Why PhDs Ought to Expire in 10 Years

If you are like me, you know hundreds of people with PhD's, and if so you also realize that merely possessing such a title or certificate is no guarantee that someone is right about much of anything, including perhaps their own area of scientific endeavor. Further, as the coordinator for a think tank which operates online I now realize after interacting with individuals who have doctorate degrees that after about 10 years, unless they've been working in that field constantly and soaking up all the new information available, that degree isn't worth much anymore.

Perhaps this is why I like to make another statement; why not have PhD's which expire, or could be renewed by the same institution or another institution of higher learning upon completion of catching up on all the new material, discoveries, and scientific works that have come along in the past decade. That's only fair. After all, if someone has been a CEO of the large company, but then went into semi retirement for 10 years, they may not have the skills anymore to operate in the new and ever-changing environment due to regulatory changes and new innovations in the industry.

We should not let academics off the hook, nor should we allow them to stand on a pedestal claiming they are smarter than everyone else because they have a PhD. Further, those who have older PhD's and have not worked in the field in quite some time, are probably not the one you would need to look to for advice on that particular area of expertise. Is it unfair to take people's PhD's away from them after 10 years? I'm not suggesting that, however I am suggesting that after a decade they should change their PhD to "PhDx" - and that would warn all of us that their PhD is somewhat old, and has now expired.

They still get the credit for all their hard work in earning that degree. They will still be known as someone that endured that educational process, except now we know the context, and the value of their insight on the topic. You see, the rest of us have a right to know if we are actually dealing with an expert in the field who is up on the latest and greatest information. Why do I think this?

Well, because I've gotten some really bad advice from folks who have PhD's in their specific area of science, and I've had folks with PhD's that are over a decade old who could not answer my questions, and didn't know about recent innovations in their own field, yet I a novice in their field did. I found this to be quite alarming, and I'm quite concerned about actually. I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.

Sailing Jacksonville's St Johns River, a Hidden Treasure

Many folks do not realize what a fabulous sailing venue exists in Jacksonville, Florida. Whether you are on a sailboat charter or a private yacht, you can enjoy this hidden treasure. When the St Johns River turns south from downtown Jacksonville it opens up into the perfect sailing location. Wide enough to ensure a good steady breeze and to provide room to sail no matter what direction the wind blows. Narrow enough to provide protection so the waters hardly ever get rough, even when the wind kicks up.

The shores are lined with manicured estates and ancient trees. The Florida Yacht Club and Timuquana Country Club grace the western shore. Beautiful homes stretch from San Marco south past Julington Creek along the entire eastern shore. You can even watch the planes taking off and landing from the Naval Air Station (NAS) just north of Interstate 295 (the Buckman Bridge).

Sunset Cruise on the St Johns River

Ortega on the west side of the river, just 10 minutes from downtown Jacksonville, is home to a number of marinas. It is the perfect departure point for a sunset sail. Leaving the dock about 3 hours before sunset, you will want to head south. Sailing close hauled into the afternoon sea breeze, you get to sail up close to the shore as you criss-cross the river. With a good breeze you will be down near the Buckman Bridge in about two hours.

Turning around and heading north is the perfect time to be out on the bow as the colors of the sunset flood the sky. Sticking close to the eastern shore ensures an ideal view of the sinking sun. As the sun disappears below the horizon the sky fills with pinks, purples, and oranges of the after glow. By then you will be approaching downtown Jacksonville as the lights of the city create their own "light show". One hour later you can be back at the dock as last light of dusk fads from the sky. The perfect four hour excursion!

Day Sails on the St Johns River

If you have a full day, you can sail further south under the Buckman Bridge; perhaps stopping at Julington Creek for lunch at the New Orleans Cafe. Or, you could continue on south toward Green Cove Springs, passing Club Continental and Doctors Lake.

Or you could head north to enjoy the cityscape, sailing right through downtown Jacksonville passing the Jacksonville Landing and the Times-Union Center/Symphony Hall. After opening the blue eye-catching Main St Bridge, you can sail pass Metro Park and the Jaguars (Everbank) Stadium. Proceeding a bit further you can sail under the Hart Bridge, the 19 th largest truss bridge in the world, for a glimpse of some of Jacksonville's port operations.

A Sailing Vacation from Jacksonville

Jacksonville, Florida, is a great place to start a sailing vacation too. It is only a 3 hour trip down the St Johns (with the current) going by the Port of Jacksonville to the Intracoastal Waterway. You pass under the striking Dames Point Bridge, the 2nd longest cable-stayed bridge in America, the sixth in the world, and the only one with harp stays. In a day you can be lounging on the beach at Fort George Island, bar hopping or dining in the quaint shrimping village of Fernandia, or exploring Cumberland Island. Perfect for three or four day trips and even better if you have a week to explore Georgia's Jekyll and St Simon Islands too.

An Experience You Will Remember for Years to Come

North or south, daytime or sunset, sailing charter or private sailboat, everyone who sails on the St Johns tells me how beautiful and relaxing it is. Even the "old salts" are amazed that more folks have not discovered this treasure. So if you are visiting Jacksonville, be sure to mark a sail on the St Johns River on your "must do" list.

Voip Hardware And Voip Software - Do I Really Need Both?

The popularity of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is increasing in popularity. Those who use their computers for virtually everything can now also use them to make and receive telephone calls. Many providers of residential VoIP services offer competitive packages, excellent customer service, and features that you already receive with your traditional phone service provider. In order to use residential VoIP services you need to have a high-speed Internet connection. If you have a slower connection, the quality of your calls greatly diminishes. You will also need a modem and adapter that connects your phone line to your computer. The majority of VoIP services provide this in their packages.

There are two different types of VoIP for residential use: hardware VoIP and software VoIP. The primary difference is that with hardware VoIP you will need an adapter to connect your phone to your computer. With software VoIP, you install a special program for making and receiving calls with your computer. Whether you use hardware VoIP or software VoIP it is certain you will save money over using your traditional phone service.

Software VoIP works well if you were going to occasional use it or if you were traveling. You can have it installed on your laptop and take it with you. You can make calls from anywhere with your home number. Another benefit of software VoIP is that you can get very low International rates. Most providers of this type of service allow you to download the software free once you have established an account with them. All you need for this type of service is a computer with a sound card, speakers, and a microphone. With most services, all calls made within the network are free and you only pay for calls made outside the network.

Hardware VoIP looks much like your traditional phone as you use can use your phone. You connect your phone line into an adapter, which then connects to the computer. This type of plan typically offers limited calling plans throughout the United States and Canada or unlimited calling features.

Remember that residential VoIP services run on electricity so it would be wise to have a back-up plan in case the power went out. Do not sign a contract without fully understanding the charges that apply. Carefully review the plans that are offered and no whether you will pay a penalty if you decide to cancel the service. Check to see if there is an installment fee or fee for the equipment. Once you have decided on your residential VoIP provider - enjoy the new world of making calls from your computer.

GOA - A Carnival of Beaches

The state of Goa on the West coast of India, is located in the coastal belt known as Konkan. While this tourist magnet has much to offer: old churches, carnival atmosphere, Portuguese flavour, wildlife, nature and tantalizing cuisine, yet, mention Goa and the first, often only, image that flashes in one's mind is of the BEACHES.

For the 105 km long Konkan belt has generously bestowed Goa with some of the best beaches in India: a wide eclectic range guaranteed to suit every taste and fulfill every fantasy. Goa offers both, popular hotspots swarming with tourists where every inch of territory is claimed and contested to virgin stretches practically untouched by 'development'.

For the beach aficionado traveling to Goa, it entails choosing between being in the midst of the action where ultra modern facilities such as luxury hotels, malls, night clubs, restaurants, spas and massage centers abound or courting the solitude of a rustic shack that opens out to wide empty sand and sea.

Goa's beaches are roughly divided into two groups based on their location: Those lying in North Goa and others situated in South Goa.

Goa's capital Panaji in the North and Margao, a major city in the South, are two central points from where most of Goa's beaches can be accessed.

As one goes up north from the beach at Calangute or down south from Colva, the traffic on the beaches starts thinning so that soon there remain just the golden sands and tranquil waters under the beneficent beam of a glorious sky - Goa's beaches at their purest, most unadulterated! Check out some of these options:

Vagator and Chapora

About 22 kms from Panaji, situated in Bardez Taluka, the crescent shaped beach of Vagator and nearby Chapora are isolated havens in North Goa. Tourists come for the sheer beauty of the white sand and black lava rocks sparkling against a verdant rural landscape. The rural atmosphere untouched by the scepter of commercialization that often plagues good beaches, the nearby 500-year-old Portuguese fort of Chapora is another attraction here.

Anjuna

One of the more spectacular of Goa's beaches, this five-mile stretch, nestled between the sea and a hill has some interesting black rock formations jutting into the sea. Former haunt of the hippies, the beach is just right for lazing on the sands all day. Night-long parties spice up the atmosphere on Anjuna, which is also famous for its Wednesday flea market where you can pick up anything from paper backs to pottery. The Mascarhenas Mansion, a classic piece of old Goan architecture with woodwork and floral stained glass etchings makes for an interesting visit.

Calangute

Undeniably one of North Goa's most popular beaches, one can expect a crowd here! This Queen of Beaches, with nearby saltpans and coconut groves adding to its charms, was the original mecca for the European hippies who came to Goa in droves in the 60s and 70s. Today, Calangute offers all modern facilities including spas, massage parlours, shopping centers and internet cafés. While the golden sands here still retain their magic, the Church of St. Alex and the Kerkar Art Complex are added attractions.

Baga

Quiet in comparison to Calangute, this small beach is for those seeking the idyllic Goa of the yesteryears. Its scenic beauty is enhanced by the hill with the retreat house and the Baga River flowing alongside - the sea explodes in dramatic sprays where the river flows into it. Offering water sport opportunities, this beach is popular with the western tourists in Goa.

Sinquerim

One of the best beaches in Goa for water sports including water-skiing, para- sailing, diving and surfing, facilities for these activities are of international standard here. The uninterrupted sandy stretch north from here till Baga beach makes this an excellent beach for walking too.

Miramar

Lying adjacent to the Mandovi River as it empties out into the sea, Miramar was earlier known as the Gasper Dias Beach." One can enjoy an excellent view of Fort Aguada from the beach, which is studded with luxury hotels and the homes of Goa's rich and famous. Demphe college of Arts and Science and the memorial to Goa's first chief minister Dayanand Bandodkar also stand here.

Aguada

This beach is well known for the Fort Aguada Hotel built around a 17th century fort that goes by the same name. While the hotel grounds are off-limits for the general public, one can still walk around the beach. The fort, originally built to protect Old Goa from foreign attack, today houses Goa's Central Fort. Aguada beach is full of cafes, stalls, massage parlors and facilities for water sports.

Agonda

A three-kilometer long stretch of sand and palm with a hill to the south, this beach is one of those offering a sense of solitude quite rare in Goa. In fact, Agonda is just the place for an overnight beach camping adventure! Nearby is Cabo de Rama, where according to Goan legend, Lord Rama stayed with his wife Sita for 12 years.

MAJORDA

A 5 km stretch of sand, Majorda is where the Jesuits harvested the best toddy palms to leaven their bread. As a result, Majorda was home to the original Goan bakers skilled in the art of European baking, a skill possessed by bakers here even today. Much earlier, so Goan legend states, Lord Rama as a child was kidnapped and brought up here.

Bogmalo

With a huge 5 star hotel right at the edge of the sea, this beach is somewhat separated from both, the North and South Goan beach circuits. And the sea around has some intriguing islands. The beach is lined with eateries, each claiming to be Osibisa's chosen favourite!

Colva

Most beloved beach of the Goans, Colva in South Goa is plush with modern tourist amenities. Colva is also famous for the Church of Our Lady of Mercy with its famous statue of Menini Jesus.

Benaulim

A tranquil beach, legend describes it as the place where the legendary arrow of Parashuram's arrow fell, from which Goa was created. This is where you can see the famous handicrafts of Goa, including fine rosewood furniture. A good beach for those seeking solitude. The church of St. John the Baptist, as well as the Feast of St. John are synonymous with this beach.

Dona Paula

Made famous by the legend of Dona Paula de Menezes, the daughter of a viceroy of colonial Goa, who threw herself off the cliff rather than relinquish her love for a local fisherman, Gaspar Dias, this is also how this famous Goan beach got its name. Famous for its water sports facilities, this beach is also a popular location for movie shoots. The National Oceanography Institute, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and the Reis Magos Church are the main attractions around here.

VARCA, CAVELOSSIM, MOBOR

Beautiful beaches from South Goa, these also display a cleaner, quieter visage than some of the more famous and therefore over-commercialized. Shacks offering authentic Goan dishes line the beach, as also some exclusive luxury resorts. Tourists here can also avail of boat trips to watch dolphins.

Palolem

One of the southernmost of Goa's beaches, this stretch of white sand and blue water is becoming increasingly popular with tourists. The beach is lined with shacks selling food, clothes, trinkets and other Goa souvenirs.

Canasta Card Game - How to Play the Popular Canasta Card Game

Do you know how to play the Canasta card game? This article tells you how. Canasta is a rummy-like game that originated in the 1930s. While the rules and variations of the game were developed in Uruguay, popularity spread quickly and Canasta became the most preferred card game over other games including the Hearts and Cribbage card games. In the early 1950s, this Latino Rummy card game became standardized with a few variations and was labeled Classic Canasta. While Canasta rules will vary based on the country in which you reside and your specific preferences, most versions are similar in form and differ primarily in terms of players and points. In the paragraphs below the original Canasta card game will be discussed to give you a feel for how the game is meant to be played.

Canasta is designed to be played with four players that are playing as partners. While there are versions that can be adjusted for two and three players, the rules mentioned below will be referring to the four-player version. What you will need to play Canasta at home with your friends are two standard decks of 52 cards, and 4 jokers for a total of 108 cards. Each card is assigned a different point value. In original Canasta, the points differ from other versions like the Canasta Caliente card game. Jokers are assigned the highest point value of 50. Aces and twos are assigned 20 points each. Kings, queens, jacks, tens, nines and eights are given 10 points each. In addition, the remaining cards are assigned the lowest point value of 5.

Deuces and jokers are wild cards, while all other cards are considered natural. Wild cards in the standard game can be used to substitute for natural cards of any value. Each player participating will be dealt a pile of cards face up and a pile of cards face down. Like most games, including the Spades card game, the player on the left of the dealer will have the first turn. Going clockwise, players will draw a card from the stockpile and add it to their own face down pile without revealing what they have collected. They will then discard one card facing up for other players to see. This is where the challenge lies in Canasta because players can see what you are giving up but they cannot see what you are gaining.

The purpose of collecting and discarding cards is to create a meld. Melding means you have three or more cards of the same value or rank. Melds must be played after pick up but before discard. A meld of seven cards or higher is called Canasta. A red Canasta is when all cards are pure and natural, as opposed to a black Canasta where wild cards are used. The player that disposes all of their cards from their hand ends play. One team member must have Canasta before going out in the classic game. Although Canasta has existed for over 80 years, there are other versions of the Canasta card game like the Hand and Foot card game, and all versions are extremely popular with players of all ages.

Why Follow - Up and Customer Service is so Important in a MLM business?

MLM though may seem radically different from traditional businesses, is still essentially a business model and what makes an MLM business successful are its ability to attract people to join, purchase and market its products or services in order for the business to grow. But in order to succeed in a big way, its staff must be able to provide a high level of service and assist its members in every way possible. So, for every recurring individual or members that signs up with the MLM program, it is important that the person at the top of the MLM Matrix to treat his/her members like a customer.

In 1997, when I first joined Amway, my up-line associate whom convinced me to join his team was extremely helpful, he would provide any assistance possible whenever members in his down-line required any help and this was one of the main reasons why I decided to join his team, knowing that I was in good hands and help was always just a phone call away. So we ask ourselves here, what exactly are the qualities of a successful MLM associate? It is the ability to treat your members or fellow associates like customers patronizing your business and most importantly, the ability to follow up with your down-line, to provide constant guidance and even contact your non-active members in your down-line by showing your concern to them are extremely important to your MLM business!

So what benefits do we get when we start treating our down-line as valued customers?

- Your down-line will have confidence in your leadership.

- Your reputation in the MLM business will grow; this will translate into more sign-ups under

you, meaning more earnings and revenue.

- A win - win situation for both you and your down-line, as they will be better equipped with

adequate, precise knowledge and skills to grow yours and their down-line.

- Chances are your down-line will be more receptive towards your future promotions of even

other MLM programs which mean you will have another lucrative source of recurring income!

To cap it off, I would like to provide quotes by these famous individuals on the importance of good customer service.

"Being on par in terms of price and quality only gets you into the game. Service wins the game."

Tony Alessandra

"One customer, well taken care of, could be more valuable than $10,000 worth of advertising."

Jim Rohn

"A customer is the most important person on our premises. He is not dependent on us. We are dependent on him. We are not doing him a favor by serving him. He is doing us a favor by giving us the opportunity to do so." Mahatma Gandhi

Con Men Rejection - How to Protect Yourself - Test Your Home Habits First

Wrong choices in your home financial management would be like taking on a stock broker who is the Uncle Fester of portfolio styling You might be extending an open invitation to con men and not even know it. This self-check of your personal habits could reveal this tendency.

Do you have the proper armor to resist the advances of con men? First step toward self-protection against them is a look-in-the-mirror analysis of your own personal habits. And, these all begin at home. The Better Business Bureau has a most interesting test designed to alert you to some bad habits you might have there, with the vulnerability-possibility of carrying these forth into the outside world, inviting con men to victimize you.

Ponder these questions:

> How often do you shred documents containing sensitive financial information? Always? Usually? Sometimes? Rarely? Never?

Majority of Americans now shred regularly. Smart. Have you adopted this as standing practice yet? Any task worth doing was worth doing yesterday.

> Do you use a computer to conduct online banking? Yes? No?

Surprising to many, engaging in encrypted online banking is safer than the paper kind, survey says. Remember Murphy's Law of Combat #23: If the enemy is within range, so are you. Computer use establishes a good distance.

> How often do you obtain a credit report or receive credit monitoring reports? Never? Monthly? Several times a year? Yearly?

Certainly, you don't have to make your life so well protected that you outfit, even, your bicycle with a gun rack. But, frequent monitoring of your credit status is playing it safe.

> How many other individuals have potential, unauthorized access to your highly sensitive records? None? One? 2-3 4-6? More than 6?

Here's where most people fall down: carelessness in exposure. You don't have to go to the extreme of suffering delusions of competency. But, if you are one of these careless people, do something to shore up your privacy at home. If carried with you, away from your home, sloppiness in your financial management is a personal trait con men can nail you on in the outside world.

> Where do you keep or store highly sensitive financial information? Unlocked desk drawer? At home in plain sight? In car? On Desktop? In wallet or purse? Tucked safely away under lock and key?

Survey reveals a close relationship to the prior question, requiring a beefed up resort to better security. Remember what Confucius say: Man who live in glass house should shower in basement.

Mistakes are often the stepping stones to utter failure. And, these formative habits begin at home. Some corrections needed? The grass is always greener when you remember to water it.

Register a Trademark In 5 Easy Steps

There are many small business owners that want to register a trademark to ensure that no one else can profit on their name or logo. However, many small business owners do not know where to begin the trademark registration process. The following are 5 steps that any business owner can follow to register a trademark.

1. Understand the process

The first step to registering your trademark is to understand what it means to "register a trademark." To register your trademark you must file an application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (www.uspto.gov), often called the USPTO. This is the U.S. government office that is responsible for issuing federal trademarks. A trademark is only a registered trademark once it has been approved by the USPTO.

2. Conduct a trademark search

Before you file your trademark application with the USPTO, you should conduct a trademark search in order to make sure that no one else has filed the same or similar trademark. You can conduct a trademark search yourself by going to USPTO. When you get to the homepage, select "Trademarks" from the menu on the left hand side and then select "Search TM database." Even though you can conduct a trademark search yourself, I highly recommend that you hire a trademark attorney to do the search for you. The USPTO database can be extremely tricky to search if you are not an experienced searcher. Even if you type your desired trademark into the database and no "hits" come up, this does not mean your trademark is "free" to use.

3. Complete and file a trademark application

Once you have established that no one has filed a trademark that is the same or similar to yours, you can complete an application for your trademark online at the USPTO. When you get to the homepage, select "Trademarks" from the menu on the left hand side and then select "File Online Forms." On the next page, select "File New Application." You may then follow the step-by-step instructions provided on the electronic application. Once again, even though you can complete the online trademark application yourself (and it appears relatively straightforward) there are many technical and legal requirements hidden in the application. I strongly suggest hiring an experienced trademark attorney to assist you with drafting the application. The non-refundable filing fee for the trademark application will be either $275 or $325. If you incorrectly complete the application, your trademark could be denied registration. In this case, you will have lost the non-refundable filing fee and lost any priority on your trademark.

4. Monitor your application

Just because you file your application does not mean you "have" the trademark. The trademark application must be reviewed and approved by a U.S. government attorney. If the trademark examining attorney has any questions or requires any clarifications on your trademark application, the attorney will issue an "Office Action" on your trademark application. Once an Office Action is issued, you will have six months from the date of issuance to respond. If you do not respond, your application will be considered abandoned and you will have lost your filing fee and any priority established on the trademark. Therefore, it is extremely important to visit the USPTO website every two months after you file your trademark application to ensure that you do not need to respond to any Office Actions.

5. Final Registration

Approximately 8-12 months after you initially file your trademark application, and if the U.S. Government approves your trademark application, you will receive a trademark registration certificate in the mail from the United States Patent and Trademark Office. This trademark registration certificate will include instructions on the requirements to keep your trademark registration active.

As you can see, the U.S. trademark registration process can be accomplished by anyone, but it takes an experienced attorney to ensure your search and application are completed correctly.