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Information and History of the Digital Clock

Have you ever been curious about how digital clocks work? Or would you just like to know more about digital clocks to help you make a future purchase? Let’s take a look into the world of digital clocks and learn a bit about them.

The first pocket style watch that was considered “digital” was introduced in 1883, it used what was called a jump-hour mechanism. This invention was created by Josef Pallweber which the jump-hour featured two windows in an enameled dial. Through the two windows, you can see the hours and minutes on rotating discs – the second hand had remained conventional in nature.

Next came Plato clocks, which had a similar idea to Josef Pallweber but used a different layout structure. Spring-wound pieces use a glass cylinder with a column inside, which was then attached to small digital cards with numbers printed on them  – flipping as time went on. The Plato clock was patented in 1903 and introduced in 1904 by Ansonia clock company.

D.E. Protzmann and his associates submitted the first patent for a digital alarm clock in 1956 and later patented another digital clock in 1970 which was supposed to involve a minimal amount of moving parts.

The first digital watch that included an LED display called the Pulsar, was mass-produced in 1970 by the Hamilton Watch Company. Over the many years since, many various types of digital watches, clocks, alarm clocks have been developed.

Digital clocks typically run off of an electrical power supply such as a 100-240 volt AC power cord to the wall. However, most digital clocks have battery backup in case of a power outage.  An electronic time base that ticks away at an accurate rate, and digital clocks generally handle gearing with a component called a counter. The display on a digital clock either consists of LEDs or LCD lights.

Unlike analog clocks which are based on 12 hours, digital clocks have two options. You can either use a 12-hour clock, often with an AM for morning and PM for afternoon and evening or; a 24 hour clock. Even though the clocks are useful, some digital clocks have to be changed manually when the time changes. Some of the newer model digital clocks are now able to have their time synchronized automatically by a radio signal or the internet.

Digital clocks are generally smaller and can be easier to use and read than analog clocks. Digital clocks can also be made much larger. Because of the inexpensive design and size flexibility, digital clocks are often used in cars, microwave ovens, radios, and computers.

Digital clocks help to make our lives a little bit easier – sometimes without us realizing it.  The digital clock helps in our everyday lives.

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The Ultimate E-Cigarettes Buying Guide for 2016

E-cigarettes are a popular tool for smokers wanting to quit and have helped many to leave cigarettes behind. Unfortunately, the vast number of e-cigarettes on the market can make choosing one a confusing and time-consuming task. It is therefore important to educate yourself on the different types of vaping devices. When choosing an e-cigarette, three things should be considered when making your decision: your budget, the amount of experience you have with vaping products and the size of the device.

The Different Types of Vaping devices

Basic E-Cigarettes
The most widely known e-cigarettes are those sold in convenience stores and that are designed to look and feel like tobacco cigarettes. These compact devices (sometimes called “cigalikes”) rely on smaller batteries. They are often disposable and serve as an introduction to the world of vaping for many people. These devices tend to be relatively inexpensive but come with a couple of major downsides. One of those is due to their smaller batteries. Smaller batteries have reduced capacity. Lower capacity means that the battery will have a shorter life, which can be frustrating for heavy users. Disposable devices also cannot be refilled and in some cases, cannot be recharged.

Advanced Vaping Devices
Users who are dissatisfied with the smaller cigalikes often upgrade to advanced devices and those can be grouped into two categories: regulated and unregulated. Both of these categories are recommended only for experienced vapers. Advanced vaping devices typically come with larger batteries in the form of one or more 18650 cells, or lipo packs.

• Unregulated
These devices have been popular for a long time and exist in two form factors: tube devices that typically use one battery and box devices (“box mods”) that allow multiple batteries to be used in a parallel or serial configuration. They are cost effective and allow the user to take advantage of the power that larger batteries can provide. More power means thicker, more flavorful vapor and a stronger nicotine hit. Multiple batteries in parallel can provide longer vaping time without the need to recharge. The downsides of unregulated mods include the fact that they have no safety features in the event of short circuits or overheating and that the user has no control over the power provided by the batteries.

• Regulated
Regulated devices provide users with a range of safety features including short circuit and overheating protection. They also allow users to increase or decrease wattage and thus alter the flavor and density of the vapor. Recently, temperature controlled devices have become popular with many regulated devices allowing users to set their preferred temperature. Regulated devices are typically more expensive than unregulated devices.

Atomizers
The atomizer is the part of the e-cigarette that actually produces the vapor. There is a wide variety when it comes to these as well. They range from the cartridges typically seen on cigalikes to tank systems and dripping atomizers used on advanced devices. Factors that should be considered when choosing an atomizer include the resistance of the heating coil and the e-liquid capacity. Atomizer resistances range from below 1 ohm (recommended for experienced users only) to 1.5 ohms or above. Coil selection is especially important when using unregulated devices as a low-resistance coil could place too great a load on the battery potentially causing it to fail. In some cases, battery failure can result in harm to the user.

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How to Streamline the Inventory Control Process

Streamlining inventory control and management is an ongoing battle the logistician and supply chain managers face every day. Below introduces three key ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your inventory control process.

Know Your ABCs
One of the most popular tools of inventory control and management is referred to as the ABC method, which is an inventory classification technique that divides and organizes products according to sales and importance. To illustrate, category A products are the highest selling items with the highest profit margin. They typically make up only 20 percent of the total inventory volume, but they contribute 80 percent to the total sales. This is commonly referred to as the 80-20 Rule or Pareto principle. Category A products must have the strictest access restrictions and handling guidelines because of their value. Category B products are less valuable products, but still enjoy consistent customer demand. Category C products contribute the least to sales, but they must be kept for the sole purpose of customer requirements.

Try Vendor-Managed Inventory
Vendor-managed inventory (VMI) is almost entirely managed by the vendor or supplier. This means that the vendor determines when and how much to replenish. Vendor-managed inventory is quite old and very common, but mostly popular in certain industries. For example, food service organizations, such as restaurants, and supermarkets, such as national grocery chains, use vendor-managed inventory. In restaurants, there are food suppliers of bread, vegetables and other ingredients that independently manage and stock inventory levels. Major supermarkets often have third-party vendors who supply brand name food products. A small vendor-managed inventory supplier may drive their own vehicle with products in the back and act as a salesperson and inventory supplier. However, large vendor-managed inventory suppliers will have regional sales representatives and multiple logistical and inventory personnel who are assigned to specific clients.

Just-In-Time Inventory Control
This highly efficient inventory control method is considered to be risky, but also highly effective. Just-in-time techniques are excellent ways to reduce overall on-site inventory volumes and thus reduce overhead costs. Just-in-time methodology works by carefully scheduling and synchronizing product manufacturing, transportation and shipment to final destinations. This means that products are manufactured, immediately shipped to a warehouse or distribution center where they are immediately shipped to their final destination. This is an extremely effective way of turning crowded warehouses into lean logistical hubs. However, any delays or miscommunications  may cause serious inventory or customer problems down the road. For instance, if a dozen containers of incoming goods are delivered ahead of schedule, the warehouse may not have any available space or personnel to handle the situation. Still, just-in-time is a proven way of helping organizations reduce inventory holding costs by keeping stock levels low and eliminating dreadful situations where stock gathers dust on shelves for months.

In the end, any organization can improve their inventory control processes and procedures through quality improvement techniques and policies. This includes using ABC inventory categorizations, Vendor-Managed Inventory and Just-In-Time Inventory Control systems.

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How to Pair the Perfect Wine With Your Event

There is a very special occasion on the horizon, and you want to celebrate it with the perfect choice in select wines. Wine pairing has never come easy to you, but you are willing to learn all of the ins and outs of this industry. Some factors you may want to consider when making these decisions include the:

Type of Event
The type of wines you select may depend on the type of function that is being held. If it is an anniversary or retirement, an assortment of reds, whites, and champagne may be in order. A barbecue or picnic may require a light chardonnay and a pinot noir. A Mexican buffet would definitely call for a special sangria. A cocktail party would not be complete without bubbling prosecco passed in elegant flutes.

Menu
The menu would also be a determining factor of which wines to serve. If it is a sit-down dinner, a light sauvignon blanc with the appetizer and salad would be a perfect start. The guests could then be offered a chardonnay or cabernet paired with their main entree’. Dessert wines or champagne would help finish off the incredible meal on a high note. An assortment of ports and cigars could be offered later in the evening.

Number of Guests
The number of guests attending may be a deciding factor also, especially if you are working with a budget. Watch for wine specials so you can get the very best deal for the money you have. Speak with a local wine representative, and inquire as to the best wines to purchase at the very best price.

Type of Guests
Determine the tastes and preferences of the majority of your guests. Some may be more sophisticated drinkers than others. It may be that you need to offer both cocktails and a wine bar. Or some of your guests may prefer a combination of beer and wine. Take a step back, and analyze what would work best with the crowd you have attending the event, and make your choices from there.

Time of Year
If this is a summer function, light pinot grigios and sauvignon blancs will be the perfect choices. In the fall and winter, the heavier merlots and cabs seem to take the lead in party favorites.

Wine pairing does not have to be intimidating or challenging. Stay abreast of all the changes in the wine world by attending wine tastings, wine dinners, and reading current wine magazines and books. Ask questions about the vintages you are being served while at parties or in restaurants. It is amazing how much you can learn about this subject in just a short time. Realize though, wine trends change rapidly, and you need to stay abreast of all the newest and latest in vintages if you are to be ready to plan events and parties in the future.

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How to File For A Legal Separation With Children Involved

Marriage is the joyful bond that a couple takes to openly show their affection to each other but after a long or short period of time, the happiness and laughter might be replaced with quarrels, fights and misunderstandings leading to an unhealthy relationship. If push came to shove, Legal separation or divorce is usually the last option to solve the problem. Legal separation is different from divorce since in divorce the couples can go on and remarry while in legal separation one is not allowed re-marry. A divorce is necessary after a legal separation when one of the parties decide to re-marry.

The couple must have stayed in a city for at least six months for the cities court to have a jurisdiction of deciding child support and custody (the specific period varies from city to city). Issues that have to be decided for a legal separation include; child custody, child support, parenting, visitation time, asset division, spouse support (alimony), personal and real property division and debt division.
Complaint request has to be applied to the domestic relations department, contacting your personal attorney or to the cities court. Documents concerning this request are available at the department for guidelines. The other couple has a specific limited amount of time to respond to the separation claim when necessary. The client is required to state clearly the reasons for requesting a legal separation, or if there is a misunderstanding between the couple, the court is allowed to investigate their situation and came up with conclusions.

The two parties should come up with mutual agreement on the custody and the well-being of the children or leave it to the court to decide. The two couples can each state their request on how they want their children to grow up each giving their respective reasons; this will help in deciding on the outcome. Having an attorney is important in drafting a good separation claim involving children; this is to avoid loopholes where the client may lose the child’s custody.
. The counter petition is a usual occurrence when the court outcome is not favourable to one party; a judge is contacted to try and solve this situation.

When all the issues have been agreed upon, the spouse signs an agreement in front of their witnesses, the court clerk files the agreement in their records for the judge’s approval. The spouse is each given a copy of the document where they will be sure to keep it safe. If one of the principles breaks the agreement, a judge can be consulted for punishment or for revision of the agreement. Joint custody is the usually preferred option where the children stay with the primary parent for more than fifty percent of their time with the regular visitation of the other parent. The two parents can consult on the issues regarding the upbringing of the child, like; type of education, religious background, career objectives, recreational, social and health issues.

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How to Engage Middle Management Employees

With center chiefs battered by the fast rate of nonstop change and the hierarchical strains, this brings, associations confront an engagement challenge. Further, Children of post-war America will probably increment throughout the following couple of years. This will put a further strain on associations as they lose institutional learning and gifted chiefs.

These five techniques originate from an overall review of center chiefs by Advancement Measurements Global (DDI). They are as per the following:

Begin Considering the End

Senior pioneers ought to begin by plainly distinguishing the key business drivers for the achievement of the organization. Once the pioneers have distinguished these principle components and assets vital for business achievement, HR can then utilize this data to recognize the skills that center supervisors should have.

From that point, senior pioneers and HR adjust the association’s ability administration procedures with the business drivers. Once the company’s enlistment, determination, improvement and advancement rehearses for center directors adjust to business goals, the center supervisors will then have a reasonable feeling of their part and the general heading of the organization.

Give a Center Administration Ability Profile

Center administration positions can vary generally starting with one association then onto the next. This obliges associations to give an unmistakable profile of the ability qualities for high-performing center supervisors. Adjusted to the business drivers, this profile obviously indicates what a center director must know, what encounters they ought to have, what they can do, and what individual traits they should have to be a high performing center administrator.

Build up the Right Aptitudes in the Right Way

Center supervisors have remarkable formative needs. Further, in view of the propensity of associations to ignore this level of administration, some center directors have crevices in their administration and authority aptitudes. Standard hierarchical improvement programs that (1) concentrate vigorously on section administrators, (2) grow just the center directors being prepared for progression, and that (3) concentrate intensely on senior chiefs leave the formative needs of other center supervisors unaddressed.

Hierarchical improvement programs for center supervisors should be as changed as the gathering of center directors themselves. A compelling practice is to build up these projects from evaluation comes about that recognize basic execution and ability holes.

Support the Move of Center Chiefs to their New Part

Associations regularly erroneously expect that a chief’s past accomplishment as a cutting edge director will liken to achievement in their part as a center administrator. The move from cutting edge chief to the center director is very troublesome as a center administration is an unadulterated administration role–a administrator overseeing different supervisors.

Being in the center is intense! Center directors every now and again battle with an assignment. They likewise require compelling correspondence and interpersonal aptitudes as they need to make organizations together to influence operational difficulties past their prompt extent of control. At long last, center chiefs need arrangement and passionate knowledge abilities to impact senior administration when required.

Thus, center supervisors require a formal onboarding system to encourage their prosperity to their diverse authority part. Compelling practices incorporate (1) adding to a 100-day arrangement for new center chiefs and (2) giving differential advancement and execution administration objectives for other center directors as required.

Effectively Connect with and Move Center Directors to Address Business Issues

There is no simple answer for connecting with center administrators. To be compelling, center supervisors need to comprehend the accompanying how their part unites with the association and bolsters the business vision.

Their motivational needs will shift. Distinctive chiefs will esteem some blend of the accompanying:

• Autonomy in meeting hierarchical goals

• Opportunities to grow new aptitudes

• Recognition for their accomplishments

• Participation in high performing groups

• Selection to lead hierarchical activities

As senior pioneers address these issues, center administration engagement will increment.

While beyond any doubt associations will confront some huge difficulties connecting with center chiefs, it is not an inconceivable undertaking. Associations can spur this basic gathering of supervisors to meet work environment challenges.

Associations ought to begin their engagement process for center chiefs by (1) characterizing what is essential for business achievement and after that (2) adjusting the association’s ability technique to meet those business goals. When arrangement happens, associations can unmistakably distinguish the profile of a high performing center supervisor, make the privilege formative and bolster chances to encourage their prosperity, and draw in center directors with viable motivational meetings.

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How to Create a Successful Workout Plan: Tips and Tricks

Although there are numerous things an individual can do to look good and feel great, working out consistently is one of the best ways to realize the objective. However, many people fail to engage in regular exercise because they don’t know how to put a workout plan together. Nevertheless, accessing and implementing workout plan design strategies can help you get on the road to attaining the amazing level of fitness and health you desire. Utilize the three simple strategies found below to create a high quality workout plan:

1. Set Some Goals.

If you want your workout plan to be successful, you must first define success. To do so, you need to determine what you’re trying to get out of your workout. If your ultimate objective is weight loss, you should be tailoring the workout plan to help you accomplish your objective. Moreover, you should establish clear goals that will keep you on track to losing every pound you plan to. Once you have reached your weight loss goal, you can then say that your workout plan was successful.

When you start your goal-making process, be sure that each of your goals is SMART. This acronym stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Reasonable, and Time-Specific. An example of a great SMART goal would be: I will complete one hour of cardiovascular work on the elliptical machine on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to lose one pound per week.

Although this process may seem time-consuming or dull, it’s definitely worth it. As noted in “Why You Should Be Writing Down Your Goals,” studies have shown that individuals who write their goals down accomplish more than individuals who don’t.

2. Make Your Program Multi-Faceted.

If you’re serious about attaining real success with your workout plan, you need to make it multi-faceted. Specifically, it needs to incorporate at least three components: cardiovascular activity, stretching, and weight-lifting. When completed in conjunction, these three distinct types of physical activity will help you attain maximum results. This is the case because each form of activity is effective in yielding distinct results which collectively contribute to optimal health. For example, cardiovascular activity improves your heart function as well as the regulatory activity of your respiratory system. Stretching promotes a better range of motion and enhanced muscular coordination. Weight lifting improves metabolism, enhances bone density, and promotes fat-free body mass.

3. Only Do Exercises That You Enjoy.

As you design your workout plan, make sure that it incorporates exercises that you really enjoy doing. As indicated in “10 Habits Of People Who Love To Work Out,” people who love exercising don’t waste their time on activities they hate. If you integrate activities that you don’t like into your workout plan, you’ll likely start coming up with excuses to skip that component of the routine.

Get Started Now!

If you’re serious about getting fit this year, know that putting together a top notch workout plan is your key to success. To ensure that your workout plan helps you attain the health and fitness results you deserve and desire, start implementing the success strategies outlined above. Good luck!

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Five Tips to Consider When Seeking A Car Loan

It’s not just about the cost of the vehicle when you’re buying a car. That’s a big part of it, of course, but just as important is getting a good deal on your car loan.

The important thing to remember is to do your homework. Combining your own research with these following tips can help you negotiate the most favorable loan.

1. Shop Your Loan Separately

Begin the loan application process even before you choose the exact car and begin negotiating the best price. This means shopping loans with credit unions, banks and online lenders. In many cases, online banks have had the best loan rates, while smaller banks can also be very competitive. Meanwhile, credit unions tend to come in even lower than many banks.

2. Check Your Credit Reports

Make sure to get a credit report from the three major credit reporting agencies – Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Because you don’t know which report the lender will use, you’ll want to give yourself time to clean up any mistakes on all three reports. It also doesn’t hurt to check your credit scores – through sites such as CreditKarma, to give yourself an idea where you stand. The good news is, with an auto loan you usually have a little more leeway with your credit score.

3. Choose a Shorter Loan

As the price of cars has gone up, car loans have gotten longer – with financing for as long as eight or nine years. The longer the loan, the lower the monthly payment, but it will also drive up your total cost in the long run. Why? Because the longer loans tend to have higher interest rates. Experts say to limit your loan to two years if possible, because that’s the optimal time to pay off a loan. Your monthly payments will be more, but you’ll get out of debt faster.

4. Rejection Isn’t a Bad Thing

Don’t despair if you’re rejected for a car loan. That rejection means that the lender didn’t think you could pay back your car loan – which in the long run may save you from getting into more debt that you can handle. This allows you to reassess your budget and determine what you can truly afford over the life of the loan, not just monthly. You may decide to buy a less expensive car, or save money for a larger down payment.

5. Limit Your Loan Shopping

While it pays to be thorough and shop around, it may be in your best interest to limit your shopping for a shorter period, like two weeks. Remember, every time you apply for a loan, whether it’s accepted or rejected, your credit score goes down. Why two weeks? Because if you submit all of your applications in a two-week period, they count as only one inquiry.

 

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Five Inspiring Ways a T-Shirt Can Help Your Charity

1. Design Contest

Begin spreading the word about your charity by launching a
logo or t-shirt design contest. Your message will be out into the public before the first t-shirt is even printed.

Many local papers have a place where charities can put in an ad at no charge. Call art schools, high schools and art centers. Offer publicity to the artist who wins the t-shirt logo contest. Offer a prize of dinner for two at a good restaurant. Find a restaurant owner who also wants some publicity. He donates the prize dinners and you do the press releases.

2. Use the New T-Shirts to Spread the Message About Your Cause

When people wear your t-shirts out into the community, there will be a heighted awareness of your mission. The logo should be simple, attractive and easily recognizable over time. If there are words with your logo, strive to make them a memorable slogan. If it’s catchy or funny, owning one of your t-shirts will be very popular.

3. T-Shirts are Wonderful Fundraising Items

T-shirts have long been a fundraising staple. Determine if your t-shirts will be in one background color with a contrasting logo color or in a wide variety of colors. Sometimes the mission itself will help make that determination. If your charity caters to women, then pinks, yellow and pastels will be your best sellers. If your charity also helps men, then blacks, browns, maroon and navy are the popular colors with them. Be sure that the logo will appeal to the widest number of people who will buy your t-shirts to support your cause.

Online companies, such as the
Pay It Forward Foundation, are experts in making t-shirts that promote worthy causes. They offer regular neck t-shirts for men and v-neck t-shirts for women.

4. Use Your T-Shirts as Gifts and Prizes

People love to get free stuff. T-shirts are often given as gifts or prizes. Increase the buzz about your charity when people who have donated time or money to your charity are seen wearing your logo. This is an inexpensive way for you charity’s brand and cause to go viral.

5. Use T-Shirts to Promote Your Brand

Encourage staff and organization members to wear their t-shirts whenever participating in the charity’s function. It gives the public a sense of solidarity and support for your cause. Also encourage them to sell the shirts to raise much-needed money for the cause.

T-shirts also helps to brand your charity. The more often people see your t-shirt and logo, the more they will come to recognize your organization. Credibility will build as people become accustomed to seeing your logoed t-shirts in various places.

Consider the New York Times t-shirts. This company has an apparel line or t-shirts, ball caps and sweatshirts. Your charity may decide to do the same thing.

Take a picture of a famous person wearing your t-shirt, put the picture on facebook and let the world tap into your cause.

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Family-Centered vs. Regular Home Plans: How They Differ

When building a home, the layout is the most crucial piece of the puzzle. Builders and planners must take into account the natural resources like light, the plot the home is located on, and how to protect it from the elements, but they must also take into consideration what the family needs. One trend gaining in popularity with homeowners and developers is to scrap traditional home layouts with formal single purpose rooms, and to create a family centered home plan. This takes into account the specific needs of a family to make a home that is uniquely tailored to their needs and values while giving them room to grow.

One hallmark of a family centered home plan is versatility and accommodation of multi-generational living. With more families recognizing the economic and social value of living with extended family, the need for more open and larger space becomes essential. Planners must take into account the ages and accessibility needs of the home dwellers to design spaces that all can enjoy.

Traditional or regular home plans built in a different era do not always allow for handicap accessibility or open spaces to accommodate large groups. They often utilize a tighter layout and reserve precious square footage for single use formal rooms like parlors, living rooms or dining rooms which do not often see day to day usage. Traditional or regular home layouts are worth still considering, especially when preserving historical properties, if the homeowners are living in a traditional nuclear family, or if they want delineated spaces. Regular plans have a definite traditional aesthetic appeal and offer more options for variety in decorating possibilities as well as soundproofing options.

Family centered rooms are multi-purpose open spaces designed for all occasions and are designed in open-floor plan style to make use of the space to allow for big groups like birthday parties, as well as intimate breakfasts and family game nights.
Family centered design first began in the mid twentieth century, social changes were afoot and gender and family roles were being radically redefined, which impacted how the home was designed.  The history on mid century home building revolution and how it got started in one state .

Twenty first century family-centered design focuses on practicality and durability of the materials used, with a minimalist twist. For an idea of how homeowners develop their design choices while incorporating multi generational living quarters, that showcases the aesthetic. The article quotes the homeowners and explores their building material and design choices in detail.

Many families are now drifting away from living alone and into living in blended family situations, homes so having a space planned to accommodate everyone living there- from babies and young children to seniors and pets – is vastly important when designing layout.