Technology

Does your child need a cell phone?

In the modern age, children as young as five are begging their parents for cell phones. Most parents wonder when their child is the right age to have a cell phone. That would depend on the circumstances. When deciding if your child is ready for their own cell phone, there are several things to consider.

Most parents want to buy cell phones for their children so that the youngsters can stay in touch when they are away from home. These devices are useful if they need to be carried and allow you to communicate with them in an emergency. And as scary as it is, a cell phone may be your only contact with your child during a school shooting or terrorist attack.

Another advantage of a cell phone for your teen is the fact that he can call and tell you where he is and when he plans to be home. The added feature of a GPS can ensure that the teen is where she is supposed to be.

The only reason you might want a younger child to have a cell phone is to allow them to communicate with you when you’re not at school, and many schools now prohibit cell phone use on their property. So if you’re buying a phone for a kid who spends most of his time in school, he might as well not even bother. You won’t be able to use it there anyway. Another factor is the age of the child. If a child is under ten years old, he really shouldn’t be alone anyway, so he should be able to use the cell phone that belongs to the supervising adult. Therefore, buying a phone for a younger child is not a necessity.

Another disadvantage of buying a cell phone for any of your children is the added expense. While you can keep careful track of available minutes and rarely use text messaging, kids don’t keep track of the minutes they use, and some teens send as many text messages a day as their fingers can type. Your child can also download games to their cell phone, which adds additional costs. These practices can lead to you receiving an astronomical phone bill. That doesn’t include the additional cost if your child loses or breaks her cell phone.

While some parents see the added independence a cell phone can give a child as an advantage, it could also be seen as a disadvantage. While it gives your child more freedom, it’s a freedom to communicate with the outside world without your supervision. This can open the way for sex offenders to befriend your child without her knowledge.

If you decide to allow your child to have a cell phone, you may want to purchase a prepaid phone to keep the price within reason. You must also put limits on the amount of use and details of what the phone will be used for. Also take the time to talk to your child about not accepting text messages from anyone they don’t know.

Cell phones are becoming a way of life for most Americans. While a teenager will probably need one of these devices, a younger child may not. In the end, the choice is up to you.

Technology

What is subrogation and how does it affect personal injury settlements?

When a personal injury claim goes to court for trial, compensation can be recovered, either through a settlement or a verdict. This monetary settlement is intended to cover damages and losses associated with the victim’s injuries and subsequent recovery. In cases of gross negligence or serious injury, additional compensation for pain and suffering may be awarded.

Although a victim’s settlement is recovered for them, there are also portions owed to other parties. In almost all cases, a portion of a settlement is paid to the law firm that represents you, since most personal injury practices operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that they do not charge attorney fees unless they prevail for their clients.

However, there are some cases in which the victim’s private health insurer demands reimbursement of money paid for their medical care after an accident. This reimbursement process is known as surrogacy, which has the potential to impact a victim’s personal injury award in a significant way. Continue reading to learn more about surrogacy and what to expect with your pending personal injury claim.

Surrogacy and Health Insurance Companies

Subrogation is an active process within various health insurance companies, both private and government. This includes private providers like Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, as well as government organizations like Medicaid and Medicare. Apart from insurance companies, subrogation can also apply to hospitals. In addition, government entities that are owed a refund can criminally penalize both the representing attorney and their client if such payments are not made following a verdict or settlement in favor of the client.

Identifying subrogation clauses in your policy

It is important to know whether or not your particular health insurance policy contains subrogation rights. To do this, pay close attention when reading your health insurance policy contract. In exchange for a monthly premium, your health insurance company will pay your medical expenses and any bills that exceed your deductible.

However, many policies also contain a paragraph discussing reimbursement of bills and medical expenses paid in the event a member uses the amount of medical bills as a basis for a claim and later collects reimbursement from a third party . This would be a subrogation clause.

An insurance company typically alerts the victim’s attorney with a subrogation lien or claim letter, which provides a precise schedule detailing the medical payments they claim as subrogation interest. Some states support a “common fund” doctrine that essentially requires insurers to reduce their subrogation interest by the amount of attorney fees paid by the victim. This is known as a “prorated” payment, and not all states support this principle.

talk to your lawyer

If you are considering filing a personal injury claim, or are currently awaiting a pending trial, it is important to discuss all of your questions and concerns with your trusted personal injury lawyer. They can guide you through the legal process from start to finish and educate you on the details and likely outcomes of your case.

Technology

Traditional Toys V Electronic Toys

Let me first look at what are considered traditional toys. I’ll look at them in no particular order and take the BOOKS first.

Books are not so much toys, but essential elements for communication and education. The fact that they generate enjoyment and pleasure makes them a “toy” in my opinion. It is wonderful as a grandfather to read the old fairy tales and nursery rhymes from the same books that you read to your own children! The tales are timeless, telling the stories of good and evil, the beautiful and the ugly, of bold actions and not-so-bold actions, the concealment of good nature, and that appearances alone are not the only factor. The storybooks with their drawings are the child’s way of learning about life, feelings and the recognition of emotions and thus their other toys become part of their learning and education process. For other toys I present the SOFT TOY as the next traditional toy.

These stuffed animals are the true traditional toys. At Antiques Roadshow, they display teddy bears and porcelain dolls as true collector’s items, worth a lot of money. However, for a child the teddy or stuffed dog or rag doll is an essential member of her family who is loyal to her and returns her love at unsafe times of night or day; who they can slap and vent their frustrations on, who never complains. All of my children have had a “security blanket” toy; My eldest daughter Mary had a lamb, which as the rhyme goes, went everywhere Mary did (the trauma when you lose a toy like that is unbelievable!) and my son Peter had a rabbit and this rabbit’s ears were chewed up and they had to be replaced. Quite often. Even in their thirties they have a drawer with these toys and have shown their children their “friend”! Problem children with emotional behavior often need the reassurance of a soft toy. Doll parties, doctors, nurses and shops are games that help children get used to the outside world and communicate with the family and their toys. Teachers say that young children entering school between the ages of 4 1/2 and 5 have difficulty hearing and speaking due to too much time in front of the TV and lack of parental involvement in playtime. . Listening to my granddaughter talk to her stuffed toys and lining them up is a joy as her imagination is so vivid.

Then I come to the outdoor toys that give the child freedom and exercise. SOCCER BALLS, SWINGS, BAT, BALLS, HOOPS and many more. The equipment has changed over the years, but the “toys” they play with are more or less the same and give the child the ability to become physically stronger and longer. Also the ride on toys: the bicycle, the tricycle, the pedal cars, the planes, the scooters, are a great way to learn discipline and are a great way to have fun and exercise and strengthen the little bodies.

WOODEN TOYS are my next toy. The bricks for building, the tops to turn, the wooden cart to push and the wooden foot to push the floor. These toys have been remade in the cheapest plastic, but I am concerned about the toxicity of the plastic that is always put in children’s mouths. Wooden toys give the child freedom of imagination and creativity in the game. With the creation of “Meccano” in the 1950s and later Lego, boys and girls were given the opportunity to become embryonic engineers and hand and finger dexterity became very important.

When the weather was bad or the night was dark and long and the kids’ TV didn’t go past 6 o’clock, BOARD GAMES were a wonderful way for a family to get together and create a competitive atmosphere and learn about winning. and lose. My middle daughter never mastered the possibility of losing, she has become a very successful leader in her field and she still remembers the games she lost! This is a very important lesson in life, there are both winners and losers!

For me, traditional toys helped family life, established and expanded relationships within the family. They also helped the children take responsibility for their belongings, putting them away and not leaving them outside to rot and rust. They also learned to be responsible for their own space. The preschooler learns a lot through his toys and later at school, he learns social interaction from toys and the joy of sharing.

Here I show my age and resistance to change! I have enjoyed the gradual development of television and spend time in front of the television watching the programs that I enjoy, but I also like to use the off button and there is no time in my life to watch television during the day. There is more to life. If children sit in front of a television from a very young age, their comprehension is limited because the moving images move too fast for their comprehension. If parents watch for a short time with the child and watch an age-related program, the benefits are learning new words and sayings, learning colors, numbers and letters. It is a shared experience and the parents can repeat the sayings and it becomes a continuous experience. If the child is alone in front of the screen, there is very little benefit, but I know from experience that she is a wonderful babysitter!

Television is a fantastic invention, but it has changed the world, the family, and society in so many ways for the worse. In England, families don’t eat as much as a family around a table, they have trays in front of the till. Mealtime was a time for the family to talk and air things out, sometimes quite loudly, but at least the family communicated. TV is a great educator, and some shows are really interesting and kids can learn a lot, but it’s hard to get them to watch it when the alternative is reality and their favorite celebrity is singing or dancing. In addition to television, family life has to deal with other electronic devices: the computer, the mobile phone, the notebook, the blackberry, the Nintendo DX, the Play Station, etc. TV can get quite addictive but the other gadgets are very time consuming. It’s hard to compare a teddy bear to a small electronic device and not feel really old fashioned. However, I find that children who have their heads over a small screen all the time seem to have less understanding of how life really works and have less social interaction and unless they have had some interaction with the parents they will make poor parents. Never in history has society been able to keep up with news more quickly, learn fantastic facts, and see for the first time sights and wonders of nature never before seen with the naked eye.

Are we better for these inventions? Well, of course we are, but we have to be moderate and keep our traditional life in tandem with the new, using both old toys and innovative toys to improve our children, not just to get them in possession of the newest gadget. . and obsessed with rapid change, but so that they can observe and become good citizens of the world and use their inventions to create a better environment

Technology

What is Bitcoin and is it a good investment?

Bitcoin (BTC) is a new type of digital currency, with cryptographic keys, that is decentralized on a network of computers used by users and miners from all over the world and is not controlled by a single organization or government. It is the first digital cryptocurrency that has caught public attention and is accepted by a growing number of merchants. Like other currencies, users can use the digital currency to purchase goods and services online, as well as in some physical stores that accept it as a form of payment. Forex traders can also trade Bitcoins on Bitcoin exchanges.

There are several important differences between Bitcoin and traditional currencies (for example, the US dollar):

  1. Bitcoin does not have a centralized authority or clearinghouse (for example, the government, central bank, MasterCard, or Visa network). The peer-to-peer payment network is managed by users and miners from all over the world. Currency is transferred anonymously directly between users over the Internet without going through a clearinghouse. This means that the transaction fees are much lower.
  2. Bitcoin is created through a process called “Bitcoin mining.” Miners around the world use mining software and computers to solve complex bitcoin algorithms and approve bitcoin transactions. They are awarded transaction fees and new Bitcoins generated by solving Bitcoin algorithms.
  3. There is a limited amount of Bitcoins in circulation. According to Blockchain, there were around 12.1 million in circulation as of December 20, 2013. The difficulty of mining Bitcoins (solving algorithms) becomes more difficult as more Bitcoins are generated, and the maximum amount in circulation is capped at 21 million. The cap won’t be reached until around the year 2140. This makes Bitcoins more valuable as more people use them.
  4. A public ledger called the ‘Blockchain’ records all Bitcoin transactions and shows the respective holdings of each Bitcoin owner. Anyone can access the public ledger to verify transactions. This makes the digital currency more transparent and predictable. More importantly, transparency prevents fraud and double spending of the same Bitcoins.
  5. The digital currency can be acquired through Bitcoin mining or Bitcoin exchanges.
  6. The digital currency is accepted by a limited number of merchants on the web and some physical retailers.
  7. Bitcoin wallets (similar to PayPal accounts) are used to store Bitcoins, private keys, and public addresses, as well as to transfer Bitcoins anonymously between users.
  8. Bitcoins are not insured or protected by government agencies. Therefore, they cannot be recovered if the secret keys are stolen by a hacker or if they are lost due to a faulty hard drive, or due to a Bitcoin exchange shutting down. If the secret keys are lost, the associated Bitcoins cannot be recovered and would be out of circulation. Please visit this link for frequently asked questions about Bitcoins.

I think Bitcoin will gain more public acceptance because users can remain anonymous while buying goods and services online, transaction fees are much lower than credit card payment networks; anyone can access the public ledger, which can be used to prevent fraud; the currency supply is capped at 21 million, and the payment network is operated by users and miners rather than a central authority.

However, I don’t think it’s a great investment vehicle because it’s extremely volatile and not very stable. For example, the bitcoin price grew from around $14 to a high of $1,200 this year before falling to $632 per BTC at the time of writing.

Bitcoin surged this year as investors speculated that the coin would gain greater acceptance and its price would increase. The coin plunged 50% in December because BTC China (China’s largest Bitcoin operator) announced that it could no longer accept new deposits due to government regulations. And according to Bloomberg, the Chinese central bank banned financial institutions and payment companies from handling bitcoin transactions.

Bitcoin is likely to gain greater public acceptance over time, but its price is extremely volatile and very sensitive to news, such as government regulations and restrictions, which could negatively affect the currency.

Therefore, I do not suggest that investors invest in Bitcoins unless they have been purchased at less than $10 USD per BTC because this would allow much greater margin of safety.

Otherwise, I think it’s much better to invest in stocks that have strong fundamentals, as well as great business prospects and management teams because the underlying companies have intrinsic values ​​and are more predictable.

Disclosure: Victor Liang has no positions in Bitcoins and has no plans to change his position in the next 72 hours.

Technology

How to change the MPI node address for a Siemens S7-300 PLC

I have seven Siemens S7-300 PLCs connected to each other using the MPI (Multipoint Interface) interface. Siemens PLCs use the Siemens MPI protocol to communicate with external devices. I want to change the name of each of the seven PLCs. Here are the steps to accomplish that task.

First, connect your MPI cable to the first PLC. I will connect my laptop to each PLC individually. Power on the PLC and open Simatic Manager. The “New Project” wizard window will open. Just click Cancel to close the window. Now click on the Accessible Nodes icon on the toolbar. A window will open showing the identification of the PLC to which it is connected. My window shows MPI = 2 (directly). Make a note of this address and close the window.

Next we need to download a hardware configuration to the PLC. This is where we will change the name of the PLC node address. There are probably a couple of different ways to do this – here’s how I accomplish this. All seven of my PLCs are the same model; therefore I am using the same hardware configuration. For the obvious reasons, I want to give each one a different MPI node address. I have a project file that contains the seven programs for my PLC and a hardware configuration file. I open the hardware configuration file, and then double-click Hardware in the window on the right. This will open the HW Config window. In this window you should see your PLC with its given MPI address.

Remember when we clicked on the Accessible Nodes icon and saw MPI = 2 (directly)? My hardware configuration window shows an MPI address of 7. Place your mouse cursor on 7 and double click. Your CPU Properties window will open. It should open to the General tab. Look down and you will see MPI Interface Type with an address of 7. Click Properties and the MPI Interface Properties window will open. Using the dropdown menu, choose your MPI node address and make sure MPI (1) 187.5kbps is highlighted and click OK. You are now back in the CPU Properties window, where you will see that its address has changed. Click OK and you will be returned to the Hardware window where you can verify that your MPI node address has changed.

Now click on the Save and Build icon and then click on the download icon. The Select Target Module window will open. Click OK and the Select Node Address window will open. Here you will see the MPI node address that you assigned earlier. You will need to click the View button just below this. You will see the address of the current node appear, it should be the same one you saw earlier when you clicked on the Accessible Nodes icon. Just click on this number and you will see it appear in the MPI address slot under Enter Destination Station Connection. Click OK and the Download to Module window will open. Click OK and the Stop Target Modules window will open. Click OK and “Do you want to start the module?” the window will open. Click Yes.

Now go back to the SIMATIC Manager window and click on the accessible nodes icon. You will see your new MPI node address. You can view this same article with images at http://www.moorerobotics.com.

Technology

TVS Apache RTR 180 Vs Bajaj Pulsar 180 DTSi

The recent launch of Apache RTR 180 has caused quite a stir in the performance oriented category in the Indian motorcycle segment. It’s the RTR 180 vs Pulsar 180. A long time ago someone dared to threaten the Pulsar family. With the RTR 160 and RTR 160 Fi on the roads, the RTR 180 takes on the Pulsar 180 head-on; immediately. BikeAdvice takes a closer look at both bikes to find out which is better.

The Pulsar carries with it the ‘Bajaj’ logo, a two-wheeled company that has managed to change its image from a scooter manufacturer to a motorcycle manufacturer. Bajaj bikes are known to have a lot of power, performance and are very reliable. Its acclaimed DTSi and exhaustEC technologies are sure to amaze you.

The RTR 180 stems from the popular Apache series that made its mark in December 2005 with the Apache 150. It also enjoys a strong following, but TVS bikes lack reliability. You’ll still find the RTR shaking with fear once you cross the 80km/h mark with a passenger.

In the bike: Get out of the Pulsar and into RTR, and you’ll be disappointed in the quality of TVS. Cheap plastic buttons and buggy speedometers along with ill-fitting boots are a shame, as the rest of the interior is nice.

The riding posture is set to forward on RTR 180, while Pulsars have normal ones. That all together makes a big difference in ride quality. The rear seat passenger will also feel more comfortable sitting in an RTR due to its forward footrests and uniquely elegantly designed handrails that are better than those on pulsars. RTR specially developed racing crouch mirrors provide better angle and safety plus look cool too.

Driving the RTR with its flowing Racing Stripes will double your driving confidence. Its white themed tachometers along with an RTR 180 Racing logo are sure to get your pulse racing not to mention the powerful RTR engine.

The pulsar 180, on the other hand, will not provide such emotions. You just have to be satisfied with a dazzling Pulsar 3D logo and the aura it carries with itself. Both motorcycles are equipped with a clip-on feature on the handlebars that will allow you to try various riding positions. The Pulsar 180 also has split seating for pilot and passenger.

Technology:

  1. LCD digital console: Pulsar’s digital LCD console senses brightness and adjusts accordingly. The RTR console is more sophisticated although it does not have such features. What it does offer is a 0-60 race lap timer along with a top speed recorder. A blue color theme is a fresh take on oranges. A service expiration reminder and a 12/24 hour digital clock is an added dimension.
  2. Taillights: LED lamps with prism installed in the lens, the rear of the RTR is safer than that of the Pulsar.
  3. Braking: The Pulsar’s 260mm front disc brakes are no match for the RTR’s Rotopetal 270mm disc brakes. Dirt racing-inspired petal-shaped disc brakes help cool the brake pads faster, resulting in much more efficient and effortless braking. In addition, the RTR also features 200mm petal-shattering rear brakes. If nothing else, sudden braking is a guarantee.
  4. Tires: The Apache RTR 180 comes with lighter tubeless tires for both the front and rear, while the Pulsar does not. Now this is a great bonus. A tubeless tire has better road grip and reduces punctures. This once again highlights the amount of detail that went into its development.

Style: If you’re still impressed by the wolf headlamp fairing on the Pulsar, you’ll definitely be excited about the RTR’s racing ergonomics. The unique, detachable fender is sure to turn heads. One-piece alloy brake pedals and levers provide that extra thrill.

It certainly heralds a new approach to motorcycling. What’s more, IDI Silencer Canister is even said to have claimed to have been designed. Its flowing racing stripes that run the length of the bike epitomize RTR’s Racing pedigree. RTR also sports an aggressive engine cowl that adds an extra dose of sportiness. Add to that its self-illuminating rims and what you get is a bike that gets you as close to the Racing experience as possible.

Performance: The Pulsar’s 178.6cc DTSi engine makes 17.02bhp, while the RTR’s 177.4cc engine makes 17.3bhp. Pulsar’s top speed is 116 km/h, while RTR’s is 124 km/h. The RTR logs faster lap times thanks to being lighter than Pulsar by a good 10kg. The RTR 180 weighs 137kg, while the Pulsar weighs 147kg. Clearly, the RTR 180 smokes everything; even your expectations.

Verdict: If you just ride and want performance with reliability and would also like to ride in your own world without much fuss, go for the Pulsar 180. But if you’re looking for serious style and want to be a show stopper by grabbing all that attention then just grab an Apache RTR 180. Rest assured, you’ll turn heads wherever you go, even if its reliability is still questionable.

Technology

Tennis: How to improve your tennis game in 30 minutes

ONE of the most important things in tennis is keeping your eye on the ball. Nine out of ten players lose sight of a ball shortly after crossing the net. It is essential to keep an eye on it until it comes into contact with the racket. Most players, when they should be looking at the ball, look at their opponent or at the spot on their opponent’s court where they want to place the ball. The player who takes his eyes off the ball, even for a fraction of a second, may lose in that short time the opportunity to hit it cleanly, that is, in the center of the racket. This applies to all shots in tennis.

During the game it is excellent to repeat yourself over and over again: “Eye on the ball”, “Eye on the ball”.

Many volleys and spikes are out of bounds because the racket has been turned in the hand. This happens because the ball has not touched the center of the racket. Even a stronger grip will not prevent this. This difficulty is obviated by keeping an eye on the ball. Look at your ball and you are bound to judge it correctly. If you rush and lose sight of him, you are bound to misjudge him. Keeping your eye on the ball does not mean simply looking at it casually, but calculating its flight, and also judging the speed and depth of the shot. By doing this, the player can know in advance where the ball will land on the court.

Another thing of first importance in tennis is passing the ball over the net. A player feels disappointed and angry about a ball that goes out of bounds. He feels the same way when he nets it, as this has sacrificed any luck he might have had to win the point.

Again, you will see many players pick up balls that, if left alone, would go off the court. In doubles, he supposes that he says “out”, but his partner still accepts it. If he returns the ball, at least he has his opponent guessing and attempting a return. Many times he will be in doubt if he should take it, not knowing if the ball is going to be good. All of this is a lot more stress on his nerves.

Observe a top notch player while in a game. He is always putting the ball over the net and at least two feet above it. The average player’s fault is that he plays his ball too well, putting too many into the net as a result.

In singles, because the opponent often plays deep, you should play higher above the net than in doubles, where one or both opponents are likely to be near the net. In general, never play a very low return, i.e. close to the net in your path, except when the opponent is close. Playing a return deep and well over the net prevents the opponent from reaching the net.

After making a bad return, try not to get mad about your shot. Rather try to perceive immediately what his mistake was and correct the mistake. It may have been your position instead of your shot. Many players blame a bad return when in fact it was their position. For example, some players keep putting the ball into the net. If they studied their shots they would see that what they had to do was get more height to the ball.

There are a lot of little bugs that a player could fix themselves if they just thought about them at the time they make them. Here are a few to remember and fix:

First: do not rush; you have more time than you think if your position is midfield.

Second, don’t take the shot so close to your body that you can’t swing clean.

Third: don’t try to kill a ball when an easy one would suffice.

Fourth: Don’t let your opponent find you out of position as a result of calling your own return.

Fifth: do not take your eyes off the ball, since it prevents you from executing a clean shot.

Sixth: Don’t stop “finishing” your shot so that you can “drop” the ball as it goes over the net.

All these small faults and many more that players have could be prevented if they were discovered and corrected at the time they are committed. Many players complain that they don’t have time while playing to fix bugs. One has more time in tennis than one may realize, and this excuse is not a good one.

For more tennis tips, you can visit the website.

Hope you have fun.

Publisher’s Instructions: This article may be freely distributed as long as the copyright, author information, disclaimer, and an active link are included (where possible).

Technology

Nigerian Music Videos: Stepping Up The Quality Game

Foreign music videos were better than locally produced ones. Despite successes such as: Nico Mbanga (Sweet Mother), Osita Osadebe (Osondi Owendi), Oliver de Coque (Boni boni identity), Mandy Brown (Taxi driver), Onyeka Owenu (One Love), Lorine Okotie (Your love is that medicine ), Charly boy (Before Before) Chris Okotie (ABC), Evy Edna Ogoli (Happy Birthday), Felyx and Mozes (Free), Felix Liberty (Ifeoma), Stella Monye (Nigeria go survive), as seen in one of my articles “The Flowering of the Nigerian Music Industry”, the artists failed to achieve the desired impact on the international scene, based among other things on the colossal account of poor video quality.

The 90’s era wasn’t dramatically better than the 80’s, probably in the mid 90’s when the music genre went the way of rap/hip hop and the use of our local language in songs started to make the music industry the music was more entertaining compared to the 80’s… The Remedies (Edris Abdulkareem, Eddie Montana, Tony Tetwila) fit into it and became the rage of the moment at the time. The Plantation Boyz (Tu face Idibia, Faze, Black Face) were amazing and rose to greater heights before the group split up. The launch of Tu face Idibia’s solo career with his hit “African Queen” catapulted him to the top. Most Nigerians liked the first video of him, but unfortunately he had to re-film another one on the instructions of a popular foreign music TV channel. Style Plus’ “Olu Fumi” also had a good video compared to many that burst onto our TVs. Paul Play’s hit song “Angel of my life” also had a cool video.

Perhaps the turning point for good quality video making comes from the P-Square stable with the video for their hit song “Dome” which was filmed in South Africa. The video certainly hit the international standard mark with various music-inclined TV shows in Nigeria constantly showing it. Artists challenged by the strong production began touring South Africa, the US, and parts of Europe to shoot videos for their songs. They also featured white-skinned women dancing in the videos. Most of the top rated artists patronize directors who have carved a niche for themselves in the art of making quality video. First on the list are DJ Tee, Clarence Peters (Capital Hill CEO) and Bobby Hai.

The rise of Cally Ikpe’s “Nigerian Music Video Awards” (NMVA) and Sound City Music Video Awards (SMVA) aimed at rewarding artists with top-notch videos has also contributed to the rise of good quality productions. Also, artists with good videos have easy access to airplay on MTV Base, Channel O and other international music channels, further opening the doors to fame and fortune.

Good and creative videos are catchy and draw attention to the artists and of course the director. Quality music videos that have made waves in Nigeria and even beyond include but are not limited to: P- Square (Dome, Roll it, Ifunnaya), Dare Art Alade (Not the girl, More), Tu face Idibia (If love is a crime), Kel (Too fine), Keffi (kokoroko), Naeto C (Kini big thing), Bouqui (Take you away), Infinity (Olori oko), Asa (Fire on the mountain), TY Bello (Green earth, Ekundayo ), Gino (No be God), Djinee (Lade), DJ Jimmy Jatt (Too much ft Sasha, Blaise, kemistry, Bouqui), Alabai (Voice of God), Mo hit all stars (Pere), Omawunmi (In the music ), Nikki Laoye (I never felt like this), Steel (South African girl).

Nigerian music videos have certainly helped artists to get international deals/awards and they are getting better day by day. The P-Square duo won the KORAH Awards held in 2010 in Burkina Faso in the “Artist of the Year” category. The twins went home with the $1 million jackpot!

Access to latest cameras/hi-tech technology, wild creativity, high level of professionalism from directors, will make Nigerian videos the talk of the town in foreign countries.

Technology

Top 12 Tips for Writing a Dissertation

Very often, when PhD candidates complete their theses, they look for an editor to provide guidance on the structure and organization of their writing. Such guidance can range from the document or chapter level to the individual clause level and includes the correction of typographical and grammatical errors. However, no matter how capable your dissertation editor is, your dissertation will be stronger if you consider the following tips early on during your PhD studies.

Selection of a thesis topic

1. Find a topic that you like and are interested in. Choose a topic that you can live with, constantly think about, and even dream about for a few years. By the time you complete the dissertation, you should be, at least for a brief time, the world’s foremost expert on your subject. To reach that goal, you need to care enough about your topic to become deeply invested in it and want to know everything about it.

2. Start thinking about your dissertation topic from the very beginning of your studies. Each course you take will require you to submit a paper or some type of project. Try to make an original point on the subject in each paper or project you submit. Doing so may result in a viable thesis topic. Consider each available topic you can write about in terms of whether you could live with that topic for an extended period of time, whether it fits with your long-term career goals, and whether you would really have something original to say on the subject. .

3. When considering original research topics for your dissertation, don’t overlook the possibility of synthesizing sub-disciplines. It is not unusual to find two different disciplines or sub-disciplines tackling the same problem in different domains or with different methodologies. Would using a completely different methodology from another field reveal any new information about your area of ​​interest? Can you build a bridge or make connections between the findings of separate sub-disciplines and see your topic in a new light?

Take charge of your learning

4. When taking classes and reading assignments, take note of every term, concept, and reference to other work with which you are unfamiliar. Then take the time to learn about unfamiliar ideas. Unfortunately, many people do not learn to be true lifelong learners during their college studies. If you haven’t learned how to facilitate your own learning and intellectual growth before now, now is the time to learn this crucial skill. The ability to recognize gaps in your own knowledge and take action to strengthen your areas of weakness is a mark of a person with a strong education.

5. Learn all you can about research methods in your discipline. Although research methods are broadly divided into quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods, within those general areas there are many specific submethods. Understand the methodology that is typically used in the subdiscipline you are focusing on and how it compares to other methodologies you might use. Learn to use the terminology correctly by making it part of your everyday vocabulary.

6. When conducting research on your selected topic, work to understand and evaluate all aspects of the issues, both in terms of the research methods used and in terms of theories related to your area of ​​interest. Keep an open mind when you read points of view that conflict with your own, think clearly why you disagree with the author’s position, and construct clear and specific arguments that directly address the points you disagree with. Again, understand and learn to use the terminology correctly.

7. If you are going to use statistics, consider taking a statistics course or at least invest in a good statistics textbook. Learn to speak and write about statistics correctly and knowledgeably. Being able to input numbers into SAS or another software program and then run a function is not the same as understanding statistics. For your use of statistics to be meaningful and professional, you must understand and be able to speak knowledgeably about population selection, the use of variables and forms of measurement, the appropriate equations for your analytical purposes, and what has actually happened. “found”. ” or “revealed” as a result of the method(s) applied. You should be able to explain why you are entering certain numbers, where those numbers come from and what they represent, why a certain statistical function is used, and what the results indicate about your topic. Practice the Apply your knowledge of statistics whenever you read about a study that used quantitative data.

Organize, organize, organize!

8. Establish a good organization system for your library of articles and books from the beginning of your graduate studies. If you have hard copies of articles, invest in a small filing cabinet and folders and file articles by topic, sub-discipline, or author name. Use a system that makes sense to you. If you can’t decide how to file a particular item, use a note system within your filing system to indicate the location of a file. For example, if you have an article about research done on the effectiveness of using live chat in online learning, but the article begins with an informative discussion of the methodology used, you may want to file the article with others who address research on the effectiveness of using live chat, but, in folders containing information on methodology and online learning in general, note the location of this file. (Write short, clear notes on the inside covers of the binder or on sticky notes attached to the inside covers.)

9. Learn and use good file management on your computer. Many articles today are available in PDF format. Such files can be searched by key terms, but you can’t search an article if you can’t find it. Learn how to create folders on your computer and nest them. For example, a folder on online learning might contain folders on specific theories that address online learning, as well as tools that can be used to facilitate online learning.

10. As part of your file management, start creating a spreadsheet file (or a database if you have the software and technical knowledge) of all the articles, books, web pages, and videos you’ve found. For books that contain chapters written by different authors, create an entry for each chapter. Along with author names (ALL author names) and titles, include the date, publication information, article and chapter pages, original publication information (if applicable), main points about the source (thesis statement, research methods used) and the location of the article in your filing system.

For example, “Paper-E-Learning-Live Chat” would indicate that the item is a hard copy in your filing cabinet in the Live Chat folder in the Online Learning area or drawer, and “PDF-E-Learning- transcript-quantitative analysis” would indicate that you have a file on your computer in the transcript analysis folder which is located within the quantitative methods folder within the online learning folder. If you accessed the item online, be sure to record the DOI (preferred for most documentation styles) or URL of the pages or PDFs on the websites. You may also want a field indicating the various subtopics that the source touches on. (For example, an article on the use of live chat in online learning can also be marked as information on quantitative research methods and constructivist learning theory.)

Know your documentation style

11. At the beginning of your research process, determine the style of documentation that you will use. Your school or graduate program may require a particular style, or you are free to choose your own. If you can select one of your own, learn the style most commonly used in your discipline. If the option is still open, choose an author-date style (end-of-document citations and in-text parenthetical citations) because it’s the easiest to use, takes the least amount of time, and is easy to review.

12. Once you know what style of documentation you will use for your dissertation, purchase the appropriate manual and use it as often as possible for written class assignments. Note that “documentation” styles include much more than just how sources are cited. They often specify how numbers should be treated in the text, how tables and figures are displayed, how sources are referenced (eg, APA requires past tense when writing about a source, while literary works quotes in MLA are usually written in the present tense). ), and even which prefixes are hyphenated and which types of phrases are separated by hyphens. Getting familiar with the documentation style before you start writing the dissertation will make your writing process much easier. Again, being thoroughly familiar with your discipline’s documentation style is a sign of a strong education.

Taking the time to consider these tips early in your graduate studies can make the process of writing your dissertation more seamless and strengthen the integrity of your paper. Tips 4-12 can actually save you time when you go into that time-intensive period of writing parts of your dissertation and passing them on to your committee for feedback. These tips can also help you avoid embarrassment resulting from the types of comments your committee members might make.

The stronger your dissertation is before you submit it to a dissertation editing service, the better your final product will be. The various subtopics that the source touches on. (For example, an article on the use of live chat in online learning can also be marked as information on quantitative research methods and constructivist learning theory.)

Technology

Mortgage Refinance Calculator

Homeowners use this type of calculator to determine if monthly mortgage payments can be lowered. The best mortgage refinance calculator is one that has a simple interface through which you enter information. With a high-quality calculator, you can cover all the financial metrics related to mortgage refinancing. The owner must be able to get results from him through multiple means. Having a simple interface, which is an interface that has elements that are easy to understand and easy to access, will simplify your work. Some mortgage refinance calculators will have drop down menus to allow for customization within certain intervals. If you have unique circumstances that fall between these different ranges, the menus may be limiting. The better one will have text boxes and will allow you to enter a wider range of numbers.

Best Refinance Mortgage Calculator Features

One thing your mortgage refinance calculator shouldn’t ignore is the various numbers and factors you need to get a refinance quote. Other things you should have to make your job easier may include:

• Have basic information such as the duration of the mortgage, the interest rates and the amounts

• Advanced fields to calculate closing costs and origination fees, giving you more accurate calculations

• Tax field so you can further customize your refinance quote

• Allow access to the results in PDF, print and email formats so that you can receive the results in your business or personal email. In PDF format, you can get the refinance quote along with different mortgage options. Using an online refinance mortgage calculator, the company hosting you could send you a printed quote and the phone number of the agent in your area.

• Have the ability for the owner to gather as much information as possible about changes in the mortgage before signing any documents

• The number of months it will take to recover refinancing costs

The mortgage company may also combine a mortgage refinance calculator with a number of additional calculators. When looking at these types of calculators, you need to consider the cost of buying versus renting or using them online. Some mortgage refinance calculators can also connect to others that deal exclusively with interest rates, tax benefits, and mortgage length.

To use the mortgage refinance calculator, you’ll need the cost of the loan the homeowners want to refinance, which is the amount of their original loan minus the amount of principal they’ve paid down. It must be on the amortization schedule that came with the original loan documents or from the current mortgage holder. The next step is to put this information into the calculator and let it calculate the interest and monthly payments.