Computer News

They’re Contagious! – Layoffs and the Top 5 Signs You May Be Next

By Celeste Rolon  |  2010/06/28 19:32 Posted in Computer News  |  Comments (0)

Layoff Sign #1: Your Help Desk or Technical Support Team is No Longer Based in the United States: Do you know where your call is going? Although you may be dialing a toll-free number, calls for technical assistance may actually be traveling overseas to technicians physically sitting in another country. More companies are moving toward this trend as the appeal of paying lower salaries perceivably outweighs the benefits of having an in-house or domestic help desk.

Layoff Sign #2: Long Gone are the Comforts of Home: If you notice that the paper towel supply has dried up, and the coffee stirrers, creamers, and flavors have come to a grinding halt, then your company likely considers these and other frills wasteful. The focus has instead shifted from concern with employee comfort to employee productivity. So wave goodbye to ketchup & mayo packets, napkins, office supplies, and yes, the corporate welcome staple, coffee. If you enjoy a morning boost of caffeine, you may want to grab a grande from your favorite java spot before you get to work.

Layoff Sign #3: Training Bob and Rob to do Your Job: Outsourcing continues to lead the popularity contest as a perceived cost-effective method of maximizing workloads. Take note if the new contractors or temporary employees in the office are huddled around your desk, smiling as they wait for you to train them to do your job. As an added bonus, you may also find that you are instructed to train your existing co-workers and managers to do what you do.

Layoff Sign #4: The 40-Hour Work Week Slacker: 8AM to 6PM is the new 9-to-5, and working a 40-hour work week makes you a slacker. Job functions that were once categorized as “going above and beyond” are now included in the scope of day-to-day job functions for department A, which is now responsible for the job functions stripped from departments B and C. This imbalance of job functions in the office leaves some overloaded, while others competitively scrounge for work, giving employers easy grounds for job eliminations. Word to the wise — if you are on the receiving end of new job functions, take heed not to mistake the volume of work as job security, because the assignment of new job functions can also indicate that this is simply a temporary solution while your company compares outsourcing and other hiring initiatives.

Layoff Sign #5: Are You Qualified to do Your Job? Prove It: Sure, your performance exceeds expectations, you’re a team player, and you can do your job in your sleep. However, the cold reality is that there are countless other people who will do your job for a cracker-fraction of your salary. Cheap labor can tarnish customer service, but companies show growing concern with bottom line numbers. One common tactic companies rely on to determine who should be let go is requalification, forcing many to prove their worth for their job title. So proudly present your newly hard-earned degrees, certificates, and any other proof of completed classes or computer-based training that proves you are qualified to do the job they gave you.

Have you been thinking of using the internet to replace your income? Get Free Information and Free Videos to see how realistic this is: http://www.SteadyGreenFlow.com

Author: Celeste Rolon
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Healing food: natural way to cure cancer

Classic Retro – Heirloom Kids Toys Still Popular At Christmas

By Shannon Dean  |  2010/06/28 19:32 Posted in Tech Toys  |  Comments (0)

Although merchants and advertisers would have us believe that kid’s tech toys are king this Christmas, many parents, grandparents, and gift givers long for the simplicity of a low-tech Christmas featuring the classics that we remember from our own childhood – wagons, toy trains and transportation, simple building blocks, and high quality children’s furniture that facilitates pretend play. Many adults want to give gifts that are made of high quality materials that will last, be loved for generations to come, and be passed down to the recipient’s own kids.

Most classic, retro and heirloom quality children’s gifts are made of wood or metal because both are high quality materials that lasts. Although more expensive than the plastic toys of today, metal and wooden toys are worth the investment because they hold their value and they don’t break, fall apart or lose parts. Here are five classic toys that might fit the bill for folks seeking out nostalgic toys this Christmas:

1. Radio Flyer Classic Wagon: This is the classic red wagon that most of us remember from our childhood. It’s flared edge is what stands it apart from competitors and makes it recognizable. (The design is trademarked). This item has been in production for over 30 years and is in the Parents Magazine Hall Of Fame. It retails for about $65. Considering it will be used for years, this price tag isn’t a bad one.

2. Classic Wooden Train Set: Every child needs a classic wooden train set. Children love making trains go over the bridge and around the town while pretend-playing situations for the passengers. Most sets come with bridges, houses and people/figures to encourage pretend play. Prices vary depending on the number of pieces and accessories.

3. Classic Wooden Kitchen: You see these little kitchens in almost every preschool and nursery today, but unfortunately most are made of plastic that absorbs spills and debris and stains horribly. Look for a large, wooden kitchen with a removable sink (so it can be cleaned) Cabinet doors that open and provide storage for kitchen supplies or can function as a pretend oven is a huge plus. Wooden kitchens run about $150.

4. Classic Wooden Building Blocks: Wooden building blocks should be required in every playroom. Not only do they encourage mobility and fine motor skills, they are also wonderful for pretend play and role playing and the combinations and possibilities are endless. Blocks challenge children to make the visions in their mind a physical reality. This is important for both problem solving, troubleshooting and imagination. Basic wooden block sets start at about $30 and are priced based upon the number of blocks and how elaborate the set is. Some incorporate transportation or specialty buildings like castles or forts.

5. Classic Radio Flyer Bicycle: No matter how high tech our children become, they still love feeling the wind in their hair and the excitement of getting from here to there on a bicycle. This classic red, bike is the one you remember from your childhood and has the recognizable silver, steel bell as well as the stability training wheels. Retails for about $50.

Christmas and gift-giving occasions provide the perfect opportunity to share your childhood with the children you love. With just a little searching, you can find many suitable retro, classic toys to share with kids who live amongst ipods and gameboys.

S. Dean is a mother of two, researcher and freelance writer. Her “Best Kids Christmas Gift” website is http://bestkidschristmasgifts.blogspot.com/

Author: Shannon Dean
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Buy electrical pressure cooker

How To Manage A Layoff

By Les Gore  |  2010/06/14 19:17 Posted in Computer News  |  Comments (0)

It’s raining pink slips. But for those who were lucky enough to land a job as CEO of a major US company these past few years, the only thing crazier than the bloated compensation packages these CEOs got was the size of their severance packages when they were fired.

And what about those people who worked in good faith to execute those failed strategies? They got shafted-cut loose with little or nothing in the way of severance.

This article deals with the hard reality of layoffs: how to do it legally, effectively, and with consideration for your departing and remaining employees-while preparing your business for recovery. Feel free to share this information with a colleague or friend. And if layoffs and freezes are not in your forecast-congratulations.

Head Count. A Company’s Largest Expense and the One Cut First During an Economic Downturn.

And who better to validate our downward spiral than George Bush who recently announced that the U.S economy is in a “rough patch” right now.

Tell that to the 9,000 folks at Citigroup and 4,600 at AT&T who got their pink slips a week or so ago.

Whether you call it a layoff, reduction in force (RIF) or downsizing, doing so can result in legal challenges and leave you with a remaining workforce that is demoralized and unproductive. The more you know about state and federal laws and best practices for handling layoffs, the better equipped you’ll be in protecting your company from operating and legal difficulties.

A Littered Landscape of Layoffs

Layoffs have become all too common in the landscape of U.S. businesses. January layoffs rose a whopping 69 percent from December 2007 to 75,000-the highest amount since August 2007, according to outplacement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas. Housing and financial sectors were hit hardest.

In the months ahead, more layoffs are projected in the retail, professional and technical services, pharmaceutical, automotive, leisure and hospitality industries. A 37 percent increase in 2008 compared to last year, makes this year’s forecast the worst in five years, according to a recent survey conducted by Career Protection.

What Do You Say When You’re Laying Off People?

How do you keep morale up for your remaining staff and calm their fears about job security? And how do you protect your company from legal exposure with regards to the documents you write when going through the layoff selection process?

Plan Ahead and Follow the Script

Perhaps the idea of “scripting” a verbal communication sounds insincere or artificial. As a representative of your company however, it is a good idea to plan ahead so you don’t say too much and land your company in legal hot water, but you still say enough to convey the message at hand.

What You Might Say in the Initial Employee Meeting

“Steve, in an effort to reduce costs, we are restructuring our business, and that will result in the elimination of a number of positions in our company. Unfortunately, your position is one of them, and I’m afraid we’re going to have to lay you off. Today will be your last day of work with us, and we have information to share with you regarding your severance package, COBRA and unemployment insurance. I know this is a lot of information coming at you at once, and I’m so sorry to have to relay this message to you. Before I go any further, I want to see how you’re doing. Are you OK?

“Just so you’re aware: About 35 positions are being eliminated throughout the day. Out of respect for the other people involved, I would ask that you say as little as possible today. We would prefer to tell the affected employees ourselves; we want to avoid people hearing about this through the grapevine if we can help it. In addition, I know that some people prefer to leave quietly while others want to say goodbye to a few close friends. We’ll respect whatever decision you make. How do you think you would like to handle that?

“Finally, I just want to thank you for all your hard work and dedication for the past two years. You have made it a better place around here, and I’m personally going to miss working with you. Thank you for all you have done for us.”

Handling Employees’ Questions

If you speak softly and with genuine concern, most employees will appreciate your sincere approach. After your opening statement, expect some employees to question the reasoning behind the RIF:

Question: Why was my position chosen for elimination?

Answer: It was a business decision. Please don’t take this personally; when a reduction in force occurs, positions are eliminated. The people who are attached to those jobs then get laid off. It’s the hardest thing a manager can do-selecting positions for elimination is so difficult because you realize that people’s lives will be interrupted. That’s why I’m so sorry that this is occurring.

Question: Who else is being laid off? Am I the only one in our department? Why me?

Answer: Steve, I can’t share who else is being laid off in the department at this point. We haven’t spoken to the other individual(s) yet, so I would ask that you allow me to hold off on answering that for now. [Or:] Yes, yours is the only position in our department that’s being eliminated. Again, please don’t feel that you’ve disappointed anyone. I want you to know that you could be considered for rehire once the hiring freeze is lifted. For now though, understand that we had to eliminate one position, and, purely from a functional standpoint, your position made the most sense.

Question: How can that be? Who’s going to do all the work that I do once I’m gone?

Answer: With the elimination of your position, other members of the department will have to take on the remaining job duties that you’ve handled up to now. That’s something we’ll simply have to deal with in this new “downsized” mode. Travis is here with us from human resources to discuss some of the details related to your severance package and other important benefits details relating to this layoff.

When One Is Enough

When one individual is selected for layoff from a comparison pool of employees with the same title, expect the person to say: “Wait. You can’t lay me off and keep Heather. I have more longevity than she does.”

Your answer: “I recognize that. However, I want you to know that we considered tenure in our decision. We also looked at performance appraisals, progressive disciplinary warnings, attendance records, education levels, and skills and technical certifications when determining who would be qualified to assume the remaining duties after the reduction-in-force. We determined that, based on all that historical information along with our evaluation of who would work best in the post-layoff environment, you would be selected for layoff. Are there any other questions I could answer for you?”

Script for Remaining Employee Meetings

In general, it’s better to bring about “group closure” when there are layoffs or terminations. It gives employees a chance to express their concerns publicly and hear directly from you what occurred. This not only minimizes concern relating to employees’ own job security but also diminishes the rumor mill.

A Sample Script to Help You After the RIF Occurs

“I wanted to call you all into a meeting to follow up regarding the layoffs that took place earlier today in our department. As you may know, two members of our department have been laid off. The company has provided the affected employees with a severance package and is working with them through this transition.

“Of course, no guarantees of job security can be given, but as far as we understand, there aren’t any other planned layoffs in our department at this time. I wanted to let you all know to allay any fears you might have about your own job security right now.

“We wish those laid off well, and we have treated them with the respect and dignity they deserve. I know I can count on your support in doing the same. I also want to remind you that if you get any reference-checking phone calls from prospective employers or recruiters, those calls are to be referred to me. I will in turn pass them along to human resources as per company policy. Note that the laid-off employees have been given copies of their last three performance evaluations, and they’re free to share those with prospective employers to demonstrate their strengths and areas for professional development.

“If there are no other questions, I thank you all for coming. I appreciate your patience and understanding, and I look forward to moving beyond this difficult period.”

Written Documentation Caveats

Line managers often are asked to select individuals for layoffs based on certain criteria. For example, if you are asked to eliminate 12 people from a 15-person department, you may be asked to justify your decision in terms of whom to retain and whom to lay off.

When that’s the case, it may be advised to create a comparison group evaluation form that highlights performance reviews, oral or written disciplinary communications, attendance records, tenure, experience prior to joining your company, education and technical skills or certifications.

Such documents are meant to encourage an objective evaluation process, but in case of a class-action discrimination lawsuit, the documents become subject to subpoena in the discovery process. One way to lessen the chances (there’s no guarantee) of having this documentation subpoenaed is to designate the documentation as attorney-client privileged.

Your in-house or outside counsel will recommend that you write at the top of each evaluation page: “Privileged and Confidential: Prepared at the Request of (attorney’s name).”

The legal rules and guidelines of the attorney-client privilege go beyond the scope of this article. Just be sure to check with counsel first before drafting any documents relating to a layoff. More importantly, don’t write freely with little regard to the fact that your notes may be blown up in front of a jury to demonstrate unlawful motives on management’s part.

The goal of any layoff is to treat employees with dignity and respect. The key way to achieve this is to communicate openly and honestly with those laid off and with those who survive and assume the remaining job responsibilities.

Retain Top Talent

It may seem unrealistic to focus on retention when you’re laying people off, but there’s no other time when retention becomes more important than when a company is letting workers go. Critically assess who the talent is you must retain and do everything possible to do it, including giving them a defined and key role in the turnaround after the layoffs.

The preceding is based on information provided by The Society of Human Resource Management. This material is provided as general information only and does not constitute and is not a substitute for legal or other professional advice.

Les Gore is founder and managing partner of Executive Search International, a Boston-based, nationally recognized search firm and a 25-year veteran of the “recruiting wars.” http://www.execsearchintl.com

Author: Les Gore
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
How Electric Pressure Cookers Work

Best Toys 2008 – Hi-Tech Leads the Way

By Michael Addison  |  2010/06/14 19:10 Posted in Tech Toys  |  Comments (0)

The race for top toys in best toys 2008 is on, and this year, the name of the game seems to be technology. Fortunately, while most kids toys are certainly reflecting the massive advances the world continues to make in the field of technology, a surprising number of the more traditional toys are holding their own in the race for best toys 2008.

Among the toys geared toward boys, there’s little doubt that hi-tech is fun. Most of the top toys in their category of best toys 2008 include technology in one way or another. Robots are big; very big, and from ones that come premade to ones you can build yourself as are available in the Lego Mindstorms NXT kits, few boys would be willing to refuse a technological dream come true. While robots may have the market cornered, remote control cars, computer games, gadgets and gizmos are all also on the list. However, even when it comes to activity items like skateboards and bikes, you’re still in the territory of the best toys.

Although hi-tech toys also display dominance in best toys 2008 for girls, girls tend to be more discerning. Incredible technology is build into dolls, particularly baby dolls who look and feel human and display just about all the functions of real babies. Real Friends, furry animal buddies with degrees of techno functions, are a favorite with girls too. Other hi-tech gear for girls is popular in the form of games and gadgets too, though. Even Barbie is headed the way of technology these days. From dolls that include an MP3 player to those that interact with your computer, few of the best toys on the list come without at least one electronic component.

Toddlers and babies appear to agree that their best toys are pretty much the same as they have been in recent times, with some possible inclusions like the Busy Ball Popper – and, the man of note, Elmo Live! Most of the toys on the younger list are either interactive or character driven, and sticking within those lines is sure to be a hit this year.

Best Toys 2008 Across The Barriers

Some of the really exciting toys have universal appeal, though. For example, consider the Eyeclops line. It is simply amazing. Geared towards an electronic learning experience with programs designed for all age groups, Eyeclops has a variety of products from night vision goggles to their famous Bionicam. This scanner magnifies anything it’s aimed at, with the image displayed on the TV screen. Aim it at a spot on the carpet and see what really is hidden amongst those fibres. Aim it into a glass of liquid and be amazed by the ‘life-forms’ therein. Holding it to a cut on your finger could produce fascinating results.

The Best Toys 2008 list is a fairly comprehensive one, but before you make any purchase, talk with the child who will be receiving the gift. Making sure the toy you buy lies within his or her interests is the key to offering the best possible gift this year.

Please visit us to see our list of the best toys 2008.

Author: Michael Addison
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Electric Pressure Cooker

Hot Christmas High Tech Toys

By Bruce Dinger  |  2010/06/14 19:10 Posted in Tech Toys  |  Comments (0)

This year’s high tech toys show how far technology has advanced and how miniature it has become.

Robots, which a few years ago would not have been imaginable, are now a reality and can be played with, or even built, by your children. These robots come in all kinds of shapes and sizes – dinosaurs, robots and Sesame Street characters. But more importantly, they are all affordable.

This new technology is amazing and will help your children grow as well as entertain.

Take these examples -

Fisher Price Elmo Live

With Elmo Live, your children will marvel at how he crosses his legs, moves his arms and mouth, and turns his head all while tirelessly telling fascinating stories, singing songs and playing games. It’s like having another friend in the room.

Elmo is just the friend your children need to motivate them to learn important information they’ll need throughout their lives.

Pleo the Dinosaur is like having another pet. It has six microprocessors to control its actions and movements. It also has built-in data ports and a mini USB port for online downloads.

Pleo’s sophisticated sensory system consists of nearly 40 devices that enable him to see, sense, touch, and detect objects in order to move about by himself and explore his environment WITHOUT requiring any remote control. And if another Pleo Dinosaur approaches he will recognize and interact with him.

Pleo also microphones on both sides that give him stereophonic hearing, allowing him to detect sound direction and loudness through both ears.

All in all, Pleo Dinosaur has over 100 custom-designed gears and 14 motors for highly-articulated movement. Each motor has a feedback sensor that allows the dinosaur to detect being picked up. (He can even sense if someone grabs him real hard and will react accordingly.)

Lastly, there is the Mindstorms NXT by Lego. As would be expected, Legos are used to build the body, but then comes the technology.

The Mindstorms has seven ports for connecting motors and sensors, like, Touch, Light, Sound, and Ultrasonic.

The sensors enable the robot to feel and react to the environment, react to sounds, detect light and color, and also judge distance and react accordingly. The Mindstorms NXT controller coordinates all these things in addition to its servo motors which make it move exactly where you (or it) wants to go. You can even download programs from the net and send them to the robot.

The combination of all of these bits allows the Lego Mindstorms to be built in any number of different combinations. Some have built climbing robots and even Rubik Cube solvers. It all depends on the ingenuity of the builder.

While Elmo and Pleo may be more suitable for younger children, they certainly would be enjoyed by those of any age.

As for the Mindstorms, youngsters, teens and even adults would enjoy the many possibilities that can be enjoyed with them.

Technology, how amazing – where will it all end?

To see what other high tech toys are hot this Christmas (and where to get the best deals, click on over to visit http://www.CovetedChristmasGifts.com

Author: Bruce Dinger
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
PCB Prototype & Manufacturing

V Tech Camera – Reviews From 3-6 Years

By Hayley L Hewitt  |  2010/05/24 00:54 Posted in Tech Toys  |  Comments (0)

The V Tech Camera is so much more than just a children’s digital camera – I am really happy with my purchase – it proved to be one of the best buys from last Christmas. In this article I will provide some of the reasons why my boys love their V Tech Camera so much. I did a lot of research into which type of camera to purchase and I am pleased to say I believe I picked the right one.

The buttons on the camera are large and easy for little fingers to use and the screen where you can see what picture you are about to take (whether it be a pair of feet or Mom first thing in the morning) is a good size. It is easy for them to hold with the large rubber sides. Ours have been dropped on numerous occasions – but they are still as good as the day we bought them.

The editing features on the V Tech Camera are fantastic – you can edit an image (usually a photo of Mom or Dad) to have a pair of elephant ears, some whiskers, a dinosaur hovering over them ready to gobble them up, have a crocodile face and much more. You can add a nice border around your image too. You can even add special effects to your image and make it go all wobbly.

It also has games that you can play (great for a car journey) such as noughts and crosses (beach style), matching pairs and you can even juggle up an image into jigsaw pieces and put it back together again.

The usb connection that comes with the V Tech camera makes it really easy for you to upload your images to your PC (the boys love looking at them on the computer). It also includes connections that allow you to look at your images on the TV!

It’s great to take a sneak peek at what your kids have photographed at the end of the day. When Sam first got his he was only just 3 and he would take a picture of what was on TV (usually Dora), our feet, his brother sleeping etc. Now he has progressed and we no longer have the feet obsession – he thinks its funny to get pictures of Mom first thing in the morning – not a pretty sight (sure he has been swayed by his Dad!).

My boys are so proud when we go out and they are able to take photos just like Mom. We all know that when you are little you want to grow up quickly and be more like Mom and Dad (when you get there you want to go right back to being little again though)!

I would say the V Tech Camera would be an excellent purchase from ages 2 to 7.

Harry and Sam have done a video review for you on the V Tech Camera which you will find at Mom Is Blogging or you can find out more details at http://www.squidoo.com/ChildrensDigitalCameras. To summarize the V Tech Camera is an all round excellent present for little people – a camera, games console and a way to get back at Mom by giving her some lovely whiskers!

Hayley L Hewitt

Author: Hayley L Hewitt
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
portmeirion porcelain dinnerware, bakeware & accessories

“Girl Tech” Toys – The Gadgets for Girls Revolution

By Sarah Corlett  |  2010/05/10 00:53 Posted in Tech Toys  |  Comments (0)

While girls’ toys have always been lucrative for toy makers (think Barbie, Cabbage Patch Kids, Care Bears and – more recently – Bratz), the market for technology-based toys has always been much more heavily aimed at boys. While, certainly, many girls enjoy them, video gaming systems and other such leisure technologies feature war games, flight simulators and fantasy role-playing games whose pace and graphics are meant to appeal to the male demographic. Lara Croft does not wear tiny shorts for the benefit of her female fans.

This Christmas, a company called “Radica Games” is promoting a line of technology-based toys aimed exclusively at young girls that they call “Girl Tech”. These gadgets for girls include such items as the “Password Journal”, a sort of high-tech diary for modern girls. It uses voice recognition software to keep unauthorized people (like siblings and parents) from reading the owner’s innermost thoughts and includes features like an invisible ink pen for even greater security, a calendar to keep the social life organized and an alarm to tell the owner if someone is trying to break in to the journal. However, it may be a better product in theory than in practice: many online reviews of this product do not recommend it due to technical glitches, most citing the voice-recognition software as the problem.

Another “Girl Tech” item that is poised to be very popular this Christmas is the “Girl Tech Digi Makeover”. It has a built-in digital camera and can hook up to the owner’s television. The point is to take a picture of someone and then use the device to try out different hairstyles, haircuts and makeup to see how they look. It advertises over 50 hairstyles and colours, as well as an array of makeup that makes for an almost endless combination of new looks. Unlike the diary, this item has had very positive reviews from consumers on different websites and is touted as one of the must-have items for Christmas 2007.

“Girl Tech” features many other items as well, from a digital video journal that can be hooked up to the computer for customizing entries, to a virtual pet called the “Password Puppy”. The target age range for the “Girl Tech” toy line starts around age 8 and they are appropriate through the preteen years. Radica suggests that older people may enjoy them as well, but older teen girls would probably be more interested in more sophisticated technological gifts, such as the latest mobile phone or digital camera. “Girl Tech” toys, however, are a great way to show younger girls that technology isn’t just for boys.

Sarah Corlett runs the successful toy safety and shopping source ’21st Century Toys’: [http://www.21st-century-toys.com]

Author: Sarah Corlett
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Smiling shark

Finally! Inexpensive Tech Toys That Encourage Education And Exercise!

By Shannon Dean  |  2010/04/26 00:53 Posted in Tech Toys  |  Comments (0)

There’s no doubt that tech is projected to be big for the 2007 Christmas gift season. Anything that can be plugged in or turned on is cool in the eyes of children. And children are becoming tech-savy at a much younger age. If you haven’t taken a look at kids’ toys lately, you may well be suprised. Even baby toys mimic adult technology. Toddler toy laptops, cell phones and digital cameras all popular toys today.

But not all parents embrace that trend, thinking that expensive technical toys for small children encourages computer-addicted couch potatoes. Many parents long for the classic toys of their own youth – the simple bicycle, Mr. Potato Head, or a simple wooden train. The problem is, most kids are exposed to the high tech toys somewhere – in school, visiting the homes of others, or in the media – so the old stand-bys don’t seem as exciting today, and in the eyes of our children, are quite dated.

And, with childhood obesity on the rise, parents have a hard time embracing toys that encourage children to veg in the front of a computer or TV screen. We welcome inexpensive toys that combine technology (because it’s not going away) with classic learning and exercise. Some toymakers have answered our call. Here are five inexpensive, fun and popular toys that combine tech with exercise and learning.

1. Fisher-Price Smart Cycle: The Fisher-Price Smart Cycle combines exercise, education, and video game-type fun all into one toy. This toy is a bike that attaches to your TV. Your child has to petal the bike in order to play the game and “steers” handlebars that actually move. In essence, children are getting exercise and learning coordination while in video game nirvana. The games included are educational and allow your child to pursue alphabet letters, take a trip to “math mountain, and explore “shape lake.” Fischer Price also offers software with favorite TV characters (like Sponge Bob, Barbie and Dora) so your child doesn’t get bored. Priced at about $90, it’s the most expensive toy on this list, but still pretty cheap by tech standards.

2. LeapFrog 100 Hoops Basketball Counting Game: This is the only child’s basketball game that teaches number recognition and counting (all the way to 100 in both English and Spanish). It features built-in rally and cheering sounds to encourage your child to exercise while he learns regular and skip counting (by 5s and 10s) to 100. The game is completely portable and can he attached to a chair, wall, or door knob or can be taken outside and hung on a tree. Priced under $25.

3. Leap Frog Leap Learn & Groove® Alphabet Drum: It’s no wonder this toy was winner of the 2006 iParenting Media Greatest Products Award. Priced at under $15, this toy not only encourages physical activity, rhythm and fine motor development, it also teaches language and music. It has two programs. Children can either simply make music with it, or it can be programmed to display or speak letters of the alphabet to encourage early letter recognition.

4. Discovery Exclusive Ready Set Learn! Jump & Dance Music Mat: This item is among the Discovery Store’s best sellers. This toy allows your child to exercise by dancing and hoping, while it also encourages problem solving, creative play skills, and fine motor skills. Kids can chose to either dance to their own routines while the music follows their moves or they can repeat pre-programmed routines which light up with every move. This item is under $30.

5. Leap Frog Learn & Groove® Counting Maracas: Similar to the above mentioned Alphabet Drum, the counting maracas operate on the same principal of children making music and exercising while learning. The maracas teach counting from 1-10 in English and Spanish and introduce colors as well. This gem of a toy is under $15.

S. Dean is a mother of two, researcher and freelance writer. Her “Best Kids Christmas Gifts” Website is located at http://bestkidschristmasgifts.blogspot.com

Author: Shannon Dean
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Netbook, Tablets and Mobile Computing

Facebook buys Friend Feed

By TechWizard  |  2009/08/10 22:58 Posted in Computer News  |  Comments (0)

As I was researching for dissertation documentation, I found an article posted regarding Facebook purchasing Friend Feed. I found it to be interesting for two reasons. 1) I just joined and am still learning it. 2) I hope that it stays quiet and does not go out of control like Face Book is currently. Right now, it is a growing social network but I also do think that it can be kept under control if done correctly.

Something I would like to see more of is networking groups as I’ve only been able to find one and that is Linked In. So we shall see what becomes of the Friend Feed and it’s new owners.

Here is the article from Cio.com:

The story “Facebook buys FriendFeed,” posted to the wire Monday, incorrectly stated where FriendFeed’s current employees will work now that Facebook has agreed to acquire the company.

The story has been fixed on the wire and the last paragraph now reads:

FriendFeed’s 12 employees will move from the company’s headquarters in Mountain View, California, to Facebook’s Palo Alto headquarters, but the site will continue to operate as usual until the companies decide on a long-term integration plan, according to the companies.

http://www.cio.com/article/499382/Facebook_Buys_FriendFeed