The Gift of Balance

Aristotle is my favorite. He just is. I started buying what I believed to be classic books in my early twenties, during that period of self-renaissance when you realize school is gone and you're more or less in charge of what you know from then on. Just stacks and stacks of books, and what I hoped would make me a better person. That's as honest as I can be.

On one of those betterment journeys to Barnes and Noble I came home with a green book with gold letters: Aristotle XVII Metaphysics. It's beautiful still. It's a million years old. So it kind of has to be. Right? Lest it be lost along the way. It's hard not to trust something that has lasted more than one hundred generations of human existence. Ninety-nine? I do not know. But a hundred? That's gotta be something.

Anywhere.

It was while reading that book that I fell in love with Aristotle and his ideas and started looking for more and more things to know about him; like you do when something sparks your interest. And it was then that I learned of what they, the ancient Greeks, started calling The Golden Mean. Or The Golden Middle Way.

Essentially, it's this. You can not just be one thing. You can not be extremely one sided or polarized and maintain a healthy soul. Or be a healthy society even. If you're all beauty, and have no truth, you rot. If you have all truth, and no appreciation for beauty, you rot. Train only for war, and not peace? Rot. Only peace? Rot. Math, but not art? Art, but not math?

You get the idea.

The idea is that balance and equilibrium must be found and maintained in order for any system to work and live. Especially complex systems. And humans are the most complex of all. You. Your insides. And to keep yourself healthy you have to balance the things in your life that take up the most of your time. You love basketball? When you get home from the gym you should read a book. You love books? When you get home from the library you should go for a run.

And then, maybe, to help the ones around you find their balance, too, and their own equilibrium? That might be the most noble pursuit there is.

If you have someone in your life that you know works day after day in an office, staring with tired eyes at spreadsheet after spreadsheet, mapping out their work life in numbers and ratios and calculation after calculation, why not help them find their balance?

What is SEO - An Overview

Whenever you do some research on a search engine, it automatically gives you thousands of sites you can go to. And have you ever wondered how the search engines decide which one goes first on the results that they brave you? And that how come that this certain site ranks higher than others? This is because of the very powerful technique called SEO. So, what is SEO?

SEO or Search Engine Optimization is a way or technique that helps search engines (like Google) find and rank a certain website higher than the millions of websites you can find on the internet. It's basically optimizing your websites / blogs so when someone did a little research for a certain keyword in a search engine, your site will populate at the top of the list. And SEO also means getting high traffic or more people viewing your site.

What is SEO again and how does it work? SEO is also a practice of improving both internal and external aspects of your website to ensure its visibility in every search engine. It is accomplished by optimizing some section in the "HTML" coding of each page. But there are several ways or methods on how a website should be optimized, and it will depend much on the type of site, content, purpose and competition. On the other hand, general search optimization relates heavily on the proper use of keywords that describe the content of a website. Keywords must first appear in the title section of your page. They should also appear in the section where page is accurately described by repeating the keywords. You should also remember that each page title must use one or more unique keywords to ensure maximum search engine optimization. The use of keywords is very essential to SEO because it is the one that drives traffic to your website.

The most important keywords should be used substantively in the first two paragraphs of the content of the page and should be sprinkled through the body. Other tricks in helping search engine optimization to work are naming image files and anchors with keywords. Anchors are references to other pages within the site or in other words, cross-links

SEO is really a powerful tool in getting high traffic for your website among any other sites available on the internet. It also gives you more exposure for your business and more opportunities of selling your products or services. SEO is really a necessity for you to succeed in internet business. There are several tutorials online that will help you in optimizing your own sites. You just have to carefully search for the ones that will give you more knowledge about SEO. This is what is SEO all about.

Computer Hacking Methods and Protection

Protecting your computer against hacking is different from protecting it against viruses that you accidently or unknowingly invite into your computer that then cause damage in one form or another. Anti-hack is about protecting your computer against external entities that are deliberately trying to get into your computer to cause damage and to steal from you - or cause damage. Viruses are impersonal and hacking is personal.

Anti-Hack software is now out there for sale in addition to anti-virus software. These products protect you in ways that anti-virus software does not. Following are some examples.

DoS (Denial of Service) Attacks:

DoS attacks occurs when too much traffic is directed to your company website at once. The web server essentially 'chokes' on the amount of traffic trying to squeeze into it's network hardware. Attack scripts are easily downloadable and you do not need to be an experienced engineer to launch an attack. Upset customers seeking some sort of revenge or disruption, competitors interfering your site, or these days, as in the recent major hospital attacks, the trend is to hold your web site hosting until some ransom is paid or some demand met. "Ransomeware" is a reliably new term, but it is gaining a lot of visibility in recent times.

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) Attacks:

Akamai's Prolexic Security Engineering and Response Team (PLXsert) recently issued a threat advisory warning of DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks abusing the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) interface. PLXsert SNMP DDoS attack campaigns target various industries including consumer products, gaming, hosting, nonprofits, and software-as-a-service, mainly in the US (49.9%) and China (18.49%). The attackers used an online tool posted by the hacker group 'Team Poison'. This latest wave of attacks targets devices running SNMP which by default is open to the public Internet without that feature is usually disabled. Anti-hack software is now being created that help prevent SNMP attacks such as this by preventing the attacker from forcing network switching to secondary gateways.

SYN / AWK Attacks:

This is a little complex but basically, a SYN flood attack is similar to a Denial of Service attack in that there is request made to the web server that ties up its resources and makes it unavailable to other connections. When a computer or web browser tries to connect to a web site, what's called a 3-way handshake is used to establish the connection between the two computers. In a SYN / AWK Flood attack, the computer offers its hand (1-way), the server reaches out to meet it (2-way) but the offered hand is quickly withdrawn. The server waits for the hand to come back until it 'times-out' and then the cycle repeats millions of times. The 3-way handshake is never established and all other connections are denied while this is happening.

USB Auto-Run Attacks:

By default, Windows runs any executable, program, or script on a USB drive the second it is inserted into any computer or laptop. This means that anyone * with unauthorized code, like a virus or a key-logger or backdoor program - all of which are easily downloadable - can walk past any computer in your building, insert the USB drive for just a second or two, and take control of your entire business without you knowing about it. Anti-virus software knows this and will try to block known vulnerabilities, but what about the unknown ones that were created this morning?

* I want to get them thinking locally here too. Friends could do it, your wife could do it, your kids could do it, the babysitter, your priest, etc ...

Remote Connections:

Here's a test; right-click on My Computer and select the Remote tab, or, in Windows 8, right-click This Computer and click the 'Remote Settings' link on the left side of the System panel that opened. Is 'Allow Remote Assistance connections to this computer' checked? Click the Advanced button and you will see how far this goes and how easy it is for your computer to allow others to connect to it. You can actually allow others to take complete control of your system.

This was designed for a helpdesk in a major corporation to connect quickly and easily without a lot of authentication fuss. The average home, school, and SOHO system is obviously not on a corporate helpdesk so closing these interoperability 'features' will help protect your system against external intrusion. If you ever need them back on, you can explicitly turn them back on. But we do not believe they should be on by default. Neither does the NIST, the USAF, The DoHS, or even the NSA. Check for the current settings on your computer - then update if necessary - I'll bet you find this this setting is on, allowing remote control to externals.

Microsoft Program Inventory:

In Windows 7, Microsoft quietly introduced a feature they call 'Program Inventory'. A direct quote from Microsoft states: "The PDU catalogs programs and files on the system and sends information about those files to Microsoft". Not only are you constantly sending information about every installed program on your machine, but also information about every single file that a program can open. Read that quote again: Microsoft 'catalogs all of the programs and files on your system' and they admit it somewhere buried in the guts of the operating system.

But they did not tell you before they implemented it. You would be shocked at what they are doing with Windows 8 and especially the new and free upgrade to Windows 10. How on Earth could have a sustainable business model giving away your main product except there was some massive reward for doing so. Your information is most likely that reward. Find this window in your system settings to turn off the feature if you wish to protect the privacy of your information.

Conclusion

While no system can be completely 100% secure in today's rapidly changing computer threat landscape, there is absolutely no reason to give intruders a helping hand. Easy-connection and interoperability features and settings need to be switched off by the dozens. The goal is to make it more difficult for intruders, much more difficult, rather than to continue to have operating systems with hundreds of open doors, windows, and step-ladders into private areas just waiting to be exploited.

Windows 10 is particularly vulnerable and there are many settings you should be considering turning off to protect yourself further so be sure to learn more about this - there are many video guides for doing this available on YouTube today.

In summary, there is a definite reason why hacking is on the rise globally. People have realized just how easy it is now to gain control of your computer - and they are doing it.

Maxim Magazine - Number One Selling Men's Lifestyle Magazine

History of Maxim

Maxim magazine started its circulation barely two decades ago in 1995. An international monthly men's magazine, MAXIM has its origins in the United Kingdom. Today considered the first and last word in men's magazines, MAXIM is exalted in its ranks due to the distinct, bare-all approach it takes while showcasing the largest names in fashion, cinemas, music, sports and more. The MAXIM editions are available in the following countries: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, France, Germany, , Spain, Thailand, Ukraine, and Portugal.

Felix Dennis was the brain behind the MAXIM in 1995; as he went on to introduce the publication to audiences in the US. By1997, the popularity of the magazine was soaring, as Dennis cleverly inserted appealing tags such as: sex, sports, beer, gadgets, clothes and fitness.

MAXIM magazine was then sold to Quadrangle Capital Partners LP in 2007 and is currently in the hands of a publishing giant called Alpha Media Group Inc., controlled by creditor Cerberus Capital Management LP.

The MAXIM Purpose

MAXIM has poised itself as the home of everything sexy, amusing, racy and fantabulous. It really is all you'll ever need including super-sexy cover shots of world-famous gorgeous models or celebrities together with their behind-the-scene videos. You'll never turn down the hottest ladies on the planet!

MAXIM is the bridge between cutting edge and adventurous; racy and rollicking; smoldering and stupendous. It also lets you in on the other things you need to be aware of including news matters, sports, TV, movies, music, video games, food, alcohol, crazy stunts, celebrities, gadgets, gear, sex, cars and so much more. You can always count on MAXIM for that teasing amount of danger and stupidity. From the finest drinks on the planet to the buzz in the entertainment industry MAXIM has it all mapped out.

Fun is serious business at MAXIM

They take their fun seriously at MAXIM, with the homepage bearing testimony to the craziness that makes the publication.

MAXIM boasts of an amazing archive of all the best celebrity interviews with Hollywood A-listers, sporting superstars, legendary comedians, sexy starlets, and the strange yet wonderful people that give you advice on everything useful and surprisingly weird. A subscription to MAXIM gives you access to what most men want - humor, wit, sports, entertainment, gadgets, rides, and beautiful women.

Impact of MAXIM

The rising popularity of MAXIM saw several similar themed titles springing up. Many men's publications in the US attempted to create their editorials to keep up with the growing trend.

MAXIM on digital

In 2005, MAXIM was launched across cellular carriers in twenty European and Asian countries. This was the start of the digital publishing era; MAXIM realized that, in UK, there was a future for the brand in the digital market. So, as the print magazine was losing its sheen, publishers launched the digitized version and earned a huge consumer base; extending this to every part of the world.

The shift in trend from print to digital is evident in the current market scenario. Many of the publishers are making the transition cautiously enabling them to benefit from increased revenue streams. A digital magazines offers storage of thousands of magazines in the cloud; instant access and easy reading on your mobile devices whenever and where you want.

You can gain access to your digital magazines on practically any mobile device of your choice: iPad, iPhone, Android, Windows 8 devices, other tablets, or on the web. Switch to the digital version of your favorite Maxim magazine and be an active part of the green revolution! H

Stay Connected Through The Help Of Government Phones

Staying connected is a critical necessity these days. It helps people work, connect, and reach out to colleagues, friends, and family. Good news is, Americans can have access to free government phones.

Are the phones for everyone?

No. The devices are reserved for American citizens who fit a certain eligibility criteria.

What makes you eligible?

The criteria vary from state to state. Typically, you should be participating in one of the following government programs:

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Medicaid
• Food Stamps or Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Supplementary Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Housing or Section 8 Assistance
• National School Lunch Program
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

In addition, you can also be eligible if your total household income meets certain federal guidelines.

How can you prove that you are eligible?

The documents that you need to pass for review vary from state to state. Visit the website of your preferred provider and enter your zip code to find out what you need to prepare. You can either mail the files or have them uploaded digitally. The usual files to prepare for submission are:

• Your federal notice letter of participation in the government assisted programs that you are a part of.
• Social Security statement of benefits
• Current income statement from your employer
• Unemployment compensation or retirement pension
• Divorce decree
• Child Support Award

Can each person at home get a free phone?

No. Only one wireless or landline account is allowed per household. A household does not necessarily mean a family tied by blood. It is any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share their salies and expenses. To add, households are not allowed to receive benefits from multiple providers. If they get done doing so, they will be removed from their plans.

Does your place of residence matter?

Yes. The address provided on your plan service should be issued in the name of one qualified customer in your household. Keep in mind that the plan availed is non-transferable. If you want to move or change address, you should notify your provider within a month of moving.

Can the plans be terminated?

Yes. If your service goes unused for two months or 60 days, it may be subject to a 30 day probationary period. You will need to contact the provider's representatives to confirm that you want to keep on receiving the services during the probationary time. If you do not get in touch with them, your benefits will be terminated. To avoid this, it is always advisable to use your government cell phone for calls at least once a month.

Business Management Can Be a Group Effort

Many people may harbor the desire to run a business, corporation or enterprise. Supervising day to day tasks is one of the most well-known aspects of working a company. Presiding over a staff is the area that many people may focus on as they get started in the marketplace. However, not everyone is suited for this role.

Some people are very good behind the scenes of a company. There are many levels of being an entrepreneur. Each of the roles that can and should be filled are very important aspects of ensuring the success of a company, especially in the first year. It may be appropriate for participants to allow their natural inclinations to help them to find their niche.

Preparation is one key of good managing practices. Educational study and real world experience go hand in hand towards success. One may need to look at an area of ​​industry that truly interest them and delve into it with fervor. Perhaps, find out everything about that area as possible and become creative with the knowledge learned and funnel it into a money-making endeavor.

Promotions do a lot to help keep a company afloat during the fledgling year. Many companies may not initially see a profit, but a powerful marketing plan will potentially position an enterprise for a great deal of future success. Someone on the team who specializes in marketing will note the methods of publicity that generate the most response and hone in on them.

Choosing a proper financial handler is another aspect of good practices for staying on target. The financial person will look to acquire loans and other capital in order to make sure that expenses and payroll are covered. It is common for companies to suffer due to the bad accounting skills by someone who is only doing the job simply because they have to.

It does a company good to have skilled salespeople at the front to greet customers with a smile. This frontline role is not to be overlooked or filled lightly. The salesperson that fulfills their job may not bring in customers the way the promotions person does, but they will be instrumental in keeping the consumer in the store and encouraging them to come back again.

Business management is a collective effort. With the right team, an enterprise has an excellent chance of success. Although, different people may specialize in various areas, it also helps to keep in mind that the goals of everyone involved is the same; making a profit and sustaining the company.

Targeted Traffic to Your Mini-Site

Generating traffic for your mini-sites is the challenge.

Search engines look for large content. Therefore it is easier to get search engines to "spider" your website. Of course large content sites take more effort in building.

Mini-sites, however, are only 1 to 5 pages with the sole purpose of selling immediately to site visitors.

This makes it a lot more difficult to get mini-sites to rank well for competitive keywords. Without of course you are a whizz at webpage optimization.

So that is why most webmasters do NOT rely on search engines for traffic to their mini-sites.

Remember this, you want targeted traffic, not website "hits". It is the targeted visitors that buy.

This article will briefly give some strategies to generate traffic to your mini-sites. Here are some traffic generating techniques to get traffic.

Forums / Discussion Boards

Search for forums / discussion boards that relate to your mini-sites theme. Post your comments and respond to posts and use your signature file to attract targeted visitors.

The basic strategy is to find related forums and become active in them. Build your reputation by getting yourself known as somebody qualified to give assistance and advice.

Find out what forum members talk about and offer your solution to their problems.

Forum marketing requires you taking the time to make sensible responses or by asking good questions.

Typically, forum promotions have no cost but you must abide by forum rules of conduct.

Ezine Advertising

Ezine advertising is a great way to gather traffic to your mini-sites but this technique can cost some money. If you select the right ezines, advertising can provide very good results. However, some ezines may not provide any results.

You usually have the option of "sponsor" ads or "solo" ads. If you have your own mailing list you may be able to negotiate an "ad swap".

The advantage of ezine advertising is that you know before you promote that you have a targeted audience that has already expressed an interest in your topic. That's why they subscribed.

One of the keys to doing well with ezine advertising is to run repeat ads in the same ezine. Your results improve on the second or third promotion. However, if you get no results on your first mailing, do not repeat that ezine again.

Article Writing

Write articles and submit them to ezines, web sites and article sites.

A couple of article directories:

EzineArticles.com
Free-article-directory.com

The advantage with this strategy is that when other websites owners post your article on their website you get a link to your site through the resource box of your article. Also those that read the article may click through to your site. Imagine your articles being posted onto hundreds of other sites with a similar theme to yours.

List Building

You must of hear the expression - "the money is in the list". Without a list you are forever looking for new targeted visitors. Building a list means that you are marketing to an audience that has trust in you.

Your list could be for an ezine, autoresponder course, a free give-away, or a customer list. Whatever you decide, get started now. People prefer to buy from people they know and have a degree of confidence in.

Notice a the end of this article I am offering a free ebook. When you click through the webpage you will see that I am building a list. You are also welcome to give the ebook away to build your own list.

Pay Per Click

Set up Pay Per Click campaigns and monitor the response level to ensure you are getting a return on investment.

You need to pick your keywords and keyword phrases carefully. It is best to compete for less popular terms related to your minimal theme rather than the top words which can be quite expensive to get top ranking.

Link Exchanges

Trade links with other web sites. They should be related to the theme of your minisite. A lot of sites now have an automated process for trading links. Search for similar theme sites and look for "link partners" page.

You will submit your details and the link exchange software will look for the return link.

If you are doing the process manually it is best to put up their link first, then tell them where it is and the link information you want in exchange.

This is not a comprehensive list of traffic strategies. However, get started putting some of these strategies into place. Otherwise nothing will happen.