All posts by ampmin

Business

Investing in Small Businesses: Risks & Gains

Investments are always a game of chance. But an investor always wants to be ahead of the game when it comes to investment choices. Some options include the stock market, real estate and small businesses. With investments in small businesses an analysis of the business must be made to determine if the business meets requirements and potential expectations. When investing in small businesses an investor can have the fortune of reaping great financial gain or lose every cent invested in the business. It is for this reason it is important to look at the potential for gain as well as risk in small business investments.

There are two different types of investments that can be made in small businesses. They are equity or debt investments. When an equity investment is made an individual buys a portion of the ownership of the business. Investors in this scenario provide capital usually in the form of cash in exchange for a percent of both profits and losses. Equity investments can provide the biggest gains and risks for an investor. If the business is extremely profitable the equity investor reaps the monetary rewards. However if the business has losses they are given to the equity investor to absorb.

The second type of investment for small businesses is debt investment. An investor loans money to a small business with the promise of repayment plus interest. The money invested is in the form of direct loans or bonds purchased by the business. The advantage of debt investment over equity investment is if the company enters bankruptcy the debt investors have priority over equity investors to secure their original investment minimizing risk.

To help ensure gain there are some things to consider when investing in a small business. It is important to know how long a company has been in business to show stability. The amount of experience the management has in the industry and prior success at previous companies are also good indicators if management has the ability to meet the needs and growth of the business. As with all ventures it takes money to make money. A company must have enough money and resources to function successfully. Finally an investor must be informed about the industry they want to invest. Without proper information and knowledge an investor will not be able to properly allocate their resources to maximize gain and minimize risk.

Technology

Facebook & Oculus Deal

The social marketing giant Facebook is back making splashes in the news, as the company recently acquired Oculus VR, a small company based in Irvine, California. Oculus VR specializes in virtual reality headsets that gamers can wear to transform the gameplay. Perhaps the most staggering bit of information regarding the deal is how much Facebook paid to acquire the small company.

Facebook, co-founded by current Charmain and CEO Mark Zuckerberg in 2004, has long been looking for ways to maximize its profits by staying innovative. This is precisely why the company would pay such high dollars to acquire Oculus VR. Whether the investment will pay off going forward is yet to be seen, but Zuckerberg sees the possibilities well worth the two billion dollar acquisition.

According to Facebook, the ultimate goal of this transaction is to make the Facebook experience turn into an immersive 3D experience. That may mean that a mundane chat with Grandma over the social networking site, may turn into a magnificent display of virtual reality in which your grandmother is right there in front of you.

That may also mean a barrage of virtual reality advertisements. And this is a valid concern, as anyone who has ever used Facebook for social networking knows of the constant presence of advertisements. Many sit back and wonder if this is in the plans for Facebook, but that is just another mystery regarding what will come of the deal.

As Oculus VR was busy developing their goggles that allows the user to see solid images in 3D, Facebook was insistent on where it could take the company. Still, it is understandable if many remain skeptic over the acquisition.

There is no certainty that the future of social networking is virtual reality. This certainly will be a long term investment, as virtual reality doesn’t seem like it is catching on in the near future. Nonetheless, those at Oculus VR will surely want to be productive with the product. The Oculus acquisition is worth $400 million in cash, with 23.1 million shares that are worth 1.6 billion dollars. Oculus employees are also eligible to receive bonuses if the company hits certain goals.

This is the second time Facebook has acquired a company for billions of dollars already this year, as it paid 19 billion dollars for WhatsApp earlier this year.

Health

Lower Your Cholesterol

Many people today monitor their cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is the artery-clogging substance that increases over time. If a person gets a high cholesterol reading, there are things that can be done to lower it. It may require the use of some effective medications combined with lifestyle changes. When this is done properly, a lower cholesterol level can be achieved in a matter of weeks.

Have a Goal
It’s important for a person to work with their physician and set a goal for their cholesterol number. This will involve many different factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, family history and more. Once someone sets a goal for their cholesterol numbers, they usually take action to achieve it.

Physical Activity
Studies have shown that people benefit from being physically active on a regular basis. Doing this can raise their good cholesterol levels by as much as ten percent. This physical activity could involve everything from moderate exercising to brisk walking and more.

Increase Fiber Consumption
People who want to lower their cholesterol will need to eat more fiber rich foods. These are fruits as well as vegetables and whole grains. Foods rich in fiber also contain heart-healthy antioxidants. Researchers claim that fiber can behave like a sponge and absorb cholesterol. Some good fiber foods include oats, dried beans, barley and more.

Moderate Consumption of Alcohol
Researchers have discovered that a moderate consumption of alcohol helps increase levels of good cholesterol. Studies have shown that people have increased it by as much as ten percent with moderate alcohol consumption. Most physicians recommend one drink a day for women and two a day for men.

Drink Green Tea
Many physicians today are recommending their patients drink green tea and avoid sugary beverages. There has been research conducted on both animals and humans regarding cholesterol. The results have shown how green tea has compounds that are able to lower cholesterol. In one study individuals who took pills filled with green tea extract actually decreased their total cholesterol number.

Benefits of Fish
Studies have shown that fish and fish oil contain high amounts of cholesterol-lowering Omega 3 fatty acids. Study participants who used fish oil supplements experienced a noticeable decrease in their cholesterol. A person should check with their doctor before taking fish oil supplements. There could be a concern for people using anti-clotting medication. Many physicians recommend eating fish up to three times a week or more.

Avoid Smoking
Research has shown that smoking decreases levels of good cholesterol. It is also a major cause for heart disease.

Technology

2014′s Best iPhone Apps

2014′s Best iPhone Apps are an active part of your life. Fill your iPhone with tools that help you get through the day. Alarm clocks to get you up in the morning, calculators that help you exercise and monitor calorie intake and apps that give you the ability to find and save magazines and stories you might want to read at later time.

Skype:

Skype has to lead the list of 2014 best iPhone Apps with its ability to keep users in touch with a host of friends and family. Call anyone or hold a video conference talking to people around the globe.

Pocket:

A splendid app for people using their iPhone for reading on the go, make note of interesting reading and never miss important information while managing daily activities.

Find my iPhone:

It is so easy to misplace a small phone. When busy or in a hurry, the phone ends up, on a dresser, under the duvet, or in a room normally not used to store it. This device stops the frustration and finds the phone without the stress.

Chrome:

The Chrome app gives your search speed getting to a site with swift accuracy. Millions of people are surfing the Internet and using the Chrome apps. This app helps you avoid the lag, reaching sites quickly.

PCalc Lite:

A calculator always comes in handy when buying products or keeping a budget. The best way to keep track of every penny spent or earned is to have this uniquely designed calculator. This calculator has useful conversion units that add a little more ease of use to basic calculations.

Adobe Photoshop Express:

To your collection of apps add Adobe Photoshop Express fix, separate and share photos and add fun designs. Place just the right touch of brightness and send photos anywhere on the Web.

Google Maps:

Find a location and see it before you arrive with Google map. Look around at a neighborhood and familiarize yourself. Google map makes a place mentally and physically accessible.

Cloze:

This app gathers and arranges messages, emails and conversational information from around the Web. Send tweets keep your thought in order and manage your information networks from one device.

Flickr:

Pictures galore are on this site; satisfy your phone app with flowers, pictures of food, equipment, cars and other fun things. Put these on your iPhone and send them to your friends.

IM+:

IM information is placed into this app with all the Web favorites on it. The 2014 iPhone Apps allow users to add details to the phone presenting it with more capabilities. These apps are only a few available for use on the 2014 iPhone.

Entertainment

2014 Ultra Music Festival

The 2014 issue of the Ultra Music Festival in Miami has just wrapped up, much to the relief of some and dismay of others wanting more of the music. This year’s lineup provided to pack a punch, and the many that attended the event were as colorful as always. Many were excited to pack Miami’s Bayfront Park for the festival that ran from March 28 through the 30th.

Of course, when thousands upon thousands of people get together, there will surely be unfortunate events that happen along the way. And this happened on day one when a group of fans without tickets attempted to force their entrance, trampling a poor security guard in the process. The guard remains in the hospital due to the unfortunate misguiding of a few, but alas the show went on. And like any music festival, the Ultra Music Festival is about the music.

Day One

The festival got off to a bang that saw artists from around the globe and music genres get together to play in front of an enthusiastic and appreciating crowd. No matter which stage of the seven that were offered at this year’s event, there was someone to see. Day one was stuffed with stupendous artists, from MGMT to Zedd, Kaskade, Eric Prydz and Tiësto. There was a lot to see and hear during day one. One of the memorable moments of the night came when Tiësto invited the women of Icona Pop on stage with him to perform their song Let’s Go.

Day Two

The crowds continued dancing and cheering through day two, a Saturday that was met with many great artists and performers. The hot and muggy weather of Saturday eventually brought a storm of showers around 9 PM local time, but the rain couldn’t damper the sets of Deadmau5 and Armin van Buuren’s red hot performances. Downpours aside, the fans of the Ultra Music Festival continued to dance the night away.

Day Three

The enthusiastic crowd continued bouncing and shaking into day three, which saw a Sunday full of joy and excitement. Paul van Dyk, Gaia, New World Punx, AfroJack, Jack U, Hardwell and David Guetta were just some of the fantastic acts to perform on the last day of the festival, and some wish that it never returns. Miami officials have called for an end to the Ultra Music Festival, as the incident on day one and several arrests have made officials angry.

Travel

5 Easy Beach Getaways

Planning a getaway can be an exciting time right up until the moment that all of the logistics begin to fall apart. This is where knowing a few great secret beach getaways, that are always easy to plan, can come in extremely handy. Here are five favorites!

Eastern Shore, Virginia:

There is plenty to say of the great capital of these our United States of America but what many don’t know is the beauty of what lies so close by. The Eastern Shore of the area known as the Chesapeake Bay is also known as a “Summer Beach Town”, and it definitely lives up to its name. With beaches galore, the history of the area only makes it that much more exciting to include in your next getaway itinerary. The Chincoteague ponies are a must see if you ever find yourself in the area.

Saint Michaels, Maryland:

A quick hop, skip, and jump away is the amazing area of Saint Michaels, Maryland. Saint Michaels is also on the Chesapeake Bay and includes a wonderful Maritime Museum that tells a spectacular story of the history of the bay area. It will take you through each of the area’s points of interest, and how each of them came to be. There is plenty to enjoy while visiting Saint Michaels including biking, hiking and of course, the beaches.

Destin, Florida:

Florida, in and of itself, is a phenomenal place to visit but Destin, Florida easily takes the cake when it comes to an easy beach getaway. You can look forward to friendly people, beautiful beaches, and lots of wild dolphins playing just off shore. In the realm of easy beach getaways, Destin, Florida is easily in the top 5.

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Another beautiful getaway on the Eastern Seaboard, Kiawah Island is perfect for couples and families alike. There is no shortage of amazing activities to enjoy while on the island and miles of beach area is only the beginning. Golfers will love the fact that Kiawah Island is also known as a golfer’s paradise.

Negril, Jamaica

Since we are on the topic of beach getaways, we had to include one completely exotic in nature. This is where Negril, Jamaica comes into the picture. Negril might not be a simple drive away, however it is a fairly short flight from many Eastern cities. While in Negril you can look forward to enjoying the best snorkeling experience ever, a very laid back atmosphere, and wonderful live music nearly every day.

Health

In The Know About Women’s Cancers

Women’s cancers are those cancers that affect the tissues and organs specific to women. These cancers can be life threatening and lead to the deaths of thousands of women each year. However, early detection of women’s cancers can help to reduce mortality and allow women to go on to live healthy lives.

Breast

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that has good cure outcomes with early detection. Regular breast self-exams and periodic mammograms are the best ways to detect small tumors in the early stages. The ability to recognize the normal lumps of breast tissue and distinguish them from any unusual growths can help to catch breast cancer in the early stages. Blood tests can detect the BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 genetic mutations that can increase your risk for breast and ovarian cancer. If genetic testing indicates you have this increased risk, discuss your options with your physician.

Cervical

Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, the small organ that connects the vagina to the uterus. This type of cancer is generally slow growing and may not exhibit any symptoms in the early stages. Regular Pap smears can help to detect cervical cancer in the early stages. Cervical cancer is known to be caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) A vaccine to prevent infection by HPV is available for women between the ages of 12 and 26 years of age. When a Pap smear indicates abnormal cells in the cervical tissue, the gynecologist will order other tests to ensure that the cells are not cancerous. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are the standard treatments for this type of cancer.

Ovarian

Ovarian cancer occurs in the ovaries in the abdomen of the woman. The ovaries produce the eggs that are then fertilized by the man’s sperm and develop into a fetus. Ovarian cancer can produce vague symptoms in the early stages that may be missed. Women should be particularly alert to bloating, feelings of fullness urinary problems or menstrual changes. Ultrasound, blood tests, and MRI scans can help the physician to determine if ovarian cancer is present. Surgical removal of the ovarian tissue is the standard method of treatment for this type of cancer.

Uterine

Uterine cancer develops within the uterine tissue, or endometrium. The usual Pap test for cervical cancer does not detect it. This type of cancer may cause unusual bleeding or pelvic pain. If women experience these symptoms, they should consult with their physicians, who may order a biopsy or ultrasound to detect tumors. Common treatments for uterine cancer are surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy.

Entertainment

‘Frozen’ is Biggest Animated Film

After one of the most successful box office runs Disney has seen in the history of the company: Frozen has gone on to become the top grossing animated film of all time. Frozen became Fandango’s biggest advanced ticket seller in the company’s history. Frozen was released to massive critical acclaim. Most critics singling out “Let It Go” as the best Disney song since the Renaissance days. Frozen went on to win two Academy Awards: “Let It Go” won Best Original Song and Frozen won the Oscar for Best Animated Film. However, there have been many other animated movies that have won Academy Awards. What set Frozen apart from the rest?

Word of Mouth

Once an anticipated movie comes out, people flock to see it, and everything ends there. A lot of hugely hyped movies drop insane box office numbers for the first week or two. After that, they slowly drop off and the movie fades into obscurity until the DVD and Blu Ray release. What is it that insured that this never happened to Frozen? Since it’s release, Frozen stayed in the top 10 of the box office for over three full months! To put that into perspective, Frozen was still making huge numbers in the box office in the weeks leading up to its DVD and Blu Rat release. This can be attributed to word of mouth.

Disney did something brilliant while marketing Frozen: They did very little. There were a few ad campaigns, but you never got the feel for how the movie was going to be. It seemed like just another Disney movie. However, Frozen blindsided the audience and critics alike with a very uplifting story, Broadway musical quality songs, some adult humor, and some of the most interesting themes that Disney has ever explored. This led to many people going to their friends and family and saying, “You’ve got to see this movie!” And it worked! Whether you’re an adult or a kid, Frozen offers something for everyone.

Lack of Competition

Frozen continued to see success, because there weren’t many other movies out to see. Frozen came out while Oscar season was still in full swing. For those that follow the awards season, the movies that come out tend to be very adult-oriented and not the best movies when it comes to garnering a lot of mainstream success. Frozen was in a league of its own during that time. It was a family movie that came out around the time families were seeing each other for the Holidays. It makes sense that families weren’t exactly in a huge rush to go out to see Dallas Buyers Club or 12 Years a Slave. For those that wanted to see a movie that would be fun for the whole family, Frozen was the only choice for a few whole months.

The Phenomenon

With a sing-a-long version that was released into theaters, the mainstream success of Let It Go, and some of the theme that the film explored, Frozen has because a cultural phenomenon. It pleased the critics and audiences alike and we congratulate Disney on a job well done. Frozen deserved this.

Travel

Travel Agents are Back in High demand

There is nothing more convenient than to book a vacation online without ever needing to speak to a single live person, ever! Well, that seemed to have been the growing trend for quite some time until recently. The demand for real live travel agents is on the rise once again.

Automated vs Live Agent

In all reality, there are many occasions that require the assistance of a real live travel agent. While online booking sites have their advantages, they also have their limitations. This is where a live travel agent comes in so handy. It is why the demand is growing so quickly once again.

An automated online travel agency has its own set of presets that keep individuals, booking a vacation, limited by those very same presets. A live travel agent, on the other hand, is only limited by their knowledge of the travel industry. Simply put, a live travel agent is there to book your dream vacation they way you want it, all the way down to the most minute of details.

The Benefits of a Live Agent

Where an online travel site is setup to work with certain hotels, airlines, car rentals, etc., a live travel agent only needs a telephone and computer with an internet connection to work out any detail required by the individual planning the trip. That means any hotel in any city, any car rental company and any kind of car desired, any airline desired, and any other bell and whistle desired by the avid traveler.

It was once thought that the virtual travel agent would be more than just sufficient in booking travels of all kinds. It was thought that a real live travel agent would never be needed, in a face-to-face type situation, ever again. More, and more, travelers are looking to the live travel agent (sitting in an actual office somewhere in town) to create their dream vacations and that trend is only growing more popular with each passing day.

The Demand

For those who have never had the opportunity to book a trip with a real live travel agent before, don’t knock it until you have tried it. It is a trend growing in demand, and will soon be the preferred method of booking personal, as well as business, trips very soon.