Popular Topics – This & That

Popular Topics – This & That

Archive for November 2009

Overview of Adult Dyslexia Checklist

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To better determine if a person might have a learning disability, numerous steps should be taken. One of which is an adult dyslexia checklist, which is essentially a list of questions that should be answered in order to determine if an individual might have dyslexia. The questions are grouped into categories such as reading, writing, spelling, as well as other skills.

Various organizations have developed their own Adult Dyslexia Checklist and although the questions might differ between each association, however, the intention behind the questions remains the same. Often a question is asked in order to determine if a person appears to have average or above average reading abilities or whether they might have or have had any kind of difficulty academically in the past. Answers that reveal that the individual might have average to bad reading and writing abilities suggest that a learning disability might be present.

The questions regarding the reading skills of an individual would manage to indicate how well he or she can comprehend what they have read. If the individual has trouble recognizing site words or sounding out the vocabulary phonetically, it can sometimes reveal that they suffer from dyslexia. Further, the speed of the reading might be tested together with an evaluation which might be conducted in order to determine the comprehension level of the individual for several segments of text that are read out loud by another individual. Spelling can also sometimes be a strong indicator of a learning disability and Adult Dyslexia checklists should therefore try to ask questions related to the individual’s spelling skills. The questions that indicate the possibility of dyslexia would be if the individual might have trouble spelling the same word consistently, and also, more importantly, whether the person might switch or flip flop letters within a word. Additionally, handwriting and their writing utensil grip might sometimes be evaluated.

Questions that can also be expected are questions relating to left and right as well as questions related to memory. The adult dyslexia checklist might also sometimes question whether the individual might have trouble with remembering directions or instructions, or ask if they can remember multiple step directions, when all of the information is provided upfront and immediately.

Once all of the questions on the adult dyslexia checklist are answered, a professional will review the answers and can better determine if further testing and evaluations should be made in order to determine if a diagnosis of adult dyslexia should be issued.

Written by sherifb

November 24, 2009 at 9:02 am

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Exploring the Options For Medical Assistant Accreditation

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Nobody wants to deal with the possibility of losing their job. This is why careers that are considered more secure are becoming increasingly sought after. Medical professions have been traditionally strong during recessions and they are even open to entry level employees through the medical assistant accreditation programs. Medical assistants need very little preliminary schooling. In fact, having a high school diploma is usually enough to get you into a good certification program, and, there are also several options available for you to prepare for the accreditation exam.

Unlike the profession of nurse or doctor, which can take years of training and a lot of monetary investment, getting your medical assistant accreditation can be quite simple. Firstly, you will need to enroll in a registered program that will be able to train you in medical terminology, patient care and office administration, all common tasks for certified assisting positions. You can do this at a local college or university, or, you can also take a correspondence course through an organization such as the NCCT or Kaplan University, a well known online school. Each of these choices should prepare you to pass either the RMA or CMA exam and provide or recommend the best books to use. Instead of a course, two years of experience in the field may be substituted in order to qualify for testing.

Once you complete your course, it will be time to take a few practice tests. You will be able to find these at no additional cost and in various places. Some sites include an accompanying study guide for you to make use of, if it’s available. The questions on a quiz will get you used to the terminology and format of the final exam. You can also take the sample test as many times as possible and even visit several different sites to get a better overview of the questions that will possibly be asked. If you spend enough time on this study process, you will likely find the final exam to be much less of a challenge.

Like any field, it will take some effort and commitment to receive your medical assistant accreditation. However, do bear in mind that many doctors are eager to hire you to be on their team so that you can provide support and relief to a doctor’s office and the existing staff. Also, most programs are easily completed in under a year and are quite flexible. You can find programs that will be flexible enough to work into a busy schedule, including an existing job. This makes medical assisting the ideal job switch to make during tough economic times.

Written by sherifb

November 23, 2009 at 11:48 am

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Finding a Company For Debt Management UK

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In the United States, people have a tendency to believe that they are the only ones suffering from a problem. This is especially true when it comes to economic problems, however all round the world people struggle with credit card debt everyday. What’s more, the current economic situation stretches far across the Atlantic to the United Kingdom as well. As such, those individuals in the UK who cannot pay their credit card debt often find themselves in need of debt management help as well, and, if that applies to you too, then you will want to start searching now for debt management UK.

Sometimes, budgeting your money is simply not enough, especially in these tough economic times when people are losing their jobs left and right, even the American and UK governments are struggling to make ends meet. When it comes to managing your debt, you might sometimes require the help of a professional. Debt management companies are filled with individuals who understand how to talk to credit card companies as well as how to help you organize your debt in a way that your payments will be manageable.

Managing debt in the UK works very similarly to debt management in the US. You will meet with an expert who will go over your debt and your finances and will then determine how much you can afford to pay monthly based on your other obligations, such as a mortgage or rent payment, car payment, food, etc.. Then they negotiate with your credit card companies in order to get reduced monthly payments as well as by lowering your interest rates. In some cases, if you allow them to close your accounts, they will stop charging interest altogether. However, this depends a great deal on the credit car company in question.

It is important that once you have chosen a company to help you pay your debts, that you meet your monthly obligations with them. Whilst they will help you to negotiate deals and pay your creditors directly from the monies that you pay to them, if you do not, then you will be in the same situation that you were prior to meeting with the debt management company, on your way to financial ruin and difficulty.

Written by sherifb

November 20, 2009 at 5:20 am

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Starting a Debt Management Plan Before It’s Too Late

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If you are struggling to pay your bills, you are going to need some immediate help. Nobody should have to lose sleep over the fact that they have several outstanding bills hanging over their head. This is why many people have been seeking a Debt Management Plan to help them with their problems. This can be very helpful in preventing the harassing collection calls, lowering your interest rates, and combining all your costs into one easy payment each month. Many credit counseling companies have been lowering their start up fees for people who are struggling due to the economy as well.

Consolidation loans are also an option for people who might be struggling, but haven’t quite hit the point of no return yet. You can look into what you need to have in order for acceptance for these loans, though, due to the fact that most of the time collateral might be requested. This can include your home or your vehicle, which most people understandably don’t want to risk. If you want relief by a professional Debt Management Plan instead of a simple loan, you will be pleased to know that there are plenty of companies to choose from. The internet is full of information on these companies, and will allow you to print off checklists of all the documents you will need to have with you when you begin.

If you would just like to do a little budgeting yourself, then you might want to look into computer software that will help you track your spending. This will only help you to stick to spending only what you need to spend, and, in return, will help you to pay off your bills much more quickly. Some people even seek motivation from television personalities such as Suze Orman. While they can offer help through books and cds, you will always have to listen with a clear and open ear so that you don’t misconstrue anything. It can be very easy to only make use of the first steps of a process; with a Debt Management Plan however, you will need to clearly understand each and every step there will be. If not, you can soon find yourself falling to the ways of the past once again.

Written by sherifb

November 18, 2009 at 10:06 am

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Stand Out From the Crowd with Microsoft Certifications

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When it comes to getting a job these days, qualifications have never been more important. Sadly, with so many qualified people out there hunting for a job, you will need to do everything you can to set yourself apart from the others. Whether you might be looking into a position as an IT professional, or whether you might be considering a job that will be heavy on the application skills, Microsoft Certifications might just be one of the things that will tip the scales when it comes to landing a good job.

Microsoft Certifications is a way in which you will be able to show potential employers that you are properly trained and up to date in the most current forms of Microsoft programs. Since Microsoft will have a host of applications that are widely used in the business world, owning an advanced understanding, and documentation to prove it, is something that can easily catch a potential employers eye.

The reality is that Microsoft Certifications are available for just about every application Microsoft has. The real question many people have is where they can take the courses to become Microsoft certified in one or perhaps many Microsoft programs. The best place to start is with the Microsoft website. With the Microsoft website, a person interested in certifications will be able to carry out a search to find out when the next certification course will be and how it will relate to their current location. In some cases, when there is no class close to you available, you will be able to opt for taking the course online. This can be extremely beneficial if you are far away from any certification course that is being held.

The truth is that in these economically challenging times, finding a job can sometimes be difficult. It is evident with people who have been out of work for long periods of time, and who might have previously applied for job after job whilst hearing nothing back from any of the positions they might have applied for. This is why, if you happen to be in this situation, it will be important for you to do everything possible to stand out from what are no doubt a large group of people who might be eyeing the same job as you. Presenting yourself in a professional manner will always be a good place for you to start. Add in a few Microsoft Certifications and you might just be too good of a choice for any of the employers to pass up on.

Written by sherifb

November 17, 2009 at 2:01 pm

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Executive MBA Programs are Not One Size Fits All

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To many people, business is a broad and far-reaching term. Most usually have a general understanding that business has something to do with commerce, but beyond that, things tend to be a little vague. The same is true of business school. There is no one topic known to all as “business.” Therefore, some places are better at teaching one aspect of business than they might be at others. Executive MBA rankings can help everyone to sort through the various programs and decide which programs will better meet their needs.

You will also need as much information as possible about the various courses offered by different institutions. It is vital therefore to be able to match what classes you will need to take with the schools that will be highly rated for those types of classes. Executive MBA rankings will be important indicators to you because they will represent an independent assessment of the program. However, ultimately, it will be up to each individual to decide on how to make those ratings work best for them.

As going back to school can sometimes be a major change for a majority of people who have been out of the academic world for a number of years, people will therefore need resources that will be able to help them to choose the best schools. Making a choice between one executive MBA program or another is more than plugging your GMAT scores into a list and seeing what turns up. Candidates can do the most to help themselves by researching schools and programs, and learning how much time they will need to spend away from their offices whilst working towards their degree.  Most programs are part time, but there are a few that will be able to run full time. Candidates will also need to factor and plan how much more they will gain by completing their degree in a shorter time frame against what they might lose by taking time away from their primary job functions.

Choosing a business school program can sometimes be a daunting task, but people can definitely put themselves in a better position if they take the time to research what each school offers. Save time, effort and money by taking advantage of information collated on some of these sites. You can also use the qualitative information along with more quantitative data, such as the executive MBA rankings in order to find the best program for you.

Written by sherifb

November 16, 2009 at 10:43 am

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Broccoli Salad Recipes – Great Ways to Use More of this Healthy Ingredient

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Broccoli is known to be a very healthy vegetable, so it is a good idea to add more of this nutritional powerhouse to your diet. Broccoli can help to prevent cancer, boost your immune system, help protect you against cataracts, contribute towards strong and healthy bones, as well as help to prevent the possibility of birth defects. One great way to get more of this vegetable into your diet is to make one of the many available broccoli salad recipes.

Many broccoli salad recipes call for similarly healthy and nutritious ingredients. A classic version contains broccoli, bacon, cheddar, raisins, sunflower seeds, red onion, mayonnaise, and sugar. Some recipes also add vinegar (regular, raspberry, tarragon, or cider), pepper and salt, and lemon juice. Carrots, cauliflower, red or green bell pepper, celery, or grapes are sometimes added, whereas the nuts and seeds and cheddar are sometimes omitted. Peanuts, cashews, pecans, pumpkin seeds, or almonds are also sometimes used instead of sunflower seeds. Dried cherries and curry powder are used in one recipe to give your broccoli salad a more eastern flavour. One healthier version replaces the mayonnaise and sugar with yoghurt and orange juice. There are also other versions of broccoli salad with hard boiled eggs included in the recipe. Instead of cheddar, some recipes also sometimes prefer to use mozzarella or feta cheese.

A less traditional recipe for broccoli salad includes broccoli, red onion, black olives, artichoke hearts, tomato, green onion, and Italian dressing. Eggs, broccoli, red onion, green olives, pimentos, mayonnaise, mustard powder, celery seed and dill is known to be another interesting combination you can also try.

If you have access to broccoli slaw mix at your supermarket, there is a broccoli salad recipe that makes use of this together with pecan nuts, dried cranberries, green onions, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, oil, maple syrup, garlic, a lemon zest, salt and pepper.

Those who enjoy fruit in their salads might also possibly be interested in trying a recipe that will contain broccoli and cauliflower as well as apples, mandarin oranges, and sunflower seeds with Catalina dressing.

Fans of Italian dressing might also like a Martha Stewart salad that uses this dressing along with broccoli, carrots, olives, onions, pimentos, sugar and walnuts.

As you can see, there are a lot of different versions of broccoli salad available that are just waiting for you to try. You can start by picking the recipe that will have the combination of ingredients that you like the best. Bear in mind that recipes with less dressing will be healthier than those that make use of larger quantities of it, so keep this in mind if you are aiming for a healthier, diet-friendly option.

Written by sherifb

November 4, 2009 at 1:58 pm

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Bereavement And Funeral Planning For Your Beloved

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Dealing with the death of a loved one is a hard thing for any person to walk through, as there are so many different things that need to be taken into consideration. However, your loved ones last wishes will need to be met and still be affordable. When talking with a planner, one of the choices that will need to be made will relate to funeral caskets. There are a lot of options out there, and making the right decision will help towards bringing peace and closure to everyone involved.

One of the things that will need to be discussed is whether the funeral arrangements will need to be planned for a cremation or burial. There are lots of options with funeral caskets so that it can be something intimate and personal for all involved. Batesville Caskets is a company that has been known for having amazing caskets at discount and affordable prices. Whatever your plans for burial might be, there will always be a unique and beautiful casket for anyone. The most beautiful wood is used for each casket, thus allowing your beloved to be buried with the honor and respect that they deserve.

Another thing that has become exceptionally important is the burial of beloved pets. There are many people whose hearts have been melded with a special pet and when they die, it can be quite a traumatic experience. There are now places that specialize in burying pets with the same amount of respect and care as they would do for anybody else. Many people wish to have their pets buried near them as well, and will find that pet caskets are an affordable option and available to those who might like them.

Taking the time to learn about what the possibilities are ahead of time will ultimately be one of the best choices you could make. Quite certainly, making those decisions without having too much grief on your heart will be so much easier; and, the forethought can also sometimes help your loved ones during one of the saddest times in their lives.

No matter which loved one might have passed away, the sadness that ensues is always difficult for anyone to deal with. Being prepared beforehand will always be able to help people through the grieving process without having to handle a lot of different and complicated decisions, which will then allow them to focus on all the wonderful memories.

Written by sherifb

November 3, 2009 at 10:45 am

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You Too Can Learn How to Play Guitar Easily

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One of the first things you will need to remember at any time you are going to attempt to learn how to play an instrument is that you must keep going. You certainly can learn how to play guitar, but do not expect to be able to play something that you can recognize during the first week. There are many things that you will need to learn about the guitar itself and how to play before you can actually begin to read the music and learn how to translate what you see on the free guitar sheet music and then onto the guitar. Learning to play an instrument is a very satisfying endeavor, and becoming a musician will be something that you will be able to enjoy for the rest of your life.

One of the best things that you will enjoy when you learn how to play guitar is that you will be able to play anything that anyone wants you to play. You can even learn to play so well that you can sit and listen to the radio and actually be able to play along with the songs that you hear. With your regular lessons, you might also like to consider taking a more specific kind of instruction such as blues guitar lessons. Blues tunes are so popular, you will surely be in great demand if you learn how to play well.

Another thing to remember when you want to begin to learn how to play the guitar is that there will be a lot of training you will need to undergo that will not only include music. For example, scales are something that are not always very popular with people learning how to play an instrument, but they are vital towards learning how to play well. The benefit of playing scales over and over again is that it will manage to strengthen your fingers and train your picking hand to be able to pluck the strings with more skill as your fingering hand moves on the strings among the frets when you play. As you practice the scales each day, you will find yourself playing your instrument far better every time you use it.

People will be amazed with your skill as you learn how to play guitar. After you go through the initial process of learning how to read music, you might want to go ahead and learn how to play bass guitar as well. A bass guitar has four strings rather than six, and the four strings are actually the same as the first four strings on normal guitar, but you will find that they are much thicker, which makes their sound much deeper. Playing guitar will surely be a rewarding experience which can considerably enrich your life.

Written by sherifb

November 2, 2009 at 3:32 pm

Posted in Uncategorized