Sores in Nose

Sores or lesions could develop in the nose due to a wide range of reasons. Nasal sores could even hurt or itch. The following write-up provides information on the common causes of sores in the nose.

Sores are open skin lesions or ulcers that could develop on any part of the body. These could even form inside the nose. These lesions may or may not be painful. At times, these may be accompanied by itching in the nose. The skin around the lesion may turn red and become tender to touch. These could get filled with fluid, that may ooze later. The associated symptoms could vary, depending on the underlying cause of nasal sores.

Causative Factors for Nasal Sores
The causes of sores in the nose range from trauma, allergic reaction, to infections that could be caused by pathogens. Some of the common causes include:

◘ Dryness
Nasal sores could develop due to dryness in the nose. While the use of indoor heating devices keeps us warm in the winters, it could dry the inner lining of the nose. The lining may develop cracks, and this could sometimes be followed by nosebleeds.

◘ Trauma
Frequently blowing the nose forcefully could damage the skin and the soft underlying tissue, thereby leading to the development of sores in the nose. Since the nose has an abundant blood supply, trauma due to forcefully blowing or picking the nose could even lead to bleeding. Sores could also develop if aftercare measures are not followed after getting a nose piercing.

◘ Poor Hygiene
The mucous membrane that lines the insides of the nose keeps the nose moist. Since bacteria flourish in a moist environment, bacterial overgrowth could occur in the nose. The presence of pathogens such as bacteria or viruses could lead to infections, which in turn, could cause sores. If a person touches his/her nose or the nostrils with fingertips, without cleaning his/her hands, germs or dirt that may be present in the nails might enter the nose.

◘ Oral Herpes
At times, pathogens may enter the nose through inhaled air. Pathogenic infections may lead to the development of nasal sores. Oral herpes, which is caused by herpes simplex virus-1, is an infection that is characterized by the formation of fluid-filled blisters around the lips or inside the mouth. It could even lead to the development of sores inside the nose.

◘ Folliculitis
The term 'folliculitis' refers to the inflammation of the hair follicles. Lesions could form in the nose if the follicles present in the nose become inflamed. This could occur due to trauma or infections. A cut or tear could develop while trimming nose hair, which in turn, may cause nose sores.

◘ Impetigo
Impetigo is a bacterial infection of the skin that usually affects children. It is characterized by the formation of small sores on the face. While the sores appear as red spots initially, they may later turn into blisters that may ooze fluid. These may also become encrusted. This infection occurs when Staphylococcus or Group A Streptococcus bacteria enter through breaks in the skin. This is a contagious infection that could spread through person-to-person contact.

◘ Allergic Reaction
Inhalation of fumes from harsh chemicals or excessive use of nasal sprays could also damage the delicate skin inside the nose. At times, people may develop an allergic skin reaction to chemicals present in nasal sprays, or other inhaled corticosteroids that may be used to treat medical conditions such as rhinitis or asthma. Prolonged use of certain drugs could cause thinning of the skin, which in turn, could cause nasal sores.

Treatment
Certain diagnostic tests are usually conducted to help the doctors identify the underlying cause of nasal lesions. If the lesions are a result of an infection, culture samples would be collected from the sores, so as to identify the causal organism. The treatment for bacterial, viral, and fungal infections would involve the use of antibiotics, antiviral drugs, and antifungal drugs respectively. The affected individual would most likely be asked to apply a medicated cream topically. You could lower the risk of infections by following these self-care measures.

◘ Don't pick on your nose or blow it too hard.
◘ Rinsing the insides of your nose regularly will help in clearing the bacteria. This will lower the incidence of such sores.
◘ Wash your hands with an antiseptic or antibacterial hand wash before you touch your nose.
◘ Don't self-medicate. Use the medicines that have been prescribed by a doctor.

Since nasal sores could be caused by infections, do consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. The problem of lesions in the nose will resolve quickly if you follow the precautionary measures, and take the medication as per your doctor's advice.

Slow-pitch Softball Hitting Tips

One of the main skills required to successfully play slow-pitch softball is hitting powerful shots that drive the ball in the gaps, in the outfield, and over the fence. For anyone who wishes to become a better player or enjoy the game a little more, let us take a look at some slow-pitch softball hitting tips which will help you master this skill, with a little practice of course.

... in Amarillo, 1978, Bruce Meade hit a slow-pitch softball 510 feet, for the longest home run, a record which still stands today.

In 1887, a variant of baseball was invented by George Hancock, a journalist for the Chicago Board of Trade, that could be played indoors. It had smaller playing dimensions, a smaller bat and a softer, larger ball than baseball. The popularity of this version gained rapidly and around 1926, it was officially named softball. It is primarily played in two ways, fast pitch, and slow-pitch. Scoring or hitting runs in fast pitch softball is relatively easier as the batter can utilize the speed of the pitched ball to strike it in the field. Whereas in slow-pitch, the hitter has to generate speed through his strength in order to hit the ball further and faster. This makes hitting vital to slow-pitch softball. Any softball player, be it the one who plays on Sundays for recreation or one who is serious and wants to play professionally, would want to hit better, stronger and longer. Here, we have provided some hitting tips along with some practice drills that are sure to help you improve your game.

The Art of Hitting in Slow-Pitch Softball

Choosing A Bat
First things first, choose the right bat which suits your grip, and is comfortable to swing and hit. The most crucial factor in hitting slow-pitch softball is timing, and power. In order to produce the hardest hit, delivered with maximum power, you need to generate tremendous bat speed. Therefore, it is important that you select a bat which is neither too heavy nor too light. There is a popular misconception that heavier bats allow more powerful hits, but it might not necessarily be the case every time. A very heavy bat may in fact, reduce the speed of the ball after it hits the bat. A 28-ounce bat is recommended as it gives the player both, speed and flexibility to swing his arms.

The Grip
Another major factor is the grip which can vary according to a player's choice and comfort. Everybody has a different way of gripping the bat. An example being, placing the bat knob between the ring and pinkie finger. The upper hand almost overlaps the lower one in this grip position. A grip with two or three fingers of the top hand overlapping the lower one, can generate decent bat speed. Whichever grip you choose, make sure you are comfortable with it. Grip the bat firmly, but don't strangle the handle. Keep your hands loose, relax your arms. This will ensure that you generate better bat speed through your hitting area.

Leaning
The right hitting posture is very important. Your posture not only helps maintain balance, but also provides stability to deliver more powerful hits. Slightly bend your right leg (if you are right-handed) and back, before the pitch. There must be a gradual shift of weight from the back foot to the front foot as the stroke is executed. The shoulder should be lifted slightly during the swing, and should not drop back. The thrust of the hands in the direction of the pitcher will deviate the ball and prevent it from being caught by the pitcher. Remember to keep the body and leg posture the same for all pitch locations, and simply make adjustments with your hands. This will help maintain balance, and give you a better chance of hitting every pitch.

Studying the Pitcher
It is equally important to study the pitcher. Try to anticipate how the ball will come, and which way it would swing. You should have an idea about the various styles and tricks that the pitcher is permitted to use while pitching. Once you get the judgment of how the ball will come, time your stroke to hit the ball at the right moment to generate maximum hitting power.

Keeping Eyes on The Ball
To deliver a successful hit, the vital thing is making solid contact with the ball. Always keep your eyes on the ball, anticipate the pitch, and then strike with accuracy. Practice hitting different types of pitch to perfect this.

Swinging the Bat
Swing fast at the ball, try to get the barrel of the bat to meet the middle of the ball. Make sure you time your swing right, to deliver a powerful shot. Extend your arms when you go through with your hitting motion. You can try spin shots by hitting the lower part of the ball. This maximizes the distance it travels, with an increase in the spin. Once the bat makes contact with the ball, continue with your swing, even after the impact. The natural swing should be followed through completely. This ensures a longer hit.

Drills for Practice

Colored Ball Soft Toss
Get different color balls, and ask your partner to toss two balls at different heights. Then ask him/her to call out one of the two colors, you are supposed to hit that ball. For variation, you can change the release points as well as vary the speed of the balls. Once you've mastered the first version of this drill, you can try with three balls, or allow your partner to call out colors that aren't being tossed. Practicing this drill will increase your concentration, and enhance your hitting technique.

Drop Toss
Assume your stance with your partner facing you. Your partner should hold the ball at shoulder height. Ask your partner to drop the ball, and move herself/himself away from your strike zone. Be very careful with this drill, as there is a chance of injury. To be safe, you may ask your partner to stand on a chair, and then drop the ball. Once he/she drops the ball, predict the ball speed, and hit the ball with full swing. This tracking drill, will help you develop hand speed for hitting the ball.

Bounce Toss
Ask your partner to stand 10 feet away from you, and ask him/her to overhand toss a ball so that it bounces. You must wait for the first bounce, and then hit the ball once it reaches your smash zone. This drill will teach you to wait for the ball to come to you, however long or short the pitch, instead of you going towards the ball.

Tips to Improve Your Game

The more you practice, easier it will be for you to estimate and anticipate what kind of pitch is being directed towards you. It will make you adept at reckoning all types of slow-pitch softball pitching. so, practice as much as you can.

One of the most important tip, crucial for any sport, is regular exercise. It is absolutely essential that you get your body in top condition with good flexibility for generating powerful shots. General muscle strengthening exercises help in building strength, and bat speed. You can also practice using a Wiffle ball bat, or by hitting basketballs.

Softball rules and regulations, though mostly similar to baseball, differ in a few aspects, which you should be aware of before playing the game. The above mentioned tips, and regular practice, will help you in becoming an asset for your team. And finally, while you focus on the techniques, do not forget to enjoy the game, and have fun.

Depressing Quotes

Quotes about depression help in motivating people to get over their sorrow and move on. They will also give you hope that things and situation will get better soon. Here is a compilation of depressing quotes about love, and about life.

Sorrow, loss or failure of any kind leads to depression that is unavoidable for even the toughest lot. Only the one going through that phase of life can feel the actual pain and anger. In that case, coming across quotes or real-life stories can help in understanding the situation better. It can lead to catharsis or purging of emotions and anger. On the other hand, they can also help people understand the harsh realities of life, gather strength and move on.

Depressing Life Quotes

When the mind fills with sorrow and pain, we often end up sympathizing with ourselves; or rather pitying ourselves. But, these quotes will also make you realize that sorrow is temporary and everything is well in the end. Read through these wise sayings, they will surely give you hope.



Tears are often the telescope by which men see far into heaven.
- Henry Ward Beecher

The secret source of humor itself is not joy, but sorrow. There is no humor in heaven.
- Mark Twain

It's easy to imagine ways the future can be ugly and depressing. It's harder, but more worthwhile, to imagine plausible ways we can make it better.
- Stanley Schmidt

The walls we build around us to keep sadness out also keeps out the joy.
- Jim Rohn

You can be healed of depression if every day you begin the first thing in the morning to consider how you will bring a real joy to someone else!
- Anonymous



The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and for deeds left undone!
- Harriet Beecher Stowe

Sad people dislike the happy, and the happy the sad; the quick thinking the sedate, and the careless the busy and industrious.
- Horace

Usually when people are sad, they don't do anything. They just cry over their condition. But when they get angry, they bring about a change.
- Malcolm X

Depressing Love Quotes

Sorrow is a part of love. Loving and losing someone, or loving and being not loved back are often leads to misery in love. But, you can still get over bad times and have a happy life.



Lost love or lack of it is also one of the prominent reasons for sadness or depression. Here are some depression quotes on lost love.
- Anonymous

Love begins with a smile, grows with a kiss, and ends with a teardrop!
- Anonymous

Love can sometimes be magic.
But magic can sometimes... just be an illusion.
- Javan

She never found out how much I tried - all of the sadness she kept made me blind. She never found out how much I cried - the rope so tight on the night that she died...
- Seether (Love Her)



A million words would not bring you back, I know because I've tried.
Neither would a million tears, I know because I've cried.
- Anonymous

Have you ever noticed that the worst way to miss someone is when they are right beside you and you can never have them?
- Anonymous

Better to never have met you in my dream than to wake and reach for hands that are not there.
- Otomo No Yakamochi

What is GDP Per Capita?

GDP per capita is an indicator, used by many countries to indicate the overall growth and development of a country. It is calculated by dividing GDP by the population of the country. It is studied under Macroeconomics, and is related to national accounts.

"It's time we admitted that there's more to life than money, and it's time we focused not just on GDP but on GWB - general well being."

- David Cameron (2006)
Gross Domestic Product or GDP is the total market value of all the final products and services, produced during a specific time period in a country. It is considered to be the foremost parameter of standard of living of a country.

GDP includes government purchases and investments, trade balance (the difference between exports and imports), and consumption. GDP per capita is derived by dividing the gross domestic product by the population of a country. It is used as an indicator of standard of living, while making a comparison between two countries.

According to the Britannica Concise Encyclopedia;

Gross domestic product (GDP), total market value of the goods and services produced by a nation's economy during a specific period of time. GDP is customarily reported on an annual basis. It is defined to include all final goods and services - that is, those that are produced by the economic resources located in that nation regardless of their ownership and are not resold in any form. GDP differs from gross national product (GNP), which is defined to include all final goods and services produced by resources owned by that nation's residents, whether located in the nation or elsewhere.

Simon Kuznets, a Russian American Economist, developed gross domestic product. It was for the 1934 US Congress Report. Many scholars and critics, and Simon Kuznets himself have argued, that economic components that are included in calculating GDP per capita are unscientific, and lack various critical aspects of the economy. Nevertheless, in almost all countries, it is used as a benchmark for measuring a nation's economic progress.

GDP Per Capita
As mentioned earlier, GDP per capita is the value of goods and services consumed by every person in a country. The higher the GDP, the better standard of living. However, this implies only theoretically. The reason behind it, is that there are several factors that are included while calculating GDP. These factors, however, may not be related to a person's income. Thus, GDP per capita is an indicator, and not an exact measurement of standard of living. It is to be understood that there is a drastic difference between GDP and GDP per capita. GDP of China, for instance, is very close to that of US economy, however, GDP per capita of China falls way behind US, due to the huge population of China!

Reporting GDP in USA
In the United States, the Commerce Department releases the GDP report for previous quarter, on the last date of the present quarter at 8:30 AM EST. The GDP is reported in two formats viz., current dollar and constant dollar.

The market value of goods and services, produced in terms of value of today's dollar, is known as Current Dollar GDP. It is used on foreign exchange markets by the traders. However, due to inflation, the Current Dollar GDP is not practicable, as it renders the comparison between two time periods, difficult.

Constant Dollar GDP, on the other hand, converts the current market value into the value of some standard time period or era. This assists in comparing the GDP between two different time periods. Constant Dollar GDP is also known as Real GDP.

Calculating GDP of a Country
To understand the calculation of GDP per capita, it is first important to see how GDP is calculated. There are three ways of determining GDP, and they should yield the same result, at least in theory.

Product Approach: It refers to the total value of goods and services for one year. It is also called Net Value Added or Net Product method.

Formula:
Gross Value of Output - Value of Intermediate Consumption = Net Value Added

It is calculated for each sector, according to the economic activities. The sum of all such Sectoral Net Value Added gives GDP at Factor Cost.

To calculate GDP at Producer Cost, the difference between Indirect taxes and Government Subsidies are added to GDP at Factor Cost.

Income Approach: It refers to the total income of every individual of a country, during one year. It is also known as Gross Domestic Income, and ideally should be equal to the GDP calculated by Expenditure Approach. To calculate GDI, the following are added:
Income of farmers
Wages, compensation, salary or labor charges
Interest from investments
Income from non-agricultural businesses
Corporate profits
After adjusting for depreciation, the indirect taxes and subsidies, the GDP at Producer Cost is derived.

Expenditure Approach: It is an accounting method, that determines the total output of a nation by finding the amount of money spent.

Swollen Lymph Node Behind Ear

Swelling of the lymph nodes is often the sign of an infection, which can be bacterial, viral or fungal. This write-up provides information on what causes swelling of the lymph nodes that are located behind the ear, along with the associated symptoms, and treatment options.

The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and ducts, that are responsible for bringing interstitial fluid (fluid that exists outside the blood vessels) back into the circulatory system. The lymph nodes are a part of this system, and are associated with the filtration of lymph and production of antibodies. They also produce macrophages, a type of phagocytes that engulf and digest debris and microorganisms. Thus, they defend the body against infectious agents like viruses and bacteria, and get rid of toxins as well as particulate matter.

A lymph node or gland is usually a small bean-shaped lump of tissue, that contain white blood cells. They are present throughout the body, singly or in groups, and each group is concerned with draining a particular area of the body. Groups of lymph nodes can be found in the neck, groin, behind the ears, and under the armpits. The lymph nodes that are more likely to be affected by lymphadenopathy (swelling of the lymph nodes), are those found under the armpits, neck, groin, under the chin or jaw, and around the ears.

Ear Lymph Nodes

Two groups of lymph nodes can be found around the ears, one group is located in front of each ear, and the other can be found behind the ears. The group of lymph nodes found in front of the ears is known as preauricular nodes, while the group found behind the ears are the posterior auricular lymph nodes.

Causes of Enlarged Lymph Nodes

▶▶ In general, lymph nodes enlarge when our body is fighting an infection, which can be localized or systemic. When a person suffers from an infection, the lymph nodes increase the production of antibodies in order to destroy the infectious agents. But, in the process, the lymph nodes of some areas may enlarge. Localized infection causes lymph nodes of that particular area to swell, while systemic infection can manifest in swollen lymph glands throughout the body.

▶▶ Swollen lymph nodes behind the ear, in particular, can be associated with an eye infection, upper respiratory infection, or an infection around the scalp. Ear infections can be another reason behind the enlargement of lymph nodes located around the ears and neck. Sometimes, injury to the lymph nodes can also cause them to enlarge.

▶▶ Lymph nodes can swell due to diseases like common cold and flu. These conditions can cause swelling of several lymph nodes, but more commonly, the lymph nodes located on either side of the neck and under the jaw, along with those found behind the ears.

▶▶ German measles is caused by the rubella virus, and this viral infection is known to produce a distinctive red or pink rash that first appears on the face, and then spreads to the trunk, arms and legs. In addition to skin rash, one can develop swollen and tender lymph nodes behind the ears, back of the neck, and at the base of the skull, due to this viral infection.

▶▶ Generalized swelling of the lymph nodes throughout the body may have an association with conditions like HIV infection or AIDS, and fungal and parasitic infections. An allergic reaction to certain substances, medicines, or food, may also cause the lymph nodes of different areas to enlarge.

▶▶ Sometimes, this swelling can be associated with cancer. It can be the result of an accumulation of cancerous or malignant cells inside the lymph nodes. More commonly, lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes), and Hodgkin's lymphoma (cancer of the lymph tissues) can cause enlargement of the nodes. Apart from lymphoma, leukemia (blood cancer), and throat cancer can cause lymph node enlargement as well.

▶▶ Other possible causes of swollen glands or lymph nodes include, shingles, an abscessed tooth, strep throat, herpes, and certain sexually transmitted diseases. Immune system disorders like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, mononucleosis, measles, tuberculosis, and cat scratch fever, are some of the less-common causes of lymph node swelling.

Associated Symptoms

The symptoms that accompany an enlarged lymph node can vary to a great extent, depending upon the actual causes. Nevertheless, some of the common symptoms that one can experience with the swollen glands are:
Pain and tenderness, which can be felt when pressure is applied on the swollen nodes.
Fever, which is a sign of an infection.
Problem in swallowing due to painful swollen nodes.
Earache, if the swelling is caused by an infection or injury to the nodes.
Redness and warmth in the area where the nodes are swollen.
Runny nose and sore throat (if the swelling is associated with an infection of the upper respiratory tract).
Some swollen lymph nodes are soft, while others can be hard and rubbery. Soft lymph nodes that can be moved easily can indicate an infection or inflammation. But, hard and rubbery nodes that do not move and don't result in any pain, may be associated with an underlying disease that needs medical attention. Lymph nodes that are growing in size also calls for proper evaluation by a health care practitioner.

Diagnosis and Treatment

A detailed study of the swollen nodes is usually carried out by the physician, in order to find out the actual cause. A physical examination commonly involves the study of the texture and size of the node. Sometimes, an X-ray is also taken out to determine the nature of the swelling. The treatment will vary depending on the cause:
The treatment of a bacterial infection usually involves the administration of antibiotics.
In severe cases, intravenous administration of antibiotic drugs might be required.
If a person has developed an allergic reaction, doctors would recommend the use of antihistamines and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Painkillers would be prescribed if the swelling is accompanied by pain.
In case of autoimmune diseases, the use of immunosuppressants may be recommended by the physician.
Once the infection has been resolved, the affected lymph node will shrink back to its original size. If the swelling persists for a long time, then the doctor might conduct a CT scan or a lymph node biopsy to rule out medical conditions like cancer or lymphoma. Extensive treatment would be required if a person is diagnosed with cancer.

Sluggish Liver Symptoms

In its initial stages, a sluggish liver causes very little harm, frequently causing it to be left undiagnosed. However, neglect can lead to severe repercussions, including a host of other ailments. Fortunately, there are numerous symptoms that indicate a sluggish liver, and in this article we cover some of them.

The liver is the largest organ of the body, and is located below the diaphragm, in the right upper quadrant of the abdominal cavity. It performs several important functions, some of which are vital for good health. Detoxification of the blood, protein synthesis, excretion of bilirubin, hormones, cholesterol, drugs, and production of bile, an alkaline compound which helps in digestion through the emulsification of lipids, are some of the important functions that the liver performs. The liver also helps in the synthesis of plasma proteins, such as albumin, and clotting factors.

Sluggish Liver Causes

A sluggish liver is a condition wherein the liver works below capacity, or inefficiently. This can happen due to various reasons, like accumulation of fats in the liver cells (obesity), or liver fatigue (poor diet rich in fats, making the liver work harder). Lack of exercise can also be a cause of a sluggish liver. Other factors that can cause this condition include:
Alcoholism
Obesity
Diabetes
Drug intake (corticosteroids, tetracycline and aspirin)
Elevated serum triglyceride levels
Aging
Excessive consumption of anabolic steroids/estrogens/oral contraceptives
In addition to these, intrahepatic problems, which occur due to over exposure to food additives, solvents (cleaning materials, formaldehyde, toluene, benzene, etc.), heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, nickel, and aluminum), and other toxins, can also cause a sluggish liver. Viral infections of the liver, like hepatitis; inherited disorders, like Gilbert's syndrome; and hyperthyroidism are some other factors that can restrict the bile flow in the liver and cause impaired liver function.

Associated Symptoms

Though there is not much harm done in the initial stages of a sluggish liver, it is important to diagnose and treat the condition immediately. If left untreated, it can cause impairment of liver function, and lead to severe disorders of the body.

There are various symptoms that show as a result of a sluggish liver. The most common symptoms are discussed below.

Abnormalities in the Level of Fats in the Bloodstream
One of the main functions of the liver is to maintain the level of fats in the bloodstream. For an average person, approximately 80% of the cholesterol is generated by the liver. A sluggish liver can cause:
Elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
Elevation in the triglycerides
Fatty tumors
Weight gain
Heart disease

Digestive Problems
Out of the many functions that the liver performs, the most important is to produce bile, which helps in digestion through the process of emulsification of lipids. A sluggish liver produces less bile, causing many digestion problems for the affected individual, including:
Bloating of the abdomen
Constipation
Inability to digest fatty foods
Loss of appetite

Skin Related Allergies
The liver plays an important role in eliminating toxins from the body, and maintaining the efficiency of the body's immune system. If the process of eliminating toxins is hampered, as is in the case of a sluggish liver, skin irritation or skin allergies occur, which are considered the first sign of liver damage. A person in such a case would develop:
Rashes
Psoriasis
Eczema
Boils, acne, or moles
Itching

Fluctuation in Blood Sugar Level
One of the main functions of the liver is to maintain the sugar level in the blood. A sluggish liver fails to do so, and would fluctuate the sugar levels to a great extent. In such a condition, a person would show symptoms such as:
Loss of appetite
Weakness or dizziness
Nausea
Vomiting
Low energy level
Fever
Abdominal pain

Hormonal Imbalance
The liver is responsible for filtering out mutated hormones. A person with a sluggish liver would be quite affected by the hormonal imbalance and would exhibit symptoms such as:
Sleep and mental disturbance
Mental confusion
Depression
Sensitivity to medicines
In case of women, hormonal imbalance due to a sluggish liver causes:
Heavy or clotted menstruation
Irregular periods
Fibroids in breast or uterus
Hot flashes
Cysts on ovaries
Mood swings or any menopausal problems

Bone Bruise Treatment

Bone bruise treatment involves use of micro-current therapy, medicines like acetaminophen and intake of supplements.

Bone bruise is a painful injury of the bone. Although a bone fracture may not occur in this type of injury, it often leads to bleeding around the bone area. During the injury, excessive pressure generated, damages a portion of the bone. Bone bruises are often a result of sports related injuries. The most commonly affected body parts that suffer from a bone bruise are knees, ankles and foot.

How to Treat Bone Bruise?

Rest
Adequate rest is a must to promote healing and prevent further complications. Too much movement puts undue pressure on the injured bone and aggravate the pain. So, if you want to resume your day-to-day activities as early as possible, make sure that the affected area is not subjected to repetitive stress.

Painkillers
In order to reduce the severity of the pain, painkillers like acetaminophen are very useful. NSAIDS such as ibuprofen that is available under the brand name Motrin and Advil are formulated to do the dual job of decreasing the swelling and the pain.

Ice Massage
An ice massage on the affected area can also help to relieve the pain. Rubbing ice cubes for 5-10 minutes three times a day is generally recommended to get rid of swelling. One should never apply ice cubes directly on the skin. Wrapping the ice cubes with a cloth and then applying it on the skin is often advised to prevent skin damage.

Micro-current Therapy
Micro-current therapy can also be applied to promote the healing process. In this procedure, a small quantity of electric current is passed through the affected portion of the body. This therapy is indeed very beneficial to relieve the pain and repair the damaged tissues. Any injury disrupts the body's electrical fields. Micro-current therapy produces electric signals that occur naturally, whenever the body is repairing the injured tissues. This therapy tries to mimic those electric signals to allow the bone to heal faster. An important point to note here is that the amount of electric current used is so small that the person undergoing the treatment hardly feels the current. Too much electricity is not used, ensuring that the body's defense mechanism is not affected. The therapy safely reduces the swelling and is effective even for chronic pains.

Braces
One may have to wear braces to provide additional support and stability to the injured tissue of the affected area. The intention is to prevent the injury from aggravating by reducing the pressure on the damaged area. For instance, a bone bruise that affects the knee-joint may require you to wear functional or rehabilitation knee braces. These braces reduce the recovery time, alleviate pain and moreover make the knee stronger. Wearing the brace or an ACE bandage is the best support that one can give to speed up healing. These braces also restrict movement, which is necessary to recover from the injury at the earliest.

Healthy Diet
Besides quitting smoking, you need to ensure that your diet is high on nutrition. Proper nutrition can play a significant role to hasten recovery. So, in order to speed up healing, follow a rainbow diet, which essentially means eating a variety of fruits and vegetables everyday. They are loaded with nutrition, hence display amazing healing powers. No wonder, fruits like guava, cherries and vegetables such as spinach, cabbage and carrots are referred to as healing foods.

Supplements
Bromelain an important constituent of fresh pineapples, is a protein digestive enzyme helpful to treat various injuries including bone bruise. Extracted from pineapples, bromelain available at various drugstores in tablet or capsule form, is an effective treatment for this type of bone injury. It can considerably reduce swelling and pain following a physical injury. Including vitamin K and vitamin C tablets can also improve the condition. This is because vitamin C supplements, also known as 'immune system building' medications, help to decrease the recovery time whereas vitamin K is essential for a healthy bone structure. Rubbing ointments that contain vitamin K can also benefit the bruised area.

Stop Smoking
To speed up healing, apart from taking bromelain, one should avoid smoking and chewing tobacco. This is because, tobacco products contain nicotine, a substance that causes the blood vessels to compress, in turn reducing the blood circulation to the injured area. Decreased blood flow means the amount of nutrients reaching the site of injury will also decrease drastically. As we all know, essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals play a crucial role to repair damaged tissue. Considering this fact, it is no surprise that bone bruise takes longer time to heal in smokers than in people who follow healthy habits.

Exercise
Once your pain has subsided substantially and you start feeling better, the doctor may recommend low impact exercises to facilitate healing and improve range of motion. For instance, non weight bearing exercises such as stationary biking and swimming can be helpful to reduce stiffness and promote flexibility of muscles connected to affected bones. However, in case you feel your pain is persistently worsening after following these exercises, it would be best to immediately stop these workout routines.

Caution

Avoid using aspirin and take ibuprofen with caution. Although aspirin acts as a painkiller, it is basically a blood thinner and reduces formation of clots. This can actually worsen bleeding at the site of injury. On the other hand, ibuprofen at high doses provides a strong blood thinning effect. So, take ibuprofen in low doses that too for a short duration of time to prevent any untoward side effects.

Symptoms

A bone bruise can be quite irritating. Common symptoms associated with bone bruise include intense pain, stiffness and swelling. In some cases, the skin color of the affected area becomes blackish blue. Change in weather conditions can aggravate the pain. If the knee bone is injured then the person finds it difficult to walk. Normal range of motion of the injured part is severely hampered.

The injury is a precursor to a bone fracture. In this type of injury the cortex of the bone is damaged. The cortex made up of osseous tissue, is a thick outer covering of the bones. The cortex consists of a very tough fiber known as the fiber collagen. In bone bruise only a small amount of damage happens to the bone, yet it can cause bleeding. Even though not a fracture, a bone bruise causes terrible pain that does not go away easily and is likely to last for months. Bone bruises also take time to heal as the injury affects the innermost part (medullary cavity) of the bone.

Diagnosing Bone Bruise

It is difficult to detect bone bruise with an X-ray. Although aforementioned symptoms may suggest a bone bruise, it is crucial to undergo a MRI scan for accurate diagnosis. In the past, with no invention of sophisticated diagnostic tools, bone bruise was wrongly diagnosed as a fracture.

Bone Bruise Healing Time

Of all the factors, the amount of damage inflicted is the most crucial one, in determining the length of healing time. In most cases, the inflammation and discolored appearance clears within a week or two but the pain is long-lasting and may take 6-12 weeks before you can freely move the bruised area. In some cases, the pain may take more than a year to completely go away. For instance, a serious bone bruise affecting the knee can cause difficulty walking for several months. In addition to severity of injury, repetitive strain caused by inadequate rest can also prolong the healing time.

Vodka Brands List

According to latest consumer reports, US alone witnessed the birth of more than 200 brands of vodkas in the last 5 years; just imagine the figure in other countries. For people who want to stock up their bar with the best vodka brands have landed at the right article. This page educates you about the most popular brands of vodka.

A clear and almost flavorless spirit, vodka was discovered some 600 years ago in Russia or Poland as per their claims. The term 'vodka' is a diminutive of the Slavic word Voda (water). Originally, vodka could only be distilled from potatoes but today various brands use grains, beets, rye, and wheat in its distillation. It is also the most widely consumed spirit in the world and is the preferred base for most cocktails.

At present, there are thousands of producers of vodka and every year many big names enter this market. The following vodka brands list contains the names of the most popular and preferred brands of vodka. These names can be seen at every bar or liquor shelf and can be identified by drinkers and non-drinkers alike. Most brands mentioned are noted for their smoothness and distinctive flavor.

Most Popular Vodkas

Absolut Vodka
Available at nearly every tavern, Absolut comes from Sweden and is a favorite among millions. It has its presence in almost every country in the world and offers a variety of flavors. No list of best vodka brands is complete without this name and it is an ideal choice for people who are looking for a drink which offers maximum smoothness and lightness. It is also a favorite base for most cocktails.
Belvedere Vodka
Belvedere is credited to produce one of the world's first super-premium vodkas, and it comes from the Polish town of Żyrardów. A fine Polish vodka, Belvedere is known for its great taste and its beautiful frosted bottle. It is named after Belweder, the Polish presidential palace and is one of the few brands to make flavored vodkas with real fruit. It mixes well with all spirits but is best preferred unadulterated.

Grey Goose Vodka
You just can't talk about vodka without mentioning Grey Goose. In addition to Absolut, Grey Goose is the only brand to have presence in over 100 countries. This self-proclaimed world's best tasting vodka comes from Western France and is made from the finest French wheat and natural spring water that is filtered with champagne limestone. It also features an impressive line of flavored vodkas in which La Poire is preferred the most.
Ketel One Vodka
One of the most premium vodka brands in the world, Ketel One is the product of 300 years of distilling experience by the Nolet family distillery in Schiedam, Holland. This vodka is made in small batches which are personally approved by the owner. Known globally for its insane smooth taste, flawless quality and traditional appearance, Ketel One symbolizes 10 generations of distilling perfection and is currently the most favored brand for cocktails.

Smirnoff Vodka
Other than being one of the highest selling vodka brands, Smirnoff is also called the "Common Man's Vodka". It is popular among restaurant and homes alike due to its affordable price. Although, its taste and smoothness can't be compared to premium vodkas, Smirnoff has a class of its own and is a preferred choice in making vodka based cocktails.
2NITE Vodka
Four times San Francisco World Spirits Competition Gold Medal winner, 2NITE Vodka comes from the land of Leonardo da Vinci. It is also one of the few 100% organic vodkas to abstain the use of caffeine and glycerin and claims to be a "No-Hangover" vodka. It undergoes advanced chromatography which helps in the removal of impurities that cause hangovers.

Other Honorable Mentions

Jean-Marc XO Vodka
Reyka Vodka
Ciroc Vodka
Finlandia
Xellent Swiss Vodka
Crystal Head Vodka
42 BELOW
Adnams Vodka
Artic Vodka
Boru Vodka
Xan Vodka
Magic Spirits Vodka
Polar Ice Vodka
Van Gogh Vodka
Three Olives Vodka
Stolichnaya Vodka
Chopin Vodka
Frïs Vodka
Gordon's Vodka
Iceberg Vodka
Square One Vodka
Kremlyovskaya Vodka
Vox Vodka
Three Olives Vodka
P.i.n.k Vodka
Monopolowa Vodka
Orloff Vodka
Tito's Handmade Vodka
Sobieski Vodka
Lotus Vodka
Łańcut Vodka
Vodka Oso Negro
Wyborowa Vodka
Zodiac Vodka
Snow Queen Vodka
SKYY Vodka
Svedka Vodka
Vodka 14
Bowman's Vodka
UV Vodka
Vodka 7000
Gdańska Vodka
Alberta Pure Vodka
V44 Vodka
Youri Dolgoruki Vodka
Ultimat Vodka
Nikolai Vodka
Perfect 1864
Level Vodka
Kauffman Vodka

Can Dogs Get Colds?

Colds in dogs are pretty common and are often caused by the various germs and viruses, just like in case of humans. The following article explains ways to treat common colds in dogs, and lists out other illnesses that produce similar symptoms as well.

Dogs can contract a cold by being in proximity with a dog who is already infected. Along with this, stress, low immunity levels, and inhospitable weather conditions can be additional contributing factors.

But most pet owners usually have trouble discerning a common cold from a serious ailment. To make things a little easy for you, we have here a list of symptoms indicating that your dog has a cold.

Symptoms of Common Cold in Dogs -
Coughing
Runny eyes
Yellowish-green discharge from the nose
Frequent sneezing
Lethargy
Can my dog catch a cold from me?
The answer is a resounding 'no'. Dogs can pass viruses among themselves, but a human-to-dog transmission is unlikely. This is because the virus that gets a dog down with a cold is different from the one that affects humans. Therefore, owners should not be concerned about either, passing this illness onto their pets, or contracting it from them.

Helping Your Dog Recover

Increasing Fluid Intake
If your dog has common cold, the simplest way to get rid of it is by feeding him/her lots of nutritious liquids. Chicken broth, for instance will work wonders for your dog too.

Steam Therapy
Try to get your dog to inhale steaming water which will unclog the sinuses. Bring over a tub of hot water, and gently lead the dog to inhale the vapors. Be careful not to allow the dog to go too close to the steaming water.

Boost Immunity
If your dog is prone to catching a cold, use preventive measures, like feeding him/her immunity-boosting food items. This in turn, will keep the germs and bacteria at bay, which can otherwise lead to a cold. A good immune system will ensure that the dog is better equipped to cope with fluctuations in the weather, which is also a common cause behind contracting a cold.

Vitamin Therapy
Vitamin therapies help in boosting a dog's immune system. Provide the dogs with vitamins A, C and E when he/she's suffering from a bout of cold. By including these vitamins in the diet, the immune system will become strong, enabling the dog to fight off most illnesses.

Cough Suppressant
If these home remedies don't work, call your vet about prescribing medication. Cough suppressants can be given to provide temporary relief. Although they may not be able to get rid of the symptoms entirely, they can be given to minimize the discomfort.

Preventive Measures
It would be a good idea to keep the dog indoors when the mercury dips. This is to protect the dog from getting out in an environment where it's easy to catch a cold. Cover your pet with a warm blanket to keep him/her warm during the winter months.

Other Respiratory Illnesses in Dogs

Canine Parainfluenza
This respiratory illness produces symptoms similar to common cold in humans. It is possible to treat canine parainfluenza with the use of home remedies in the early stages. If symptoms persist, you need to speak to the vet.

Kennel Cough
The symptoms of kennel cough include a harsh-sounding cough and discharge of phlegm. Kennel cough, in most cases, is caused by the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria and Adenovirus type 2. Adenovirus type 2 is known to produce cold-like symptoms in dogs.

Pneumonia
Pneumonia in dogs occurs when the respiratory infection and cold do not resolve on their own, and are left untreated. Pneumonia causes an inflammation of the lungs and its symptoms include difficulty in breathing and chronic coughing. Dogs suffering from pneumonia need immediate medical care.

Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is a very grave illness, so ensure that your dog is vaccinated against this disease. It is highly infectious. Canine distemper produces symptoms such as coughing and sneezing along with gastrointestinal disturbance. It weakens the dog's immunity and can prove fatal.

Other Illnesses
In some rare cases, cold-like symptoms may be caused by certain parasites, which enter the heart and the lungs. Fungal infections, which occur when the fungal parasites get into the lungs, produce symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, etc.

If your dog's condition does not improve, and is accompanied by other symptoms such as dehydration, infrequent urination, poor appetite, vomiting, etc., and if the dog seems perpetually distressed, it is recommended you contact a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. Also, if the dog is very old or very young, it is best to consult a veterinarian, rather than attempting to cure him/her at home.

Deductive Reasoning Examples

Examples of deductive reasoning help a person understand this type of reasoning better. Given below, are a few examples that explain this concept clearly...

Deductive reasoning is a logical assumption or conclusion, that is drawn from valid or invalid premises. In deductive reasoning, no other facts, other than the given premises, are considered.

What is Deductive Reasoning?

Deductive reasoning is one of the two basic forms of valid reasoning, the other one being inductive reasoning. The main difference between these two types of reasoning is that, inductive reasoning argues from a specific to a general base, whereas deductive reasoning goes from a general to a specific instance. Also, deductive reasoning, unlike inductive reasoning, is something that is based on a premise and then follows accordingly. Inductive and deductive arguments differ with regard to the standards of evaluation that are applicable to them. Thus, deductive reasoning is the method by which, conclusions are drawn on the basis of proofs, and not merely by assuming or thinking about a predetermined clause. The basic principle on which deductive reasoning is based, is a well-known mathematical formula;

If, 1 = 2 (premise)
and 2 = 3 (premise)
then, 1 = 3 (conclusion)
The conclusion drawn in the above example, is a but obvious fact in the premise.

Similar relationships can be established by following a liner logic, wherein, one premise follows up on the other. Deductive arguments can only be valid or invalid, sound or unsound or true or false, because the statement that is derived may be true, but in the context of the derived conclusion, it may not be valid. A deductive argument can be valid, only if the conclusion necessarily follows from the premises given. If the conclusion is incorrect, then one of the premises must be faulty or true only for a specific situation, which is not applicable to all situations. A valid deductive argument with true premises is said to be sound, whereas, a deductive argument which is invalid or has one or more false premises or both, is said to be unsound. An argument is valid when both the premises are true and the conclusion that is derived from them cannot be false.
Examples of Deductive Reasoning

Given below are a few examples that will help you understand this concept better:

All oranges are fruits
All fruits grow on trees
Therefore, all oranges grow on trees
All bachelors are single
Johnny is single,
Hence, Johnny is a bachelor
The above examples are valid and sound. Here are a few valid, but unsound examples;

All flight attendants know how to swim
Ralph knows how to swim
Hence, Ralph is a flight attendant.
The above conclusion is untrue, because it is not necessary that only flight attendants know how to swim. Absolutely any swimmer can swim.

Sometimes, deductive reasoning can be established, even without the help of syllogisms. Given below are a few examples of deductive reasoning without syllogisms.

Everyday I go to work.
This journey from my home to my office takes me one hour (premise).
I have to report at eight o' clock in the morning (premise).
So, if I leave my house at seven o' clock in the morning, I will reach office in time (conclusion).
From the second and third statements in the above example, the fourth statement is concluded.

Don't touch the dog's bone, he will bite you.
Through this statement, it is understood that dogs bite (or that a specific dog, bites).

There are also chances of deductive reasoning examples that go from specific to general. These are rare and generally have a lot of premises, each of which follow upon the previous one. Given below is one such example:

The members of Hassling family are Betty, Aaron and Lucas.
Betty is thin
Aaron is thin
Lucas is thin
Therefore, all members of the Hassling family are thin.
With the help of these examples, you must have understood what deductive reasoning is. It may seem simple, but it can go wrong in more than one ways. When deductive reasoning leads to a faulty conclusion, the reason is often that the given premise was faulty. Thus, the premises used in deductive reasoning are in many ways the most important part of the entire process of deductive reasoning, as was proved by the help of the above given examples. Thus, if they are wrong, the entire foundation of the whole line of reasoning is faulty and thus, the conclusions derived will also be faulty. However, at times, even if the logic is not executed properly, the conclusion may be wrong. So, to minimize the chances of this mistake from happening, it is best to not assume anything, and to only accept what has been mentioned.

Deductive reasoning is mostly confused with inductive reasoning. Let us understand inductive reasoning to avoid confusion.
What is Inductive Reasoning?

Inductive reasoning is the conclusion that is assumed from the known facts by human beings till date. It is a conclusion derived from general knowledge. It states generalized facts from observations of a regular pattern of anything. These observations are subject to change or remain constant, depending on (changes in) further observations. Every human being has a natural trait of inductive reasoning. Some are strong while some are a little weak at it.
Examples of Inductive Reasoning

You have a very good friend circle. (premise)
Therefore, you are very good. (conclusion)
In the above example, the person is being judged. The judgment may not necessarily be true. Even if it is, you can never say if it is temporarily or permanently true.

All the swans that I have seen till date are white in color. Therefore, all swans are white.
This year began very well for me. So, this is a lucky year.
In all the above examples, there is a sense of a generalized judgment, which may or may not turn out to be true. Whereas in deductive reasoning, there is no judgment. The conclusions are mostly true, based on the given situation.

Taking a Job for the Benefits

Money isn’t everything. Yes, it’s very important, but benefits are arguably just as important when you’re looking at a compensation package. Don’t dismiss a potential job just because the salary isn’t quite right - especially if there are other perks.

Unemployed? Yeah, you’re not alone. As of July, 2012, 12.8 million Americans are in the same boat - and that only counts those who are still looking. It doesn’t count those who have become so demoralized they’ve given up, or those who have accepted part-time or low-wage jobs to help bridge the financial gap until they find a "real" job. Depressing, yes.

As you search, you probably have a salary range in mind - usually comparable to your last job, or even less if you’ve been looking for a while. You’ve probably discounted jobs that offer less, saving them for when you’re really desperate - but that may not be the best move. Some employers are offering lower pay but more benefits, and those benefits may actually be better than a slightly higher salary. Since wages have been essentially stagnant since 1970 while productivity has risen 154%, you may as well consider perks as your due.

Health Insurance

Health insurance can get incredibly expensive if you have to pay for it  yourself. If you had insurance through your former employer, your COBRA payments probably came as a shock - and just imagine if you had to buy your own plan from the start. The average cost of health insurance is around $140 per person per month, for healthy people with no pre-existing conditions. Not astronomical, but if you’re forced into a low-paying job, it could easily eat half a week’s salary - to say nothing of the typical $3,500 deductible, you would have to pay if you actually needed to use it.

Employers recognize the need for comprehensive health insurance is a bigger issue now than ever before, so many companies are offering medical, dental and vision plans even to part-time employees. The job itself may pay slightly less, but not by much.

Paid Time Off

You may not think you need paid time off - after all, you go to work every day, sick or not, right? But what about when your kid gets sick and you can’t get a babysitter at the last-minute? If you were assured an average of six days throughout the year where you would be paid for not showing up to work, it would take the burden off staying home to take care of your kid. In fact, it would make more financial sense to not hire a babysitter.

And what about paid vacation? Sure, we’ve not yet caught up to the European standard of four to seven paid weeks per year, but the average American job offers two weeks, which is nothing to sniff at. Employers recognize the need for workers to de-stress and recharge every so often - take advantage of it. The cost of a family vacation is a bit easier to bear when you don’t also lose income during that time, and if you join the growing trend of the "staycation", it’s all money in the bank.

What about volunteering? You don’t have time to volunteer - you work for a living, right? Well, companies are seeing the value in encouraging their employees’ altruistic sides, so many are granting the equivalent of two paid days per month to be spent on volunteer work. Not enough time to go build schools in Africa, but plenty of time to help out at the soup kitchen or animal shelter.

Flex Time

Flex time has been around for a while now, but it’s becoming more common in industries that aren’t time-sensitive. For instance, allowing waiters to show up "whenever" as long as the work gets done would result in a lot of angry diners. Graphic design, on the other hand, can be done any time, anywhere. Telecommuting goes hand-in-hand with flex time at many jobs, and liberates your schedule in a similar way.

Flex time and telecommuting can help minimize child care expenses by allowing you to work around your spouse’s schedule so someone is always home with the kids, and it allows you to get non-work stuff done during the week as well so you can spend time with your family on the weekends. That, my friends, is worth its weight in gold.

Education Reimbursement

The interesting thing about this particular recession is that experienced workers are getting the shaft in favor of inexperienced workers. Employers would rather hire someone whom they can mold into what they need rather than a fully formed employee who commands higher pay. Kinda stinks. But the upside is that they may pay for any additional education you may need to perform the job. If they see you as reliable, capable and driven, but lacking a particular certification, they just may pony up. And that certification will follow you to future jobs, too.

Reimbursement doesn’t just apply to new education, either - if your field requires CE credits or periodic re-certification, the employer might pay that as well. They may send you to conferences and retreats as part of your CE - some of these events practically qualify as vacation, so it’s like getting a bonus getaway on top of your paid vacation time.

All said, the benefit package can really spice up a job offer - study it carefully. While you should never take a job you hate just for the perks, don’t turn down one you might like simply because the actual salary isn’t quite there. Look for the benefits.

DIY Logo Design Guidelines

Sometimes the budget just doesn't allow for a professional job, and that’s okay. Learn how to design your own logo without ending up with an amateur mess that actually drives clients away. Hint: You have to know your industry and your audience first.
Whether you’re starting a business or rebranding an existing one, your company’s logo is likely taking up a lot of mental space lately - with good reason. Your logo is your company’s handshake, first impression and lasting symbol all rolled into one. Think about the logos of some of the most successfully branded companies like - Nike, Coca-Cola, McDonald's, NBC - you could immediately identify the logos even if the name wasn't attached.

That’s your goal in designing your own logo. You want something that encompasses your company’s mission so completely that the two are forever linked in customers’ minds. Now, this is a very detailed, complicated process based on psychology - entire degree programs are focused on perfecting the process. It’s always better to hire a professional for just this reason. But if your budget doesn't allow for designer fees, you can at least design your own logo using the same process experienced designers use.

Do Your Research

Too many people make the mistake of immediately sitting down and picking out fonts and colors. A professional, on the other hand, knows the value of research. Look at other companies in your field who target your chosen demographic. See what’s out there. The goal is not to copy these logos, but to make your own design different enough to stand out while still fitting in.

You really have to know your demographic for this to be effective, so research that too while you’re at it. Understand when to be flashy and when to be understated, when to be edgy and when to be sophisticated. Not only does the feel of your logo have to appeal to your audience, but it also has to accurately represent the "personality" of your company.

Sketch

Your brain will be full of ideas at this point, so get them all onto paper. Sit down with a pencil and a ream of copy paper and just brain dump everything that’s in there, no matter how stupid it might seem at first - sometimes you have to get the trash out of the way before you can see the gold.

Don’t worry about your lack of drawing skills - these aren't sketches for clients, these are just rough ideas. As long as you know what they mean, you’re fine. Don’t worry about recreating fonts or perfect lettering, just fill in rough shapes and suggest the overall look of each design. The more you do, the better - pros might sketch a couple of hundred designs in this stage.

Once your brain is totally empty, step away for a bit. Come back the next day, look through your sketches and set aside the ones that immediately catch your eye. Narrow the field down to the three best, and it’s finally time to get to the computer.

Fonts and Design

Refine your sketches in your software of choice - Adobe Illustrator is practically made for this, but whatever illustrating app you have will probably work. Keep it black and white for now, just focus on choosing fonts and refining the shape of your logo. Work on all three finalist sketches, and analyze them when you’re done - often, a clear favorite will emerge during the refining process. When you think you have all three to the point of being as perfect as they can get, choose a winner. It’s usually helpful to step away from the project for a day or so to clear your perspective before choosing your final design.

Add Color

Choose a color scheme for your brand - work with color swatches before you fit them into your logo. Don’t just choose your favorites, pick your colors based on psychology and color symbolism (Google is your friend). You’ll need a dominant color plus one to three others that can be used for contrast or harmony, depending upon the mood you’re looking to create.

Once you have your colors down pat, fit them into your logo - don’t go overboard, sometimes simplicity is best. You don’t even have to use all of your colors in the logo, because there will be plenty of room for the "leftovers" in other branding applications like signage and collateral. Do as many different combinations of color and design you can think of, then choose the very best one.

Tweak It

So, you have your basic logo at this point, but there’s always room for improvement. Experiment with font size and placement (not all letters have to be the same size), spacing, negative space, and just generally tighten up the design. Keep scalability in mind - your logo must be legible, clear and cohesive whether it’s in 6-pt. type or on a billboard.

Once your logo is perfected, create alternate versions for other applications. Professionals usually create both horizontal and vertical orientations, plus full-color, black-on-white, white-on-black and two-color versions. These come in handy for print applications, collateral, etc.

See? You just created your very own professional logo, and it only took about three days out of your life and added a few dozen gray hair. Now you understand why graphic designers charge what they do, and that professionals of all stripes only make it look easy.

How to Start a Shrimp Farming Project

Owing to the high demand for shrimp in the market, owning a shrimp farm/starting one is considered to be nothing less than owning the goose that lays the golden egg. What are you waiting for then? Let's find out what it takes to set up a shrimp farm.

Shrimp farming essentially involves the cultivation of shrimp or prawns, mainly marine shrimp. Mostly cultivated for consumption basis, shrimp farming invariably has a commercial side attached to it. The concept of shrimp farming originated as a small-scale business idea, but has now grown to be a full-fledged global business. Commercial shrimp farming began in the 70s and has since then, become a rage, making it nothing less than a gold mine. So, if you are among those entrepreneurs who wish to earn a decent living with shrimp, then 'project shrimp farming' is just the thing you should take up.

Starting a Shrimp Farm

Before you even think of venturing on to 'project shrimp farming', you would have to get yourself a permit that will allow you to start the business. And yes, you would have to specify the strategy you would be employing; that is whether it would be extensive, semi-intensive or intensive. Extensive, as the term suggests, is a farm covering a larger area where the cost of production and maintenance would be relatively lesser compared to intensive farming. If your concern is larger production, you would definitely want to go in for the intensive farming project, rather than extensive farming, where the total production is low.

Choosing a Right Location

When you decide to start a shrimp farm, it is essential that you consider the following points, which include proximity to marine water, climatic conditions of the area and ease of access to shrimp larvae.

Warm, brackish water is required for the cultivation of shrimp; hence, the proximity to ocean water is a prerequisite for starting a shrimp farm. Shrimp farms located in warmer climatic conditions have longer cultivation periods than those in colder regions. Remember: the warmer the area, the longer the growing season will last, which means that warm conditions are favorable for shrimp cultivation.

Creating a Clean Ecosystem

When constructing a shrimp farm, you would have to remember to construct two interconnected farms or ponds to conveniently transfer the mature shrimp from one farm to another. One of the most important factors of a shrimp farm is to keep a check on the drainage facilities. In the case of an extensive farm, which is located along a coast or a mangrove, the tides will provide with the required water exchange, but in case of an intensive farm located away from the coast, care needs to be taken to keep the water aerated at all times. Most intensive farming practices employ the use of pumps/paddle wheels to keep the oxygen level in the water constant as well as remove impurities, thus ensuring a better yield. Building a gate system for the exchange of fresh ocean water if your farm is located near the ocean, makes sense, and it will save you a lot of maintenance headache. For sustainable shrimp ecosystem, stock the farm with algae and phytoplankton.

Regulating the Feed

Post larval shrimp purchased from a hatchery is used to stock the ponds. Fertilized phytoplankton is used to accelerate the growth of the shrimp in the case of extensive farms; however, in the case of intensive farms, artificially formulated feeds are used for shrimp growth. The shrimp need to be fed minimum twice a day. The feeding can be done either manually (use of boats) or through mechanized feeders that are well-distributed around the pond.

Harvesting the Shrimp

This is the last stage of shrimp farming - ideally done in October - just as it begins to get cooler; thus, stopping the growth period of the shrimp. Draining the pond to harvest the shrimp is ideally the right method; you can even opt for catching the shrimp in nets or using special pumps to harvest the shrimp.

If you have a farm/pond, do keep all sorts of predators away; you wouldn't want your shrimp catch to be affected by predators. Shrimp farming has its share of ill effects too; constantly worrying about the dangers of consuming farm-raised shrimp won't help you in this profession. Besides, cultivating shrimp in unhygienic conditions could also land you into serious trouble; other than having your entire field wiped out, your permit too will be at a risk. Better be safe than sorry, especially, when it comes to venturing out into a lucrative option like shrimp farming.

Economic Impact of Hurricane Sandy

With the amount of destruction it caused, Hurricane Sandy is undoubtedly one of the costliest hurricanes to have ever hit the United States. However, it is being speculated that its impact on the U.S. economy will be short-lived, and eventually it will end up doing more good to the economy than causing any harm.
On 29th October, 2012, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) officials decided to shut down the exchange for a full of 2 days in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. The last time something like this happened was way back in 1888, when insane snowfall resulted in NYSE being shut down on the 12th and 13th of March (the Great Blizzard of 1888).

Hurricane Sandy has been one of the most devastating hurricanes of the recent times. It affected more than 20 states, right from New England to Florida, in some way or the other. The state of New Jersey, where this 'superstorm' made its landfall, was one of the worst-affected places. Subways and tunnels were submerged, thousands of flights were canceled, power outage left millions in dark... in short, the entire East Coast was brought to a standstill by this hurricane. Overall, Hurricane Sandy had a greater impact as it was huge (in fact, the largest Atlantic hurricane on record), it affected the most populous region of the U.S., and lastly, it hit on weekdays (Monday and Tuesday). Image Courtesy: NASA GOES Project

The Economics of Hurricane Sandy
While the researchers estimate a loss of $20-$50 billion, they do agree that the impact of such events on the economy cannot be gauged in such a short time. A large part of the estimated loss is attributed to property loss (both insured and uninsured) and lost business days - with airlines, retail, trade and transport... virtually every business sector having to bear the brunt of this hurricane. It also resulted in immense damage to the public infrastructure - flooding transport facilities, damaging transformers and power lines. While conservative estimates put the total loss at $15-$20 billion, some sources put it at a whopping $50 billion.

The economic research team of Barclays puts the total financial loss caused by Hurricane Sandy at $30-$50 billion, which is more than what was caused by Hurricane Irene, but less than what was caused by Hurricane Katrina. The catastrophe risk modeling firm, Eqecat, had initially estimated a loss of $10-$20 billion, but their revised estimates hint at a loss of around $50 billion. This loss was largely a result of lost business due to power outage and damage caused to public infrastructure. With an estimated loss of $50 billion, Hurricane Sandy was the second most costliest hurricane in the United States' history.

New York was the most affected city; and, according to Eqecat, accounted to 34 percent of the total loss suffered by the nation. If the estimates put forth by Moody's Analytics are to be believed, the loss caused by Hurricane Sandy in the city of New York alone accounted to $12 million.

Temporary Rise in Gas Price
In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, the oil refineries on the East Coast remained closed for some time as a result of which gasoline supply was hampered. Even the transportation of fuel from refineries to the service stations was affected as the transport network was recovering from the impact of this hurricane. The resultant shortage of fuel caused the gasoline prices to rise in New Jersey, New York, etc. On the brighter side, this price rise is only expected to last for a few days as Hurricane Sandy only affected the refineries; and not the drilling sites as in case of Hurricane Isaac.

GDP Decline and Positives of Rebuilding
Except for a slight decline in the GDP growth, which was of 2 percent in the third quarter, no other notable changes are expected in the last quarter. However, a drop in the economic activity for the month of November is well on the cards as it will take some time to get the damaged facilities back on track. On a positive note, it is expected to make consumers and the Federal government spend more, and much of this expenditure will go into rebuilding, thus providing a much-needed boost to the economy. More importantly, the $500 billion collected in the form of insurance premiums last year will now be injected in the economy in the form of payouts.

Second Term for President Barack Obama
The damage caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 had put the Bush government under scanner for its inefficient handling of crisis, and had virtually marked the beginning of its decline. In contrast, Hurricane Sandy seems to have provided a new lease of life for the Obama government. President Barack Obama's handling of this crisis was praised by everybody, and the same might have just given the democrats that much-needed edge. With President Obama securing another term, it is highly unlikely that we will get to see any major changes in the economic policies.

Speaking purely of economics, any loss that occurs because of natural disasters is unintentionally made up for in the subsequent weeks with people and administration injecting money in the economy on the pretext of rebuilding. It wouldn't be much different this time around, as the financial loss incurred by Hurricane Sandy will be offset by recovery efforts.

Ways to Increase Productivity at Work

Stop bringing work home with you - get it done between nine and five with these productivity boosters.

We’ve all had days where it seemed like there just weren’t enough hours. Too much to do, not enough time to do it in - it’s a common complaint. If you find that most of your days are like that, it’s time to brush up on your time management skills.

Since the beginning of the recession, when companies laid off massive numbers of employees, the remaining (lucky?) few have had to shoulder the burden of their own workload plus the workload of the pink-slipped. Companies are expecting to do more with less, and dismissing those who can't handle it. The good news is, it can be done. Usually.

Stop Multitasking
When you're crunched for time, doing multiple things at once is the natural response - but it won't save you time, really. It may even slow you down. You'll be more productive if you focus on one task at a time, moving steadily through the pile of TPS reports on your desk.

The human brain just isn't built to section itself off, so when you try to do too much at once, you do it all poorly. It also takes longer, because as your attention turns from assignment to assignment, it takes you a second to get back into the "groove" of each piece. The result is a mediocre pile of barely completed tasks that took you way too long to do.

If you do things one at a time, you're able to ride the groove from beginning to end, devoting your full attention to each project in turn. If you move from one to the next without getting distracted, you may be surprised how quickly - and well - things get done.

Prioritize
This one's easy. Everyone knows to do the most important thing first, but how often do you really do it? Is checking into Facebook really the most important thing you need to do today? So why is it the first thing you do when you sit down at your desk?

Plan your work day according to what's due when, and how long it will take you to do. Aim to get things done ahead of schedule, so you have a built-in time cushion for when emergencies arise.

Deal with Things
The easiest way to explain this productivity rule is as follows: When you check your mail, do you just drop it on the table and go about your day, planning on going through it later? Stop it. When you bring the mail in, go through it immediately. Ditch the junk, stack catalogs on the coffee table, in the bathroom, or wherever you'll look through them. Open bills and write out the check, stamp it, seal it, and put it back in the mailbox. Get it? Deal with things. Approach your whole day this way, and you're less likely to have a stack of work waiting for you at the end of the day.

Set Alarms
Of course you wake up to an alarm, and you probably set alarms for important meetings and such. But using alarms to time your work tasks can keep you on track all day. Knowing you have a finite amount of time to get things done forces you to concentrate, and makes you less likely to end up browsing YouTube instead of working on that expense sheet.

The thing is, you have to stick to your alarm. When it goes off, move on to another task. Don't just ignore it, because then you lose the entire benefit of the mini-deadlines it creates.

Take Care of Yourself
If your body isn't running at its optimum level, your productivity will never reach its full potential. Get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise every day. Oh, and those productivity tricks we just talked about? Take one day a week and throw them out the window. This should be a day you don't have to work (obviously), so just do what you feel like doing when you feel like doing it. Schedule nothing. Don't look at a clock. Nap in the sun, curl up with a book, play tag with your kids. Whatever you do to recharge, do it.

Come Monday morning, you'll be refreshed and ready to go. Blazing your way through the mountain on your desk, you'll be done by happy hour.

Importance of Product Packaging in Marketing

In the highly competitive world of retail marketing, one can never stress enough on the important role that product packaging plays. Although the quality of the product will ultimately determine sales, interesting packaging certainly gives your product that initial edge...

The flashy orange of Hermès, the legendary aqua blue of Tiffany & Co. or the deep red that defines Cartier packaging elicits sighs even before one opens them to discover the plush contents they carry. The containers of these iconic brands have their devoted section of fans who, believe it or not, even source them from online auctions, knowing that they can't afford the expense of actually buying something luxe in order to obtain those coveted boxes. I'm aware that this might sound completely far-fetched to those who view the concept of packaging with nonchalance, but marketing experts are sure to tell you otherwise.

Unlike advertising, where you'd have to scream from the rooftops to get the consumer's attention, innovative packaging just sends out sublimely effective pick-me-up signals that are irresistible even to the hardest of cynics. You could also call it a final sales pitch, especially because it is common knowledge that emotions play a massive role when it comes to buying. Therefore, it isn't a coincidence when brands with the highest recall value (Nike, Apple, Coca-Cola) are those who invariably invest a great amount of thought behind their packaging.

Brand Association
As a consumer, entering a supermarket and finding endless aisles of similar brands can be assaulting to the senses. What do you think happens next? The vast array of goodies on display compels the consumer to remember and associate a certain kind of package with the brand of their choice. Recognizable brands have a definite edge, no doubt, but think... who will possibly pick up a Coke that's packaged in a steel-gray can with black lettering instead of the regular, flashy red and white? Innovative packaging, with the company logo emblazoned across it makes an established brand stand-out. A perfectly legal attention-grabbing tactic, it tests the consumer's loyalty to the brand and reinstates a recognized brand's presence.

Simply Outshine!
There is no denying that we humans are a judgmental lot, and we take great pleasure in creating preconceived notions based on appearances. As a seller, it would be a crime not to cash in on a golden opportunity like this one. Have you ever wondered why a Barbie doll always comes in a pink box? Or that men's deodorants are mostly packaged in black cans? Science does have a role to play here, but the simple explanation is that companies stereotype, and customers willingly succumb. You see, there is a reason why Tiffany & Co. use that special aqua blue box with a white ribbon to pack their jewelry in, and Nike made that special stadium shoe box for football crazy kids.

Practicality Scores
Product packaging is not limited to appearances, mind you. It goes beyond wrappers and ribbons when it comes to certain wares, perishable commodities in particular. In such cases, freshness rates above everything else and packaging standards must comply. The USFDA has specific rules regarding packaging of edible products, and manufacturers have to adhere to those. Having said that, sellers need not necessarily shed their creativity to accommodate practicality, (there are some very funky juice cartons which prove my point).

Go Green!
Environment friendly packaging never fails to impress, moreover, it helps you establish an image that is austere and conscientious. Reusable, environment friendly containers are usually a big hit with the consumers who will appreciate your concern for planet Earth. Green initiatives spruce up a company's image in no time, and as a brand, you end up doing your bit towards undoing environmental damage to some degree. It is also the need of the future, as most governments are more or less likely to enforce strict rules regarding usage of environment friendly packaging.

Bait the Customer
When it comes to luring customers, nothing does the job better than the manner of packaging. Shopping is a multi-sensory experience and manufacturers must view it that way. New products looking at making a breakthrough can edge out complacent competitors solely on the basis of attractive packaging. With certain products like cosmetics, customers appreciate the company's attention to aesthetics. Be it gourmet chocolates or garbage bags, beautiful packaging matters, and it is sure to give you results.

Don't Get Too Excited
It's time to curb the enthusiasm a bit, because it is very easy to get carried away with creativity. Packaging, ultimately, has but one aim - to get the consumer to buy the product in question. It is not an avenue for product designers to showcase their creativity by thoroughly neglecting the primary purpose which is product sales. Designers have to possess the sensibility to refrain themselves from viewing product design as a contest. After all, a good product package is the one that sets the cash register ringing.

To sum it up, product packaging is serious business, and it calls for attention. As a manufacturer, you need it to be adequately enticing without making it ridiculously over the top. Though it's hard not to cross the fine line that separates the swishy from the trashy, it's totally worth the effort once you get it right.

Financial Capital of the World: New York or London?

London and New York are two of the busiest centers for international trade and commerce. These cities have the infrastructure, government support, and a skilled workforce to play host to some of the biggest financial institutions of the world. In this article, we will try to know which of these cities has a better claim to be called the world's financial capital...

An article published in New York Times a couple of months ago went by the title, 'London is eating New York's Lunch.' The article went on to explain how London was fast becoming the financial center of the world. It wasn't as if this article was revealing anything breathtakingly sensational; a report by McKinsey in 2007 had warned the then Mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg, that London was treading on its way to become the global capital of the world. Today, there is a wide consensus among analysts that London has the upper hand over New York when it comes to being the global financial center of the world. Beijing, Tokyo, and Shanghai - the other economically powerful cities of the world may need another couple of decades before they can be considered as serious contenders for the title.

London has traditionally been the global capital of the world. It was the city which controlled half the world in the imperial days. It was the place of inventions and innovations, and the famous Industrial Revolution. In short, London was an economic powerhouse until Britain took part in the First World War. In the ensuing period of 1914 to 1945, which saw the world fight two wars, Britain's economy weakened, and London lost its premiership to New York. But, in the early 1980s, it worked in the right direction steadily to once again become one of the preferred destinations for trade and finance.

New York, on the other hand, emerged on the global scene notably after World War II. From thereon, Moscow rivaled New York for a bit, but it would be apt to say that the Cold War era was more about America Vs the Soviet than New York Vs Moscow. After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, America became the lone superpower of the world, and New York went on to reap the benefits of this new-found status. But, over the last decade or so, New York has had to face stiff challenges from other global cities of the world, and London has emerged as a credible alternate for foreign investors.

Financial Powerhouse - London or New York?

If we go by recent reports, the news isn't all that great for New Yorkers. A city which was once unanimously the preferred choice for banking and investment companies, now finds itself competing with London in wooing foreign investors. Companies are listing themselves up on London Stock Exchange, taking a lion's share away from the New York Stock Exchange, and hedge fund investors and oil-rich Sheikhs from the Middle East are giving JFK a miss by descending upon proximal Heathrow for investment and partnerships.

The World Economic Forum's Financial Development Index named London as the world's top financial center in 2009. The city outdid 55 other countries to claim the top spot. In 2011, UK had dropped to be placed second after Hong Kong. The index takes into account the financial structure and gains on a yearly basis, something which fluctuates with economies over a period of time. In the longer run, London still is the preferred destination for conducting business, something which has been substantiated by the Global Financial Centers Index. The study observed that London is ahead of other rival cities on the basis of 'regulation, tax and lifestyle'.

Analysts point out that London is gaining on New York because of several factors. First, there is a widespread perception that regulatory scrutiny is more stringent in New York vis-a-vis London. The post-Enron economic structure definitely calls for a tighter regulation, but, it also ends up putting potential investors off. Second is the growing economic might of the Asian and Middle East countries. Hong Kong, Beijing, Mumbai, and Tokyo are some cities who have started to have a say in world economics, and being geographically closer to these economic centers helps London in grabbing deals which otherwise might have gone to New York.

Summing up, London is at the top of the table right now, be it financial exports or revenue generation from its financial institutions. It leads the international bank lending, and issues the largest number of international bonds, year in and year out. The volume of global currency traded is the highest in London with an approximate 35% market share. London has the most number of foreign banks and 65% of Fortune 500 companies are based in London. These statistics tilt the balance in its favor. New York City is not too far behind, and there is every possibility of a shift in paradigm in the years to come.