History and Evolution of Clipboards

Clipboards have become a necessity for offices and schools world over. Apart from creating a very professional outlook they substitute as a cheap and effective marketing tool essential for the unexpected presentation or for simply holding important documents together. Even in the current era dominated by computers and automated equipment, this item of stationary continues to be produced and distributed in large numbers in most parts of the occupied business world.

History and Evolution of Clipboards

This simple yet extremely unique and useful piece of office equipment is used in diverse industries particularly due to its uniqueness and multipurpose usage. It was initially introduced and used as only a support for holding paper and writing on but as the office equipment evolved over time, more modern clipboards started to emerge. Another cover layer was then introduced in the more modern versions which made this piece of equipment capable of storing important papers and notes while also fulfilling its initial purpose.

Current Usage

While the old board and clip designs are also used in copious amounts especially by students, the more recent designs and styles are used by businessmen in many industries. Their attractive covers are available in various specifications and materials including leather and Racine are very presentable and portable at the same time.

For office staff and business personnel needing to transport and hold their important notes and pages in a vessel lighter and more manageable in contrast to a briefcase, the clipboard provides a reasonably cheap, convenient and equally presentable alternative. Also, for people who need to prepare and present a presentation or business plan in a small amount of time, the clipboard can be used to promote your brand and portrait important messages and pictures immediately. Furthermore, distributing equipment such as these with the company logo on them can boost the morale of the personnel as well as encourage their loyalty.

Designs and Specifications

Clipboards are readily available in markets and stationary shops and in diverse styles and designs. Clipboard manufacturers and providers offer the option of personalizing this item according to your needs. You can decide the number of clips your clipboard needs to hold, and also the type of clip such as the crocodile or jumbo clip. In addition, the edging can be stitched and cornered and you can further enhance the appearance of your board by selecting from a variety of printing options including screen printed, litho printed, embossed or encapsulated clipboard.

A clipboard may seem like a small insignificant item but its uses are numerous. Students use them to take their exams, businessmen use them to jot down their valuable ideas and the mailman uses them to get your signatures easily on the receipts. This invention has certainly made life of many quite easy.

Android Application Development: A Beginner's Guide

So, your mind is embedded with creativity to build a thirst quenching app for the users. Some great pictures coming in your mind where can you see unsurpassed downloads? Where are you stuck? Is it in learning to code a successful Android Application?

Learning is a never-ending process and if you have that hunger in you, no task is unreachable. Android Application Development can be a daunting task, especially if you are a beginner. Lots of in-depth knowledge is required to start on with the development process. Some of the terms which you may not even even familiarize with pops up but special thanks to Google, which makes our task way easier. Take a deep sigh of relief and fasten your seatbelt for a big and a bumpy coding ahead.

Step 1: Selection of Operating System

An Operating System is the most important software that runs on a computer. It is a medium of communication between the programmer and the computer itself. Proper selection of OS (Operating System) depends upon the scope of your project. There is three major OS ruling the Internet world- Linux, Windows, and Mac.

Linux is the preferred OS by most of the developers, but if you are new to it, go for Windows Operating System. Once the selection has been done, you can go on to the next step of installation of the Android Studio.

Step 2: Downloading and Installing Android Studio

Android Studio is the most used 'Integrated Development Environment' owned by Google. IDE is a platform where you can see the codes that you write and view the results there itself. After downloading the Android Studio, you can just finish off the installation process to see a screen where you can run your codes.

A common editor can also be used to run the codes, but why to ignore the specialty of this IDE? It is specifically designed to code and Android Application.

Step 3: Downloading the Java Development Kit (JDK)

After the Android Studio has been downloaded, the next important software is the JDK. The programming language which will be used to develop the Android app will be JAVA. Therefore, to use the Android Studio, JDK needs to be installed which can be downloaded here. Follow the instructions carefully to install. Once it has been done, your Android Studio is ready to be launched.

Another deciding factor is the UI in which you want to see the output of your code. There are two options open for you- Emulator or the Real Time Device.

An Android Emulator is an Android Virtual Device which will look exactly the same as your Android device and can be used to run and test your code. If you have opted to test your code on a Real-Time Device, the Driver supporting it needs to be installed again.

Step 4: Starting your First Project

You are all set to start your new Android Studio Project. Enter the name of the project you are all the way waiting for and after successful completion, you can upload it to the Google Play Store.

Naming your project should be smart enough because this will be the file which all the users will be seeing. While thinking about the application, you might have decided the platform on which it will run, meaning; Phone or Tablet.

Step 5: The Starting Page for the Final Project

Once the app you are making, opens, you can see a message saying- "Hello World". This is the smallest program which all the developers make while learning a new technology. From this, you can start coding your desired project in mind. It can be a Job Listing App or a Cab Booking app or maybe a Book Store even.

Finally Jumping into the Reality

Not all apps become successful and get great reviews. A bit of marketing along with User-friendly experience is something which needs to be focused the most. Also, JAVA is a language which requires a deep sense of knowledge. Practicing is the best possible way to come out with flying colors.

Business Planning and Business Plans - What's the Big Deal?

Whether you are a veteran business owner, have recently begon your own venture, or are still in the dreaming stages, you have invariably spent many hours thinking about and envisioning your organization. While it is always exciting to try to realize your dream in your mind and to project that image into your future, the realization that barriers, stumbling blocks, and necessary "to-do's" exist. These subjects range from broad to very specific, and can include questions such as:

• Who is my ideal client?
• What would be a good name for my organization?
• What is my unique selling proposition (USP)?
• How will I balance my work life with my personal life?
• How big do I want this business to be?
• Do I have the necessary resources? If not, where can I get them? If so, how do I most effectively utilize them?

The list goes for pages and pages; indeed, there are numerous resources that outline these very details, and putting some time into exploring these ideas is always a smart move. For some specific ideas, check out some of the free articles on offer by MEG Enterprises.

The reasoning behind developing a business plan for businesses of all sizes can vary, but business plans are most often created for two primary reasons: as a management & planning tool , and to acquire financing for operational business needs.

Management & Planning Tool

If you are like many other small business owners, you are not only the owner of the company, you are likely also actively involved in the day-to-day operations as the President / CEO, the marketing department, the IT department, the HR department ... the list goes on and on! One of the most important things to remember in trying to bring all of this together into a cohesive and efficient package is that planning is vital !

Many small businesses take a "fly by the seat of your pants" approach to operating their businesses. For example, let's say that an excellent business opportunity arose for you, an opportunity that would net your business $ 5,000 over the next 3 months. However, in order to take advantage of this opportunity, you need an initial cash outlay of $ 1,000. Do you have the resources necessary to take advantage of this opportunity? If your answer is no, you may have been able to easily accomplish this goal by planning for such expenses in advance through a business plan. Even if having cash at the ready is not a viable alternative for you, you may have planned to have a line of credit available for such opportunities, knowing that in your field these opportunities do arise from time to time.

In a more broad sense, business planning helps businesses of all sizes to deal with the day-to-day needs of the organization by forcing the owner to weed through the operations of a typical work day. Business planning will assist you in understanding how to effectively market your business, how to understand and plan for financial stability both now and in the future, how to carry out your daily operations with a necessary level of routine, and so forth. Moreover, while unpredictable issues will certainly always arise, effective business planning will not only help you navigate the predictable operations, but will also take these unpopular situations into account. This will help you to deal with these issues with a level of comfort and ease, knowing that you have thought through and planned for such events.

In essence, here is a great way to think of superior business planning. Imagine you are taking a road trip from California to New York. No planning ("flying by the seat of your pants") would involve you getting in the car and driving "East" on every freeway you come across. Adequate planning would involve mapping out your course, planning where to stay overnight, where to eat, sights to see, and so forth. This is a much better plan indeed. However, a superior plan would take all of these ideas to the next level by planning for "what if": what will I do if I get a flat tire, if I run out of gas, if someone gets sick, or if I lose my wallet? You can see how the superior plan is clearly the best in most situations in that it allows for flexibility, plans for the expected and the unexpected, and allows you to spend more time enjoying the trip, knowing that you have all of your bases covered.

HELP ... I Need Cash! (AKA Creating a Business Plan to Acquire Funding)

Another reason to create a business plan is to acquire funding. In today's struggling economy, having access to cash as a small business is vital. In developing plans for this reason, a much more specific approach is taken. Here, the plan is created with a specific reader in mind: the lender . Whether seeking funds from a bank, an angel investor, or so forth, knowing your audience is vital.

How do you create an effective business plan in this situation? Well, simply stated, place yourself in the shoes of the person lending the money. What would you as the lender want to read in a plan? First and foremost, these individuals want to see that you have demonstrated the ability to repay the loan with the required level of return on investment (ROI) and within the required time frame .

These areas require that you present a strong case for your proposed financial expectations, grounded firmly in the supporting information of your plan, including marketing, market analysis, business operations, and so forth. Having confidence in your business and in yourself will assist you in demonstrating the potential for your company and in being able to deliver what your investor is looking for. Doing your due diligence and knowing the facts surrounding your business and your market will prove to be of great benefit when selling your business case, both in writing and verbally, to the lender you are seeking funding from.

So, How Do I Create A Business Plan? What Does It All Come Down To?

Although the term "business plan" conjures many negative images in the eyes of some business owners, taking a step-by-step approach will prove that creating a business plan is much less daunting than one might imagine. Although no two plans are exactly the same (the necessary details of the plan can vary between companies), the contents of a typical business plan include the following topics:

• Executive Summary - Sell your business to your reader!
• Business Overview - Giving a general summary of the business.
• Market & Competitive Analysis - What environment are you competitive in?
• Marketing & Sales Strategy - How will you "win" in your market?
• Organization Plan - How is your organization structured?
• Financial Projections - Current status and future outlook.
• Funding Sought (if required)
• Key Milestones - What are your specific & achievable goals?
• Critical Risks - What keeps you awake at night?
• Appendix / Attachments

Does this look like a lot to you? Well, believe me, as you truly delve into the details of the plan and your business, you will be wondering why there is not more room for details!

The most important aspect of business planning (the "What does it all come down to?" Part), however, is spending the time to do your research ("due diligence") and critically thinking about these various aspects of your business. Of course, it is impossible to expect every detail simply by spending time thinking and writing; it is for this reason that plans are referred to and viewed as "dynamic". However, the more issues and scenarios you are able to come up with ahead of time, the more prepared you will be to handle these as they arise.

So, in the end, I encourage you to realign whatever preconceived notions you may have of the business planning process and view it not as a daunting task or a necessary evil of running a successful business. Instead, view it as yet another opportunity, the chance to help make your dreams into a reality by mapping out the needs of your business, your customers, your employees, your suppliers, your community ... and yourself!

Food Lighting Tips From Pro Lighting Studio Experts

When it comes to food lighting, it is actually a little challenging for most people to find the best lighting and position it in a way that will help make the food look more appetizing. According to a sound and lighting company, the wrong type of lights can in inconvenience among a restaurant's patrons. And even if the food served is delicious, under the wrong types of light, these can look unpalatable. Designer audio-video will mean nothing if your customers feel uncomfortable inside your establishment.

When it comes to designing for a restaurant, your customers should come first and foremost. Appropriate lighting chosen to fit the restaurant's architecture can bring together the disparate elements of your establishment. But what does it mean to have good lighting?

Good lighting entails the combination of natural light with electric lights. Unknown to many people, daylight is the best type of light because it is naturally comfortable. The role of electric lighting is to simulate natural light. Prospect restaurant owners should also be aware that the color of the lights that use can induce moods and emotions. And as such, careful thought should be put into selecting which color of lights to use. Colors can perform multiple functions, ranging from highlighting specific interior details to focusing attention towards a specific activity or moment.

Additionally, restaurant owners should be aware of is that lights should be chosen based on functionality. Although it is important to match the lights used with the interior design and architecture of the establishment, the primary purpose of lighting should be defining the space based on its intended purpose. Once the purpose of the space has been designed, the next step that should be determined is selecting the right type of fixture and shapes.

As what many experts say, it is a rule that restaurants should provide an adequate amount of light during breakfast. How much is enough? Ideally, your customers should be able to read the morning paper without any difficulty. During lunch, a moderate amount of lighting can work for a fast food restaurant. This matches the hectic pace of this meal time. For dinner, you should choose low intensity light which helps create an ambience of intimidation and leisure as this is what most people look for to be more comfortable.

These are some lighting tips from the pro lighting studio experts you should always remember when dealing with food lighting.

3D Game Development Tools

Gaming industry has come a long way over the years. From simple brick games about two decades ago, the world has moved to 3D game development. Around the world, game developers stretch their skills to entertain enthusiasts gamers with ever enthralling gaming experience. Being a $ 10 billion plus industry it is not fun for the game developers but serious business. Be it the personal computer, play stations, Xbox or your mobile phones, 3D games are slowly but steadily overtaking their two dynamic cousins.

This growth has been further fueled by the emergence of many offshore centers where expert game developers create, innovate and execute new 3D games every day. There are many small and big companies, which outsource their projects to these locations. The game developers use latest tools and platforms to develop games. The games are tested extensively by experts, before giving it into the market.

Popular 3D Game Tools

Autodesk 3ds Max - One of the favorite with developers this is a modeling, animation and rendering package. Renowned games like Unreal Tournament, Need for Speed, Call of Duty, Half-Life and The Lord of the Rings have been developed using this platform. Combining integrated features like Character Studio, Scene Explorer and Key Framing 3ds Max offer the best solution to game developers around the world. It comes with flexible plugin architecture and can be used on the Microsoft Windows platform.

UNITY - It is an integrated authoring tool, which is used to develop 3D projects primarily for the mobile platform and has some of the best iPhone and Android games to its credit. Games like Batman Streets of Gotham, Foreign Legion, Enercities, Robot Rampage and Star Wars: The Quest for R2-D2 was developed using this platform. It can produce games both for the Windows and Mac platform. Recently support for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 has added to this platform. It is also used to develop browser games.

Autodesk Maya - This was the original tool from Autodesk and is popular among certain sections of developers. Renowned games such as Madden NFL 2004, NASCAR Thunder, Halo 2, and Final Fantasy XI are developed using Maya. It works equally well on Linux, Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh platforms. Maya is equipped with its very own cross-platform scripting language, fittedly called Maya Embedded Language.

Blender Game Engine - Mostly used for developing mobile games, Blender game engine is an open-source comprehensive 3D production suite. Blender game engine is made robust with features such as Python scripting and OpenAL 3D sound. Some of the most well-known games developed on this platform include Yo Frankie !, Boro-Toro and DukDuk!

These platforms have pushed the threshold of game development, which has become one of the most competitive industries in the world. To develop your own 3D game, visit http://www.evontech.com/smartfox-flash-net-silverlight-game-development.html

International Business Etiquette Tips

When doing business internationally, you shouldn't concentrate on simply selling your products and services. To be successful, you need to cultivate relationships with the people that you are working with. To help you out, here are some of the areas you should pay attention to when interacting with people internationally:

Gender roles

You will be interacting with people from different sectors that have different beliefs. To avoid uncomfortable situations, take your time to understand the appropriate gender etiquette. In most cases, the gender roles are about personal boundaries and physical contact with men and women.

If doing business in the Arab countries, you should note that Arab women aren't allowed to shake hands with men. If you are a woman and traveling to these countries, be cautious of this as it can be uncomfortable when you hand out your hand and the men don't shake your hand.

Time

While time is crucial globally, different countries have different tolerance levels. In china and japan, punctuality is crucial, and if you are late for even a minute, the people you are having the meeting with will walk out. In India, your companions won't be overly offended if you are a little late, but you shouldn't push it.

If doing business in England, the business professionals will require you to show up on time or even slightly earlier. In France, punctuality is of little importance, and the professionals will consider you "on time" even if you are ten minutes late.

Dress code

This is crucial as it determines how people see you. Just like time, the business attire preference varies from one place to another. In china and japan, business attire is formal. You should wear a suit and tie to all professional meetings. In the US, the business environment is less formal; therefore, you can wear smart casual and be considered okay. In France, you need to be formal, well-tailored, and fashionable. It's France you are in.

Personal space

Personal space varies from one gender to another and also on how well you know each other. In china, the formal way of going about it is shaking hands. You shouldn't great someone with a kiss or hug. In France, men will sometimes greet women with a kiss, but many women will stick out their hands if they prefer a handshake. In England, personal touches such as kissing and hugging are reserved for close friends and family; therefore, allow a certain amount of personal space.

Business gifts

Handing out gifts varies from one culture to another. In most Asian countries, gifts are tolerated and highly encouraged. In fact, the business associates will expect you to bring a gift. When you are presenting the gift, always wrap it. Remember that the value of the gift is less important than the thoughts you put into it.

While gifts are encouraged in Asian countries, the culture is highly flowed upon in western countries. Most of these countries consider a gift as a bribe.

Conclusion

These are the international business etiquette tips you should consider when doing business internationally. Always go through them before visiting a country you aren't familiar with.

Settle Debt For Less - Free Advice To Help You Save Money When Getting Out Of Debt

Going for debt settlement is the best option for those who are burdened under high debts. In this, the settlement firms negotiate with your creditors and reduce your debts by 50-60%. This helps the debtor to get out of the debt faster. The settlement company negotiates on your behalf with the creditor for a set of agreement and the debtor pays less than what he owes.

But one needs to be cautious in selecting the right settlement company as well as the money to be spent on it. The debtor should be aware of the new FTC rules for the settlement firms. One needs to do proper research and he will not face any negative impact on his credit. Take your time and look for the best settlement firm. A good settlement firm is a member Association of Settlement Companies and offers a money back guarantee.

To save your money while getting out of debt, you need to take care that your interest rate is low and you are making the largest payment that you can afford. Consumer does not need to pay any upfront money to the settlement company for their services. The debtor needs to pay the money only after the negotiation is done completely.

The upfront fee should not exceed $ 50 and this amount the debtor needs to pay only after the settlement company has reduced at least one the debts you owe. The consumer should note that there is a written agreement and full money back guarantee is provided to him.

The total fees that you need to pay to the settlement firm should not exceed 15% of what you save under the settlement program. Basically the time of completion of your debt depends upon the amount of debt you owe but it should be taken care that the timeline should not exceed 2 years. In most of the cases, the completion period is less than that of a year. One needs to be sure that he pays off his monthly bills regularly. If you do not then you can be sued to collect the settlement amount. If a check is not done on this, the monthly fees will increase gradually and in all, the total fees will be outrageous.

There are some simple things that need to be taken care of when you are in debt. One should not use credit card at all. Cancel all of your registration that automatically charges your credit card. These few things will help you not to sink further in debt.