Friday, August 19, 2011

Utility Trailer Manufacturing Introduces the Next Generation in Advanced Side Skirts


CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif. -- Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company, the industry’s largest manufacturer of refrigerated trailers and a leading manufacturer of dry freight vans, flatbeds, and Tautliner® curtainsided trailers is pleased to introduce the USS-120A, Utility’s next generation advanced aerodynamic side skirt.


Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6832754&lang=en.The USS-120A is U.S. EPA SmartWay® verified as an “Advanced Side Skirt” providing a minimum of 5% fuel savings, and can be used with low rolling resistance tires on dry vans to achieve CARB (California Air Resources Board) compliance for California operations.* “We have engineered the USS-120A to be the next generation in aerodynamic devices,” said Craig Bennett, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing at Utility. “The new side skirt design is even more durable and lighter than our previous designs.”Utility Trailer Manufacturing's New Side Skirt, the USS-120A on a Utility Dry Van Trailer (Photo: Business Wire)The new USS-120A will be featured at Utility’s press conference during the Great American Trucking Show (GATS) located at the Dallas Convention Center in Dallas, Texas on August 25th at 2:45pm CST in the Press Conference Room #D-221. For a look at the new USS-120A, visit Utility’s booth #20145 Hall F during GATS. The USS-120A is now available as a factory installed option for new Utility trailers. Retrofitting for existing trailers is available through Utility’s Aftermarket Department. To find out more about Utility’s new USS-120A, contact a local dealer. To locate the nearest authorized Utility dealership, visit: www.utilitytrailer.com/dealer-locator.Similar to the previous two side skirt designs: Utility Side Skirt 120 (USS-120) and Utility Side Skirt 160 (USS-160), the new USS-120A is also created with patent pending galvanized high tensile steel braces that allow the side skirt to flex both inward and outward. The next generation USS-120A side skirt includes an F.R.P. cover over Utility’s unique 5-hole pattern design on the wingplate. The covered wingplate holes effectively increase the length of the side skirt by up to 2-feet, which increases aerodynamic efficiency. Additionally, the rear edge of the skirt at the support leg assembly is connected by a “slip joint” for reduced impact damage.*This release is not intended to provide legal advice or legal opinion as to the applicability of the California regulation to any particular end use. For correct methods of compliance and details, visit the CARB website: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/hdghg/hdghg.htm.About Utility Trailer Manufacturing CompanyUtility Trailer Manufacturing is America's oldest privately owned, family-operated trailer manufacturer. Founded in 1914, the company designs and manufactures dry freight vans, flatbeds, refrigerated vans, Tautliner® curtainsided trailers, and side skirts. Utility currently operates five trailer manufacturing facilities across the United States. Utility’s 3000R® and the 3000R® multi-temp refrigerated trailers are manufactured at the Marion, Virginia and Clearfield, Utah plants. The 4000D® and 4000D-X Composite™ dry vans are manufactured at the Glade Spring, Virginia and Paragould, Arkansas plants. The 4000A®, 4000S®, drop deck and double flatbeds as well as the Tautliner® are all manufactured at the Enterprise, Alabama facility. Utility also has an extensive independent dealer network with over 100 locations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and South America.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6832754&lang=en.




Thursday, August 18, 2011

Wine Temperature Basics


What is the best temperature to serve and store your favorite wines? I have been asked this question many times. Trying to be responsive to Blog readers and business clients, I embarked on what turned to be a two-day research project. What I found is hundreds and hundreds of websites that present information on wine storage and serving temperatures. As you can imagine, the opinions about temperature facts were all over the board.


Merlot 62 63Spread with frosting. Sprinkle with peanuts. Cover; chill in refrigerator.Vintage Port 65 65Tawny Port 52 58Bordeaux 63 63Truffle Mixture:
chocolate, bitter, plain or milk 225g (8 oz)
double cream, 75 ml (3 fl oz)
brandy, 75 ml (3 fl oz)
or rum,orange liqueur, coffee liqueur, coconut liqueurDipped Truffles:
chocolate, plain, milk or white (350 g (12 oz)
or mixture of all threeChristmas recipe ingredients:Keeping your wine at the correct temperature is critical to maximizing its value and taste. Wines kept at too high of a temperature will age faster than desired. Wine stored at too cold of a temperature can develop deposits or other sediments in it. Each type of wine has its own desirable storage temperature range. Keep in mind the ideal storage temperature is not always the same as the ideal serving temperature.Sauternes 51 51Bake for 28 to 30 minutes or until wooden toothpick inserted 2-inches from side of pan comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.Cabernet 63 63White Zinfandel 43 60Maderia 57 58Sparkling Wines 45 455. Prepare some melted chocolate over water at boiling point. If you can, check the temperature is in the range 46-49 degrees centigrade (115-120 F) or for white chocolate, 43 degrees centigrade.Chianti 56 601 19.8-oz pkg. fudge brownie mix
� cup cooking oil
2 eggs
� cup water
1 16-oz. can vanilla frosting
� cup chopped peanuts
3 cups crisp rice cereal
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 12-oz. pkg. semisweet chocolate chipsZinfandel 59 64Beaujolais 52 48Cabinet Sauvignon 45 591. Truffle Mixture: Add the cream to grated chocolate and melt in a bowl over water at boiling point, stirring until smooth. Allow to cool and thicken.Ice Wines 43 43WINE NAME STORING TEMP SERVING TEMPShiraz 62 62Pinot Noir 61 63White Burgundy 50 57In a large bowl, stir together brownie mix, cooking oil, eggs, and water until well mixed. Spread mixture into prepared pan.Grease a 13x9x2-inch baking pan; set aside.Meanwhile, place rice cereal in medium bowl. In small saucepan, combine peanut butter and chocolate chips. Heat and stir over low heat until chocolate is melted. Pour over cereal. Stir to coat evenly. Spread mixture over frosting layer in pan.Chardonnay 52 47

Asti Spumanti 50 52




Author: Ronald Senn


Christmas Recipes: Edible Gifts. No.4 of 8 � Chocolate Truffles


Christmas recipe makes: 2 dozen
Calories per truffle: 65
Preparation time: 30 � 60 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
Suitable for freezing


Rose 44 48Chablis 50 52No one can tell you the precise storage or serving temperatures of wine. The biggest variable to consider is what your own personal tastes tell you. Having a wine refrigerator to better control the temperatures of your stored wine can help you experiment to find just the right temperatures for your tastes. For more information on wine refrigerators see: http://idealwinecoolers.com7. Present the truffles in paper cases and store in boxes. Keep in a refrigerator for up to ten days.Rhones 58 60Rioja 61 62Viognier 50 52Suitable for freezing.Directions2. Add your alcohol of choice and whisk until the mixture is strong enough to stay 'up' when a strand of mixture is pulled up by the whisk. Then put the mixture into a shallow tin (covered) and cool till firm.Christmas recipe instructions:4. Dipped Truffles: Roll the truffle mixture into 2.5 cm (1 inch) size balls and freeze overnight until rock hard. [If you wish you could push some edible decor into the balls before cooling, such as nuts, ginger or cherries.]

7. Present the truffles in paper cases and store in boxes. Keep in a refrigerator for up to ten days.




Author: Paul Curran


Best Recipes: Chocolate Goody Bars


Every once in a while, you�ve got to treat yourself for being good, you know? You work hard, you put up with other peoples wants, needs and desires. Well, now it�s time to take a break and give yourself a little chocolate TLC. These Chocolate Goody Bars are definitely an indulgence. A sweet indulgence of chocolate, vanilla, and peanut butter. You will adore the crispy chocolate, floating over a cloud of vanilla frosting, sitting on top of deep rich fudge cake. Mmm . . .


Red Burgundy 63 63Riesling 46 46Preheat oven to 350 degrees.Based on website research, the following table represents averages of all the information that was found. This table for obvious reasons cannot be portrayed as the definitive answer to the best temperatures for storing and serving your wine. It can be used as a guide for your information and use. With over 1,000 different types and variations, the wine temperatures evaluated were limited to a few varieties that are more common.Rolled Truffles:
cocoa powder
chopped nuts
coconut, dessicated or grated
chocolate vermicelli or grated choclate for rollingCover and chill in refrigerator until chocolate layer is set. Cut into bars. Keep covered and store in refrigerator.Asti Spumanti 50 523. Rolled Truffles: Place teaspoonful size amounts of truffle mixture onto a tray sprinkled with cocoa powder and roll into ball shapes. Alternatively you can substitute the cocoa with grated chocolate, chopped nuts, coconut, or chocolate vermicelli. Cool in a refrigerator for at least two hours.

Cover and chill in refrigerator until chocolate layer is set. Cut into bars. Keep covered and store in refrigerator.




Author: Donna Monday


Safe Food Handling For The Holidays


Did you know that the turkey you thawed on the kitchen counter, instead of in the fridge, could now contain bacteria levels high enough to harm human life, even though you can�t see, smell, or taste it?


While beefsteak can be cooked to varying degrees of redness, turkey must be completely cooked. At the innermost part of the thigh, the temperature must reach 180F (82C) for a stuffed turkey and 170F (77C) unstuffed. Stuffing in the cavity should read 165F (74C). Cooking times vary with the weight of the bird.On your counter, look for creative storage solutions that do not take up much space so that you still have plenty of room to work when you cook. Also, most homeowners find it helpful to have a produce basket. For items like bananas that do not need refrigeration, these baskets are a pretty storage solution, and if you find a multi-tier basket, you will be saving space as well. Always remember to build up into empty space that would not otherwise be used. You can also look for a baking rack for your countertop. Not only are these racks functional for when you are making cookies, muffins, and other baked goods, but many are built to store cookie sheets and other items when they�re not in use.Cooked food must be refrigerated within 2 hours, which means that you need to plan your meal so that it can be eaten shortly after being cooked.10. To install a cabinet unit above the cook top, make sure the clearance is at least 24� for a fireproof surface, 30� for an unprotected surface.When handling raw meat, wash your hands before and after. Also, wash counters or plates you plan to reuse in the preparation process if they have had raw meat on them, as they will also contain harmful levels of bacteria.6. For cleanup ease, install the dishwasher within 36� of one edge of the sink and allow for at least 21� of standing room next to it.You can also invest in storage items by purchasing rolling drawers. When you have a tall cabinet, it sometimes ends up being wasted space, since the things your store may only reach partly into the air. Instead, choose a multi-tier rack with shelves that roll out so you can easily get to items located in the back.Designing a kitchen is as much a science as it is an art. Knowing the recommended measurements to use when planning the project can make all the difference in the final outcome.Defrosting should be done in the refrigerator or in a sink full of water, changing the water about every 45 minutes. A refrigerator allows the meat to defrost in a controlled atmosphere, slowing down the growth of bacteria. Never defrost your meat on top of the counter at room temperature. This can quickly become a bacteria breeding ground. The growth rate of bacteria multiplies rapidly between 40F (4C) and 140F (60C).While they may not turn you into a gourmet chef, following these simple food-handling tips will keep your family and guests safe from unpleasant, and sometimes life-threatening, food-born illnesses.Once meat has been thawed it must be either cooked immediately or placed in the refrigerator and then cooked within 24 hours. Never refreeze meat. Most meats and poultries only have a safe fridge life of 2 days, whether stored after thawing or purchased fresh.5. To create the most accessible landing for unloading groceries, allow at least 15� of counter space on the handle side of a standard refrigerator; on both sides if it�s a side-by-side model. Or include a landing area directly across from the refrigerator, but no more than 48� away.1. For efficiency, the work triangle (the space between the sink, refrigerator, and stove) should measure 26� or less with no single side longer than 9�, or less than 4�.Plan your cooking ahead of time. Do not partially cook the bird, refrigerate, and then complete the cooking process, as this will produce dangerously high levels of bacteria.When buying raw meat, keep juices, which may contain bacteria, from contaminating your hands or anything in your grocery cart. Plastic bags work great for this purpose.

Using safe food-handling practices allows for healthy eating. The rest is a matter of taste.




Author: Geoffrey Cook


10 Important Things to Consider Before Designing a New Kitchen


Here are 10 important guidelines for your kitchen design project.


There are also a number of ways to optimize the space in your cupboards for canned goods and other non-perishables. For example, one handy tool you can use is a step shelf. These small plastic shelves are inexpensive and can be placed in any cabinet or on any countertop to raise jars and cans. That way, you can see everything in your cabinet at once. You will end up not just saving space, but also money, since you can quickly create your shopping list and avoid buying items you already have in your pantry.Refrigerated leftovers should be eaten within a couple of days, which includes turkey gravy, fish, and eggs. Meat casseroles and pies, rice, potatoes, and cooked noodles will last 2 to 3 days, while cooked meat, chicken, turkey, turkey stuffing, and many soups may last up to 4 days before bacteria levels reach critical points.2. In kitchens smaller than 150 sq. ft., opt for at least 13� of base cabinets, 12� of wall cabinets, and 11� of countertop. In kitchens which are larger, go with at least 16� of base cabinets, 15 1/2� of wall cabinets, and 16 1/2� of countertop.As humans, we also carry harmful organisms on our skin which, when spread to food, produce a toxin that normal cooking cannot destroy. Therefore, it is essential to wash our hands thoroughly with soap and water prior to handling food, as well as cover open cuts.Using safe food-handling practices allows for healthy eating. The rest is a matter of taste.You can also find innovative tools to help you organize and store your other kitchen supplies. Pot racks work well for hanging pots and pans to get them out of the way, and because these racks can hang on either the wall or ceiling, they make use of space that would not otherwise be used.Meat should also be picked up at the end of your grocery shopping and should not be placed in the same bag as fruits and vegetable.3. For convenience, plan work aisles to be at least 42� wide for one cook, and at least 48� wide in multi-cook kitchens.There�s nothing better than a home cooked meal during the holidays. But, with all the special effort that goes into making one, everything will be for naught if the food has not been stored, prepared, or cooked properly.Before you even start organizing the food items in your kitchen, work on making sure that your supplies are stored to save space. Start with the items that you use the most such as plates and dishes. Instead of stacking them horizontally, try purchasing a few plate cradles. These space savers allow you to store the plates vertically, making better use of your cabinet space and giving you extra room. These containers can also help you prevent chips and cracks in your plates.

Designing a kitchen is as much a science as it is an art. Knowing the recommended measurements to use when planning the project can make all the difference in the final outcome.




Author: Harvey Juric


Space Saving Cooking Accessories


Optimizing the space in your kitchen has a number of benefits. You should have a more organized kitchen, and, as a result, you will be able to find things more quickly. You will also be able to more readily see what items you need, so you can avoid forgetting items or purchasing something you already have when you go shopping. Saving space also allows you to have more kitchen items overall, even if you house or apartment is small. More space also means a cleaner kitchen in general. There is really no good reason not to invest in space-saving cooking accessories!


Food experts agree that the safe handling of food should be the top ingredient in any recipe.It is important not to keep the thermometer inside the oven with the bird as it could be affected by the oven�s hot air and provide a false reading.4. Specify a minimum of 24� of counter space on one side of the sink and at least 18� on the other.9. For comfort and to help avoid repetitive-motion injury, plan for work counters of different heights; between 28 and 36� off the floor (easier for chopping and seated-use access), and between 36 and 46� for general tasks (higher counters accommodate taller cooks).The kitchen is not the only place where it pays to save space. You may thing your house or apartment is small, but in actuality, with a few great tools and some organization, you can really make the most out of a space and fit a lot into a small area. Always keep your eyes open for great solutions to all of your home storage problems.7. For microwaves and ovens, provide at least 15 � of counter space nearby, at least 16� deep.8. For optimum clearance, no entry, appliance, or cabinet doors should interfere with another.

The kitchen is not the only place where it pays to save space. You may thing your house or apartment is small, but in actuality, with a few great tools and some organization, you can really make the most out of a space and fit a lot into a small area. Always keep your eyes open for great solutions to all of your home storage problems.




Author: Lucinda Jones


Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Hudson Technologies to Host Conference Call to Discuss Second Quarter Results


PEARL RIVER, N.Y. -- Hudson Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: HDSN), a leading refrigerant services company specializing in proprietary on-site decontamination services for large comfort and process cooling systems, will host a conference call and webcast on Thursday August 4, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the Company’s second quarter and six month results.


Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995Use your treasured family photos to decorate a shelf or nooks. You can use cheap picture frames and a cute shelf as an expression of your home and your life.Paint your walls a bright, sunny yellow and randomly paint over a few areas with a deeper yellow, a dark peach, and terra cotta. Mix the paints with a glazing liquid and wipe each coat with a wet cloth before the paint dries.Use your mismatched dishes and cups to decorate a stylish shelf hanging on your kitchen wall. Brightly colored dishes and hanging teacups make cute decorations.If your counter tops are not what they once were, remove the old surface and replace it with colorful, mismatched tiles you can purchase for next to nothing at a discount home store. If your counter tops are uneven, use a piece of plywood to even out the surface before you put down the tiles.Hudson Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of innovative solutions to recurring problems within the refrigeration industry. Hudson's proprietary RefrigerantSide® Services increase operating efficiency and energy savings, and remove moisture, oils and other contaminants frequently found in the refrigeration circuits of large comfort cooling and process refrigeration systems. Performed at a customer's site as an integral part of an effective scheduled maintenance program or in response to emergencies, RefrigerantSide® Services offer significant savings to customers due to their ability to be completed rapidly and at higher purity levels, and can be utilized while the customer's system continues to operate. In addition, the Company sells refrigerants and provides traditional reclamation services to the commercial and industrial air conditioning and refrigeration markets. For further information on Hudson, please visit the Company's web site at www.hudsontech.com.

Statements contained herein, which are not historical facts constitute forward-looking statements involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, changes in the markets for refrigerants (including unfavorable market conditions adversely affecting the demand for, and the price of refrigerants), the Company's ability to source refrigerants, regulatory and economic factors, seasonality, competition, litigation, the nature of supplier or customer arrangements which become available to the Company in the future, adverse weather conditions, possible technological obsolescence of existing products and services, possible reduction in the carrying value of long-lived assets, estimates of the useful life of its assets, potential environmental liability, customer concentration, the ability to obtain financing and other risks detailed in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The words "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "may", "plan", "should" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement was made.




Decorate Your Kitchen On A Budget


Are you bored with your kitchen? You don't need to spend thousands of dollars to give it a little face lift. Just follow these tips and you'll make big changes on a little budget.


If your refrigerator has seen its better days, have a local supplier cut chalkboard to fit the front and glue it directly to the surface of your refrigerator. Use pine boards to make a border and you will have your own personal note center right on your refrigerator.To access the live webcast log onto the Hudson Technologies website at www.hudsontech.com and click on “Investor Relations”.About Hudson TechnologiesNeed a colorful window treatment? Simply purchase an inexpensive basswood shade and paint it in a bright color. You can use a partially dry brush and paint randomly for an aged look.The new site provides visitors easy access to technical information on refrigerants as well as to Hudson’s on-site refrigerant services and features a video presentation encompassing the Company’s four areas of business. Customers needing on-site emergency refrigerant services can access Hudson’s 9-1-1 emergency hotline or can click through to Hudson’s unique interactive programs to analyze their operating system for predictive and preventive servicing as well. The site also provides detailed information about Hudson’s energy optimization services which provide solutions to improve energy efficiency and savings in the running of steam, air conditioning and refrigeration systems, typically the largest energy users in commercial or industrial facilities. Also available are in-depth case analyses of how certain companies in a variety of industries have benefited from Hudson’s services.Hudson Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of innovative solutions to recurring problems within the refrigeration industry. Hudson's proprietary RefrigerantSide® Services increase operating efficiency and energy savings, and remove moisture, oils and other contaminants frequently found in the refrigeration circuits of large comfort cooling and process refrigeration systems. Performed at a customer's site as an integral part of an effective scheduled maintenance program or in response to emergencies, RefrigerantSide® Services offer significant savings to customers due to their ability to be completed rapidly and at higher purity levels, and can be utilized while the customer's system continues to operate. In addition, the Company sells refrigerants and provides traditional reclamation services to the commercial and industrial air conditioning and refrigeration markets. For further information on Hudson, please visit the Company's web site at www.hudsontech.com.To participate in the call by phone, dial (877) 407-9205 approximately five minutes prior to the scheduled start time. International callers please dial (201) 689-8054.Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995

Decorating your kitchen need not be expensive. With a little imagination and a little work you can turn even the most boring kitchen into a work of art. Colorful curtains and paint will make a huge difference in any kitchen. No matter how small or dark the space may be.




Author: Angela Tyler


Hudson Technologies Launches New Website Providing Access to Nationwide Product Network, Refrigerant Services and Investor Relations


PEARL RIVER, N.Y. -- Hudson Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: HDSN), announced the launch of its redesigned website, designed to showcase its four areas of business: Refrigerants, On-Site Refrigerant Services, Reclamation Services and Energy & Carbon Services, and highlighting the idea that “No matter where you are or what you need, you have options with Hudson.” The site’s new homepage welcomes visitors with a clean uncluttered design making information on Hudson’s refrigerant products and services easily accessible to customers. Hudson invites visitors to view the updated site at www.hudsontech.com.


Hudson’s revised website includes a comprehensive Investor Relations section providing visitors with detailed and historical information on the Company’s financial performance, links to web conferences, investor fact sheets and PowerPoint presentations. Additionally, Hudson provides relevant Company and Industry news on the site.A replay of the webcast will be available until August 11, 2011 and may be accessed by dialing (877) 660-6853 and international callers may dial (201) 612-7415. Callers should use account number 286 and pass code 375821.Kevin J. Zugibe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hudson Technologies commented, “We are very excited about our new website which allows our customers and other interested parties to access Hudson’s products and services in a convenient and timely manner. Our goal is to provide a website that effectively highlights our services for our customers and provides our shareholders and potential investors easy access to our financial filings and performance.”Decorating your kitchen need not be expensive. With a little imagination and a little work you can turn even the most boring kitchen into a work of art. Colorful curtains and paint will make a huge difference in any kitchen. No matter how small or dark the space may be.Statements contained herein, which are not historical facts constitute forward-looking statements involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, changes in the markets for refrigerants (including unfavorable market conditions adversely affecting the demand for, and the price of refrigerants), the Company's ability to source refrigerants, regulatory and economic factors, seasonality, competition, litigation, the nature of supplier or customer arrangements which become available to the Company in the future, adverse weather conditions, possible technological obsolescence of existing products and services, possible reduction in the carrying value of long-lived assets, estimates of the useful life of its assets, potential environmental liability, customer concentration, the ability to obtain financing and other risks detailed in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The words "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "may", "plan", "should" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement was made.Paint your old cabinets with a few layers of paint using a dry brush. You can purchase pin stripe tape for automobiles and apply it just under the molding for an attractive accent.

Statements contained herein, which are not historical facts constitute forward-looking statements involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, changes in the markets for refrigerants (including unfavorable market conditions adversely affecting the demand for, and the price of refrigerants), the Company's ability to source refrigerants, regulatory and economic factors, seasonality, competition, litigation, the nature of supplier or customer arrangements which become available to the Company in the future, adverse weather conditions, possible technological obsolescence of existing products and services, possible reduction in the carrying value of long-lived assets, estimates of the useful life of its assets, potential environmental liability, customer concentration, the ability to obtain financing and other risks detailed in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The words "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "may", "plan", "should" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement was made.




Great Technical Writing: Banish These Two Attitudes


Overview


  • Find a way to be grateful for the chore. Yes, it sounds Pollyanna-ish, but in some ways, she�s gotten a bum rap. Thank goodness you have a job so you have taxes to pay. Be happy you have a refrigerator to store your food in, even though you have to clean it out once in a while. Heating bills? Hey, you were warm last month when the thermometer took that plunge.
  • Look for the humor in the situation. Even the IRS and their ridiculous, incomprehensible instructions can be funny. I mean, who in their right mind would write like that? Can you imagine having that job? How about that green furry stuff in the back of the refrigerator? What if it�s a new kind of antibiotic? Play with crazy ideas and ridiculous concepts.Punch dough down and turn it onto a floured surface. Use a pastry cutter or a thin sharp knife to divide the dough in half. Divide each half again, and each piece one more time, so that you have 8 portions. Roll each piece out into 8 inch rounds.Fix these places. It only takes a few words or sentences.Kids especially like making their own pizzas, so this is a fun party idea.1/4 c. warm water (about 110 degrees)Incomplete User Documents disappoint your Readers. Two attitudes of many Technical Writers result in incomplete User Documents. These two attitudes are:Set the dough in an oiled bowl and turn to coat lightly. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled, about 2 to 2 1/2 hours. If you prepare the dough the day before, lightly oil it and put it in a large zipper bag. It will rise in the refrigerator overnight.If you have the "Everyone Knows That" attitude when you write, you will tend to leave out needed material from your User Document. You will be doing a disservice to your Readers, and to your writing.Here's a Thought Experiment: You are a User of products: How often do you read the product documentation from start to finish? If you always do, then ask some other people. (The great thing about this fact -- that Users do not read the documentation from start to finish -- is that it results in great flexibility in writing, formatting and editing the product documentation.)
  • Use positive, powerful language around the chore. Instead of saying �Yuck. I have to take out the garbage,� try �Hey. I get to take out the garbage.� Substitute �I can� for �I must,� and �I choose� for �I have to.�Here's an example of a possible "Everyone Knows That." Do you know this:. the writing makes the assumption that the Reader has read and remembered the entire document. add some text explaining the topic, or
  • Focus on the outcome of what you are doing. Think how good it will feel to have those taxes done and off your mind. Think about that sparkly clean fridge�and not being afraid to open up an unmarked container. You might even arrange for someone (a spouse, friend, kid, family member) to cheer and applaud your accomplishment when you are finished. Or plan a reward for yourself.The User does not want to have to figure things out. The User is not reading a mystery novel or any other literature, where he/she wants to think about what is happening.. the writing assumes that "everyone knows that"2. "The User Can Figure It Out"1 2/3 - 2 c. all-purpose white flourLet me tell on myself. I hate cooked carrots with a passion, almost as much as I love chocolate. (For me, eating cooked carrots is more than just a chore I hate�it�s cruel and unusual punishment.) This is not something new; my father tells me that the first time he fed me strained carrots I spit the orange goop right back out in his face. Anyway, a couple of years ago, I was eating at a restaurant in Vermont, run by students from the Culinary Institute of America. My plate came out with some orange puree on it, and I cautiously tasted it, quite prepared, if necessary, to re-enact the scene with my father. It was delicious. It didn�t taste like squash, or rutabaga, or sweet potato, all of which are orange vegetables that I like. I finally asked our server. �Carrots,� he said. Since I didn�t know they were carrots, I hadn�t decided that I didn�t like them. Since I ate the orange stuff without a preconceived idea, I actually enjoyed them. All it took was changing my mindset.Everyone will be happier.. "The User Can Figure It Out"Be careful about assuming that just because you explained something earlier in your User Document, your Reader will remember (or even have read) that information. It is rare for Users to read product documentation from start to finish.Adapted from Eating Well's May/June 1994 Issue.
  • Look for the sensuality in the situation. �What!?!� I can hear you say. Notice how things feel. Experience the glide of the pen over the paper as you write those checks. Get into the lemon-y fragrance of the dish soap you�re using on the refrigerator shelves. My husband loves to take the trash out early on winter mornings because he stops and looks at the stars for a few minutes. (OK, so maybe that�s not a good example. We know my husband is crazy; he married me.)Keep in mind these are thin pizza crusts, so the more advanced prep you do for the toppings, the better result. For example, you would not want to put raw sausage on them because there isn't enough time to cook it through before the crust would burn. Likewise for the onions and mushrooms. It would be difficult to fully cook them on the grill, so sauteing in advance is a good idea.. find someone who is like your intended Reader, orSo when it comes to taxes, and other chores we hate, the way we approach them can change our experience of them. Here are a few different things to try.
      Another CautionThis article describes these attitudes and presents methods for overcoming them. The result is more effective User Documents and more satisfied Users.My favorite pet peeve: dates. Within recent memory we "survived" the Year-2000 transition. Yet we still write dates sloppily. We use "06" for a year, instead of "2006." When we see things like "07/11/04" what is the date it is referring to? Is it November 4, 2007, April 11, 2007, or some other permutation of the numbers. The standards for the format of dates vary around the world. This is an example of both assumptions:
    • Find something positive about what you are doing. As much as we hate paying taxes, and as much as we might disapprove of the way many of our tax dollars are spent, there are some things we are in favor of. So think about the roads, or the fire department, parks�whatever it is that you feel positive about.Does everyone know that? What do you assume that everyone knows about your product?The writing literature tells you to "know your Reader." Here is where you use that knowledge to improve your writing.Here's another example: How do you use a (combined product -- '2 in one') shampoo and hair conditioner? When shampooing, the shampoo is massaged into the scalp and immediately rinsed. When conditioning the hair, the conditioner is massaged into the hair, and remains on the hair for about two minutes. Now, what do the Users do for the combined product: rinse quickly, or let the product remain in the hair?Our mindset and attitude make a lot of difference in how we perceive life. If we have decided that something is going to be awful, then we subconsciously look for proof that it is. And we usually find it. Conversely, if we are convinced something is going to be fun, we look for that instead. That�s why two people sitting side by side each other at the same event can have two totally different experiences.. "Everyone Knows That", and. the writing makes jumps that your Reader cannot followThe "Everyone Knows That" attitude makes assumptions about your Reader's knowledge. These assumptions cause your Reader grief.

      Everyone will be happier.




      Author: Barry Millman


  • Grilled Pizza. A Great Idea for Outdoor Entertaining


    Warmer weather reminds me of having pool parties and cooking outside. One meal that guests really appreciate is grilled pizzas. I think there are a couple of reasons for this. First, they taste really good! Second, your guests can personalize them to their own taste. For the host, this is a great make ahead idea.


  • Finally, stop worrying about it. Often, we spend more time dreading and fretting about doing something we dislike than we spend actually doing it. Plus, all that worrying and fussing only reinforces our dislike of the job. It�s almost like doing it over and over again in our heads, instead of just doing it once, for real. . "do your best" to act like your intended Reader (you can do it if you need to)Here's a simple example. An e-mail tells you to call someone, but the message leaves out the phone number. You are expected to find the phone number on your own. The writer probably knew the phone number, but left it out. This "information oversight" gets expensive within a company when the e-mail is sent to many employees...each looking up the phone number on his/her own.Tomatoes. Most of us keep them in a refrigerator. However, storing them in a refrigerator will ruin the taste and nutrition of tomatoes. Tomatoes should be stored on a kitchen counter at room temperature, until they are cut. Once cut, tomatoes should then be stored in the refrigerator.It�s rarely true that "Everyone Knows That". Just because you find something to be obvious, it does not mean everyone knows that something.So there are a few suggestions on how to change your attitude about those nasty chores. Play around with them until you find one that works for you. Because if we can�t get rid of the chores, at least we can change how we feel about them. And there�s no good reason for making ourselves feel miserable.Some ideas for toppings include bowls of cooked Italian sausage, pepperoni, chicken breast pieces, Mozzarella, Gorgonzola, Parmesan, basil leaves, sage leaves, Italian parsley, thinly sliced tomatoes, sauteed mushrooms, sauteed onions, pizza sauce and whatever ingredients you may prefer. These are some that I use.Do It:(By the way, I still don�t like cooked carrots. I don�t know if it�s because I know what they are and have made up my mind already, or if the carrots at that restaurant were just exceptional. I suspect it�s a bit of both.)Don�t leave things for the User/Reader to figure out for themselves. It takes you only a few moments to include the material your Reader needs, and will save many Readers many hours in figuring things out.1. "Everyone Knows That". "the User can figure it out" (by seeing if my other dates provide clues to the format)If you set up an assembly line of sorts for the ingredients, it is easy for guests to put together their own pizzas.If you prefer not to make your own pizza dough, you can purchase it in the refrigerated section of the grocery store - or, you could use flour tortillas. But, I think the dough gives a more authentic flavor to the pizzas.EitherWhen in doubt, add a reference to that earlier (background) information. Tell your Reader where to find it, or provide a link to it if your document is electronic.

    Adapted from Eating Well's May/June 1994 Issue.




    Author: Mary Mechler


  • Hate That Chore? Change Your Mind


    March (and April) bring income tax season. For most people, the entire process is a nasty chore, from gathering the information to filling out the forms, to paying the taxes. And while chocolate helps, it�s not enough. Which brings me to the topic of this essay: handling the tasks we hate. We all have them, whether it�s taking out the trash, paying the bills, getting up in the morning (for some, that�s a real chore), exercising, or whatever. So how can we make those nasty chores less distasteful?


    1 c. cake flourIn reading and evaluating the document, look for places whereIn a measuring cup or small bowl, sprinkle yeast over the water. Stir until dissolved. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 2/3 cups of the flour, cake flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture. With a wooden spoon, gradually stir in the flour, adding an additional 1/4 cup warm water as you mix. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until very smooth, soft, and no longer sticky, about 1 minute. You may need to add additional flour as needed to keep the dough from sticking, though it should still be fairly wet.Sometimes your User Documents have to overcome previous User experience. Everyone thinks that they know how to properly (safely) shut off a barbecue...they don't! The safe shutdown method is described in most barbecue User Documents, but it is not "advertised" (forcefully presented) in the User Documents.You may keep the dough in the refrigerator for up to 2 days ahead of preparing, or you may freeze it up to 2 months. If frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before preparing.When someone uses your product, they are using it to meet their own needs. Your product may be central to your life, but to your Users, your product is a means to an end. And they do not want to have to decipher your product documentation.When in doubt whether "everyone knows something," assume that they do not. Then,. the writing expects the Reader to be able to "figure it out"Pizza Dough. tell the Reader where to find information that will explain the topic. "everyone knows that" (because there is a "standard" date format -- there is not), and

    So there are a few suggestions on how to change your attitude about those nasty chores. Play around with them until you find one that works for you. Because if we can�t get rid of the chores, at least we can change how we feel about them. And there�s no good reason for making ourselves feel miserable.




    Author: Lynn Cutts


    Clean Out Your Fridge


    Some jobs can be left until the big �end of tenancy cleaning� or �moving house cleaning� (jobs such as dusting the tops of door frames and scrubbing the floor underneath the washing machine). Other jobs can�t be left semi-indefinitely, and cleaning the refrigerator is one of them. Here�s how:


    1810: First tin can is patented.1811: Work started on the National Road.1861: T.S. Mort builds first machine-chilled cold storage unit.1855: Patent issued in England for dried milk.1879: 40 tons of frozen mutton shipped from Australia to London.1862: Beginning of transition from subsistence to commercial farming.8 Have a good look around. If any food or other smears still remain, use the dilute vinegar and the old toothbrush to get them off.3 Remove any trays, drawers or racks that can come out. Run a basin full of hot water and dishwashing detergent or soap and put them in to soak as best you can.1802: Thomas Moore invents the refrigerator.Kitchen cabinets come in more styles and finishes that you can imagine. However, if your budget is limited then you don�t need to replace them for an entirely new look. Cabinet refacing lets you select cabinet patterns that are up to date and beautiful.1919: 265,000 miles of railroad lines in America.1853: National Road turned over to the states.

    13 Keep the milk out and have a cup of tea as a reward for a job well done.




    Author: Nick Vassilev


    The Best Kept Secrets In Kitchen Designs


    It has often been said that the heart of the home is the kitchen. If that is really true, then why is it that some kitchen designs just don�t seem to support more than one cook or guest at a time? You can turn your kitchen into a functional and beautiful workspace and gathering place for the entire family. Even if you have limited square footage, there just may be more room for expansion, storage, and oh yeah, cooking in your kitchen than you think.


    1810: Francois Appert wins prize for developing practical canning process.1866: America's first refrigerated railroad car is built in Detroit.1812: British sailors eating canned soups and meat.10 If you have one of those refrigerators with a drip pan underneath the cooling element, make sure that this is cleared out and that it can drain freely. Pour a little vinegar (full strength, not diluted) into this to deal with any mould. Yes, mould can grow inside a fridge, albeit more slowly than in a warmer spot.1874: H. Solomon introduces pressure-cooking methods for canning foods.1805: First important shipment of ice from New England is made by Frederick Tudor.1856: Gail Borden receives patent for condensed milk process.1897: American Sugar Company is formed.1834: Jacob Perkins invents first mechanical refrigerator.

    The finishing touches are what make kitchen designs more inviting than ever. The furnishings, light fixtures and even the cabinet hardware can make kitchens into real living rooms. Look for task lighting that can highlight work spaces and then radiant lighting for atmosphere. You can even turn the legs of old furniture or newel posts into bases for centre islands to make you kitchen furnishings blend with the rest of the house. Get creative and enjoy doing much more than cooking in your new kitchen.




    Author: Guy Morris


    Unintended Consequences And The Standard American Diet


    In India, the government offered a bounty on rats. The intention was to eradicate a noxious pest. One unanticipated result was the establishment of rat farms, where rats were bred and harvested for the bounty. In Florida, a worker at a dog kennel noticed lots of snakes on the premises. He systematically killed them all. Then the rat population increased dramatically.


    1930's-now: Small farms yield to giant food companies.1825: Thomas Kensett patents tin-plated cans.1864: First salmon cannery in the United States.1861: 3,500 steamboats operating on western rivers.1870's: Introduction of roller milling for wheat.Kitchen cabinets also don�t have to be limited to one side of the countertop. If your kitchen design has a peninsula or island, you can use the ends and back side for more cabinet storage space.Perhaps there may be some hope, after all.Civil War: northern plains begin using hard spring wheat.Civil War: Both armies use canning to supply troops.In June, 2002 the Journal of the American Medical Association recommended that every American use a daily multi-nutrient supplement to address the issue of deficient diets. What makes this unusual is the fact that mainstream medicine has fought tooth and nail with the forces of vitamin and mineral supplementation for decades. Previously, supplementation had been characterized by them as a mostly harmless waste of money.1843: Norman Rillieux patents his multiple-effect evaporator for sugar cane.1930: Thomas Midgley invents Freon.1874: Refrigerator cars are used regularly to ship meat from Midwest stockyards to the east.1802: World's first successful beet sugar factory begins operation.1865: Thaddeus Lowe invents ice machine.1870: Karl von Linde uses ammonia as refrigerant, begins its manufacture.1892: First cans of pineapples.1910: Steel-roller flour milling is commonplace.1900: Dairy products a full-fledged industry.1869: Hippolyte Mege-Mouries develops oleomargarine.Before 1830: Flour sieved through bolting cloth.1840: 4,500 miles of canals carry U.S. goods.Storage is definitely a consideration in designing a functional kitchen. If you are limited by floor space, just look up. There is often a great deal of space between the counter tops and ceiling that just isn�t being used in a kitchen. Look at the space above the refrigerator. Is yours just collecting dust or take out menus? If so, add a cabinet and you�ve got a great place to store seldom used platters or treats you want to keep hidden from the children.1895: Lewis B. Halsey begins commercial production of pasteurized milk.Counters & Cabinets1765: Spallanzani suggests preserving by means of hermetic sealing.Here is a timeline of this nutritional revolution:1839: Glass bottles yield to tin cans.6 Rub vigorously at all surfaces, starting from the top and working downwards. If one of your cleaning rags starts looking an interesting colour, change it, or else have a handy basin of warm water nearby to rinse it out in.1880: Canned fruits and meats first appear in stores.4 Arm yourself with your cleaning tools. It�s important to use natural cleaning products that have low toxicity as harsh chemicals can and will contaminate your food. For this reason, it�s also best to avoid using essential oils to clean the fridge, lovely and natural as they are. Few people like lavender-flavoured cheese (although fresh lavender could go quite nicely as a marinade or in a cheese sandwich, but that�s another story...). Baking soda is your best bet, as it doesn�t scratch and absorbs those smells. Use dilute white vinegar as a back-up if you need it. Also provide yourself with a small array of soft cloths, some dipped in fresh water and some left dry. An old toothbrush (not the one that you keep for cleaning the lavatory) will also come in handy.1930's: The first packages of frozen food, developed by Clarence Birdseye, appear on the shelves of 10 grocery stores in Springfield, Mass.1878: Full-scale egg dehydrating plant in operation.1927: Airplanes first used to dust crops with insecticides.1890: The Babcock test makes dairymen honest.1820: William Underwood opens a canning factory in Boston.1877: Frozen mutton shipped from Argentina to France.These are examples of the Law of Unintended Consequences, which states that any human action--whether or not it produces the desired result--is likely to produce an entirely different result (possibly in conflict with the original intention.) Typically, such results are completely unexpected. Often, they are just as completely undesired.The newest gadgets in these mega kitchens make timesaving and energy efficiency into an art form. There are refrigerator drawers right next to the range and microwaves that brew your coffee while making your toast!Post-WWII: Restructured foods.1819: Canning firms operating in New York City.1865: Patent for dried eggs issued.1878: Gustav de Laval invents the centrifugal cream separator.1990's: Recombinant DNA biologically engineered foods.7 Use a clean damp rag to remove the baking soda paste once you have scrubbed everything.12 Put everything back into the fridge. Start with the racks, etc. first, of course!1874: Margarine introduced to the United States.13 Keep the milk out and have a cup of tea as a reward for a job well done.If your budget calls for a complete renovation, then now is the time to really think about layouts and maybe calling in some specialist. The basic theory is that there should be no more than 2 steps between work stations. That means you should be able to go from the sink to stove in 2 steps; from the range to the refrigerator in 2 steps and so on. However, with today�s extra large sized kitchens that�s not the case any more. You still should choose layouts that consider how much time it takes to accomplish the normal tasks of putting dishes away from the dishwasher or getting foods from the refrigerator to the stove.Late 1880's: Mechanically refrigerated cars running on railroads.2 Remove all the food and other bits from inside the refrigerator. Check all of them to make sure that they�re still in the land of the living. Items that are not can have a quick one-way trip into the compost heap.1864: Louis Pasteur invents pasteurization (for wine).The finishing touches are what make kitchen designs more inviting than ever. The furnishings, light fixtures and even the cabinet hardware can make kitchens into real living rooms. Look for task lighting that can highlight work spaces and then radiant lighting for atmosphere. You can even turn the legs of old furniture or newel posts into bases for centre islands to make you kitchen furnishings blend with the rest of the house. Get creative and enjoy doing much more than cooking in your new kitchen.1818: Peter Durand introduces the tin can in America.5 Shake baking soda liberally around the refrigerator and don�t forget the door. Use one of your wet or damp cloths to scoop up some more baking soda � it will form a paste when wet � and start applying it to the sides and roof.11 Tackle the trays, drawers and racks. Wash these the way that you would wash the dishes, either in the sink or in the dishwasher (in the sink is probably quicker and easier, as the trays are a beast to fit in the dishwasher). Use vodka or some other strong alcohol to wipe down meat drawers or meat trays to kill any bacteria. Rinse and dry everything as normal.1920's: Solvent extraction replaces expeller-pressed process for oils.Let�s review some of the changes which the Standard American Diet has pioneered: American food has been stripped of virtually all of its essential nutrients. Sugar and fat seem to be the major ingredients in virtually every American food. (About 45 percent of the caloric value of our diet comes from fat, and we use about 100 pounds of sugar per person per year.) Our consumption of hydrogenated fat is the highest in the world. We have virtually eliminated vegetables from our diet. We have drastically reduced the variety of foodstuffs we eat. We no longer rotate our diet with the change of the seasons. We consume about six pounds of synthetic food additives per person per year. Our widespread use of denatured flours, refined sugars, devitalized fats and oils, and synthetic food additives has been in effect for about one hundred years. Speaking in individual terms, this is a long time. In terms of the human race, it is a very short time. These dietary changes are quite radical when compared to human dietary tradition. And they don't seem to be good for you, either. As the American diet has changed, so has our health. Americans now lead the world in obesity, diabetes and heart disease. In fact, consumption of the Standard American Diet constitutes a chronic metabolic insult. Ours is the only civilization in history which has single-handedly managed to break its food.1903: The great corporation is the basic unit of American industry.1755: William Cullen produces ice by causing water to evaporate in a vacuum container.About 1920: Mechanical refrigerators for homes appear.Laying Out Completely New Kitchen Designs1795: Francois Appert designs preserving jar for food.Fixtures and Furniture1915: Ford produces his millionth car.1820: More than 9000 miles of surfaced roads in the United States.1860: More than 88,000 miles of surfaced roads in the United States.New countertops don�t always need to be included in this home improvement project either. Laminate countertops come with repair strips that will give new life to a worn surface.9 Use a dry rag to dry everything off.1877: Joel Tiffany patents a successful refrigerator car.

    Perhaps there may be some hope, after all.




    Author: Ronald Brown


    2 Fertilizers to Grow Motivation


    Motivation is something that many people consider inherent. You either have it or you don�t. You either have will power or you don�t. I am a little mixed on the idea because sometimes I feel very motivated, and sometimes have just a horrific lack of motivation. We all know that motivated people are some of the most successful people, they are the ones that everyone envies: �Oh she is just so motivated! I wish I was that motivated!�


    1. Create rapid feedback mechanisms (paid regularly all year long)Their overall findings with this study � or the 2 Fertilizers to grow your Motivation:3. Thou shalt clean thy refrigerator on a regular basis to avoid the growth of mould and the proliferation of vile stenches. The best way to clean a refrigerator is to switch the power off at the wall (for verily, thus thou shalt conserve energy and be a good steward not only of the earth but of the pennies in thy purse) and remove all the items therein, flinging such items are dubious, mouldy or past their use-by dates into the compost heap or organic recycling system so that they might be returned unto the soil from whence they came. Then thou shalt clean the interior of thy fridge with baking soda and a soft, damp cloth, remembering that the most efficient way of cleaning refrigerators is to work from top to bottom. The baking soda hath manifold benefits, absorbing stenches as well as cleaning grease and grime from the interior without harsh scratching. And forget not to clean the compartments in the door of thy refrigerator. Finally, thou shalt rinse any residue of baking soda from the walls, door and floor with a clean damp cloth.Children in Second grade were given $2 for each book that they read. The average student earned $13.81. The results of this study were positive and the children ended up increasing their reading comprehension drastically.If you have an older fridge, check the door gaskets to make sure you have a tight seal and aren't losing cold air around the doors.7. Thou shalt change tea towels and dish cloths daily, sending the old ones to the laundry for cleaning. For verily, these are a breeding ground for bacteria.One last thing to remember, when there's lightning around, it might be safer to just unplug your fridge and freezer. Food in the freezer will stay frozen for up to 48 hours if the door is kept closed. Food in the refreigerator will keep up to 24 hours.2. Thou shalt not use poisons for cleaning benches where food is prepared. Instead, thou shalt use the natural house cleaning products that thy God hath created, such as vinegar and baking soda. Thus thou shalt not consume minute traces of wicked chemicals.Another good use for these jugs of ice: set one on the kitchen counter in the morning. As the ice melts, your children can have ice water to drink without opening the refrigerator door.A self-motivated person must create the quick feedback mechanisms for their self. This means that they get to set small accomplishable tasks along the way and implement a reward/feedback system. I am big proponent of self reward. On a daily basis, if you accomplish a goal do you get to run up to Starbucks for a latte? Or after you meet your goals in a week, do you get to take a night off and go out? Small accomplishments done frequently end up being big accomplishments over time!!Now that it's clean and defrosted, keep your freezer efficient by filling empty spaces with old milk jugs filled with water. These jugs also make good ice blocks for your picnic cooler!9. Thou shalt keep thy rubbish covered, for thus thou shalt deter vermin (including greedy cats and dogs) from raiding therein. Furthermore, this prevents bad smells. To remove smells from inside the rubbish bin, sprinkle baking soda inside, as this absorbs smells.10. Thou shalt rinse all dishes as soon as the meal is finished. This makes it easier to clean the dishes either in the dishwasher of when washing dishes by hand.4. Remember thy floor, to keep it regularly mopped and vacuumed. Verily, the kitchen is the heart of the home, so many feet walk on it, spreading the surface with mud, fluff and dust. Kids who got paid faster did betterWhat smaller audacious goals can you set for yourself and make them really enticing? I find that as I am growing different areas of my business, maybe I have a goal of launching this product or that idea. Or I have a goal of $5,000 revenue. All worthwhile goals, but don�t they sound much like �get good grades?� Is it no wonder why we sometimes fail and then blame our �motivation.�Another "small" thing you can do: when you are putting away your groceries after a trip to the store, gather all your items for the fridge in one place. Then you can open the refrigerator one time and put everything inside.How motivated would you have been to clean out an ant-infested refrigerator? Would you have let it sit for weeks? Maybe considered throwing it away? Well, my son saw the refrigerator as a small inconvenience in his quest to purchase the �Pokemon PokeDex� instruction manual. My neighbor, being exceptionally pleased that my son would take on such a dirty job, told me what a motivated kid I had. But was he really?One way to do that is to keep your refrigerator and freezer, if you have one, running efficiently.

    http://freedomventureproject.com




    Author: Makenzie Kelly


    The Ten Kitchen Cleaning Commandments


    1. Thou shalt clean up all spills as soon as possible after they occur. Thus thou shalt save thyself a world of bother, as the stains shall not dry in place, requiring considerable elbow grease and effort to remove. However, thou shalt also use thy noggin and not try to wipe spills off a red-hot element, burning thy fingers nastily in the process.


    If you don't have a frost-free freezer and there's more than 1/2 inch of frost built up, it's time to defrost. You can speed up the process by setting pans of hot water inside. Never use a knife to try to dislodge the frost and never use a hair dryer to melt it. Water and electricity do not mix!Take for instance a study just released in TIME Magazine; A Harvard University professor decided to study 18,000 school aged children to see the effects that financially incentivizing them would do. Roland Fryer Jr. a Professor in Economics runs an education innovation laboratory along with a staff of 17 and a budget of $6 million annually. He recently did a large nation-wide study and used mostly private money to pay the school aged children $6.3M total. He wanted to see if money would motivate them. The results? Mixed. But surprising.So now having several examples of motivation�we can learn from this and implement this into our life. Big Fat Audacious Goals are nice, but they are so far removed from our daily reality and it is pretty easy to let our motivation wax and wane. They do not necessarily give us rapid feedback mechanisms nor are they black and white tasks.http://freedomventureproject.comIf I were to tell you to go out and create a random business out of nothing, it�s unlikely that you would succeed. It is a far too large goal and you may not know how to control the outcome (finding #2). It may be better to have a larger goal (for the students: graduation), for you, it may be creating a business, and then create smaller do-able actions.I just love taking studies that are done with children to illustrate how we are not too far removed from our childhood past. What are the instances in your childhood that you remember having the most motivation? My older son loves Pokemon, and while it kind of drives me crazy, I know that I can use the love of Pokemon to my advantage and leverage his love to spur his motivation. He instantly becomes creative in ways to make money and just the other day was down the street washing the neighbor�s cars and cleaning out their ant infested refrigerator; jobs that he normally wouldn�t have done if he didn�t see a reward at the end of the challenge.How are you planting your motivation? How do you plan to nurture its growth?So the overall result?So how can you develop motivation? Is it something that is truly inherent? How do you grow motivation, can you grow motivation?

    10. Thou shalt rinse all dishes as soon as the meal is finished. This makes it easier to clean the dishes either in the dishwasher of when washing dishes by hand.




    Author: Nick Vassilev