The Multiple Uses of Phone Cases and Other Accessories

People like to personalize items to help express themselves as a unique individual. So even though you and everyone you know seem to have the same Smartphone, you also have access to a wide variety of accessories that allows you to make it your own. Certain accessories, such as cellphonecases.com phone covers, as well as cases offered at similar websites, can do more than just assist in protecting your phone. Here are some of the accessories you can find for your Smartphone and how they can benefit you, whether it is for an Apple, Samsung, LG, Motorola, HTC, or other phone brand.

Chargers and Cables

Your phone may be able to last for a while without a charger, but it will not be for long. Whether you lost the original that came with your phone or if you desire a backup that can be left in a suitcase or purse, it can be particularly handy to have extras. Travel chargers are also a great help, as they allow you to charge your phone through the port in your vehicle. This can be particularly helpful on a long, boring car trip. Most Smartphone charger cables also double as USB ports, which allow you to upload pictures onto a computer or upload music from your computer to your phone.

But there are other cables that you can purchase for a Smartphone, such as auxiliary cables. Auxiliary cables allow you to hook your phone directly to your vehicle’s stereo system. In this way, you can listen to music on your phone through the car stereo or even a phone call. Micro-HDMI cables allow you to hook your phone to the television or similar devices. You can then view pictures from the phone, or even stream video. Do not confuse micro cables with mini HDMI cables, which are made for other devices such as DSLR cameras and camcorders.

Phone Case Variety

Like the phone charger, phone cases have come a long way. Not only can the phone covers help reduce the risk of your phone breaking when dropped, but some of them can also protect your phone from water or even from being run over. Other cases double as more than just a decorative phone case. Certain cellphonecases.com phone covers and other cases can also function as a wallet, or may have a stand to hold your phone for viewing. And the designs vary greatly, from cases of bright colors or patterns, to those with a mesh covering, to cases that are soft to the touch. Other accessories you may consider for your phone may be stylus pens, headsets, and screen protectors.

This is a guest post provided to Me, Myself & the City for its readers.

Do You Know the Classifications for River Rapids?

Navigating rivers has been done for many, many years, beginning with canoes and other small crafts used to travel the rivers. Today, rafting and kayaking is more of a form of recreation than a means of travel. While it can be an exciting hobby or a fun family adventure, it is not a sport you can just jump into. For one, you should have somewhat of an idea of how river rapids are classified to ensure you do not get into a situation that can be regrettable or even life-threatening.

Establishing Classifications

In 1954, the American Whitewater Association was formed to help create a better regulatory system for the use of whitewater rapids. One of the first tasks the association performed was to create a classification system for rapids to help improve safety. This classification system is known as the International Scale of River Difficulty, which is used not only in the United States, but in several countries around the world.

The association updates the scale from time to time, with a major update having been completed in 1998. With this update, the association compiled the opinions of 100 expert rafters about over 3,000 different rapids. The ratings are based upon features and hazards for certain stretches of water, with the classifications being determined from comparisons to well-known rapids with already agreed upon classifications.


The Classifications

There are six basic classifications for how river rapids are classified, with a plus and minus system to determine how advanced within that class the rapids may be. Keep in mind, however, that these classifications are a guide, and can vary with water flow and new hazards. Class I entails slower-moving water that is flat with a few, small waves and very few obstructions. Class II waves are considered more for a novice rafter, with small waves and easy-to-maneuver obstructions. Class III is more of an intermediate classification, generally with a swift current and higher, irregular waves. The passages become narrower, and the obstacles require more maneuvering. At class IV, you get into the more advanced rapids, with faster-moving water; large, long waves; and narrow passages with more advanced maneuvering. Class IV also has a chance of holes, which are points within the current where the water may reverse flow due to obstructions, which may cause the raft to become stuck or even sink. Class V takes on a different rating system, with some rapids being classified as 5.1, 5.2, and so on , and is generally only for experts. The rapids are swift and continuous, with large, irregular waves, holes, and drops. While class V is considered complex, the final class, class VI, can be described as extreme. This classification is often given to rapids that have been rafted very little, as it can be extremely dangerous, even for experts.

This is a guest post provided to Me, Myself & the City for its readers.

The Evolution of the Limousine

Although they have become a much more common occurrence for different special events of ordinary people, you may not be able to help wondering if there is someone of great importance hidden within the limo in Chicago that just passed you by. But why do limousines bring to mind images of the rich and famous? Where exactly did these luxury vehicles come from?

Early Beginnings

For centuries, people have been escorting their royals and figures of importance, whether carrying them within a litter upon the back of servants or within a horse-drawn carriage. The first conveyances that were determined as limousines, however, were created in France in the 1700s. The carriages were often ordained in gold and pulled by the best horses, and had the passengers within an enclosed space while the driver was on the outside.

The name itself may have been derived from a heavy cloak worn by shepherds in the Limousin region of France. It is thought that either the name was given to the coaches because of their resemblance to the cloaks, or because the drivers wore similar cloaks. The name also may have simply been derived from the town of the limo’s birth, Limoges.

Limos and the Automobile

In 1902, an automobile version of the limousine was introduced. This vehicle, like the carriage, featured an interior space separate from the outside driver space. In 1916, the limousine was given a definition by the Society of Automobile Engineers as “a closed car seating three to five inside, with driver’s seat outside.”

The stretch limousines you may be more familiar with today came about in 1928 in Arkansas. Originally, these vehicles were designed to carry band and orchestra members and their equipment. As a result, they were often referred to as “big band buses.” Airports and hotels also found the vehicles useful for shuttling customers, as did tour companies, affording them yet another nickname of “aiporter stretch coach.”


The Rich, Famous, and Beyond

As the limousine began gaining popularity in the 1930s, production companies decided to begin using them as well. At first they were used to take the film crew and other personnel around the sets, but over time they began to be a popular conveyance for actors and other celebrities. Many presidents have also made use of the limos.

Today, however, a limo in Chicago may carry anyone with the desire to rent one, whether for a wedding, prom, or a special night on the town. While the classic Cadillac and Lincoln stretch limousines still usually come to mind first, you can also find stretched SUVs and even trucks. One thing all of these vehicles still have in common, however, is a classy, luxurious interior passenger space, still separated from the driver’s space.

This is a guest post provided to Me, Myself & the City for its readers.

Stick with It: Get Your Engineering Degree

Gaining a college education is a must in the technological, highly educated society in which you live. You have always had a gift for math and science, something your mother never had, a fact she reminds you of often! She also reminds you often that you have a responsibility to use the gift you have been given to enrich the world you live in and are a part of. Because you are a good girl and you listen to your mother, you are now looking into pursuing your engineering degree. Read on to learn about this process and the specialties that are available to you and others that are pursuing the same degree.

Aerospace

One of the specialties an Engineer can work towards is Aerospace. When you think of the Aerospace industry, you may just think of becoming an astronaut. Although that may be an option, it is definitely not all that is included. An aerospace engineer can develop new technologies for use in defense systems, aviation, and space exploration. They are responsible for creating cutting edge, amazing machines including drones, jumbo jets, space shuttles, and so much more. Salary can range from $50,000 to $75,000 for entry level engineers.

Biomedical

Biomedical engineers work designing solutions to problems in medicine and biology. These solutions help improve the effectiveness and quality of patient care. They may design new instruments and devices or improve on existing ones, or they may work on biomedical software. They may also be involved in developing software to run medical equipment, computer simulations for new drug testing, or even create artificial limbs. Starting salary can range from $35,000 to $63,000.

Chemical

To work in the chemical engineering field, you must first obtain an engineering degree. Engineers use the principles found in chemistry, biology, and physics to solve problems or create faster or more efficient processes. Chemical engineers may work in the food industry, fuel industry, or in the field of developing new prescription drugs. They may also work in the architectural industry, in the industry of developing synthetic fibers, and so much more. The starting salary range for this type of engineer ranges from $52,000 to $78,000.

This is a guest post provided to Me, Myself & the City for its readers.

Making a Personal Connection Takes More Than Email

Even though mail may be at an all-time low, the fact of the matter is that people like to get mail as long as it isn’t a bill, and sometimes, even a bill can be a welcomed sight in a mailbox that would otherwise be covered in cobwebs and road dust. Somehow, people have come to believe that social media is social and can take the place of all other kinds of communication, but that is just not the case. Companies like Star Direct Marketing understand that there is power in a snail mail delivery, and they know how to capture that power.

Communication

Eighty percent of all communication is nonverbal. The Internet cannot recreate that with written forms of communication. While facial expressions, body language and even the pressure that is used while writing can convey something of a person’s true feelings and meanings, the best that social media has to off are “lols” and emoticons, which only tell you what the person wants you to believe about the communication they are sending and not what they are really feeling.

Services

With services like “Every Door Direct Mail,” businesses have a powerful tool that they can use to create relationships with people that they would otherwise miss. Not everyone has email, but everyone who can participate in the economy has an address and a mail box. There is no reason why people should be left out if they can’t afford a computer or Internet services.

Back to Basics

It may not be possible for you to handwrite notes to everyone that you would like to contact when it comes to your business, but you can create anticipation and surprise with the right mailer campaign. Companies like Star Direct Marketing can provide you with direction and help when it comes to crafting the perfect message that gets results. In a new economy, sometimes, the old ways are still the best ways. Anytime that you can make a more personal connection with people, you will create a better bottom line. That means learning to mass market everything on an individual level.

This is a guest post provided to Me, Myself & the City for its readers.

Horse Training Education for Horse Lovers

When you attend a local community college, there are many advantages. One advantage is the fact that you can live at your parent’s home while you are attending college (if they will let you, of course). Another advantage is the fact that many community colleges have a small campus, relatively small class sizes, and high-quality professors. You can attend this school and not feel like just a number. As a bonus, some schools have specialty programs that cater to the interests of the area. For example, did you know that you can learn horse training in Colorado at a community college? It is true. Read on to learn more about what you can expect from a college-based equine training program.

Hands-On Learning

While you can study equine training anywhere from college to your own city library, you can only learn so much from reading about it. You have to have hands-on learning. You can learn about types of saddles all you want, but it isn’t until you actually try to put one a horse that you really start to round out your learning. So, whether you are learning to groom, riding for the first time, or learning to gallop, you will get the real world experience you need with hands-on learning.

Equine Science

Equine science is one focus for your education. In this focus you will learn about the important areas of equine nutrition and physiology. You will focus on equestrian styles, selection, and management of the horse enterprise, though not as much as you would in the equine business management program. You can also learn about the roles that horses play in society including recreation, therapy, and performance. A strong science background is preferred for this area of focus.

Business Management

Another focus of horse training in Colorado is equine business management. With the equine industry growing there is a demand for those people who are well versed in the aspects of equine management. You will learn about communication, counseling, environmental studies, equine massage, hoof trimming, and more. You will be an asset in the growing world of recreation, racing, breeding, and farming.

This is a guest post provided to Me, Myself & the City for its readers.

Four Tips for Local Internet Marketing

The past 20 years have completely changed the marketing world. Because more and more individuals are finding their information about a company from the Internet, it is essential to direct some of your marketing efforts to online strategies. Moreover, just like other local advertising campaigns, you can direct your online marketing efforts to your local market. Following are four local Internet marketing tips from OrangeSoda:

• Set up social media accounts.

• Use Google+ and Google Places.

• Start a blog related to your company’s services.

• Geo-target your ads.

Use Social Media

More and more people are becoming connected to social media such as Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest. You can use social media by setting up your own page full of information, ideas, and promotions. In addition, you can purchase ads on these sites that will target your audience.

Use Google+

Another form of social media is Google+. The nice thing about Google+ is that it is completely free. You do not have to pay for any referrals or leads that you get from Google+. In addition, Google is the most common search engine today, and you want your website to appear high on their search results page. Google gives priority to companies that have a Google+ profile, which means your website will get an automatic boost if you have a profile with Google+. Also, you can appear on their Google maps if you update your Google Places listing.

Start a Blog

Another suggestion is to start a blog about services or ideas related to your company. For example, if you are a caterer, you could do a blog containing tips for entertaining or ideas for wedding decorations. Keep in mind that your posts need to be useful and informative not just promotional. Then, when people read your blog, they will be more likely to visit your website.

Geo-Target Your Ads

Finally, one of the important local Internet marketing tips from OrangeSoda is to geo-target your ads. Add your city’s name to any keywords. For example, if you are a plumber in Omaha, your keywords might be Omaha plumbing company. Keywords that contain a geographic area are more likely to reach local people who will use your services than keywords without a geographic area.

This is a guest post provided to Me, Myself & the City for its readers.

Songs for the Philippines

Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda has devastated thousands of people in Eastern Visayas and has affected not just Filipinos all over the country and the world but people from all countries because of the message that it brought. It is indeed time for us to be more serious about the issue of climate change and take immediate and necessary steps to halt its progress. Not doing so will definitely give our children a scary and doubtful future. 

Haiyan likewise affected all of us emotionally. After the typhoon broke I immediately watched the news and saw images I've never seen before. I couldn't help but cry over the devastation and loss of lives and how days after the typhoon most people have not received the help that they desperately needed.  I was kinda guilty eating delicious food because I knew that so many didn't even have a drop of water to drink. I was glad though that so many people have donated money, goods, time etc. and really amazed at the support that the international community gave and is still giving. I realized that at times like this, we are never alone and that countries all over the world will always be willing to help us. I'm forever grateful to them for that.

There are so many ways to help the victims and I'm sure that most if not all of us have done our part. After learning that iTunes is selling an album, the proceeds of which will benefit the victims of Typhoon Haiyan, I immediately bought a copy. It's a compilation of 39 songs from various artists like The Beatles, U2, Beyonce, Pink, Bruno Mars, Alicia Keys, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Adele, Katy Perry and so many others. The album is great and it's for a good cause so there's really no reason not to buy. A must-have for only $9.99. 

My favorite songs in the album are Count on Me (Bruno Mars), Carry You Home (James Blunt), Love Don't Die (The Fray), Let It Be (The Beatles), In a Little While (U2), Stronger (Kelly Clarkson), I Was Here (Beyonce), and Make You Feel My Love (Adele).