While thinking to post a new article on this blog I suddenly decided to give the MS Word a try. Registering a new blog account was not a problem at all. It was really easy. Word dashboard is as usual comfortable. Writing anything on MS Word and then posting the same directly to the blog is definitely more convenient. It being the first time, I will have to look in to the finer details and outputs.
Author: Ashutosh
Vacuums Cleaning Claims Far Less True
Consumer Report’s Quick-Picks and Tips on Best Buy Vacuums
Consumers Union-NY, a new ‘Consumer Report’ (CR) finds the claim of vacuum marketers a little less than the truth. Vacuum marketers promote allergens relief along with the usual cleaning. Rigorous testing spread over several months confirmed this fact for various vacuums available in the markets.
Consumer Union is an expert, independent nonprofit organization with its mission to work for a fair, just and safe marketplace for consumers and to empower them with information.
Popular names including ‘Bissel’, ‘Dirt Devil’, ‘Dyson’, ‘Electrolux’, and ‘Oreck’ promise to filter allergens. Many of the products carry a seal of certificate issued by various organizations claiming their effectiveness. The test report finds that these claims are partially correct as they pick up allergen-sized particles. These particles are large enough to capture one fallen on the floor, says the Consumer Report.
According to CR test report results, Electrolux recommends using its twin clean canister’s powerful brush-roll for deep cleaning. This model stopped cold with tough pet-hair test. Similarly, ‘Eureka Optima’ was a better mode version but it scored a poor rating in the emissions test. ‘Koblenz’ was noisy enough and requires hearing protection. ‘Metropolitan-ADM-4PNHSF’ was rated only fair in the hose-airflow test of Consumer Reports.
The test results suggest that it is very easy to get confused when shopping especially if one has asthma or allergy problems. As a matter of fact, allergen particles should be large enough to pick and it must be an easy game for practically any vacuum.
“Our long list of ‘Quick Picks’ and ‘Best Buy’ includes vacuums that costs as little as $60 and proved capable at a variety of cleaning tasks”, said Bob Markovich of Consumer Reports.
Consumer Report’s test findings identify the best vacuums for different needs. Criteria of defining needs include everyday cleaning, less weight, lower costs, carpet cleaning and floor cleaning. The ‘Quick picks include four ‘Best Buys’ including the top ranking ‘Kenmore’ at $300 and ‘Eureka Boss Smart Vac ultra’ at $150. CR also short listed three Hoover uprights that cost even less and weigh well under 20 lbs. The ‘Hoover Tempo Widepath US140-900’at $90, ‘Hoover Wind Tunnel Supreme US458-900’ at $130 and ‘Hoover Empower U5262-910’ was at $100.
According to CR, Canisters are costlier than the uprights. It recommends ‘Wind Tunnel Bag Less S3765-040’ at 4180 with lower price and better pet-hair pick up property. ‘Electrolux Oxygen Ultra EL 7020A’ at $500 is a superb carpet cleaner and pet-hair pick up.
Consumer Reports concludes that most of the vacuums are far from the perfect when it comes to handling. It recommends some tips for better bargain while shopping a vacuum. One should choose the right kind, keeping some facts in mind. Most vacuums perform well on bare floors. Uprights do best on carpets. For easy pushing and pulling a canister should be better choice. They are easier to use on stairs also.
CR recommends that checking features is equally important. A switch for Brush on/off helps prevent scattering dirt on floors. Manual pile-height adjustment matches the height for carpets. Suction control reduces airflow through the hose when cleaning curtains and upholstery.
Bag less vacuums buying require rethinking. CR test results indicate that there is no guarantee of spewing dust. HEPA bags and filters can provide added filtration but there is no certainty. A bag is generally preferred if one has allergy concerns.
The Most Widely Read Newspaper of the United States: USA TODAY tops the List
‘Daily Readership’ is one such important parameter that determines which is most widely read newspaper. National Readership Survey findings of the “Mediamark Research Inc.” established that the “USA TODAY” remains the most widely read newspaper in the United States. Across the country, more than 3.9 million counted readers verified this fact. “Network Audience Number (NAN)” is another important indicator of the total readership of any publication. “NAN” constitutes all those people who read the “USA TODAY” newspaper and read the news on its website “USATODAY.com” at the same time. In case of the “USA TODAY”, the “NAN” comes out to be almost 5.4 million. Interestingly, there is substantial increase of 11% in the readership of the “USATODAY.com”.” We are proud that MRI’s research shows that our readership numbers are Strong and that “USA TODAY” remains the most widely read newspaper in the Country. “USA TODAY” is gaining momentum going into 2008 with gains in newspaper circulation and in web site readership,” said Craig Moon, President, and Publisher of USA TODAY.
Higher Costs of Child Care and Early Education: an Issue in Deciding Whom to Vote in the Presidential Elections
Women Deciding Against Child Bearing Increases Risks of Crimes
Findings of a new “National Poll”, commissioned by an anti-crime organization, ‘Fight Crime: Invest in Kids’, establish that the higher cost of quality pre-school and child- care is a major de-motivating factor for women. Women prefer to decide against having a baby because of this factor. Many of them also prefer to delay it even beyond the childbearing age.
The poll results indicate that 23 percent of women in age group 18-40 prefer delaying to start a family. These women intend to decide against having a second child. This percentage was higher in the age group 25-34. The poll research finds that children receive more attention and care when they are in some problem. These children are less likely to face troubles ones they grow up. The law enforcement leaders are demanding an increase in the child- care investments.
The poll results show that 33 percent participant women accepted that the higher costs made them decide against having a baby or just delaying the same. Almost 68 percent women agreed that child- care and early education is an important issue in deciding, whom to vote for in the presidential elections. The percentage was even higher in the age group 18-40 with a household income less than $25,000. One-third of these women said they were compelled to resort to difficult economic options like deferring an appliance purchase or a family vacation because of this high cost.
The poll shows that a child with denied child- care and pre-school is more susceptible to commit crimes as adults. “We’ll win a victory over crime when our commitment to putting criminals in jail is matched by a commitment to investing in high quality child care and preschool,” said Polk County Attorney John Sarcone. The poll indicates that 85 percent of women believe, America could reduce youth violence by helping kids get the right start in life through expanded access to high quality child-care and Preschool programs like Head Start.
Opinion research Corporation organized this poll on telephone and included 600 women participants. “Fight Crime: Invest in kids” is working for ways to prevent kids from crimes. This non-profit organization enrolls Police chiefs, sheriffs, prosecutors and other law enforcement officials, leaders and volunteers.
Launching of a New International Development Insider, the Grants Information e-Newsletter
USAID announced the launching of a ‘new worldwide grant information Newsletter’ aiming to serve the “Development Organizations” and the “Development Professionals” around the world.
This e-Newsletter, an “International Insider”, would be the most comprehensive resource base for the international development opportunities and various grants information.
This new e-newsletter publication is a joint effort of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the GrantStation.com Inc.
It is a free monthly e-Newsletter. Subscribers will receive this e-Newsletter on the last Monday of every month. The e-Newsletter will facilitate its readers with the current information on new funding programs, upcoming grant deadlines, and all relevant information for the grant seekers.
Development organizations and the development professionals around the world will have an updating of grant programs, industry news, conferences, and training opportunities every month.
This Development e-newsletter will have an “Info-inflow” from a wide range of foundations, corporations, and international donors who will contribute with their funding opportunities.
The groundbreaking newsletter will be a step towards providing various interest groups with information about funding opportunities and other resources that will help them better address some of the most critical needs in our world today.
Americans Are Generous Contributors for Noble Causes
Generosity Survey Displays Common Behavioral Patterns of People’s Preferences for Charities
Findings of a telephonic survey of ‘Opinion Research Corporation’, established that almost ninety-five percent of the American adults contribute in charities. The charity includes an investment of either time or the money. American adults have their own reasons and choices for charities. The ‘Opinion Research Corporation’ conducted 2007 Day Timers Generosity Survey in collaboration with the Day Timers Inc.
The survey results throw light on the charity behavior of the Americans. It reveals that among all income groups, the individuals who earn $25,000-$30,000 are the maximum contributors for charities dedicated to different causes. Contributions as donations and charities may subject to anyone of the causes including healthcare, community needs, humanitarian services, politics and national or international issues, development, and ethnic issues. There are hardly 2% individuals, from this income group, who have no interest in charities, say the survey report.
Information gathered from the participants of the survey falls in to four different income groups with the percentage of individuals of a particular income group contributing for some specific cause. This is interesting to note that more than 72% of the Americans prefer to contribute for health related causes. “It is not surprising to us that the causes, most people contribute to, are health-related,” said Woytek of “DayTimers”.
Facts of the survey indicate that people belonging to every income group have their own motives and motivations for contributing to a particular cause. Nearly 68% of the adults from 18-24 age groups choose to donate by purchasing products with a part of the costs going to charities.
The survey results bring out a definite pattern of people’s preferences for causes of charities. Almost 63% of the Americans contribute to community needs and human services. Educational contribution matters for 61% and religious contributions and environmental issues carry meaning for 53% of the individuals while 41% prefer animal rights, 39% choose political issues, and 24% like to contribute for ethnic causes.
The survey attempts to analyze the difference in the contribution pattern among men and women. It is interesting to find out that females excel in donating their time and money both. Men are only ahead of women in contributing to political causes. Six percent men and just 2% women have no choice for any contribution.A desire to give back to the community is the main driving force and motivating factor for almost 84% of the adult Americans, survey findings reveal. Nearly 92% individuals trust that their contribution will make a difference. More than 71% people donated because they were aware of someone in suffering and 65% individuals contributed just because they themselves were the sufferers .For 27% of them it is an opportunity for tax saving while 24% people are just impressing others by donating.
The level of donations and contributions also vary from individual to individual. More than 24% individuals contribute more than $1,000 every year and 48% shell out $100-$1,000 per year. Seven percent people donate only $1-$25 in a year. There are 2% investing their time and efforts exclusively.
Survey concludes with a satisfaction on the motivation of the Americans for contributing to the noble causes.
Reality Shows and Baby Boomers Contribute Promoting Cosmetic Procedures for Youthful Appearance
Popular “Reality Shows” like “Oprah” and the “Extreme Makeover” are demonstrating sufficient evidences that the surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures are gaining tremendous popularity among masses. The makeovers are clearly visible on these reality shows. Television series like “Nip/Tuck” are also contributing to the acceptance of these surgery processes to enhance the personal looks and youthful appearance.In the United States alone approximately 11.5 million cosmetic surgery procedures were carried out in the year 2006. There has been a tremendous 446% increase in the number of non-surgical procedures since 1997. Aging Baby Boomers have contributed up to great extent for this phenomenal increase. Baby Boomers are being acutely aware of wrinkles and bulges. They are more than happy to spend millions of dollars on maintaining their youthful appearance.
Expenditure behavior of the Americans demonstrates an interesting trend in favor of the cosmetic procedures. During the year, 2006 Americans went out to spend $12.2 billion on ‘Cosmetic Procedures’ in total. They spent $7.6 billion for the ‘surgical Procedures’ like ‘Liposuction’ and ‘Breast Augmentation’. Non-surgical Procedures’ including ‘Fat Transfer Injection’ and ‘Botox’ accounted for expenditure to the tune of $4.5 billion in the same year.
People at large prefer to adopt the non-surgical procedures in order to look physically young. With Non-surgical procedures, it is easier to monitor the procedural outcome. These procedures help it reducing liability concerns and limit the post-trauma effects.
“Fat Transfer Procedures” and “Liposuction” are common cosmetic surgery procedures. Changing the complete outlook and bringing the youthful physical fitness of body parts is possible by transferring one’s own fat from one part of the body to another with the help of an instrument called “Cannula”.
Safety and efficacy are two principal reasons responsible for the continuously increasing popularity of the non-surgical procedures. This public preference is changing current market trends and business practices.
GodTube.com Pays Moving Tribute to California Fire Tragedy
GodTube.com has come up with a new video in order to pay tribute to the ‘California Fire Fighters’ and those numerous citizens who were affected by the recent ‘California fires’. This moving tribute, the video, demonstrates every aspect of the tragedy. GodTube.com in its ‘tribute-video’ also pays thanks to all the heroes who did splendid job in saving many lives. It extends several supports for the victims of the ‘California Fire’.
Bionic Women: Plastic Surgery can make it Happen
Plastic Surgeons are perfecting Reconstructive Peripheral Nerve Surgery for facial Symmetry Restoration and Pain Management
Hollywood’s imaginative conceptualization of a “Bionic Women” is now closer to become a reality. A ‘reconstructive quality-of-life-enhancement-peripheral nerve surgery’, which was almost impossible sometime ago, is now an available option for the plastic surgeons to turn the notion of a “Bionic Person” in to a reality. NBC’s “Bionic Women” was merely a television fantasy until now.
Nerve Transfer Makes a Bionic Person
Plastic surgeons are working for perfection on a typical ‘nerve-surgery’ that will create an interface of humans with the machines. Amputees will then be having an ability to move prosthetics in more efficient manner.
“We are restoring patients’ movement through reconstructive plastic surgery that allows nerves and muscles to merge with, power, and move prosthetic devices”, said Dr.W.P.Andrew Lee in his presentation at the American Society of Plastic surgeons (ASPS) Plastic Surgery 2007 Conference at Baltimore.
Plastic surgeons are finalizing an innovative nerve transfer procedure. Selective nerve fibers derived from the neighboring muscles are redirected to damaged muscle. The damaged muscle thus obtains required power to function efficiently. The nerve branches from originally damaged muscle and the redirected muscle then start growing further and compensate the loss. It takes just a few months for damaged muscle to regain the function from the ‘borrowed’ nerve fibers.
The nerve-transfer-technique helps the amputees regain control and move their prostheses. Plastic surgeons often face a situation where a little muscle remains left following an upper arm amputation. This makes it difficult to maneuver the artificial limb. Plastic surgeons are now transferring these remaining nerves in the upper arm to chest and back muscles. This technique makes these muscles more powerful.
“Before, we had to wait for the nerve to slowly regenerate and hope the muscle was still healthy and had some functionality once the nerve reconnected to it,” said Dr.Paul Cederna, in his presentation at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Plastic Surgery2007 Conference.
Restoring Facial Symmetry
‘Peripheral nerve treatment process’ is an important tool that helps restoring symmetry to patients with facial paralysis and effective pain management. Plastic surgeons find this technique very helpful especially for the diabetics and migraine headache sufferers.
There is a possibility that the tissue-walls in the feet may become stiff over a period and as a result surround the nerves tightly in case of certain diabetics. These constricted nerves become a big cause for migraine headaches. Plastic surgeons try to create sufficient space around these nerves. This process relieves the pressure and thus assuages pain and the numbness.
Trauma or the tumor is a big cause of facial paralysis. Patients are unable to use the facial muscles around the mouth. It leads to asymmetry and even the permanent frown. Permanent frown makes negative impacts on people’s perception of an individual. Plastic surgeons apply “Botox” to paralyze the normal functioning muscles during the physical therapy process. Use of ‘Botox’ provides strength to the damaged muscles and restores the symmetry of the face.
“Considering what we’ve accomplished over the last several years, we aredefinitely entering into a new age of reconstructive plastic surgery”, said Dr.Lvica Ducic at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Plastic Surgery2007 Conference at Baltimore.
Baby Boomers: 7 Things to Know About Them
“Baby Boomers”, it is an interesting term to identify those who are born between 1946 and 1964.
Baby Boomers show a general tendency in favor of using their right to vote. More than 55% of the Baby Boomers prefer to vote in a federal, state, or local election.
Baby Boomers like playing lottery despite being financially comfortable. Nearly 41% Baby Boomers express their desire to play lotteries, try their luck, and win more money.
Home remodeling is one of the favorite activities for many of the Baby Boomers. Almost 30.8% Baby Boomers show a tendency to undertake home remodeling project.
Boomers have relatively higher incomes. They are generally wealthy people.Approximately, 35.6% of the Baby Boomers have households and either own or lease at least three vehicles.
Boomers represent an optimistic group of people. More than 39.1% of them, almost four in every ten boomers, have a firm confidence that their financial position will further improve in coming one year. Those who believe that their financial status will be either slightly ‘better-off’ or will remain ‘the same’ in the period of one year from now constitute about 90% of these Baby Boomers.
Large populations of Baby Boomers are not financially protected for satisfactory benefits to deal with any medical problem. More than 23.3% of them do not have any personal, medical, hospital, accident, or any other kind of insurance.
An Inch High Touchline 