Guest Post: Age Is Not a Factor When Considering College Credit for Life Experience

 

As an adult, your ability to engage in vigorous academic activities will be strongly impeded by social as well as psychological factors. Even if the person has the money to fund the high cost of higher education, reduced mental alertness as a result of old age may contribute to poor academic performance on the part of the student. Most adult students tend to drop out of school once the demands of academic work puts a lot of pressure on them. In addition, adult students are usually in a hurry to complete their training program in order to benefit from the degree they are working for. Most of these people have time working against them as they seek to get hold of their degrees before they hit the mandatory retiring age. It will be economically bad for an adult student to spend a lot of money on higher education with the hope of getting an increase salary only to end up being pushed out of the job market due to the age factor.

People who have very much passed their prime but intend to work for higher academic recognition have to look at alternative programs that will allow them to achieve their aim at a very fast rate. Online universities have the academic programs that will help these people. Amongst the educational programs that are administered by online universities is the all important college credit for life experience degree program. Adults who are close to the retiring age and might not be able to cope with the stress associated with traditional education can fall back on their previous knowledge and work experience to gain college credit for life experience degrees.

What makes up life experience?

In order to gain college credits for life experience, one has to demonstrate a substantial amount of life experience to an academic institution. Most people tend to be confused as they do not know what experiences they need to quote on the application forms in order to better their chances of getting the experienced based degree. The main advantage of the college credit for life experience program is the fact that almost any experience gathered in real life can be converted into academic credits. From the activities one likes to engage in for the purposes of recreation right down to tasks at work to volunteer services, the individual who is very active in real life can obtain enough evidence to support his or her application for a life experienced degree. Courses taken at colleges and institutions that do not run the course-credit system can all find their equivalent value in the college credit for life experience system. In order to ease the process, individuals who intend on getting the life experience degree may decide to keep a portfolio in which they would document details of prior learning programs attended as well as seminars and any other activity that would prove vital in the assessment of the person’s request for an experienced based degree. Such individuals may consult the accredited online university for more information concerning the application process.

This article was put together by a retired educationalist who has over the years given valuable advice to adults who want to go back to school but has age going against them.

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Guest Post: Microsoft Launches the All New Windows 8

The final and fully finished version of the much talked about operating system Windows 8 is out now. On Friday, Microsoft also surfaced Windows 8 based devices in the retail markets. Though there have been several add-on and up gradations in this new version of Windows, but you need not like all these additions. There are, however, certain features in the new OS by ASP.Net application development giant that ought to be celebrated. These features will make you rejoice and help you in welcoming this new kid with open arms. 

Here are 8 superb features of Windows 8 that are worth a mention:

1. Storage Spaces: If you have been worried about losing your data in the mid of an important presentation, then worry no more. Windows 8 is here with its storage space feature. This feature allows you to pool multiple drives. This means even if one of your drives fails, your data is still secure.
2. File History: Very similar to the Time Machine utility of OS X, this feature of Windows 8 lets save multiple copies of your file. So, in case the current version of your file is lost, the other versions can be easily restored.
3. Charms Bar: If you have used Windows 8 as of now, you will be aware of the newly added Charms bar feature. It appears on the right hand side of the screen, if you swipe or click there. This feature is much more effective and resourceful than it seemed to be in the earlier versions of the OS. The charms bar icon provides the user with several icons for tasks such as sharing, searching, switching between Windows 7 desktop and metro environment and setting preferences.
4. Live Syncing: The live syncing feature is very resourceful. It lets you log into your Windows Live account just as you log onto your PC. Moreover, your Windows Live personalized settings can be traced down on any device that you use, provided you are using the same Live account.
5. Windows Reader: This is a built-in app in Windows 8 that lets you open a PDF file and take notes or highlight specific areas in it. Furthermore, you can also import PDFs in Word 2013 and edit them in their text form.
6. New and Improved Task Manager: This is one feature of the new OS that webmasters and admins would love in person. The revamped task manager gives a more specific and detailed view of the processes that are currently running.
7. Microsoft Store: Just like you get apps on your Windows phone, you can get Metro apps for your PC from the Microsoft Store. It is easy and quick.
8. Windows to Go: You can have the Enterprise Edition of Windows 8 with you on the go. Users can easily download the Windows environment on an external drive and then it can be used on any device that is compatible with Windows 7 and Windows 8.

The thought of a new operating system is overwhelming for any web application development company. If you are also super excited about the release of this new operating system, try it today!

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Guest Post: How To Import From China

The volume of goods now produced in China is limitless. So is the overseas market for those goods. This boom has brought about the resurgence of an entrepreneurial enterprise that had not seen much activity in recent years: the independent professional importer. While the import/export trade tended to be dominated by larger heavy-hitters in recent decades, the rise of Chinese manufacturing has now opened the doors to independents again, if they have the initiative and information to find the right products and import them to receptive markets. And, if they are willing to put forth the effort to learn how to import from China. Doing business in China presents certain obstacles, it’s true. There are always some risks involved. However, overcoming these challenges is very doable for the motivated independent importer and the associated risks are manageable. Moreover, the opportunities that await those who succeed are very lucrative. Here are some hints for those just beginning to investigate how to import from China. 

1. Research your target market. First take into account the level and nature of the demand in your target market. You’ll need a focused picture of what products will sell in the area to which you’re planning to import. Once you've determined the ideal market, put together a formal evaluation of the prospects for importing various products from China. Import market sourcing publications can help you select an appropriate product or you can travel to China to see for yourself and make a decision first-hand. 

2. Locate a reliable supplier. Getting this step right is vital to your ultimate success in learning how to import from China. You’ll find no shortage of Chinese companies with very impressive low prices. However, low price must be balanced with a strong track record of dependability in quality control, consistent service and responsiveness. While many companies in China have made great strides in adopting western standards of doing business in this regard, others are still in the learning process and may not provide the level of quality and service to make your import enterprise a success in First World markets. Contact high-level, responsible persons at the supplier and make known to them your concerns that quality and a dependable supply are a priority. Make sure they share your goals and expectations. Remember to ask for (or offer to purchase) a variety of samples taken randomly from production in order to evaluate the consistency of quality. 

3. Tour the factory. If your resources permit travel, there’s no replacement for a first-hand inspection of the production process in China along with a face-to-face meeting with potential suppliers. You can always consolidate visits with several suppliers into a single trip. It’s the best way to get a feel for the factory’s production methods and capacity and to compare it other possible suppliers of import products.

4. Verify all shipments. Unfortunately, if problems with suppliers of imports from China occur, they often come about during the shipment phase. Typical shortfalls include the incorrect count of merchandise, the wrong product type or incorrect types mixed in with correct types, insufficient packing for shipping and damaged or unusable products upon arrival. Very often, obtaining replacements or compensation from Chinese companies may involve a major delay. Another option to reduce these complications is to engage the services of a local reputable export agent in China to inspect the products and observe and verify the packing and shipping process all the way to the loading of the shipping container. 

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Guest Post: On-Campus Learning Vs. Online Education

Education provided in regular campuses has been prevalent and standard among kids for decades or even centuries. With this system, kids are enrolled in brick and mortar campuses where they have to attend class schedules as arranged by the school, together with the other students within their same age and intellectual level. 

However, there are factors that emerged through time which prompts the need to develop a different type of learning system, aside from the on-campus learning. Among these is the need to address the issues of some students such as physical disabilities, pregnancy, giftedness, having special needs, having a regular job, etc. and the increasing availability of advanced technology particularly when it comes to internet connections. With these factors, online education is becoming widely accepted by an increasing number of parents who wants the best form of education for their kids.

Now that we have different options of learning systems for our kids namely, the prevalent and traditional on-campus learning and the new but promising online education, a lot of parents are left in dilemma in choosing between these two. To help in weighing the options, let us take a look at the advantages that these two education systems have to offer:

On-Campus Learning

• Kids get to socialize with other students which is important in developing the child’s social and interacting skills. They will also be able to participate in regular school activities which kids consider an important part of their teen life such as being a part of the cheering team or football team, attending proms, competing in inter-school competitions, etc. 
• Students develop their oral communication skills by interacting with their peers, speaking in front of the class, participating in oral recitations, etc.
• Their educational background can be assessed better and faster when applying for a job, especially if earned from a reputable or well-known school since on-campus learning is the more acceptable and traditional way of getting a degree.
• Kids can get some form of motivation by getting a good standing among fellow students, impressing someone they like in school, getting to lead a group, etc.

Online education 

• Kids are spared from bullying, peer pressure, anxiety from intimidating teachers, and other negative social factors.
• Online students can choose the learning schedule that they are most comfortable with.
• Students registered in online education can study at the comfort of their home giving them a more relaxing environment which is very ideal for learning.
• Kids with special needs or circumstances which can hinder in on-campus learning can still pursue their degree with online education.
• Online education is more convenient for the child and less costly since the online student won’t have to spend minutes or even hours preparing in the morning for school and enduring traffic on the way to and from the school. Kids also avoid spending for uniform or school clothes and transportation. 

Final Words 

Education is important in rearing the child’s future and parents should always take time in choosing the right educational system that will work best for their kids. Being aware of the advantages of both sides should help in ascertaining which learning system will suit the child best considering his or her circumstance, learning capacity, and character. 

About the Author:

Jaydeen Taylor authored this article who works for www.bestcriminaljustice.com.

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Guest Post: Consumer Business Practice | Potential Steps to Promote It

Running a flourishing bankruptcy practice is never an easy job. Every year, scores of new lawyers try their luck in this legal field. While some easily succeed, there are others who try to find sufficient clients for making their practices lucrative. Moreover, recent alterations in bankruptcy law have caused consumers to think that bankruptcy is no more a realistic option. Whatever, bankruptcy will remain popular among people as long as it provides a debtor will a clean and fresh financial start.

Bankruptcy law practices subsist in a tremendously competitive background. People contemplating bankruptcy have an extensive range of service providers to choose from. Remember that you’re not the only duck in the pond; there are others competing in the field too. Thus, bringing a difference in your services may call for a versatile marketing approach. The procedure of knowing what your clients need involves making queries and then listening attentively to their answers. Moreover, law firms need to verify with the bar association about promoting their bankruptcy practice. Following are a few useful steps to help you market your services successfully, so you can draw ample clients to earn a good living.

• Take a look at the requirements of the people in your locality. Find out the unemployment rate and be alert to the foreclosure records in your local newspaper. Besides, study the business environment in your locality. This will give you an idea regarding whether a bankruptcy practice is at all required in a specific region. If the answer is in negative, try to find a new target market.

• Draw attention by broadcasting free information via website content, radio advertisements or talk shows, and local newspaper editorials. Inform your prospective clients regarding different aspects of monetary management – debt consolidation, debt settlement, debt negotiation and bankruptcy. The more information you provide, the sooner you’ll be able to establish yourself as a professional in your target market.

• Get in touch with prospective consumers using social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace. These online platforms provide you with the opportunity to connect with individuals so you have an idea regarding their personal requirements and fiscal situations. Community media also helps you build a level of trust, providing prospective consumers with the trust to call you for personal consultations.

Ask for referrals. Once you’ve successfully helped a client in getting respite from his debt problems, request him or her to recommend friends, relatives and colleagues to you. Your pleased consumers can turn into free marketing sources, enabling you to gain new clients free of charge.

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Business Setup in Japan: Starting a Company in One of the World's Most Powerful Economies

Japan plays a major role in the global economy, and many economists predict that the country will continue to be an important market. Having a business setup in Japan can provide emerging multinational enterprises an important foothold, not just within the country, but also in the much wider Asia-Pacific market.

However, there are many challenges that companies have to face when starting a business in Japan. For instance, depending on the business and scope of operations, an organization may choose to set up a Subsidiary Company, Branch Office, Representative Office, or Representative Service, among other business types. Each has its own advantages, and understanding the prerequisites of setting up, and the limitations of each type can make it easier for business owners to navigate Japan's business environment.

Subsidiary or Stock Company (Kabushiki Kaisha). Similar to a Joint Stock Company in the US, many large-scale corporations choose to establish a Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) because there are more options for gathering investment. A KK also has a very low minimum share capital requirement, and there are few restrictions on its business activities.

Branch Office. Establishing a branch office can be a good option for established foreign corporations. There are no significant differences between the rules and restrictions for companies and branches.

Representative Office. Companies that are still in the early stages of establishing a business in Japan can choose to create a representative office. Although there are a number of restrictions, this business model will allow a company to advertise, conduct market research, and purchase and store assets. This can pave the way for when the company is ready to fully establish their business operations in Japan.

Representative Service. Hiring a Representative Service for specific business activities can provide foreign companies an effective presence in Japan prior to setting up a branch or subsidiary. This can help a foreign-based company establish contacts and build confidence in the brand among local businesses until the organization is ready to fully commit to the market.

The Tokyo Consulting Group (TCG) provides a wide range of services to help companies establish a presence in Japan, and efficiently maintain business operations. To learn more about the company and its services, visit Kuno-CPA.co.jp, or call +81-3-5369-2930.

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Guest Post: Carpet Cleaning with Vinegar

 

If you ever wanted cleaning your carpet to be as simple as pulling something out of your kitchen cupboard then it really can be that easy. There is a variety of compelling and effective carpet cleaning solutions available on the market, but sometimes it can be just as beneficial to save the pennies and invest in natural methods. These are methods that are timeless and have been used for countless generations always producing fair and positive results. However if you wish to gain the full potential of cleaning then you could try professional alternatives such as Carpet Cleaning Devon from chemdry.co.uk.

It’s not often we really consider what methods and ingredients would have been used in the past to counterbalance the continual stains that probably adorned many home interiors. These would have been periods in time were solutions to cleaning as they are now would have not be so readily available; if at all. They would have had to be innovative and sourced their own remedies for cleaning, probably from natural commodities. 

The earliest and most primitive cleaning product was water, it began to slowly evolve over the centuries and by the 1900’s modern soap products began to appear. It is with hindsight now in a modern age that we are aware of the importance of cleanliness and hygiene; before the middle Ages the most developed cleaning compounds consisted of a mix of ash, animal or plant fats and oils. The dramatic fall of Ancient Rome saw a decline in cleanliness and hygiene which led to a culmination of diseases. Cleanliness was rejuvenated in the late 17th Century and with the introduction of the invention of soap it became more popular. However its popularity suffered in terms of whom was able to acquire this product as it was labelled a luxurious item and a heavy tax was imposed. During the 19th Century the cost of soap was lowered due to developments in the chemistry industry making it a more affordable and increasing its usage. 

Modern advancements in soap chemistry allowed the popularity of soap to again flourish and this combined with significant developments in 20th century technology (i.e. washing machine) boosted the cleaning revolution further. Following on from a rise in the use of detergents from World War Two soap began to wane in popularity and detergents became more widely consumed. 

Though these materials were highly endorsed through the development of chemical science, many natural solutions would have been used when basics such as soaps were inaccessible. For instance one particular natural cleaning remedy that has proved successful is Vinegar. In Ancient civilisation Vinegar was accidently discovered by the process of leaving grape juice undisturbed turning into wine and thus the remnants of wine then turning into Vinegar. The very first indication that Vinegar was used as a cleaning solution can be found around 5000 BC from Ancient Samaria. Since then many women over a period of centuries have used Vinegar as a cleaning resource and such methods and tips have been conceded to various generations. In 2003 a focus group were asked to recall memories of past wisdoms passed on by their grandmothers, such information suggested that many believed in the powers of Vinegar as a cleaning agent. However most of Vinegars abilities as a cleaning product have been lost or forgotten to a world that is consumed by convenience. 

When it comes to carpet cleaning Vinegar can really perform, if it is used correctly. It can be inexpensive and acquired easily with most of us already possessing it in some form or another amongst our household items. It can be utilized in various ways the most proficient being used as a base for carpet cleaning. The properties of vinegar make it naturally acidic and therefore it acts as an instinctive antiseptic, antibacterial and antimicrobial solution. It is an entirely organic and safe compound that can kill household bacteria and lift dirt from stubborn stains and surfaces. 

All you need to do to use it as a simple base for carpet cleaning is to create a mixture of one part Vinegar to four parts water. Generally it is advised to use cold water as opposed to warm due to warm water setting the stains rather than lifting them. A straight Vinegar solution can be applied on more stubborn stains as long as it is thoroughly blotted and any excess liquid removed. You repeat the steps of applying and blotting the solution to the stained carpet until you can see a significant result in the marks being removed.  Its innate properties allow it to penetrate dirt and bacteria whilst also refreshing and deodorising unpleasant carpet smells that sometimes come hand in hand with stains and blemishes. 

Baring this in mind Vinegar is a positive and useful solution to cleaning, one which has historical prevalence and multiple applications. The future is somewhat dependent on these old fashioned alternatives to cleaning, because it is resilient, reliant and productive without posing a threat to the environment or to a person’s health.  Even though manufactured products can yield incredible results they often have risks to health and the environment. Therefore if you can achieve similar and confident results in timeless organic remedies then adopting such methods could be indicative of creating a brighter future. 

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Hiring a Call Center Provider Helps Foster Customer Loyalty

 

Hiring a call center provider encourages customer loyalty by providing companies with frontline services to handle any type of customer concern immediately. This, in turn, promotes customer satisfaction. This is why companies should look for a trustworthy provider.

According to a study, conducted by Lee Resource Inc., attracting new customers is five times more expensive than keeping old ones mainly because of the ads and other promotional materials that companies need to invest in. On the other hand, according to a study conducted by the White House Office of Consumer Affairs in Washington, DC, happy and satisfied customers whose problems are resolved quickly tell four to six other people about their positive customer service experience.

These studies show that customer loyalty helps companies save money on advertising and generate income through word of mouth advertising. Here are the frontline services a call center provides to help facilitate this:

First Call Resolution

First call resolution occurs when customer service agents are able to resolve or answer the concerns of customers within their first call. This is determined by the analytical capacity of the available call center software to provide the necessary customer information, and the agents' ability to use this information to handle billing and other concerns without bringing it up to other departments.

Under first call resolution, there are two other factors that help foster customer loyalty. These are:

• Fast-tracking of Complaints – Through the software they use, agents should be able to fetch all necessary customer information to help them resolve the problem. Agents should also be able to interface with relevant departments in the company if the problem requires their input.

• Knowledgeable and Highly-trained Agents – Agents should be well-trained to handle any type of concern or query quickly, respectfully, and professionally.

Low Wait Times

One common reason why some companies fail to keep customers loyal is due to an unresponsive team constantly putting them on hold. To prevent this, a call center provider ensures that that the number of agents can handle the typical volume of calls without putting any on hold. This in turn keeps customers satisfied with their experience.

By enhancing the customer experience with personnel ready to take their calls and answer their concerns, companies can enjoy the perks of retaining loyal clients and naturally increase their sales.

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Leveraging Outsourced Customer Service to Benefit Clients and Your Bottom Line

 

As companies to try and find ways to increase profitability by minimizing overhead expenses, they can consider outsourcing tasks or processes to a third-party company. Leveraging outsourced customer service can be one way to lower the cost of operations, but making the decision to do so isn't a simple matter. Since these agents interface directly with the customer, it is essential to carefully research the way they operate.

Often, the problem with outsourcing customer service personnel is in the way they interact with clients and handle certain issues. For example, if a company chooses to enlist the aid of an overseas customer support center, they should be aware that there may be a delay in the time it takes for voices to travel, particularly if the communication technologies and channels used are inefficient. This can make agents seem less responsive to inquiring clients. Due to time differences as well as physical distance, important issues may also not be escalated in a timely and efficient manner.

Another issue is in the way the company interacts with the outsourced service. Depending on the nature of the business, there may be the need for flexibility. For example, when a problem too complicated for an agent arises, there should be a way for him to raise it with the company's personnel in the right department. At the same time, the customer support center should be willing to accommodate any requests or concerns the company will have.

To make sure the outsourced service not only lowers operational expenses, but also satisfies clients, consider taking the following steps: first, consider domestic services to improve response time. Next, find a provider that empowers its agents to provide a high level of service and blurs the line between in-house and outsourced customer support. And finally, ensure that the provider is flexible and readily responds to seasonal volume spikes as well as any other special needs the company has.

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Considerations to Help Students Apply to the Best Caribbean Medical School

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The affordability of medical education in the Caribbean can be very attractive for students looking to pursue a career in healthcare. With many schools to choose from, keeping certain criteria in mind can help them identify the best Caribbean medical school that will provide proper training to help them achieve their goals.

Reputable med schools in the islands offer a case-based, problem-oriented curriculum patterned after the top schools in the mainland. In contrast to a passive education with an emphasis on memorization, the active approach allows students to regularly participate in class discussions and deliver reports on medical cases. Students are also given more opportunities for immersion in local clinics so they may practice what they have learned from the case studies.

Through these sessions, students gain critical thinking skills and hands-on knowledge needed to provide excellent patient care in actual situations. The active approach also helps them build confidence in their own skills.

Another criteria students must look out for is the opportunity to do clinical rotations in affiliated hospitals in the United States. These rotations are offered as both core and elective programs that will enable them to do practical training in fields such as general surgery, pediatrics, and psychiatry. Moreover, the program gives students a chance to receive letters of recommendation from the supervising faculty that can help them find a good hospital to do their residency.

Finally, students must consider which schools provide board review classes to help them prepare for the first step of the United States Medical Licensing Examination. The USMLE is used by the resident selection committee as a standard in comparing medical students and evaluating the competence of their applicants. Passing the first step gives students an edge when they apply for residency.

To learn more about the curriculum offered by reputable medical schools in the Caribbean, visit JoinMedicine.com.

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Advantages of Using Mobile Phone Skins

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The advantages of mobile phone skins go beyond the obvious aesthetic purposes; they also provide protection for the mobile unit, allow an accurate representation of the owner's personality, and improve the look of the phone.

For Protection

Smartphone skins enable users to protect their phones from scratches, pollutants, and other damages resulting from regular usage. Certain types of mobile skins also provide shock protection and preserve the look of the phones, helping them look brand new for a longer period of time.

Also, considering that most smartphones contain applications used for photography, fitness training, and other activities, it's important that protection is ensured in case units are accidentally dropped or exposed to scratches and other types of damage while being used.

For Self-Expression

From plain and monotone options to vibrant color combinations and those that feature pop culture references, these skins come in a multitude of designs that enable mobile users to choose the one that represents their current mood or their personal style. In fact, by getting more than one kind, users can change their smartphone to match their clothes – taking a step further in projecting their individualism.

Usually, those who prefer minimalistic designs go for simple, solid colored skins while the creative and adventurous types choose solid, bright-colored options or heavily patterned selections. With so many designs to choose from, most people won't find it difficult to find the right one that suits their personality.

To Enhance the Look of Their Phone

There are also those who use mobile phone skins to make their phones appear more expensive and smarter with specific design ideas. These people tend to gravitate towards simple metallic monotone skins or those that come with simple yet sophisticated prints.

ZEEES is one of the leading retailers of high-quality, durable, and affordable mobile accessories from some of the most popular brands. They offer smartphone skins in a wide variety of designs and styles, giving customers more options. For more information, visit ZEEES.com.

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Choosing the Right Mobile Phone Case for Your iPhone 4/4S and the iPhone 5

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Considering that the iPhone 4 and 4S are two of the most popular smartphones to be sold in the market to date, numerous mobile phone case manufacturers have come up with various products to dress and protect these multifunctional units. Depending on the style of the case and the manufacturer, these can provide different features that can be chosen to suit your lifestyle.

For the stylish iPhone user, a number of cases that vary in color and pattern without sacrificing protection can be chosen. iLuv, for example, offers both solid, bright colored cases (Gelato) as well as patterned, festive designs (Festival) to allow users to mix and match their phones with their mood or outfit for the day. The manufacturer even released glow-in-the-dark cases (Aurora) that can make your phone stand out at parties and other nighttime events.

Adventurous iPhone users, on the other hand, will feel that protection is the most important thing for their phones. This is especially true if the phone is used for outdoor navigation, measurement, or even for emergency purposes – thanks to the App Store's many outdoors applications. Ballistic and OtterBox are two case brands that offer heavy duty protection for your phone. Made out of high-impact polycarbonate and durable silicon, these cases can ensure that your phone will survive the outdoors as they shield your phone from drops and dust damage, among other things.

For the artistic iPhone user, a wide variety of cases from LUX Mobile, Odoyo, and Gear 4 can turn your phone into a work of art. With designs inspired by celebrities, renowned artists, and the latest graphic trends, you can rest assured that your phone will surely impress anyone who sees it.

ZEEES.com, an online store that sells a wide variety of smartphone accessories and merchandise, offers an extensive selection of cases for the iPhone 4 and 4S. By carrying products from the most popular case manufacturers, the company makes sure that every type of iPhone user can find the one they need whether they choose based on style, protective capabilities, or novelty value. For more details, visit ZEEES.com.

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Applying to an Accredited and Affordable Med School in the Caribbean

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Medical tuition fees have become very expensive in recent years, costing more than $20,000 in public schools and $40,000 in private institutions. For students wishing to pursue a career in medicine but are financially restricted, they can try applying to an affordable med school abroad that can provide the same quality of education found in the United States.

For overseas education that's close to home, some reputable international medical schools can be found in the Caribbean. These schools have undergone several levels of accreditation, including accreditation by a local Ministry of Health, and regional accreditation by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions for external quality assurance.

Moreover, some of these schools are also listed in the Avicenna Directories and are recognized by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates. This recognition allows the schools' graduates to take the United States Medical Licensing Exam and become a practicing physician in the US if they pass.

The main advantage of the medical schools in the Caribbean is that they are more affordable than schools in the US and Canada. The annual tuition fee ranges from around $15,000 to $17,000. Extra fees include travel, housing, and insurance expenses; but despite adding these on top of education costs, the total is still more affordable compared to studying in the mainland.

To further lower costs, students can apply to scholarship programs offered by the schools. Students must present an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.3, though there are schools that require higher marks.

Apart from the affordable rates of the schools, students can also benefit from the general low cost of living in the towns of the islands. Moreover, the islands offer a friendly and safe environment, year-long tropical climate and beautiful natural surroundings. To learn more about cheap medical school tuition fees in the Caribbean, visit JoinMedicine.com.

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Selecting the Best Site for Your Greenhouse Kit

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Installing a greenhouse kit is an ideal choice for those who enjoy gardening but have limited space in their yard. Although relatively easy to install, owning a greenhouse requires more than just picking an accessible spot in your backyard and installing it right there. You should also consider the climate and the amount of sunlight your plants will be receiving.

Sunlight

Sunlight or solar angles differ every season. Hence, you have to determine when the greenhouse will be most used. If it will be used for starting seeds and transplants or plant propagation in the summer, then you should place at a site with a partial shade near a tree, for example, to minimize heat buildup. But if your backyard doesn't offer a partially shaded site, you can use a cloth to control the amount of light going into the greenhouse.

If you're planning to grow plants in late fall or winter or to its maturity, you need to give them maximum exposure to the sun of at least six hours everyday. Use a compass and face the ends of the greenhouse east and west to create fewer shadows; this will allow plants to receive more sunlight in the winter.

Climate

For regions that receive heavy rains, make sure that the greenhouse is located where there is proper drainage. Choose a spot with well-drained and level ground instead of a low, swampy, and sloped area. Strong winds during heavy rains can also affect your greenhouse as they can drain interior heat. A spot with natural windbreaks such as trees, shrubs, and fences can be a good location for the greenhouse.

With a greenhouse in your backyard, you can extend the growing season and continue your hobby all year round because you won't be too dependent on the weather. You can also cut down food costs and grow your own fruits and vegetables for a healthier lifestyle. To ensure successful greenhouse gardening, choosing a location based on the solar angles and the climate of your region are two important factors you need to consider.

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Guidelines on the Cleaning and Maintenance of Greenhouses

 

To achieve the full benefit of greenhouses, owners will have to keep them clean and well-maintained. An annual inspection and a few modifications should be enough; leaving it longer could entail more hours of work and cleanup, which costs more and shaves off time that could've been spent on actual gardening.

It's also important to ensure that it is kept clean throughout the year as well. Plants need all the sunlight they can get especially during rainy or snowy weather; so regularly cleaning the interior and exterior of your greenhouse is necessary to prevent dirt and certain debris from limiting the amount of sunlight allowed into the greenhouse.

You may be surprised to find out that a significant amount of time is needed to clean each panel in the structure. Beginners may find it easier to maintain theirs, as they tend to own smaller models, but more experienced individuals may find cleaning more difficult as their love for gardening will have led to the collection of more plant species and the necessary expansion of their greenhouse.

During summer, proper care and maintenance of greenhouses is essential in keeping insects and pests away from plants. Obviously, it's always better to clean the space when it's less filled, so schedule major cleanups before or after growing season—around May to October in the country's northern regions, and March to November for those in the southern-southwestern-Californian regions. In between seasons or when things are hectic in your greenhouse, even just hosing down the roof helps.

Try to choose a day when there is a gentle breeze to help the structure dry a bit faster, and lift off moss or algae that have taken root on the panels. For scraping these off, any tool that won't scratch and damage the panels is good.

If you're using anything but water to clean the greenhouse's panels, make sure to protect your plants from getting doused with soap or chemicals. You can move them outside if it's warm enough and you can do it without damaging the leaves. See to it that you cover sockets, heater and AC units, exhaust fans, and other electrical components as well.

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