Trying to find well-produced fitness videos that are truly suitable for beginners can be a daunting challenge.
Most tapes these days aim at intermediate exercisers, the ones who know a grapevine from a box step and a lateral raise from a biceps curl. These tapes may offer a few easier moves here and there, but the instruction clearly is geared to people who already know what to do.
The few tapes that are marketed for beginners often are unspeakably repetitive, as if flabby muscles always mean a flabby brain. And too often, they provide no way to add extra challenge or difficulty to the routine, as if beginning exercisers are going to remain beginners forever.
It's nice, then, to discover Yoga Zone: Flexibility and Tone, a beginners' tape that offers the depth of instruction and easy pace that true beginners need.
The instructor here is Alan Finger, a genial-looking middle-aged man who wears a polo shirt, rolled-up cotton pants and a chin-length bob. His physique is not the standard chiseled form of exercise videos; he looks as if he might carry a few extra pounds around the middle.
But he has a lovely voice (with a hint of a brogue) and a calm manner, two essentials for a yoga tape, where relaxation is key.
And he has a true gift for instruction, combining the nuts-and-bolts details of positioning with what it feels like to stretch and balance.
When he describes how the muscles of the feet ought to rotate through to the little toe, you'll know -- and be able to feel -- just what he's talking about.
But each move contains so many of these instructions that it can be a little overwhelming to try to master all of them at once.
If you have tried yoga before, you'll recognize some of them -- the down-on-all-fours stretch called the cat, the inverted V that forms the down dog, and the corpse, which requires little more than lying flat on one's back, completely relaxed.
In another nod to beginners, Finger also provides true modifications and tips for those who may not be as flexible as they'd like.
Finger shows how a folded blanket can be placed under the knees or for better support while performing seated postures. A folded towel also is used for several poses, although Finger doesn't announce that in advance.
The 50-minute session ends with stretching and relaxation, set to gentle New Age music that might lull you to sleep.
12/27/2009
Basic Sitting Postures with Benefits
JANU SIRSASANA: Correct foot placement
Sit up straight with legs evenly extended in front. Bend the right leg at the knee and place the foot so that the heel is in the right groin and the front of the foot touches the left thigh. Turn the foot so that the bottom of the foot is facing upward and press the knee back to form an obtuse angle with the body. This position will be difficult at first; don't force it. Put a folded blanket under the knee and also under the hips. Gradually the knee will move farther back. Just keep the foot correctly positioned.
JANU SIRSASANA: Correct, perfect posture
Having positioned the foot and knee correctly, stretch the left leg out, keeping the leg firmly on the mat. Settle the heel firmly and stretch the toes up. (The heel should pull gently away from the ankle.) Now inhale and bend forward over the straight leg, catching the foot with both hands if possible. Beginners should bend only as far as they can without rounding the back. When this posture is done correctly and completely, the body will roll forward over the extended leg, absolutely flat from the tail bone to the head. Stay there breathing normally for as long as you can. Inhale, release the handhold, come up smoothly, straighten the bent leg and relax. Repeat on other side.
JANU SIRSASANA: Wrong posture
The heel is not positioned against its own thigh. The knee has not been pushed back as far as possible to form an obtuse angle. The back is humped and curved because the pelvis is jammed and unable to lift properly. Instead of a smooth, complete stretching of the spine, the lumbar is over-stretched and the rest of the spine constricted. The left leg is not flat on the floor.
TRIANG MUKHAIPADA PASCHIMOTTANASANA: Sitting, forward-bending pose over one leg
This posture generally follows the previous one. Sit with your legs stretched in front. Bend the right leg so that the right foot is near the right hip. The toes should point back. The right calf presses against the right thigh. The body will tilt in this position so put a small folded towel under the left buttock to keep the hips level and the forward stretch even and extended. Hold the left foot with both hands, inhale and bend forward, keeping both knees together as you stretch forward over the straight leg. Many students will find it difficult in this position to even take hold of the foot of the outstretched leg. Do not despair. Just hold the knee, shin or ankle, and sit, breathing deeply, in whichever position represents your best extension. If the back is tight and the spine inflexible, this will take time. Release the hold and straighten the bent leg. Repeat on the other side.
Sit up straight with legs evenly extended in front. Bend the right leg at the knee and place the foot so that the heel is in the right groin and the front of the foot touches the left thigh. Turn the foot so that the bottom of the foot is facing upward and press the knee back to form an obtuse angle with the body. This position will be difficult at first; don't force it. Put a folded blanket under the knee and also under the hips. Gradually the knee will move farther back. Just keep the foot correctly positioned.
JANU SIRSASANA: Correct, perfect posture
Having positioned the foot and knee correctly, stretch the left leg out, keeping the leg firmly on the mat. Settle the heel firmly and stretch the toes up. (The heel should pull gently away from the ankle.) Now inhale and bend forward over the straight leg, catching the foot with both hands if possible. Beginners should bend only as far as they can without rounding the back. When this posture is done correctly and completely, the body will roll forward over the extended leg, absolutely flat from the tail bone to the head. Stay there breathing normally for as long as you can. Inhale, release the handhold, come up smoothly, straighten the bent leg and relax. Repeat on other side.
JANU SIRSASANA: Wrong posture
The heel is not positioned against its own thigh. The knee has not been pushed back as far as possible to form an obtuse angle. The back is humped and curved because the pelvis is jammed and unable to lift properly. Instead of a smooth, complete stretching of the spine, the lumbar is over-stretched and the rest of the spine constricted. The left leg is not flat on the floor.
TRIANG MUKHAIPADA PASCHIMOTTANASANA: Sitting, forward-bending pose over one leg
This posture generally follows the previous one. Sit with your legs stretched in front. Bend the right leg so that the right foot is near the right hip. The toes should point back. The right calf presses against the right thigh. The body will tilt in this position so put a small folded towel under the left buttock to keep the hips level and the forward stretch even and extended. Hold the left foot with both hands, inhale and bend forward, keeping both knees together as you stretch forward over the straight leg. Many students will find it difficult in this position to even take hold of the foot of the outstretched leg. Do not despair. Just hold the knee, shin or ankle, and sit, breathing deeply, in whichever position represents your best extension. If the back is tight and the spine inflexible, this will take time. Release the hold and straighten the bent leg. Repeat on the other side.
12/26/2009
Astanga Vinyasa Yoga
Astanga, or sometimes spelled ashtanga Yoga is actually taught today by a man named Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, in Mysore, India. He has brought astanga yoga to the west about 25 years ago and still teaches today at 91 years of age. Astanga yoga began with the rediscovery of the ancient manuscript Yoga Korunta. It describes a unique system of Hatha yoga as practiced and created by the ancient sage Vamana Rishi. It is believed to be the original asana practiced intended by Patanjali.
The Yoga Korunta emphasizes vinyasa, or breath-synchronized movement, where one practices a posture with specific breathing patterns associated with it. This breathing technique is called ujayyi pranayama, or the victorious breath, and it is a process that produces intense internal heat and a profuse sweat that purifies and detoxifies the muscles and organs. This also releases beneficial hormones and nutrients, and is usually massaged back into the body. The breath ensures efficient circulation of blood. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body and a calm mind.
There is a proper sequence to follow when practicing Astanga yoga. One must graduate from one sequence of postures to move onto the next. The Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa) detoxifies and aligns the body, purifying it so that toxins do not block. The Intermediate Series (Nadi Shodhana) purifies the nervous system by opening and clearing the energy channels, allowing energy to pass through easily. The Advanced Series A, B, C, and D (Sthira Bhaga) integrate the grace and stamina of the practice, which calls for intense flexibility.
It is best to find a trained and knowledgeable teacher to assist you through this discipline. It is an intense practice that is rigorous, six days a week. You are guaranteed to find inner peace and fulfillment with each breath you take.
The Yoga Korunta emphasizes vinyasa, or breath-synchronized movement, where one practices a posture with specific breathing patterns associated with it. This breathing technique is called ujayyi pranayama, or the victorious breath, and it is a process that produces intense internal heat and a profuse sweat that purifies and detoxifies the muscles and organs. This also releases beneficial hormones and nutrients, and is usually massaged back into the body. The breath ensures efficient circulation of blood. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body and a calm mind.
There is a proper sequence to follow when practicing Astanga yoga. One must graduate from one sequence of postures to move onto the next. The Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa) detoxifies and aligns the body, purifying it so that toxins do not block. The Intermediate Series (Nadi Shodhana) purifies the nervous system by opening and clearing the energy channels, allowing energy to pass through easily. The Advanced Series A, B, C, and D (Sthira Bhaga) integrate the grace and stamina of the practice, which calls for intense flexibility.
It is best to find a trained and knowledgeable teacher to assist you through this discipline. It is an intense practice that is rigorous, six days a week. You are guaranteed to find inner peace and fulfillment with each breath you take.
12/25/2009
Applications in Cancer Treatment
A cure for cancer exists through the use of yoga, a San Antonio, Texas, cancer specialist said during a seminar in Oklahoma City in the 1980s.
But physicians refused to acknowledge the cure, said Col. Hansa Raval, M.D., a pathologist with the United States Army. Dr. Raval said her work in cytotechnology _ a diagnostic branch of medicine designed to pinpoint early stages of cancer _ was fruitless until she began researching the use of non-conventional methods of treatment.
The specialist said she witnessed the use of Raja yoga and meditation cure crippling arthritis, headaches and even cancer.
And even though Raval offers proof, which she said was collected during two years of study at the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University in India, she has been dismissed by other members of the medical profession as a kook.
Yoga's success as a treatment method is due to another hypothesis Raval proposes that 98 percent of all cancer is psychosomatic.
This is not chanting or mantra reciting, the physician said. It's not based on scriptures. It's not a cult. It's not biofeedback. It's deeper than that. This is a full-proof method of meditation, a detailed understanding of what the soul is.
Raval maintains that medical schools belittle the study of non-conventional methods of cancer treatment in favor of conventional methods such as radiation, chemotherapy, and treatment through machines.'
Medical schools teach students that the human being is only a body. But the mind has the power to cure the body. By definition, psychosomatic means a combination of mind, or soul and body.
The soul creates the disease, but the body suffers. If the psyche creates the disease, the only way to cure it is through the psyche. It's a very simple formula: treating the seed of the problem.
Further, studies in parapsychology all point to the treatment of illness through treatment of the soul.
The World Spiritual University, which has branches in 30 countries, teaches peace and perfection for health and happiness through the use of Raja yoga. The university gained status as a non-governmental member of the United Nations and has offices at the U.N. building in New York.
Raja yoga teaches students to search their soul world for answers on where they came from and why the cancer entered their body. They learn what role religion, stress, family and lifestyle played in the cancer.
But physicians refused to acknowledge the cure, said Col. Hansa Raval, M.D., a pathologist with the United States Army. Dr. Raval said her work in cytotechnology _ a diagnostic branch of medicine designed to pinpoint early stages of cancer _ was fruitless until she began researching the use of non-conventional methods of treatment.
The specialist said she witnessed the use of Raja yoga and meditation cure crippling arthritis, headaches and even cancer.
And even though Raval offers proof, which she said was collected during two years of study at the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University in India, she has been dismissed by other members of the medical profession as a kook.
Yoga's success as a treatment method is due to another hypothesis Raval proposes that 98 percent of all cancer is psychosomatic.
This is not chanting or mantra reciting, the physician said. It's not based on scriptures. It's not a cult. It's not biofeedback. It's deeper than that. This is a full-proof method of meditation, a detailed understanding of what the soul is.
Raval maintains that medical schools belittle the study of non-conventional methods of cancer treatment in favor of conventional methods such as radiation, chemotherapy, and treatment through machines.'
Medical schools teach students that the human being is only a body. But the mind has the power to cure the body. By definition, psychosomatic means a combination of mind, or soul and body.
The soul creates the disease, but the body suffers. If the psyche creates the disease, the only way to cure it is through the psyche. It's a very simple formula: treating the seed of the problem.
Further, studies in parapsychology all point to the treatment of illness through treatment of the soul.
The World Spiritual University, which has branches in 30 countries, teaches peace and perfection for health and happiness through the use of Raja yoga. The university gained status as a non-governmental member of the United Nations and has offices at the U.N. building in New York.
Raja yoga teaches students to search their soul world for answers on where they came from and why the cancer entered their body. They learn what role religion, stress, family and lifestyle played in the cancer.
12/24/2009
Basic Yoga Postures and their Variations
1. THE COBRA Do this in easy stages. Lie down, face prone, legs tightly together and stretched back, forehead on the floor. Put your hands, palm down, just under your shoulders. Inhale and raise your head, pressing your neck back, now use your hands to push your trunk up until you are bending in a beautiful arc from your lower spine to the back of your neck. You need go no further than this. However, if you are supple enough, you can now straighten your arms completely, bend the legs at the knees and drop your head back to touch your feet. Even if your head goes nowhere near your feet, drop it back as far as possible and hold the posture with deep breathing. Come out of the posture very slowly, returning to the face prone posture. Relax with your head to one side. Repeat.
2. THE BOW This is also an extreme version of the simple bow. It is surprising how many children can do it immediately. Take it, once again, in easy stages. Lie face prone on your mat. If you are very slim have a nice thick, padded mat for this one. Inhale and bend your knees up. Stretch back with your arms and catch hold of your ankles, keeping fingers and thumbs all together on the outside. Inhale and at the same time raise your head and chest, pulling at your ankles and lifting knees and thighs off the floor. Breathe normally, trying to kick up your legs higher and lifting your head up. You are now bent like a bow, balancing the weight of your body on your abdomen. You can stop right here but if you can still stretch further, then slide your hands down your legs, lift them higher, keep the knees together and pull back as much as you can. Hold for a few normal deep breaths, then relax back to the face-prone position, head to one side.
3. THE SHOOTING BOW In Sanskrit this is known as Akarna Dhanurasana and one leg is drawn up like a shooting bow. Sit with both legs stretched out in front and back straight. Reach forward with both hands and clasp your feet, catching the right foot with the left hand and the left foot with the right hand. Inhale, bend the left knee and pull the foot across the body, close to your chest, pointing the elbow up and twisting the body slightly to the right. The left hand stays firm and tight, holding the right foot. Hold posture with normal breathing, release slowly, and relax. Repeat on other side. In the beginning it is enough to hold the bent left leg with the right hand. When this is easy, stretch down and hold the left foot with the right hand. Continue to pull on the left foot, lifting it higher on each exhalation.
2. THE BOW This is also an extreme version of the simple bow. It is surprising how many children can do it immediately. Take it, once again, in easy stages. Lie face prone on your mat. If you are very slim have a nice thick, padded mat for this one. Inhale and bend your knees up. Stretch back with your arms and catch hold of your ankles, keeping fingers and thumbs all together on the outside. Inhale and at the same time raise your head and chest, pulling at your ankles and lifting knees and thighs off the floor. Breathe normally, trying to kick up your legs higher and lifting your head up. You are now bent like a bow, balancing the weight of your body on your abdomen. You can stop right here but if you can still stretch further, then slide your hands down your legs, lift them higher, keep the knees together and pull back as much as you can. Hold for a few normal deep breaths, then relax back to the face-prone position, head to one side.
3. THE SHOOTING BOW In Sanskrit this is known as Akarna Dhanurasana and one leg is drawn up like a shooting bow. Sit with both legs stretched out in front and back straight. Reach forward with both hands and clasp your feet, catching the right foot with the left hand and the left foot with the right hand. Inhale, bend the left knee and pull the foot across the body, close to your chest, pointing the elbow up and twisting the body slightly to the right. The left hand stays firm and tight, holding the right foot. Hold posture with normal breathing, release slowly, and relax. Repeat on other side. In the beginning it is enough to hold the bent left leg with the right hand. When this is easy, stretch down and hold the left foot with the right hand. Continue to pull on the left foot, lifting it higher on each exhalation.
12/23/2009
An All-Around Yoga Exercise: 12-Step Salute to the Sun
One of the all-around yoga exercises is the 12-step salute to the sun. Do it once or twice when you get up in the morning to help relieve stiffness and invigorate the body. Multiple repetitions at night will help you to relax; insomniacs often find that six to 12 rounds help them fall asleep.
1. Stand with your feet slightly apart, palms together, thumbs against your chest.
2. Inhale deeply while slowly raising your hands over your head, and bend back as far as possible, while tightening your buttocks. Hold for three seconds.
3. Slowly exhale and bend forward, keeping your knees straight, until your fingers touch the floor outside your feet. (If you can't touch the floor, go as close as you can.) Bring your head in toward your knees.
4. Slowly inhale, bend your knees, and if your fingertips aren't outside your feet on the floor, place them there. Slide your right foot back as far as you can go, with the right knee an inch or so off the floor, (a lunge position). Now look up as high as possible, arching your back.
5. Before exhaling again, slide your left foot back until it is beside the right one, and with your weight supported on your palms and toes, straighten both legs so that your body forms a flat plane. Make sure your stomach is pulled in.
6. Slowly exhale, bend both knees to the floor, bend with your hips in the air, lower your chest and forehead to the floor.
7. Now inhale slowly and look up, bending your head back, then raising it, followed by your upper chest, then lower chest. Your lower body - from the navel down - should be on the floor, and your elbows should be slightly bent. Hold for three to five seconds.
8. Exhale slowly and raise your hips until your feet and palms are flat on the floor and your arms and legs are straight in an inverted V position.
9. Inhale slowly and bring your right foot forward as in position 4. The foot should be flat on the floor between your fingertips. The left leg should be almost straight behind you, with its knee slightly off the floor. Raise your head, look up, and arch your back.
10. Slowly exhale and bring your left foot forward next to your right one. Straighten your legs and stand, trying to keep your fingertips on the floor, and try to touch your head to your knees as in position 3.
11. Slowly inhale, raise your arms up and stretch back as in position 2. Don't forget to tighten your buttocks. Hold for three seconds.
12. Slowly exhale, lowering your arms to your sides. Relax. Repeat the series.
1. Stand with your feet slightly apart, palms together, thumbs against your chest.
2. Inhale deeply while slowly raising your hands over your head, and bend back as far as possible, while tightening your buttocks. Hold for three seconds.
3. Slowly exhale and bend forward, keeping your knees straight, until your fingers touch the floor outside your feet. (If you can't touch the floor, go as close as you can.) Bring your head in toward your knees.
4. Slowly inhale, bend your knees, and if your fingertips aren't outside your feet on the floor, place them there. Slide your right foot back as far as you can go, with the right knee an inch or so off the floor, (a lunge position). Now look up as high as possible, arching your back.
5. Before exhaling again, slide your left foot back until it is beside the right one, and with your weight supported on your palms and toes, straighten both legs so that your body forms a flat plane. Make sure your stomach is pulled in.
6. Slowly exhale, bend both knees to the floor, bend with your hips in the air, lower your chest and forehead to the floor.
7. Now inhale slowly and look up, bending your head back, then raising it, followed by your upper chest, then lower chest. Your lower body - from the navel down - should be on the floor, and your elbows should be slightly bent. Hold for three to five seconds.
8. Exhale slowly and raise your hips until your feet and palms are flat on the floor and your arms and legs are straight in an inverted V position.
9. Inhale slowly and bring your right foot forward as in position 4. The foot should be flat on the floor between your fingertips. The left leg should be almost straight behind you, with its knee slightly off the floor. Raise your head, look up, and arch your back.
10. Slowly exhale and bring your left foot forward next to your right one. Straighten your legs and stand, trying to keep your fingertips on the floor, and try to touch your head to your knees as in position 3.
11. Slowly inhale, raise your arms up and stretch back as in position 2. Don't forget to tighten your buttocks. Hold for three seconds.
12. Slowly exhale, lowering your arms to your sides. Relax. Repeat the series.
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12/14/2009
Internet Marketing Plan
A planned, organized Internet marketing campaign with rotation through a variety of targeted sites, directories and venues is not hard to coordinate, does not need to cost a great deal of money and can generate traffic and sales faster than search engine submissions alone. It takes a bit of research and a solid knowledge of your target customer, but you can plan and implement a simple marketing campaign in the space of a dedicated day.
* It illustrates the dovetailing of different avenues of marketing, which is a hallmark of a successful, skillful marketing plan.
* It should give you new ideas for making your own enterprise more successful on the Web.
* It demonstrates that with a detailed marketing plan, you do a lot of disciplined creative thinking once (or hire someone like me to do it for you) and then know every month what steps to take to remain on track. Making progress is easier because you know what to do as time moves along without having to continually ponder, "What now?"
As with any marketing plan, the online plan includes developing strategies and tactics (also called action plans) that, when implemented, will help you reach your marketing goals. An objective, strategy, and tactic are each progressively narrower in scope:
The objective addresses the “big picture”. In general terms, your objective answers the question “How will I overcome my main marketing challenge(s)?” If your company’s main site-related challenge is figuring out how to use your Website to help build client business, for example, an objective for your online marketing plan could be “To enhance online client service as well as build site awareness and interest with clients.”
A marketing strategy supports your objective. The strategy defines general approaches you will take to meet your objective. For example, strategies to support the above objective could include 1) improve online communication, information, and education, 2) build awareness of and interest in your company on the Internet, and 3) communicate the Website’s existence and advantages to existing clients.
A marketing tactic is where the action takes place. Also called marketing programs or action plans, they are the things you will do to bring each marketing strategy to life. Tactics for strategy 2 in the above example (improve online communication, information, and education) could include 1) sharing experience and observations in your industry through participation in discussion boards, 2) offering an email newsletter, and 3) listing/submitting your site to targeted search engines and directories.
By implementing marketing programs that are consistent with your site objective(s) and marketing strategies you improve your chance of business success.
Successful holiday Internet marketing campaigns are within the reach of any business, no matter what your budget. By following these basic marketing plan steps and committing to the follow-through, you can create a cost effective marketing campaign with a substantial return on investment.
* It illustrates the dovetailing of different avenues of marketing, which is a hallmark of a successful, skillful marketing plan.
* It should give you new ideas for making your own enterprise more successful on the Web.
* It demonstrates that with a detailed marketing plan, you do a lot of disciplined creative thinking once (or hire someone like me to do it for you) and then know every month what steps to take to remain on track. Making progress is easier because you know what to do as time moves along without having to continually ponder, "What now?"
As with any marketing plan, the online plan includes developing strategies and tactics (also called action plans) that, when implemented, will help you reach your marketing goals. An objective, strategy, and tactic are each progressively narrower in scope:
The objective addresses the “big picture”. In general terms, your objective answers the question “How will I overcome my main marketing challenge(s)?” If your company’s main site-related challenge is figuring out how to use your Website to help build client business, for example, an objective for your online marketing plan could be “To enhance online client service as well as build site awareness and interest with clients.”
A marketing strategy supports your objective. The strategy defines general approaches you will take to meet your objective. For example, strategies to support the above objective could include 1) improve online communication, information, and education, 2) build awareness of and interest in your company on the Internet, and 3) communicate the Website’s existence and advantages to existing clients.
A marketing tactic is where the action takes place. Also called marketing programs or action plans, they are the things you will do to bring each marketing strategy to life. Tactics for strategy 2 in the above example (improve online communication, information, and education) could include 1) sharing experience and observations in your industry through participation in discussion boards, 2) offering an email newsletter, and 3) listing/submitting your site to targeted search engines and directories.
By implementing marketing programs that are consistent with your site objective(s) and marketing strategies you improve your chance of business success.
Successful holiday Internet marketing campaigns are within the reach of any business, no matter what your budget. By following these basic marketing plan steps and committing to the follow-through, you can create a cost effective marketing campaign with a substantial return on investment.
Promoting Your Company For a Few Cents
It may seem impossible in a time where a candy bar costs a dollar, but there are many ways to help promote your business for less than the cost of a candy bar. Promotional products provide a distinctive and inexpensive form of advertising that is attainable on just about any budget. The following are 5 incredible promotional products that can offer a big impact for less than a buck.
Use of promotional pens has been around for a long time, they continue to be a very cheap way to get your business name in front of the customer or prospective customer. Everyone has to use a pen, usually lots of times during the day. Pens are also very mobile and get passed around so your business name will travel on a promotional pen.
Handing out bumper stickers is a worthwhile use of your very few cents of marketing costs. These travel all over town, at the mall, at work, at the ball fields, they are a very visual advertising tool for your business that costs next to nothing. Key tags are becoming the rage, discounts for all kinds of businesses, so as your customers are out shopping they are putting their key tags up on the counters in a visible display. This makes a key tag for your business a very visible part of their shopping routine and therefore good advertising for your business.
Promotional magnets - Again it is the little things that make the most long lasting impressions some times. Look at each and every fridge that you see and you will find that people always have something on there. A place to hang up things that won't get in the way, a refrigerator magnet is an item that will be around for years, and with each snack or drink your company will be remembered. For about the cost of a business card, you will find that this type of item really sticks around.
Give out lanyards to your customers to carry employee ids and keys, then the name of your business is always with that person. These are very cheap, less than a dollar each, and it helps people keep their ids and keys all together, plus they'll have your business name on their body every day.
Use of promotional pens has been around for a long time, they continue to be a very cheap way to get your business name in front of the customer or prospective customer. Everyone has to use a pen, usually lots of times during the day. Pens are also very mobile and get passed around so your business name will travel on a promotional pen.
Handing out bumper stickers is a worthwhile use of your very few cents of marketing costs. These travel all over town, at the mall, at work, at the ball fields, they are a very visual advertising tool for your business that costs next to nothing. Key tags are becoming the rage, discounts for all kinds of businesses, so as your customers are out shopping they are putting their key tags up on the counters in a visible display. This makes a key tag for your business a very visible part of their shopping routine and therefore good advertising for your business.
Promotional magnets - Again it is the little things that make the most long lasting impressions some times. Look at each and every fridge that you see and you will find that people always have something on there. A place to hang up things that won't get in the way, a refrigerator magnet is an item that will be around for years, and with each snack or drink your company will be remembered. For about the cost of a business card, you will find that this type of item really sticks around.
Give out lanyards to your customers to carry employee ids and keys, then the name of your business is always with that person. These are very cheap, less than a dollar each, and it helps people keep their ids and keys all together, plus they'll have your business name on their body every day.
12/08/2009
Mechanical properties and foaming behavior of cellulose fiber reinforced high-density polyethylene composites
As a result of the general increase in environmental awareness, the use of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites has risen across sectors such as the automotive, construction, and packaging industries. These composites are employed as a replacement for inorganic fiber reinforced polymer composites. Currently, glass fiber remains one of the most widely used fibers to reinforce polymers; composites with glass fiber reinforcements typically exhibit superior mechanical properties, but are not as environmentally friendly as composites with natural fiber reinforcements.
Cellulose fiber has emerged as a possible replacement for glass fiber (1). Its enhanced mechanical and thermal properties, low density, high aspect ratio, and nonabrasiveness are attractive features. Moreover, unlike other natural fillers/fibers, cellulose fiber contains little extractives, which means that the emission of volatiles is reduced during processing; it is thus a suitable material for extrusion or injection processing. However, cellulose fiber is polar (hydrophilic) in nature while polyolefin, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, is nonpolar (hydrophobic). The poor compatibility between cellulose fiber and polyolefin causes poor dispersion of cellulose fiber in the polyolefin matrix and a weak interface between cellulose fiber and polyolefin, thus resulting in poor mechanical properties of the composites (2-7).
To improve the mechanical properties of cellulose fiber reinforced polyolefin composites, efforts have been made to modify the interface between the cellulose fiber and polyolefin (e.g. (2), (3). for cellulose/PE composites and (4-7) for cellulose/PP composites). In fact, past modifications were found to increase the tensile or flexural strength. However, notched impact strength needed to be further improved. It was reported that maleated thermoplastic elastomers, such as maleated styrene/ethylene/butylene/styrene copolymer and maleated ethylene/propylene/nonconjugated diene elastomer, were useful in improving the notched impact strength of wood/polyolefin composites (8-12) and rice hull/polyolefin composites (13). However, these have not yet been applied to the cellulose fiber reinforced polyolefin composites.
Microcellular foaming (14) or fine-celled foaming is another way to improve the impact strength of natural filler/fiber composites while reducing material weight and material use. To achieve such improvements, it is essential to control the cell morphology of the composites. However, there are technical obstacles that arise when one attempts to control the foam structure of natural filler/fiber composites. Although natural fillers/fibers can act as nucleating agents (15), the inherent moisture of natural fillers/fibers, as well as the volatiles that are released during processing due to the presence of extractives, cause significant deterioration of the foam cell structure, that is, nonuniform cell distribution and a large average cell size (16-21). Furthermore, the large amount of natural filler/fiber causes irregular cell nucleation and cell growth, generating foams with low cell density and a large, nonuniform cell size (22), (23).
It has been reported that the modification of the interface between natural filler/fiber and polymer affected the foamability of the composites. However, only limited information is available in the literature. Matuana et al. (24), (25) investigated the effect of surface modification with silane on the cell morphology of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)/cellulosic-fiber composites in a batch process. They suggested that the surface modification of fibers increased the void fraction of the composites. Li and Matuana (26) and Zhang et al. (27), using high-density polyethylene/wood flour composites and polypropylene/wood flour composites, respectively, examined the foaming behavior in extrusion with chemical blowing agents. They indicated that the addition of the coupling agents increased the void fraction and cell size of the composites.
In general, the end users will decide if natural fiber reinforced polymer composites are foamed or not based on their solid-state properties, especially their mechanical properties. In this context, the mechanical properties of solid cellulose fiber reinforced high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites were investigated in this article. Four types of maleated polymers were applied to improve mechanical properties, such as the flexural and impact properties of the composites. As the manufacturability is also important, the foaming behaviors of the composites were also studied in the extrusion foaming process. [N.sub.2] was applied to the composites as a physical blowing agent.
EXPERIMENTAL
Materials
HDPE (SCLAIR2710, Nova Chemicals) was used as a polymer matrix. HDPE has a melt flow index of 17 g/10 min (190[degrees]C/2.16 kg) and a density of 0.951 g/[cm.sup.3]. Two types of cellulose fibers were employed as reinforcement materials. Both fibers were similar in thickness (1-2 /[micro]m) and width (20 [micro]m), but differed in length. One had a length of 60 /[micro]m (TC90, CreaFill Fibers Corp.) and the other was 700 [micro]m (TC750, CreaFill Fibers Corp.). SEM micrographs of the short and long fibers are shown in Fig. la and b, respectively. The fibers were coated with a thin layer of platinum, and then observed using a scanning electron microscope, SEM (JSM-6060, JEOL). The figures clearly show that there is a large difference between the short and long fibers in terms of the length and aspect ratio.
12/07/2009
Philippines Banking Sector Analysis
Over a period of time, the banking industry of the Philippines has seen a transformation with the reforms being carried out by both the banking regulator and the government. The reform process has resulted in improved banking industry, with industry income touching new heights in 2007. Moreover, the Philippine banking industry has been undergoing consolidation that will further strengthen its position as new entities will increase the competition level. Moreover, banks will continue to be supported by a benign economic outlook, which reduces the likelihood of a sharp increase in unemployment or corporate bankruptcies, as per “Philippines Banking Sector Analysis", a new research report by RNCOS.
The report provides extensive research and rational analysis on the Philippines banking industry and helps clients in analyzing the current performance and growth opportunities that exist in the banking industry. The report provides detailed overview of the banking industry in the Philippines by contemplating and analyzing various parameters like assets size, income level, number of financial cardholders etc. It helps clients to understand various products available in the Philippines banking industry and their future scope.
The future forecast discusses the future prospects of different arms of banking industry, including bancassurance, financial cards, mobile banking and role of technology in banking. The future projection given in this report is done on the basis of the current market scenario, past trends, and rules and regulations laid by the central bank.
For the purpose of this research report, Asia consist of China, India, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam.
Key Findings
- The Philippine banking industry posted a CAGR hike of 8.46% in asset base between 2004 and 2007.
- Industry deposits in the country grew at a CAGR of 9.82% from 2004 to 2007.
- Deposit mobilization is concentrated with universal and commercial banks, which account for the majority of the Philippine banking industry deposit.
- Financial Intermediation was the largest shareholder of the loan disbursal by banks during 2004-2007.
- Bancassurance will account for 65% of the total sales of insurance products by 2011.
- Increasing at a CAGR of 69.78%, microfinancing in the Philippines is expected to reach 56.5 Billion Pesos.
- Increasing mobile penetration will expand the mobile banking user base to more than 11 Million by 2011.
Key Issues & Facts Analyzed
- Market analysis of different product segments in the banking industry.
- Evaluation of current market trends.
- Factors driving growth in the Philippines banking industry.
- Analysis of challenges and opportunities for the industry.
Key Players Analyzed
This section covers the overview about the major players in the Philippines banking industry like Metropolitan Bank and Trust, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Banco de Oro UniBank Inc. and Land Bank of the Philippines.
Research Methodology Used
Information Sources
Information has been sourced from books, newspapers, trade journals, and white papers, industry portals, government agencies, trade associations, monitoring industry news and developments, and through access to more than 3000 paid databases.
Analysis Method
The analysis methods include ratio analysis, historical trend analysis, linear regression analysis using software tools, judgmental forecasting, and cause and effect analysis.
The report provides extensive research and rational analysis on the Philippines banking industry and helps clients in analyzing the current performance and growth opportunities that exist in the banking industry. The report provides detailed overview of the banking industry in the Philippines by contemplating and analyzing various parameters like assets size, income level, number of financial cardholders etc. It helps clients to understand various products available in the Philippines banking industry and their future scope.
The future forecast discusses the future prospects of different arms of banking industry, including bancassurance, financial cards, mobile banking and role of technology in banking. The future projection given in this report is done on the basis of the current market scenario, past trends, and rules and regulations laid by the central bank.
For the purpose of this research report, Asia consist of China, India, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam.
Key Findings
- The Philippine banking industry posted a CAGR hike of 8.46% in asset base between 2004 and 2007.
- Industry deposits in the country grew at a CAGR of 9.82% from 2004 to 2007.
- Deposit mobilization is concentrated with universal and commercial banks, which account for the majority of the Philippine banking industry deposit.
- Financial Intermediation was the largest shareholder of the loan disbursal by banks during 2004-2007.
- Bancassurance will account for 65% of the total sales of insurance products by 2011.
- Increasing at a CAGR of 69.78%, microfinancing in the Philippines is expected to reach 56.5 Billion Pesos.
- Increasing mobile penetration will expand the mobile banking user base to more than 11 Million by 2011.
Key Issues & Facts Analyzed
- Market analysis of different product segments in the banking industry.
- Evaluation of current market trends.
- Factors driving growth in the Philippines banking industry.
- Analysis of challenges and opportunities for the industry.
Key Players Analyzed
This section covers the overview about the major players in the Philippines banking industry like Metropolitan Bank and Trust, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Banco de Oro UniBank Inc. and Land Bank of the Philippines.
Research Methodology Used
Information Sources
Information has been sourced from books, newspapers, trade journals, and white papers, industry portals, government agencies, trade associations, monitoring industry news and developments, and through access to more than 3000 paid databases.
Analysis Method
The analysis methods include ratio analysis, historical trend analysis, linear regression analysis using software tools, judgmental forecasting, and cause and effect analysis.
UAE’s Steel Consumption to Reach 15 Million Tons by 2012
According to our new research report, “UAE Steel Industry Analysis”, despite being affected by the ongoing financial crisis, the steel industry of the UAE is expected to witness good time ahead. Various upcoming infrastructure projects will drive the steel demand in the UAE. It is expected that the UAE’s steel consumption will reach 15 Million Tons by the end of 2012, an increase of around 50% from the consumption level of 2007.
The report highlights that the construction boom in the UAE is the major driving force behind the growth of its steel industry. It is expected that in coming two years, a total of US$ 392 Billion will be spend on construction activities. It is noteworthy that UAE’s construction activities are largely concentrated in Dubai, but during the coming years, unprecedented growth in the sector is expected throughout the country, especially in Abu Dhabi.
UAE is mainly dependent on imports to fulfill its domestic steel consumption. But recently major steel companies including state owned Emirate Steel (ESI) have planned to add major production capacity in the coming years to reduce the country’s dependence on imports.
Further as per our research, UAE is the leading country in terms of per-capita steel consumption in the region. The per capita steel consumption in the country stands at 2,348 Kg, which is not only higher than the GCC average of 645 Kg but also exceeds the world average of around 240 Kg.
“UAE Steel Industry Analysis” contains an extensive research and in-depth analysis of the UAE’s steel industry. The report gives an overview of the steel industry and studies the key market trends to help clients analyze the leading-edge opportunities in the UAE steel industry. Detailed data and analysis help investors and global players to navigate through the evolving steel industry of the UAE.
The report investigates the potential of UAE’s steel industry by focusing on the growth prospects. The research also covers the forecast on various industry segments including GCC steel production by country, GCC steel consumption by country, construction industry in UAE, steel production, steel consumption and the market share of steel companies.
The report highlights that the construction boom in the UAE is the major driving force behind the growth of its steel industry. It is expected that in coming two years, a total of US$ 392 Billion will be spend on construction activities. It is noteworthy that UAE’s construction activities are largely concentrated in Dubai, but during the coming years, unprecedented growth in the sector is expected throughout the country, especially in Abu Dhabi.
UAE is mainly dependent on imports to fulfill its domestic steel consumption. But recently major steel companies including state owned Emirate Steel (ESI) have planned to add major production capacity in the coming years to reduce the country’s dependence on imports.
Further as per our research, UAE is the leading country in terms of per-capita steel consumption in the region. The per capita steel consumption in the country stands at 2,348 Kg, which is not only higher than the GCC average of 645 Kg but also exceeds the world average of around 240 Kg.
“UAE Steel Industry Analysis” contains an extensive research and in-depth analysis of the UAE’s steel industry. The report gives an overview of the steel industry and studies the key market trends to help clients analyze the leading-edge opportunities in the UAE steel industry. Detailed data and analysis help investors and global players to navigate through the evolving steel industry of the UAE.
The report investigates the potential of UAE’s steel industry by focusing on the growth prospects. The research also covers the forecast on various industry segments including GCC steel production by country, GCC steel consumption by country, construction industry in UAE, steel production, steel consumption and the market share of steel companies.
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