Articles by Melih Oztalay on ArticleSnatch.com

Keeping The Best In Texas By Offering Health Insurance Benefits

Wed, 04 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Every small business in Dallas, Houston and throughout Texas wants to attract high quality individual employees who will contribute to the growth and success of the company. In order to recruit and retain these people, many larger business owners offer health insurance coverage, specifically group health, as an employee benefit. If your company is small, especially if has ten or fewer employees, there are still ways to offer your employees health insurance coverage. In most states, insurance companies which offer small group health insurance plans are required to accept any employer group of two to 50 employees, provided the employer agrees to insure 100% of the eligible employees. Before you can offer any health insurance coverage, you must decide how much your employees will pay, as well as the kind of insurance that you wish to offer. It's expensive. So who pays? Most businesses that offer their employees group health insurance plans contribute towards the cost of the coverage. Some pay for all of the employees' premiums (for single coverage) and let the employees pay the premium if they need coverage for their families. Other businesses pay a percentage of the total cost. **End Summary** Topics: precedent]]> health insurance texas]]> affordable health insurance texas]]> health insurance dallas]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> 'Melih ("may-lee") Oztalay, CEO SmartFinds Internet Marketing Web: www.precedent.com EMail: melih@hsfideas.com Precedent puts a new spin on health insurance in Texas.'

Aaaccchhooo! Getting A Handle On Allergies In Texas

Fri, 30 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400

As the weather warms for springtime, the plants, trees and grass start to grow and get greener. What also warms up for many people in Dallas, Houston or anywhere in Texas is the start of allergy season. For many allergy sufferers, officially designated as allergic rhinitis, springtime isn't always something to look forward to. Flowers bloom, grass and weeds rise from their dormancy, and, unfortunately, allergy season kicks into high gear. Millions of people just like you know the symptoms: o Itchy, watery eyes o Runny nose o Sinus pressure o Sneezing o Headaches What causes allergies? The bad guys that cause many allergies are allergens such as ragweed, pollen, and grass. There are many people whose allergies are non-seasonal - pets, dust, and certain foods as the culprits. One of the most common seasonal allergies is hay fever. What's my age got to do with it? Allergies can make themselves known at any age. If you've made it through your 20s, 30s, or 40s, allergy free, you may think you're in the clear. However, just as kids can outgrow their allergies, adults can develop allergies later in life. How do I get rid of my allergies? **End Summary** Topics: precedent]]> health insurance texas]]> affordable health insurance texas]]> health insurance dallas]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> 'Melih ("may-lee") Oztalay, CEO SmartFinds Internet Marketing Web: www.precedent.com EMail: melih@hsfideas.com Precedent puts a new spin on health insurance in Texas.'

Binge Drinking In Texas Is Not Responsible

Fri, 30 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Even though alcohol consumption is legal for individuals in Dallas, Houston or anywhere in Texas who are 21 or over, it should be remembered that alcohol is still a harmful, dangerous drug. Sure, it seems like "everyone" drinks, and sometimes it even seems like everyone drinks a lot. But that's not really the truth. There are a lot of people who don't drink at all, and the vast majority of adults don't drink at all heavily. What Defines Binge Drinking? When it comes to heavy drinking, the phrase "binge drinking" comes to mind. It used to mean heavy drinking that lasted for days. Now, the meaning has changed to irresponsible, heavy drinking that often comes under the disguise of fun and games. Binge drinking is not only dangerous to the drinker, but to the people around him or her. Binge drinkers, by definition: * Drink "to get drunk." The goal is to lose control. * They drink large quantities, five or more drinks at a time. * They drink quickly. * They do foolish, potentially deadly things like drive drunk, start fights, and take unnecessary risks. New Study on an Old Problem. **End Summary** Topics: precedent]]> health insurance texas]]> affordable health insurance texas]]> health insurance dallas]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> 'Melih ("may-lee") Oztalay, CEO SmartFinds Internet Marketing Web: www.precedent.com EMail: melih@hsfideas.com Precedent puts a new spin on health insurance in Texas.'

Don't Let The Bedbugs Bite - Getting a Good Night's Sleep In Texas

Fri, 30 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400

There's nothing more frustrating than not being able to sleep. You toss. You turn. Your mind races going over everything that happened during your day. Night noises keep you awake. There is mounting evidence that an inadequate amount of sleep can: Increase moodiness Decrease ability to concentrate Decrease retention of new info. Challenge your ability to manage stress Lessen your body's ability to fight off illness For these reasons alone, you shouldn't ignore your sleep problems or bad sleep habits. So what's a young, healthy individual who lives in Dallas, Houston or anywhere in Texas to do? Before you go to your doctor and have him or her use the prescription pad, take a look at these basic rules to help you sleep well, also known as "Sleep Hygiene." 1. Sleep only when sleepy. This can reduce the time you're awake in bed. 2. If you can't fall asleep within 20 minutes, get up and do something boring until you feel sleepy. Sit quietly in the dark, read the warranty on your refrigerator, or count the holes in your ceiling tiles. Don't expose yourself to bright light while you are up. **End Summary** Topics: precedent]]> health insurance texas]]> affordable health insurance texas]]> health insurance dallas]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> 'Melih ("may-lee") Oztalay, CEO SmartFinds Internet Marketing Web: www.precedent.com EMail: melih@hsfideas.com Precedent puts a new spin on health insurance in Texas.'

Pediatricians In Texas Concerned About HDHPs

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400

According to a March 5, 2007, Reuters newswire story, pediatricians throughout Texas and the U.S. are warning that new high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) are compromising patient care, especially among poorer children, with the unintended consequence of increasing medical costs. The HDHPs, called "consumer-directed" plans by supporters, encourage people to take a more active role in their medical care. But the American Academy of Pediatrics has joined other plan critics who fear high deductibles in the plans will lead patients to skip preventive care, most importantly immunizations and annual physicals for children. And this could lead to costlier treatment down the road, for example, if a patient winds up in an emergency room. "Faced with difficult choices, families may seek to 'load up' on a scheduled visit to save money or delay care until after the deductible is met," the group wrote in the March issue of Pediatrics, the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics,. The Academy represents 60,000 physicians in the United States specializing in treating children. The report comes as the share of U.S. employers offering health insurance has been slipping, according to the nonprofit Kaiser Family Foundation. **End Summary** Topics: precedent]]> health insurance texas]]> affordable health insurance texas]]> health insurance dallas]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> 'Melih ("may-lee") Oztalay, CEO SmartFinds Internet Marketing Web: www.precedent.com EMail: melih@hsfideas.com Precedent puts a new spin on health insurance in Texas.'

Limited Benefit Health Insurance - Is It A Good Deal For Your Employees In Texas?

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400

As a small business owner, you're always looking for ways to save money. Some employers have found that buying cheap group health insurance is one way to go. And while this has its upside, you should be careful, because it could also throw your employees into a health crisis scenario. For many employees in Dallas, Houston or throughout Texas with no health insurance, a policy known as "Limited Benefit" sounds like an appealing choice. Premiums are as low as $10 a week. But there's a big catch: these policies pay as little as $1,000 a year or $10,000 for a lifetime - so little that some health insurance experts question whether they really amount to health insurance at all. Even insurance industry executives and agents are highly skeptical of such plans. At one insurance-company meeting last year, a roomful of agents burst into laughter when an executive described a Limited Benefit plan. But plan defenders say the simple act of giving low-income workers an insurance card can encourage them to seek routine preventive care. They contend that some measure of health coverage, however small, is better than none. **End Summary** Topics: precedent]]> health insurance texas]]> affordable health insurance texas]]> health insurance dallas]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> 'Melih ("may-lee") Oztalay, CEO SmartFinds Internet Marketing Web: www.precedent.com EMail: melih@hsfideas.com Precedent puts a new spin on health insurance in Texas.'

How To Apply For Health Insurance For Your Business In Texas

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400

If you own a small business in Dallas, Houston or anywhere else in Texas and are looking for a health insurance provider for your employees, here's a standard list of business data you'll need to provide: Employer name. The legal name of your company. Address of your business. Insurers need the street address, not a P.O. Box, to determine your region or service area. A list of employees you plan to cover. Not all ployees will be eligible. Tax identification or employer identification number. This is the EIN (sometimes called FEIN) you obtained from the IRS when you started your business. Business background. Depending on the size of your business, you may have to provide: Date your business started Payroll records Standard Industry Code (SIC or NAIC), informing the insurer what industry you're in. Quarterly salary and wages for the past two quarters. Employee census information. Insurers use this to estimate the health care costs your group is likely to incur. A census does not include health status, race, religion, sexual orientation (even if applying for domestic partner benefits), Social Security number, or U.S. citizenship/immigration status. **End Summary** Topics: precedent]]> health insurance texas]]> affordable health insurance texas]]> health insurance dallas]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> 'Melih ("may-lee") Oztalay, CEO SmartFinds Internet Marketing Web: www.precedent.com EMail: melih@hsfideas.com Precedent puts a new spin on health insurance in Texas.'

Coverage That Keeps Your Business Healthy In Texas

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400

As with many other things, when it comes to buying group health insurance, there is strength in numbers. And big numbers have traditionally gotten the best deals. Currently, a large number of individuals in Dallas, Houston and throughout Texas obtain coverage through their employers. Many of those employers are large companies with strong-arm power at the insurance bargaining table. If you're a small-business owner, however, there is no reason to feel left out. The Small-Group Market Small-group refers to the number of employees in a given company. It can be as many as 100, but is most often two to 50. In this market, health insurance prices have traditionally been based on two factors: Projected costs of medical services in a given geographic area Projected utilization of services Projected costs can vary dramatically from area to area based on local medical practices, local prices, and whatever price discounts the insurance company has been able to negotiate with local providers. After calculating projected costs, the insurance company adjusts the costs for the expected utilization level of your particular group. **End Summary** Topics: precedent]]> health insurance texas]]> affordable health insurance texas]]> health insurance dallas]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> 'Melih ("may-lee") Oztalay, CEO SmartFinds Internet Marketing Web: www.precedent.com EMail: melih@hsfideas.com Precedent puts a new spin on health insurance in Texas.'

The Ball's In Your Court - Consumer-Driven Health Insurance On The Rise In Texas

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400

If you were given just $1,500 to purchase groceries annually, you'd be a lot more careful about how you spend your money. You'd peruse the supermarket flyers, shop around for the best deals, and forgo the more expensive items, like lobster and steak. This is exactly the kind of "consumer-driven" behavior some employers in Dallas, Houston and all around Texas are hoping to spark in you and your co-workers by offering "consumer-driven" and defined-contribution health insurance plans. You have to pay very close attention to understand the costs and consequences of your health care decisions. For example, with a $20 co-payment, you can get a cholesterol-lowering prescription drug that actually retails for $100 per month, compared to changing your diet or increasing the amount you exercise. But if you had to pay full price for your medical care and prescriptions, most everyone would think more carefully before shelling out their own money. Even though the line is blurring between consumer-driven and defined-contribution health plans, there are differences. Under a defined contribution scenario, your employer pre-screens and pre-selects a variety of health plans and then gives you cash, or vouchers, to buy a policy. Your employer then bows out. **End Summary** Topics: precedent]]> health insurance texas]]> affordable health insurance texas]]> health insurance dallas]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> 'Melih ("may-lee") Oztalay, CEO SmartFinds Internet Marketing Web: www.precedent.com EMail: melih@hsfideas.com Precedent puts a new spin on health insurance in Texas.'

Business Growth - Examining Five Killer Strategies For Trouncing the Competition

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Winners in business play rough and don't apologize for it. Toyota has steadily attacked the Big Three where their will to defend was weakest, moving up the line from compact cars to mid- and full-size vehicles and on to Detroit's last remaining profit centers, light trucks and SUVs. All the while, Toyota has dared its rivals to duplicate a production system that gives the company unmatchable productivity and quality. Dell is similarly relentless, and ruthless, in dealing with competitors. Last summer, the day after Hewlett-Packard announced weak results because of price competition in PCs, Dell announced a further across-the-board cut - delivering a swift kick to a tough rival when it was down. Wal-Mart is well known for its uncompromising stance toward suppliers. In 1996, Rubbermaid, a $2 billion business that a few years earlier had been Fortune's most admired company, ventured to contest Wal-Mart's pressure on suppliers to lower their prices - and Wal-Mart simply cut Rubbermaid off. (Newell acquired a struggling Rubbermaid in 1999.) Wal-Mart doesn't pull punches with competitors, either. **End Summary** Topics: Christophe Sevrain]]> CJPS Enterprises]]> medical device manufacturing]]> new technology medical device]]> busin]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> 'Melih ("may-lee") Oztalay, CEO SmartFinds Internet Marketing Web: www.cjps-enterprises.com EMail: melih@hsfideas.com At CJPS Enterprises, we specialize in execution. Getting things done. Our approach is designed to give your company an unfair advantage.'

Business Growth - Funding Growth In An Age Of Austerity

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Growth - real growth - depends on innovation. Oh, sure, a big acquisition can inflate a company's top line, but it's hardly fair to call this growth; agglomeration would be a better word. Deal making of the sort that was used to jack up revenues at companies such as Tyco, Vivendi, HealthSouth, and DaimlerChrysler is unlikely to produce above-average growth for more than a few years at a time. Study a company that has delivered strong revenue growth over a decade or more, and you're likely to find evidence of world-class innovation. Maybe the company invented a new industry structure, like Microsoft did when it "de-verticalized" the computer industry. Maybe the firm pioneered a bold new business model, like Costco did with its upscale warehouse stores. Or maybe it hatched a bountiful brood of sleek new products, like Nokia did. Put simply, innovation is the fuel for growth. When a company runs out of innovation, it runs out of growth. And there's the rub. We live in an age of austerity. Every line of every budget in every company is under perpetual scrutiny. Innovation budgets are no exception. **End Summary** Topics: Christophe Sevrain]]> CJPS Enterprises]]> medical device manufacturing]]> new technology medical device]]> busin]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> 'Melih ("may-lee") Oztalay, CEO SmartFinds Internet Marketing Web: www.cjps-enterprises.com EMail: melih@hsfideas.com At CJPS Enterprises, we specialize in execution. Getting things done. Our approach is designed to give your company an unfair advantage.'

Business Growth - The New Rules For Bringing Innovations To Market

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400

It's tough to get consumers to adopt innovations - and it's getting harder all the time. As more markets take on the characteristics of networks, once-reliable tools for introducing new products and services don't work as well as they used to. The efficacy of advertising, promotions, and the sales force has declined; it is more difficult for innovators to rise above the din of information from competing sources; and only hard-to-manage relationship skills seem to make a difference. Executives need to rethink the way they bring innovations to market. By using game theory, they can develop new strategies for playing in today's networked world. By understanding how social, commercial, and physical networks behave, innovators can develop new tactics. And by working back from an end-game, they can change markets from foes to allies. Nature's Way Markets, by their very nature, resist new ideas and products. Despite the risks involved with developing and launching new innovations, companies love them because they drive profits, growth, and shareholder value. Innovations reap such handsome rewards because they are risky. Markets, meanwhile, kill most new products and services and accept the rest only grudgingly. **End Summary** Topics: Christophe Sevrain]]> CJPS Enterprises]]> medical device manufacturing]]> new technology medical device]]> busin]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> 'Melih ("may-lee") Oztalay, CEO SmartFinds Internet Marketing Web: www.cjps-enterprises.com EMail: melih@hsfideas.com At CJPS Enterprises, we specialize in execution. Getting things done. Our approach is designed to give your company an unfair advantage.'

Business Growth - When To Ally And When To Acquire

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400

At he core of your company's strategy lies a dilemma, wrapped in a problem, inside a challenge. As companies find it increasingly tougher to achieve and sustain growth, they have placed their faith in acquisitions and alliances to boost sales, profits, and, importantly, stock prices. That's most evident in developed countries. American companies, for instance, created a titanic acquisitions and alliances wave by announcing 74,000 acquisitions and 57,000 alliances from 1996 through 2001. During those six years, CEOs signed, roughly, an acquisition and a partnership every hour each day and drove up the acquisition's combined value to $12 trillion. The pace of collaboration has slowed since then. U.S. firms struck only 7,795 acquisitions and 5,048 alliances in 2002 as compared with 12,460 and 10,349, respectively, in 2000, according to data from Thomson Financial. But as companies gear up for greater growth, collaboration is once again high on priority lists. In fact, firms clinched more acquisition deals (8,385) and alliance agreements (5,789) in 2003 than in the previous year. There's a problem, however, and it refuses to go away. Most acquisitions and alliances fail. **End Summary** Topics: Christophe Sevrain]]> CJPS Enterprises]]> medical device manufacturing]]> new technology medical device]]> busin]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> 'Melih ("may-lee") Oztalay, CEO SmartFinds Internet Marketing Web: www.cjps-enterprises.com EMail: melih@hsfideas.com At CJPS Enterprises, we specialize in execution. Getting things done. Our approach is designed to give your company an unfair advantage.'

Business Growth - Exploring Growth Outside The Core

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Golf ranks as one of the most brutal and demanding markets in the sports business. So, despite its fabled swoosh, Nike was regarded as an amateur when it decided in 1995 to branch out from shoes to golf apparel, balls, and equipment. Four years later, however, Nike had scored priceless marketing victories - not once, but three times running. First, the British Open champ wore Nike's golf shoes in 1999. Next, Tiger Woods switched from Titliest golf balls, the leading brand, to Nike golf balls in 2000. And, finally, David Duval won his first major tournament just after switching to Nike golf clubs in 2001. Nike's entry into the golf market appeared to be the business equivalent of sinking three successive holes in one. But those who had followed the company closely over the previous decade were not surprised. They recognized the formula that Nike has applied and adapted successfully in a series of entries into sports markets - from jogging to volleyball to tennis to basketball to soccer. Nike begins by establishing a leading position in athletic shoes in the target market. **End Summary** Topics: Christophe Sevrain]]> CJPS Enterprises]]> medical device manufacturing]]> new technology medical device]]> busin]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> 'Melih ("may-lee") Oztalay, CEO SmartFinds Internet Marketing Web: www.cjps-enterprises.com EMail: melih@hsfideas.com At CJPS Enterprises, we specialize in execution. Getting things done. Our approach is designed to give your company an unfair advantage.'

Business Growth - Taking A Look At Innovating For Cash

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400

A little over three decades ago, Bruce Henderson, the Boston Consulting Group's founder, warned managers, "The majority of products in most companies are cash traps. They will absorb more money forever than they will generate." His apprehensions were entirely justified. Most new products don't generate substantial financial returns despite companies' almost slavish worship of innovation. According to several studies, between five, and as many as nine, out of ten new products end up being financial failures. Even truly innovative products often don't make as much money as organizations invest in them. Apple Computer, for instance, stopped making the striking G4 Cube less than 12 months after its launch in July 2000 because the company was losing too much cash on the investment. In fact, many corporations make the lion's share of profits from only a handful of their products. In 2002, just 12 of Proctor & Gamble's 250-odd brands generated half of its sales and an even bigger share of net profits. Yet most corporations presume that they can boost profits by fostering creativity. **End Summary** Topics: Christophe Sevrain]]> CJPS Enterprises]]> medical device manufacturing]]> new technology medical device]]> busin]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> 'Melih ("may-lee") Oztalay, CEO SmartFinds Internet Marketing Web: www.cjps-enterprises.com EMail: melih@hsfideas.com At CJPS Enterprises, we specialize in execution. Getting things done. Our approach is designed to give your company an unfair advantage.'

Business Growth - Tracking Product Teams

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Once time was money. Now it is more valuable than money. A McKinsey study reports that, on average, companies lose 33% of after-tax profit when they ship products six months late, as compared with losses of 3.5% when they overspend 50% on product development. More and more, advanced manufacturers are learning that the time required to develop a new product has more influence on its success than its costs. Little wonder, then, that senior managers are working hard to reduce their new product development cycles. At Hewlett-Packard, well over 50% of sales come from products introduced during the past three years, and more than 500 product development projects are going on at any given time. Even enterprises that develop just a few new products over several years, like Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, are focusing on reducing the time required to develop them. It is a common belief in management practice today that one of the most effective ways to shorten development cycles is through the collaborative work of cross-functional development teams. **End Summary** Topics: Christophe Sevrain]]> CJPS Enterprises]]> medical device manufacturing]]> new technology medical device]]> busin]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> 'Melih ("may-lee") Oztalay, CEO SmartFinds Internet Marketing Web: www.cjps-enterprises.com EMail: melih@hsfideas.com At CJPS Enterprises, we specialize in execution. Getting things done. Our approach is designed to give your company an unfair advantage. '

Business Growth - Looking At Darwin And The Demon

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400

As commercial processes commoditize in a developed economy, they are outsourced or transferred offshore or both, leaving onshore companies with unrelenting pressure to come up with the next wave of innovation. Failure to innovate equals failure to differentiate equals failure to garner the profits and revenues needed to attract capital investment. It behooves us all to use our brains to get out in front of this Darwinian process. For starters, we need to appreciate how broad the domain of innovation really is. Sure, it includes the type everyone knows about: disruptive innovation, the stuff of technology legend and Silicon Valley lore. But we should not be blind to the existence of more mundane forms that are equally effective, as the following taxonomy illustrates: Disruptive Innovation. Gets a great deal of attention, particularly in the press, because markets appear as if from nowhere, creating massive new sources of wealth. It tends to have its roots in technological discontinuities, such as the one that enabled Motorola's rise to prominence with the first generation of cell phones, or in fast-spreading fads like the collector card game Pokemon. Application Innovation. **End Summary** Topics: Christophe Sevrain]]> CJPS Enterprises]]> medical device manufacturing]]> new technology medical device]]> busin]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> 'Melih ("may-lee") Oztalay, CEO SmartFinds Internet Marketing Web: www.cjps-enterprises.com EMail: melih@hsfideas.com At CJPS Enterprises, we specialize in execution. Getting things done. Our approach is designed to give your company an unfair advantage.'

What Is Hydroponics And Hydroponic Systems?

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Hydroponics is crop production with mineral nutrient solutions instead of soil containing silt and clay. Terrestrial plants may be grown with their roots in the mineral nutrient solution only or in an inert medium, such as perlite, gravel or rockwool. A variety of techniques exist. Perlite is a volcanic rock that has been superheated into very lightweight expanded glass pebbles. It is used loose or in plastic sleeves immersed in the water. It is also used in potting soil mixes to decrease soil density. Perlite has similar properties and uses to vermiculite but generally holds more air and less water. If not contained, it can float if flood and drain feeding is used. Like perlite, vermiculite is another mineral that has been superheated until it has expanded into light pebbles. Vermiculite holds more water than perlite and has a natural "wicking" property that can draw water and nutrients in a passive hydroponic system. If too much water and not enough air surrounds the plants roots, it's possible to gradually lower the medium's water-retention capability by mixing in increasing quantities of perlite. Rockwool is probably the most widely used medium in Hydroponics. **End Summary** Topics: grow hydroponics]]> hydroponics gardening]]> hydroponic gardening]]> hydroponic system]]> hydroponic systems]]> gen]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> 'Melih ("may-lee") Oztalay, CEO SmartFinds Internet Marketing Web: www.hydrowarehouse.com EMail: melih@hsfideas.com HydroWarehouse is a Discount Hydroponics Supply Store . We offer world class customer service with warehouse prices.'

An Introduction To Indoor Plant Grow Lights

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400

There are basically two types of grow lights used in horticulture. These are: High Intensity Discharge Lights (HID) - These come in two types, the Metal Halide Grow Light (MH) and the High Pressure Sodium Grow Light (HPS) Metal Halide - bulbs are designed for plants during their growing cycle. That is, for non-fruiting or non-blooming plants. Metal halide lighting is therefore the best HID choice for the plant's growing phase. High Pressure Sodium Lights (HPS) - The HPS grow light is used primarily for plants that are in their blooming or fruiting phase. Modern high pressure sodium lighting can, however, be bought, which is enhanced for blue spectrum (for vegetative growth) and for red spectrum (for flowering growth). This means that they can be used throughout the entire growing process for most types of plant. Fluorescent Grow Lights emit less light than high intensity discharge lights and although they can be used throughout the plant cycle their lack of brightness will produce small yields. The light produced tends to be softer and less damaging to tender young plants. For this reason, the fluorescent grow light is popular for seedlings and cuttings, an excellent way to establish young plants. **End Summary** Topics: grow hydroponics]]> hydroponics gardening]]> hydroponic gardening]]> hydroponic system]]> hydroponic systems]]> gen]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> 'Melih ("may-lee") Oztalay, CEO SmartFinds Internet Marketing Web: www.hydrowarehouse.com EMail: melih@hsfideas.com HydroWarehouse is a Discount Hydroponics Supply Store . We offer world class customer service with warehouse prices.'

Hydroponics Uses For The Success Or Failure Of Your Plants

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Hydroponics is useful in two main ways. First, it provides a more controlled environment for plant growth than soil thereby removing many unknowns from experiments. Second, many plant species produce more in less time and sometimes of higher quality, which under certain economic and environmental conditions, makes hydroponics growing more profitable to the farmer. With hydroponics there are no soil-borne diseases, weeds to pull, or soil to till, and plants can be placed very close to one another. This allows a large amount of food to be produced in a small amount of space. Hydroponics is also very water-efficient as it uses containers or closed loop systems for the recirculation of water, and therefore requires only a small fraction of the water used in traditional farming. These qualities combine to make hydroponics useful wherever people wish to grow plants in a non-traditional manner. Science fiction writers have long speculated that hydroponics would allow space stations or spaceships to grow their own food. The same qualities make hydroponics ideal for those who wish to grow plants with maximum control over conditions, and maximum density. **End Summary** Topics: grow hydroponics]]> hydroponics gardening]]> hydroponic gardening]]> hydroponic system]]> hydroponic systems]]> gen]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> 'Melih ("may-lee") Oztalay, CEO SmartFinds Internet Marketing Web: www.hydrowarehouse.com EMail: melih@hsfideas.com HydroWarehouse is a Discount Hydroponics Supply Store . We offer world class customer service with warehouse prices.'

Do Your Plants Need Hydroponics?

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400

All plants need the correct conditions in order to grow to their full potential. Plants grown using hydroponics systems are no exception to this basic rule. Like their soil grown cousins they need sufficient light of the correct wavelengths, a suitable temperature, an adequate water supply, enough oxygen, mineral nutrients and support for their structures. Sufficient light of the correct wavelengths, used by the plant at the growth stage it has reached, is essential for its survival. Plants use lots of light, at least 8 to 12 hours each day, in order to make carbohydrates from CO2 and water. Chlorophyll, the green color in plants, absorbs the sunlight and uses its energy to synthesize these carbohydrates. This process is known as photosynthesis and is the basis for sustaining life in all plants. Because animals and humans get their food by eating plants, it can also be said to be the source of our life. Artificial lighting is generally a poor substitute for sunshine, because most indoor lights provide insufficient intensity to produce a mature crop. High intensity lamps such as high-pressure sodium lamps can provide more than 1,000 foot-candles of light. **End Summary** Topics: grow hydroponics]]> hydroponics gardening]]> hydroponic gardening]]> hydroponic system]]> hydroponic systems]]> gen]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> 'Melih ("may-lee") Oztalay, CEO SmartFinds Internet Marketing Web: www.hydrowarehouse.com EMail: melih@hsfideas.com HydroWarehouse is a Discount Hydroponics Supply Store . We offer world class customer service with warehouse prices.'

What Is Grodan Stonewool?

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Mineral wool is used for its ability to hold large quantities of water and at the same time maintain a high percentage of air as well. This aids root growth and nutrient uptake. The fibrous nature of mineral wool also provides a good mechanical structure to hold the plant stable. Mineral wool has a high pH, which is unsuitable to plant growth. This requires correcting or conditioning. Conditioned mineral wool has a stable pH over long periods of time. Stone wool is the main reason that most of the worlds greenhouse vegetables are now grown hydroponically. At full saturation, Grodan holds 80-90% of its volume in water. It is wrapped in biodegradable plastic and the stonewool can be re-used in your garden to improve the aeration and water holding capacity. Grodan stonewool went into space on Challenger in 1986 and is still being used in NASA's testing with hydroponics. You will find Grodan stonewool in some garden centers and in virtually all hydroponics shops in North America. It is back to Nature. The raw material is basalt rocks and chalk. These are melted at 1600 degrees. **End Summary** Topics: grow hydroponics]]> hydroponics gardening]]> hydroponic gardening]]> hydroponic system]]> hydroponic systems]]> gen]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> 'Melih ("may-lee") Oztalay, CEO SmartFinds Internet Marketing Web: www.hydrowarehouse.com EMail: melih@hsfideas.com HydroWarehouse is a Discount Hydroponics Supply Store . We offer world class customer service with warehouse prices.'

The High Deductible Health Plan - What Is It And How Does It Benefit Me?

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Benefits experts are stating that conventional coverage, such as health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and preferred provider organizations (PPOs), are still the main types of healthcare plans. But more health insurance companies and Texas employers will begin to offer High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHP), with a Health Savings Account (HSA) attached, during upcoming open-enrollment periods. The HSA is a tax-favored savings account that's combined with a qualifying HDHP. This allows you to deposit tax-deductible funds into an account that you can use to cover medical costs, as well as enabling you to take control of your own health care decisions. There are a variety of HDHPs available through various insurance companies. The plans are all similar in that they have deductibles between $1,100 and $5,500 for individuals, and between $2,200 and $11,000 for families. An HDHP with an HSA provides major medical coverage and a tax-free way to help you build savings for future medical expenses. It also gives you greater flexibility and discretion over how you use your health care benefits. **End Summary** Topics: precedent]]> health insurance texas]]> affordable health insurance texas]]> health insurance dallas]]> health in]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> 'Melih ("may-lee") Oztalay, CEO SmartFinds Internet Marketing Web: www.precedent.com EMail: melih@hsfideas.com Precedent - Health Insurance For The Rest Of Us'

Is Your Health Club Healthy?

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400

More and more insurance companies are offering discounts on health and fitness club memberships in the Dallas and Houston areas and throughout Texas, so it may be a good time to join a health club to stay in shape and continue to improve upon your overall health. But be careful. If your health club cuts corners when it comes to safety, sanitation and staff training, you may actually be jeopardizing your health by working out there. Now that you know that you should keep your eyes open, here's what you should expect from a health club: 1. Instruction on the proper use of equipment and facilities. When you join a health club, someone from the club's staff should ask you to fill out a health history questionnaire. If you have a serious health problem (e.g., a heart condition or a bad back), the club should require that you obtain medical clearance before starting an exercise program. You should also be invited to a new member orientation session, which is usually a one-on-one session to learn club rules and how to properly use the exercise equipment. **End Summary** Topics: precedent]]> health insurance texas]]> affordable health insurance texas]]> health insurance dallas]]> health in]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> 'Melih ("may-lee") Oztalay, CEO SmartFinds Internet Marketing Web: www.precedent.com EMail: melih@hsfideas.com Precedent - Health Insurance For The Rest Of Us'

Considering Health Savings Accounts

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Since Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) were created by the Medicare bill signed into law in 2003 they are being considered by more and more Texans as a health insurance option. Here is a quick overview on a complicated subject. What's a Health Savings Account (HSA)? They have two parts. The first part is a qualified high-deductible health insurance policy that covers large medical bills. The second part of the Health Savings Account is an investment account or retirement account from which you can withdraw money tax-free for medical care. If you don't withdraw the money for medical expenses, the money accumulates with tax-free interest until the age of 65, when you can withdraw it for any purpose and pay normal income taxes. Who's eligible for an HSA? Anyone under age 65 who buys a qualified high-deductible health insurance policy can open an HSA. If you're covered by another health insurance policy that isn't a qualified high-deductible plan (either as an individual or a dependent), you're not eligible for an HSA. If, however, you are eligible, you can still carry other accident, disability, dental, vision and long-term care insurance policies. How much can I contribute annually to an HSA? **End Summary** Topics: precedent]]> health insurance texas]]> affordable health insurance texas]]> health insurance dallas]]> health in]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> 'Melih ("may-lee") Oztalay, CEO SmartFinds Internet Marketing Web: www.precedent.com EMail: melih@hsfideas.com Precedent - Health Insurance For The Rest Of Us'