Saturday, April 11, 2009

Social Impacts The Telephone And The Cell Phone Has Had On Society

Mobile telephony is without doubt one of the most explosive developments ever to have taken place in the telecommunications industry. By the end of 1990 there were just 11 million cellular subscribers world-wide; eight years later that figure had jumped to 320 million and is now forecast by the ITU to exceed 550 million by the end of next year. Penetration rates in the Nordic countries were close to 60% by September 1999, led by Finland (63%), Norway (58%), Iceland (56%) and Sweden (53%).

Mobile growth around the world has also been nothing short of astonishing. China posted an 87% combined annual subscriber growth rate from 1995 to 1998, with other major economies like Brazil (82%) and South Africa (67%) not far behind.

For the world's poorest countries, cellular telephony and wireless local loop systems represent the best chance yet of bringing the power of telecommunications to economically disadvantaged or isolated communities. Cambodia, for example, is one of only half a dozen countries in the world where cellular subscribers already outnumber fixed-line subscribers.

Without doubt, mobile telephony offers enormous advantages and added convenience, greater personal security, and the ability to take advantage of 'dead' time to do business on the move. But the picture isn't all rosy. Like most young technologies, mobile telephony is experiencing its share of teething troubles, including concerns about environmental impact, health and safety, and, of course, the social changes being wrought by a technology which, by making us permanently contactable, is having a profound effect on our interpersonal interaction.

Many cities around the world are becoming blighted by a gaggle of ugly mobile antennae, which spoil once-pleasant views, detract from the authenticity of historical areas, and exacerbate the often already overwhelming presence of intrusive urban infrastructure such as electricity poles, telephone lines, traffic management equipment and signage.

Predictably, environmental complaints have been the loudest in developed countries, where zoning laws, property rights and environmental obligations are often more strictly enforced, and where reliable access to a range of communications services is, in any case, largely taken for granted. Communities in developing countries are, conversely, often so grateful for modern communications infrastructure that they are happy enough (for the moment at least) to turn a blind eye to environmental aesthetics.

In order to avoid problems with environmental groups and local communities -- which can be potentially costly in terms of both legal fees and delays in network roll-out -- many equipment manufacturers and operators are now working on ways to reduce the environmental impact of cellular antennas.

In the Central Business Districts of large, modern cities, the problem is relatively easily solved by simply integrating a large number of small antennas into the facades of tall buildings. In suburban and semi-rural areas, on the other hand, the large, steel-grey structures needed to support larger cells are harder to hide -- yet some operators have nonetheless come up with innovative solutions.

In South Africa, for example, at least one operator has taken to camouflaging GSM towers in tropical palm trees, with surprisingly successful results. Elsewhere, the tall spires of churches and cathedrals are being used to hide antennas, representing a positive solution for both the general public and the religious organizations which suddenly find themselves with profitable antenna-site rental on their hands.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/

Monday, February 16, 2009

Advantages of a Cookie Dough Fundraising Program

Everyone loves cookies, right? By doing a cookie dough fundraiser, you can create a fun and tasty way for people to participate in supporting your organization. Just hand them an order form or brochure with pictures of yummy, fresh-baked cookies, and you are bound to have a successful fundraiser.

What you need for such a fundraising program is a three-pound tub of cookie dough that you can buy for $10. These are ready to bake and come in a wide range of flavors. The diabetic need not keep back from your fundraising event, for you can even serve them sugar-free cookies.

Delicious Varieties Of Cookie Dough

These days you get many convenient options of cookie dough. If you want to restrict your fundraising activity to baking only, go for the pre-sliced packages. Alternately, you may also use cookie dough sold as dry mix that is ready to use, without prior refrigeration. Some of the cookie dough packs even come along with user-friendly kits and free samples to give you an idea of what you want to make.

Holding a cookie dough fundraiser is one of the most profitable fundraising programs, because you can reap the benefit from the various plans offered by the cookie dough suppliers. With many three-pound cookie dough tubs, you get a 40% - 50% discount. With some other brands, you are likely to get a greater discount if you buy a bigger tub.

How To Go About It

If you buy a dry mix variety of cookie dough, you simply need to add water to it, mix it, and bake it. However, the general rule of cookie dough preparation is to refrigerate it. Hence, you should pay attention to the time factor and ensure that you do not have a rushed schedule. Place your orders with the suppliers early enough to receive the delivery on time. You can employ children for this enjoyable fundraising event. Set a target for each to sell ten units of cookies that will bring back a substantial profit.

Factors To Consider For Cookie Dough Fundraisers

If you feel tempted by the high profit range you can reach through cookie dough fundraising, you must consider the expenses as well. Take note of the freight charges, brochure quality, discounts on quantity, refrigeration costs and the number of cookies you can make out of a standard three-pound tub. The other thing is to know who will be the buyers of your cookies. Generally, such fundraising programs are popular in elementary schools and high schools.

Making A Nice Fundraiser Sales Script

The secret of a proper sale script is the warmth and friendliness implied in it. At the same time, you must be clear while delivering the message. Greet the prospective buyer with a smile and state the cause for your fundraisers. Be sure to mention the name of your school or organization. Then hand over the order form along with the brochure and volunteer with suggestions of a favorite cookie size. This is an optional step and you may simply wait for the buyer's response.

Bring joy to your community or participants with tasty, fresh-baked cookies and have fun raising funds for your school or organization yourself.

Author : Jessi McCafferty

http://www.isnare.com/?aid=328752&ca=Society

Church Fund Raising - Secrets of a Successful Campaign

Church fundraising is considered one of the most challenging types of fundraising and the fundraising events need to be carried out with great dedication. You are mostly dealing with people who have little or no experience at raising money in any type of setting. Although, most churches typically turn to the standard church fundraising events, in this article we want to explore some new church fundraising ideas:

Fundraising Means A Lot In Summer

Whether it is baked goods, crafts, candles, hot suppers, or car washing, fundraising is sure to be a hit during the summer time. The summer time brings out the best in many people. It is also one of the most popular times for church fundraising events. A good idea for summertime fundraising is the car wash. Just rent out a car wash and start washing motor homes, trailers, and trucks. Place ads in advance about the car washing facility, its location, why it is so different from others and see how lucrative this business is.

Another good idea for church fundraising may be a pre-bake sale. This is really an innovative idea. With bake sale becoming traditional, the pre-bake sale of items seems much in demand. This pre-bake sale idea of blending the ingredients and adding a recipe is a rewarding church fundraising event. Another good idea for Christian a fundraiser is a cookbook. This is one fundraising idea that always goes over well. You can collect all your favorite recipes and get them together in a cookbook. Remember this type of church fund raising takes more time and effort, but it is well worth it.

A home-cooked dinner as your church fundraising idea can also be a good idea. For that, you need to sell tickets in advance as that will give you the money to buy the supplies. Many times, it is found that the congregation donates the food for these types of fundraisers because a Christian congregation enjoys getting together for a fundraiser regardless of what work is involved as at the end of the day they are doing it for the church only.

Games Make Great Fundraisers

The final church fundraising idea would be to have a game sale. Remember the key to successful fundraising is to make the same thing but in a different way. Think about having games and activities for children and adults weho come to your bake sale or yard sale event. Be creative - including activites into your event will make it more appealing and give you a better chance for success than the normal garage or yard sale type events that most fund groups put on.

You can do things like bean bag tosses or water balloon targets for prizes. Charge a quarter or a dollar for the events. People will have fun and you will raise money. Also, consider having a group in the parking lot offering to wash cars for donations as the people who come to your event are shopping or playing. Be creative and have fun!

Author : Jessi McCafferty

http://www.isnare.com/?aid=328736&ca=Society

How to Make Your Church Cookbook Fundraising Ideas a Hit

Church cookbook fundraising and custom cookbook fundraising generally are great ideas for fundraisers. With people curious about new recipes, the demand for cookbooks has gained tremendous popularity recently. As people love to cook and they like to eat, this innovative fundraising idea always proves successful. No matter who holds this event - churches, schools, or other educational institutions, a cookbook fundraiser is sure to fetch a lucrative profit.

Tips On Selling Your Own Cookbook

If you are determined in putting together and selling your own cookbook, you should take a look at the following tips:

First, you need to advertise. Remember in this age of publicity nothing works better than advertising. You need to inform people of your fundraising endeavor using any method you like. Advertise the fact that you are going to organize a cookbook fundraiser. Give people an idea of your schedule and let them know that you want some favorite recipes.

Next, you can form a committee to sort through the recipes you receive. Get all recipes reviewed by a professional cooks to make sure they appear correct. This review process will help you to rectify the mistakes in your cookbook if possible. Make sure that you have recipes in each of the different major categories in your cookbook.

If you find that you are not getting enough recipes in a particular category, just let people know about it through all sorts of communication means. Immediately, you will find people coming to your rescue, eagerly offering some of their favorite recipes. By chance if you do not get enough recipes on your own, you can consider using cookbook fundraising software.

Go on collecting your recipes. You should not put a stop to your collecting spree. Try to collect your recipes until you have at least 100 pages worth of recipes and enough to complete all sections you planned.

Make Them Look Good

Remember graphics and pictures add some extra dimension to any sort of creative work. A simple textbook is not nearly as attractive as one with graphics. So try to include some graphics in your cookbook. You can do that with any clip art program or even ask people to give you photographs or drawings.

Make sure someone responsible is put in charge of proof reading your final draft. If possible, you can use spell-check software as that can help you in getting rid of your mistakes.

Finally, at the time of determining a selling price, try to compare other competitive prices in the market. Find out what other local groups have charged for their cookbooks. Under no circumstances, you should charge less than twice whatever the actual printing and binding charges are for the cookbook as at the end of the day profit will speak and nothing else.

Everyone loves to eat and many love to cook, so don't doubt that your cookbook fundraiser will be a hit. And not only will it draw in a substantial profit, but it will be a fun experience for your organization or group.

Author : Jessi McCafferty

http://www.isnare.com/?aid=328734&ca=Society

Commercial Outdoor Furnishings

Commercial outdoor furniture is made to material standards that withstand high traffic areas and is durable enough to endure harsh weather conditions. Instead of giving your customers bland, uncomfortable, and mix matched pieces you will offer vibrant pieces that work well together to give the outdoors a beautiful atmosphere. Metal patio chairs, teak wood chairs and loungers, as well as teak and metal outdoor benches are available to choose from so you will get the look you want without spending a fortune.

Metal Patio Chairs and Metal Bench Designs

The metal patio chairs have matching benches available to choose from so you can easily select the same pattern and style you want throughout your outdoor area. Our metal outdoor chairs are resistant to weather and can hold up in areas that are prone to vandalism. The sleek design of the Northgate or Oglethorpe metal chair will work anywhere, while the Stackable Perforated chairs are convenient for areas that don’t always need the same amount of seats.

Picnic Table Solutions

Offices, schools, and parks can all benefit from having picnic tables available. There are various styles and sizes to choose from you so can choose which works best for your arrangement. Rectangle, octagon, oval, and round outdoor picnic tables are available that can accommodate different amounts of people, including children. Various colors are available in the durable and weather resistant Thermoplastic finish. Garden tables provide a charismatic look for those on their coffee break.

Teak Wood Outdoor Furnishings

The beautiful and sophisticated look of the teak wood chairs and loungers will be everyone’s favorite. Relaxing is easy in the Hampton Teak Wood Chaise lounger while comfort is a given with the Atlantic Teak lounge hair and love seat. The Royal Teak bar stools are great for restaurants that have a bar area or even for a private deck or patio. The matching Royal Teak bar table only completes the look and will be adored by your customers, especially with comfortable teak wood outdoor benches available.

Bicycle Storage Racks & Outdoor Commercial Grills

Promote green living by having bicycle racks available for your customers to have a secure place to lock their bikes while visiting your facility. Schools, office buildings, libraries, coffee shops, and virtually any other type of building can benefit from having bicycle storage racks easily accessible. Outdoor grills are a great way to get people together, whether it’s for a corporate event or for individual families to come out and cook together. There are various sizes to choose from so you can choose what works best for your company or picnic area. Apartment tenants will love to take advantage of an area to cook delicious food with friends and family without having to leave the community.

Coordinating Table Umbrellas and Decorative Waste Receptacles

Don’t forget to add matching accessories to your commercial outdoor furniture. Anti-skateboard tabs will prevent skateboarders from turning your sitting area into a skateboarding plaza. Umbrellas and umbrella stands are available to offer your outdoor picnic tables protection while also providing shade for your beloved customers. There are various types of waste basket lids to choose from that match the various styles of commercial waste receptacles.

Author : Patricia Holland

http://www.isnare.com/?aid=330472&ca=Society