Way back in 1982, when I was still single, I drank and partied with friends and sowed as many wild oats as my body would allow. I never caught any kind of serious disease, but I was once diagnosed with Nonspecific Urethritis (NSU), which I believe is the same thing as Nongonococcal Urethritis (NGU).

Not a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)

Actually, it could be, but only in extremely rare cases when in contact with Trichomonas Vaginalis, but it's not venereal. No, the most often cause could be almost anything else. It's basically a urinary tract infection.

I was diagnosed with NSU after a wild night of partying South of the Mexican border. I'm almost positive it was due to un-cleanliness of the drinking establishments I visited because two of my friends were diagnosed with the same thing on the same day. They hadn't had any sex with any women, but I had (two in fact, in one night).

Since I had never had "the clap" or any other STD prior to that day, I originally thought that was what I had — until my friends showed up at the same clinic and I knew they hadn't been with anyone during the previous few days. Anyway, it was the symptoms that bothered me in the first place.

The Symptoms

Now, I've never had Gonorrhea before, so the symptoms of NSU loosely fit the description I'd heard many times before. There was a yellow discharge in my underwear and it burned when I peed. I should have been clued in by the fact that I wasn't trying to bend any bars while urinating.

From what I understand, even to this day, many people visit the doctor thinking they have an STD when all they really have is NGU. Better safe than sorry, I guess.

I don't know what the treatment for any kind of urinary tract infection is these days, but back in 1982, I was prescribed Tetracycline and only had to take it for three days.

My Sordid Past

Men like me… we've all done things in our past that we aren't proud of or that we choose not to remember, especially when it was before we "settled down", when we were young, dumb and full of… something.

I've been married since 1985 and being a faithful husband, I've never had to worry about any kind of STD and regardless of what others may think is impossible, my wife has always been faithful and she hasn't had to worry about it either. 27 years is a long time to invest in a relationship of any kind and I think we're both too old-fashioned to change our ways now and that's a good thing.

Similar Articles:

• Manic Depression under Scrutiny
• Problems with Frequent Urination? These Tips may Help
• My Purpose in Using or Abusing Alcohol
• A Genetic Disorder can Explain so much
• Take Care of your Diabetes or your Diabetes will take Care of you

Nongonococcal Urethritis and Nonspecific Urethritis is an article from: Untwisted Vortex

Understanding when you have quiet days can help you save money by having less staff. Or you can use these days to get other important tasks completed. Regardless of the reasons for the quiet times, it is important that your staff still have something meaningful to do. Whether this is catching up on ordering stationary and consumables, from pencils to thermal paper rolls for the cash register, effectively managing your staff in down time can have surprising financial implications.

Time in lieu

Sometimes staff will go over their allotted work hours during busy periods and as a manager or business owner it is important to keep track of this. During slower periods you can give employees back this time by either altering their roster or sending them home early. Of course, it depends on how many hours they may be owed as to how much time they can take off.

Slow periods can also be used to put "time in the bank". This means that you can roster staff off but they then owe you those work hours at a later date, which can be handy in busy times or if another staff member is on holidays or sick. Once again, it is important to keep a track of these hours and ensure everyone agrees to when they can be taken and redeemed.

Revamp and revitalise the office

Sometimes you can be so busy making your business work that you don't have the time to pay attention to anything but the basics. Slower periods are opportune times to get the staff to give the business a spring clean, redecorate or revamp.

It is also a good opportunity to carry out maintenance or conduct safety checks. Use the slow times also to restock the shelves and displays, if you have them. It's also a great time to get a staff member to order such things as stationary and consumables, such as business cards.

Carry out training and reviews

If you know there is going to be a slow period then you can make plans for some extra training or for staff reviews. If you operate in a sales environment you may have noticed some techniques or problems that need addressing but are hard to do with customers in the store.

Slow times give you the opportunity to look at these critical aspects of a business. Modern day work practices also often involve staff performance reviews with quieter times offering the obvious opportunity to carry them out.

Go to the customers

If customers aren't coming into the store, why not get your staff to actively go out and invite them in? Rather than having staff standing around inside, get them at the front door with flyers or brochures to hand out. It is important they don't force them on the public or aggressively engage shoppers as this can be detrimental to your business.

Another great investment of your staff's time is to get them to call your customers. They can ask if they are satisfied with their previous purchases, if they have any questions or need anything else. You just never know what may come of it.

Similar Articles:

• 10 Ways to Retain Quality Staff
• How to Recognize Major Staff Training Problems and Fix Them
• How to Get the Most Out of Your Staff
• Setting Up Your First Office
• Sales Work – Why Training is so Important to Business Success

Managing Staff on your Slow Days is an article from: Untwisted Vortex

It is a well-known fact that belly fat can be a serious health hazard and an open invitation to many ailments. Strangely, several seemingly well-built and robust looking people also have excess fat in their belly region. This is primarily due to the wrong lifestyle — eating wrong types of foods and doing no physical workouts.

Here is a definitive guide on how to lose belly fat within a pre-determined time frame:

Rule 1 — You must detoxify your body to flush out all the toxins as your system is not capable of digesting all the different types of processed foods sold in the market. Do not be tempted into buying or consuming the many weight loss products advertised in the press or electronic media.

Rule 2 — You will have to restore the pH balance. Medical research has conclusively shown that the single most cause of obesity is the acidic residue born of unrestricted intake of wrong food. You should opt for a more alkaline diet such as fresh fruits and green vegetables. You should be more concerned about pH than calories.

Rule 3 — A strict diet plan is an essential key to achieve belly fat loss. This does not mean you should starve or eat less – it only means making some changes to your food habits. It is preferable to eat five to six small meals a day rather than three wholesome heavy meals. Eating less food at regular intervals will mean less strain for your digestive tract. Eating restricted quantity at more frequent intervals will boost your metabolism as well.

Rule 4 – It is imperative you drink copious amounts of water — at least 6 to 8 glasses a day – - as water helps accelerate the belly fat burning process. Water also supports the functioning of the liver that has the ability to burn excess fat and change it into energy. Do not opt for any other fluids or fruit juices or soft drinks as a substitute for water.

Rule 5 — Never avoid breakfast which is your first and most important meal. In fact the food you take at breakfast time should be healthy and nutritious. You can have two eggs and plenty of fresh fruits. It is preferable to avoid all dairy products. There are in fact many food items that aid burning of fat around your belly – fish, vegetables, dark chocolate, and fresh fruit. Scrupulously avoid foods that are high in saturated fat and/or sugar.

Rule 6 – Needless to say, a balanced diet plan should be supplemented with physical exercises for losing belly fat. When targeting your abdomen, there are specific exercises which you will find effective and rewarding. Working on abdominal exercises will help your stomach muscles will get stronger and tighter. The recommended exercises are squats, chest presses, and dumbbell rows.

Rule 7 — If you are fond of outdoors, you can opt for brisk walking, running, jogging, cycling, swimming and trekking. In fact doing outdoor physical activity will be lot more invigorating as you will breathe open fresh air.

The fact is almost all of us crave for a flat stomach, and often wonder "how to burn belly fat". Unfortunately there is no quick fix solution and what is needed is a change in life style. Please know losing belly fat is not merely to look attractive but more importantly belly fat can damage your health and lead to various ailments like diabetes and heart disease.

About the Author

Being a fitness freak, Marguerite loves to blog on different tips, diets and workouts that help you know how to lose belly fat. You can visit her blog for examples.

Similar Articles:

• Eating Catabolic Foods for Weight Loss
• Be Motivated. Be Inspired. Be in Shape.
• Losing Weight — for Life
• My Wii Fit Age and my Fat Loss Program
• Lose the Menopausal Belly Fat

How to Lose Belly Fat Fast: The Definitive Guide is an article from: Untwisted Vortex

My younger son, Jonathan (Jon), is dual-citizen of the United States and the Philippines. He graduated from high school in Arizona (USA) in 2004 and he graduated from a nursing college in the Philippines in 2011. What I've found interesting and confusing is the requirements for being employed as a registered nurse in Arizona. The Arizona State Board of Nursing website doesn't make it easy.

Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN) Application Instructions for RN/LPN Licensure by Examination

Once I found the PDF file for this application, pieces of the puzzle started to come together. Jon obviously has to pass the board exam in order to be licensed in the State of Arizona, but there are other requirements and fees to contend with because he didn't receive his BSN in the United States.

As I scrolled down the page, I started noting each item. Jon will be leaving with me in November (2012) and he won't be returning to the Philippines (even though I will), so we have to have our ducks in line in order to prevent any grief in the future.

Two Applications to Complete

Jon will be doing these applications while he's in the United States and living with his older brother and brother's family, along with my wife. Her income will be paying the fees and so forth. She's living there anyway as the "granny" to our grandson, at least for a couple of more years.

The first application is the Application for RN/LPN Licensure by Examination and the second is the NCLEX Registration, which can be done online or over the phone. So far, so good — he has a valid US Passport and an Arizona birth certificate.

Citizenship/Nationality/Alien Status Documentation

This is a no-brainer. The same documents that prove his identity for the NCLEX Registration also prove his place of birth in the United States.

Fees

There are fees for everything and getting everything done in order to become a registered nurse in Arizona requires multiple fees. The fees we start with are the fees for both of the applications. All of the fees are in US dollars.

The AZBN application fee is $300.00 and another $50.00 for fingerprinting. The NCLEX fee is $200.00. The total so far is $550.00 and we're not done yet.

Requirements for Licensure by Exam for Applicants Educated in a Foreign Country

There are four different agencies that can produce an education equivalency report for George Dewey Medical College, where Jon obtain his Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Three of them charge a fee of $350.00.

The requirements include one agency to do that, a validation of English language skills (which can be done online) and passing the NLEX-RN. I think NLEX stands for nursing license examination, but I haven't look to see, and it's obvious that RN stands for registured nurse.

Anyway, the exam packet contains the details and it doesn't look like, at this point, that we're going to have a problem with any of them. The fees so far add up to $900.00, but there are bound to be more before he's fully licensed. My wife said something about $700 for a review course, but I think we'll cross that bridge when we get there.

The Plan

Getting the transcripts and anything else that may be needed here is one thing and it's probably the easiest. I'm planning a trip in November, round-trip for me and one-way for Jon. Once he's there, my wife will take over the task of getting his fees paid for and we have a family friend who just recently became licensed as a registered nurse who has offered to assist him.

Based on the history of some people I know, it could multiple board exams and up to a year for Jon to get licensed and even longer to be gainfully employed in his nursing career, whether it's at a hospital or a private clicic. This is why I'm looking at about two years before my wife returns to the Philippines for good.

"For good" is a relative term. If things work out the way I hope they will, we all may living in the United States again within 10 years, but only if that's what we want to do at the time. It's great to have options.

Similar Articles:

• Nursing Degrees in the Philippines and Nursing Careers in the United States
• A Nursing School in the Philippines and Necessary Equipment
• Local Jobs in Olongapo and a Possible Job Board
• Which is more Important in Landing a Job, Education or Experience?
• George Dewey Medical College, School of Nursing

A Dual-Citizen Preparing for a Nursing Career in Arizona is an article from: Untwisted Vortex

Taking a cruise can be an amazing memory but before you go there are a few things you should know.

First things first, you need a passport. While there are some instances called a "closed circuit cruise" where the cruise will start and end in the same place where you will not need a passport, it's always better to have one. You cannot fly anywhere in or out of the United States without a passport and it's always nice to have in emergencies.

If you do go on a closed circuit cruise, you are still required to show proof of citizenship. To prove citizenship, you will need a certified copy of your birth certificate, a certificate of naturalization, a certificate of citizenship, or a report of birth with you. You will also need a photo ID such as your driver's license. Make sure you ask your cruise line exactly what kind of documents you need so you won't be turned away from your cruise. Don't be surprised if your cruise line holds onto your documents. Cruise lines will often hold on to them so they can give them to the ports of call. You will receive them at the end of your trip.

While most cruises say they are all inclusive, you should probably understand what that exactly means. Any special activities on the cruise, such as spa or daycare will cost extra. Sometimes drinks, such as soda or alcoholic beverages are not included as well. Note that gift shop purchases are most definitely not all inclusive nor or specialty restaurants.

Gratuity is not included in your cruise fees. Make sure you tip at every dinner; this is how they make a living. If you buy anything that is not included, you will receive a bill at the end of your trip. Make sure you pay them with either cash or credit card.

When going on a cruise, make sure you pack properly. Depending on the climate, make sure you dress accordingly. Bring a rain jacket in cause of inclement weather and don't forget your bathing suit!

Most importantly before you leave, inquire about duty free purchases. Each country allows only a certain amount of items to be brought back in without paying fees. Make sure you keep all of your receipts to show customs.

Going on a cruise is an exciting time of your life! Make sure you are prepared so that you can enjoy it to the best of your abilities!

Bon voyage!

About the Author

Marie is a San Bernardino car accident lawyer and an avid cruise go-er!

Similar Articles:

• Reasons to Consider an All Inclusive for your Next Vacation
• How to Prepare for Your Medical in a Personal Injury Case
• 7 Tips for the First-Time Backpacker
• Why Serviced Apartments Make Great Business Sense
• Train, Plane or Automobile for your Trip?

Taking a Cruise? Here's what you need to know is an article from: Untwisted Vortex

Will disputes are actually a very common occurrence so making sure that your will is legal and protected is vitally important. This article considers some of the instances in which wills, even legal ones, can be disputed and how you can protect your final wishes.

Reasons for a Valid Dispute

The following are reasons for the valid dispute of even a legal will:

• A will can be disputed where you have a moral obligation to care for someone whom you have left out of the will. A moral obligation can be deemed between spouses and in parent to children relationships. Other moral grounds can also be cited.
   
• The intentions of the will writer were unclear from the instructions provided.
   
• Where there is reasonable doubt about the mental capacity of the person writing the will at the time of authorship.
   
• Where the will is deemed to be grossly unfair or in cases where those who were dependent upon the deceased party were left out or inadequately provided for.

As this list demonstrates, there are a number of reasons why someone may be able to dispute your will. To avoid the occurrence of such it is vitally important to make sure that your will is both legal and protected. Failure to do so could mean that your final wishes are not obeyed and that your life insurance could potentially be distributed amongst people other than your intended recipients.

When arranging your life insurance quotes, the division of your estate, and your other affairs, it is essential that you follow these steps to ensure that your will is secure:

Ensuring a Secure Will

1. Begin by writing "Last Will and Testament of (Your Full Legal Name)".
    
2. Write a declaration explaining your full name and address, that your are of sound mind, and that you are not under duress. This information is very important because these circumstances are required for your will to be respected. If you have made any wills previously then it is important that you also state that you revoke all previous wills, which were written before this date.
    
3. Name an Executor of your will. This person is the person who will take responsibility for dividing your estate as you wished it to be divided. An alternative Executor should also be named in case you first choice is unable to complete it. The Executor is usually a member of your family but it does not have to be.
    
4. Provide the Executor with the ability to sell any property or goods which need to be sold to pay any outstanding tax or other debts.
    
5. Choose a guardian for any children you may have for in the event that both you and your partner die.
    
6. Name the beneficiaries of your will. Each beneficiary can either be allocated a percentage of your estate or a dollar amount. Any bequests should also be named here by giving the amount and the charities or companies of choice.
    
7. Determine your funeral arrangements and be sure to include the wish to be buried or cremated.
    
8. Find a notary public who can witness your signing of the will. This is very important because they will need to be able to vouch for the validity of the will.
    
9. Arrange for several other witnesses who are not beneficiaries of the will to witness the signing. They will need to declare that they were not under duress and that they are of legal age and sound mind.
    
10. Finally, sign the will yourself stating that you are of sound mind and under no duress. Be sure to sign in front of multiple witnesses.

Similar Articles:

• 4 Legal Tips for Couples to Be
• 5 Things To Do with a Law Degree
• How to Prepare for Your Medical in a Personal Injury Case
• A Viable Resource to get Full Compensation for your Injuries
• The Trayvon Martin Case, Sanford, FL

Common Will Disputes is an article from: Untwisted Vortex

In various places, I've mentioned how I think Starbucks coffee is too expensive. I even mentioned the Starbucks instant coffee a couple of times. Well, I think I need to re-think my stand because Starbucks coffee is indeed too expensive, in the United States (in my opinion, of course), but not in the Philippines.

Starbucks in the Philippines

New Starbucks coffee shops seem to be popping up everywhere, including the shopping locations I mentioned previously.

The "Harbor Point" Ayala mall at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) has a new Starbucks coffee shop as the first visible place on one side of the mall (I think it's the west side, but I get my directions confused around here). Last night, while I was returning from the airport in Manila, I stopped at a Starbucks at one of the pull-off areas on the Northern Luzon Expressway.

The only "not busy" Starbucks coffee shop I've seen so far is the first one I went to and it's near the Royal Subic store, which itself is not in the high traffic areas on SBFZ.

The Price of Coffee

If I was a Filipino working here and depending on the local economy, I might think differently but I think the prices are more than reasonable for everyone else and there seems to be a lot of the everyone else around here.

I bought a "tall" Caffè Latte on one occasion and it cost about 135 pesos (a little over $3.00 USD) and a "tall" Caffè Mocha last night and it cost me 150 pesos (almost $3.50 USD). I know they're more expensive in the US. Anyway, the "tall" drink is equivalent to like three regular cups of coffee.

Even these prices can seem extreme to the local resident. After tasting coffee from local places that serve coffee, however, I think it's worth it to splurge once in a while. The local coffee is usually just heated instant coffee and even when it's real, brewed coffee, it usually doesn't taste too good and it might be because they're not using bottled water. I'll never know, of course, and it doesn't matter.

When I'm traveling or shopping, Starbucks coffee is what I'm going to be looking for. When I'm at home, I'll be drinking regular coffee (instant or brewed) or my own version of coffee like Starbucks.

Similar Articles:

• The New Starbucks Coffee Shop at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone
• Starbucks Instant Coffee? Via Ready Brew is Just Too Expensive
• Keurig Coffee Makers
• It All Starts with Espresso in US Coffee Shops
• How to make Coffee like Starbucks at Home

I won't be Hating on Starbucks any more is an article from: Untwisted Vortex

Ever since I wrote how Ubuntu Linux rocks and then having to go back and install Windows XP on my desktop PC, I've been itching to rectify my problems and get it reinstalled. I think I've solved them, but the final result of a successful installation is yet to come.

Testing with Puppy Linux

I spent more than a few days testing Puppy Linux on my latest USB flash disk because Puppy Linux treats the flash disk like a regular hard drive, booting from it, loading from it and saving to it. This is a far better testing method than using a live CD version of Ubuntu or any other flavor of Linux.

Now, Puppy Linux uses the old Alsa sound utilities instead of the newer PulseAudio and that may be the reason I figured out exactly what was happening. It turns out I was doing nothing wrong and there really wasn't anything wrong with the configuration.

Using a USB Headset

The headset I'm using isn't much different from the headsets I've used in the past. It's a Logitech USB Clearchat something… Anyway, since I regular desktop speakers to watch videos and listen to music, using a USB headset is the only way to switch between the speakers and the headset without uplugging and plugging in things multiple times per day.

The problem is with the microphone part of the headset and it seem, as I read through forums about it, that it's a frequent problem. While Windows has no problem detecting and using it, Linux tends to ignore it being there.

The solution, it would seem, would be to use a separate PC microphone plugged into the vacant microphone jack on the sound card.

Using Skype

Voice communication with Skype requires a microphone, plain and simple. If you can't get a microphone working with Skype, you can't use Skype for anything other than another instant messenger.

I went to a local computer store and bought a unidirectional PC mike, with a stand. I plugged it in, found I had to reboot in order to get the PC to recognize it, and then proceeded to test it with Skype on Windows and Skype on Linux. I had to fiddle a bit with the Alsamixer on Linux, but I eventually got Skype to recognize it on both operating systems. It's actually clearer on Linux than Windows due to the microphone signal boost.

Preparing for the Switch

I've accumulated a lot of "junk" on my PC in relatively short period of time and most if is "crap" I've downloaded for various reasons. Preparing it for a complete switch to Linux is going to take some time. I'll need to move what I need to one of my many external hard drives and delete the rest.

The next step is to use CCleaner (formerly Crap Cleaner) to clean all the "crap" from my Windows installation, fix registry entries, etc. I've been doing this periodically anyway, so it won't take long.

The next step is to use MyDefrag to defragment the drive. It shouldn't take very long without anything but the Windows operating system on the drive.

The final step is to use Clonezilla to backup the Windows installation to yet another external hard drive in case I need to reinstall it for some reason. It's happened before and it could happen again.

Installing Ubuntu Linux

Once my internal hard drive is free to be used, I'll install Ubuntu Linux. Now, some people could argue that I could simply slap another hard drive into the computer and dual-boot, other people could argue that I could run a side-by-side installation on the same hard drive and still other people could argue that I could boot Linux up from within Windows.

Those people wouldn't get the point I'm trying to make. I don't like any version of Windows. I've used it for years because I really didn't have a choice. I now have a choice and I choose not to use it.

I was locked into using Windows due to proprietary software that I simply had to use. Microsoft Word was one of the software products, but now LibreOffice Writer (on every platform) works even better than the old version of Word I used to use. I used UltraEdit on Windows because I have a lifetime upgrade license and I've upgraded it hundreds of times (or so it seems). Geany on Linux works just as well for me, as I've tested extensively while testing with Puppy Linux.

Impressed by Puppy Linux

I am so enamored with Puppy Linux that I'm leaving it on my USB flash disk and taking it with me to the US in November (tentatively) to use on my older son's computer while I'm there. I have it configured so I can continue to do all the things I do online now, without making a single change to his desktop PC. The only thing I have to do is reboot the PC, hit F11 to bring up a boot menu and then select the flash disk as the boot drive.

Ladies and Gentlemen, if you don't have to use Windows for a specific piece of software, I recommend you follow suit and find a way to switch to Linux. Windows is the most targeted operating system by hackers, spammers and just about every miscreant on Earth. Linux is the least targeted for various reasons and it will probably be years or decades before it becomes as dangerous to use as any version of Windows.

That's not the only good reason, of course, and some would argue that Windows can be made secure enough to keep the bad guys out. I say this: Why bother when you can get the Linux operating system for free and you don't have to do much at all to lock it down?

Similar Articles:

• Why I'm not Running Ubuntu Linux on my new Desktop PC
• The Pain of Installing Ubuntu Linux on my Desktop Computer
• Preparing for the Switch to Ubuntu on My Desktop Computer
• How to use an Aging Computer Effectively
• Moving from Microsoft Windows to Linux Anything – No Microsoft Training Required

I'm Finally Ditching Windows for Linux is an article from: Untwisted Vortex

As a business-to-business information technology (IT) or future B2B IT professional, you're a problem-solver with the ability to help organizations using computer equipment and software. Regardless of the educational path you took to work in IT such as bachelor's degree or certificate, you need additional training. For example, many IT professionals receive about three months of on-the-job training depending on their job tasks.

However, keeping up with the changes in technology requires continuous training throughout your career. That's why learning more about computers and receiving an IT training certificate is vital to your career goals. Whether you intend to advance in the company you're presently working at or seek employment elsewhere, you have to complete additional training courses for several reasons.

One reason involves the increase in occupations such as computer support specialists. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an 18 percent increase in IT support specialists from 2010 to 2020. Although BLS expects job growth in the industry, your best chance to enter or advance in the field increase with a strong technical background and IT experience. With so many jobs available and a crowded job market, employers are always looking for qualified, highly trained IT professionals.

IT Training on Your Schedule

You may think acquiring additional training involves spending more time away from work or everyday tasks than you have to spare. It doesn't. B2B IT training is available for anyone interested in advancing their careers or learning more about computers without taking time off from work. So, you do not have to enroll in a university or trade school. Instead, you can enroll and finish online IT training videos in your spare time. Whether you need to learn about Cisco, computer security or any of the Microsoft products, there are courses available for you to take.

Training for Different Types of Students

Regardless of the type of IT training you choose, the courses are usually offered in a format which suits you. For example, if you enjoy self-study training, you can enroll in the computer courses which allow you to go at your own pace. The courses are taught by an instructor so you can receive help whenever you need it.

If self-study training isn't for you, classroom instruction is still available. These courses, just like the self-study training, are led by an instructor. With this format, you can interact with peers and ask questions at a training facility. Businesses with IT employees can choose on-site B2B It training. In this format, your employees participate in training courses at your office. IT training which leads to a certificate such as a CompTIA A+ certification is also available.

Picking the Best Online Computer Training Videos and Courses

Consider choosing the IT training company which offers the most, detailed courses and best learning format for you. You have the important qualities needed to become a success in the IT field. For instance, you have the problem-solving, computer and interpersonal skills to handle whatever computer problems companies have. Now, may be the time to add the successful completion of online computer training videos to your IT resume. You want to stand out from the rest of the IT professionals looking for jobs or seeking to advance their careers.

Similar Articles:

• How to Get a Free Single Domain Validation SSL Certificate
• Understanding Learning Management Systems and Learning Content Management Systems
• How to Watch DVD, DivX or XviD Movies on a Netbook
• Could Online Personal Training Be The Future of Weight Loss Support?
• Turn any Computer into a Karaoke Machine

B2B IT Training is an article from: Untwisted Vortex

Ahhh – that's a word with a proper Victorian feel to it. Imbibe. Sit down, my dear Holmes, do, and imbibe some of this precious Tokay with me. You feel you could roll the syllables round your tongue, drink in the low lighting, the olde-worlde globe standing in the corner, the stacks of papers, the bookshelves full of immaculately covered copies of Villette and Origin of the Species…

You see, while I have no desire to actually go and live there (well OK, maybe for an evening if I had a time machine, a gas mask and a guarantee I wouldn't get stabbed), I do love Victorian things. Ornate lamp shades. Ormolu clocks. Patrician barometer hanging their clubmans' bellies over the table in the hallways.

Though I think my idea of Victoriana is a bit different to an actual Victorian home – for example I like central heating, readily available electricity and having more than one bath a week. No, what I am after really is a style statement, something that says I'm in touch with the more elegant legacies the Victorians left us.

In decorating my home I like real wood bookcases, plenty of occasional tables. And the lamp shades to match.

Victorian lamp shades are characterised by their fabric construction and often tasselled aspect. They're all either dome or cone shaped in general silhouette – some have very pronounced curves, like the Crystal Palace, but they all effectively have a wide at the bottom, thinner at the top look to them. And many of them are tasselled or otherwise decorated with hanging threads.

Picking the right Victorian lamp shades for a room isn't as tricky as you might think, despite the huge variety of shade styles you can unearth. That's mainly because the Victorian ambiance seems to have been based on the idea of "anything goes" – a mish mash of furniture, chairs, sofas, tables, non-matching lamps – with everything held together instead by the materials of the room. Wood colours abounded, so the fabrics became a kind of embellishment.

Nonetheless some situations call for matching lamp shades – if you have a table at either end of a sofa for example, your sense of symmetry may demand that you take two map shades of identical appearance. Be aware, though, that symmetry is really a home décor trait that first appeared after the Victorian aesthetic, with Art Deco and the early decorative styles of the 20th century.

No, for my Victorian atmosphere I like a melange of colours and fabrics, not too much but what I have is non-symmetrical, arranged in a cosy rather than a regimented fashion, and got up as a whole so I can light my living room as though I were living in a 19th century novel. To this end I use plenty of reds, dark pinks and oranges – and place several lamps at different levels throughout the room.

About the Author

Claudia De Blasi is a designer and decorator. She writes about the influences of 19th century styles on modern decorating. Lampshades as unusual gift ideas have been pondered over.

Similar Articles:

• 5 Great Gifts to Bring to a Baby Shower
• What to Give at Easter instead of Chocolate
• How to Welcome Home a Friend or Loved One
• Unique Baby Shower Gifts
• Gift Ideas for Son or Daughter Starting University

Imbibe a Victorian Ambiance with the right Choice of Lamp Shades is an article from: Untwisted Vortex