Articles by Thomas Pretty on ArticleSnatch.com

Popular Forms Of Network Cable Used Today

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:34:37 -0500

Network cable is one of the most common items within the workplace and even the home. Put simply it is a cable that is used to connect your computer to a network, allowing for data transferral between computers, printers and other hardware devices. Understandably there is a myriad of different types of network cable, each with their own individual uses and features. Essentially your choice of cable above all else depends upon your network, how it is structured and put together. Typically the most abundant forms of the network cable are the coaxial and twisted pair types although Ethernet crossover and fibre optic are also fairly well represented. As well as these varieties the unshielded twisted pair type are is frequently used in offices. Basically twisted pair cables are so popular because they are comprised of four pairs of wires that are contained within the cable housing. These pairs are twisted with themselves and with each other in order to prevent inference from other hardware devices connected to the network. This twisted pair model is typically reliable because of this make up, helping to minimise instances of network failure. **End Summary** Topics: network cable]]> network cabling]]> types of network cable]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Computing and Technology expert Thomas Pretty looks at the different types of network cable used within offices and businesses all over the world.

Camcorders And Different Types Of Recording Format

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 10:55:03 -0500

There are very few of us that can resist the urge to pick up a video camera and start shooting amateur movies. Camcorders have become part of many people's technology collections, taking their place next to televisions, laptops and cameras. Camcorders are perfect for capturing those special moments in life from family gatherings to just playing around with friends. There are however a number of important considerations for those choosing a new video camera. Not least of these considerations is the recording format the camcorder will use. Hopefully this article will be able to set out some valuable information on the subject of recording formats and how potential video camera owners can make an informed decision. This article will take a look at three different types of recording format and hopes to present the benefits of each to ease the purchasing process. These three recording formats are flash, hard drive and MiniDV/DVD. The first of the recording formats is flash. Typically flash is used for camcorders that are only just bigger than the average mobile phone. **End Summary** Topics: camcorders]]> recording formats]]> video cameras]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Thomas Pretty has written extensively on the subject of technology and consumer electronics, here a specific focus has been taken on camcorders and the variety of recording formats available to users.

Eco Friendly Products And A Change In Attitude

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 20:11:14 -0500

As many places all over the world experience adverse weather conditions and climate change a finger is always pointed towards the damage we are doing to the environment. It is subsequently understandable then that so many people now choose to buy eco friendly products, in order to do their part for the cause of saving the planet and preserving the environment. The sheer array of eco friendly products available on the market today is immense; it is now possible to pick up practically anything, from cars to televisions that are more environmentally sound than in previous years. Many of these products have managed to improve their eco credentials by changing the way in which they are manufactured and distributed. For example, where in the past plastics were manufactured from scratch; many are now made using recycled products. One example would be car tyres, that can be recycled to manufacture items such as bags or even pencil cases. Similarly, those with a true eco consciousness can purchase clothes manufactured from recycled plastic carrier bags; definitely a statement, but less for fashion and more to show to everyone that your own commitment to the environment is evident. **End Summary** Topics: eco friendly products]]> environmentally friendly]]> eco initiatives]]> eco friendly products]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> With a keen interest in environmental issues Thomas Pretty studies how eco friendly products are rapidly becoming a large element in the global economy and how companies are increasing incorporating environmentally friendly agendas.

Dinnerware And The Importance Of A Considered Purchase

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:08:17 -0500

Choosing dinnerware for the home can be a daunting task, with so much to choose from on the market and a massive amount of variety this can be an unenviable process. With a little knowledge however, and a keen eye for design it is possible to find the perfect dinnerware set, whether for everyday dining or more formal situations. Naturally the choice of dinnerware, and the fact that it can be a rather expensive addition to the home means that care should be taken when deciding upon a pattern or style. Taking your own needs into account is an essential part of the selection process. Equally it can be important to decide the number of dinnerware sets you will need. A growing trend is for people to purchase two sets, one for formal dining and one for everyday use. If this sounds expensive then looking for a set that can perform well in both these situations is an advisable course of action. The choice of dinnerware is affected most of all by function, while an attractive design and aesthetics are important it is vital to take into account the predominant usage of the set before purchasing. **End Summary** Topics: dinnerware]]> dinner sets]]> tableware]]> choosing dinnerware for the home]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Home design and wares expert Thomas Pretty looks at how considering formal and informal dining occasions is a fundamental consideration when deciding on a dinnerware set for the home that will bring joy for a lifetime.

How Eco Friendly Thinking Touches All Walks Of Life

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 00:23:05 -0500

Eco friendly or environmentally friendly has become one of the buzzwords for the modern age. Understandable when our effects on the planet since the industrial revolution are considered. Typically the phrase eco friendly refers to products, services or even a mode of thinking that takes into account the environment at all stages of the production process. This thinking can refer to the sourcing of materials, to the amount of packaging to holidays and the construction of houses. But what are companies out there doing to combat issues such as climate change? Construction companies and independent builders have been increasingly looking at more environmentally friendly ways to build houses. This solution to environmental considerations has meant thinking about processes and materials from the outset. For example, as the production of concrete can be considered one of the most polluting processes on the planet, many people building modern houses choose more natural materials such as wood that is far more ecologically sound. This process of eco thinking does not simply apply to the construction of new homes. Governments around the world are looking for ways to make existing houses more environmentally friendly. **End Summary** Topics: eco friendly]]> environmentally friendly]]> eco initiatives]]> eco friendly products]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Thomas Pretty has written extensively on the subject of the environment and in this article takes a look at how major manufacturers and corporations are now incorporating eco friendly thinking into the design and production of their goods.

The Variety Of Options For Obtaining Wedding Gifts

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 01:20:12 -0500

When you are invited to a wedding there are a number of different thoughts that run through the mind. Firstly, guests are typically honoured that the happy couple have taken the time to invite them, secondly guests, particularly female guests must consider what they are going to wear on the day and finally guests need to consider the subject of wedding gifts. In the past wedding gifts were one of the best ways for couples to gain all they needed for setting up home. From kettles to bed linen these guests were the perfect way for couples to obtain items for their new home together. Today this has changed, mainly because couples now frequently live together for a great deal of time before they get married and hence have all the essentials they need for their home already. Subsequently nowadays wedding gifts can mean anything from a surround sound system to the latest computer gaming console. However, despite this trend for consumer electronics and other trappings of modern life, classic items can still make the perfect present. **End Summary** Topics: wedding gifts]]> wedding gift]]> buying wedding gifts]]> wedding presents]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Thomas Pretty, the ceremonial specialist studies how the purchasing wedding gifts is changing and why guests should try to find a more personal present if it is to last up until old age.

The RJ45 And LANs, Shaping The Modern World

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 01:17:14 -0500

The rj45 is an item of technological equipment that neither inspires excitement nor incites passion. However, with a little research it is easy to find out that whilst this innocuous piece of plastic may be unassuming, the role it has played in the creation of the modern world and in particular the way in which businesses operates today has been massive. It is hoped that this article will not only provide the reader with an idea of what an rj45 is, but also how registered jacks and the Ethernet connections have evolved and revolutionised the way in which computers and people communicate with each other. For those not in the know the rj45 is a plastic connector that connects a computer to a network through an Ethernet cable. RJ simply stands for registered jack whilst the 45 is representative of the component's technical make up. A simplistic way to imagine an rj45 is to look at a regular phone connector; this is known as the rj11 and is one of the most widespread connectors used throughout the world for connecting hard line phones to networks. Understandably these registered jacks, in a variety of forms are used throughout the communications industry. **End Summary** Topics: rj45]]> rj45 connectors]]> ethernet connectors]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Technology expert Thomas Pretty often studies the history of different technological components and elements of the modern world. In this article a specific look is taken at the evolution of Ethernet and how the rj45 has been instrumental in shaping the way in which the modern office operates.

The Importance Of The Make Up Brush: A Girl's Best Friend

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:22:22 -0400

You may think that your make up brush is your best beauty friend but, unless you're cleaning it regularly and correctly, it could be spreading all manner of bacteria around your face and causing spot breakouts. Think about it; make up brushes are dipped in and out of make up, and swirled around the face where they collect natural skin oils and sweat, which is all then put into the make up. Brushes are easy to clean though; lay them down in a container with some oil-free makeup remover and warm water. Swish them around occasionally and take out of the mixture after about five minutes. After this, gently clean the brushes with cleanser until no more make up is coming out of the brush into water. Then lay the brushes on to kitchen towel and re-fluff them as much as you can while they are still wet. You should take greater care when you clean your brushes if they are natural rather than synthetic, as bristles tend to drop out of the natural ones easier, but they generally hold on to powder better. There are so many different types of make up brushes. **End Summary** Topics: make up brush]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Thomas Pretty is a travel journalist with many years of experience travelling and writing about european detinations. Find out more about the best make up brush in the business at http://www.crownbrush.co.uk/

A Trip To The Self Storage Bromley Centre

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:52:40 -0400

'It's no good,' I said to my girlfriend on the phone as I stood looking into my garage one morning, 'I'm going to have to find some self storage, Bromley preferably, to get this lot out of here. There's no where to tidy it to'. 'Just launch it!' she retorted. 'Throw it away! It's a load of old rubbish!' I winced. How on earth could she expect me to just bin all of this? It may be a heap of old posters, a couple of guitars with strings missing and some clothes which may or may not still fit some part of me, but it represented my coming of age; these belongings I treasured as a kid, and they deserved better than the bin. Besides, a lot of the bits and pieces in various bags and boxes were probably worth something, I just didn't have the inclination to sift through them right now. 'I'm going to put them into self storage. Bromley has got one; I've driven past it enough times.' I told her, purposefully ignoring her unhelpful suggestions. **End Summary** Topics: self storage Bromley]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Thomas Pretty is a horder who recently took great delight in using his local self storage centre. Find out more about self storage Bromley at http://www.safestore.co.uk/storage/london/orpington/orpington/map_directions.aspx

Walk In Shower Or Statement Bath? What To Consider When Renovating

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:36:37 -0400

When renovating your new bathroom, it's important to take into consideration the future needs of the whole household. For example, if you have elderly relatives and you are thinking of installing a walk in shower, you may be better to put it downstairs, as mobility and getting in and out of baths can become difficult in old age. A bathroom isn't generally renovated that often as it can prove costly, and so it's always advisable to plan ahead in this way. You need to consider the space you have available, and the lifestyles of the household. For example, if you live alone in a city dwelling and are often pushed for time, you could do away with the bath you have and put in a walk in shower in its place. You'll save heaps of room this way, but maybe you'd miss a good long soak too much? If you have the space, try putting in a statement stand-alone bath which will take centre stage in the room. These give a real feeling of opulence and luxury. **End Summary** Topics: walk in shower]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Thomas Pretty is an interior designer with many years of experience renovating bathrooms. Find out more about walk in shower at http://www.walkinbathing.co.uk/

Self Storage Orpington Here I Come

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:23:48 -0400

I'm about to put a lot of my belongings into self storage. Orpington's got a big centre and I've just downsized from a four-bed detached to a two-bed semi so as you can imagine I've loads of clutter that I need to find a home for. The way the economy is now means that so many people have had to put stuff into storage as they have lost their homes, which is sad. I've been lucky in that I didn't lose my house; my move is the result of a divorce. But I was reading that the recession has also been bad for the self storage industry. I think that human laziness has always been quite good for self storage; Orpington's no different. They've got a huge facility, but apparently, our guilt about paying rent for all that storage has overridden our need to hoard so much. Before, people felt that once they'd put their possessions into storage, they could always sort it out or sell it off next week, and so they left things in storage for what seemed like forever. **End Summary** Topics: self storage Orpington]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Thomas Pretty is one happy self storage centre customer. Find out more about self storage Orpington at http://www.safestore.co.uk/storage/london/orpington/orpington/map_directions.aspx

How A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:44:30 -0400

The words 'personal injury lawyer' have become synonymous with 'compensation culture' and 'no win no fee' television adverts which seem to aim to persuade us that we should really try and have an accident, so that we can blame someone. But the majority of claims are from people who really have been the victim of negligence, and rightly deserve to be compensated. Clinical negligence in particular can have devastating consequences, resulting in severe injury or even death. For example, in September 2008, father-of-two Michael Hart, 37, went to have a routine operation to remove a compressed disc from his spine. Unfortunately, the replacement disc the surgeons put in to replace the removed one was too small. It slipped out of its place, damaging his spinal column irreparably. He had to spend the next six months in hospital, is now confined to a wheelchair, and has limited use of his hands only. The hospital involved has admitted full responsibility for the damage to Mr Hart, and, with the representation of a good personal injury lawyer, he may be in line for a seven-figure payout. **End Summary** Topics: personal injury lawyer]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Thomas Pretty is a lawyer with many years of experience in the personal injury law sector. Find out more about personal injury lawyer at http://www.stewartslaw.com/

Britain Goes Back To Baths

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:25:27 -0400

Nothing relaxes the mind and body quite like a soak in a hot bath, and now it seems taking baths may be better for your health than a daily shower. Scientists in America have discovered that many shower heads can deliver a spray of disgusting bacteria which can actually harm your health. Tests at the University of Colorado at Boulder found that a third of shower devices contained significant amounts of Mycobacterium avium, bacteria known to cause lung disease. The bug was particularly proficient in plastic shower heads, and infects via inhalation of air-borne water droplets when the shower is turned on. In some cases, levels of Mycobacterium avium were 100 times higher than levels found in average household water supplies. This bug shouldn't cause too many problems for most healthy adults, but those who are in at-risk groups and with weakened immune systems such as old people, pregnant women and those with other illnesses can pick up an infection. Baths aren't proven to cause any such risk of bacterial contamination. So are we about to witness a national return to bathing? **End Summary** Topics: baths]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Thomas Pretty is a freelance writer with many years of experience writing about lifestyle trends. Find out more about baths at http://www.wibco.com/

The Story Of The MINI

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 21:02:10 -0400

The idea for the Mini was conceived during the fuel shortage in 1956 when petrol in the UK was rationed and sales of big cars dropped drastically. But perhaps if it hadn't been for the aesthetic absurdities of the German Bubble car, we would never have been graced with the Mini. While the market for the Bubble car boomed, head of the British Motor Corporation, Leonard Lord, allegedly declared: 'God damn these bloody awful Bubble cars. We must drive them off the road by designing a proper miniature car!' And so Sir Alec Issigonis, a Greek-British designer, designed a tiny car to great acclaim from his contemporaries. The Mini was first designed under the name ADO15 (Austin Drawing Office project number 15) and deviated from tradition by having its engine mounted transversely (with the crankshaft oriented side to side relative to length of car) and being front-wheel drive. He placed the radiator on the left side, but it had reversed pitch which meant the air blew into the low pressure space under the front wing. This design meant the car could be very short in length but it also brought with it its disadvantages. **End Summary** Topics: Mini]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Thomas Pretty is an historian with many years of experience writing about the evolution of the motor industry. Find out more about MINI at http://www.coopermini.co.uk/

Choosing Everything From Funky Fridges To Kitchen Floor Tiles

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:43:21 -0400

Renovating your kitchen from top to bottom will bring a new lease of life to your home, and there are plenty of inspiring ideas out there on the market for everything from kitchen floor tiles to funky fridges and stylish sinks, whatever your budget or space requirements. Because people generally don't renovate their kitchens very often due to cost, it's often surprising how much appliances have advanced since the last time you looked into buying them. Kitchen technology is competitive, and energy efficiency has improved. Some of the latest wine cabinets will let you control temperature in three zones, and the excellent heat distribution and fan functions in large ovens mean that it's now possible to cook two completely different flavoured creations; for example fruit pies and fish pies, in the same part and the flavours won't mingle. If you're strapped for space in a city pad, you can now even opt for a multifunction oven which features a dishwasher, or perhaps you fancy an eco-friendly washing machine which can steam clean and get rid of dust mites? You can even get fridges that now come with NASA-technology-inspired air purifying and odour-eliminating. **End Summary** Topics: kitchen floor tiles]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Thomas Pretty is an interior designer with many years of experience designing kitchens. Find out more about kitchen floor tiles at http://www.tileclick.co.uk/

The Importance Of Educational Toys In Your Child's Development

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:35:50 -0400

Educational toys are vital to a child's development: in the early years, a child's learning centres around play and engaging your infant in a wide range of play activities will give them an excellent foundation for learning future life skills. Toys should be tailored to suit different developmental stages. A newborn baby doesn't have a very developed sense of sight; it usually ranges to around ten inches until he or she's three months old and it starts to develop further. Therefore, it's better to stimulate the much more advanced sense of hearing until this time with toys which produce a range of sounds for your baby to interact with. After three months, changes really start to happen and your baby starts to be able to follow moving objects with their eyes. At four or five months, they may develop an interest in brightly coloured objects and are often able to grasp and move things around for themselves (albeit in an uncoordinated manner!). By six months, many babies develop an appreciation for and fascination with particular toys. A couple of months later, building blocks help to develop an understanding of big and small and the foundations for special awareness. **End Summary** Topics: educational toys]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Thomas Pretty is a child behavioural therapist with many years of experience consulting companies in the toy industry. Find out more about educational toys at http://www.toysandlearning.co.uk/

Self Storage: The Recession-Proof Industry

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:32:17 -0400

The self storage industry has really taken off in the UK, and continues to grow as an important sub-sector of the property market. It's an industry which appears to prosper in any climate. In property market boom times, people moving onwards and upwards use storage for those cluttering items which don't yet have a designated place. In times of hardship and recession, self storage is utilised by those forced to downsize their property. Some people find it beneficial for de-cluttering whilst still being able to hoard their belongings, and situations such as marriage, divorce or a death in the family can all create demand for storage facilities. The concept came from the United States, where there is now an estimated 52,000 individual storage facility centres, and was brought to the UK in the early 1980s. Facility centres quickly spread from London to all over the South East of England, and today there are over 600 centres all over the UK. Many are in prominent, highly-visible locations such as major roads close to retail parks and highly populated areas. It's likely the industry has further growth to achieve before it reaches a plateau. **End Summary** Topics: self storage]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Thomas Pretty is an industry analyst with many years of experience examining different industry sectors. Find out more about self storage at http://www.safestore.co.uk/

Invest In Business Software To Improve Efficiency

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:15:21 -0400

Long gone are the days when book keeping was a pen and paper affair. Today, we take technology for granted, but choosing the right kind of business software can seem daunting if you don't know what you're looking for. The first thing to remind your self of is this: business software's main purpose is to make the day to day running of your business easier, faster, and more profitable. Many business owners are hesitant to invest in new software as they fail to see how it could help. Maybe they've been doing their accounts on the same spreadsheet for two years, and it's hard to see why this should change. Or use a filing cabinet for hard-copy filing, and it hasn't caused many problems in the last ten years. Cash is still coming in, so why the need for change, right? The fact is, most businesses, if working without the software needed, could benefit from tightening up procedures to make things run more efficiently. Firstly, you need to establish what purchases would help you. Finance software will help you plan for your financial future by tracking expenses and income. **End Summary** Topics: business software]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Thomas Pretty is a software developer with many years of experience in the business software industry. Find out more about business software at http://www.success-tools.co.uk/

Is Fostering Right For Me?

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 21:42:19 -0400

Deciding to become a foster carer demands a great deal of thought and consideration. Fostering is a path chosen by many who generously feel that they want to help those less fortunate have a safe and secure home. And while many thousands of people welcome foster children into their homes and spend many rewarding years caring for them, the system isn't perfect, and therefore it isn't a decision to be taken lightly. Recent findings by the Fostering Network, an organisation representing the 43,000 foster carers in the UK, found that the vocation is fraught with problems. Its research uncovered the worrying statistic of 51 per cent of foster carers who, in the past three years, haven't been given adequate information about a foster child they were caring for. Many of the inadequacies lead to carers, their own children, and other children in their care being put at risk. A third of carers were not informed about a child in their care's medical requirements, nearly half were kept in the dark about a history of abuse, and two thirds weren't told about a child's behaviour in general. Local authorities have a duty of care to foster parents; **End Summary** Topics: fostering]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Thomas Pretty is a foster carer with many years of experience in fostering children. Find out more about fostering at http://www.five-rivers.org/

Recycling Printer Cartridges Makes Business Sense

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 23:24:05 -0400

There are approximately 24 million households in the UK that have a personal computer, and 90 per cent of these have printers too. With the average household using between two and three inkjet printer cartridges each year, this leads to millions of empty cartridges being dumped on landfill sites which is detrimental to the environment. Typical printer cartridges are made from engineering-grade polymers, which can take as long as 100 years to decompose. Recycling cartridges conserves important natural resources as it reduces demand for virgin materials. As much as 97 per cent of the materials in a printer cartridge are recyclable or reusable, providing they have been taken care of. By recycling printer cartridges, we conserve natural resources and energy by reducing the need for virgin materials. It's estimated that only 15 per cent of the 65 million cartridges sold each year in the UK are recycled. With the environment at the forefront of collective consciousness, it makes sense to recycle, especially if you own a business and are keen to push its green credentials. Inkjet printer cartridges can be recycled easily and remanufactured, but for some cartridges, it's easier to get them refilled and essentially recycle them yourself. **End Summary** Topics: printer cartridges]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Thomas Pretty is an environmental specialist with many years of experience in the eco industry. Find out more about printer cartridges at http://www.inksave.co.uk

Factors To Consider Before Buying Disabled Baths

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 23:23:17 -0400

Bathing is a luxury that many people miss when they can no longer access the bath in their home, but there are many ways around the problem, including disabled baths and other equipment. Many people choose to install stair lifts, as installing disabled baths downstairs can cause upheaval, whereas it's often the stairs and not the bath itself which are difficult to access. When planning to replace a bath, there are a few points to consider carefully, such as the long term suitability of the new equipment. Is the user's ability to bathe in it likely to deteriorate? If so, perhaps it would be better to have a level-access shower installed instead to avoid further costs down the line. Some disabled baths require a larger volume of water compared with standard baths. You need to consider whether the hot water tank has the capacity to fill the potential new bath (shouldn't be a problem if there is a combi boiler). You also need to consider the space available in the bathroom, and the amount of disruption installation of the bath would cause. How long would the bathroom be unavailable for, and can alternative arrangements for usage be arranged? **End Summary** Topics: disabled baths]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Thomas Pretty is a bathroom designer/fitter with many years of experience fitting disabled baths. Find out more about disabled baths at http://www.wibco.com

Enjoy A City Break In Edinburgh

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:48:47 -0400

If you're thinking about taking a city break, why not go to Edinburgh and enjoy the delights this historic city has to offer? Famed as much for its thriving contemporary cultural scene as well as its historic importance, there's plenty to take in in the bustling Scottish capital. The arts and cultural events of the Edinburgh festival provide an excellent source of entertainment each August but, visiting prices can skyrocket at this time, so if you'd prefer to witness the city in its natural state, visit in spring when the chill in the air is softer and the daffodils are in bloom. Edinburgh is much easier to navigate around than London, which is huge in comparison, but it's a good idea to get your bearings first by taking a ride in an open-top bus tour. Buses will take you through the medieval Old Town and 18th century Georgian New Town, back to where you started out. The best views of the city are to be had at Edinburgh Castle, Scotland's number one attraction. **End Summary** Topics: city break]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Thomas Pretty is a travel writer with many years of experience writing about travelling the world. Find out more about city break at http://www.greatgetaways.co.uk/

Balloon Flights Provide The Perfect Experience

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:21:38 -0400

What with the economic downturn and the weakness of the pound, many people are having to downgrade or even cancel their holiday plans, but that doesn't mean that you can't have an enjoyable and memorable break from everyday life. And one particular activity that has increased in popularity is balloon flights, and it's easy to see why. Can there be any better experience during the British summer than a hot air balloon flight over the beautiful Home Counties, with nothing but blue sky and fluffy white clouds (OK it may be grey and over cast if you're unlucky)? And while not being a particularly cheap morning out, balloon flights are well worth it simply because it will most certainly be an experience that you will never forget. Aside from floating amongst the clouds, the views on offer will be like nothing you have seen before and being out in the fresh air just adds to the appeal of the experience. Perhaps one minor plus point that has come from the recession is the fact that UK tourism is on the increase as people are choosing to holiday on their own doorstep due to financial constraints. **End Summary** Topics: balloon flights]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Thomas Pretty is a travel writer with many years of experience writing about various must-do experiences in the UK and beyond. Find out more about balloon flights at http://www.hotair.co.uk/

Leaflet Delivery Makes Sense For Your Business

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:56:45 -0400

Leaflet delivery is a fantastic way to advertise, relatively cheaply, your services to a particular demographic. The Direct Marketing Association (DMA) has researched leaflet delivery in the context of advertising businesses, and found that 72 percent of people have taken some action towards making a purchase as a result of receiving business information in the form of leaflet delivery through their doors. An even larger amount - 84 per cent - agreed that they had taken action and made a purchase when a money-off voucher had arrived through the letterbox. Leaflet delivery can be cheaper than buying advertisement space in a publication and carries a much higher chance of your message being seen as rather than vying for attention on a page in a magazine or local paper that you can't be sure how many people read anyway. Additionally, the DMA reports that people receiving leaflets through their doors are 10 per cent more likely to take action on the advert than if they had received an addressed form of direct mail. How you choose to conduct a leaflet campaign, and how much involvement you have in it, depends on your confidence in your own skills and abilities. **End Summary** Topics: leaflet delivery]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Thomas Pretty is a marketing executive with many years of experience structuring marketing campaigns. Find out more about leaflet delivery at http://www.mailboxnationwide.com

The Origins And Care Of A Cashmere Cardigan

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:21:37 -0400

A beautiful cashmere cardigan is well worth investing in and, if well looked after, will last you for years to come. We have largely got Coco Chanel to thank for today's famed cashmere cardigan. Along with Parisian Couturier Jean Patou she discovered that cashmere's weight and feel lent itself brilliantly to fashion garments. Cashmere wool is derived from the cashmere domestic goat. Most of the wool used to make cashmere garments today is from China and Mongolia, where breeders raise herds of cashmere goats in the Gobi Desert. The freezing night temperatures in this area (up to minus 40 degrees celsius) mean that these goats grow an incredibly soft inner hair which is six times finer than the hair of a human. This makes up one half of a double coat, and is mixed with a coarser and straighter outer layer of guard hair. This hair, once harvested, is separated by a mechanical process, known as de-hairing, after which the soft, fine hair is dyed and made into yarn for garments and fabric. **End Summary** Topics: cashmere cardigan]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Thomas Pretty is a fashion journalist with many years of experience writing about the fashion industry. Find out more about the cashmere cardigan at http://www.ilovecashmere.co.uk/