Steve Jobs with Memorial at 1 Infinite Loop

Microsoft Great Plains: Houston ERP market notes

 

Microsoft Great Plains: Houston ERP market notes

Word Count:
398

Summary:
In this small article we would like to share our consulting experience, serving Houston business metro ERP/MRP/CRM market, in our case this is Microsoft Great Plains, Microsoft CRM, Microsoft Navision and Microsoft Axapta

Keywords:
Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Great Plains, Great Plains Dexterity, Microsoft Visual Studio, Recycling

Article Body:
In this small article we would like to share our consulting experience, serving Houston business metro ERP/MRP/CRM market, in our case this is Microsoft Great Plains, Microsoft CRM, Microsoft Navision and Microsoft Axapta implementation, customization, integration & reporting.  Let's make introduction on the products.
 
Microsoft Business Solutions renamed its ERP products: Microsoft Great Plains into Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft CRM into Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Microsoft Navision into Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Microsoft Axapta into Microsoft Dynamics AX and Microsoft Solomon into Microsoft Dynamics SL.  Project Green should result in merging product interfaces and making modules cross-integration seamless somewhere in the second decade of XXI century.
 
To the specifics of Houston market and clientele:

• Oil & Gas: Oil Drilling companies and Oil Refineries are relatively large and it is new opportunity for Microsoft Great Plains.  In our opinion, when Microsoft SQL Server became a rival to Oracle, DBII and other high-end DB platforms, large enterprises got a very good chance to decrease ERP application implementation & licensing cost and switch from functionally rich ERPs: SAP, Oracle Financials/E-Business Suite/Applications, PeopleSoft, JDEdwards to standard functionality ERPs: Great Plains eEnterprise/Microsoft Great Plains, Navision, etc.  Microsoft Dexterity customizations allows you to tune Great Plains to the specific business logic versus paying high price for rich functionality modules

• Defense & Aerospace.  These enterprises are spread across Texas: San Antonio, Dallas, Austin.  These companies, being established and traditional have challenge of cross application integration.  In some cases, due to the size of these corporations, Microsoft Dynamics GP serves as ERP for regional branch or subdivision and is subject for consolidation into Corporate ERP.  Special consideration should be given to Microsoft CRM and Great Plains integration with Lotus Notes Domino.

• Venture Capital & Startups.  Especially in Dallas area.  Our experience dealing with such implementations indicates that business processes are so unique, that custom pieces are almost always the must.  The business type is generally new services and Service Advantage Suite is usually customized with Microsoft Great Plains Modifier/VBA and Microsoft Dexterity.  As Project Green advances, you should expect more .Net side customizations: XML Web Services, eConnect, etc.  When we are talking about venture capital – we also include micro cap ventures.

• Chemicals.  Across the Gulf of Mexico, up to New Orleans – we have experience implementing, customizing and upgrading Microsoft Dynamics GP for chemical tanks cleaning company.

 

A Card That Celebrates Giving All Year Long

A Card That Celebrates Giving All Year Long

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319

Summary:
A greeting card that does a world of good for children around the world will now be available year-round.

Keywords:
A Card That Celebrates Giving All Year Long

Article Body:
A greeting card that does a world of good for children around the world will now be available year-round.

For the first time ever, greeting cards carrying the logo of UNICEF-The United Nations Children's Fund-will be available all through the year at participating Hallmark Gold Crown® stores. UNICEF has been raising money for its programs from the sale of greeting cards since 1949. To date, over 4 billion cards have been sold.

The new collection will feature 20 different varieties of boxed cards packaged in keepsake boxes with an African Kuba-cloth-patterned bottom. Birthday cards, thank-you cards, thinking-of-you cards and blank cards will be included in the collection-the first produced for UNICEF by Hallmark. Most boxes have four designs per box. The cards will be priced between $10 and $20 and come in groups of eight cards with nine envelopes or groups of 20 cards with 21 envelopes.

Since 1947, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF has supported the work of the United Nations Children's Fund by raising support for its programs and increasing public awareness of the challenges facing the world's children.

UNICEF's programs are funded entirely by voluntary contributions and have made a tangible difference in the lives of children in 155 countries and territories. For example:

; $10 can provide a box of 200 disposable syringes for use during immunization campaigns.

; $12 can provide two long-lasting insecticidal mosquito nets, protecting families from malaria, which kills one African child every 30 seconds.

; $12 can provide 20 packets of high-energy biscuits, specially developed for malnourished children in emergency situations.

; $17 can immunize one child for life against the six major childhood diseases: diphtheria, measles, polio, tetanus, tuberculosis and whooping cough.

; $20 can buy blankets to protect five small children from the cold.

Kansas City-based Hallmark is known throughout the world for its greeting cards, related personal expression products, and one of television's most honored and enduring dramatic series, "Hallmark Hall of Fame." The company publishes products in more than 30 languages and distributes them in more than 100 countries.

 

Better Way To Prepare And Protect America For Catastrophes

Better Way To Prepare And Protect America For Catastrophes

Word Count:
395

Summary:
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita revealed America is not as prepared for natural disasters as it should be. While we can't stop them from occurring, we can do a better job preparing and protecting America from their consequences.

Keywords:
A Better Way To Prepare And Protect America For Catastrophes

Article Body:
Contrary to popular belief, the epicenter of the strongest earthquake to ever strike the continental U.S. was not in California, but in Missouri. It was so powerful that it changed the course of the Mississippi River.

Twenty states, including Hawaii and every state that borders the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, face the threat of hurricanes every year.

As the population of the U.S. has swelled, so has the risk of Americans facing a catastrophe, whether it's a tornado, hurricane, flood or earthquake.

Home values have also increased in areas prone to natural disasters, and many of those homeowners have their net worth tied up in their homes. This puts their biggest financial asset at risk.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita revealed America is not as prepared for natural disasters as it should be. While we can't stop them from occurring, we can do a better job preparing and protecting America from their consequences.

National coalitions such as Pro tectingAmerica.org, comprised of emergency management officials, first responders, disaster relief experts, insurers and others, are advocating ideas that would help prepare Americans to deal with the consequences of natural disasters before they occur.

One solution is the creation of privately funded, government- sponsored catastrophe funds. These funds would accumulate money in advance of catastrophes, and would be funded by a portion of the insurance premiums collected by private insurers. At the state level, the funds could cover restoration from local disasters. At the federal level, there could be a catastrophe fund that covers losses that can't be covered by one state. Money would not be accessed until needed, and would grow tax-free to help pay for future losses.

Besides catastrophe funds, other solutions could include strengthening first responders, improving building codes, and sensible land use policies.

While a better solution is still in the works, there are some things you can do now to prepare for catastrophes:

; Become familiar with your community's disaster preparedness plan and develop a plan for your family.

; Prepare an emergency supply kit including a three-day supply of bottled water, nonperishable food, a manual can opener, paper plates, cups, utensils, first-aid kit, flashlight and battery-operated radio with extra batteries.

 Organize documents in waterproof containers. Include financial information, important phone numbers, wills, insurance policies, immunization records and passports.

; Prepare an inventory of your personal property and videotape your household contents.

 

Wheeler Accidents in San Antonio, Tx

Wheeler Accidents in San Antonio, Tx

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305

Summary:
Semi trucks or 18-wheelers are increasingly becoming a hazard for law abiding passenger vehicle drivers in Texas. Due to the size of 18-wheelers, accidents involving one are often catastrophic.

Keywords:
personal-injury, bankruptcy, social-security-disability, workers-compensation

Article Body:
Semi trucks or 18-wheelers are increasingly becoming a hazard for law abiding passenger vehicle drivers in Texas. Due to the size of 18-wheelers, accidents involving one are often catastrophic.

The commercial trucking industry is governed by strict laws that must be followed to insure the safety of other vehicles on the road. Drivers holding a Class-A Commercial Driver's License, required to drive an 18-wheeler, must observe rest periods after a specified number of hours on the road. Their mileage logs must be kept up to date after every change of duty. Unfortunately, drivers are often pushed to meet deadlines and safety becomes secondary to profit or even job security.

The laws governing 18-wheelers are specific and include, but are not limited to: driver logs and weight restrictions. All of these factors can influence the amount of compensation you may be entitled to.

The commercial traffic increase on interstate 35 in recent years is staggering. Statistics from the US Department of Transportation show that an alarming 30% of 18-wheeler accidents are due to driver fatigue. The injuries from these types of accidents are often life altering, requiring lengthy hospital stays and long rehabilitation periods. Medical bills are often astronomical.

If you have been in a serious accident involving an 18-wheeler, you should not attempt to deal with the insurance carrier yourself. The trucking company has their own team of professionals that are immediately dispatched to the accident scene to begin building a strong defense for the trucking company. You will be pressured to accept an offer much lower than the insurance company was actually willing to pay. Don't let this happen to you. Have an experienced San Antonio Personal Injury attorney negotiate with the insurance company making sure you get the fairest amount possible for your claim.

 

Alternate Energy Sources To Live Well With Global Warming.

Alternate Energy Sources To Live Well With Global Warming.

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829

Summary:
Feeling hot under the collar?

Glaciers and polar ice are melting, ocean levels are rising, hot, dry weather, huge forest fires, water restrictions, crop failures...

You name it, if these don't feature in your life yet, they soon will. Global warming and climate change are facts of life now, according to the International Panel on Climate Change, and many scientists.

Huge problems beyond our control!

But are you hot under the collar?

If you're not, you probably ...

Keywords:
alternate energy sources, solar electricity, solar energy, renewable energy, global warming, disabil

Article Body:
Feeling hot under the collar?

Glaciers and polar ice are melting, ocean levels are rising, hot, dry weather, huge forest fires, water restrictions, crop failures...

You name it, if these don't feature in your life yet, they soon will. Global warming and climate change are facts of life now, according to the International Panel on Climate Change, and many scientists.

Huge problems beyond our control!

But are you hot under the collar?

If you're not, you probably live in a city where half of the Earth's citizens live now and take much for granted. Because in city living we are far removed from natural processes that deliver our food, clothing and energy.

Does your child even know that milk comes from a cow - or a soya bean if you're that way inclined - and not from a milk carton?

Even in the city you cannot stick your head in the sand (or under the asphalt?) and you are not immune from climate change. Witnesses are the 15,000 mostly elderly people that died in Paris alone in the sizzling hot European summer of 2003. Or the many killed in New Orleans at the 'hands' of cyclone Katrina.

And if you are hot under the collar, do you think perhaps that there will be some miraculous scientific break-through so they ever-responsible 'They' will fix the Earth? The ultimate stem cell technology maybe that can clone a new home for us!

Seriously, for many of us it is just all too hard.

All we want is to live a life where we may raise our children to have a future.

A future of some predictability: of schooling, a job, a family, community, of achievements and an enjoyable life - on a healthy planet Earth.

Is this a fading dream, once a reasonable expectation?

Maybe, maybe not.

Our world is changing. There are great challenges ahead and it is too late to stop global warming. The Earth has changed and the processes it uses to regulate itself are adjusting themselves. And these changes will not suit human life as it is.

But you are not powerless.

Each person alone can change the world, one by one. Let me explain.

Do I say that these problems are under our control then?

Well, yes and no.

We are talking about a severely disabled world really.

And from the experience of disability we can learn how to survive and thrive!

"Come on, get real", you say? Do I hear: "Just show me the right alternate energy sources and we'll get out of this mess."

Yes, we desperately do need to switch to renewable energy sources that do not make a greenhouse out of our home, the Earth. But all the technology in the world will never be enough to survive  and flourish.

Renewable energy sources alone will not teach us to accept limits, unpredictability and what it is to lead a rewarding life.

How we have lived collectively, in our billions, for the last few hundred years, has got us to this point. And by changing what we do we can live through climate change as best as we might.

Even now.

It's simple and it's hard work. No way out of that.

Many people with severe disabilities know this. And they report the same or better life satisfaction as anyone else--under highly challenging, vulnerable circumstances.

So, we can learn to live well in a disabled world.

Regardless of what is to come you and I will be well served by the beliefs and strategies that people with disabilities use to - not just to survive - but to live well.

These are true alternate energy sources.

Those that guide us how to use what we have sustainably.

These 'disabled people' believe this:

* Accept that all of us are fragile and vulnerable

* The world is full of limits. We need some of these to live well

* Vulnerability and dependence are an inevitable part of a whole life

* No-one is independent, but interdependent

* Connection with others is our lifeline and our wellbeing

And they do this:

* Engage with others to build positive relationship, where you live, work and play

* Pay attention to other's needs and that of the environment

* Take responsibility for the situation you're in

* Care for others and the environment competently

* Be assertive and use your humour and creativity

Not all people with disabilities act in this way of course. And I'd be the last to portray people with disabilities as heroes. We're just people - trying to get on.

You try that!

Talk to that elderly woman in your street. Offer a hand when someone needs it.

Doing such small things will connect you with others and your environment.

And do also use the 'regular' renewable alternate energy sources, and recycle too.

You can change your local world by acting in these ways.

And if all fails - regardless?

Well, it's the only way to go!

Perhaps your world might be just as hot but it'll be cooler under your collar!

 

Secrets about Romanian Brides

Secrets about Romanian Brides

Word Count:
553

Summary:
Almost all foreign bride sites tell you about the women which are in their database that are:
"gentle, respectful, and loving"
"strongly maternal and family-oriented"
"plays a subordinate role to men in both the public and private spheres"
"a mail order bride does not really ask for a lot"

I am sure that you have read these facts about women who are seeking a western man for marriage or friendship. But how can we classify thousands of women just in a few words?

Keywords:
love, relationship, marriage, romanian brides, brides, women, dating

Article Body:
Almost all foreign bride sites tell you about the women which are in their database that are:
"gentle, respectful, and loving"
"strongly maternal and family-oriented"
"plays a subordinate role to men in both the public and private spheres"
"a mail order bride does not really ask for a lot"

I am sure that you have read these facts about women who are seeking a western man for marriage or friendship. But how can we classify thousands of women just in a few words?

The scarcity of suitable husbands in Romania has led many marriage-minded Romanian women to explore the possibility of pursuing a Western man.

1. Romanian mail order brides are not character-less toy dolls. She needs what every woman needs: a good husband.

While there is no denial that a substantial number of foreign brides hope to live a better life in a western culture, it is just as legitimate to argue that a fat bank account does not top the list of qualities that these women look for in a man.

What women want is a man who is honest, loyal, sincere, respectful, and able to provide for her children basic needs. The same happens with western women too.

2. A Romanian bride does not harbor the illusion of landing a millionaire for a husband, but instead pins her hopes on finding a man with strength of character, a shared respect for family values, and the financial means to adequately support a family.

Romanian woman perceive Western men as decent, responsible, easy going guys who know how to treat their women well.

3. Because she is a healthy balance of traditional values and a modern, tolerant outlook, the Romanian brides possesses the intelligence and sensibility to adapt to a western environment without sacrificing her norms and customs.

4. Most of the ladies who apply to dating agencies can at least read and understand English.There are doctors, lawyers, teachers, government employees, sales clerks with ages ranging from 18 to 40-plus.

5. A Romanian bride is just seeking the man of his life. Are You the one?

If you believe in destiny you should check out some Romanian brides. Your soulmate can be right there.

6. Just BE YOURSELF  when you get in touch with these women and you will be surprised to see the success you'll have. 

7. NEVER try impersonate someone you are not. Not only will you come across as insincere, but you will also feel uncomfortable and make others feel this way right along with you.
8. Never tell lies to your date or pretend anything about your life that isn't true. If this is your perfect match for God's sake do not allow it to be ruined by some silly lie told early on.
Trying to be cool, aggressive generally just makes you awkward and unapproachable. Relax, be natural, be the you that your friends and others who know and like you, see and appreciate.

9. Show Enthusiasm but stop acting like Kiss-Ass Wussbags. Romanian Brides are looking for someone that would ADD VALUE to their lives!

And don't forget that you don't have to impress all the women, only those which are things in common with you: same goals, same interests. You have to know what are you looking for.

Just try, maybe you are single only because you haven't searched in the right place yet. :)

 

Ways to Grow Flowers

Ways to Grow Flowers

Word Count:
349

Summary:
Want a more beautiful garden? It's easier than you think once you understand the 5 "Zen" rules of fantastic gardens. This article provides all the tricks and tips you need to make it happen.

Keywords:

 

Article Body:
Flowering landscape trees are the crown jewels of the yard.
Perhaps no other plants, individually, can have as great an
impact on how a yard looks in spring. Browse the articles to
which I've linked below for information on particular varieties
of flowering landscape trees. Pictures are included.

Crape Myrtles: Landscape Trees of the South

A popular choice in flowering landscape trees for Southerners,
crape myrtles have a long blooming period (mid-summer to
fall). The blooming clusters of these flowering landscape trees
come in pink, white, red and lavender. The clusters appear on
the tips of new wood. Northerners can sometimes get away
with treating these flowering landscape trees as perennials
that die back in winter but come back in spring.

Trees

Not all specimens with a weeping habit are flowering
landscape trees, but this article looks at several weeping
varieties that do bloom, headed by four types of cherry.
Saucer Magnolias

The size and shape of the blooms are what suggested the
common name for these flowering landscape trees. Want a
specimen with a brilliant bloom as big as a saucer? Access
information on these beauties here.

Rose of Sharon

Although some people think of it as a landscape "tree"
(because it gets tall and can be pruned so as to have a single
trunk), rose of sharon is, in fact, a flowering shrub. The fact
that it blooms relatively late -- and for a long time -- makes it
a valuable plant for those looking to distribute their yard's
color display throughout the growing season.
Top 10 List of Flowering Landscape Trees and Shrubs for
Spring |

This article features information on ten flowering landscape
trees and shrubs that brighten our spring seasons. Included
are redbud, callery pear and crabapple.
Hawthorn: Late-Blooming Landscape Trees

This article offers information on Washington hawthorn trees,
which are perhaps most valued for the time at which they
bloom (late spring to early summer). Many of the popular
flowering specimens bloom earlier in the spring, and while
their blossoms are pleasant sights for eyes sore from winter's
barrenness, they desert us too quickly!

 

 

3 Important Planning Steps before Working with a Divorce Lawyer

3 Important Planning Steps before Working with a Divorce Lawyer

Word Count:
492

Summary:
There are 3 steps that you can take to make the process of working with a divorce lawyer more expedient and cost effective.

Keywords:
divorce lawyer, divorce tips, divorce planning, divorce planning, divorce costs

Article Body:
If you are planning on a divorce then it is paramount to know how to work with a divorce lawyer.  There are three important planning steps that you can use to make the process simpler and also try and keep costs down.

Get Organized – It is important that you get yourself organized.  A lawyer is going to ask you for an inventory of all of your assets and liabilities.  You can get all this information before you meet with the attorney. The attorney will need this information in the form of written evidence such as bank statements, credit card statements, etc.  They cannot just operate on the work of their client in this matter.  Understand that tax returns will likely be requested, also.  Other items that come into play are 401K plan statements, pension statements, and IRA statements.  Also, if you have wills or other documents that may prove that some of your property is separate and not community property.  Separate property was either brought into the marriage or received in the form of inheritance.

Set priorities – Setting priorities can be vital in making sure that you do not get bogged down in the process.  By priorities, I mean determining what is important for you.  Remember that all the assets are going to be divided. You should figure out if you want to keep the house or not. You should then determine other material possessions and what is important for you.  It is important not to get too carried away, because you may not be able to "keep everything".  Realize that your spouse will get things as well.  If you have children, determine who will get custody.  Then determine a proposed visitation schedule for the other spouse.  Children and visitation are often the issues that bog down the divorce procedure.

Be reasonable - Being reasonable can help you get divorced so that you can get on with your life. 
Think about what may be important to the other spouse.  Sure you may hate him/her, but you still have to reach an agreement on separation of property, residence for the children, and visitation.  A big part of getting through the divorce procedure is being prepared for negotiations.  This way ahead of time you can have an idea of what you may give up and what your spouse may give up.  As mentioned under the priorities section, these are the things that really matter.  Don't treat this like a contest.  Generally, the people that win in a contest are the attorneys due to the high legal fees that can be incurred.  Realize that it may be a 50/50 split in the end.  Thus, being reasonable should help you contribute towards the other spouse's 50 while getting you the things that are most important.

In summary, a divorce lawyer works for an hourly wage in most circumstances.  Planning on your part can help keep these costs down and also speed up the divorce process.