Hey there!  I'm Alix Shadonnay at the business desk and on this very pleasant summer Saturday, I'd like to bring your attention to a very interesting type of business opportunity.

The experts are coining it the services on wheels opportunity and it's being compared to a tidal wave trend that could potentially grow into a tsunami.  Please take a minute to listen in.

As more and more persons join the ranks of seniors, and with a rapidly aging population, more and more consumers are demanding to have services on wheels.  Believe it or not, by the year 2010, over 60% of our population is expected to be classified as seniors and this is going to mean that our landscape as we know it to be in the business world, is going to take on very interesting and exciting dimensions.

Any business today that is not preparing for the new type of consumer is going to find themselves in a losing position because the new type of consumer is going to be demanding new types of services.  As a matter of fact, this has been happening for at least the past decade and the services on wheels type of demand is only a part of it all.  Here's the picture:

More and more persons are looking for ways to entice, encourage, and push businesses into bringing services to them in their homes.  There was a time when the shopping malls were filled with shoppers, and at the present time the online shopping trend on the Internet is the trend of the day.  However, the services on wheels trend is gathering steam and is rapidly gaining strength into a tidal wave.  The experts are saying that they expect this tidal wave to turn into tsunami proportions within the next few years.

More and more persons are finding it difficult to go out and buy products for themselves and this is because they are unable to do it for the following reasons:

Physical disabilities, disability due to various disabling diseases, inability to handle large parcels and packages because of old age.  Consequently, they are seeking businesses that will bring their parcels and packages to them.  They are also seeking companies that will provide them with large caravans filled with products that they could choose from.

In addition, they are seeking ways to have service oriented companies provide them with services at home.  Services that at the present time they need to go out and find.  Example, hairdressing services, basic dental services, health and beauty services, basic physician services, etc.

Are you getting the picture as yet?  Are you willing and ready to explore this type of new world opportunities?  Don't take too much time to think about it.

 

Now for our Amazon picks of the week.

 

Best home businesses for people 50 +

by Paul Edwards

If you're about to retire, if you are already retired, or if you are simply a person of over 50 and you're seeking new business opportunities, then please read this book.  It's filled with very good ideas and you have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain.

 

Small business for dummies second edition

By Eric Tyson

Are you struggling to start your own business?  Don't know where to start?  Then you need to buy this book.  The author has lots to tell.

 

Untapped Wealth Discovered

By Jeff N Marquis and Kerry J Harrison

Before you go out and invest in your next business opportunity, before you sit down to spend hundreds of hours in researching business opportunities, you should read this book.  If you want to ensure that you make a good and sound decision, then you owe it to yourself to buy this book and read it.

 

Now for some free advice.

 

Are you looking for experienced multi lingual translators and writers?
Experienced professionals who can help you to write and translate, proof read and edit, and research plus more?
Are you looking for professionals who can help you to write and speak flawless English?
Having problems getting that right someone to help you proof read, edit, and research the appropriate information?
Then you need to contact the staff at www.translationpeople.com.
You can even download free useful information updated weekly and at absolutely no cost you can also keep abreast of the latest trends and headlines updated daily.

 

At the business desk, I'm Alix Shadonnay wishing you a pleasant weekend.

posted by Editor at 5:16 PM | 0 comments

Hi everyone!  I'm Heather DeMarco at the business desk and this evening I'd like to clue you into a very lucrative business opportunity just sweeping across the United States these days.

This lucrative opportunity centers around the cleaning business and before you tell me no!  You don't want to spend the rest of your days either cleaning someone else's house or laundering their clothes, you need to listen for a few moments.  First, the cleaning business is definitely not limited to just laundering clothes or cleaning house.  It embodies lots of various meanings and alternatives.  Yes, a cleaning business could easily include laundering or cleaning house, but there are other variations to this very fast growing business and the opportunities for both personal and financial satisfaction are literally racing along like a freight train out of control.

Let's look at some of the variations.

Laundering, yes.  This variation of the cleaning business would entail you cleaning, laundering, and ironing clothes.

Cleaning house, yet another variation of the cleaning business.  In this type of business you would clean someone's house from top to bottom; floors, windows, cabinets, shelves, literally everything within someone's house.

Cleaning carpets and upholstery, still another variation.  Here you offer your services to clean individual carpets, wall to wall carpets, and drapery.

The window cleaning business, you clean exterior windows.

Heating and aircondition cleaning, you clean heaters and airconditioners.

Yard cleaning, you clean yards for your customers all year round.

Now, you're probably thinking to yourself that this is so boring, so mundane, and why am I taking up your time listing things that you already know about?  Good for you but there is a secret to listing all of these things.  I'm listing them because I want to describe to you what type of cleaning business trend is presently taking our country by storm.  It's being touted as the complete cleaning business service and it's literally going guns these days. 

More and more small businesses are opening their doors to offer the complete cleaning business service.  They're offering most if not all of the types of services that I've listed above.  Let's review:  Laundering, house cleaning, window cleaning, carpet and upholstery cleaning that includes drapery, heating and airconditioning, and yard cleaning.  Some businesses are even adding other types of services to this already very expansive suite of services and let me tell you!  It's working for them.

I can tell you that we have several clients who are making mega bucks from the total cleaning business service business.  How's six figure annual incomes for you?  We also know of several small businesses that are even making seven figures annual incomes!

What are you waiting for?  Why are you waiting around if you're seriously looking for ways to make real money in real markets?  Don't believe me?  Then check out our top business strategies page and go to the start cleaning business link.  Hurry now!  You don't want your competition to get there before you!  Do you? 

 

Now for some free and important info.

 

Are you tired of looking over your shoulder because you're so scared of being scammed out of your hard earned savings, your house, and your other assets?
Are you looking for ways to avoid those scams with their broken promises and get rich quick schemes?  Are you worried that one day soon someone is going to try and scam you out of your worldly possessions?  Do you know what you should be doing in order to combat those seedy scammers, identity thieves, and shady investors?
Now you can take advantage of some very potent info and daily updates plus more in order to help you stay healthy and sleep well at night.  All of this info is free for the taking and it will save you thousands of research hours, protect your savings and worldly possessions, and help you to make decisions that are safe, logical, and sound.  The experts at www.untappedwealth.com are offering you all of this at absolutely no cost because their philosophy is that if they help you then you will help others and we will become a safer and better country.  Check them out!  You have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain!

 

At the business desk, i'm Heather DeMarco wishing you a very enjoyable weekend. 

posted by Info@Untapped at 6:48 PM | 0 comments

Good day everyone!  I'm Jeff N Marquis at the business desk and today I'd like to share an article with you that I plucked off the internet. 

I think that it would be in everyone's best interest to read carefully.  You would be surprised to learn how you too can use this article to become more revenue generating.

 

 

 UsabilityNews.com (UK)
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
 
Fifty Online Accessibility and Usability Tools
 
By Joanna Bawa
 
Usability and accessibility go hand-in-hand with conversion rates, customer satisfaction, targeted traffic and so on. Here are 50 online tools to improve website usability and accessibility to help achieve just that.
 
The primary goal of usability is making sure that the intended users are able to interact properly with the website while having a positive and convenient experience. By developing this list avangate has provided a starting point to help you keep customers satisfied.
 
Associated Link: 50 Online Accessibility and Usability Tools
 
http://www.avangate.com/articles/usability-tools_83.htm
 
http://www.usabilitynews.com/news/article3985.asp

If you're like to know you can do this then you should also read the following lines.

 

They call themselves a "One Stop Writing Shop" and well they should.  There are not too many companies around at present that are able to do this and do it so well.  The experts call them unique!  They offer complete services that can help you do research, write, translate and transcribe your info into multi languages.  For absolutely free they can help you to keep abreast of important trends and news items if you're either too busy to search for them or you don't know where to find them.  They can help you to increase your revenues, reduce your costs, and expand your customer bases.  They can offer you a free online monthly magazine filled with info designed to help you keep abreast of market trends and consumer habits and articles that will point you in the right direction when it comes to finding opportunities that are explosive, lucrative, but above all safe.
To learn more visit them at www.sterlingcreations.ca.

 

At the business desk, I'm Jeff N Marquis wishing you a pleasant evening.

posted by Jeff at 7:16 PM | 0 comments

Good morning!  I'm Kerry J Harrison at the business desk and it's Wednesday and time for our news round-up. 

As promised, each week we'll be publishing articles of interest to our special needs readers as requested and we thank everyone for their very positive feedback.

So, enjoy!

 

Table of contents

 

June 27 2007

 

1  The e-learning Lingo podcast #4: Alt Text
2  Vasco offers smart card Based e-Security to the Blind and Visually Impaired With Digipass 840 Comfort Voice
3  Radio shack announces Point of Sale, Web Site Initiative for Customers with Visual Impairments
4  Microsoft speech hit by serious flaws
5  Baggage pin may stop lost luggage
6  New Canadian French TTS voices from Loquendo
7  Dolphin news

 

PR.com (Press Release)
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
 
The e-Learning Lingo Podcast #4: Alt Text
 
SyberWorks, Inc., a leader in custom e-Learning Solutions and the Learning Management System industry, today announces the next episode of the e-Learning Lingo Podcast Series about the term, Alt Text.
 
Waltham, MA, June 06, 2007 --(PR.com)-- Dave Boggs, CEO of SyberWorks, states, "This week's episode of the e-Learning Lingo Podcast talks about a piece of HTML code that is instrumental in developing accessible e-Learning because it allows you to designate a text description that can be read through a screen reader."
 
The e-Learning Lingo Podcast: Episode #4 "Alt Text" http://www.syberworks.com/audio/lingopodcast4.mp3
 
is located in the SyberWorks Online Media Center at
http://www.syberworks.com/lingo_podcast.htm
 
in the About Us section of the SyberWorks web site. The transcript is located at
http://www.syberworks.com/ lingo4_transcript.htm.
 
About SyberWorks
 
SyberWorks, Inc. (http://www.syberworks.com) is a leader in the custom e-Learning Solutions and Learning Management System industries for Fortune 1000 corporations, higher education, and other organizations. Located in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company serves the multi-billion-dollar e-Learning market. Since 1995, SyberWorks has developed and delivered unique and economical solutions to create, manage, measure, and improve e-Learning programs at companies and organizations in the United States, Canada, Europe, and other countries.
 
Contact Information
SyberWorks, Inc.
Mary Kay Lofurno
781-891-1999
mklofurno@syberworks.com
www.syberworks.com
411 Waverley Oaks Road
Building 3, Suite 319
Waltham, MA 02458
 
http://www.pr.com/press-release/41299

 

PR Newswire, via EarthTimes.org
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
 
VASCO Offers Smart Card Based e-Security to the Blind and Visually Impaired With Digipass 840 Comfort Voice
By Press Release
 
Posted : Tue, 12 Jun 2007 07:02:01 GMT
Author : VASCO Data Security International, Inc. 
Category : PressRelease 
 
OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill., and ZURICH, Switzerland, June 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- VASCO Data Security International, Inc. (http://www.vasco.com/), the leading software security company specializing in authentication products, today announced that it has strengthened its Digipass product line with Digipass 840 Comfort Voice (CV). This "speaking" Digipass card reader is especially designed for blind and visually impaired Internet users. The product is immediately available.
 
VASCO's mission is to be the Full Option, All-Terrain Authentication company. This means that strong authentication has to be available for everyone. The launch of Digipass 840 Comfort Voice fits perfectly with this logic, as did the launch of Digipass 300 Comfort Voice in 2006. A person with reduced eyesight will now be able to have the same high level of Digipass security as other e-bank account holders or e-commerce users. All Digipass client authentication products are supported by one and unique core authentication engine, VACMAN Controller. This means that companies can choose which type of client authentication device they offer to their different user/customer segments.
 
Digipass 840 Comfort Voice Features: -- speech based user interface; -- speech based feedback of entered data and selected functions; -- e-signature and one-time password functionality, converted into voice; -- use of built-in speaker or headset; -- large display and keypad, with oversized tactile keys; -- supports Digipass standard, EMV-CAP, VISA dynamic password authentication 1.1, German Sm@rt TAN, Belgian eID Card
 
"Accessibility is one of the most important success factors for any e-commerce application," said Jan Valcke, VASCO's President and COO. "Unfortunately, few technology vendors have an eye for the needs of visually impaired consumers. As a consequence, this user segment doesn't reach the e-commerce vendors' offering. By offering speech enabled Digipass client authentication products, VASCO makes e-banking and e-commerce accessible for the blind and visually impaired. Worldwide, over 20 leading banks already offer speech enabled Digipasses to a part of their customer base."
 
About VASCO: VASCO is the number one supplier of strong authentication and e-signature solutions and services. VASCO has established itself as the world's leading software company specialized in Internet Security, with a customer base of over 4,800 companies in more than 100 countries, including

 

close to 750 international financial institutions. VASCO's prime markets are the financial sector, enterprise security, e-commerce and e-government.
 
Forward Looking Statements

 

Statements made in this news release that relate to future plans, events or performances are forward-looking statements. Any statement containing words such as "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," and similar words, is forward-looking, and these statements involve risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations. Consequently, actual results could differ materially from the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements.
 
Reference is made to the Company's public filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission for further information regarding the Company and its operations.
 
For more information contact:

 

Jochem Binst, +32 2 609 97 40, jbinst@vasco.com VASCO Data Security International, Inc.
 
CONTACT: Jochem Binst of VASCO Data Security International, Inc.,
+32-2-609-97-40, jbinst@vasco.com
 
Web site: http://www.vasco.com/ 
 
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,120606.shtml

 

PR Newswire, via EarthTimes.org
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
 
RadioShack Announces Point of Sale, Web Site Initiative for Customers with Visual Impairments
 
Posted : Wed, 13 Jun 2007 11:06:01 GMT
Author : RadioShack Corporation, American Council of the Blind,
 
WASHINGTON, June 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In a move praised by state and national blindness organizations, RadioShack today announced it has undertaken a nationwide initiative to improve services for RadioShack's customers with visual impairments. As part of the program, RadioShack will install new point of sale equipment with tactile keypads to protect the privacy and security of visually impaired shoppers and will make improvements to its Web site that will benefit visually impaired shoppers and other customers with disabilities.
 
Today's announcement is the result of collaboration between RadioShack and major blindness organizations including the American Foundation for the Blind, American Council of the Blind, and California Council of the Blind.
 
Point of Sale Improvements
 
It is anticipated that by the end of September of this year, every RadioShack store will have the new device, which is designed to protect the financial privacy of blind and visually impaired shoppers. The devices, manufactured by Ingenico (http://www.ingenico.com/), have tactile keys arranged like a standard telephone keypad and plug easily into existing point of sale payment terminals. The new units will allow RadioShack shoppers who have difficulty reading information on a touch screen to privately and independently enter their PIN, telephone number, and other confidential information.
 
Blind community representatives praised RadioShack's plan to upgrade its point of sale devices. "Point of sale devices must have tactile keys so blind people do not have to share their PIN with strangers," explained Melanie Brunson, executive director of the American Council of the Blind. "Today's announcement, and the collaboration that led to it, demonstrates RadioShack's understanding of this fact and its strong commitment to blind and visually impaired customers."
 
Web Site Access
 
Today's initiative includes RadioShack's commitment to design http://www.radioshack.com/ in accordance with guidelines issued by the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) of the World Wide Web Consortium (w3c) (http://www.w3.org/wai). The guidelines, which do not affect the content or look and feel of a Web site, ensure that Web sites are accessible to persons with a wide range of disabilities. The guidelines are of particular benefit to blind computer users who use screen reader or magnification technology on their computers and who rely on a keyboard instead of a mouse.
 
"Web site accessibility is of critical importance to both the blind community and to people with disabilities generally," said Paul Schroeder, vice president, programs and policy group of the American Foundation for the Blind. "We applaud RadioShack's leadership role in committing to address the accessibility of its Web site, thereby improving the browsing and shopping experience for a broad range of on-line shoppers."
 
"The program announced today is one way we can help customers who are blind or visually impaired enjoy a better shopping experience in their neighborhood RadioShack stores as well as on http://www.radioshack.com/ and complements our on-going efforts to improve the shopping experience of all our customers with disabilities," said Frank Espinoza, vice president-store operations of RadioShack Corporation. "RadioShack would like to thank the American Council of the Blind, the California Council of the Blind, and the American Foundation for the Blind, for their cooperation and expertise in making RadioShack a better place to shop for our customers with disabilities."
 
About RadioShack Corporation
 
RadioShack Corporation is one of the nation's most experienced and trusted consumer electronics specialty retailers. The company has a presence through more than 6,000 company-operated stores and dealer outlets in the United States, over 100 RadioShack locations in Mexico and nearly 800 wireless phone kiosks. RadioShack's dedicated force of knowledgeable and helpful sales associates has been consistently recognized by several independent groups as providing the best customer service in the consumer electronics and wireless industries. Operating from convenient and comfortable neighborhood and mall locations, RadioShack stores deliver personalized product and service solutions within a few short minutes of where most Americans either live or work. For more information on RadioShack Corporation, or to purchase items online, visit http://www.radioshack.com/.
 
About American Council of the Blind (ACB) and California Council of the Blind (CCB)
 
American Council of the Blind is a national consumer-based advocacy organization working on behalf of blind and visually impaired Americans throughout the country, with members organized through seventy state and special interest affiliates. California Council of the Blind is the California affiliate of the ACB, and is a statewide membership organization, with 40 local chapters and statewide special interest associations. ACB and CCB are dedicated to improving the quality of life, equality of opportunity and independence of all people who have visual impairments. Their members and affiliated organizations have a long history of commitment to the advancement of policies and programs which will enhance independence for people who are blind and visually impaired. More information about ACB and CCB can be found by visiting http://www.acb.org/ and http://www.ccbnet.org/.
 
About American Foundation for the Blind
 
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit that expands possibilities for people with vision loss. AFB's priorities include broadening access to technology; elevating the quality of information and tools for the professionals who serve people with vision loss; and promoting independent and healthy living for people with vision loss by providing them and their families with relevant and timely resources. AFB is also proud to house the Helen Keller Archives and honor the over forty years that Helen Keller worked tirelessly with AFB. For more information visit us online at http://www.afb.org/. http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000518/DATH047LOGO" mime-type="application/octet-stream"/ Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000518/DATH047LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com RadioShack Corporation, American Council of the Blind, American
 
CONTACT: Lainey Feingold of AFB, ACB, CCB, +1-510-548-5062,
lfeingold@earthlink.net, Abby Manishor of AFB, +1-212-502-7615,
amanishor@afb.net, Wendy Dominguez of RadioShack Corporation, +1-817-415-3300,
Media.Relations@RadioShack.com, or Linda Dardarian, +1-510-763-9800,
ldardarian@gdblegal.com, for RadioShack Corporation, American Council of the
Blind and American Foundation for the Blind
 
Web site: http://www.radioshack.com/
http://www.ingenico.com/
http://www.acb.org/
http://www.ccbnet.org/
http://www.afb.org/
 
 
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,121574.shtml

 

 
 Techworld.com
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
 
Microsoft Speech hit by serious flaws
 
By Matthew Broersma, Techworld
 
Microsoft's speech-control engines have been hit by major security flaws, according to researchers.
 
Microsoft Speech is the company's software for voice recognition and text-to-voice, a technology the company is modernising with the acquisition of Tellme Networks a month ago. Besides allowing visually impaired users to interact with Windows, the technology is designed to run automated telephone response systems.
The ActiveX controls used by Microsoft Speech version 4.0a to interact with Internet Explorer, xlisten.dll and xvoice.dll, could be exploited by a specially crafted ActiveX object triggering memory corruption, according to researchers. This corruption could allow attackers to take full control of a victim's system, according to Fortinet, which discovered the xvoice.dll bug.
The controls are used by Internet Explorer 7 and older versions.
According to some industry observers, such vulnerabilities - affecting client-side software rather than servers - are becoming the primary target of attackers.
"We're in the midst of a revolution as attackers shift their focus from gaping server side vulnerabilities, which are becoming increasingly rare, to stealthy client side holes that make phishers salivate," said SPI Dynamics security evangelist Michael Sutton in a blog post. "This month's patches illustrated that we need to focus our efforts on better securing client side applications as there is a plethora of holes ripe for exploitation."
The bug was one of the many critical flaws patched with Microsoft's monthly security update on Tuesday. The update included a large number of critical flaws, including the first Vista-only patches, and security experts haven't come to a consensus on which should be patched first.

 

http://www.techworld.com/security/news/index.cfm?newsID=9139&pagtype=all

 

 

 

Saffron Walden Reporter (UK)
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
 
Baggage PIN may stop lost luggage
 
By WEB EDITORIAL
 
webdesk@herts24.co.uk
   
Extract: "We have developed tags with Braille that are available for those travellers who may need them."

 

LOSING your luggage at the airport could be a thing of the past thanks to one innovative man from Dunmow.
 
Dave Pearce, from Woodlands Park Drive, has worked with colleagues at Bytec Solutions Ltd for six months to develop an owner identification service that he hopes will be taken up by airlines throughout the world.
 
"We've called it Baggage PIN and it's a simple concept," he explained. "First of all, you have to subscribe to the system online by going to
 
www.baggagepin.com
 
paying anything from £6 for one month's membership up to £12 for a full year. Once that is done, you are allocated an authenticated unique digital code and sent a corresponding code tag and security strap in the post which can be securely attached to each of your suitcases. We have developed tags with Braille that are available for those travellers who may need them."
 
The data keyed in by members can be accessed by authorised airline system users, which currently can only be accessed by Baggage PIN, giving the airlines the information they have previously lacked to take the necessary steps to return lost baggage to the legal owner or forward on to the required destination. This information also includes the preferred method of being contacted, so, even if several months have gone past since the bags went missing, they can be reunited with their owners.
 
Mr Pearce said: "We are currently in talks with some of the major UK airline companies to fully adopt Baggage PIN as the method of finding the legal owners of mislaid baggage. Baggage PIN even offers an inbuilt SMS system allowing baggage handling agents to contact the owners of mislaid baggage quickly and free of charge."

 

It is thought the new service is also likely to prove to be popular with insurance companies who deal with a growing number of claims each year resulting in escalating premiums.
 
If it proves a success, Mr Pearce hopes it could also be applied to operators of other forms of travel, such as rail, coach and ferry.
 
According to data from the Associate of European Airlines (AEA), across the 24 largest airlines more than 5.6 million bags went missing in 2006, an average of 15.7 bags per 1,000 travellers.
 
Bytec Solutions Ltd is a group of computer technologists who are particularly experienced in creating and analysing secure data systems, in conjunction with baggage handlers at various airports.
 http://www.saffronwalden-reporter.co.uk/content/saffron/news/story.aspx?brand=SAFOnline&category=NewsSaffron&tBrand=cambs24&tCategory=NewsSAF&itemid=WEED13%20Jun%202007%2014%3A25%3A03%3A437

 

TMCnet.com (Technology Marketing Corp)
Thursday, June 14, 2007
 
New Canadian French TTS Voices from Loquendo
 
By Stefania Viscusi
 
By Stefania Viscusi, TMCnet Assistant Editor
 
Speech recognition and text-to-speech (TTS) technology provider, Loquendo, has announced the latest voices in their family of TTS voices, Oliver and Charlotte.
 
Their latest addition is a bid to better serve their customers in the North American market and rounds out their number of offerings to 20 languages and 50 voices.
 
The new voices are Canadian French and offer the same expressive, emotional speech capabilities as other voices from Loqunedo.
 
Loquendo's TTS technology includes "expressive cues" that give an added level of emotion and expressiveness to the various voices. With the appropriate punctuation, a voice can, for example, be made to sound more lively and life-like.
 
Loquendo's TTS voices are available in both male and female voices and in number of additional languages including: U.S. and U.K. English, French, Castilian Spanish and Catalan, Mexican, Argentinean, Chilean, Brazilian, Italian, German, Dutch, Greek, Swedish, Mandarin Chinese and Polish.
 
Loquendo made headlines recently when their Spanish TTS Voice was utilized by Mexico's Credito Real in their newly powered telephony application to help them increase collection rates while also improving their overall customer experience.
 
Carlos, Loquendo's Spanish speaking TTS voice, also featuring expressive cues, provided the whole Latin-American Spanish sector with a voice to help guide them through the collections process more easily.
 
Related Articles:
Loquendo American Spanish TTS Voice Increases Collections Rates
Loquendo Text to Speech Breathes Voice into As An Angel Virtual Assistants
Loquendo TTS Enhances Multimedia Navigators from Magneti Marelli
Loquendo TTS Helps Bring 'Ask Anna' to Life for IKEA Website
Loquendo: Enhancing TTS with Mixed Language Support
The Features and Functionalities of TTS Director: A Q&A Session with Loquendo's Ornella Ambrois
Achieving Perfect TTS Intelligibility
 
-----

 

Stefania Viscusi is an established writer and avid reader.
 

 

http://www.tmcnet.com/channels/speech-recognition/articles/7598-new-canadian-french-tts-voices-from-loquendo.htm

 

 Dolphin Computer Access (UK)
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
 
Dolphin Computer Access Newsletter, June 2007 Edition.
 
By Sarah Jones
 
It's been a while since we've been in touch; it goes without saying that the Dolphin team have not been idle during this time and so we have lots of news to update you with which will explain why we've been so busy!
 
EasyConverter released.
 
Creating accessible text just got easier with our latest addition to the altformat family - EasyConverter. With a wide range of input and output file formats; EasyConverter enables you to offer your readers the choice of format that suits them best. Need to turn printed papers into Braille, PDFs in to MP3 audio? - no problem. With the new disability equality laws in place this tool is invaluable for Employers, Schools and public sector organisations alike.

 

LINK: Read the full story
http://www.yourdolphin.com/newsitem.asp?id=189#main

 

LINK: Visit the EasyConverter product page
http://www.yourdolphin.com/productdetail.asp?id=25#main
 
Registered for your free Vista Upgrade?
 
Users of Dolphin Hal, Lunar, LunarPlus or SuperNova version 7 will qualify for a free of charge upgrade to the new release of version 8 which will include support for Windows Vista. Please note: You need to register for this so don't delay, get your name on the list!
 
LINK: Read the full story and terms of this offer
http://www.yourdolphin.com/newsitem.asp?id=192#main
 
Listen again to Smart Hal on ACB Radio.
 
Dolphin's Mobile Product Manager, Dave Williams, made a live appearance on ACB Radio's Main Menu, talking about Smartphones, Windows Mobile 6 and of course Smart Hal. Here's your chance to listen again.
 
LINK: Read the full story
http://www.yourdolphin.com/newsitem.asp?id=168#main
 
RNIB's Access-IT review Smart Hal - Part Two.
 
RNIB's Access-IT magazine released their own independent review of Dolphin's new screen reader for Smartphones, Smart Hal. In this two part series, trainer and sessional tutor for Modern Eyes, Sue Allard, takes her first steps with a Smartphone and quickly gets to grips with the basics.

 

LINK: Read the full story
http://www.yourdolphin.com/newsitem.asp?id=186#main
 
LINK: If you missed the first part, here is Part One
http://www.yourdolphin.com/newsitem.asp?id=170#main

 

Dolphin Tip of the Week.
 
If you have visited our website in recent weeks you will notice that the homepage now contains a link to a tip of the week. Updated every Monday, this tip is designed to teach users of our software tools some new tricks to help get the most out of your software.

 

Tips in recent weeks include:
 
 
§ Using Forms on the Internet (applies to: Dolphin Access Software version 7).
http://www.yourdolphin.com/online_tutorials.asp?id=60#main
 
§ Using Lists to get information from Excel Spreadsheets (applies to: Dolphin Access Software version 6.5 and later).
http://www.yourdolphin.com/online_tutorials.asp?id=61#main
 
§ Making use of Application Notes (applies to: Dolphin Access Software Version 5 and later).
http://www.yourdolphin.com/online_tutorials.asp?id=62#main
 
§ Using Microsoft Word with EasyConverter (applies to: Dolphin EasyConverter version 1.0).
http://www.yourdolphin.com/online_tutorials.asp?id=80#main
 
§ Making use of Magnification modes (version 5 and later).
http://www.yourdolphin.com/online_tutorials.asp?id=84#main

 

§ Useful Resources and Keyboard Shortcuts (all versions).
http://www.yourdolphin.com/online_tutorials.asp?id=86#main
 
§ Using Lists to get information from Word documents (version 6.5 and above).
http://www.yourdolphin.com/online_tutorials.asp?id=87#main
 
Have you updated your Maps recently?
 
New map files for SuperNova, Hal, Lunar and LunarPlus customers are now available, and they're free!
 
LINK: Read the full story
http://www.yourdolphin.com/newsitem.asp?id=182#main
 
Sightsavers take the Dolphin Pen to Africa.
 
Visually impaired Africans are set to have their lives transformed by the arrival on the continent of the latest generation of accessibility software for computers.
 
LINK: Read the full story
http://www.yourdolphin.com/newsitem.asp?id=176#main
 
Get more from your Smartphone - Try a Free Smart Hal Tutorial.
 
A Windows Mobile Smartphone loaded with Smart Hal is a palm-sized powerhouse that can educate, inform, and entertain you at the touch of a button. Over the next few weeks we aim to show you what you can do with Smart Hal, aside from making and receiving telephone calls that is. In the first tutorial, we check out "Orb" which enables Smart Hal (or Pocket Hal) users to remotely access and play their music collection at home directly from their Smartphone or Pocket PC.
 
LINK: Read the full story
http://www.yourdolphin.com/newsitem.asp?id=188#main
 
Lunar wins RNIB Battle of the Magnifiers - Hands down.
 
At this year's CSUN conference in California, two accessibility experts from the RNIB in the UK took on the daunting challenge of comparing seven screen magnification software products, live and in front of a large and experienced CSUN audience.  The seven included the three market leaders including Dolphin's Lunar version 7.
 
LINK: Read the full story
http://www.yourdolphin.com/newsitem.asp?id=169#main
 
EasyProducer reviewed on Emptech.
 
This month Emptech has released a glowing review of Dolphin's DAISY and MP3 creation tool, EasyProducer. The review is in the shape of an audio Podcast which you can listen to online.
 
LINK: Read the full story
http://www.yourdolphin.com/newsitem.asp?id=193#main
 
LINK: Visit the EasyProducer product page
http://www.yourdolphin.com/productdetail.asp?id=10#main
 
Dolphin U.S. on the Move.
 
Goodbye San Mateo, we've moved to New Jersey! Please update your records.
 
LINK: Read the full story
http://www.yourdolphin.com/newsitem.asp?id=171#main
 
At the business desk, I'm Kerry J Harrison wishing you a pleasant day.

posted by Kerry at 7:51 AM | 0 comments

Hello there!  I'm Matt Chadwick at the business desk and today I'd like to talk a bit about some very real opportunities in some real niche markets. 

Too many of us make the fatal mistake of turning our attention to those large markets that are congested with too many competitors practically falling over each other.  We seem to think that the bigger the market the better the chance for success.  We also feel that the more consumers that there are, the bigger the opportunity for grabbing the brass ring.  This is in many ways a myth because there is now growing proof that the chances for success can just as easily be found in those niche markets.  The popular slogan these days is riches in niches and there are practically thousands of them just waiting for you to discover them.  I want to give you a few of the more popular examples making the rounds these days and I'll also tell you what you could expect to make as an entrepreneur.

1  The fitness instructor's niche:

Your present primary consumers are:  Those suffering from obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and stress.  The age group of your consumers is not limited to any specific age group. Your potential consumers could be:  Busy professionals looking to stay in shape and in need of personal trainers, gyms and health clubs, spas and resorts.  Your potential income as an entrepreneur could start at around $45,000 but could quickly climb to over $75,000 and upwards after two to three years of being in the business.  You can either work on-site, or even in the homes of your customers.

2  The special needs travel agent niche:

Your present primary consumers would include seniors, aging baby boomers, families with young kids, families with elderly parents, persons with various physical disabilities, and persons afflicted by disabling diseases.  For the most part, the age group of your consumers could be widespread.  Your potential consumers could be busy professionals.  Your starting salary as a travel agent in this niche market could be yours for the taking depending on how hard you wish to work.  There are special needs travel agents who are making as little as $25,000 annually and then there are those who are making very healthy six figure incomes. 

3  The translator's niche:

Your present primary consumers include international companies of all sizes, governmental departments dealing in international trade, large international organizations, pharmaceutical companies, United Nations agencies, and other related businesses.  There is no age group relevant for this niche.  Your potential consumers could include doctors clinics and offices, lawyers offices, hospitals, universities, news agencies.  A translator can practically create their own income or can name their price and this is mainly due to the growing expansion of international trade.

There are several more rich niches out there just waiting for you to take advantage.  The niche approach is growing rapidly and I would ask you to give it some serious consideration.

 

Now for some very important info.

 

Are you looking for skilled and experienced translators/writers/researchers to help you craft your articles, blogs, business letters, emails, faxes, newsletters, and proposals in multi languages? 
Are you seeking skilled and experienced language coaches to help you learn the English language more quickly and efficiently?
Then you need to visit the folks at www.translationpeople.com.  Here you'll find a team that guarantees quick turn around, professional work, and total confidentiality.  Prices are extremely affordable and services are offered in English, Spanish, French, Cantonese, and Mandarin.
Check out the free useful information page while you're there and for absolutely free you can also tap into the latest trends and headlines.
 

At the business desk, I'm Matt Chadwick asking you to take care not to get too dehydrated in the heat.

posted by Info@Untapped at 2:32 PM | 0 comments

Greetings everyone!  I'm Jayna Sheffield at the business desk and on this very warm and sticky summer evening, I'd like to zoom in on a growing and booming small business opportunity presently taking America by storm.  This opportunity has been around for a while but we've noticed that in the past three years, it has suddenly started to flourish and now many persons are starting to take it very seriously.

This business opportunity is drawing both individuals and businesses to its doors but we're finding that this type of opportunity seems to be more suitable to small businesses and entrepreneurs.  I'm referring to the "Start Import Business" opportunity that is being driven by demands from some very interesting types of consumers.  This demand is real, consumers are real, supply is still very much lagging behind demand, the competition is still very much sparse, and the forecast for this market's longevity is extremely healthy.  In short, if you're interested in the import business then this market is for you.  If you have a flare for dealing with different cultures and international markets, then this opportunity is definitely what you need to examine more closely.

Who's driving this demand you say?  First, the rapidly increasing Spanish-American population.  This group is the fastest growing in the United States today and they're looking for ways to help them maintain ties both with their culture and with their original homeland.  Despite the fact that they have made America their new home, they are still very much willing to keep the ties with their first home and by this I mean that they're willing to keep their ties to South, Central,  and Latin America.  In order to do so they're seeking the help of small companies that can supply them with products from their original homelands.  Products such as specialty foods and delicacies common to South, Central  and Latin America.  CDs and videos originating from their homelands.  Books, clothing, and anything that would help to keep their memories of their first homelands alive.

In a similar way, the growing population of immigrants from the East, Asia, and the Middle East are also seeking companies to help them maintain ties to their origins of birth.  Believe it or not, when many immigrants first make our country their home, they feel the need to maintain ties to their native lands in order to feel secure.  They use it as a security blanket to help them cope in a big new country.

Let us not also forget those hundreds of thousands of business professionals who flock to our shores each year in search of doing trade with us.  They too are demanding to have more of their own products on our shelves while they make America their temporary home away from home.

The "Start Import Business" opportunity could be yours if you're willing and ready to work with the demands and needs of our immigrant population.  If you like dealing with foreign trade, then this type of business is for you.  If you can speak a second language then why not put it to use in the "Start Import Business" arena.  If you want to nurture a dream of being your very own international mover and shaker, then the "Start Import Business" is definitely an avenue for you to explore.

If you're looking for more info then check out our top business strategies page and go to the start import business link.

 

Now for some very important info.

 

Looking for ideas and opportunities to crack the over 50s market?  The baby boomer market?  The seniors market?  Other niche markets?
Are you seeking opportunities in markets that are explosive, lucrative, but above all safe?
Are you having difficulty keeping abreast of important trends and news items because you're either too busy or don't know where to look?
Then you need to visit www.sterlingcreations.ca and there you'll find a suite of services that can help you to get where you want to go.
From writing to research, and translation to transcription.  There is even a free monthly online magazine that is crammed with very vital and valuable information.  You can even keep abreast of breaking trends and headlines for absolutely free.
Check it out at your convenience.

 

At the business desk, I'm Jayna Sheffield bidding you a pleasant summer's evening.

posted by Editor at 7:03 PM | 0 comments

Hi everyone!  I'm Heather DeMarco at the business desk and I'm going to close out this week by putting out a call for companies to increase the scope and depth of their delivery services.

Whether you know it or not, more and more consumers are practically clamoring for an increase of delivery services.  Who in particular?  Seniors, aging baby boomers, special needs consumers, moms with young kids, professionals on the go, and even lage and medium sized companies.  Yes, this picture is getting very desperate because for the demand for delivery services is far outstripping the supply for delivery services.

Here's the picture:

Supermarkets are being asked to provide more door to door deliveries.

Appliance stores are being asked to deliver purchased appliances to the homes of purchasers.

Electronics stores are being asked to do the same.

Furniture stores are also being pushed to deliver heavy purchases to the doors of those purchasing them.

More and more restaurants are being asked to deliver meals to those ordering either online or by phone.

Liquor stores are also being encouraged to do the same.

The list goes on and on.

The way many experts are seeing it, there could be hundreds of thousands of opportunities for small businesses to take advantage of this very real and rapidly increasing demand.  In so many cases, those listed above may not have the time or want to hire the staff to provide delivery services and many of them are willing to outsource these services.

If you have a car, van, or even small truck, and you're looking for ways to earn a few bucks safely then why not entertain this type of opportunity.  You could very easily build a very lucrative little business out of this rather interesting and ever growing little niche.  Hurry now before your competition gets wind of it.  The time may be just right for you to create your own type of delivery service and even name your price.

 

Now for our Amazon picks of the week.

 

The kid's guide to service projects

By Barbara A Lewis

A wonderful book for both parents and kids.  It's summer and I'm sure that most parents are just at the end of the road when it comes to finding interesting things for their kids to get involved in.  This book has lots of great ideas that kids can actually use to get started into some very exciting projects.

 

Getting clients keeping clients

By Dan Richards

If you're having problems getting and keeping your clients then please buy this book.  It's worth every penny that you spend on it plus much more.  This author details lots of interesting facts and he's easy to understand.

 

Untapped Wealth Discovered

By Jeff N Marquis and Kerry J Harrison

These authors have written a very factual and insightful book.  One that belongs on the book shelf of any library, bookstore, and even on the desk of any small business owner or entrepreneur.

 

For some more free info read on.

 

Are you tired of looking over your shoulder because you're so scared of being scammed out of your hard earned savings, your house, and your other assets?
Are you looking for ways to avoid those scams with their broken promises and get rich quick schemes?  Are you worried that one day soon someone is going to try and scam you out of your worldly possessions?  Do you know what you should be doing in order to combat those seedy scammers, identity thieves, and shady investors?
Now you can take advantage of some very potent info and daily updates plus more in order to help you stay healthy and sleep well at night.  All of this info is free for the taking and it will save you thousands of research hours, protect your savings and worldly possessions, and help you to make decisions that are safe, logical, and sound.  The experts at www.untappedwealth.com are offering you all of this at absolutely no cost because their philosophy is that if they help you then you will help others and we will become a safer and better country.  Check them out!  You have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain!

 

At the business desk, I'm Heather DeMarco hoping for continued good weather for the rest of the weekend.

posted by Info@Untapped at 7:46 PM | 0 comments

Good day everyone!  I'm Jeff Marquis at the business desk and on this very pleasant summer afternoon, I'd like to identify some companies that are not really paying attention to the type of customer service that they're presently offering to their customers.

Too many companies are guilty of poor customer service and they still don't seem to get it!  In a world where consumers can still have the choice of taking or leaving the type of service that they receive, over 95% of customers are deliberately choosing to take their business to those companies that go out of their way to show that they care.  Believe it or not, customers always remember the bad service that they receive and don't under estimate this for one minute.  So many times we've seen where bad customer service has hurt good companies because a few customers were not treated appropriately and they went around spreading their experiences by word of mouth.  It does not matter whether or not the customer is right:  In the 1980s IBM used to tell its employees and in fact they used to drum it into their employees' heads that the customer was always right but sad to say in today's world IBM often seems to forget what they preached in the 80s. 

Based on hundreds of emails that we continue to receive each week, we're going to identify a few companies that are very guilty of bad customer service and we sincerely hope that they take the time to listen in for if they don't, it will soon start to affect their bottom lines.

First, Double Day.  A very reputable book club but within the last few years this company has been employing lots of bullying tactics to force their customers to buy their books.  They don't tell or fully explain how the ordering process works and when customers return books because they don't want them even if these books have not been opened, Double Day has the audacity to charge the customer a processing fee and even if it is clear that the customer is in the right, Double Day has been sending nasty notes threatening to take the customer to court or send a collection agency after them.  We have received hundreds of notes over the past year  from very irate customers telling us that they will never order books again from Double Day because Double Day is threatening to take them to court over books that they never ordered and guess what the sums of money involve?  A measly sum ranging anywhere from about $30 to $60. 

Shame on you Double Day!  Quit playing the big bad bully and start paying attention to what your customers are saying.

Second, Nerds On Site.  We continue to receive a constant string of complaints about this company.  In this case, the technical services being offered is less than satisfactory because Nerds On Site continues to send out technicians who are inexperienced, ill equipped to deal with simple technical problems, and above all, Nerds on Site does not seem to really care.  What we're hearing here is that nerds On Site is very eager to please but their technicians don't seem to be able to come up to mark and when they make a goof Nerds On Site leaves their customer hanging choosing instead to duck out of their responsibility to reimburse the customer for damages and time lost.

Third, Telehop Communications.  According to a mounting pile of complaints on our desk, a company that is nothing but a scoundrel when it comes to providing adequate customer support.  Telehop Communication's advertising is false because they don't fully explain the terms and conditions of their contracts, they provide poor long distance service to their customers, and their customer support team simply sucks because they don't speak English very well and they don't seem to understand what or how to do it when customers phone with technical problems.

To these three companies, if you care then you will take action.  Don't wait till it's way too late.

 

Now for some free but very important info.

 

They call themselves a "One Stop Writing Shop" and well they should.  There are not too many companies around at present that are able to do this and do it so well.  The experts call them unique!  They offer complete services that can help you do research, write, translate and transcribe your info into multi languages.  For absolutely free they can help you to keep abreast of important trends and news items if you're either too busy to search for them or you don't know where to find them.  They can help you to increase your revenues, reduce your costs, and expand your customer bases.  They can offer you a free online monthly magazine filled with info designed to help you keep abreast of market trends and consumer habits and articles that will point you in the right direction when it comes to finding opportunities that are explosive, lucrative, but above all safe.
To learn more visit them at www.sterlingcreations.ca.

 

At the business desk, I'm Jeff N Marquis wishing you a hot summer's weekend.

posted by Jeff at 3:59 PM | 0 comments

Greetings everyone!  I'm Jayna Sheffield at the business desk and today I'd like to brighten up your weekend by sharing an article with you on a hot new product. 

With the summer season now on the way, and with so many of you now involved with your barbecues, this product should fit perfectly into your arsenal of barbecue tools.  Enjoy!

 

The Fred's Head Companion
Friday, June 15, 2007
 
Talking Meat Thermometers
 
By Michael McCarty
 
Friday, June 15, 2007
 
Grill Alert: Talking Remote Meat Thermometer

 

Grilling is a great way to entertain. Constantly standing next to the grill, however, is not. Now you can have the freedom to mingle with this remote meat thermometer. A voice prompt alerts you when your meat is "Almost Ready" and "Ready." It's one of the hottest accessible gifts you can give!
 
A remote meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of grilling. Insert the stainless steel probes in the center of the meat, select the type of meat and how you would like it cooked and let this wireless remote cooking thermometer do the rest. You can relax knowing that you will not overcook your food!
 
Features:
 
Works from up to 300 feet away.
Belt clip for added freedom.
Display backlight for convenient night grilling.
Water resistant for easy cleanup.
Wireless remote cooking thermometer operates at 433Mhz.
Uses two AA batteries and two AAA batteries (not included).
 
Click this link to purchase the Grill AlertTalking Remote Meat Thermometer from Brookstone.
 
http://www.brookstone.com/store/thumbnail.asp?wid=3&cid=33&sid=465&search_t
 
The Grill Right Wireless Talking BBQ/Oven Thermometer
 
Hate not knowing when meat is properly cooked? Maybe you like meat cooked a certain way? This wireless thermometer will verbally tell you when your meat has reached its perfect temperature. You can program it for 8 entrees (beef, lamb, veal, hamburger, pork, turkey, chicken, and fish), choose the "doneness" you want, and just start grilling.
 
Features LCD screen, remote wireless probe, speaks in 5 languages, has range from 32°F to 572°F, four alert options (almost ready, ready, overcooked, out-of-range), audio alarm, and the main unit can receive probe signal from up to 330 feet away.
 
Click this link to purchase the Grill Right Wireless Talking BBQ/Oven Thermometer from Oregon Scientific.
 
http://www2.oregonscientific.com/shop/product.asp?cid=9&scid=99&pid=763
 
Posted by Michael McCarty at 12:56 PM
 
 
http://fredsheadcompanion.blogspot.com/2006/10/grill-alerttalking-remote-meat.html

Now for some free and important info.

 

Are you looking for skilled and experienced translators/writers/researchers to help you craft your articles, blogs, business letters, emails, faxes, newsletters, and proposals in multi languages? 
Are you seeking skilled and experienced language coaches to help you learn the English language more quickly and efficiently?
Then you need to visit the folks at www.translationpeople.com.  Here you'll find a team that guarantees quick turn around, professional work, and total confidentiality.  Prices are extremely affordable and services are offered in English, Spanish, French, Cantonese, and Mandarin.
Check out the free useful information page while you're there and for absolutely free you can also tap into the latest trends and headlines.

 

At the business desk, I'm Jayna Sheffield wishing you a joyous first weekend of the summer.

 

posted by Editor at 1:06 PM | 0 comments

Good morning!  I'm Kerry J Harrison at the business desk and today it's time for our news roundup.  This is our new feature and in answer to hundreds of requests from our readers, each Wednesday we'll be publishing a selection of articles that will help our special needs emailers and technology buffs to keep up.  These articles will also give exposure to many companies that are dedicated and committed to improving the lives of many and our blog will also help to bring consumers and companies together in an informal way.

Give us our feedback as we'd love to hear from you.

 

At the business desk, I'm Kerry J Harrison wishing you a great day.

 

Table of contents

 

1  Coalition of organizations for Accessible Technology (COAT)
2  house sub-committee Vote Could End Books for the Blind
3  Non-profit seeks secure revenue base in electronic junk
4  Stay active with low vision
5  A blind user would choose google as His Search Engine
6  Talking bus stops for the blind are piloted

 

Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology (COAT)
Applauds FCC's New Disability Accessibility Requirements
PR Newswire
Friday, June 01, 2007
 
Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology (COAT) Applauds FCC's New Disability Accessibility Requirements
By Press Release
 
    WASHINGTON, June 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a Report and Order, "Disability
Access Requirements Extended To VoIP Services" at its monthly open meeting.
The FCC Order levels the playing field so that interconnected Voice Over
Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers must meet similar requirements
for providing access to people with disabilities that wireline and wireless
providers currently meet.
    "We applaud this significant step forward in making sure persons
disabilities will not be left behind or left out of the next generation of
phone services using Internet technologies," says Jenifer Simpson, of the
American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), a cofounder and
spokesperson for the Coalition.
    The Order does three things for persons with disabilities. It extends
the accessibility and usability requirements of Section 255 of the
Communications Act to VoIP service providers. It requires VoIP providers to
contribute into the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS)
Fund. It also requires VoIP service providers to meet the same TRS
obligations that traditional phone companies must meet, such as connecting
relay service users via 711, the nation's free access number to reach a
relay service center.
    "Companies using new phone technologies should make their products and
services accessible and usable for people with vision loss. Why should I
have to ask someone to place a phone call for me just because some company
forgot to design phone services with my needs in mind?" asks Mark Richert
of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), another co-founder of the
disability coalition supporting the FCC action. "And, if we can't get our
telephone bills in Braille, how do they expect us to pay them?"
    "New contributors into the relay services fund are important because
the number of traditional phone customers is continuing to decline,"
explains Karen Peltz Strauss of Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD,
Inc.), also a founder of the new disability coalition. "Relay services are
absolutely essential for people with hearing and speech disabilities."
    "The 1996 Telecommunications Act required phone companies and
manufacturers to make services and products disability accessibility and
usable," adds Jenifer Simpson. "Here we are, eleven years later and some
companies still forget to design at the front end for the needs of people
with all kinds of disabilities, leaving them behind as the rest of the
population gets to use all kinds of new and exciting communication
technologies. Everyone's getting pretty fed up with not being able to use
these innovative gadgets and services. This FCC action is a good step
forward, but it's time for the whole communications industry to take a
giant step forward. We want to see accessibility in all products and
services in the marketplace."
    COAT is a new coalition of disability organizations, launched in March
2007, to advocate for legislative and regulatory safeguards that will
ensure full access by people with disabilities to evolving high speed
broadband, wireless and other Internet protocol (IP) technologies. The
Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology, or COAT, consists of
over 67 national, regional, and community-based organizations dedicated to
making sure that as our nation migrates from legacy public switched-based
telecommunications to more versatile and innovative IP-based and other
communication technologies, people with disabilities will benefit like
everyone else. More information about the disability coalition is available
at website http://www.coataccess.org.
 
SOURCE COAT
Related links:
http://www.aapd-dc.org
http://www.coataccess.org

 

House Subcommittee Vote Could End Books for the Blind.

 

PressRelease 
Author : National Federation of the Blind 
Earthtimes.org - USA
Thu, 07 Jun 2007.
 
On Wednesday, June 6, the House of Representatives Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee voted to substantially underfund the Books for the Blind program of the Library of Congress.

 

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "Since 1931, Congress has consistently supported on a bipartisan basis a national program of audio and Braille books for the blind, operated by the Library of Congress. The blind of America are shocked and disappointed that a House subcommittee has callously disregarded our literacy needs since literacy leads to independence. By appropriating only $7.5 million of the $19.1 million needed for transition from antiquated analog cassette tape technology to digital technology, the subcommittee has effectively voted to shut down the only public library available to blind Americans. The audio books produced by the Library of Congress will be useless unless the digital playback technology is provided for readers. The Talking Book program is at a crossroads because the analog tape used for the past thirty-six years has become obsolete and must be replaced for the program to continue. Virtually, all government programs, except Books for the Blind, have converted to state-of-the-art digital communication technology at a cost of billions of dollars to the taxpayers. Leaving the Books for the Blind program behind is unconscionable. Since it is early in the appropriations process, however, Congress still has time to correct this grievous error. We therefore urgently appeal to the full House Appropriations Committee, the members of the House of Representatives, and the United States Senate to provide the full $19.1 million requested by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped of the Library of Congress to begin production of digital talking books and players."
 
The Talking Book program serves over 750,000 blind Americans, including blind children and an ever-increasing number of older Americans who are losing vision. The incidence of blindness is expected to increase as the baby boom generation reaches retirement age. Therefore, the need for this essential program will only increase.

 

CONTACT: John G. Pare Jr., Director of Public Relations of the National
Federation of the Blind, +1-410-659-9314, extension 2371, Cell:
+1-410-913-3912, jpare@nfb.org

 

Web site: http://www.nfb.org/
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,118989.shtml

 

Las Vegas Business Press, NV, USA
Friday, June 08, 2007

 

Non-profit seeks secure revenue base in electronic junk
By BEN STEPHENS

 

With age comes wisdom, perhaps. Betting on green two years ago proved to be a lucrative move for the 52-year-old Blind Center of Nevada, the nonprofit organization's officials say.
 
Aspiring to expand its downtown facility and the social and professional services it offers to Southern Nevada's visually impaired, the agency needed more than donations and grants could offer. It filled the gap by establishing an electronics-recycling program.
 
The premise was to decrease the its dependence on donor charitability. This year, the recycling operation is expected to generate around $1 million in revenue, about five times what it projects to receive in public and private gifts. On the road to self-sufficiency, a dozen jobs -- nearly all filled by local visually impaired citizens -- were created.
 
The young enterprise, which until recently was cramped inside the small, original headquarters on Bruce Street, moved to a nearby commercial food storage facility last month, where it rents about 20,000 square feet of space. Vice President of Operations Bob Waldorf estimates tens of thousands of pounds of donated electronics are being shipped from the location to refiners and to Internet buyers each month.

 

Staff members sort through donated goods, separating the reusable from the recyclable. That which still has a working life or can be repaired is re-sold on Internet sites like Ebay, Waldorf said. The rest is sold per pound to refiners.
 
According to Blind Center figures, the enterprise diverted more than 500,000 pounds of e-waste from landfills last year and projects to triple that in 2007. Looking forward, the center aspires to collect 20 million pounds annually and says such volume would mean a total of 100 jobs.
 
These aren't just any jobs, though. "They're meaningful jobs," Waldorf says.
 
There is a need for the minor packaging and assembly positions to which many of the visually impaired have been relegated for years, but the positions that have resulted from the recycling program offer a career path. The lower-skilled positions typically earn minimum wage and aren't steady, Waldorf explained. In contrast, Internet sales gigs net anywhere from $8 to $12 an hour and offer full-time work. Waldorf intends to double the number of these jobs by year's end.
 
Service sector jobs for the visually impaired also were made necessary by foreign labor competition, Waldorf said.

 

"Like anything else, we're getting pinched by Mexico, China and other places," he said. "These are jobs we're not going to export."
 
Cynthia Watson, a fellow of the Alexandria, Va.-based National Industries for the Blind, came to the Blind Center on a temporary basis to document how to establish such an operation, aiming to simplify its implementation in the other 80 blind centers throughout the country.
 
She said these jobs offer unprecedented choice to the visually impaired as well as a conduit to self-sufficiency. "Not everyone who's visually impaired wants to work in the manufacturing setting," she said.
 
Higher wages, Watson adds, make it more attractive for visually impaired persons receiving Social Security to trade in their aid checks for paychecks, because the positions are more lucrative.
 
"They can become taxpayers instead of tax users, and become independent again," Blind Center President and CEO Veronica Wilson said. Technological advances such as screen magnification and voice recognition software afforded this career path to the visually impaired, she notes. "The easiest way to adapt a job for the visually impaired is the computer."
 
There are an estimated 76,000 visually impaired persons statewide, and of those, 10,000 are legally blind, according to the center's figures.
 
The statistics also show the unemployment rate among the blind is 72 percent. In Nevada, 80 percent of the blind population lives below the poverty level, compared with the national average of 65 percent, the figures indicate.
 
Currently, the Blind Center has about 500 members receiving its free services. While membership has increased tenfold in the last half decade, Waldorf insists the center needs to expand its reach. He's confident there's enough electronic waste to accommodate the growth, considering the estimated 1,300 personal computers going out of service every day in Las Vegas.

 

According to a figure he cited in a presentation to the State Legislature last month, Nevada produces 23 million pounds of electronic waste per year.
 
 Among the center's stiffest competition in vying for that volume is ARC International Corporation, a national electronics recycling company that established a presence in North Las Vegas in February. Company officials say its facility can handle about 4 million pounds of this waste per year. ARC has been in negotiations with the Blind Center, although officials there declined to elaborate.
 
"They would buy some of what we collect," Waldorf said of the negotiations. Despite efforts to ramp up future recycling capacity, "I don't think we're coming close to (recycling) 10 percent (of the waste) here, even with ARC," Waldorf said.
 
"There's way more than enough room for many players. It's just a matter of jockeying for a position," he said.
 
But could private ventures be as successful in attracting taxpayer dollars to keep electronics products, which contain toxic materials, from contaminating landfills?
 
The Blind Center had a bill in the Legislature (AB 471) this session, which sought to fund additional equipment to enhance its recycling program. The bill lapsed during the session.

 

The equipment would have allowed the Blind Center to break down its own donated goods into raw materials - plastic, glass and metal. Becoming more self-contained would generate higher revenues, rather than outsourcing goods to companies like ARC, Waldorf explained.
 
The other leg-up the nonprofit Blind Center may have on private enterprises in attracting waste volume is the tax write-offs the public reaps for what it donates. ARC, which also takes in items on a donation basis, only offers less waste ending up in landfills.
 
However, the less experienced Blind Center must ensure it can match the capacity of private enterprises' capacity if it hopes to make the most of this advantage.
 
bstephens@lvbusinesspress.com | 871-6780 x316
http://www.lvbusinesspress.com/articles/2007/06/08/news/iq_14776885.txt

 

Stay Active with Low Vision.

 

Newswise (press release) - USA
Monday, June 11, 2007.

 

Vision loss doesn't have to mean a loss of independence. An array of
assistive devices, certified specialists and the right attitude can help you
function with declining eyesight.
 
If you're among the estimated one of every 20 Americans with low vision, you
might feel as if you're confined to your home, dependent on loved ones and
unable to pursue your favorite hobbies.

 

But, it doesn't have to be that way, according to Cleveland Clinic's Men's
Health Advisor.

 

Although low vision-sight that cannot be corrected with eyeglasses, contact
lenses or surgery-can have a significant effect on your life, help is
available. Vision and rehabilitation specialists can help you make the most
of your remaining vision, and an array of programs and optical devices can
allow you to maintain some independence and keep doing many of the things
you've always enjoyed.
 
"With a good attitude and the right person to help you learn to problem
solve and to find some of the basic solutions that you need, there certainly
is no reason why you can't continue to do the vast majority of things you
used to do," said Patrick Baker, MHS, OTR/L, CLVT, CDRS, a Cleveland Clinic
occupational therapist and low-vision rehabilitation specialist. "You don't
have to depend on everybody."

 

What is Low Vision?

 

Low vision most commonly results from eye disorders such as age-related
macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma and cataracts, as well as diabetes
(diabetic retinopathy). Eye or brain injuries also may cause low vision, as
can retinitis pigmentosa, a rare inherited disorder that affects peripheral
and night vision.

 

The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends regular eye exams every
two years for adults ages 41 to 60, annually for those 61 and older and more
frequently for people with diabetes or other eye-disease risk factors.
Usually, eye disorders are detected during these exams; however, once they
lose some vision, many people may be unsure where to turn next.

 

"Any time you're starting to lose functionality due to vision loss, it's
time to seek a low-vision exam from a certified low-vision specialist," said
Ann Laurenzi, O.D., a Cleveland Clinic optometrist.

 

Evaluating Low Vision

 

Unlike a standard eye exam, a low-vision exam concentrates more on how to
function with your condition, and your specialist will show you how to make
the most of your remaining eyesight. For example, a person with central
vision loss from AMD must adapt and be trained on how to function better
with his peripheral vision, Dr. Laurenzi said.

 

The process often requires a team of specialists, who will train you on the
types of vision aids and strategies you'll need. "In a lot of cases, it's
not just going out and getting equipment. It's finding out what you do, what
you want to do, what's hard to do and what's the best tool that's going to
help you resolve those issues," Baker said. He noted that occupational
therapists specializing in low vision can help patients not only use vision
aids, but also develop strategies to maintain a good quality of life.

 

Functioning with Low Vision

 

Vision aids are the key tools to help low-vision patients function. They may
include magnifying devices, ranging from simple magnifiers and telescopic
glasses, to complex closed-circuit TVs and battery-powered, head-mounted
video magnifiers.

 

If you're a reader, many books are available on audiotape, and many
newspapers are available online in large-print formats. Also, reading
machines can voice typewritten text placed on their scanning surfaces.

 

Many insurance plans do not cover vision aids, so you may have to pay for
them out of pocket.

 

Aside from vision aids, experimenting with lighting and contrast schemes can
help you function with low vision around the home. For example, use a dark
tablecloth with light-colored plates.

 

What You Can Do
Seek eye doctors and occupational therapists specializing in low vision.
Visit the American Optometric Association's Web site-www.aoa.org-to find a
specialist near you.
Work with your family members to develop an organizational plan for your
household, and follow it closely.
Work with your therapist to find the ideal lighting setup that maximizes
your vision, and experiment with contrast schemes, such as having dark
furniture on a light-colored rug.
 
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/530752/

 

Softpedia.com
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
 
A Blind User Would Choose Google as His Search Engine

 

By Bogdan Popa
 
Interesting test revealed that Google managed to beat Baidu
by Bogdan Popa, Security and Search Engines Editor
 
The Chinese company Intelliconsulting recently conducted a market research that revealed that Google finally managed to beat the Chinese rival Baidu after the users preferred the Mountain View company as their default search engine. The tests included 2,740 Chinese internet users who didn't know which search technology they use, having to choose the best one for a total of 8 categories such as news, Internet and technology, finance/business, entertainment, shopping/dining, travel/transportation, science/culture/education and government services/public information. According to the Search Engine Journal, Google was the winner with 48.2 percent while Baidu recorded only 39.8 percent.
 
"35.7% of the participants indicated that they didn't appreciate that Baidu's natural search results were mixed with advertising. The respondents also didn't like the fact that results don't include Chinese content from websites outside of China and that they don't seem objective. The instability of Google's website, thanks mostly to the great Chinese firewall, was seen as negative as well as having no page-caching. The fact that Google doesn't offer a search functionality for free mp3's and other downloadable entertainment was also not appreciated," the same source explained.
 
 The battle between Google and Baidu is extremely important for the Mountain View company as it strives to expand its products into the rich Chinese market. However, the local Google alias Baidu managed to attract the majority of users with its Google-like solutions. At this time, the search giant is probably thinking at new ways to conquer China after it opened a lot of new offices and designed new flavors of the products for the Chinese users. This is quite the most important win recorded by Google in the battle with Baidu so we should expect for new moves soon. Meanwhile, Baidu seems to like "the best defense is the attack" motto and prepares to start the European expansion.
 
http://news.softpedia.com/news/A-Blind-User-Would-Choose-Google-as-His-Search-Engine-57084.shtml#reviewForm

 

24Dash.com (UK)
Monday, June 11, 2007
 
Sussex: Talking bus stops for the blind are piloted
By Pam Caulfield
 
The first talking bus stops are being piloted
 
The first talking bus stops for the blind in Brighton and Hove are being trialled.
 
The five innovative bus stops will tell people which stop they are at and when the next bus is due.
 
Key fobs activate when its owner approaches a bus stop. The fob has two buttons allowing its user to prompt the bus stop to announce its locatio n and a second button to tell them when the next bus is due.
 
Blind Alison Evans, from Peacehaven, who will test the scheme, said: "I think the talking bus stops will definitely be helpful.
 
"At the moment I have to ask people which stop I'm at and when the next bus is coming.
 
"People are normally very good, but you're reliant on someone being there."
 
Once the trial has been completed, the systems will be fitted to a further 15 bus stops in Brighton and Hove.
 
Brighton and Hove City Council has worked closely with the Royal National Institute of Blind People to develop the scheme.
 
http://www.24dash.com/news/2/21673/index.htm

 

posted by Kerry at 9:42 AM | 0 comments

Hello there!  I'm Matt Chadwick at the business desk and today I'd like to spread the news about a growing demand for the development of small businesses in small towns across America. 

Too often we focus our attention on the development of small businesses in the big cities and larger towns; but what about the hundreds of thousands of small towns spread right across our country?  Too many persons often forget about the little guys and the smaller towns but this is quickly changing.  There is a growing trend towards the development of small businesses in the small towns.  In fact, many business experts are openly saying that if anyone is looking to start up a small business, the small town may be a better place to start.  How so?

A small town is smaller of course and it is much easier to listen to and understand the needs and demands of its inhabitants.  It is also much easier to get to know your consumers, and to also know your competition.  It is also easier to get things done, and to find ways to reach your consumer. 

In a small town, it is so much easier to advertise for example through the local newspapers, door to door advertising with brochures, through the use of flyers in the corner grocery stores, and of course by word of mouth.  It is also much easier to start a small business in a small town because you get to start off on a very small scale and then grow from there. 

A small town business is ideal for anyone who is looking to start small and start slowly.  However, if you're looking for fast results, to start off big, and to do everything in a big way, then you would be better advised to stay away from the small town business idea. 

The small business in a small town trend is only going to grow for at least the next 25 years for the following reasons.

More and more persons are choosing to settle in small towns across America.

With a rapidly aging population, small town consumers are going to need more and more services.

Many new immigrants to America are tending towards settling in small towns.

The American government is actively pushing for the development of small town businesses.

If you need more of an impetus then please check out our top business strategies page and go to the small town business idea link. 

 

Now for some free info. 

 

How would you like to keep abreast of breaking headlines, latest trends, and up to the minute news and do it all for free?  How would you like to save yourself some precious time and energy by going to a website that offers you daily updates by some very hardworking experts and all of this at no cost to you?  Would you like to learn how to keep your assets safe and protected from the fast fingers of those unscrupulous scammers, identity thieves, and cyber pirates?
The experts at www.untappedwealth.com can show you how to obtain all of this plus much more and they are offering all of this for free because they are bound and determined to help you stay away from those get rich quick schemes, those scams with broken promises and smoking mirrors, and those pitfalls that could land you in endless trouble.  Their fingers are strategically placed on what's going on minute by minute around the world and they bring it to you as it happens.  Take advantage of their knowledge and experience and do it at no cost. 

 

At the business desk, I'm Matt Chadwick wishing you a happy day. 

posted by Info@Untapped at 9:37 AM | 0 comments

Greetings everyone!  I'm Alix Shadonnay at the business desk and this morning I'd like to lend my voice to a growing call for more kids to join the ranks of small business goers.

No, it's never too early for your kids to become little entrepreneurs and now may be the right time for them to do so now that they're on summer vacation.  The American government is really pushing for more kids to become entrepreneurs and small business goers with the aid and support of their parents and guardians and our government is even willing and ready to lend a helping hand. 

Because of this, there is a growing trend sweeping across the United States these days and it's being called the"Business idea for kid" trend.  Many business experts are very high on this trend because they honestly feel that this trend could very well be the answer to some of our economy's woes.  Experts are openly pushing for this trend to be a main stay because they feel that it could help to do such things as:

Bring fresh new ideas to our economy.

Clear the way for the infusion of new and energetic blood into our small business and entrepreneurial arenas.

Spark creative and innovative imaginations and juices. 

Enable young minds to develop more quickly and push older minds to use their experience to bring about change that would open doors of opportunities.

Help young minds to become more business savvy.

Create a win-win situation for the young and the old.

Bridge the gap between parents and kids when it comes to the age phenomena.

Improve family life. 

Yes, many experts across the board, experts from the business world, experts from the world of psychology, and health experts all feel that if we can get parents and kids to partner up in business ventures, we may just be able to improve and eliminate many of the social problems plaguing our country today.

I can suggest two authors for you to check out if you're interested in researching business ideas for your kids.  Check out books written by Barbara A Lewis and Barry Bernstein on Amazon.com.  In addition, check out our top business strategies page and go to the business idea for kid link. 

 

Now for some free and useful info.

Looking for ideas and opportunities to crack the over 50s market?  The baby boomer market?  The seniors market?  Other niche markets?
Are you seeking opportunities in markets that are explosive, lucrative, but above all safe?
Are you having difficulty keeping abreast of important trends and news items because you're either too busy or don't know where to look?
Then you need to visit www.sterlingcreations.ca and there you'll find a suite of services that can help you to get where you want to go.
From writing to research, and translation to transcription.  There is even a free monthly online magazine that is crammed with very vital and valuable information.  You can even keep abreast of breaking trends and headlines for absolutely free.
Check it out at your convenience. 

 

At the business desk I'm Alix Shadonnay wishing you a productive day. 

posted by Editor at 9:40 AM | 0 comments

Hi everyone!  I'm Heather DeMarco at the business desk and on this very warm Saturday evening I'm here to alert you to a very interesting type of demand currently sweeping across America these days.

I can tell you that this demand has been created through medium sized and large companies and it all has to do with the employing of very creative techniques in order to keep their employees happy and satisfied.  Companies around the world but especially so in the United States have been using the team events technique for many years now to help build such things as team spirit, team bonding, getting to know each other outside the confines of the office, bonding between and among managers and employees, and so on.  However, this technique for the most part has not proven as successful as many companies would have liked.

Why?  Mainly because when most of the events were planned, most companies and experts are saying more than 90% of companies, planned these events without even taking the time to analyze the interests of their employees.  It used to be that many American companies would plan such team events as:  Boat cruises, bowling and golfing days, fun days at amusement parks, resort events, days at the race track, and so on.  Of course, their hearts were always in the right place and they unwittingly thought that most of their employees would enjoy such types of events.  Little did they know that most of their employees were almost often bored with these events.  Many were downright unhappy going to events that they did not like or did not even pursue outside of work.  

Now, the rush is on for companies to start having more interesting and exciting team events that would be more relevant to the interests of their employees and here's where you can take advantage.  If you're creative, imaginative, love planning fun and different types of events, and love interacting with others, then you're it.  I've done some research and here are some examples of some of the types of events that companies are presently engaging in these days.

Bake sales, pot luck night, creative knitting, dog shows, pottery night, pigeon racing, wine making day, and cooking night. 

Sounds crazy to you?  Not at all.  All of these examples have a very common theme and that is people coming together to do something of interest together rather than spending time doing nothing.  Look at it in this way:  If employees go on a boat cruise courtesy of their company, they sit there either chatting with each other, off in small groups, maybe by themselves, just praying that the cruise would end quickly because they're bored to tears.  In the examples that I've listed above, employees are coming together to do something together.  There's full participation by everyone.

So how does a company decide upon what type of team event to plan?  Most companies really don't have the time to find out what interests their employees so this is where you come in.  You can become the team events planner for companies who are looking.  Yes, you can do it and it's a very niche market with very little competition at the present time.  Don't wait too long hurry now!

 

Now for our Amazon picks of the week.

 

Missed fortune

By Douglas OR Andrew

This author has lots to tell his readers.  His writing is easy to follow, his info is very potent, and extremely useful to those who are serious about wanting to discover new opportunities.

 

The new professional person's retirement lifestyle

By Jeffrey Webber

If you're about to retire then please read this book.  The author shows us how there is life after retirement and what retirees can look forward to. 

 

Untapped Wealth Discovered

By Jeff N Marquis and Kerry J Harrison

These two authors have something very unique to offer their readers.  Some very interesting and exciting facts and theories, and they do it in style.  Read this book if you're looking for riches in niches.

 

At the business desk, I'm Heather DeMarco wishing you a great weekend.

 

       

posted by Info@Untapped at 7:19 PM | 0 comments

Good day everyone!  I'm Jeff N Marquis at the business desk and on this very warm Friday evening when everyone is either watching the sunset, scurrying off to their beach homes or cottages, or driving somewhere to enjoy the weekend, I'd like to bring your attention to something very exciting!

Yes, and this is a call for women who are teetering on the brink of a big decision. For all you women who are just fedup of playing second fiddle to the male folk at work, and just plain tired of making less than your male counterparts despite the fact that you can both do the same job and in many cases you can do it even better than your male colleagues, then I need to talk to you.

If you're tired of that glass ceiling for women in your workplace, then you need to give us two precious minutes of your time.

If you're looking for a way to keep working while bringing up your kids at home then we need you to listen.

If you're looking to change your life style, find something to occupy your time, or just looking for ways to impress your husband, your peers, and your family, then please give us a few moments of your time. 

There's no way that you can dispute or deny the facts that after all has been said and done, there are more women graduates than men graduates today.  Women are more qualified than men today as a whole.  However, for all of these stats, women on the whole are making about 20% less than their men folk in most of the business, professional, and medical fields.  Recent surveys have shown that whereas more and more women are graduating from graduate schools these days, they are still not being treated on par with men when it comes to things like salaries, promotions, and job opportunities.  Discrimination against women in the workplace still reigns supreme and you'd be surprised to know how many companies and well known ones at that are still very guilty of quietly shutting women out of their boardrooms.

So many women are just too afraid to take that first step.  For too long society has tried to convince women that their place is either in the home looking after the family, or playing second fiddle to men.  I'm now here to tell you that no more!  No more because we have uncovered a very interesting and exciting trend that is going guns across America.  I've done quite a bit of research and it appears that this trend started about two years ago and now it is threatening to practically leave the tracks just like a runaway freight train!  I've talked to several business experts and they've confirmed my findings.

Here it is:  The small business idea for woman trend!  A trend that is seeing more and more women going into their own businesses.  From catering businesses to consulting businesses.  From small law firms to small medical clinics.  From home care agencies to health care agencies.  From spas to fitness clubs and gyms.  From translation and transcription businesses to virtual office businesses.  

Don't believe me?  Want more evidence?  Then please go to our top business strategies page and read the article on small business idea for woman. 

 

Now for some additional free info.

 

Are you looking for experienced multi lingual translators and writers?
Experienced professionals who can help you to write and translate, proof read and edit, and research plus more?
Are you looking for professionals who can help you to write and speak flawless English?
Having problems getting that right someone to help you proof read, edit, and research the appropriate information?
Then you need to contact the staff at www.translationpeople.com.
You can even download free useful information updated weekly and at absolutely no cost you can also keep abreast of the latest trends and headlines updated daily. 

 

From the business desk I'm Jeff Marquis wishing you a pleasant weekend.

posted by Jeff at 6:30 PM | 0 comments

Hey there!  I'm Jayna Sheffield at the business desk and this morning I'd like to chat a bit about those growing rich opportunities in niche markets.

Too many of us tend to overlook those niche markets instead shooting for the more well known markets where competition is beastly, there are too many competitors, and demand is way smaller than supply.  Yes, that's the reality of those larger markets.  They're over crowded, saturated, and there are too many suppliers for limited demand.

Now, the niche markets are a different story.  There are many success stories to draw from re finding rich opportunities in niche markets and here is the latest one.  There is a company in Michigan that has found success in specializing in wedding cakes!  Now, before you tune out, read on.

This small company has recognized that brides to be spend hundreds and even thousands of dollars on wedding cakes so now they've come up with a novel idea.  They make artificial wedding cakes and there is a small space inside the cake that contains two slices of cake for the bride and groom.  The cake is designed in such a way so as to allow the bride and groom to stick it in such a way as to be able to extract their slices.  The cake is artfully designed with foam and other materials and the company even bakes smaller cakes for the wedding guests.  These cakes are much less expensive and are real.

According to our research this Michigan company is doing very well at their work.  They have used their imagination to come up with a novel idea to meet a specific need.  They used their creative juices to do so, and they are very focused on a specific market.

This is the secret.  To come up with a specific idea to meet a specific need.  Just like the company in Britain that has come up with an egg that turns in to various colors when in the boiling stage.  Each color represents a different stage of boiling.  So that, a person can tell when it is poached, hard boiled, or soft boiled.  They've used a special type of ink to carry out their function and this ink is not visible when the eggs are first bought at the supermarket.

Then there's the company that has come up with a special gel pen to rob identity thieves of the opportunity to forge checks.  This pen has ink that cannot be erased so that when you use it to write your checks an identity thief cannot erase it.

You see, there are definitely riches in niche markets and these three companies that I've mentioned are all using their imaginations to make over six figure incomes and all three are aspiring to the seven figure mark.

You give this some thought and if you think hard enough I'm sure that you'll come up with something unique.

 

If you're looking for some niche ideas then by all means check out our top business strategies page on this website.  Now for some very informative info.

 

How would you like to keep abreast of breaking headlines, latest trends, and up to the minute news and do it all for free?  How would you like to save yourself some precious time and energy by going to a website that offers you daily updates by some very hardworking experts and all of this at no cost to you?  Would you like to learn how to keep your assets safe and protected from the fast fingers of those unscrupulous scammers, identity thieves, and cyber pirates?
The experts at www.untappedwealth.com can show you how to obtain all of this plus much more and they are offering all of this for free because they are bound and determined to help you stay away from those get rich quick schemes, those scams with broken promises and smoking mirrors, and those pitfalls that could land you in endless trouble.  Their fingers are strategically placed on what's going on minute by minute around the world and they bring it to you as it happens.  Take advantage of their knowledge and experience and do it at no cost.   

 

posted by Editor at 10:13 AM | 0 comments

Good morning!  I'm Kerry J Harrison at the business desk and on this fine spring morning I'd like to put out a call for translators!

Time for you to come out of hiding and start looking at the opportunities that are practically growing by the minute!  Not a joke, but rather something very serious.  Translators are in demand and the demand is growing by the minute.  From global governments to companies to individuals.  Let's take a look.

The American government is in desperate need of translators to help deal with a rapidly growing population of Spanish-Americans.  This ballooning group is seeking the services of bilingual translators to help in the translation of information from English to Spanish and visa versa.  Within America itself we have places like hospitals, medical clinics, law offices, governmental departments, companies of all sizes, along with individuals seeking translation services.  Negotiators and investors are blindly searching for translators.

The Chinese government is in desperate need of translation services because they want to get their information out to the West.  China is growing rapidly and they are looking to open up their doors more widely to the West.  In the fields of tourism, industry, medicine, and science, the Chinese are frantically searching for qualified translators to help spread their information.  The same could also be said for India, Turkey, Vietnam, and Japan.

The Europeans are also on the march and they too are looking for translators who can translate to and from German, Spanish, French, and Italian.  The Europeans are very anxious to push their EU (European Union) economy to the forefront as they race to try and take over first place in the world and wrestle it away from the Americans. 

Then we have the South American countries who are also frantic to find translators that can translate to and from Spanish as they too are on the march to expand their trading opportunities.

Let's also look at Britain and her hurry to expand her global trade horizons.  Britain is in dire need of translators to translate to and from French, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese, Middle Eastern dialects, Indian dialects, plus more.  Many companies in Britain continue to complain that translation services are extremely expensive within Britain and they're looking to North America for cheaper rates.

The demand for translators is only going to grow as global trade continues to hum along.  We need global trade in order to survive and global trade needs translators.  Time for you to wake up and smell the coffee.  Riches in niches for you to explore. 

 

Now for some free and useful info.

 

 Are you looking for skilled and experienced translators/writers/researchers to help you craft your articles, blogs, business letters, emails, faxes, newsletters, and proposals in multi languages? 
Are you seeking skilled and experienced language coaches to help you learn the English language more quickly and efficiently?
Then you need to visit the folks at www.translationpeople.com.  Here you'll find a team that guarantees quick turn around, professional work, and total confidentiality.  Prices are extremely affordable and services are offered in English, Spanish, French, Cantonese, and Mandarin.
Check out the free useful information page while you're there and for absolutely free you can also tap into the latest trends and headlines.
 

At the business desk I'm Kerry J Harrison wishing you a very pleasant day.

posted by Kerry at 10:46 AM | 0 comments

Hello there!  I'm Matt Chadwick at the business desk and I'm very happy to be kicking off a brand new weekly feature!  Thanks to hundreds of requests from both companies and individual consumers, we are going to feature a weekly update on articles that have been gathered by our research department.  Over the past few months and thanks to many readers of the book Untapped Wealth Discovered written by Jeff N Marquis and Kerry J Harrison who are two members of our business desk team, we are delighted to feature weekly articles on technological developments by companies that are committed to ensuring an enriched quality of life for millions of consumers both here in America and around the world.  We hope you can use these articles to improve your quality of life.  Above all, these articles will help you to keep in touch with what's going on and stimulate your imagination to find riches in niches.

Enjoy!

 

Inside Bay Area, CA, USA
Saturday, June 02, 2007
 
Adaptive phones for better comfort
By Rachel Cohen, STAFF WRITER
 
HAYWARD - Tired of stumbling through the dark at night and then turning on the light, all to make a phone call? Connie Chimpky got an adaptive phone for free through the California Telephone Access Program.
 
Her phone has a detachable handpiece with lit-up enlarged push buttons on each piece. A red light flashes when the phone is ringing. Chimpky, 75, has diabetes, which she says has affected her mobility and vision.
 
"I can't get to the phone unless I'm sitting beside it," Chimpky said. "Now I can take the cordless part, put it on the bed and I don't have to turn on any lights if someone is tampering outside."

 

She said that since she has been with the program for 21/2years, she feels safer.
 
"It is valuable to keep your standard of living," the Hayward resident said. "It's basically a mobility issue, getting to the phone on time."
 
The phones are provided through a state-mandated program that lends phones to people who have low vision, are blind, have difficulty moving, or have speech or cognitive difficulties. The prospective telephone user must provide a doctor's note proving the disability, and fill out an application. A licensed audiologist, a qualified state agency, or a hearing aid dispenser can also provide certification.
 
The phones' availability has nothing to do with a person's income, and the units funded by a small surcharge that appears on all telephone bills in California, which pays for both the California Telephone Access Program (CTAP) and the California Relay Service (CRS). The surcharge appears on the phone bill as "CA Relay Service and Communications Devices Fund."

 

Chimpky, who lives alone and does not drive, received her phone in the mail. Chimpky is bringing a speaker from the program to Southern Alameda AARP Chapter 562.
 
"When you see it, it's a whole lot different than someone telling you," she said.
 
The speaker's 30-minute presentation will include a variety of models for people to handle. For a hearing disability, for example, the ringer can be set louder and the phone can be set to pick up higher-pitched sounds from the caller.
 
"Or there may be a flashing light so you don't scare everybody in the neighborhood," said Mary Atkins, who works at the program's regional headquarters in Oakland.
 
Atkins mentioned that for people with low vision, there are inch-square buttons. Phones for blind people have braille, or raised numbers for those who don't read braille. "Memory phones" show a picture of the person you want to call. Atkins said that more than 500,000 people use the phone program statewide.
 
The program also pays for the telephone relay service, in which users dial 7-1-1 and an operator relays a conversation between two people - one talking and one typing.
 
The 30-minute free presentation will be at 1 p.m. June 20 at the Weekes Park Library, 27300 Patrick Ave., in Hayward. For further information, call Connie Chimpky at (510) 782-3663.
 
The California Telephone Access Program, http://www.ddtp.org, can be reached at (877) 546-7414.
 
http://www.insidebayarea.com/localnews/ci_6046153

The Chief Engineer, IL, USA
Friday, June 01, 2007

 

Audible Exit Technology Sets The Tone For Life Safety

 

Today's fire alarm control panels are highly sophisticated systems that use innovative smoke and heat sensing technologies to deliver a rapid, intelligent response to fire emergencies. When activated, a fire alarm system is capable of performing hundreds of pre-programmed action sequences within fractions of a second. But regardless of how technologically advanced these fire alarm control panels are, their primary purpose is very simple - to save lives. Fire alarm systems notify building occupants that a fire emergency exists in the building. And in the cases where the fire alarm panel includes an emergency voice evacuation system, occupants can be provided with detailed evacuation instructions based on their location and proximity to the emergency. But in an emergency, a timely evacuation can be challenging. Fire alarm systems use a combination of audible and visual appliances to notify building occupants of an emergency. In addition, visual queues such as exit signs are used to guide occupants to the nearest building exit. Exit signs work very well in most applications. However, in a fire emergency, they can become obstructed and difficult to see due to smoke conditions. Exit signs are passive and require people to track them down, which becomes increasingly difficult if the occupants are unfamiliar with the building layout and the location of its emergency egress routes. Factor in the smoke that accompanies a fire emergency, and the occupants can easily become disoriented or lost in the facility. Furthermore, persons with visual impairment are unable to follow exit markings or signage, rendering them virtually ineffective. Finding an alternative to using traditional exit signs and egress markings was the challenge facing Bud Liptak, director of facilities at The Seeing Eye®, North America's premier guide dog school. Bud found the answer in Onyx® ExitPointT, a revolutionary audible exit technology from Notifier, a world leading manufacturer of commercial fire alarm systems and technology.
 
Since 1929, The Seeing Eye Dog in Morristown NJ has matched nearly 14,000 specially bred and trained Seeing Eye dogs with blind men and women from across the United States and Canada. In pursuit of its philanthropic mission to help blind people achieve greater independence, The Seeing Eye teaches dogs to guide blind people. Not only does the school instruct blind people in the proper use and care of the dogs, it also breeds and raises the dogs, teaches instructors the science and technique of training the dogs, and educates the public on how guide dogs enable blind people to live independently. This school is entirely unique; only dogs trained at The Seeing Eye can accurately be called "Seeing Eye dogs."
 
The school is, undoubtedly, unique, and requires a fire alarm system with the flexibility to address its special needs as well as the needs of its occupants. That's why, The Seeing Eye turned to Notifier and its local Engineered Systems Distributor, United Fire Protection [UFP] for a new fire alarm system. Although The Seeing Eye has been a customer of Notifier and UFP, it was just recently that the school and Liptak learned of the Onyx ExitPoint evacuation guidance system that perfectly addressed the needs of the blind students.
 
It was Frank Savino, president and CEO of United Fire Protection, who actually brought this new technology to Bud Liptak's attention.

 

Savino recalled, "About a year ago at the Notifier Annual Distributor Conference, I saw a demonstration of the Onyx ExitPoint notification device, and it just clicked with me; The Seeing Eye was an obvious candidate for this technology."
 
What Savino saw, and what Liptak soon implemented, was an entirely new audible exit technology that supplements visual exit markings like emergency lighting, signage, and photo luminescent guidance strips with interactive auditory guidance. Capable of reducing evacuation times up to 75%, Notifier's Onyx ExitPoint system uses varying tones and intensities to provide directional cues that don't conflict with traditional devices such as horns and bells. ExitPoint emits four different field selectable sound pulse patterns to help direct occupants to egress pathways and building exits. It clearly defines an immediate escape route, especially for those without the gift of sight.

 

Installed at building exits or along egress routes, Onyx ExitPoint is a compact sounder that produces broadband noise, acting as an audible exit sign. Onyx ExitPoint is triggered by a building's fire alarm control panel; it guides building occupants towards the exits. Using changes in pitch, for example, a descending tone sound that goes from a high pitch to a low pitch, ExitPoint can direct the students on upper floors to the exits on the ground floor.
 
" Rich Fischer (the regional sales manager from Notifier) gave us a presentation, and everyone here at the school was on board right from the start," Liptak said. "We knew we wanted to upgrade our system, and ExitPoint certainly fit the bill. The system has been installed throughout our entire administration building, and has received nothing but favorable reviews from students, teachers, the administration, and the local fire official.
 
To meet the budgetary needs of the non-profit institution, Notifier donated the new equipment to the school, UFP designed and installed the system at no charge. Both the design and installation phases were extremely easy. UFP was able to seamlessly integrate the product into the existing system, completing the installation in one week during the school's summer break.
 
" Part of the beauty of the ExitPoint system," Savino said, "is that it can be easily retrofitted to existing notification circuits. This makes for fast installation. Also, the system draws an extremely low amount of power due to the absence of strobes and other visual components. In most cases, it can be connected directly to existing notification circuits without any additional wiring. However, consideration for power and load needs should always be evaluated."
 
Both Savino and Liptak appreciated the help they received from Notifier personnel throughout the installation and ramp-up period. "Notifier's Rich Fischer was very helpful," Savino said. "He took time to meet directly with us and The Seeing Eye people, explained how the ExitPoint technology works, and provided clear demonstrations to everyone. And from what we hear, the system has been working without a hitch."
 
Liptak agreed, saying "We are very excited to be pioneers in our field once again with this important life safety upgrade at our facility. In addition to the benefits of an auditory-based system, we have also found the ExitPoint to be extremely reliable."
 
Onyx ExitPoint is currently in place on The Seeing Eye's main campus. "Our students find the ExitPoint system to be extremely intuitive," Liptak said. "Usually when a class first enters the building, we hold an Orientation with a quick fire drill to help students get their bearings in the building. We hold these practice frills about once a month when a new class of students arrives." There are also plans for expansion beyond the main campus. "We have a 'downtown lounge' in downtown Morristown where students can relax while their classmates are in training," said Liptak. "We're upgrading the lounge in the coming months and are encouraging the landlord to install the ExitPoint system."
 
The benefits of this extraordinary system are clearly easy to hear. In fact, when it comes to this exit technology, hearing is believing.
 
For additional information, please visit www.honeywell.com.

 

http://www.chiefengineer.org/content/content_display.cfm/seqnumber_content/3019.htm

Code Factory S.L., Europe
Monday, June 04, 2007

 

Mobile Speak for Wayfinder Access released
By Caroline Ragot, Marketing Manager
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact
Caroline Ragot,
Marketing Manager,
+34 93 733 70 66
marketing@codefactory.es
http://www.codefactory.es
 
Code Factory launches preview program for Wayfinder Access with Mobile Speak, participants eligible for free licenses.
 
Wayfinder Access is now available!
Terrassa, Barcelona, June 4th, 2007
 
As previously announced, Code Factory and Wayfinder have partnered to bring a complete mobile navigation system to the blind and visually impaired. Wayfinder Access helps its users to become more mobile with better access to their surroundings. Code Factory's world-class screen reader, Mobile Speak for Symbian phones, converts the displayed directions on the mobile device into highly intelligible speech, exceptionally magnified text, or easily legible braille. Besides being a flexible screen access application which provides auditory access to all major functions of Symbian devices, Mobile Speak for Symbian phones also integrates unparalleled screen magnification with font smoothing as well as support for over 15 Bluetooth-enabled Braille devices. Therefore, the combination of Wayfinder Access and Mobile Speak for Symbian Phones is the perfect mobility solution for all users, even people who have low vision or who are deafblind.

 

Code Factory's objective is to provide the most comprehensive support for Wayfinder Access. In order to take full advantage of this first opportunity to have a GPS solution designed for blind and visually impaired users, Code Factory has decided to launch a public beta cycle to optimize the support of Wayfinder Access with the new version of Mobile Speak for Symbian phones. "We are committed to being as responsive to our users as possible. In carrying out this commitment, we are pleased to invest all the time and resources necessary to bring our users unrivalled support for Wayfinder Access", explains Eduard Sánchez, CEO of Code Factory.
 
Besides trying Mobile Speak support for Wayfinder Access with the new version of our screen reader for the Symbian Series 60 platform, participants in the program can also win licences for both these fantastic applications.
To participate in the public beta cycle, visit www.codefactory.es/gps and follow the instructions.

 

To learn more about Wayfinder Access and full support for it in Mobile Speak, visit
www.codefactory.es/gps
 
About Wayfinder Access
Wayfinder Access is a new mobile navigation product developed to facilitate the everyday life of the visually impaired. With the four new 'Vicinity Views', a location becomes both visible and audible. This means that Points of Interest (POI), crossings or favourites etc are listed according to their distance from the user's location.
 
Wayfinder has taken the input of a reference group from the visually impaired community to optimise the usefulness of our award winning and cutting edge Wayfinder Navigator. Wayfinder has reworked this entire application from scratch, so as to ensure that it will function as a fully integrated service with text-to-speech applications.
 
Wayfinder Access also includes a 'Where am I?' function. This means that the application is not only an indispensable support in guiding users to their chosen destination, but also enables them to establish their location.
 
About Wayfinder Systems AB
Wayfinder offers map, dirction and GPS navigation services accessible by mobile phone. From these basic navigation services, we provide mobile phone users with content services, including digital city guide books, traffic information, currency conversion and weather reports. Wayfinder has selected Tele Atlas digital maps because they are complete, accurate and up to date. Our clients include phone manufacturers, Sony Ericsson and Nokia, and operators such as Telenor, Telefonica and A1. The products are sold to end users throughout Europe and the USA. Wayfinder has over 600 000 unique users. Wayfinder has been listed on the NGM Equity stock exchange since 21 October 2005. Wayfinder currently has 75 employees. Our head office is in Stockholm, Sweden.
 
Sobre Code Factory
 
Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Terrassa/Barcelona, Spain, Code Factory is a software company committed to the development of products designed to break down barriers to the accessibility of mobile technology for the blind and visually impaired. Today, Code Factory is the leading provider of screen readers, screen magnifiers, and braille interfaces for the widest range of mainstream mobile devices including Symbian-based and Windows Mobile-powered SmartPhones as well as Pocket PC phones and PDAs, and it is the only one to support phones working on the GSM, CDMA and WCDMA networks. Code Factory's success lies in giving excellent customer support and to respond immediately to the needs of the end users. Among our customers are well-known companies and organizations like ONCE, and carriers such as TMN, Vodafone, SFR, Bouygues Telecom and many more. Good partners help us to provide excellent text-to-speech technology for our products and to incorporate support for braille devices into our software.
 
For more information, feel free to contact us:
Code Factory, S.L., Rambla d'Egara 148 2-2, 08221 Terrassa (Barcelona)
Tel. +34 93 733 70 66, info@codefactory.es, www.codefactory.es

 

Code Factory, S.L. - 2007
 
If you would prefer to receive our press releases in Spanish, please send an email to marketing@codefactory.es with "Spanish press releases" in the subject field. Si prefiere recibir las noticias en español, por favor envíenos un email a marketing@codefactory.es con "noticias en español" en el asunto.
 
(via email)

 

Evertiq.se, Sweden
Wednesday, June 06, 2007

 

Printed Electronics - The Big Picture

 

By Dr Peter Harrop
 
June 06 2007, 9:56 AM (evertiq)
 
Extract: "The human interface will be transformed and it will start to involve smell, texture change (including reprogrammable Braille from Tokyo University), colour change, large scrolling fonts, printed voice recording and playback from paper (Toppan Printing) and reprogrammable books, newspapers, posters and signage (Tainjin Jinke Electronics in China, Toshiba and Sony in Japan, Prime View International in Taiwan). "
 
Most of the thousand or more participants in printed electronics are attempting incremental improvements to existing products and missing the big picture. Read the report by Dr Peter Harrop, Chairman of IDTechEx.
 
For example, faced with heavy losses on Liquid Crystal Displays LCD displays because of over capacity, many are investing hundreds of millions of dollars in Organic Light Emitting Displays (OLEDs) with slightly better performance but still a rigid glass structure and minimal printing. This is rarely profitable either, as these displays are applied to the very price competitive applications such as television and mobile telephones.
 
Startling new capabilities
 
If we look at the big picture, we see that printed and even partially printed electronics can achieve startling new capabilities never before seen and that means totally new applications and products. It also means numbers many magnitudes higher than those seen with conventional electronics. Here are a few of them.
 
Some of the startling new capabilities enabled by printed electronics
With ink jet printed electronics we can make every circuit unique while printing billions yearly - that means personalisation and low cost security. Foldable electronics is possible where the used package is folded into something useful or a product can fold into several modes of operation. The laptop solar power supply folds down like a pack of cards (Konarka) or the house solar power supply folds to go in the car when you buy it (Orion Solar).
 
Edible electronics gives food traceability and drug diagnostics (Kodak and Somark Innovations). Rollable electronics gives large screen performance with phones and PDAs (Polymer Vision) and the superior fault tolerance of printed electronics currently interests NASA. Stretchable electronics promises new packaging, medical and other concepts (Tokyo University, Nanosonic, Electromuscle) and wearable printed displays, logic and power is leading to new medical, fashion and other products pursued by over 30 organisations. Thin and conformal light-emitting AC electroluminescent displays on vehicles, buildings, in subways etc are already a huge success thanks to elumin8 and others using printed plastic film, and Quantum Paper has even demonstrated animated colour with paper billboards.
 
Common to most of this is the progress towards low cost, flexibility and light weight. The US Army has a project to reduce the weight of the warfighter's backpack by two thirds while making it perform many more functions. Weight reduction makes the car, military vehicle or aircraft go further on a tank of fuel and printing electrics and electronics is beginning to release more space in them thanks to T-ink and others. The US Military has a project to reduce fuel consumption by 90% to improve operational capability - the civil sector wants to do it for environmental reasons.
 
Talking trillions
 
Conventional electronics rarely rises to the billion mark. However, here we can be talking up to trillions. For instance, there are about ten trillion barcodes printed every year in the world. Radio Frequency Identification RFID tags can never drop below a few cents as long as they have a silicon chip in them and that means they will struggle to sell at even the 50 billion level, this year's figure being only two billion despite the chip makers and tag makers incurring huge losses when they address the commodity applications. Printing can get that down to 0.1 cents and eliminate the cost of label application by printing the RFID directly onto the package or product just as 85% of barcodes are applied today.
 
Progress towards this for the highest volume application - consumer goods - is forecasted below.
 
Cash is a matter of trillions too. The US, UK and Japan, taken together, handle two trillion dollars in cash transactions every year. Cards with printed logic and antennas will be cheap enough to manufacture and use to replace most of that, with billions of people holding them for convenience and cost reduction. Some will subsume the card in their RFID enabled mobile phone which will become paper thin and even disposable thanks to printed electronics.
 
Electronics by the acre
 
Vast areas are in prospect too with sensor sheets and power generation, impossible to make with traditional fabrication technology. Consider just the Copper Indium Gallium diSelenide CIGS flexible photovoltaic cell. It is being commercialised by six organisations this year, from Honda Japan to Day Star Technologies in the US and Johanna Solar Technology in Germany.
 
Other breakthroughs
 
There are many other disruptive aspects to printed electronics and many more will be discovered in the next few years by the imaginative participants. Telepathx in Australia is looking at billions of sensors on trees to monitor which will combust when - saving lives and property by use of that information. The Korean National Computerisation Agency is trialling such Ubiquitous sensor networks USN in rivers, the sea, hospitals, industrial greenhouses, buildings and elsewhere for various purposes but improved printed microbatteries, mesh wireless networks and printed logic are needed. They are coming along. For example, the new organic plastic film battery from Waseda University Japan charges in only one minute
 
Electronics without circuits
 
Vubiq, Inksure, ACREO, M-real and others can print electronic devices with pre-programmed digital information yet no circuit is needed other than in the remote interrogator. Smart packaging and food traceability are in their sights.
 
Tremendous benefits to society
 
All this will offer tremendous benefits to society from self diagnosis and treatment to new forms of merchandising, food safety and care for the elderly. The human interface will be transformed and it will start to involve smell, texture change (including reprogrammable Braille from Tokyo University), colour change, large scrolling fonts, printed voice recording and playback from paper (Toppan Printing) and reprogrammable books, newspapers, posters and signage (Tainjin Jinke Electronics in China, Toshiba and Sony in Japan, Prime View International in Taiwan).
 
 While sales of flexible OLEDs have scarcely begun, sales of flexible electrophoretic displays, that need no electricity until the image is changed, are rocketing and there may be fifty suppliers within a few years. Flexible electrophoretic displays in colour are being demonstrated and there are rapid advances in the colour performance of flexible ac electrophoretic displays as well. New display concepts are being commercialised such as liquid powder displays (Bridgestone) and electrowetting displays (Liquavista).
 
Enormous effort on printed logic
 
37 organisations developing printed transistors have been analysed by IDTechEx in the new report "Printed Electronics in East Asia" which covers 120 organisations in printed electronics. However, there is just as much effort in the West and both organic and the newer inorganic compound semiconductors are being printed. After all, most displays go with logic but most logic does not get used with a display - the market for printed logic and memory will be larger than that for displays.
 
Bottom line
 
The bottom line is that printed electronics is on target to be a $300 billion business within twenty years. It will consist of many things from printed lasers to printed fuel cells and although OLEDs have huge potential in lighting and displays, making them printed for low cost, flexible and long life is proving more difficult than was previously anticipated so a shakeout of the hundreds of putative suppliers has commenced. Potential users and suppliers of printed electronics should look at the big picture, where prosperous, rapidly growing applications, including totally new concepts, are commonplace. The chemistry and physics is also changing rapidly to facilitate these advances, such as quantum dots of inorganic compounds, carbon nanotube composites, printing of nano silicon, new polymeric inks, active laminates to make light emitting displays work in bright sunlight. Many will be made on top of each other, giving a thinner device with smaller footprint than is possible with conventional electronics. Often that will be at one hundredth of the cost. The list goes on and on. Pay attention. The world is changing before your very eyes.
 
Read the new IDTechEx report; An Introduction to Printed Electronics as a preface to this exciting field; learn more about the markets, technologies and companies involved at www.IDTechEx.com/research.
 
Dr Peter Harrop IDTechEx
 
http://www.evertiq.com/newsx/read_news.aspx?newsid=7758&cat=2

 

Bank Technology News
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
 
Security: When Lock Downs Lock Out The Blind
By Rebecca Sausner
 
Banks and vendors are working to make online tools secure and usable for the visually impaired
 
The Federal Financial Institution Examinations Council mandated that banks lock down their online banking applications as of January 1 of this year. Most complied, and that has kept attorney Daniel Goldstein, who represents the National Federation of the Blind, extremely busy. "We are fielding an increasing number of complaints from blind people who had been very happily using their bank's Web services for years and are finding they can't any longer," Goldstein says. "We're going from accessibility to non-accessibility because of the security features."
>
> One security measure particularly vexing to blind users are CAPTCHAs (scrambled words users must decipher in order to complete some online transactions) because they can't be deciphered by screen reading software. CAPTCHAs, meant to foil automated Web crawlers by requiring human intervention, aren't widely used in banking, but disability rights activists say they are an issue in some online banking applications. "People are concerned because the visual CAPTCHAs are completely inaccessible," says Lainey Feingold, a disability rights attorney.
 
In response, major banks and big-name authentication vendors are trying ensure that their online banking tools are accessible to blind. Disability rights activists often laud Bank of America and Wells Fargo for their great track record of ensuring accessibility. BofA's SiteKey picture gallery includes thousands of uniquely named images that users can select as part of their mutually authenticated login, says Betty Riess, BofA spokeswoman. Authentication vendor Entrust's authentication platform offers a variety of blind-accessible security measures, including a Braille "bingo" card that can be used as a second factor, says Steve Neville, director of identity products and solutions at Entrust. And VASCO Data Security offers one-time-password tokens that read out passwords and come with headsets for added security.

http://www.banktechnews.com/article.html?id=20070525M23GM43W

Seeing is believing in micro implants.
Column by Gerard Voland
Mon, Jun. 11, 2007.

 

Microelectromechanical systems are becoming part of the technical landscape. They include video projectors, automobile acceleromaters, blood pressure sensors and inkjet printers - as well as artificial retinas for the blind and live insects used for surveillance purposes.
These devices vary in size from a micrometer (one-millionth of a meter) to a millimeter.

 

One research endeavor heavily dependent upon MEMS technology is the Artificial Retina Project, which seeks to provide limited vision to those who have been blinded by retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration. These diseases attack the photoreceptors, or light-sensing cells, in the retina, disabling the eye's ability to detect images. Normally, observed light is converted by these photoreceptors into electric impulses that are transmitted to the optic nerve and then to the brain.

 

The primary objective of this project is to provide those suffering from retinal diseases with the ability to read, recognize faces and walk without canes or guide dogs. In clinical trials during the past several years, artificial retinas have been successfully implanted in patients, allowing them to discriminate between shades of light and to discern objects.

 

Many microelectrodes, only micrometers in length and comparable in size to nerve endings, are implanted and attached to the natural retina. The patient then uses eyeglasses with a miniature video camera and microprocessor, together with a receiver that is implanted behind the ear and connected by cable to the microelectrodes attached to the retina. Images of light seen by the camera are converted by the microprocessor into electrical signals and sent to the receiver. Signals then are transmitted by the receiver to the microelectrodes, which send impulses to the optic nerve, acting in place of the patient's natural but damaged retina.

 

A smaller, second-generation artificial retina is under review by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration, while a third prototype which is expected to produce higher resolution images is being designed and fabricated. The more advanced versions of the device will include many more microelectrodes for enhanced resolution of images.
 
Significant funding for the project is being provided by the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. The project is led by the Doheny Eye Institute at the University of Southern California.

 

Another eye-opening example of MEMS technology in action is the ongoing effort to create cyborg spy moths. Last month, Rod Brooks, the director of the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at MIT, noted that remote-controlled moths were being developed as part of the robotics programs of the U.S. Department of Defense.

 

A tiny computer chip is implanted in the insect's cocoon while it is still in the pupa stage, allowing people to control the moth after it hatches and develops. The hope is that the moth can be used as a surveillance tool, directed to travel to specific locations and then transmitting video images and other data.

 

Gerard Voland is the dean of the School of Engineering, Technology and Computer Science at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. Send questions and comments to him at volandg@ipfw.edu or 481-6839. 
 
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/living/17353628.htm

 

From the business desk I'm Matt Chadwick wishing you a very pleasant day.

posted by Info@Untapped at 10:06 AM | 0 comments

Hey there!  I'm Alix Shadonnay at the business desk and today I'd like to alert you to a growing demand for virtual offices.  Sure, you're probably going to say that this is old hat and maybe for some of you it probably is.  Nevertheless, I'd like to talk a bit about this demand today.

The spiralling demand for virtual offices comes about as a result of more and more small businesses venture out to meet the needs of their customers and clients and in addition, it's a very good way to cut costs.  There are practically hundreds of thousands of small businesses that operate on shoe string budgets and they are constantly looking for ways to keep their costs down.  The virtual office is a very good way to do this and it also brings professionalism and legitimacy to those using it. 

What can a virtual office do for you as a small business?  Let's just re-state the functions here.

1  A virtual office can provide such functions as offering receptionist services that would include the answering of phones, scheduling of appointments, and handling inquiries.

2  A virtual office can provide conference rooms for meetings.

3  A virtual office can handle incoming and outgoing mails on behalf of the business, send and receive faxes, and even send and receive emails.

Some virtual offices even expand their services to include the writing of letters and emails on behalf of their customers.  Think of a virtual office as a secretary or administrator on call.  A virtual office can be used to many advantages.  For professional purposes, for taking calls while the customer is busy on the road, for helping to keep things organized, and for helping customers to concentrate on more important things while the admin work is being taken care of. 

So many small businesses struggle to keep their heads above water because they are unable to do both things all at once.  That is, satisfy their customers adequately while at the same time keep their administrative functions in order.  It is very difficult to do both and do them well all at the same time and according to many business experts, over 90% of small businesses fail because of their inability to carry out both admin and customer support all at the same time.  Add the marketing functions to this mix and you will quickly see that the virtual office is really a bonus for hundreds of thousands of small businesses across America.

Some virtual offices are even offering marketing functions to small businesses and many small businesses are starting to take advantage of it.  Now, for the million dollar question and that is:  What can someone expect to make on an annual basis if they were to venture into a virtual office business?

If your virtual office is well set up and well advertised, and if you are able to handle the right number of clients, then you can expect to make very healthy five figure annual incomes and even some six figure markers if you decide to partner with others.  We have several clients who are doing quite well with their virtual office businesses.  Many are doing it on their own but there are a few virtual office clients of ours who are in business with others.  My advice would be to start off on your own and test the waters.

If you like admin work, then the virtual office business is for you.

If you like dealing with people, then the virtual office business is for you.

If you enjoy writing, talking on the phone, and arranging events, then you should give some thought to trying out the virtual office business.

 

If you're looking for other top business strategies then go to our top business strategies page and there you'll find over 35 different strategies that are presently making the hit chart in America these days.

 

Now for some very useful info.

 

Looking for ideas and opportunities to crack the over 50s market?  The baby boomer market?  The seniors market?  Other niche markets?
Are you seeking opportunities in markets that are explosive, lucrative, but above all safe?
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Then you need to visit www.sterlingcreations.ca and there you'll find a suite of services that can help you to get where you want to go.
From writing to research, and translation to transcription.  There is even a free monthly online magazine that is crammed with very vital and valuable information.  You can even keep abreast of breaking trends and headlines for absolutely free.
Check it out at your convenience.

 

From the business desk, I'm Alix Shadonnay wishing you a pleasant spring evening.

posted by Editor at 6:56 PM | 0 comments

Hello there!  I'm Matt Chadwick at the business desk and on this very pleasant Saturday evening I'd like to give you some tips as to how you can protect and maintain your computer most efficiently.  We printed this article some time ago but due to popular demand we are reprinting it.  I am sure that you'll find it most helpful as many of our readers have told us how helpful it has been to them.

Here it is.

 

15 Steps to Speed Up Your Computer
by Pinky McBanon
Your question, how do I speed up my computer? You get frustrated when your
computer is very slow. You can now save yourself from aggravation especially
when you are very busy working. I will show you 15 steps to do to speed up
your computer.
Let me enumerate them: As I have also mentioned on my previous articles
1. Defrag your computer at least once every two weeks (I do it once a week).
Go to start>accessories>system tools>disk defragmenter. You can click on
"analyze" first before you choose defrag, it will tell you if you need to
defrag. Just defrag it even if it reports you don't need to.
2. Do Disk Clean Up at least once every two weeks (again, I do this once a
week). Go to start>accessories>system tools>disk clean up. It will analyze
your disk and will generate reports. I suggest you delete files from the
recycle bin and the files located in the temporary files folder. Note: I
avoid compressing files. It's your call.
3. Clean up your program files, delete and uninstall unwanted programs on
your computer. Go to control panel>add remove programs.
Make sure you restart your computer after uninstalling or removing the
program so that complete deletion will take place.
4. Delete all files (temporary files and cookies from the computer).
Here's how: open a browser. On top of the browser click on
tools>internet options>delete files and then delete cookies. Make
your history set to (0). Others wants it on at least 10. I always set mine
to (0).
5. You have to be very careful in installing or downloading programs. Make
sure you need it, if not please just avoid it.
Uninstalling them is really hard. Many vendors has all the power to have
their program stay in your computer!
6. Always turn on your firewall. I suggest you have only one firewall and
one anti virus. You get less safer if you have two anti virus running (I
know people who likes to have two anti virus programs running on their
computer, I don't know why.)
7. Run anti-spyware programs. I trust spybot,
search and destroy and the Adware from Lavasoft. I run SD every week, I do
immunize them before I do the the entire program to run. I run adware every
week too after I run spybot search and destroy.
8. Run complete scan using your antivirus software at least everyday (some
do it once a week). Mine is scheduled at 3:00am everyday.
9. Avoid multi-tasking too much! Meaning to say, avoid opening too many
programs all at the same time running at the task bar.
10. I also suggest you get a dual hard drive (which I know is now common in
the market), one for the operating system only and the other for all the
programs, database and files. This way, the computer boots on one hard
drive.
11. Also check the performance of your computer when connected on the
internet. Go to control panel >network and internet connections  >network
connections >right click the mouse on the connection available (e.g. local
area connection "connected", "firewalled")  >click on "STATUS". Make sure on
the status tab, you will see the speed (mine is always 100 mbps). The
packets sent and the packets received must not have a very high difference.
If it is sending too much packets (as in ten times) than it receive (then
try to do number 7!).
12. Always make sure you install the latest updates on your computer.
13. Always make sure all devices (drivers, etc) are properly functioning. Go
to control panel >performance and maintenance  >system >hardware >click on
DEVICE MANAGER. You will see all the devices and adapters available on your
computer. Make sure you don't see a yellow question mark (?) or this means
there is an error on that device or adapter. If so, you need to update it or
install the right drivers. Updated firmware might also be needed.
14. Browsing the internet? well, I have my google toolbar installed on my
computer and is my default search engine. Their pop up blocker is really
great!
15. A memory of at least 512 RAM might be a good idea installed on your
computer There you go, 15 steps! Good luck!
Ms. Mcbanon has a Bachelor degree in Computer Engineering and Research in
Systems Engineering major in Decision Analysis. She is a Medical Practice
Billing Consultant, Medical Biller/Coder and an IT Consultant. Read more on
her shared knowledge on her personal website at justmypassion.com Pinky
McBanon may be contacted at http://www.justmypassion.com
 

Now for our Amazon picks of the week.

 

My mom's making history

By Elaine P Whelan

I've chosen this book for this week because it's very inspiring, different, and the book focuses on what mom can and are doing.  Very affordable.

 

Button therapy the button therapy book

By Lloyd R Goodwin JR

This author has used his book to give us some very insightful strategies.  He uses the concept of buttons to try and show us how certain theories work and what does not.  I find it a unique way to learn.

 

Untapped Wealth Discovered

By Jeff N Marquis and Kerry J Harrison

These authors have lots to impart to the reader.  Their knowledge is very deep and it's a common sense book with ways to find riches in niches. 

 

Now it's time for some more free info.

 

Are you tired of looking over your shoulder because you're so scared of being scammed out of your hard earned savings, your house, and your other assets?
Are you looking for ways to avoid those scams with their broken promises and get rich quick schemes?  Are you worried that one day soon someone is going to try and scam you out of your worldly possessions?  Do you know what you should be doing in order to combat those seedy scammers, identity thieves, and shady investors?
Now you can take advantage of some very potent info and daily updates plus more in order to help you stay healthy and sleep well at night.  All of this info is free for the taking and it will save you thousands of research hours, protect your savings and worldly possessions, and help you to make decisions that are safe, logical, and sound.  The experts at www.untappedwealth.com are offering you all of this at absolutely no cost because their philosophy is that if they help you then you will help others and we will become a safer and better country.  Check them out!  You have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain!

 

At the business of www.untappedwealth.com, I'm Matt Chadwick wishing you a very pleasant weekend.

posted by Info@Untapped at 8:16 PM | 0 comments

Hey there!  I'm Jayna Sheffield at the business desk and today I'd like to publish an article that speaks directly to a very serious situation and because of this situation you may be able to create your very own niche. 

At the present time and for very unknown reasons, many are still not paying close enough attention to his growing situation, but because of our commitment to help you find riches in niches, we are going to share this article with you and hopefully it will spark your imagination, your interest, and your creative juices.  This situation is not going to go away anytime soon, and even the American government is concerned about it.

We really urge you to give serious consideration to the following article and to use it to carve out your own niche.  Trust me, you could use this article to jump way ahead of your competition.

 

Here now is the article.

 

Business Week Online
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Architects Have to See The Light
By David Sokol
 
The U.S is on the verge of a low-vision epidemic among baby boomers. Architects and designers need to help  
It was a kitchen caper enough to give most people nightmares. A woman in her mid-70s, who recently suffered vision loss, would enter her kitchen and each time emerge with black-and-blue marks. Diminished eyesight had stolen her ability to discern contrast between cabinets and the surrounding wall surfaces, explains Michael Honan, a clinical rehabilitation manager at Lighthouse International. In the glare of two bright windows, she continually bumped into doors that she was unable to see.
 
With the aging of the baby boom generation, this senior's experience may soon be commonplace. Tara Cortes, president and CEO of Lighthouse, a vision services agency, points to several figures that suggest the U.S. is on the verge of a low-vision epidemic: Six million Americans are already affected with age-related macular degeneration, the primary cause of vision loss in the U.S, and as many as 15 million more are pre-symptomatic. In addition to age-related sight loss, 5.3 million adults suffer impaired vision caused by diabetic retinopathy--approximately one quarter of diagnosed diabetics--and the obesity epidemic promises to boost that showing.
 
Low vision, coupled with boomers' propensity toward independent living, suggests a different set of easy design solutions from complete blindness, which affects only 8 percent of all visually impaired people. For now, the challenge is educating architects and planners about how the approaches differ--and ending a bias to design solely for blindness.
 
Danise Levine, assistant director of the IDEA Center at University at Buffalo, says that while universal design principles take low vision into account, existing standards are prejudiced against low-vision building occupants. "Most accessibility codes are geared toward people with mobility issues, which is not what most low-vision people grapple with," she explains. In cities such as Atlanta, residential "visitability" regulations, which guarantee entry and bathroom access for disabled visitors in new homes, also emphasize physical impairment. Even the best intentions, including mandatory curb cuts for wheelchair access, put low-vision pedestrians at a disadvantage, since these people are unable to discern the dip in a sidewalk's surface.
 
Architects are slowly waking up to the low-vision epidemic. According to Eunice Noell-Waggoner, president of the Center of Design for an Aging Society, they are "becoming more curious" about accommodating low-vision users. The American Institute of Architects now includes information about lighting techniques in its guidelines for healthcare facilities.

 

> Remedies are easily at hand. Simple choices about materials, lighting direction, and color contrasts can ease low-vision users' assimilation to new construction. And an array of affordable modification devices, from talking calculators to non-glare light bulbs, allow homeowners and office workers to confidently maneuver daily life in existing spaces. Sustainability is also conducive to the phenomenon, since visual impairment-friendly task lighting usually gobbles less energy than an all-out wash, the glare from which diminishes the ability to perceive contrast.
 
Further, systematic efforts to improve environmental conditions for the visually impaired are underway. Leslie Moldow, AIA, a principal at Perkins Eastman who specializes in design for aging, points out that in healthcare development, better, non-glare illumination standards are being adopted one state at a time. The Center of Design for an Aging Society recently published a booklet about lighting for low vision. And Cortes reports that Lighthouse International is lobbying Congress to approve reimbursement of vision modification devices currently not covered by Medicare.
 
Honan, the Lighthouse clinical rehabilitation manager at who encountered the elderly bruise victim, helped improve her situation swiftly. Applying a border of electrical tape created contrast on her kitchen cabinets, and darker curtains reduced solar glare. Although solutions for low-vision environments are within reach, Noell-Waggoner says that awareness and education still has a way to go. Contractors, eye doctors, and architects all need to see the light.
 
Provided by Architectural Record-The Resource for Architecture and Architects
http://www.archrecord.com/

Now for some very free and important info.

 

Are you looking for experienced multi lingual translators and writers?
Experienced professionals who can help you to write and translate, proof read and edit, and research plus more?
Are you looking for professionals who can help you to write and speak flawless English?
Having problems getting that right someone to help you proof read, edit, and research the appropriate information?
Then you need to contact the staff at www.translationpeople.com.
You can even download free useful information updated weekly and at absolutely no cost you can also keep abreast of the latest trends and headlines updated daily.  

 

From the business desk of www.untappedwealth.com, I'm Jayna Sheffield wishing you a great weekend.

posted by Editor at 9:50 AM | 0 comments

Good day everyone!  I'm Jeff N marquis at the business desk and today I'd like to start your day by zooming in on your kids.

The summer vacation is here and graduation ceremonies are about to get into full gear.  Have you found anything interesting for your kids to get involved in for this summer season?  Apart from those very regular summer camps, those lemonade stands, and the usual boring stuff? 

How many of you have kids that are already grumbling about what they're going to be doing for the summer?  Has yet another summer season crept up on you and you still don't quite know what to do with your kids?

First, I'll tell you from my own experience that there are definitely oodles of opportunities out there for your kids and by opportunities I mean very productive ones that can be used to mould your young ones into very enterprising entrepreneurs.  It's never too early to start your kids on the road to success or to introduce them to the world of small business and entrepreneurship.  America can definitely benefit from new young blood who is eager and willing to try new things for let's face it:  There's nothing better than fresh new blood to be introduced into our economy.  Young minds who are imaginative, creative, eager, and interested to please both their parents and their friends and as well to show their peers that they can be successful.

All this being said, you're probably wondering how or where to start.  I'll recommend two authors for you to research and their books can be found on the Amazon website.  Barbara A Lewis has written a few books on how to get your kids going in business ventures, and Cathryn Berger Kaye has some very insightful books on how to teach your kids to be successful business entrepreneurs.  Both authors have done masterful jobs at highlighting interesting strategies and ideas for your kids and I highly recommend that you read these authors' books.  I myself have read them and have passed them on to my own kids.  In addition, several of our clients have also read them and are using them to help their kids get started. 

The business idea for kid is a very fast growing trend in America these days and you can also read more about this trend by checking out our top business strategies page on this website.  The article for you to read on this page is business idea for kid.

 

Now for some more free but important info.

 

They call themselves a "One Stop Writing Shop" and well they should.  There are not too many companies around at present that are able to do this and do it so well.  The experts call them unique!  They offer complete services that can help you do research, write, translate and transcribe your info into multi languages.  For absolutely free they can help you to keep abreast of important trends and news items if you're either too busy to search for them or you don't know where to find them.  They can help you to increase your revenues, reduce your costs, and expand your customer bases.  They can offer you a free online monthly magazine filled with info designed to help you keep abreast of market trends and consumer habits and articles that will point you in the right direction when it comes to finding opportunities that are explosive, lucrative, but above all safe.
To learn more visit them at www.sterlingcreations.ca.

 

At the business desk of www.untappedwealth.com, I'm Jeff N Marquis wishing you a very happy day.

posted by Jeff at 7:40 AM | 0 comments

Greetings everyone!  I'm Alix Shadonnay at the  business desk and today I'd like to help you identify some opportunities in the baby boomer market.

Baby boomer consumers are very real.  They exist, their demands are and growing at very speedy rates, and their consumer size is also increasing.  No one is going to stop the growth in demand and size of this group and it is still very surprising to learn that so many companies are still not aware of this group.

The baby boomer consumer group is only going to grow because of the unstoppable aging process and we have absolutely no choice but to accept this.  I think that it's time that we start looking at and identifying opportunities in this market.  I'd like to start you off with a specific niche.  Riches in niches is our commitment and in keeping with this here's our pointer for the day.

More and more baby boomers are developing a taste for home entertainment.  They have the money to spend on luxuries pertaining to home entertainment and a recent survey has revealed that the baby boomer consumer is turning more and more toward the enjoyment of fine wines and fine dining.  Moreover, they are looking more and more for ways to enjoy their fine dining in the comfort of their homes.  This being said, they are looking for skilled persons to help them do such thing as:

Plan at home parties, cook fancy and healthy meals, help them to choose fine wines, and plan events that would include fine dining and drinking. 

What we're seeing is that more and more entrepreneurs are getting into of all things wine consulting.  They're reading the books, going to wine tasting courses, and then they are attempting to become wine consultants to liquor establishments, restaurants, hotels, and resorts.  This may be a very interesting niche for anyone looking for new opportunities.  Riches in niches you say?  Definitely so.  Helping to plan home parties and home events for our very rapidly growing group of baby boomers?  most definitely riches in niches. Give it some serious thought.

 

In the meantime here's some very important info for you to ponder.

 

How would you like to keep abreast of breaking headlines, latest trends, and up to the minute news and do it all for free?  How would you like to save yourself some precious time and energy by going to a website that offers you daily updates by some very hardworking experts and all of this at no cost to you?  Would you like to learn how to keep your assets safe and protected from the fast fingers of those unscrupulous scammers, identity thieves, and cyber pirates?
The experts at www.untappedwealth.com can show you how to obtain all of this plus much more and they are offering all of this for free because they are bound and determined to help you stay away from those get rich quick schemes, those scams with broken promises and smoking mirrors, and those pitfalls that could land you in endless trouble.  Their fingers are strategically placed on what's going on minute by minute around the world and they bring it to you as it happens.  Take advantage of their knowledge and experience and do it at no cost.   

 

posted by Editor at 9:12 AM | 0 comments

Hi everyone!  I'm Heather DeMarco at the business desk and this very rainy morning I'd like to peak your interest on a very interest growing trend across America.

This trend concerns the increasing demand for transcribers and here's the deal.

More and more we are finding that doctors, lawyers, medical clinical clinics and hospitals, and those with reams of paper files, are seeking the services of transcribers to put their documents and files into electronic format.  You may be saying that ha!  Why can't they use scanners to these labor intensive jobs?  The answer is very simple.

Scanners are not always accurate and because of the great need to have these types of files and documents as accurate as possible, the services of transcribers are being sought to do this.  In particular, patient records need to be kept accurately because one tiny error and a patient's life could be put at risk.

In addition to those  massive piles of paper to be transcribed, we are finding that audio and video recordings also need to be transcribed into electronic format and to this end such groups as:  Film producers, courts and other legal entities, governmental proceedings, and other similar groups are desperately seeking the help of transcribers.  A few years many companies started turning to transcribers in India to do their jobs but they have been quickly discovering that the Indian transcribers are unable to perform adequate services because of a somewhat unsatisfactory command of the English language. 

This is your opportunity to step into this void and fill the gap.  It's a matter of finding riches in niches and that's why we are here to help you find these opportunities.  You can work from home, make your own schedules, become your own boss, choose your own clients, and satisfy your personal and financial dreams.

 

Now for some very important info.

 

Are you looking for skilled and experienced translators/writers/researchers to help you craft your articles, blogs, business letters, emails, faxes, newsletters, and proposals in multi languages? 
Are you seeking skilled and experienced language coaches to help you learn the English language more quickly and efficiently?
Then you need to visit the folks at www.translationpeople.com.  Here you'll find a team that guarantees quick turn around, professional work, and total confidentiality.  Prices are extremely affordable and services are offered in English, Spanish, French, Cantonese, and Mandarin.
Check out the free useful information page while you're there and for absolutely free you can also tap into the latest trends and headlines.
 

At the business desk of www.untappedwealth.com, I'm Heather DeMarco wishing you a happy day.

posted by Info@Untapped at 9:43 AM | 0 comments

Good morning!  I'm Kerry J Harrison at the business desk and today I'd like to give some attention to the growing problem of trans fats.

How can you translate the growing problem of too much trans fats into finding riches in niches?

You know that this is a very growing concern when major restaurant chains start taking action.  In the United States, the KFC and Starbucks chains have already started to take action and I applaud these two chains for their leading roles.  In Canada the Swiss Chalet and Boston Pizza chains have done the same and this too is goodness.  Now, we as consumers need to start doing our part in a much more aggressive way. 

For years the health experts have been warning us against the digestion of too much trans fats.  They have been telling us that trans fats can lead to such diseases as obesity, diabetes, heart conditions, and even cancer.  Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the world today, cancer and heart diseases are two of the major killers in the world today.  I guess that so many of us feel that if trans fats are removed from our food, the tasty and delicious desires would be left in Limbo and our gusto for food would not be satisfied.  Not true.  The four chains mentioned above are quickly proving this theory to be very wrong.

Let's look at it this way.  The elimination of trans fats in our foods can lead to some very interesting opportunities for anyone who has a creative and innovative imagination.  As our commitment to help you find riches in niches, we feel that you can become experts in helping persons to protect themselves and their loved ones from trans fats. 

Crazy you think?  Definitely not.  Think of this!  You could acquire the necessary skills to become culinary shefs and specialists at helping to create foods without trans fats.  You could potentially become the expert at helping restaurants and food companies to offer non trans fats foods to their customers.  Your market could be limitless.  Restaurants, hotels, food companies, and the mainstream consumer.  Even hospitals and health clinics and spas can become your very own market.  Riches in niches for you to explore but don't take too long making up your mind about these potentially explosive opportunities.

 

Now for some very useful info.

 

Looking for ideas and opportunities to crack the over 50s market?  The baby boomer market?  The seniors market?  Other niche markets?
Are you seeking opportunities in markets that are explosive, lucrative, but above all safe?
Are you having difficulty keeping abreast of important trends and news items because you're either too busy or don't know where to look?
Then you need to visit www.sterlingcreations.ca and there you'll find a suite of services that can help you to get where you want to go.
From writing to research, and translation to transcription.  There is even a free monthly online magazine that is crammed with very vital and valuable information.  You can even keep abreast of breaking trends and headlines for absolutely free.
Check it out at your convenience.

 

From the business desk at www.untappedwealth.com, i'm Kerry J Harrison wishing you a pleasant day.

posted by Kerry at 9:28 AM | 0 comments

Hello there and a happy Sunday afternoon to you!  I'm Matt Chadwick at the business desk and today I'd like to provide some tips to those of you who are aspiring to become authors.

If you're looking to write and sell your works of creation then I have some very important tips for you.  We are passing these tips along based on first hand info from several authors that we continue to deal with.

First, let me tell you that there is a definite need and ready market for persons to write books like:  Self-help books, how to books, human interest books, fiction for kids books, and inspirational books. 

Second, you need to be clear on the format of your book.  If you're looking to write an E book, do not make it anymore than about 50 to 60 pages.  Put it into PDF format and make sure that you place the appropriate security tabs on it so that the reader can only print it.  If you choose to put it into printed format then you would be wise not to exceed the 200 page mark.  Anymore than this and the reader may become either bored or find it too much to read.

The choice between an E book and a printed book should be dictated by the number of pages.  Believe it or not, most persons still prefer to read the printed word.

Third, Where appropriate, you should include graphs and charts to illustrate and highlight important points in your text.

Fourth, the pricing is very important.  For an E book, the price should not exceed $9.99 and for a printed book it should not exceed $19.99.  Best to choose a price that ends in either .99 or .95 cents.

Fifth, when it comes to selling your books, you may want to consider:

If you can afford it, best to sell your books from your own website but your website needs to be well positioned in all of the more popular search engines.  Yahoo, Google, MSN, etc.  Your website should only sell one book at a time and should be simple, to the point, crisp, uncluttered, and easy to understand.

If you are unable to afford your own website to sell your books, then you may want to look for an online publisher that gives you the most for your buck.  Make sure that if you're looking to sell an E book, the publisher can accommodate you.  We're not going to give you the names of any online publishers because we feel that it would be better for you to make up your own minds.

Sixth, it may be better for you to use an Internet-based merchant to process payment transactions for you as if you try doing it yourself and you don't know quite what you're doing, you may end up creating all kinds of unnecessary work for yourself.  Again, we're not going to outright recommend anyone.  However, some of the more popular merchants today are 2Checkout, PayPal, and ClickBank.

This should be enough for you to get started.

 

As our new weekly feature, I'm going to give you 3 Amazon book picks to help you get started into the business world.  Enjoy!

 

Kids with courage

By Barbara A Lewis

A great book for both kids and parents to acquire inspiration.  The author writes well and has lots to pass on.

 

The moneybook for the young, fabulous, and broke

By Suze Orman

A very realistic book that covers some very vital points and is meant for anyone who wants to avoid common pitfalls.

 

Untapped Wealth Discovered

By Jeff N Marquis and Kerry J Harrison

A good book for anyone aspiring to find riches in niches.

 

From the business desk at www.untappedwealth.com, I'm Matt Chadwick wishing you a very happy Sunday afternoon.

posted by Info@Untapped at 4:52 PM | 0 comments

    Hey there!  I'm Jayna Sheffield at the business desk and on this gorgeous Saturday evening I'd like to give you some tips on how to avoid identity theft.

I guess that many of you are just so tired about hearing how to avoid identity theft, but as part of our commitment to keep you safe from scams and scammers, I'd like to hammer home some vital tips.

First, always keep your social security number card and your driver's license safe and within sight at all times.  According to the experts, these two pieces of identification are the ones that identity thieves most go after.

Second, your credit card.  Never take it with you unless you really need it.  If you make a purchase with your credit card, then make sure that the third copy of your receipt is destroyed in front of you.  Keep your customer copy, make sure that you receive it when you make a purchase.  Many identity thieves are known to go through the garbage looking for credit card slips and it's how they are able to acquire your credit card number. 

Fourth, your pin number.  Never, never use a pin number that represents your birth date, that of your spouse, or your kids. 

Fifth, whenever you create a password for your server or any Internet related matter, use a combination of letters and numbers.

Sixth, it is always a good thing not to use the same password for everything.

Seventh, if you receive a phone call where the person is asking you for your date of birth, your social security number, your credit card number, or any sort of banking details, just hang up.  Never give this type of info to anyone over the phone unless you're very sure that the caller is someone you trust.  Or your bank.  Most banks would not make calls to you unexpectedly asking for this type of info anyway.

Eighth, never give out this type of info as outlined in #7 to any emailer asking for it.

Ninth, if you have printed cheques, then you may want to think of not including your address on the cheque.  Your name, and account number are required in most cases, but you would do well to not include your address and phone number.

 

Of course there are many more tips for you to think about but these are some of the more valuable ones.

 

Now for some very important info.

 

Are you looking for experienced multi lingual translators and writers?
Experienced professionals who can help you to write and translate, proof read and edit, and research plus more?
Are you looking for professionals who can help you to write and speak flawless English?
Having problems getting that right someone to help you proof read, edit, and research the appropriate information?
Then you need to contact the staff at www.translationpeople.com.
You can even download free useful information updated weekly and at absolutely no cost you can also keep abreast of the latest trends and headlines updated daily.

posted by Editor at 7:37 PM | 0 comments

Good day everyone!  I'm Jeff N Marquis at the business desk and today I'd like to zoom in on some very hot spots for investments and hopefully you'll find some time to follow up on these.  You'd be amazed to know that these hot spots do really exist:  With real markets, real demand, real consumers, and above all real economies that are real hot!

Let's take a look. 

First, Canada!  Right here beside us!  This country is booming with a red hot economy that is doing much better than expected.  Canada has lots to offer investors.  Its dollar has climbed in value against our own Green Back quite dramatically in recent times.  Whereas for the last 15 years the Canadian dollar has dropped dramatically against the American currency, in recent times it has rebounded in fine style and the experts are predicting that by the end of this year both currencies could very well stand at par.  The Canadian dollar at one time stood at 63 CDN cents to the US.S dollar but this morning it stands at 93.78 cents to our dollar. 

Canada is oil rich, has thousands of opportunities for small businesses wanting to trade between America and Canada, and is in dire need of skilled professionals in the medical and technology fields.

Second, China.  A country that is really pushing its economy to the limits.  The Chinese economy is practically on fire and is in need of professionals to help it get out the news around the world that it is open for business.  The Chinese government is begging for the services of translators to translate reams of info from Chinese to English.  In addition, it is looking for skilled workers to help in the construction industry within China, and it is also pushing its own companies to bid for large international contracts.  To this end, it is looking for workers to help bolster its own force of laborers.  China does have millions of workers at its disposal but it is looking for certain types of skills that would enable it to train its own workers as well as to increase its chances of winning those large international contracts.  The Chinese government is making huge strides on all fronts and with the upcoming Olympics to be held in Beijing next year, you can bet that the Chinese are doing everything in their power to keep their red economy going at a break neck speed.

Third, India.  This country is crying out for skills and investors to help them deal with their fast growing population who is demanding more and more improvements to their infra structure.  In addition, the diabetic market in India is also growing at rapid speed and the Indian government is desperately seeking the help of the West to help it deal with this challenge.

Three hot spots for you to think about and there's more.  Check out Turkey and Vietnam!

 

Now for some very important info.

 

They call themselves a "One Stop Writing Shop" and well they should.  There are not too many companies around at present that are able to do this and do it so well.  The experts call them unique!  They offer complete services that can help you do research, write, translate and transcribe your info into multi languages.  For absolutely free they can help you to keep abreast of important trends and news items if you're either too busy to search for them or you don't know where to find them.  They can help you to increase your revenues, reduce your costs, and expand your customer bases.  They can offer you a free online monthly magazine filled with info designed to help you keep abreast of market trends and consumer habits and articles that will point you in the right direction when it comes to finding opportunities that are explosive, lucrative, but above all safe.
To learn more visit them at www.sterlingcreations.ca.

posted by Jeff at 10:35 AM | 0 comments