There is no doubt about it, the knitting craze has needled its way into pop culture and is here to stay. But for those knitters who have ideas that surpass the knitting patterns available to them, a new revolution in knitting is finally on the horizon. With Teach Yourself VISUALLY Knitting Design (Visual, an imprint of Wiley; January 2007; $ 24.99), today’s creative knitters can break free of pattern dependency. This handy book provides all the tools a person needs to create garments that match his or her personality, shape and style. Now you are free to stretch your imagination as far as the yarn.

Author Sharon Turner (Teach Yourself VISUALLY Knitting) starts off with the basics — such as checking gauge, using master patterns in multiple gauges, choosing appropriate yarn and calculating yarn yardage. Armed with these basic tools, you will be able to create your own unique designs. With color photos to guide you every step of the way, Turner provides pattern instructions for hats, sweaters, mittens and scarves and then moves on to a variety of ways to customize the garment, from changing yarns and shifting structures to adding creative embellishments. With a special reference that provides stitch patterns, garment sizing charts and pages to sketch designs on, it’s never been so easy to knit outside of the box.

This innovative book is the only tool knitters of all levels need to create something completely unique that matches their tastes. With step-by-step instructions each accompanied by a detailed photo, knitting ideas to life has never been easier. And the best part is you won’t need to wade through complicated text to get there.

Recent studies have concluded that up to 40 percent of all adults may be “visual learners” who learn faster by seeing and imitating, rather than simply reading. Teach Yourself VISUALLY Knitting Design takes readers on a visual journey from mastering basic designs and patterns to adding personal flourishes, to designing your own unique knits. The designs of the future are in your hands.

Knitting Design: Teach Yourself VISUALLY

By Sharon Turner

ISBN: 978-0-470-06817-5

$ 24.99 U.S. / $ 29.99 CAN

293 pages; paperback

VisualTM an imprint of Wiley

VisualTM

Combining clear, step-by-step screen shots with minimal text, Visual guides are the ultimate resource for visual learners, who represent up to 40 percent of the world’s population. Written by top experts, the Visual guides are perfect for everyone who wants to avoid long-winded explanations and jump right into a new skill or hobby. Visual guides teach a wide range of topics — everything from computer graphics to guitar playing to knitting to dog training to mastering software to practicing yoga. For more information, visit wiley.com. Visual is an imprint of Wiley.

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There is a buzz word in computing which has been around a while now, Cloud computing. You may have read about it or heard it in the news, but what is it exactly? I will try to explain for the non techy types in simple terms. Basically it involves hosted services on the internet. Hosted as in meaning its parked on the internet. In cloud computing each and everything is done on the internet. This means you can access files from any computer which has an internet connection. The internet is the cloud.

One example of cloud computing that you will have bound to of heard of is Googlemail. You dont need any software to access this email service as the software is on a server (on the cloud). All you need is an internet connection and you can login and freely send and receive email.

If you use Microsoft Excel on your computer regularly then you are using software which is stored on your computer. If you wanted to take a document home to work on you would have to save the document on and then open it up on a computer at home which also had Microsoft excel on. With cloud computing the documents are stored online so you dont need to have the software at home you just need the internet connection. Also if you wanted to share this document with someone in your company you would have to email it to them. With cloud computing the file is stored on the internet and many people can share this document without the need for emailing it about.

With cloud computing, businesses have the ability to track employee activities. You get higher lOther benefits are that there are no more worries about computer viruses, loss of data and system crashes. You can work on expensive software and freeware without having to actually buy them. When you normally buy software you need a licence for each computer, this is where it gets expensive if you have a number of staff that need access to this software. This is where cloud computing technology saves your company money.

If you think your business should take advantage of cloud technology you will need to find a good professional service provider. You need to look for a company that has a proven track record. There are many companies out there offering these services so look around and compare monthly costs. Some offer services like cloud consulting, google apps deployment and training and much more.

Basically cloud computing is an excellent solution for any business looking to utilise their resources better, want more flexibility and security, and want to reduce the cost and complexity of your IT operations.

People who love dogs would recognize a boxer dog right away – it’s hard to miss a handsome dog with chiseled head, cropped ears and a muscular build which stands on its hind legs, prepping to box with its front paws. Boxer dogs are among the most favorite pet companions of people across the globe and for good reason; boxers have an entire list of fine attributes from being calm, intuitive dogs to being playful and patient. But just like any other animal, your boxer needs appropriate training and care to turn it into a lovable canine family pet. To help you with boxer dog training, heed these useful tips:

1. Get to know your dog first. Learn about the boxer breed even before bringing a new puppy home. Research is an inevitable first step to responsible dog ownership. Every dog breed highlights peculiarities in a particular group of canines. Extremely intelligent and playful, boxers forge strong bonds with their owners that last through their lifetimes. Knowing how to train one is crucial to a loyal companionship.

2. Begin with a puppy. Naturally intelligent dogs, boxers are stubborn and strong-willed breeds. Housebreaking and obedience training as best done as early as possible. Also, because of their defined features and creased brows, people tend to assume boxers are ferocious dogs and are naturally aggressive. In truth, boxers are more playful than many other dog breeds but are excellent guard dogs as well. As in any other dog, a boxer protective instinct is roused with perceived threat or aggression. It’s best to train your boxer early to recognize any potential problems.

3. Prepare to be tested. At about 13 weeks old, your boxer puts your resolve to the test. You’ll know it’s time to be tough on boxer dog training when your pet nips and chews and generally ignores your commands. When boxers give you the dominance test, it’s important to assume the leadership role and be firmly consistent. Dogs are pack animals; even boxers submit to the recognized pack leader.

4. Socialize with your dog. An important aspect of boxer dog training is socialization. Boxers need to get used to being around other dogs and people. This is important to curb aggressive tendencies. While training classes are excellent ways to expose your pet to others of his kind, it is equally important for owners to socialize with their pets. Play with your dog. Boxers are an exuberant bundle and would make good running companions. They’d also enjoy long walks or a game of catch.

Benefits of a Trained Boxer Dog

Boxer dog training itself is both an enjoyable and fulfilling experience where owner and pet grow to love and respect the other. Once you’re past the stubbornness of your boxer and have established a strong bond with him, you’ve won a friend, protector and companion for life. Boxers are excellent guard dogs and family pets. You’d be surprised to find your pet is also a pretty useful working dog as well.

We all know that Forklift training is specialised, so doesn’t it make sense to have your staff trained by a company that only specializes in Forklift training? Before you decide to book a course with a trainer, ask yourself the following questions:

Is getting a certificate from an accredited forklift training provider a priority?

Do you want to work with the training company because of the excellent Health & Safety Aspects?

Is the fact that the Forklift Training has many Glowing Testimonials important?

Do you need Novice, Experienced or just Refresher Courses for Forklift Drivers and Operators?

What the clients should be saying about forklift trainers:

§ Very thorough, demanding and professionally delivered course
§ Consistently pleasant, tackling all training with a smile
§ Excellent personality for training
§ Maintaining full participation at all times
§ The quality of the training was first class followed up with high quality feedback from the trainer
§ A first class trainer offering excellent value for money
§ Effectively putting across the theoretical information
§ Very easy to understand and interesting
§ Clear, comprehensive and well communicated

All training provided should be customisable.

Simply, the company should ensure that it’s practical in terms of the trainee’s work environment, products and processes, and that the training meets the specific trainee learning objectives and their business needs.

All successful candidates should receive certification recognized by the HSA and insurance companies.

Professional training ensures that employees are up to date with their legal responsibilities and the safest operating procedures to use. When you choose a forklift training company, your staff should receive comprehensive practical and theoretical onsite training.

Manual Handling
Between a quarter and a third of all reported accidents are attributable to incorrect manual handling.

Most accidents result in back injury, though the hands, arms and feet may also be injured. Manual handling of loads means “any transporting or supporting of a load by one or more employees that includes lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving a load which, by reason of its characteristics or of unfavorable ergonomic conditions, involves risk particularly of back injury, to employees.” In order to comply with the 1993 Manual handling regulations, staff engaged in manual handling tasks must be given training in the safe handling of loads. This half day course instructs employees in the theory and practice of safe manual handling.

Objectives:
Upon completion of the course participants will be able to:
– Recognize a load, which is too awkward or heavy.
– Understand the limitations of the spine and the muscular system.
– Lift and handle loads safely

Course Content:
– Manual Handling Legislation.
– assessing the load.
– Danger of careless and unskilled methods.
– Principles of levers and law of motion.
– Anatomy of the spine and muscular system.
– how the body is harmed through incorrect handling techniques.
– Care of the spine.- How to handle loads safely.
– Practice in safe handling of loads.