Is Technology The Only Answer? | ArticlesBase.com

<p>A “Bikestation” for 130 bikes, lockers and a small repair shop opened outside Washington, D.C. in October 2009. It is conveniently located next to the Metro subway exit at Union Station for use by commuters who want to cycle in the city. For an annual membership or a daily usage fee, the system provides secure storage for bicycles, reduces traffic and encourages exercise. An annual survey of Bikestation users in California showed that 30% previously commuted by car. Comparable facilities in Germany and Japan handle 3,000-4,000 bicycles. Obviously, the idea of Bikestations has been “peddled” better outside the U.S. <br /><br />Not every good idea, however, involves new technology. California winemakers have tried a variety of ways to scare off grape-loving starlings at harvest time. Because shotguns and propane cannons scared the birds away only temporarily and netting rows of grapes is expensive, winemakers are turning to falconry. Falcons can spot starlings half a mile away and can fly 150 mph in pursuit of their prey. Many prominent vineyards â€" including E&amp;J Gallo â€" have hired falconers. Releasing 1 falcon twice a day keeps the starlings away from the grapes. Solving this problem just needed a bird’s-eye view.<br /><br />Many states are looking for ideas to prevent prison inmates from using cell phones to participate in illegal activities. A maximum sentence of 5 years and a $15,000 fine isn’t enough to stop them and under current law the FCC allows only federal agencies to jam cell phone signals. As a result, New Jersey and Virginia are using specially trained dogs to sniff out phones. Phones have been found in light fixtures, Bibles and body cavities. Some phones have been hidden in jars of peanut butter to fool the dogs, but these dogs have a nose for their job. <br /><br />Nutrition and economic experts are promoting the idea of a 1 cent tax on every ounce of sweetened beverages. This “soda tax” would discourage people from consuming extra calories while generating needed revenue. Thirty-three states tax soft drinks, but the average tax is 5.2% - only 5 cents on a 12 ounce can costing $1. The proposed soda tax would be 12 cents. A national soda tax would generate almost $15 billion its first year and an average 2-pound weight loss for soda drinkers. Because many people aren’t aware that sugared beverages are a major cause of weight problems, the soda tax would help them “pay” attention.</p><strong>About the Author:</strong><br /><p>Knight Pierce Hirst has written for television, newspapers and greeting cards. Now she writes a 400-word blog three times a week. KNIGHT WATCH, a second look at what makes life interesting, takes only seconds to read at <a target="_blank" href="http://knightwatch.typepad.com" rel="nofollow">http://knightwatch.typepad.com</a></p>

Internet Marketing - The New Stuff to Grasp a Successful Internet Marketing Business

<p>Having the computer age at your doorstep, a new kind of business is at hand. People sometimes refer to this business as internet marketing. And having a new kind of business comes with it a new challenge. Needless to state, the ability to do well in said business. While said endeavor maybe new, yet there are already a growing number of people who are already engaged in it. Some also refer to it as making money through the net.</p><p>The first thing that you must know so that you will be successful in internet marketing is that you must first understand the concept. This means that you must not use what people ordinarily do in the office as a basis for your success.</p><p>This is only logical since what you are trying to pursue is different from office work. In fact, by doing it, you will not be in the office. Unless, you put up an office to support your newly found business.</p><p>The second thing is that you must know what others who are also engaged in internet marketing are doing. Simply stated, like any other business, know your competition. Having a good grasp in what your competitors are doing will give you an edge over them. This is not to say that you should spy on your competitors, but you should be aware of what they are doing so that you will have an upper hand over them. Not knowing what they are doing is tantamount to not wanting to succeed in your chosen field.</p><p>Do you want to learn how I build a list and make money online? I've just finished writing a brand new FREE ebook called '7 Steps to Profits and List Building with Article Marketing'.</p><p>Download it FREE here: <a target="_new" href="http://www.mrarticlemarketer.com" rel="nofollow">Article Marketing Profits</a></p><p><a target="_new" href="http://www.mrarticlemarketer.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.mrarticlemarketer.com</a></p>

Online Background Check - The Hidden Facts

<p>Deciding to get an online background check has proven to be one of the smartest decisions that a person can make. As technology continues to grow rapidly, people no longer have to waste valuable time and money by going down to their local police station or judicial office to obtain a background report on them self or anyone else. They can figure out everything that is on their record, the right information and mistakes both, before the time where they need to submit a background check to a company for employment, or to a tenant for rental property. Plus, anyone can obtain a background check about you for any reason (girlfriend, schools, etc) so it is best to know if there are any mistakes on your record before anyone decides to check.</p><p>People often overlook the idea of obtaining a background check, thinking that they know them self or someone else well enough not to need look through their background. The fact is, everyone has some sort of record and you deserve to know about it. You don't want a drug dealer being your babysitter! Also, many agencies make mistakes due to similar names when applying changes to peoples' background information and your name could be one of them. Waiting to find out after applying for a job will eliminate any chance you had of getting the job in the first place.</p><p>Don't let your background hold you back from anything in your life. With the ease and accessibility of obtaining an online background check today, it is ridiculous not know what's on your own and everyone else's background. Don't give the responsibility of your house or your children to someone you don't know thoroughly and don't miss up the chance for a new job or house because of a mistake that may have occurred on your background! Take matters into your own hands and find out what your background holds today!!</p><p>Gary Taylors has researched many successful ways to obtain background history on people for years - you can find out how he does it too by visiting his blog at <a target="_new" href="http://knowtheirbackground.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">http://knowtheirbackground.blogspot.com/</a> for more information.</p>

Web Design - How Important Is The Designer?

<p>Do you remember when developing a website was the stuff of an elite core of techno-geeks who understood a language called html? Other computer languages have been added to the mix, which has placed the personal development of a website among the stuff of myths and legends. <p> It can seem almost too good to be true when you hear that it may be possible to develop a website even if you have had no previous skills at website development. <p> If you have ever worked with word processing software, signed up for an email account or other similar programs you mat be overqualified to develop your own website. <p> The use of a comprehensive line of website building technology places you in a world of template rich web design along with an easy to follow and customize format. This is a world where you call the shots. <p> I suppose there may be some who feel that using web-building technology results in an inferior design with a lack of function and beauty. However, the hard work of design is taken care of in many web design options allowing you to simply work on developing data points. <p> When you develop a website using web building technology you can make instantaneous changes to your website from any Internet compatible computer through an online, password protected website. <p> The cost difference between a traditional web designer and an online web building option can be substantial. It is not uncommon to spend Multiplied thousands of dollars to develop a website utilizing traditional web design options. When using web building options you may discover a site that may actually be superior with a cost factor that may be less than 10% of the cost of hiring a designer. <p> This does not take into account the various add-ons that you will be required to pay for when you hire a web designer. These elements can add hundreds of dollars to the cost of web design using a traditional web designer. In many cases web building options allow you to gain access to a shopping cart, newsletter templates, autoresponders and more. <p> Interestingly when a traditional web designer completes a site you may be required to work with the designer on each and every change that needs to be made. What happens when the site designer is unavailable or has a backlog of other sites that need to be done? On the other hand a web designer could set your website up so that you could change virtually every aspect of the site. How is this then different from web building technology? <p> Hundreds of thousands of online businesses are using web-building technology. What do they know that you don’t? <p> <p> <p></p>