Newspaper advertising should be done on a consistent basis. People need to see your ad several times before it will stick in their minds. Ask to have your ad placed in the same place each week and preferably on a page that is highly read. Placement does make a significant difference in whether or not an ad is noticed. Color and size also make a difference but do cost more.
Classified ads are usually inexpensive and appropriate for a small business. Run ads in local newspapers and shoppers’ guides in your community.
Shows and displays. Depending on your type of business, it may be appropriate to display some of your work in a public library or bank along with your business cards for people to take. You can also use road signs.
Other businesses. You may want to advertise in a business that is complementary to yours. For example, a fabric store for alterations or gourmet food store for cooking classes. This type of advertising benefits both businesses.
Yellow pages. Check with the phone company for the time of printing for the next book. Be sure to get your business name in the white pages and consider a yellow page ad. A listing in the yellow pages can be helpful but may have a charge, so check with your local phone company. Always consider your customer. Would a potential customer consult the yellow pages looking for your type of product or service?
Local radio and TV. Many radio stations have local talk shows. Call the directors and see if they are interested in discussing your new business. Radio ads give you the flexibility to choose the audience that will hear your advertisement. This can be done by choosing the station and time of day the ad is broadcast. The radio sales agent can help you to design your ad to meet your goals.
Television ads can be effective but are very expensive to produce and run. Local cable companies may provide low cost space on their cable access page. Distribution can also be accomplished via television. Shows like QVC and other home shopping shows are popular and effective, but you must have a significant supply on hand that can be shipped immediately. Infomercials are also gaining in popularity but are very expensive to produce and air.
Specialties. You may want to offer matchbooks, pens, calendars, decals, balloons or other tokens of appreciation for doing business. Many of these items have long-term use and make good seasonal gifts. You could print stickers or labels to attach to every product. However, labels may be expensive. Weigh the cost and the advantages of the items depending on your particular business.
Telemarketing. Telemarketing is a sales approach that is done entirely by the phone. It may be selling to customers who call or calling potential customers.
Selling on Consignment. You may choose to sell on consignment, where the retail store displays your products, advertises and sells them for you. For this service, they charge a flat fee of 30 to 50 percent of the selling price. The store generally pays its consignors once a month for merchandise sold. A consignment store should reflect a neat and friendly yet businesslike appearance. Other merchandise in the store should be similar in quality to yours. The store owner should be able to suggest realistic selling prices for your products.
Since you own the products until they are sold, the store is not responsible for theft or damage. Another disadvantage is that your money is tied up in the merchandise until it is sold. It’s in your inventory, not the store’s. If an item does not sell, it may be returned to you in less than salable condition or be out of date. Inspect written agreements carefully. Make sure to include all of the details you find necessary to protect your investment, including length of shelf time.
Chamber of Commerce. Joining the local chamber of commerce and other professional organizations is a good opportunity to make valuable contacts and participate in community activities. It also helps makes your business visible.
Additional ideas and information can be obtained from the following:
Read magazines, trade journals and observe competitor ads in newspapers.
Talk with public relations people and others who promote products and services to find out the best ways to advertise your business.
Attend trade shows. The wholesalers and distributors have excellent ideas on what they would do if they were in your shoes. If you are wholesaling, visit with your suppliers. Gain contacts to meet with others who are in a business similar to yours. If you are not in their market or potential market, many will be glad to share their expertise.
Consult people in the franchise business or in unrelated franchises if you are considering this form of business. Determine how they reach their clientele and learn their repeat sales techniques and the preferences of those customers.
Depending on the suitability of your business, don’t overlook parades, mall shows, gallery shows, street fairs, summer festivals and county fairs.
Plan your advertising based on a set budget. This can be determined by spending:
The same amount as last year.
What the competition does.
A percentage of your sales.
To meet your objectives (example: increase sales by 10 percent).
Regular, steady, targeted advertising attracts more customers than splashy, appeal-to-no-one advertisements. Zero in on your specific target audience with cost-effective advertising. Plan an appropriate advertising theme using the name of your business and featuring a logo (if you have one). People tend to remember and trade where there are catchy (not overly cute) names, slogans and logos.
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February 26th, 2009
How Do You Make a Cover Letter That Leads to a Job?
Posted in Projects, SQL by Admin
How Do You Make a Cover Letter That Leads to a Job?
Here’s how. Decide which position you want and then target the companies that have openings in that field. Make a write a cover letter that will grab the hiring managers’ attention. Be sure to include your experience, specific duties, and background. And add a sentence or two as you make cover letters, that shows the employer why you’re the ideal candidate to fill the opening. Make a cover letter that is clear and specific and focused on what you’re looking for. Then ask for an interview. Hiring managers are sure to respond to anyone who is energized and qualified.
Entertainment
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February 25th, 2009
Can an MLM Funded Proposal Help my Business?
Posted in Other, Projects, SQL by Admin
Can an MLM Funded Proposal Help my Business?
The last years the new trend in network marketing, especially for those working online, is what is called a funded proposal. The process of generating leads that you can try to convert them to distributors in your MLM opportunity by selling them usually an infoproduct in the front-end. That method can be very useful for those that don’t have the financial resources to advertise directly themselves and their multi-level marketing business for a long period of time.
But let’s see in more detail how exactly it works.
As we said, everything starts with the front-end product that is usually an info-product like an ebook, sometimes it can also be a tangible product, but such cases are rare as it’s not cost-efficient. What you are doing is you are trying to sell this product for a designated price. When someone buys it he becomes a lead and you follow up with him through an autoresponder with a preloaded series of emails trying to convince him to become a member to your network marketing opportunity. The business opportunity that you are trying to sell to him is called the back-end product.
The exciting part of this method is the selling of the front-end product, in essence you get paid to generate your own leads. Of course, you have to subtract the advertising costs in order to find your real profit, if any. If you sell for example a training course for $35 and the customer acquisition cost is $25 you make a profit of $10 for every lead you generate.
That concept is very powerful if you consider that most people that advertise directly their MLM company, they are losing money in the first months, or even years until their downline grows big enough so their commissions can match up their advertising expenses. With a funded proposal you solve the cash-flow problems of your home based business right from the very beginning getting in profit literally from your first sale.
Another advantage is the quality of the leads you generate. First, you know where they come from since you generate them on your very own. Second, they already have spent money for buying your course so they are serious prospects and not freebie seekers. And third, they qualified themselves that they are genuinely interested in network marketing by purchasing your relevant product.
As good as it sounds the funded proposal by now, it gets even better. There are ready made solutions with an information product that you can sell, an autoresponder loaded with pre-written emails in order to convert your customers to distributors in your multilevel marketing opportunity, as well as training on how to market and build your home business.
That way you won’t have to set up the whole system by yourself which requires a lot of knowledge and skills in order to function properly and be efficient in terms of converting traffic to customers and leads to distributors. Someone else has already done the hard work for you.
From what we have seen above an MLM funded proposal is a powerful tool for every network marketer, especially if he doesn’t have the necessary cash to sustain direct advertising of his business opportunity for a long period of time that can usually last for many months before he gets to profits. Whether you set up your own system, or join a ready one, using that method is something that you should consider.
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February 25th, 2009
Medicare program; conditions for payment of power mobility devices, including power wheelchairs and power-operated vehicles. Interim final rule with comment period
Posted in Other, Projects, SQL by Admin
Medicare program; conditions for payment of power mobility devices, including power wheelchairs and power-operated vehicles. Interim final rule with comment period
This interim final rule conforms our regulations to section 302(a)(2)(E)(iv) of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (Pub. L. 108-173). This rule defines the term power mobility devices (PMDs) as power wheelchairs and
medicare power wheelchairs. It sets forth revised conditions for Medicare payment of PMDs and defines who may prescribe PMDs. This rule also requires a face-to-face examination of the beneficiary by the physician or treating practitioner and a PMD prescription and pertinent parts of the medical record that the durable medical equipment supplier maintains in records and makes available to CMS or its agents upon request. Finally, this rule discusses CMS’ policy on documentation that may be requested by CMS or its agents to support a Medicare claim for payment, as well as the elimination for the Certificate of Medical Necessity for PMDs.
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February 22nd, 2009
An Ebay Store
Posted in Blog, SQL, Web by Admin
An Ebay Store
If you are looking to a simple and safe business opportunity to start from the comforts of your own home, then look no further than an Ebay store. This is a great way for you to generate an extra income, and you can actually see progress with your finances if you do it right. There are virtually millions of things that can be sold from an eBay store, and you never have to worry about leaving your home other than the shipping days that is. Regardless of what it is that you are going to offer the general public, you are going to need to keep this business running at all times day and night to make the kind of money you need to survive with.
Internet An Absolute Must
Whatever it is that you intend on selling with an Ebay store, you are going to need an active and fast Internet connection. This is what your home business is going to be based off of, and without the net you are without customers. Some of the most popular things that you will find on the Ebay site for sale by a store are books. This is a great way to generate extra cash or to even make a great deal of money, as there are always books that people are looking for. The books can be listed on the Internet and sold through the web, and you will either keep the books at home or in a storage space while you are in process of selling them. This is a simple way to make extra money, and you can actually see the company grow quite rapidly if you are good at what you do. Not unlike any other form of business, this type of company is going to take time to get off the ground and a great level of dedication to keep things going successfully.
Expansion
When you are dealing with an Ebay store, you do not have to worry about problems with expansion. The biggest concern that you may face when dealing with this issue, is how you are going to set up storage for your wares if you do not have a factory direct line to the company you are getting your orders from. Storing things like books or electronics in your home can in fact take up more room than you are able to allocate. This is why it is best to either run a direct line to the shipper, or have a facility large enough to accommodate what you need to store while you acquire business and customers.
Low Overhead
One of the best aspects of running an Ebay store is that there is basically minimal overhead that is attached to the business. Aside from the obvious like an Internet connection and possibly paper for printing shipping labels, there really is not much that is required financially from you if you do it all from home. This makes a company like this very simple and easy to manage. In the long run it can also make a company like this very profitable if you choose the right things to sell on line.
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February 20th, 2009
What is not an Emergency?
Posted in Other, Projects, SQL by Admin
What is not an Emergency?
Books for school may be an emergency situation in some cases, but magazine subscriptions, adult chat lines, 1-900 horoscope phone numbers, and HBO on Demand are not. Theater or concert tickets are not emergencies, cell phone bills are not emergencies, except in some situations. Paying for a cell phone may be acceptable; but putting all your friends expenses on your building business credit card because they promised to pay is absolutely not.
Why have a business line of credit Card at all?
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February 20th, 2009
Demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with disparity in wheelchair customizability among people with traumatic spinal cord injury
Posted in Blog, News, Other by Admin
Demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with disparity in wheelchair customizability among people with traumatic spinal cord injury
OBJECTIVES: To determine if a standard of care for wheelchair provision exists within the participating centers and if there is disparity in wheelchair customizability among the study sample. DESIGN: Convenience sample survey. SETTING: Thirteen Model Spinal Cord Injury Systems that provide comprehensive rehabilitation for people with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) and that are part of the national database funded through the US Department of Education. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 412 people with SCI who use wheelchairs over 40 hours a week. INTERVENTION: Survey information was obtained from subjects via telephone and in-person interviews and from the national database. Collected information included age, race, education, level of injury, and wheelchair funding source. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number and type (manual or power) of wheelchairs. Wheelchair customizability as defined by design features (eg, adjustable axle position, programmable controls). RESULTS: Ninety-seven percent of manual wheelchair users and 54% of power wheelchairs users had customizable wheelchairs. No power wheelchair user received a wheelchair without programmable controls. Minorities with low socioeconomic backgrounds (low income, Medicaid/Medicare recipients, less educated) were more likely to have standard manual and standard programmable power wheelchairs. Older subjects were also more likely to have standard programmable power wheelchairs and handicap scooters. CONCLUSIONS: The standard of care for manual wheelchair users with SCI is a lightweight and customizable wheelchair. The standard of care for power wheelchairs users has programmable controls. Unfortunately, socioeconomically disadvantaged people were less likely to receive customizable wheelchairs.
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February 19th, 2009
How Having 8 Legs Can Create Leads For Your Business
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How Having 8 Legs Can Create Leads For Your Business
In any business opportunity, the money has to come from somewhere. Whether it’s from sales revenue or service charges or other transactions, the bitter business truth is that every dime in your pocket used to be in someone else’s.
It’s not a bad thing. Just because you have money that used to be in someone else’s possession doesn’t mean that the former owner is now busting out the food stamps. Through however many transactions between however many parties, you received money, and they received either goods or services. And that’s how an economy works.
On a less Macro scale, in the world of network and multi-level marketing this principle remains especially true and obvious. At the very core of your business, you make money through the sale of goods or services to someone. You yourself may never sell a thing and be living in a huge mansion, but odds are you’re benefiting from the sale of something to someone. This system of making sales work for you is part of the appeal of MLM. Downlines. You benefit from the work of others. The more people you have in your downlines, the more profit you are making. Downlines make sales. You make money. End of story. But what’s the name of the game?
Leads. The hottest commodity of MLM. If you’ve got ‘em, you’ve got it. If not, you’re going to be working really, really hard to pay for that huge mansion on door-to-door sales and Tupperware parties. If you can get downlines, you can get money. In order to have downlines, you need leads. In short, leads equal money.
And that’s the MLM secret, which you already know, of course. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that you can’t make a fortune by yourself in this home based business opportunity. But just because you know that you need leads doesn’t mean you can find them. And that’s where so many MLM ventures fail. It is a commonly reported statistic that well over 90% of those involved in MLM never make a profit. But you can bet that a healthy supply of leads will keep in you in the successful ten percent.
There’s a couple different ways to go about it. You can do what most MLMers do (and fail): make a list of your friends and family (sound familiar?), pass out ‘business op’ fliers, spend lots of money and have social functions, beg, plead, scream, pass out, wake up, continue. Eventually, the strenuous effort takes its toll on your health and you leave the industry to do something a little more docile and less stressful on your health, like substitute teaching in an alternative high school.
Personally, I I went door to door, I called local businesses and tricked whoever answered the phone into coming in for a job interview, I passed out Flyers, I spent THOUSANDS of dollars on leads, with limited success.
There is a better way. A way to channel leads to your business who come looking for it. The Spider Web Marketing System is a system designed to do one thing: generate leads. And it does so with the greatest effectiveness and efficiency in the industry. It’s based on what is called the funded proposal system, a system that utilizes highly developed Internet marketing strategies to bring interested, real leads. The best part of funded proposal, and the great appeal of The Spider Web Marketing System, is that it perpetuates itself, so that it keeps itself going and continues to generate income for you, while continually sending quality leads your way.
There are other ways to get leads. You can put down some serious cash for “lead lists” who will give you pages and pages of innocent people who have been called a hundred times, and you can work off of that. But with Spider Web Marketing, these are leads that come to you. They are “fresh leads,” meaning that they have not been called before or come from any list. These are people, who using the Internet, seek out a business opportunity and come straight to you.
The SpiderWeb Marketing System has been great for me because Kimball and his corporate staff have been very helpful, I researched thoroughly and know this is the best system, I am excited to gain solid leads, It has been wonderful so far. Its helped me get more leads, grow my business, and make more money, and helped me on my goal to Buy my dream house, Gain financial freedom, Buy a second home, Become a Trillionaire, Retire early.
Basically, The Spider Web Marketing System is a lead generating machine. And in a business where leads are the name of the game, that’s a piece of equipment you can’t afford to be without.
For more information visit http://RobAsi.ws/foggiestclue/
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February 19th, 2009
Become a Sales Manager This Sure-Fired Way
Posted in News, Other, Projects by Admin
Become a Sales Manager This Sure-Fired Way
If you see yourself managing a team of sales people, then write a cover letter for sales manager and put yourself out there for such a job. Be sure to mention your sales experience, if applicable, your education and training, and any ideas you have to help propel the company’s sales department forward. Well-written cover letter samples for sales managers can make the difference between a ‘yes’ and a ‘no’ from a hiring manager. So decide today to write a smashing cover letter for sales manager and turn your dream into a job.
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February 18th, 2009
Get the Job You Want With a Professional Cover Letter
Posted in Projects, SQL by Admin
Get the Job You Want With a Professional Cover Letter
There are cover letters and then there are professional cover letters. Any old letter won’t make the grade. There is so much competition for job interviews that in order to be noticed you’ll need to write a professional cover letterone that shows the hiring manager the kind of person you area person who is eager to add something substantial to the company, ready to assume responsibility, deliver excellent service, and do your job with enthusiasm and energy. Be sure to show the employer in your professional cover letter, your background and expertise and don’t forget to ask if you can come in for a personal interview.
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February 18th, 2009
Comparison between performance with a pushrim-activated power-assisted wheelchair and a manual wheelchair on the Wheelchair Skills Test
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Comparison between performance with a pushrim-activated power-assisted wheelchair and a manual wheelchair on the Wheelchair Skills Test
PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that people using a pushrim-activated power wheelchairs (PAPAW) can accomplish a wider range of wheelchair skills than when using a manual wheelchair (MWC). METHODS: We studied 30 able-bodied participants, using within-participant comparisons. Participants used a manual wheelchair equipped with both PAPAW and regular MWC rear wheels, and rear anti-tip devices (Arc-RADs) that permitted wheelie-like function. We trained participants to perform the wheelchair skills of the medicare power wheelchairs Skills Training Program (WSTP, Version 2.4). From the Wheelchair Skills Test (WST, Version 2.4), we calculated pass-fail success rates for the 50 individual skills and a total percentage WST score. RESULTS: The mean (+/-SD) total WST scores were 89.3 (+/-7.0)% for the PAPAW and 88.8 (+/-8.4)% for the MWC, with a mean difference of 0.6 (+/-5.6)% (p = 0.59). Qualitative observations suggested that skills requiring a higher force on the pushrim (e.g., incline ascent) were performed more easily with the PAPAW, whereas skills requiring greater control of the wheelchair (e.g., wheelie-dependent skills) were performed more easily with the MWC. CONCLUSION: Overall wheelchair skill performance with the PAPAW is not superior to that when using the MWC. The PAPAW may be helpful for specific skills that require more wheel torque, but the additional torque appears to be disadvantageous when performing skills that require greater control
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February 18th, 2009
Before you buy a business
Posted in Other, Projects, SQL by Admin
Before you buy a business
Study the disclosure document and proposed contract carefully.
Interview current owners in person. (They should be listed in the disclosure document.) Visiting them in person may help you identify any who are “shills” - people paid to give favorable reports.
Investigate claims about your potential earnings. Some companies may claim that you’ll earn a certain income or that existing franchisees or business opportunity purchasers earn a certain amount. Companies making earnings representations must provide you with the written basis for their claims. Be suspicious of any company that does not show you in writing how it computed its earnings claims.
Sellers also must tell you in writing the number and percentage of owners who have done as well as they claim you will. Keep in mind that broad sales claims about successful areas of business - “Be a part of our $4 billion industry,” for example - may have no bearing on your likelihood of success. Also, recognize that once you buy the business, you may be competing with franchise owners or independent home business people with more experience than you.
Listen carefully to the sales presentation. Some sales tactics should signal caution. For example, if you are pressured to sign immediately “because prices will go up tomorrow,” or “another buyer wants this deal,” slow down. A seller with a good offer doesn’t use high-pressure tactics. Under the FTC’s Franchise and business opportunity Rule, the seller must wait at least 10 business days after giving you the required documents before accepting your money or signature on an agreement. Be wary if the salesperson makes the job sound too easy. The thought of “easy money” may be appealing, but success generally requires hard work.
Get the seller’s promises in writing. Any oral promises you get from a salesperson should be written into the contract you sign. If the salesperson says one thing but the contract says nothing about it or says something different, it’s the contract that counts. If a seller balks at putting oral promises in writing, be alert to potential problems and consider doing business with another firm.
Consider getting professional advice. Ask a lawyer, accountant, or business advisor to read the disclosure document and proposed contract. The money and time you spend on professional assistance, and research - such as phone calls to current owners - could save you from a bad investment decision.
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February 15th, 2009
Ripping You Off From Abroad
Posted in Blog, SQL, Web by Admin
Ripping You Off From Abroad
One of the biggest scams going around this year is not coming from your own neighborhood; people are actually ripping you off from abroad. Scams from distant foreign countries have become the norm today, and you are often spiced up before the scammer actually drops the bomb on you. This type of scam is totally random, and there seldom is a set target as this is happening from the comforts of another country. This is nothing personal, and it is all business opportunity on the part of the scammers. When the scammer is set to make this attack from their home country, it is almost like the preparation of a large-scale play or performance.
First Step Is The Initial Email
The first stage of the scam while ripping you off abroad is an email to a random person usually found off of Yahoo. The sender claims that they are either a close family member or a custodian of a deceased dignitary. The email will detail the remaining period of the deceased life, and how they have amassed a decent fortune that now must be removed from this distant and tyrant country. The government will want this money, and it is up to you to help extradite this money out of the country under your assistance, and it must be placed in your bank account for safekeeping. What’s in it for you? Well for your time and troubles you will be offered an exorbitant amount of money, most likely in the millions. While this seems very James Bond like, the fact still remains that there are people that fall for this on a daily basis.
The Stage Is Set
When you have gone through this email and you are shaking your head in confusion, the process of ripping you off from abroad has already begun. The sender of the mail will ask for you telephone number and home address. They will tell you to call them to discuss specifics of the situation, yet they will never seem to answer. They will chalk it up to poor telephone lines in their remote part of the world and instruct you to deal specifically through the computer from this point forward. They will ask you to get some paperwork received by way of fax that will for all intensive purpose look totally legitimate. You are to take this paperwork to your bank for notarization and to get the routing number of your bank, and a certain transit number that they will need to transfer this large sum of foreign currency.
The Final Act
When you get the last contact from the sender, they will ask for your account number and the transit number for the bank that you are dealing with in your country. You assume that this is nothing to fret about as they are in another country and your bank would never allow the extraction of funds from your account this way correct? You would be wrong, and so much so that you would be wrong and very broke. It is always a good idea to be on the alert for ridiculous scams such as this, and always share what you know with others around you as a dorm of education against this type of scam.
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February 14th, 2009
Browse the Internet
Posted in Other, Projects, SQL by Admin
Browse the Internet
Everything, including one’s building business credit, is digital these days. The way to find the best business line of credit card rate is to go online and find the average credit card rates for standard, gold and platinum credit cards. The fixed rate for a standard building business credit card averages around 13.08%, the variable rate is 14.39%. For a gold card, the fixed rate is 11.41% and the variable 13.37%, while the platinum is fixed around10.17% and variable is 13.60%. The higher “level” the card, the more you are able to save on the interest. Rates change, so it’s good to check in every so often to decide which one is right for you.
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February 13th, 2009
The Hephaestus Smart Wheelchair System
Posted in Blog, News, Other by Admin
The Hephaestus Smart Wheelchair System
The Hephaestus Smart Wheelchair System is envisioned as a series of components that clinicians and wheelchair manufacturers will be able to attach to standard power wheelchairs to convert them into “smart wheelchairs.” A prototype of the system has been developed and mounted on an Everest and Jennings Lancer2000 wheelchair. The prototype bases its navigation assistance behavior on the behavior developed for the NavChair Assistive Wheelchair Navigation System, but the underlying hardware and software are being designed to facilitate commercialization. This paper describes our design goals for the Hephaestus system and discusses the current status of the system prototype as well as plans for future work for medical scooters.
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February 12th, 2009
Move Into Management With a Management Cover Letter
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Move Into Management With a Management Cover Letter
If you’re ready to move up and move on, consider writing a management cover letter to showcase your talent, your expertise, your training and your readiness to assume the job. What can you bring to the company to help it grow and expand? How will your skills and management style fit the organization’s mission? Include these and other details in your management cover letters. If you need an example to follow, find cover letter examples on the Internet and then go from there. Decide today to reach for the next run on the management ladder.
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February 12th, 2009
Resume Cover Letters That Work!
Posted in Projects, SQL by Admin
Resume Cover Letters That Work!
Making a resume cover letters requires a bit of creativity and a lot of clarity. After you put together your resume be sure to consider the importance of making resume cover letters that appeal to the various employers you’re targeting. For example, suppose you are looking for a job as a sales representative. You approach a retail store, a women’s sportswear manufacturer, a clothing boutique. Each one is related in terms of goods, but still somewhat different from one another. Therefore, making a resume cover letter to fit each of these outlets will be in your best interest.
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February 11th, 2009
Home Businesses: How to Determine a Quality Home Business Opportunity
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Home Businesses: How to Determine a Quality Home Business Opportunity
The Internet is revolutionizing the very way that we approach business opportunity dealings. Worldwide, the message is spreading that there are legitimate ways to make an appreciable living from the comfort of your home. Of course, everyone is attracted to this idea for many obvious reasons including:
Increased family time;
Increased personal time;
Being one’s own boss;
No more commuting;
Fuel and auto wear savings;
and so much more.
We all know about and desire these ideas and want very much to develop our own home business. But how do we discern which of the thousands out there in cyberspace are legitimate? How do we weed out the bogus programs and find the few home business opportunities that can actually deliver what we desire? Let’s look at what to look for to do just that:
Look for obviously-stated contact information presented by the home business opportunity that you are considering. Legitimate companies will want you to contact them - not hide from you.
Do a major search engine search about the home business opportunity that you are considering. You should expect one or two negative entries (most likely placed by the competition), but the vast majority of feedback should be very positive.
Take the time to actually contact the organization in question and ask them about whatever is on your mind. The company should provide professional phone support and encourage your questions.
Before paying any money to join the home business opportunity that you decide upon, make sure that you thoroughly understand how the system works and how much you will be earning for your efforts.
Make contact with others who are involved with the company in question and learn about how the program works in reality. Talking to others that are actively engaged in the opportunity that you are considering will go a long towards establishing your wellbeing concerning the venture.
Home business opportunities can be very rewarding and enhance your lifestyle in every way!
Find out how long the home business opportunity in question has been in business. Many Internet-based companies have just “popped” up and should be given more time to establish their validity.
Understand that the vast majority of home business opportunities involve Internet Marketing (IM). That means that you are going to have to embrace a new way of doing business. That’s a good thing though; the Internet makes it possible to instantaneously touch a worldwide audience with the click of your mouse.
Star educating yourself about how the Internet functions on a deeper level than experienced by the common web surfer. You are considering a life change. You need to read.
Entering into a home business opportunity is an exciting event and one that can enhance your lifestyle in every way imaginable. Follow the above tips and you will find yourself rising above the staggeringly-high failure rates. Remember that most attempts to generate income streams online fail within six months. The reason for that is because people do not take the time to choose legitimate, established home business opportunities to join up with.
Choose the best home business opportunity for you and prosper!
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February 11th, 2009
Disability type influences heart rate response during power wheelchair sport
Posted in Other, Projects, SQL by Admin
Disability type influences heart rate response during power wheelchair sport
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of disability type on exercise response during power wheelchairs and handicap scooters competition. The secondary purpose was to determine the extent to which heart rate responses during competition meet cardiorespiratory fitness training intensities for the general population. METHODS: Forty-eight athletes who had cerebral palsy (CP, N = 31), spinal cord injury (SCI, N = 10), or muscular dystrophy (MD, N = 7), and were competing in the 2003 Power Soccer National Tournament, volunteered to participate. Heart rate was recorded every 5 s throughout pre-game and game conditions by Polar S610 monitors. Average heart rate (HR) values were determined for GAME and RESPONSE (change score between GAME HR and pre-game HR). The Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric test was used to determine whether a significant difference among group medians existed on the dependent measure, RESPONSE (P < 0.05). RESULTS: A significant difference on RESPONSE (P < 0.05) existed among athletes with CP (29 bpm), SCI (17 bpm), and MD (26 bpm). The median RESPONSE for athletes with CP was 12 bpm higher than athletes with SCI, and this difference was significant (P < 0.01). Further, 22 athletes with CP (71%), 5 athletes with MD (71%), and 1 athlete with SCI (10%) exceeded 55% of estimated HR(max) for at least 30 min during competition. CONCLUSION: Disability type influences the heart rate response to power wheelchair sport, and may affect the ability to sustain training intensities associated with fitness improvement.
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February 11th, 2009
A New Home Based Business Starts Every Ten Seconds - Are You Ready?
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A New Home Based Business Starts Every Ten Seconds - Are You Ready?
Running your own Starscapes.com business opportunity is just one of many ways to make money. It is the same as owning your own traditional business and should be treated as such. You will need to advertise your business, sell and promote any products and get others to join your team. It takes allot of hard work, not to mention time and dedication. However, the potential for success is great and can be very rewarding.
Before starting a home business
you need to figure out what is real and what is a scam. You must do your homework. The Internet is great for researching anything, including getting the facts about any business opportunity.
1. Look for any information about a company before joining. Look for complaints, investigations or misleading information about the products.
2. Try and get a friend for their opinion about a company, not to join with you but just to help you make a decision.
3. Talk to people who are familiar with a company that you are interested in. What sets that company apart from all the rest?
4. Check with the Better Business Bureau and the Chamber of Commerce. How long has the company been in business? Search for any news relating to the company, good or bad.
5. What product do they offer? It is extremely important that the product is reasonably priced and a consumable. Can the product be ordered and consumed every month? Would a customer want to order and consume it every month?
6. Stay away from companies that require you to stock up on inventory. Find a company that only requires you to purchase enough products for a month at a time.
7. Avoid high start up costs. They are usually a sign that a company is just looking to make a profit and not to provide a useful, quality product. Think about it, why should you pay an outrageous amount to start a business? What purpose would it serve except to give someone else your money?
8. What is required before you actually get a check? Make sure you understand how you will get paid and what is required for you to get paid before starting.
9. Does the company provide support and training? Support is extremely important, you will need help and you will need training. Who is your sponsor? How long have they been with the company and will they provide the support you need to be successful?
10. Is there a refund policy?
11. Your compensation should be based on the purchase of a product by a customer. If you cannot figure out what the product is, then avoid that company.
12. Before signing on the dotted line talk with others in the business to see what they have to say about the company and the compensation plan.
Remember that all good things take time and patience. If you plan out your business before beginning then your chances for succeeding are greater then just by jumping into the first opportunity that you come across.
Most people join an opportunity with the mistaken notion that just by signing up and getting a free website to promote will make them wealthy overnight.
There is no secret formula to building a successful home business. Yes it is possible to work smarter by automating allot of your tasks. But to build a business takes work and lots of it.
TIP: Find a mentor. If you can establish a relationship with a good mentor who cares about making you a success, then stick with them! They are few and far between.
Starting a home business may be the best decision that you will every make. The variety is much larger then it use to be, thanks to the internet.
Nothing can be more satisfying then doing your own thing at home.
Having plenty of time to spend with loved ones along with a very profitable business is indeed a wonderful thing.
Copyright 2008 Joe Rispoli
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February 6th, 2009
What Type of Account?
Posted in Other, Projects, SQL by Admin
What Type of Account?
Depending on the type of account you establish you may or may not be able to over- charge your card. However, most people don’t use their building business credit cards for excessive shopping but instead buy household items or electronic gadgets.
When you overspend by using your business line of credit card more than you have in your limit allows, depending on how the account is set up, most banks will fund your bill, but there will be a considerable interest fee charged on the amount provided by the bank for the period the amount is outstanding.
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February 6th, 2009
Considering powered mobility for individuals with stroke
Posted in Blog, News, Other by Admin
Considering powered mobility for individuals with stroke
medical scooters and power wheelchairs is an option that provides many disabled individuals with a means of locomotion. Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability in this country. Unfortunately, there is currently a lack of published material that expounds on power mobility as it relates to clients who have had a stroke. We will present the benefits and considerations for choosing power wheelchairs for this client population. A brief review of seating and mobility evaluation and funding considerations is included with an emphasis on specific issues concerning stroke clients. Finally, a call for further research on this topic is presented.
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February 5th, 2009
Turn Flea Market Buys Into Gorgeous Home Decor
Posted in Projects, SQL by Admin
Turn Flea Market Buys Into Gorgeous Home Decor
Don’t you just love the flea market?
It is a treasure trove for the bargain hunter. You never know what you might discover in a flea market.
You could end up with an entire collection of postcards, or vases, or pressed flower portraits or rather intriguing works of art. All for amazingly low prices. One man’s junk could well be your treasure. Perfect for recession time home decorating.
Who says cheap stuff must look cheap? If it fits in with your decor and you absolutely love it, buy it.
Okay, this can be tricky if your home is small and overcrowded. If that is the case, maybe you should sell stuff on the flea market instead of buying more. Still, you can always rotate the gorgeous finds and display some while keep the rest away safely in the storage cabinets, for when you get tired of the existing displays.
The trick is to go for themed buys. Think collections!
A dozen or more wooden postcard make quite a stunning bathroom display if they carry the same theme (e.g. seaside) and are grouped together in an aesthetically pleasing manner. An added bonus is that they give the occupant something to look at while doing his or her business opportunity and home business.
A collection of flower pressings or drawings or same-themed artwork from the flea market can make the guest room a lot more interesting if they are framed up and arranged in an orderly manner on the walls.
Or you could cheat and get a kid’s artwork. How to create a knock out display has some fun ideas to try out along that line.
A glass cabinet comes to life when you fill it with pretty vases that complement one another. A collection of crystals or costume jewelry will look stunning when lit up in a glass cabinet. A collection of porcelain dishes look stunning displayed in such a cabinet too.
You don’t have to stick to the conventional. Exotic scarves and shawls and fabrics look gorgeous draped over a sofa or a bed.
You don’t need a masterpiece of a costly sculpture to make your home look special. Flea market buys can look amazing if you know how to use them.
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February 5th, 2009
Cover Letter Software to the Rescue!
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Cover Letter Software to the Rescue!
If you’re short on time you may want to consider ordering cover letter software so you can begin writing your own job cover letter right away. Expert help is available in this format. No need to buy a book. Get cover letter software instead. Examples, outlines, suggestions and tips are all there to assist you in planning, preparing, and polishing your job applications and covering them with a great letter. So start today by getting a couple of different cover letter software programs to help you.
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February 5th, 2009
Spotting Opportunities Among Scams
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Spotting Opportunities Among Scams
There are many other enterprises that are operated out of a home. As you consider a home business opportunity beware of scams. As technology expands and because of the growing interest in the home-based business community, a large number of individuals and companies have organized to meet the needs of budding entrepreneurs. Many of these companies, however, are more interested in selling a worthless business opportunity idea to someone instead of helping them develop a real small business opportunity. So check it out! The old adage “if it seems to good to be true, it probably is” holds true. See (Appendix B) “Opportunities Questionnaire.” Evaluate all ads carefully, and if you suspect it’s a scam notify the Attorney General’s Office before investing in a business opportunity.
You must thoroughly evaluate the potential for the business you plan to operate. Obtaining good advice can help prevent you from making expensive mistakes which often lead to failure.
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February 4th, 2009
Design features of portable wheelchair ramps and their implications for curb and vehicle access.
Posted in Other, Projects, SQL by Admin
Design features of portable wheelchair ramps and their implications for curb and vehicle access.
This study evaluated a range of portable wheelchair ramps to highlight the effect of different product features on ease of use when power wheelchairs
And medicare power wheelchairs users climb curbs or access vehicles. Twelve portable ramps were evaluated. Although all the ramps were designed to load powered wheelchairs into motor vehicles, they were manufactured in different designs. The ramps were based on a “singlewide” platform or “channel” design. Some ramps had fixed dimensions, whereas others could be reduced in size because they were telescopic or designed to allow folding. Overall, the ramps could be divided into four subgroups on the basis of their key features. These were horizontally and longitudinally folding ramps, telescopic ramps, and ramps with fixed dimensions. The telescopic ramps could be subdivided into “U”-shaped gutter ramps and reverse profile ramps. Product appraisals and trials involving wheelchair users and caregivers of wheelchair users were done to evaluate each of these ramp designs. Although wheelchair ramps are available in a wide range of designs and configurations, we found that no single ramp design successfully met the needs of all wheelchair users or their caregivers. The evaluation highlighted a number of specific problems and potential hazards. Some ramps were found to move during a maneuver, showed poor stability when used with some vehicles, or were too narrow to allow wheelchair castors to pass through the channel without jamming. Some features, such as handles and locking mechanisms, influenced the ease with which the caregivers could use the ramps. Wheelchair users preferred the wide platform ramps because they were able to drive up these with ease and little preparation. The caregivers preferred folding or telescopic channel ramps because these were easier to handle and store.
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February 2nd, 2009
Entrepreneur Offers Advice For Consumers Choosing A Home Based Business
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Entrepreneur Offers Advice For Consumers Choosing A Home Based Business
(Kansas) - November 10, 2008 - Consumers are increasingly turning to legitimate Starscapes.com business opportunity as the economic climate worsens throughout the United States and the world. This has led to increased inquiries about Paul Birdsall’s Top Gun Mentoring Program.
During economic drought like the present, consumers are naturally drawn to solutions that provide them with the ability to immediately turn a profit. Top Gun Mentoring program and its creator Paul Birdsall has offered the answer that consumers can trust at no cost.
This turnkey business opportunity stands above the competition. Using proven techniques Birdsall’s program provides a legitimate home based business that is easy to run, even for people without an extensive marketing background. And here’s the best part, the training and support is free. Entrepreneur Cecil Lilliston states, “In times of economic uncertainty it is natural for consumers to search for various streams of income outside of the full-time job. In my experience, the home based business can be an avenue to meet financial short-comings. Paul Birdsall’s Top Gun Mentoring program removes most of the guesswork, providing an excellent frame work to build online success.”
Lilliston pointed out that the internet is literally full of bad opportunities that offer no support or value, and that he is pleased to be able to provide consumers with the advice that will help them target the best legitimate home based business, saving them time and money.
For more information on this home based business opportunity and Top Gun Mentoring Program please visit http://user268929.websitewizard.com/teambuilder2topgun.html