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See Yourself in a Visual Communications Career

Visual communication is the conveyance of ideas and information in forms that can be read or looked upon. Primarily associated with two-dimensional images, it includes: art, signs, photography, typography, drawing, graphic design, illustration, color and electronic resources.

Visual communication encompasses a great deal of areas. It covers disciplines such as computer animation, web design, and graphic design, and uses those art forms to convey a message or purpose. Visual communications professionals work in areas such as marketing and advertising, graphic design, and animation. Visual communications is grounded in technical knowledge. Professionals with training in this area develop traditional and computer-driven design skills from project conceptualization to production techniques. The field of visual communications is rapidly changing and to be effective you will need to stay on top of the latest trends in the field. With new technologies emerging every year, you will need to stay on top of industry trends.

Training:

In visual communications degree programs you will learn the basics of design principles, computer illustration and creative visualization. Classes will teach you to use visual communication techniques for advertising and presentations. You will need to direct your existing creative abilities to communicate with the technology and media used in the profession. Additional coursework will teach web design, graphic design, and animation techniques, as well as a variety of computer programs.

Jobs in Visual Communications:

Jobs in visual communications include commercial art and design, desktop publishing, web design, 3-D animation, multimedia development and video production. Jobs in this industry tend to be very competitive. Artists and related workers both salaried and freelance exceeded the number of available jobs in this area. Only the highest qualified candidates will find employment in this area. …

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Do not Stall Your Career Before You've Turned On The Ignition: Student Loan Consolidation

Your parents were right. It's a cut-throat work environment out there, and unfortunately it's a fact that not many employers will give you the time of day if you do not have a University degree. It's a prerequisite if you want to maximize your chances of a smooth entry into the work and a respectable career. However, it's also true that many families find the expense difficult to shoulder, and it is likely that you had to or will have to resort to student loans. These debts can add up faster than you think over your three or four year degree, resulting in a massive financial burden by the time you graduate.

It was drilled into my head that I would need a good degree to have a good career, but I primarily focused on the academic aspects and never actually considered the accompanying debts until until they were on to me. I was naive; for some reason I subconsciously thought that my parents would take care of everything, but more importantly I just underestimated the costs involved. This is a common error among many young people heading off to University, but sooner or later the bills will make themselves felt. I finally started to really watch my finances when I realized the debt that I was accumulating through my student loans, and I did what I could to get some income by applying for numerous grants and working part-time during the summer.

This time, by the time I graduated I had close to 10 thousand pounds to repay. Needless to say, since I did not have a job secured upon graduation, I would have had a spectacular problem if I had not quickly turned to student loan consolidation. I would definitely advise you to do your research and compare what you find, but a good service will consolidate the payments to multiple lenders into one low monthly payment, save you lots of time and stress, and give you room to breathe. Student loan consolidation is indicative for most new college graduates; even those who manage to find a sterling job immediately are not likely to have the savings to clear their student loans.

Student loan consolidation is an excellent option to have after graduation, but you will make it much easier on yourself by properly recording and budgeting your spending as a student. While it is easy to relax and go over your budget, you will often regret it later. One of my classmates from London was lucky enough to start his degree with a comfortable level of finances, but as often as the case, this was unfortunately shown in his spending. By the time he graduated he had accumulated the potentialally disastrous sum of more than forty thousand pounds in debt. However, with the help of student loan consolidation services he thankfully managed to significantly ease his repayments and get his finances in order.

Ultimately, if you are worried about your student debts, it will be well worth …

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Testimonial Samples for Student and Employee

Having a testimonial can increase the chances of getting the job. As there is strong competition among applicants, almost every job candidate requires testimonials for the job. Having the relevant experience under your belt you are required to show that you have proved your abilities in some organization. You can ask your previous employee to provide the testimonial of your services. If you are a student then a Principal/Dean can provide you the testimonial. Here are the both example testimonials that can help you stand out of the crowd.

A sample testimonial letter. (As an Employee)

An Experience Certificate

To whom it may concern

This is to certify that (NAME) has been in our service as an (JOB TITLE) from START DATE (YEAR) to END DATE (YEAR). During this period of service he/she worked diligently and honestly. His/her amiability of temperament, sincerity of purpose and honest absorption in the assigned job were some of the commendable traits of his personality that endeared him amongst us.

Through his/her work and conduct he satisfied us. He/she has a sound moral character. He/she has left our firm not due to any compulsion on our part, but on account of his own free will.

Employer

(Stamp & Signature)

Second Sample Testimonial Letter. (As a Student)

A Testimonial From An Educational Institution

This is to certify that (NAME) s/o (NAME) was a renowned player and student of our institution from START DATE (YEAR) to END DATE (YEAR) then he graduated from our college winning one of the top positions in Commerce. He/She got first class in B. Com.

About his contribution towards sports, we hereby state that he won many a commendatory certificate in various sports events. He excelled in Badminton and Hockey. He is quite hard-working and intelligent youth. We may emphatically say that he will prove out to be an asset to any enterprise where a position of trust and responsibility is offered to him.

I wish him all success in his life.

Principal

(College Stamp & Signature)

A Testimonial From the Major Contractor to Sub-Contractor Employee

Name

Designation

Company Name

Address:

Dear (Name),

Earlier this year we had the pleasure of working with you and your company on a project of (Name of Project) for our company. I am writing this letter to you to express my great satisfaction with the quality of the work completed and quality of the people from your company involved this project. You were extremely helpful from our first telephonic conversation through completion. Everything worked immediately and I am pleased with how things turned out. Please convey our appreciation to all of your team members. Feel free to use us as reference.

We wish you the best,

Sincerely,

(Name)

(Signature)…

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The Burden of Homework

There are many children who realize how important a good education is to secure a decent career. They are the ones who are trying their best to keep up academically. But, they are tired, stressed and frustrated. They are burdened with homework and the demands on their time.

Time is man’s greatest enemy. We live in an information era that is fast paced with things (like technology) that are always changing. While adults manage to organize themselves and cope with the hectic schedules on hand, children are battling to find enough time for schoolwork, sport, recreation and relaxation. And we all know how important and healthy balance is. There are those who will reason that homework doesn’t promote academic achievement. Others believe that homework does more harm than good. In the end one needs to define homework.

1. What is homework? Homework is a supplement to work done in the classroom on the same day.

2. Why is homework important? Homework helps to reinforce concepts, information or skills.

3. How does a student benefit from doing homework? Homework is beneficial because it stimulates the brain. It is also an intellectual discipline and it serves to instill a sense of responsibility.

Homework is not the problem. Teachers often give homework to keep children busy. They give homework to punish their students. Sometimes homework is given because time in class is not enough to do all the work assigned. There are times that children sit at home with work that has never been explained or discussed in class.

Teachers should categorize homework. Homework is important in three ways: for the purpose of

  • preparation for the next lesson;
  • practicing new skills; and
  • understanding concepts and information through additional information.

Homework should never take up too much time. Let’s take the example of ten minutes per learning area, per afternoon. For children who have fourteen learning areas, this in effect would mean that time set aside every afternoon for homework is two hours and twenty minutes. On the other hand, if children spend an hour doing mathematics homework, where would they find the time, energy or optimism to do the homework assigned for their other thirteen subjects? Official school hours differ from one country to the next. Let’s say they average between five to six hours per day. With a two hour homework schedule, children would be spending seven to eight hours per day academically.

To ease the burden, parents need to take a greater interest in what their children are doing. Communication is very important between the three parties involved: parents, children and teachers. If parents share the same concerns as their children regarding the amount of homework given, it will help the young ones to realize that there is a sense of justice.

Schools can assist children with homework policies. These policies will set the guidelines with regard to the amount and types of assigned homework. Most school policy guidelines for homework are set at a maximum of twenty to forty minutes …

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Critical Thinking: Do Some Feminists Need Therapy?

If a woman was asked to talk about what she thinks holds women back in life, she may say that it is themselves. What this might then show is that she has an internal locus of control.

On the other hand, another woman could be asked the same question, and she could say that it is men. As a result of this, it is likely to show that he has an external locus of control.

One Difference

When it comes to the first woman, there is the chance that he will see herself as an individual, as opposed to being part of a group or a movement. Said another way, she will be a women but, first and foremost, she will be a human being.

However, when it comes to the second woman, there is the chance that she will be a ‘feminist’. Being part of this movement can then take precedence, and it might not even occur to her she is an individual.

The Main Thing

Consequently, she is going to be part of the human race, but first and foremost, she will be a woman. It can then be as though she is part of a different species, with this species being women.

Her main concern is going to be to do what they can to make life better for herself and her fellow women, and not what she can do to assist humanity as a whole. It can be as if women live in their own bubble and, the only way to assist them will be focus purely on their concerns.

Shinning the Light

At the same time, a woman could have an internal locus on control and still be a feminist, but if this is the case, she is unlikely to behave in the same way as a feminist that has an external locus of control. Having an internal locus of control will allow someone to feel as though they have control over their life, whereas an external locus of control won’t.

With this in mind, if a woman has an external locus of control, it is not going to be a surprise for her to believe that men are in control of her life. She will feel completely powerless, so there will be absolutely nothing that she can do directly to change her life.

A Power Struggle

Through feeling so powerless, it is to be expected that she will be part of a movement; this will allow her to avoid how she feels. If she was to stand as an individual, for instance, this wouldn’t happen.

The power that she experiences, through being part of this movement, will be attained by having power over others. She can then call herself a ‘feminist’ and look virtuous, but she can be no different to someone who controls others.

Justified

But while there will be people who will see that she needs to develop an internal locus of control, she is unlikely to realise this. There is a …

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College Students Success Secrets – Overcoming Adversity, Knock the T Out of Can’t

Conquer your fears, transcend your limitations, and be a college student success story by overcoming adversity and knocking the T out of can’t. Only believe and you can achieve success. Overcoming adversity may be tough, but any college student can overcome with these simple success secrets.

When I entered college and went through growing pains, I realized I was in store for some new challenges for which I had never been forewarned. My parents encouraged my academic success throughout high-school into college, but never bothered to prepare me for the rigors of college life and academics.

There is a big difference in college between knowing you “what” you need to do and knowing “how” to do it. Unfortunately many college professors (perhaps by reason of being in the trenches of academia too long) are not always so helpful in that regard. Plus it is often hard to find someone as a college student who you can relate to who also has some intelligence who can guide and counsel you.

Sadly even college counselors sometimes treat you like another problem in their caseload rather than a genuine person needing someone with a heart to talk to. That being said here are some success secrets to help any college student overcome adversity on their university campus.

1. Stay calm and cool.

When you stay calm and cool, what you need to do will more easily come to you.

Just acknowledge and recognize your present problem, after which set in your heart the intention to tackle it once you know what to do. Upon setting your intent to tackle and deal with this problem, you assuredly will eventually figure it out and take it out!

2. Listen intently, ask questions, and seek out intelligent people.

The more you listen, the more you learn. Those two ears attached to the side of your head are there for a reason. Unfortunately most people prefer to move their mouth a million miles a minute to vocalize their problem, rather than solve it.

Problem solvers however know the secret to solving problems successfully is to quietly process the problem, design a strategy to solving it, and inviting intelligent people around you to help you figure out how to tackle it.

Humbly yourself and ask questions of those around, preferably those with intelligence who can provide good advice and tell you what they would do. As you listen and gain varying perspectives, eventually intuitively it will come to you what it is you should do.

3. Don’t despise the process as you sort through the pieces.

Everybody wants to be a college student success story, but success doesn’t come overnight. You have to make the grades for four years and remain focused through the many attractive distractions throughout college.

As in obtaining a degree, wherein is required the completion of various coursework, overcoming adversity sometimes requires life work and internal home work as you sort through the pieces to your ordeal.

When my mom died prematurely due to …

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What It Takes to Become A Good Chef

The art of cooking is a delicate and complex matter. When one masters the proper way how it should be done, everything else follows. Do realize that cooking is not just all about chopping and mixing ingredients in a hot boiling pot; the presentation, style and taste all matters. End results should always be exquisite. It should have a classy touch with a tinge of convincing taste to make it all memorable to the diners.

Becoming an expert chef takes time; well, everything does and since learning is the elementary factor that should be utilized for cooking, an open mind and unrelenting will have to come first. If you want to be a chef, you have to put your heart and soul to it.

As early as possible, expose yourself to anything that is related to kitchen chores. Even by simply standing by your busy Mom at the kitchen as she makes dinner, already counts as a good experience for the long travel ahead to becoming a chef. Consistency and practice are important in developing your cooking skills. Even when you think that you are not good at cooking or in any kitchen chore at all, trying your best to what you can, with all your might can make a difference.

Do not hurry up when learning. You may think that under a quick way of learning how to become a chef is more convenient. For the time being, it is; but it will not matter whether you finish first or last in studying as what is being accounted for when you are in the real world, is your output.

When you have enhanced your cooking skills, do realize that you can be good in this type of profession. And when you continue to learn new food recipes, trends and others in the culinary arts, an even secure career will open its doors for you. Just remember that learning how to become a chef is like an ongoing practical education. Trial and error situations will happen, and it should but it's an excellent way of learning and increasing your cooking knowledge. …

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Seniors Are Carrying Record Sums of Education Debt Into Retirement

One of the challenges for financial planners in dealing with Baby Boomers approaching their actual (hoped-for) retirement dates has to do with assisting them in addressing their oft-substantial debt loads. Carrying debt has long been a fact of life for Americans, as taking out loans to pay for life’s “finer things” has become not only more fashionable, but a standard practice. Gone, for example, are the days when significant numbers of people would expect to wipe out their home mortgages before they actually retire; a desire to continue to improve the size and quality of one’s residence, as well as the temptation to cash in on the accumulated equity in order to buy this or that, have made carrying a mortgage into retirement now typical for so many entering their Golden Years.

Well, as it turns out, it’s not just mortgages, car loans, and credit card balances that folks approaching retirement are seeing fit to keep as a part of their financial profiles; add education-related debt to the list, as well. That’s right, I said education debt. It’s not, however, what you may be thinking. I’m not talking about Boomers who are still working to pay off school loans they took out as undergraduates, or even loans they took out more recently when they decided to return to college as working adults. The education-related debt plaguing a growing number of retirees and near-retirees pertains to the loans they took out to assist children and grandchildren with the costs of their educations.

According to the LIMRA Secure Retirement Institute, adults in the age category of 65 to 74 are presently carrying almost six times more education debt than they were 25 years ago. Up significantly over the recent decades, education-related debt now represents roughly 15 percent of the total installment debt retirees are taking with them into retirement. For so-called pre-retirees, in the age category of 55 to 64, the picture is uglier, with education debt now representing 30 percentof the total in installment debt they’re lugging around. The weight of these obligations is only going to compound the financial difficulties now facing retirees, who are already carrying record amounts of other debt with them into the land of fixed incomes.

The fact is that as the financial circumstances for so many in America remain very challenging, more people are going to have to re-think just how it is they hope to assist younger family members in meeting the expenses associated with higher education. While it’s nice, on the one hand, that a lot of older Americans are very willing to take on this kind of debt for the benefit of children and grandchildren, the reality is that this is not a sustainable financial profile with which to enter retirement. The answer, in part, may be for the “seasoned” members of the family to engineer broader discussions with children over how education-related expenses should be met. As younger family members are approaching college age, it may be appropriate for grandparents …

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Cellular Automata

The study of cellular automata is an exciting new area of mathematical and scientific research. In

fact, in “A New Kind of Science”, mathematician Stephen Wolfram argues that the study of complexity arising from considering cellular automata is the starting point of a new scientific revolution. Although I wouldn’t go this far, I do find them quite fascinating.

A cellular automaton (CA) is a set of cells with states which evolve according to a set of deterministic rules. The simplest cellular automata have cells with just two possible states, off and on, and evolve according to very simple rules, usually involving just neighboring cells. Wolfram studied all 256 one-dimensional two-state cellular automata which evolve according to nearest neighbor rules. He then divided these automata into four classes according to the type of behavior they exhibit. Class 1 cellular automata eventually evolve to a state in which all cells are either off or on. Class 2 cellular automata evolve into a predictable pattern, i.e. alternating off and on cells. Class 3 cellular automata exhibit what appears to be random behavior. Finally, Class 4 cellular automata, which are the most interesting, evolve into states exhibiting nonrandom but nevertheless unpredictable structure. Wolfram believes that Class 4 cellular automata are akin to Turing machines and as such may be capable of universal computation.

The most well-known CA is Conway’s Game of Life. This is a two-dimensional two-state CA played on an infinite square grid. The rules are very simple. An on cell with two or three of its eight nearest neighbors on stays on in the following generation, otherwise it turns off, and an off cell with three nearest neighbors on turns on in the next generation, otherwise it stays off. These simple rules give rise to surprisingly complex structures, including still lifes (patterns that don’t change), oscillators (patterns which repeat), spaceships (patterns which move), and a variety of complex patterns which experience regular unlimited growth. In 1982, Conway showed that the Game of Life supports Turing machines, and the first one was constructed in 2002.…

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The Science of Getting Rich – Fact or Fiction?

The Science of Getting Rich, by Wallace Wattles – sounds amusing does not it? In truth, this the name of a book first published in 1910 by Wallace D. Wattles. Rhonda Byrne states that this publication was one of the major inspirations for her hit film and book, The Secret.

I have to admit that I sometimes find it difficult to wrap my head around the Law of Attraction. I want to understand, but some of the explanations of this material are so convoluted I am made to feel like a dog chasing its tail!

Wattles states in the preface to his book:

"This book is pragmatical, not philosophical; a practical manual, not a treat upon theories. It is intended for the men and women which most pressing need is for money; who wish to get rich first, and philosophize afterwards."

I believe this practical approach explains why The Science of Getting Rich is even more popular today than it was a 100 years ago.

Wallace Wattles writes that getting rich is an "exact science". There are certain laws, that when learned, will lead you to riches with "mathematical certainty".

These laws hinge on one fundamental principle – the power of thought. Wattles explains that anything we desire, be it a house or a large bank account, can come into existence simply by "impressing (our) thought upon formless substance."

However simple this may sound, he says that in order to do this, we must abandon any competitive nature we may have and use our creative mind. Formless Intelligence, as Wattles calls it, is never competitive in spirit.

In The Science of Getting Rich, Wattles emphasizes that we must get rid of the knowledge that there is some Deity in the sky who wants us to be poor. He believes that choosing a life of poverty for altruistic reasons is no better than those who lead extremely selfish lives.

He states: "Put poverty behind you, and put all that pertains to it behind you …" Being rich, Wattles believes, is the best way anyone can really help the poor.

The Law of Gratitude is an important component of The Science of Getting Rich . Wattles strongly asserts that, even if we are following all other laws, failing to be thankful will keep us stuck in poverty.

In other words, if I constantly focus on the negative things happening around me, I "loose ground" and continue to attract more negative things into my life. The concept of gratitude took me a while to grasp, but it is key!

Focus on everything that is currently right in your life and thank God, the Universe, or, as Wattles calls it "Intelligent Substance". It does not really matter what you call it, just be thankful!

To attract what you desire in live you must have a very clear picture of what it is you want, hold onto it in your mind and always be thankful! …