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Wednesday, January 9, 2008
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Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Presidential Message for New Year's Day, 2008
As we enter this New Year, we reflect on the past and look forward to a promising year ahead.
A future of hope and opportunity begins with a robust economy. Thanks to America's workers and entrepreneurs, our economy grew at a vigorous rate last year. Keeping taxes low and exercising fiscal restraint helped ensure that the number of jobs increased and the deficit once again fell ahead of schedule. The underpinnings of our economy have proven strong, competitive, and resilient enough to overcome the challenges we face. In the coming year, we will continue to encourage growth in the economy so Americans have more money to invest in their businesses, spend on their families, and put aside for the future.
In addition to our efforts here at home, the United States continued its work to spread freedom and peace around the world. America is determined to defeat terrorists and extremists, and we will remain on the offensive against the enemies of freedom. In 2008, we will continue to stand beside our partners in the international community to lay a foundation of peace for our children and grandchildren.
America is grateful for the service and sacrifice of our Nation's troops and their families. During this hopeful time of year, we remain mindful of the courage and resolve of the fine men and women who protect our country and defend freedom's cause.
As we welcome this New Year, we move forward with trust in the power of the American spirit, confidence in our purpose, and faith in a loving God who created us to be free.
Laura and I send our best wishes for a happy New Year. May God bless you, may God bless our troops and their families, and may God bless America.
GEORGE W. BUSH
美国总统布什发表08年元旦贺词
在我们进入新年之际，我们回顾过去、期盼迎来充满希望的一年。
强劲的经济带来了富于希望和机遇的未来。由于美国劳动者和企业界的努力，去年我们的经济以富有活力的速度增长。由于保持低税率和实行财政的限制，帮助保证就业增加，赤字再次比计划提前下降。我们的经济基础证明是强劲的、有竞争力的、充满活力的，能够战胜我们面临的挑战。在未来一年，我们要进一步鼓励经济增长，让美国人民有更多的钱用于投资、家庭消费，为未来积蓄。
除了在国内努力之外，美国还继续在全世界传播自由与和平。美国决心打败恐怖分子和极端分子，我们要继续主动打击抗拒自由的敌人。2008年，我们在国际社会中要继续同我们的合作夥伴一道，为我们的后代奠定和平的基础。
美国人民非常感激我们的军人及其家属为美国提供的服务和献身精神。在新的一年开始的时候，我们仍然牢记那些可贵的男女军人的勇气与决心，他们保护我们的国家、捍卫自由事业。
在迎接新年的时刻，我们满怀对美国精神力量的信任，对我们目标的信心，对创造享受自由的众生、并爱护众生的上帝的虔诚，继续向前迈进。
我和夫人劳拉献上最好的新年祝福，愿上帝保佑你们，保佑我们的军人和他们的家属，愿上帝保佑美国。
乔治·W·布什
A future of hope and opportunity begins with a robust economy. Thanks to America's workers and entrepreneurs, our economy grew at a vigorous rate last year. Keeping taxes low and exercising fiscal restraint helped ensure that the number of jobs increased and the deficit once again fell ahead of schedule. The underpinnings of our economy have proven strong, competitive, and resilient enough to overcome the challenges we face. In the coming year, we will continue to encourage growth in the economy so Americans have more money to invest in their businesses, spend on their families, and put aside for the future.
In addition to our efforts here at home, the United States continued its work to spread freedom and peace around the world. America is determined to defeat terrorists and extremists, and we will remain on the offensive against the enemies of freedom. In 2008, we will continue to stand beside our partners in the international community to lay a foundation of peace for our children and grandchildren.
America is grateful for the service and sacrifice of our Nation's troops and their families. During this hopeful time of year, we remain mindful of the courage and resolve of the fine men and women who protect our country and defend freedom's cause.
As we welcome this New Year, we move forward with trust in the power of the American spirit, confidence in our purpose, and faith in a loving God who created us to be free.
Laura and I send our best wishes for a happy New Year. May God bless you, may God bless our troops and their families, and may God bless America.
GEORGE W. BUSH
美国总统布什发表08年元旦贺词
在我们进入新年之际，我们回顾过去、期盼迎来充满希望的一年。
强劲的经济带来了富于希望和机遇的未来。由于美国劳动者和企业界的努力，去年我们的经济以富有活力的速度增长。由于保持低税率和实行财政的限制，帮助保证就业增加，赤字再次比计划提前下降。我们的经济基础证明是强劲的、有竞争力的、充满活力的，能够战胜我们面临的挑战。在未来一年，我们要进一步鼓励经济增长，让美国人民有更多的钱用于投资、家庭消费，为未来积蓄。
除了在国内努力之外，美国还继续在全世界传播自由与和平。美国决心打败恐怖分子和极端分子，我们要继续主动打击抗拒自由的敌人。2008年，我们在国际社会中要继续同我们的合作夥伴一道，为我们的后代奠定和平的基础。
美国人民非常感激我们的军人及其家属为美国提供的服务和献身精神。在新的一年开始的时候，我们仍然牢记那些可贵的男女军人的勇气与决心，他们保护我们的国家、捍卫自由事业。
在迎接新年的时刻，我们满怀对美国精神力量的信任，对我们目标的信心，对创造享受自由的众生、并爱护众生的上帝的虔诚，继续向前迈进。
我和夫人劳拉献上最好的新年祝福，愿上帝保佑你们，保佑我们的军人和他们的家属，愿上帝保佑美国。
乔治·W·布什
Monday, January 7, 2008
胡主席发表2008年新年贺词（中英对照）
Ladies and Gentlemen, Comrades and Friends,
As the clock counts down the few remaining hours to the Year 2008, through China Radio International, China National Radio and China Central Television, I am very delighted to extend New Year greetings to Chinese people of all nationalities, our compatriots in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macao Special Administrative Region, and in Taiwan, overseas Chinese and our friends of various countries around the world.
The year 2007 saw new changes in the world and China has also made new progresses. Chinese people have continued to work shoulder to shoulder in building a well-off society in an all-round way. China's comprehensive national strength has further strengthened and people's livelihood has further improved. Chinese people have boosted exchanges and cooperation with people of various nations, actively engaged in the proper settlement of issues in the world's hot spots, and pushed for the building of a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity. The 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, which convened two months ago, mapped out the grand blueprint for continuing to build a well-off society in an all-round way under new circumstances and accelerating socialist modernization. Chinese people from all ethnic groups are making full use of their diligence and wisdom to make new efforts to write a new chapter for a better life.
2008 will be a significant year for Chinese people as we will mark the 30th anniversary of China's opening up and reform. Initiated in 1978, the reform and opening-up drive is a crucial option that determines the fate of contemporary China. It has brought historic changes to socialist China. We will continue unwaveringly to hold high the great banner of building socialism with Chinese characteristics, fully implement the scientific outlook on development, further emancipate our mind, adhere to reform and opening up, develop socialist market economy, advance socialist democracy，and develop advanced socialist culture.
Improving people's well being will continue to be our top priority in building a harmonious society in which all people are well educated, workers well paid, patients well treated, elders well tended, and families well accommodated. We will continue to adhere to the principle of "One Country, Two Systems" and the policies of "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong, Macao people governing Macao with a high degree of autonomy." We will join hands with compatriots in Hong Kong and Macao to safeguard the long-term prosperity and stability of both regions. We will also adhere to the basic principle of "peaceful reunification and one country, two systems". We will grasp firmly the theme of peace and development in handling cross-Straits relations, and work for the well-being of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straits, strive for peace in the region and resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
At present, the overall international situation is stable. However, with the economic imbalance growing globally, the international security situation has become more complicated, and humankind is facing an increase in troubles and challenges. Sharing the opportunities for development and meeting the challenges together for the lofty cause of human peace and development are the common wishes of people in all countries. Here I would like to avail myself of this opportunity to reiterate that China will continue to hold high the banner of peace, development, and cooperation, make unremitting efforts in taking the road of peace and development, and undertaking the mutually beneficial, win-win and open strategy. We will continue to push forward the democratization of international relations, spare no effort in driving economic globalization towards a balanced development that benefits all and into a win-win situation, boost exchanges and mutual learning between different human civilizations, protect the globe on which humankind lives, and safeguard world peace and stability.
At this moment, we are greatly concerned about people still suffering from warfare, poverty, disease, and disasters. We Chinese people are deeply sympathetic to them and are willing to do our utmost in helping them get rid of their plights as early as possible. And we sincerely hope that people of all nations can live a peaceful life of freedom, equality, harmony, and happiness under the same blue sky.
In 2008, the 29th Summer Olympic Games and Paralympics will be held in Beijing. We, as the host, will spare no effort and enthusiasm in making the two games the grand opportunities for people around the world to understand, befriend and cooperate with each other. We warmly welcome athletes from all nations to take part in the Olympics and Paralympics games, and also welcome friends from around the world to come to China and watch the games.
At last, from Beijing, I wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous new year!
《共同推进人类和平与发展的崇高事业》
女士们，先生们，同志们，朋友们：
新年的钟声即将敲响，2008年就要到来了。在这个充满希望的美好时刻，我很高兴通过中国国际广播电台、中央人民广播电台和中央电视台，向全国各族人民，向香港特别行政区同胞和澳门特别行政区同胞，向台湾同胞和海外侨胞，向世界各国的朋友们，致以新年的祝福！
2007年，世界发生了新变化，中国也取得了新进步。中国各族人民万众一心，继续推动全面建设小康社会进程。中国的综合国力进一步增强，人民生活进一步改善。中国人民加强同各国人民的交流合作，积极致力于国际热点问题的妥善解决，努力推动建设持久和平、共同繁荣的和谐世界。两个多月前，中国共产党召开了第十七次全国代表大会，描绘了在新的时代条件下继续全面建设小康社会、加快推进社会主义现代化的宏伟蓝图。中国各族人民正以自己的勤劳和智慧，为谱写美好生活新篇章进行着新的奋斗。
2008年，对中国人民来说，是十分重要的一年。我们将隆重纪念改革开放30周年。1978年开始的改革开放，是决定当代中国命运的关键抉择，使社会主义中国的面貌发生了历史性变化。我们将坚定不移地高举中国特色社会主义伟大旗帜，深入贯彻落实科学发展观，继续解放思想，坚持改革开放，发展社会主义市场经济，发展社会主义民主政治，发展社会主义先进文化，继续以改善民生为重点加强社会建设，努力使全体人民学有所教、劳有所得、病有所医、老有所养、住有所居，促进社会和谐。我们将坚持“一国两制”、“港人治港”、“澳人治澳”、高度自治的方针，同广大香港同胞、澳门同胞一道，共同维护香港、澳门长期繁荣稳定。我们将坚持“和平统一、一国两制”的基本方针，牢牢把握两岸关系和平发展的主题，始终不渝地为两岸同胞谋福祉、为台海地区谋和平，坚决维护国家主权和领土完整。
当前，国际形势总体上保持稳定，同时，全球经济失衡加剧，国际安全形势更加复杂，人类面临诸多难题和挑战。共同分享发展机遇，共同应对各种挑战，推进人类和平与发展的崇高事业，是各国人民的共同愿望。借此机会，我愿重申，中国将高举和平、发展、合作旗帜，始终不渝走和平发展道路，始终不渝实施互利共赢的开放战略，继续致力于推进国际关系民主化，推动经济全球化朝着均衡、普惠、共赢方向发展，促进人类文明交流互鉴，呵护人类赖以生存的地球家园，维护世界和平稳定。
此时此刻，我们深深挂念世界各地身受战火、贫困、疾病、灾害煎熬的人们。中国人民深切同情他们的遭遇，愿尽己所能帮助他们早日摆脱困境。我们衷心希望各国人民自由、平等、和谐、幸福地生活在同一个蓝天之下，共享人类和平与发展的成果。
2008年，第29届夏季奥运会和残奥会将在北京举办。我们将以最大的热情、尽最大的努力，让这届奥运会和残奥会成为增进中国人民同世界各国人民相互了解和友好合作的盛会。我们热忱欢迎各国体育健儿来中国参加奥运会和残奥会，也热忱欢迎各国朋友来中国观看奥运会和残奥会。
最后，我从北京祝大家在新的一年里幸福安康！
As the clock counts down the few remaining hours to the Year 2008, through China Radio International, China National Radio and China Central Television, I am very delighted to extend New Year greetings to Chinese people of all nationalities, our compatriots in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macao Special Administrative Region, and in Taiwan, overseas Chinese and our friends of various countries around the world.
The year 2007 saw new changes in the world and China has also made new progresses. Chinese people have continued to work shoulder to shoulder in building a well-off society in an all-round way. China's comprehensive national strength has further strengthened and people's livelihood has further improved. Chinese people have boosted exchanges and cooperation with people of various nations, actively engaged in the proper settlement of issues in the world's hot spots, and pushed for the building of a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity. The 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, which convened two months ago, mapped out the grand blueprint for continuing to build a well-off society in an all-round way under new circumstances and accelerating socialist modernization. Chinese people from all ethnic groups are making full use of their diligence and wisdom to make new efforts to write a new chapter for a better life.
2008 will be a significant year for Chinese people as we will mark the 30th anniversary of China's opening up and reform. Initiated in 1978, the reform and opening-up drive is a crucial option that determines the fate of contemporary China. It has brought historic changes to socialist China. We will continue unwaveringly to hold high the great banner of building socialism with Chinese characteristics, fully implement the scientific outlook on development, further emancipate our mind, adhere to reform and opening up, develop socialist market economy, advance socialist democracy，and develop advanced socialist culture.
Improving people's well being will continue to be our top priority in building a harmonious society in which all people are well educated, workers well paid, patients well treated, elders well tended, and families well accommodated. We will continue to adhere to the principle of "One Country, Two Systems" and the policies of "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong, Macao people governing Macao with a high degree of autonomy." We will join hands with compatriots in Hong Kong and Macao to safeguard the long-term prosperity and stability of both regions. We will also adhere to the basic principle of "peaceful reunification and one country, two systems". We will grasp firmly the theme of peace and development in handling cross-Straits relations, and work for the well-being of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straits, strive for peace in the region and resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
At present, the overall international situation is stable. However, with the economic imbalance growing globally, the international security situation has become more complicated, and humankind is facing an increase in troubles and challenges. Sharing the opportunities for development and meeting the challenges together for the lofty cause of human peace and development are the common wishes of people in all countries. Here I would like to avail myself of this opportunity to reiterate that China will continue to hold high the banner of peace, development, and cooperation, make unremitting efforts in taking the road of peace and development, and undertaking the mutually beneficial, win-win and open strategy. We will continue to push forward the democratization of international relations, spare no effort in driving economic globalization towards a balanced development that benefits all and into a win-win situation, boost exchanges and mutual learning between different human civilizations, protect the globe on which humankind lives, and safeguard world peace and stability.
At this moment, we are greatly concerned about people still suffering from warfare, poverty, disease, and disasters. We Chinese people are deeply sympathetic to them and are willing to do our utmost in helping them get rid of their plights as early as possible. And we sincerely hope that people of all nations can live a peaceful life of freedom, equality, harmony, and happiness under the same blue sky.
In 2008, the 29th Summer Olympic Games and Paralympics will be held in Beijing. We, as the host, will spare no effort and enthusiasm in making the two games the grand opportunities for people around the world to understand, befriend and cooperate with each other. We warmly welcome athletes from all nations to take part in the Olympics and Paralympics games, and also welcome friends from around the world to come to China and watch the games.
At last, from Beijing, I wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous new year!
《共同推进人类和平与发展的崇高事业》
女士们，先生们，同志们，朋友们：
新年的钟声即将敲响，2008年就要到来了。在这个充满希望的美好时刻，我很高兴通过中国国际广播电台、中央人民广播电台和中央电视台，向全国各族人民，向香港特别行政区同胞和澳门特别行政区同胞，向台湾同胞和海外侨胞，向世界各国的朋友们，致以新年的祝福！
2007年，世界发生了新变化，中国也取得了新进步。中国各族人民万众一心，继续推动全面建设小康社会进程。中国的综合国力进一步增强，人民生活进一步改善。中国人民加强同各国人民的交流合作，积极致力于国际热点问题的妥善解决，努力推动建设持久和平、共同繁荣的和谐世界。两个多月前，中国共产党召开了第十七次全国代表大会，描绘了在新的时代条件下继续全面建设小康社会、加快推进社会主义现代化的宏伟蓝图。中国各族人民正以自己的勤劳和智慧，为谱写美好生活新篇章进行着新的奋斗。
2008年，对中国人民来说，是十分重要的一年。我们将隆重纪念改革开放30周年。1978年开始的改革开放，是决定当代中国命运的关键抉择，使社会主义中国的面貌发生了历史性变化。我们将坚定不移地高举中国特色社会主义伟大旗帜，深入贯彻落实科学发展观，继续解放思想，坚持改革开放，发展社会主义市场经济，发展社会主义民主政治，发展社会主义先进文化，继续以改善民生为重点加强社会建设，努力使全体人民学有所教、劳有所得、病有所医、老有所养、住有所居，促进社会和谐。我们将坚持“一国两制”、“港人治港”、“澳人治澳”、高度自治的方针，同广大香港同胞、澳门同胞一道，共同维护香港、澳门长期繁荣稳定。我们将坚持“和平统一、一国两制”的基本方针，牢牢把握两岸关系和平发展的主题，始终不渝地为两岸同胞谋福祉、为台海地区谋和平，坚决维护国家主权和领土完整。
当前，国际形势总体上保持稳定，同时，全球经济失衡加剧，国际安全形势更加复杂，人类面临诸多难题和挑战。共同分享发展机遇，共同应对各种挑战，推进人类和平与发展的崇高事业，是各国人民的共同愿望。借此机会，我愿重申，中国将高举和平、发展、合作旗帜，始终不渝走和平发展道路，始终不渝实施互利共赢的开放战略，继续致力于推进国际关系民主化，推动经济全球化朝着均衡、普惠、共赢方向发展，促进人类文明交流互鉴，呵护人类赖以生存的地球家园，维护世界和平稳定。
此时此刻，我们深深挂念世界各地身受战火、贫困、疾病、灾害煎熬的人们。中国人民深切同情他们的遭遇，愿尽己所能帮助他们早日摆脱困境。我们衷心希望各国人民自由、平等、和谐、幸福地生活在同一个蓝天之下，共享人类和平与发展的成果。
2008年，第29届夏季奥运会和残奥会将在北京举办。我们将以最大的热情、尽最大的努力，让这届奥运会和残奥会成为增进中国人民同世界各国人民相互了解和友好合作的盛会。我们热忱欢迎各国体育健儿来中国参加奥运会和残奥会，也热忱欢迎各国朋友来中国观看奥运会和残奥会。
最后，我从北京祝大家在新的一年里幸福安康！
7 Reasons You Should Be Advertising on Blogs
- Good bang for your buck: Most bloggers are part time and or just do it for a hobby, so any income is usually good income. You can get on some great blogs for as low as $50 or $100 a month and even some massive ones for as low as $500 - $1000. Try getting on Yahoo or MSN for $100. See if they return your email J
- Easy to get started: Most medium sized blogs now have an ‘Advertise with Us’ section with simple pricing and direct contact to the blogger/owner or blog network they are affiliated with.
- Blog readers are power internet users: Blog readers spend a lot of time online, so if you are not marketing your product to them where they live, you are missing them completely. 44% of the readers of our video game channel spend more than 30 hours online each week. (I’m sure a lot of the left over hours are used playing video games. J
- Blogs tend to be read by other bloggers: A high percentage of blog readers actually have their own blogs. This one leads into my next 2 points and the last one being the key reason for advertising on blogs.
- Bloggers are early adopters: Bloggers and blog readers are much higher on average to test out new technologies than that average internet reader. For example with the readers of b5media’s business channel, 78% own a laptop computer, 58% own an LCD or plasma TV, and 55% own a blackberry or iPhone. Those usage numbers are way higher than the average internet user and massive compared to the average TV viewer.
- Bloggers are very influential: This is the big one. The powerful influencers are quickly shifting to the small voice. I’m not talking Oprah here, I’m talking about the single parent stay at home mom that loves the book, the 4 hour work week, and hates windows vista. Bloggers are generating dedicated readers and followers that not only test out or buy a product that they recommend, but the readers too are blogging about it. It’s a waterfall of influence if even one prominent blogger likes your product. I reference those to products, because that book popularity was spurn in the blogosphere and Vista was killed by it. Bloggers can make or break your product. Get in front of them early and let your product grow with them.
- Easy to get started: Most medium sized blogs now have an ‘Advertise with Us’ section with simple pricing and direct contact to the blogger/owner or blog network they are affiliated with.
- Blog readers are power internet users: Blog readers spend a lot of time online, so if you are not marketing your product to them where they live, you are missing them completely. 44% of the readers of our video game channel spend more than 30 hours online each week. (I’m sure a lot of the left over hours are used playing video games. J
- Blogs tend to be read by other bloggers: A high percentage of blog readers actually have their own blogs. This one leads into my next 2 points and the last one being the key reason for advertising on blogs.
- Bloggers are early adopters: Bloggers and blog readers are much higher on average to test out new technologies than that average internet reader. For example with the readers of b5media’s business channel, 78% own a laptop computer, 58% own an LCD or plasma TV, and 55% own a blackberry or iPhone. Those usage numbers are way higher than the average internet user and massive compared to the average TV viewer.
- Bloggers are very influential: This is the big one. The powerful influencers are quickly shifting to the small voice. I’m not talking Oprah here, I’m talking about the single parent stay at home mom that loves the book, the 4 hour work week, and hates windows vista. Bloggers are generating dedicated readers and followers that not only test out or buy a product that they recommend, but the readers too are blogging about it. It’s a waterfall of influence if even one prominent blogger likes your product. I reference those to products, because that book popularity was spurn in the blogosphere and Vista was killed by it. Bloggers can make or break your product. Get in front of them early and let your product grow with them.
3 Ways To Claim Your Life Back - How To Step Away From Your Computer
“You do anything long enough to escape the habit of livinguntil the escape becomes the habit.”- David Ryan
Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Lea Woodward of the Location Independent Living blog.
There is no denying that the rise of the computer coupled with the increasing availability of high speed internet, has made one of the most significant impacts on our lives in the past few years.
I know for sure that I’d be lost without mine and I’m not alone…a survey earlier this year by Kelton Research reported that 84% of responders stated that they were “more dependent on their home computer now than they were just three years ago” and that 65% of them spend more time with their computer than their own spouse.
Ever since I realised that my chronic eye strain was getting worse to the extent that I couldn’t actually see straight on my screen when I was tired, I’ve been trying out different ways to limit the time I spend on my laptop. It’s not an easy task as a location independent professional who relies on my laptop to run my business, work with clients and stay in touch with friends and family.
So just how can you overcome your computer addiction, claim your real life back from your virtual one and step away from the screen?
Here are 3 of the most effective ways I’ve found…
Time yourselfThe first step in reducing the amount of time you spend in front of your screen is to get an idea of just how much time you do actually spend there.
In some cases, this may be a real eye-opener. For example, I estimated that I spend an average of 6 or so hours at my laptop every day. The real time? Over the course of 5 days, it was closer to 10 hours each day. Talk about being in denial!
Once I realised this I started to keep a much closer eye on the time I spent doing specific tasks on my computer - aimless surfing, twittering, facebooking, blogging, product creation and client work. Doing this helped me deduce that a whopping 40% of the total time I spent on my laptop was really not that productive - instant things I could address to help cut down my computer usage and tighten up on becoming more efficient when I am sitting in front of it.
Simple tools like Togglr, Tick and yaTimer can help you keep track of how you spend your time.
Plan specific activities away from your computerIf you don’t plan specific activities for whilst you’re away from the computer, then you are much more likely to fall into the trap of aimless surfing or playing Solitaire when you have spare time to kill or just need a break from the work.
Planning something specific to do when you take a break from the computer will not only give you some structure to this time, it can help you structure your day more efficiently as a whole.
Some of the most effective activities to plan are ones which you’ll really enjoy - reading a book, a walk in the fresh air, playing with the kids, catching up with a friend on the phone or even just sitting down for a mug of tea in a more comfy chair. If you make these activities really pleasurable, you might even find that spending time away from the computer becomes something you begin to do more frequently.
Uninstall and remove unnecessary programsThis might seem an extreme solution but it’s also an effective one. Removing all the programs, services, tools and software that you don’t use for your work means that you won’t be tempted to spend unproductive time on the computer in your breaks or when your work is done.
Unplugging from the internet is the other biggie - reducing that temptation to spend an hour surfing aimlessly - and when you do go online to achieve a specific task, try using your time tracker to give yourself a limit and help focus you on the task at hand.
It is also a useful activity to spend time at the beginning of each day to review your planned activities, identify what you’ll do whilst at your computer and more importantly, see what could conceivably be completed away from it.
So if you’ve noticed yourself spending ridiculous amounts of time on the computer and thought about cutting down, try these tips and let me know how you get on.
Lea Woodward writes about escaping your location on her blog, Location Independent Living. Give it a read or subscribe to her feed.
Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Lea Woodward of the Location Independent Living blog.
There is no denying that the rise of the computer coupled with the increasing availability of high speed internet, has made one of the most significant impacts on our lives in the past few years.
I know for sure that I’d be lost without mine and I’m not alone…a survey earlier this year by Kelton Research reported that 84% of responders stated that they were “more dependent on their home computer now than they were just three years ago” and that 65% of them spend more time with their computer than their own spouse.
Ever since I realised that my chronic eye strain was getting worse to the extent that I couldn’t actually see straight on my screen when I was tired, I’ve been trying out different ways to limit the time I spend on my laptop. It’s not an easy task as a location independent professional who relies on my laptop to run my business, work with clients and stay in touch with friends and family.
So just how can you overcome your computer addiction, claim your real life back from your virtual one and step away from the screen?
Here are 3 of the most effective ways I’ve found…
Time yourselfThe first step in reducing the amount of time you spend in front of your screen is to get an idea of just how much time you do actually spend there.
In some cases, this may be a real eye-opener. For example, I estimated that I spend an average of 6 or so hours at my laptop every day. The real time? Over the course of 5 days, it was closer to 10 hours each day. Talk about being in denial!
Once I realised this I started to keep a much closer eye on the time I spent doing specific tasks on my computer - aimless surfing, twittering, facebooking, blogging, product creation and client work. Doing this helped me deduce that a whopping 40% of the total time I spent on my laptop was really not that productive - instant things I could address to help cut down my computer usage and tighten up on becoming more efficient when I am sitting in front of it.
Simple tools like Togglr, Tick and yaTimer can help you keep track of how you spend your time.
Plan specific activities away from your computerIf you don’t plan specific activities for whilst you’re away from the computer, then you are much more likely to fall into the trap of aimless surfing or playing Solitaire when you have spare time to kill or just need a break from the work.
Planning something specific to do when you take a break from the computer will not only give you some structure to this time, it can help you structure your day more efficiently as a whole.
Some of the most effective activities to plan are ones which you’ll really enjoy - reading a book, a walk in the fresh air, playing with the kids, catching up with a friend on the phone or even just sitting down for a mug of tea in a more comfy chair. If you make these activities really pleasurable, you might even find that spending time away from the computer becomes something you begin to do more frequently.
Uninstall and remove unnecessary programsThis might seem an extreme solution but it’s also an effective one. Removing all the programs, services, tools and software that you don’t use for your work means that you won’t be tempted to spend unproductive time on the computer in your breaks or when your work is done.
Unplugging from the internet is the other biggie - reducing that temptation to spend an hour surfing aimlessly - and when you do go online to achieve a specific task, try using your time tracker to give yourself a limit and help focus you on the task at hand.
It is also a useful activity to spend time at the beginning of each day to review your planned activities, identify what you’ll do whilst at your computer and more importantly, see what could conceivably be completed away from it.
So if you’ve noticed yourself spending ridiculous amounts of time on the computer and thought about cutting down, try these tips and let me know how you get on.
Lea Woodward writes about escaping your location on her blog, Location Independent Living. Give it a read or subscribe to her feed.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Get ready for a rocking '08 in networking tech
perspective During the holiday season, snow isn't the only thing we analysts shovel. With that in mind, here's my look forward on networking technology and related industry trends in 2008:
1. 802.11n
While several vendors including Aruba Networks, Cisco Systems, Meru Networks, and Trapeze Networks are already shipping products, this yet-to-be-ratified IEEE Wi-Fi standard will create a bigger buzz in 2008 than cheap New Year's Eve champagne. Why? 802.11n is the first wireless networking technology with the bandwidth and feature set to replace today's standard wired Ethernet. While most users will retain their wires for now, 802.11n equipment will still be sold in droves to replace existing legacy Wi-Fi equipment--especially at universities, hospitals, and manufacturing companies.
2. 802.1x
Yet another IEEE standard with a catchy name. Think of 802.1x as your laptop's name tag at the network party. No name tag, no access to the party. Deployment of 802.1x has always been an expensive kludge, so it has seen limited success. This will change in 2008 with more widespread implementation of Windows Vista and 802.1x in mobile devices. Look for this activity to be further driven by the OpenSEA Alliance's work that seeks to do for 802.1x what Firefox did for the browser.
3. Windows Server 2008
Look for Microsoft to really turn up the volume on Windows networking. Windows Server 2008 truly advances Microsoft offerings in network activities like DNS/DHCP, IPSec, and Network Access Protection. Expect to see Microsoft create a networking-centric "Windows light" version to compete with all of the Linux appliances sometime late in the year.
4. Identity-based networking
This has been around for a while, but now that Cisco has introduced its Trusted Security (TrustSec) Architecture, we are bound to see and hear lots more. Basically, TrustSec and its industry cousins marry identity, role, location, and policy together so IT can create user-based networking rules depending upon multiple parameters. Despite the neat sound bites, the biggest identity-based networking activity in 2008 will simply authenticate devices and check their health status. Hey, didn't we call this Network Access Control (NAC) just a few months ago?
5. Data center 10-gigabit Ethernet switching
The Ethernet crowd (i.e. Cisco, Extreme, Hewlett-Packard, etc.) will really push 10-Gigabit Ethernet switching for the data center, especially with the introduction of 10-Gigabit over copper early in the year. Driven by the server virtualization frenzy, large organizations will buy a load of these new switches next year, further driving down the price per port. This will have a ripple effect through the storage world. With all of this new 10-gigabit equipment, large organizations will finally eschew Fibre Channel in favor of IP-based storage.
6. Traffic management
Look at some recent networking trends: P2P, YouTube, service-oriented architecture, IP telephony, etc.--every one of these can potentially wreak havoc on network traffic at a moment's notice. This is only going to get worse as we add more video, IP storage, and dynamic IT virtualization to the traffic mix. Leading-edge companies understand that legacy network management technologies don't cut it anymore. Now it's time for the mass majority to follow by purchasing new tools that help them with traffic spikes, capacity planning, and application tuning. Good news for Arbor Networks, Mazu, and Xangati, which should see big deals and/or acquisitions.
7. Network infrastructure breakdown
As large organizations embrace the latest networking gadgets, their network services infrastructure will begin to fail. Think of the dull guts of the network like IP address management (IPAM), DNS/DHCP, and Radius that are often managed using spreadsheets, scripts, or ancient NT 3.5 servers. As noted earlier, Microsoft will make a lot of noise in this space, but expect specialists like Blue Cat, Identity Engines, and Infoblox to shine as well.
8. IPv6
We will see both push and pull in 2008. As of June 30, all federal government agency backbones must be ready to transmit both IPv4 and IPv6 traffic. This in turn means that every supplier to the government must also support IPv6. Vendors will want to get a return on this R&D expense and will therefore push IPv6 hard into the private sector. While this will produce limited results, the IPv6 buzz will really heat up toward the end of 2008 as mobile and "smart" device penetration leads to a new panic about IP address shortages. Look for widespread deployment at the twilight of the decade.
9. Fixed wireless convergence
FWC will enable your cell phone to switch among cellular, Wi-Fi, and WiMax networks without missing a beat. Very cool, but this technology creates an industry "battle royale" as it pits the equipment provider proponents who have everything to gain (i.e. sell new equipment) and the cellular providers who have everything to lose (i.e. lose valuable cellular voice plan revenue). By the end of 2008, progressive carriers will realize that fixed wireless convergence is inevitable and begin to change their business model accordingly. Until then, expect a lot of visionary hype and limited activity.
10. Open cellular networks
Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon claim that they will open their networks soon, look for AT&T to make a similar announcement early in 2008. No, Linus Torvalds isn't providing advice for Ivan Seidenberg, CEO of Verizon. All of these carriers simply need unbridled flexibility to respond to an avalanche of impending wireless communications and standards, WiMax, and new handheld platforms like Google Android. Look for the cellular carriers to begin abandoning retail outlets and outsource break/fix services in late 2008 or early 2009.
I'm sure that I missed a bunch of trends but there is always next year. Peace.
Biography
Jon Oltsik is a senior analyst at the Enterprise Strategy Group.
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