12 point plan for fixing the economy
A SHOCKING series of statistics this week have shown the government is steering the economy towards a cliff.
Grim data revealed the output of UK Plc shrank by an alarming £1.6billion in the final three months of last year - and that's before the VAT rise kicks in or we feel the full force of Slasher Osborne's spending cuts.
At the same time Bank of England governor Mervyn King has warned families face the biggest squeeze in living standards since the 1920s as wages fail to keep pace with the cost of living.
Then, no lesser figure than billionaire financier George Soros waded into the debate, warning that the spending squeeze would be a bullet to the head of any recovery and send the UK lurching back into recession.
Such dark days demand urgent action. So what should the government be doing to avoid a calamity?
1) Slow down the pace of government spending cuts to prevent a sharp and sudden rise in unemployment and a sharp increase in benefits bill.2) Apply far more pressure on the High Street banks to lend AND reduce the cost of borrowing, particularly for small firms.
3) Stop pressuring the Bank of England to raise the cost of borrowing. This would be a disaster, tipping more families and firms into the abyss.
4) Cut red tape, making it easier for small firms to grow and create jobs. Offer more incentives for firms to recruit young people and offer skills training.
5) Help kick-start the housing market by scrapping stamp duty for first-time buyers and easing planning restrictions, particularly in the south-east.
6) Boost spending on affordable housing. A £6billion investment would build 100,000 homes and create an estimated 750,000 construction jobs. It would also cut the mammoth waiting lists for council houses and bill for people living in hotels and B&Bs.
7) Invest more in key transport links, particularly rail, creating jobs and improving public transport.
8) Close tax loopholes that allow footballers and some companies to avoid paying billions.
9) Make the 50% tax on bank bonuses permanent. It raised £3.5 billion under Labour and did not lead to the threatened City exodus.
10) Freeze fuel duty to relieve pressure on motorists and haulage firms and slow food price rises.
11) Take advantage of the weak pound to boost UK exports. Although our manufacturing base is not as powerful as it once was it is still an engine for growth. Take the Nissan factory at Sunderland which exported more than a million cars last year.
12) Offer tax breaks to firms willing to invest in deprived areas. This would not cost taxpayers any money but could help create work. The other benefit is that any risks are with the private developer, not the state.
ends
Monday 31 January 2011
12 point plan for fixing the economy - Manning's Money - Mirror.co.uk
Movie music legend John Barry dies aged 77 - mirror.co.uk
HIS mum was a pianist and his dad owned cinemas – so John Barry’s career seemed almost pre-ordained.
But no one could have predicted that this lad from Yorkshire would take Hollywood by storm, racking up five Oscars for the most iconic movie scores of all time.
Yesterday the world of showbiz paid tribute to the genius who composed the score for 11 Bond movies, including Goldfinger, Diamonds are Forever, Thunderball and You Only Live Twice.
Barry – who also produced the haunting soundtracks for Born Free, The Ipcress File, Out of Africa, Zulu and Midnight Cowboy – died from a heart attack in New York at 77.
Born John Barry Prendergast in York in 1933, he learned the piano and trumpet from an early age.
After serving in the Army he formed a rock band – John Barry and the Seven – with some of his fellow ex-soldiers. They had a Top 10 hit with Farrago in 1958. Barry’s work on TV series Drumbeat – when his group backed pop star Adam Faith – led to him being enlisted for the singer’s first movie role, Beat Girl.
But his big break came in 1962, when the producers of the first Bond movie, Dr No, approached him to be involved with the song that would become the theme – although the writing credit belonged to composer Monty Norman.
The huge success of the instantly-recognisable score was followed by compositions for the next two 007 films, From Russia with Love and Goldfinger – famously sung by Dame Shirley Bassey. Legendary Italian director Federico Fellini once said the Goldfinger theme was his favourite movie score.
Renowned for his lush strings, orchestral swells and elegant melodies Barry won Academy Awards for Born Free (two) Dances With Wolves, Lion in Winter and Out of Africa.
He never won anything for the Bond films, although he did get an OBE in 1999 for services to music.
Stars last night described him as a “true legend”. Close pal Michael Crawford, said he had written “some of the most memorable and beautiful scores you would ever wish to hear”.
There was always something absolutely delicious about the wonderful orchestral string arrangements at the beginning of the great bond films. Considering the state of much modern music, one might say that great movie scores are the classical music of the age.
Sunday 30 January 2011
Recipes - from Delia Online
Recipes
You know what it’s like: sometimes you just want a quick bowl of pasta after work; other times it’s an French classic for a dinner party. Here we’re presenting Delia’s recipes – nearly 1400 of them! – in categories so you can home in on a particular cuisine, type of dish or, if you’re wondering what on earth to do with those chicken thighs, main ingredient. We're also looking at what you should be cooking each month with the emphasis on seasonality. Bon appetit!
What should you be cooking this month? 14 recipes
Seasonality is, it seems, a very fashionable topic, but it's always held true that if you eat something when it's at its best and ripest it will taste better - and probably cost you less.Cuisine 1001 recipes
Whether you prefer classic French cuisine, chilli-hot Indian curries, fragrant Thai food or good old British classics, we've collected Delia's recipes into galleries, arranged by cuisine allowing you to travel the world from your kitchen.Type of Dish 1391 recipes
Sunday roasts, vegetarian treats, picnic food, cakes as light as a feather... this area brings together Delia's recipes arranged by the type of dish, so whether you want inspiration for the Sunday roast or are planning a barbecue we can help!Main Ingredient 882 recipes
You know how annoying it is when you buy a trout then don't know how to cook it? Or a friend gives you courgettes from her allotment? Here you'll find recipe ideas arranged by main ingredient, for easy, quick meal planning.Collection 1044 recipes
OK, you have some lovely chicken, steak, strawberries or apples, but you want to try something new and different. Or you’ve bought bars of chocolate and can’t find Delia’s chocolate bread-and-butter pud. We’ve arranged Delia’s recipes into galleries by main ingredient, allowing you to browse for ideas and inspiration.
BBC News - Egypt standoff continues as protesters defy curfew
Police have been ordered back on to the streets of Cairo and the curfew has been extended, as Egypt's president tries to re-assert control.
But anti-government demonstrators remained camped out in central Cairo overnight and they have called for a general strike on Monday.
Protesters want President Hosni Mubarak to step down after 30 years in power.
The president has ordered his new Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq to push through political reforms.
Egyptian state television read out a letter he had sent to Mr Shafiq, in which the president speaks of the need to make progress towards constitutional and legislative reform..
Saturday 29 January 2011
BBC News - Egyptians losing fear of confrontation with regime
Go, go, Mubarak go" and "the people need to end this regime" shouted the angry crowds around al-Istiqamma mosque in Cairo's Giza Square, as they shook their fists at the lines of helmeted riot police after Friday prayers.
Within minutes, water cannon showered the demonstrators and there were loud thuds as tear gas canisters were fired.
BBC News - Egypt protests: Mubarak to appoint new government
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is due to appoint a new government after firing his previous administration amid a wave of protests against his rule.
Friday 28 January 2011
U2 - Where the streets have no name (Boston, NBA Finals)
Now, here is what looks like the same version, lower quality video and audio, but still the energy comes through. Paul McGuiness the band's manager is talking in antoher Youtube video about his memories of the band, roadie, himself, all fitting into one white van. Now I think it takes about 120 lorries or trucks just to ship in the equipment for one concert with the claw. The problem they have now, is what to do for the next tour. The claw stages, of which I believe there are three, will be left in place at the final concerts so that they can continue to be used by local bands and venues.
U2 - Where the streets have no name
Oustanding quality for this video on Youtube, sound has depth. U2 Playing at the top of their game. This is from the Elevation tour. It is actually great to be able to review a number of U2 performances over time to realize how incredibly consistent their playing and production has been. The one thing that is never really possible to depict is the sheer self discipline it takes to be able to produce music like this, at this level of playing night after night.
Thursday 27 January 2011
Wednesday 26 January 2011
Tuesday 25 January 2011
Channel 4 - 4oD
Channel 4 - 4oD
Flash content: skip to accessible alternative
Family Dramas
Big Fat Gypsy Weddings
A window into the secretive, extravagant and surprising world of gypsies and travellers in Britain today
Shameless
This is one family where father definitely does not know best...
One Born Every Minute
A ground-breaking look at the drama of a maternity unit, from the perspective of the parents-to-be and the ward staff
The Good Wife
A politician's wife has to transform herself into a career woman when a sex scandal lands her husband in prison
Newlyweds: The One Year Itch
Cutting Edge speaks to a selection of newlyweds to find out if marriage was everything they'd hoped it would be
Catwalk Shows
Gok's Clothes RoadShow
The RoadShow is coming to town, offering makeovers, styling masterclasses, and a pop-up catwalk for the all-important fashion face off
Best Undressed
A revealing behind-the-scenes look at Australia's longest running and probably most politically incorrect beauty contest, Miss Nude Australia
Fat Beauty Contest
Charlotte Coyle challenges the notion that thin is everything by organising a fat beauty contest for women of size 16 and above
How to Look Good Naked
Gok Wan presents the inspirational fashion series that shows women how to look fantastic with their clothes on - or off
This Model Life
The unforgiving world of fashion, from the models whose faces grace the covers of Vogue to the people who put them there
Animated Humour
The Cleveland Show
Cleveland Brown, from Family Guy, takes centre stage in this animated comedy series
Bob and Margaret
Following husband and wife 40-somethings Bob and Margaret, as they struggle with everyday life and the occasional mid life crisis
Modern Toss
A stylish blend of crude animation and live action, features a cast of maladjusted, foul-mouthed fools
Crapston Villas
This animated soap opens up the glamorous, if slightly odd, world of Crapston Villas
Dogface
Hilarious comedy that combines fast-paced sketches with stylish 'dog-based' animation, from the makers of Peep Show
BBC News - Does a narrow social elite run the country?
After a turbulent week in Westminster, it seems that British politicians from all parties are being drawn from an ever smaller social pool, says broadcaster Andrew Neil. It wasn't always thus, so what's changed?
The resignations of shadow chancellor Alan Johnson and Tory communications director Andy Coulson spell bad news for an already-endangered species - political high-flyers from ordinary backgrounds.
Johnson and Coulson are council-house boys who never went to university but dragged themselves to the top by sheer hard work, ability and ambition. Look at today's top politicians - both on the right and the left - and you won't find many of their kind remaining.
Monday 24 January 2011
BBC News - Home
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev vows to track down those behind an apparent suicide bomb attack at Moscow's Domodedovo airport that killed 35, blaming "clear security breaches".
* As it h
Sunday 23 January 2011
Sophia Loren celebrates 76th birthday with award | Latest News
Sophia Loren celebrates 76th birthday with award
ians | September 22, 2010Visited 62585 times, 180 so far today | Comments (0)
Academy award winning actress Sophia Loren, who celebrated her 76th birthday Monday, has been chosen to receive a prestigious Japanese award for her work in cinema.
Loren will receive the ‘Praemium Imperiale’ award – a global arts prize awarded annually by the Japan Art Association. It carries with it a sum of $169,000.
She will be given the award along with sculptor Rebecca Horn, artist Maurizio Pollini, architect Toyo Ito, and painter Enrico Castellani, at the ceremony in Tokyo Oct 13, reports contactmusic.com.
Loren became an international star after signing a five-picture contract with Paramount Pictures in 1958. Later, she did films like romantic comedy “Houseboat”, and she went on to feature in a series of major motion pictures, prodding the American Film Institute to name her as one of the top 25 screen actresses of all time.
In 1960, she won the Oscar for best actress for her role in the Italian film “Two Women”. She also featured in the 2009 hit “Nine”.
Tags: Sophia Loren
Category: Entertainment
Saturday 22 January 2011
North London Garden Design Crouch End N8 | Garden Design Crouch End
Garden Design Crouch End has been designed to give you lots of tips about the factors that go into Designing your north London garden and the things to take into account as you develop your garden in the N8 post code.You will be able to speak knowledgeably with your recommended garden designer, you will come across as prepared and will be much easier to work with.
Nothing is difficult for a professional landscaper, or any tradesperson on a project, than to have a customer who does not know what they want, who tends to change their mind several times while the project is being developed, and requires constant hand holding and attention.
You have to charge more, it burns up time and energy, and tends to put a damper on the momentum of the job.
Garden Design Crouch End has been designed to give you lots of tips about the factors that go into Designing your north London garden and the things to take into account as you develop your garden in the N8 post code.
You will be able to speak knowledgeably with your recommended garden designer, you will come across as prepared and will be much easier to work with.
Nothing is difficult for a professional landscaper, or any tradesperson on a project, than to have a customer who does not know what they want, who tends to change their mind several times while the project is being developed, and requires constant hand holding and attention.
You have to charge more, it burns up time and energy, and tends to put a damper on the momentum of the job.
A project will be developed and adjusted naturally as you discuss the various elements, your favourite flowers, border design, planting design, soft landscaping elements, whether it a major landscape redesign, or your small city garden.
Garden Design Crouch End | Borders and planting design odd shaped garden spaces. | Garden Design Crouch End
In this section of Garden Design Crouch End we will talk about designing a plan for a odd or awkwardly shaped North London Garden.
Sometimes, homeowners will tend to not bother with a difficult shape, or create a structure that is too fussy, and just simply that area of the garden becomes less attractive to spend time in. Always it is best to keep to simple garden design principles.
Call Centre Jobs Preparation Tips | Telemarketing Call Centre Jobs in London
Geting into your customer’s mind
In this section of Telemarketing call centre jobs London, we will discuss some of the skills you can develop to become a leader on the telesales score board! As consumers, we have an internal “radar”, that knows the moment we pick up the phone if we are being “sold” or “served”, especially in London or any big world city.
Your first Job Career Start phone sales
We don’t want a negative experience, we are bombarded with telesales cold calls every day, and simply don’t want something we were hustled into during an intense call. Service industry companies are getting bigger, more impersonal, and it many times will take hours to undo a transaction if you need to cancel an unwanted service, or simply get the payment removed or refunded and your money back. We hear so many stories of abuse, calls not returned, unauthorized charges, or even your details given to someone else, as people purchasing a service in London, we are probably more wary now of sales calls than in any other time.
As customers, we want to be served, we want excellent customer service, we want someone who cares enough to give us a good deal, a great product, and an enjoyable customer service experience.
We receive thousands of advertising messages in the course of a week, on the side of buses, billboards, text messages, television, radio, magazine and print ads, on the side of vehicles, posters, cards, mailings, business cards, telephone calls, and even on people’s clothing; all chasing our money.
I think it makes the part of our mind that actually might be interested, or really could benefit from the service, close down anyway.
Open the call, be friendly, quick with your hook, (the offer that will entice and attract your client’s interest), stick to your sales script.
http://www.telemarketingcallcenterjobslondon.com/telemarketing-call-center-jo...
http://www.telemarketingcallcenterjobslondon.com/telesales-jobs-london-its-se...
Telemarketing Call Centre Jobs London | Preparing for work | Telemarketing Call Centre Jobs in London
Be at your desk with plenty of time: Nothing can throw your day off worse than being ten minutes late due to delays with London Transport.
Tip: Hour or so before you leave the house for your shift: Check Transport for London web site for latest travel news.
Or listen to live radio like LBC for travel updates and alerts.
You get to your desk in a rush, spend another five minutes getting organized, it can actually take quite a while sometimes to settle down into your sales mindset “zone”, tune into what you are supposed to be saying, and get up to speed with any daily offers or promotions.
You miss your start of shift meeting, and you let something outside yourself determine the momentum of your day. Get to your telesales station with time to spare. Working every day, is where you live up to the expectations you created about yourself in your interview, time to be the words, remember all the efforts you made in finding a job?
Avoid all this by getting things in your life lined up so that you arrive with 10-15 minutes to spare. Get your coffee and water lined up, or whatever you drink.
Kate Middleton's Issa engagement dress is instant sell-out | Fashion news | Marie Claire
Kate Middleton's Issa engagement dress is instant sell-out
By Lucy Hutchings on Wednesday 17 November 2010
Rex Features
Her engagement to Prince William may have been announced just yesterday, but Kate Middleton's style is already under such scrutiny that her Issa engagement dress has proven an instant sell-out.
The bride-to-be chose a £385 Issa London sapphire dress for the official engagement photocall - the perfect match to that ring - which instantly sold out in on the Matches website.
Ms Middleton's designer choice shouldn't come as a surprise - she's been a firm fan of the label for years, wearing its dresses to a number of high profile events, including the wedding of Harry Meade just last month.
Now the rumour mill is abuzz with whispers that Issa's Daniella Issa Helayel could be in the running to design Kate's all-important wedding dress. The designer has recently started to create custom-made bridal gowns, but could she be in line to design the dress of the century?
KATE MIDDLETON'S FASHION HISTORY: TRACK HER STYLE THROUGH THE AGES
KATE & WILLIAM'S OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS
Wednesday 17 November 2010
Have your say ...
Stunning Dress, very flattering without having to expose too much flesh.
Hope they remain very happy xx
p.s. Only my opinion, would have preferred the ring to be re-designed, was shocked it was re-used reflecting on the fact it symbolised a lie and much headbreak for Diana x
Comment by eddengenes on November 17 12:38I agree with both comments form Eddengenes; lovely dress!
Shock horror came over me when I notice D's old ring before it was even mentioned by the interviewer ( can't remember the chaps name) but glad it wasn't some pathetic old skool royalist...
After what D went through awful business, I would have to insist on my own ring!!
I'm really happy for them both, wasn't to convinced by her though- Will looked trully smitten.Kate, don't even think about hurting him! He's the most genunie Royal in years :) x
Comment by sandy on November 17 16:05Don't think it was the ring that caused the problems unless it was called Camilla !!!
Comment by A Johnstone on November 17 16:27nice dress but why do people want to wear the same one- have they no individuality?
Comment by Denise on November 17 17:03Rate this ...
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Friday 21 January 2011
Reality of Being by Jeanne de Salzmann | Fourth Way | Gurdjieff | Gurdjieff Books
Another Vision
I seek what I am, to be what I am. I have a habit of thinking of “body,” on the one hand, and of “spirit or energy” on the other. But nothing exists separately. There is a unity of life. I wish to live it, and I seek it through a movement of return toward myself. I say there is an outer life and an inner life. I say this because I feel myself as distinct, as existing apart from life. There is, however, only one great life. I cannot feel separate from it, outside it, and at the same time know it. I must feel myself a part of this life. But it is not enough to desire this or to seek an intense sensation of it. I can enter into the experience only if I have first come to unity in myself, only if I have come to be a whole.
There are two movements in me: a movement of energy from above which, if I am free enough to listen to it, penetrates and acts through me; and another movement, dispersed and without order, which animates my body, my thought and my feeling. The two are very different, and I cannot bring them into accord. Something is missing. My attention is unable to follow them at the same time. Sometimes it settles on the void, the infinite, on emptiness; sometimes on the form. When the attention settles on emptiness, it is the form that dissolves. When the attention is on the form, the sense of the void disappears. It is necessary to pay the price.
Can I be free enough to receive what is unknown, behind all my avid movements toward the outside? This unknown, which is behind and beyond, cannot be perceived by my senses. I am able to see a form, but I cannot know through my senses the true nature of what it is. My thinking knows forms but cannot grasp the reality behind them, the reality of what I am, which appears just before and after each thought or feeling. What we experience—sounds, forms, colors, thoughts—cannot exist without a background. But this background cannot be perceived by my senses. It remains unseen, not experienced. The forms and the reality are parts of a single whole, but they exist in different dimensions. The real is not affected by the material of my thinking and cannot absorb it. Reality is on another level. Yet the material of my thought absorbs the real and constructs illusions based on forms. The form acts as a veil hiding the reality. When the reality of myself is not felt, I cannot help but believe in this illusion and call it “I.” Nevertheless, the illusion is only a mirage which dissolves the moment silence is established.
I have to see that there is a space between thoughts, a void that is reality, and I need to remain as long as possible in this space. Then another kind of thinking appears, clear and intelligent, a thought of another level, another dimension. I see that the usual thought, which is limited and measureable, can never understand that which is beyond measure. With my usual vision I see the physical aspect of the world. With this other vision I see another dimension in which the immeasurable has its own movement. If my centers are absolutely still, without any movement, the energy can pass through them. I see what I did not see before. I see what is. In this seeing there is a light, a light that is not ordinary. Things appear and disappear in the void but are illuminated, and I am no longer so taken by them. In this seeing I can understand my true nature and the true nature of things around me.
It is not a matter of fighting indifference or lethargy or anger. The real problem is vision—to see. But this seeing is only possible if we return to the source, to the reality in us. We need another quality of seeing, a look that penetrates and goes immediately to the root of myself. If we look at ourselves from outside, we cannot penetrate and go deeper because we see only the body, the form of the seed, its materiality. Reality is here, only I have never put my attention on it. I live with my back turned to myself.
Jeanne de Salzmann
Read the excerpt, "A Nostalgia for Being."
Reality of Being by Jeanne de Salzmann | Fourth Way | Gurdjieff
the Fourth Way comes through conscious effort toward a quality of thinking and feeling that brings a new capacity to see clearly and to love.
“Gurdjieff brought us a knowledge of consciousness, a science that shows what we are and our potential capacity, what needs to be developed. He came to bring a teaching, show a way toward consciousness."
Thursday 20 January 2011
Debt Collections - How to Fight Debt Collectors and Win - Even When You Owe the Money
Great site for articles, you have to remember to use the author's data and links at the bottom of the articles.
Wednesday 19 January 2011
Gardening & Landscape Design, Ideas and Tips | Garden Design | Garden Design
In Natick, Massachusetts, seventeen miles west of Boston, Joyce Ahlgren Hannaford has created a garden that is a neighborhood landmark. She shares photos of her garden with us, along with the very personal associations her garden has for her, with plants and landscaping features that serve as memories of her friends, family, and past homes. Read More »
Tuesday 18 January 2011
BBC News - US student pays fees in 14,000 single dollar bills
A Colorado University student has made a statement about the cost of higher education by paying his tuition fees in cash.
Nic Ramos said staff were ''not too pleased'' at having to count $14,000 in single dollar bills.
University spokesman Michael Carrigan said the faculty had sustained millions of dollars in cuts, and the State of Colorado needed to step in.
BBC News - Shackleton's frozen whiskey to reveal 100-year-old secrets
Can it actually get any better than this? Shackleton's story is a brilliant journey of courage, keeping your head under intense circumstances. He made sure that the opinion of every member of his team was respected. Not sure if the 1907 journey was the adventure where his ship was crushed by the ice, but when you get a chance, check out the HBO 2 part movie about Shackleton with Kenneth Branagh, there is also a brilliant National Geographic documentary also.
Monday 17 January 2011
How To Get Your First Job Or Get Back To Work. | Telemarketing Call Centre Jobs in London
Telemarketing calls, where marketing is done over the telephone, usually fall under the category of cold calling, which means people did not expect at all the call coming from the telesales professional. Regarded as a numbers game, most telemarketing calls end up in rejection, making it a tough game to play. Hence, those who remain standing after the first few days of cold calling are the tough ones who withstood all kinds of refusals. Stop playing the numbers game. Success in telemarketing is not about making more calls and hoping to get lucky. Success in telemarketing means winning more sales so make yourself a winner using these simple telemarketing tips. Be prepared. Just like the student who comes to class prepared, make sure you already did your homework before you start “dialing”. You know exactly what to say to your prospective customer and you can provide answers to any question about the product or service that you are offering.
At the end of the day, you should be leading the pack for coming in prepared. Make a good first impression. The only way you can engage the prospect in a worthwhile conversation is if you have made a positive first impression. People will not stay longer on the phone to talk with you if they find you too pushy or you sound unfriendly. Put as smile when making calls and your voice will sound pleasing and friendly. Wearing a smile helps you project a professional image. Personalize your script. Using a sales script is good but it works best if you personalize your script to make it suitable to your selling style. Personalizing your script also makes your selling sound conversational and natural. That way you become a more effective salesperson. Practice rehearsing your script to perfection. Consider all the possible scenarios that you might encounter so you can deal with them convincingly. Avail of training opportunities. There are a lot of selling techniques that you could learn and there are always new ideas to improve telemarketing efforts but you can’t learn them all by yourself. Companies usually provide sales training so take advantage of every opportunity to be trained to be a successful telesales professional. Handle objections effectively. Set yourself apart by turning objections into sales opportunities. A prospect’s objection may be “fake” so do not fall for that trap. Find out if it is a valid or true objection by asking questions until you get to the one true objection that stands in your way to close the deal. Heinrich Churchill is a freelance writer and avid fan of everything telesales related. Visit Telesales Magic for more information on the inside sales world, and for a multitude of telesales tips from Heinrich Churchill and other highly accomplished telesales professionals! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Heindrich_Churchill
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Sat 18 Dec 2010
Your first Telemarketing Call Centre Job in London
Posted by Ray under Telemarketing Call Center Jobs London
No Comments
In this section of the Telemarketing Call Centre Jobs in London web site
we are going to talk about how to become a Telesales agent in a quality call center, although our company is based in London, you can apply many of these ideas anywhere in the world.This new site is here to give you the advice and motivation you need to get a job as a telemarketing call center agent in London.
(Editor’s note: We aim to help you find a job in London, but the advice here might help anyone looking for a telesales job. Sometimes you will see the US spelling ”center” instead of “centre”, this is intentional, part of our goal is to help as many as possible worldwide in very tough times.
If you are interested in starting work as a telesales agent in London UK, send an email to: callcenterjobslondon@gmail.com
You will receive an automated response within about 30 seconds, this will have some thoughts for you about presentation and avoiding the mistakes prospective agents make every day; these can easily be avoided.
In the author’s experience of HR calling, biggest mistake,
not lack of confidence,
not lack of experience……….
LOW ENERGY………we want to hear a sincere, positive interest in working for us, we also know it is tough if you have been out of work for 10 months, it gets very depressing, been there, simple trick, just smile internally, and practice, this is a sincere offer, give it a shot. What else are you going to do? Go back to staring at four walls and a tv? Getting a job makes a huge difference, your energy will pick up, you will get your motivation back.
£63 -64 something a week Jobcentre allowance? tell me about it.
John Cleese hits out at British television - Telegraph
The comic actor said that he would rather read a book and had no desire to participate in shows that hold no appeal.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/8262834/John-Cleese-hits-out-at...
TV was great growing up, Fawlty Towers, Minder, The Sweeney, Benny Hill, Top of the Pops, Old Grey Whistle Test, Monty Python, Grange Hill, Blue Peter, the classic version, Magic Roundabout, Tin Tin, Crossroads, Coronation Street, Oh that's still going, Love Thy Neighbour, Till Death Us Do Part, Steptoe and Son, The Comedians, Randall and Hopkirk Deceased, Antiques Roadshow, Sid James, Tommy Cooper, Les Dawson, Max Bygraves, Morecombe and Wise, Russel Harty Plus, Michael Parkinson Show, I remember a great classic show from the 70's? Right before the Rumble in the Jungle......Wow ....memorable.
UK Border Agency | News and updates
Latest News
13 January 2011 Lyme Regis man caught smuggling banned weapons
12 January 2011 Twenty-four stowaways caught in lorry at Harwich
11 January 2011 Six jailed for smuggling cocaine on cruise ship
7 January 2011 Cruise liner staff warned about cocaine traffickers
This page lists the categories of news on our website. Many news stories appear in more than one category.
News about applications for:
News in:
- London and South East
- Midlands and East of England
- North East Yorkshire and Humber
- North West
- Scotland and Northern Ireland
- Wales and South West
News about our work:
Just found this site, interesting, never thought about the UK in terms of a "Border", the US definitely. Think of the UK as having a coast :)
Sunday 16 January 2011
Exhibitions - Dulwich Picture Gallery
Just a brilliant artist, the figure at the top of the picture reminds me somehow of Eisenhower
studio BLUE design :: custom residential design & consulting :: home
http://www.studiobluedesign.biz/
Beautfully designed houses by Lori Schneider, an experienced architect, who will creat a customer residential design, spec home, for you in Utah, Colorado, be it a mountain resort home, contemporary, designed by a master crafstman, you will have a beautiful home to enjoy for years to come.
Highly recommended.
Saturday 15 January 2011
Garden Design Crouch End
Sat 15 Jan 2011
Garden Designing in Crouch End
Posted by Ray under Garden Design Crouch End
No CommentsIn this Section of Garden Design Crouch End, we are going to take a look at some great landscape design web sites that will help you create a beautiful North London in your back yard.
Beautiful Garden Plants London
UKTV Great gardening section
This site has some very nice quality pictures of garden ideas; we especially like the idea of garden furniture inspiration.
Sometimes the best first start is to sketch out your garden, look at some pictures from gardening magazines that will start to spark your creativity. Also, don’t be too ambitious, bear in mind, budget, what can practically be achieved, and perhaps think of it as a more long term project.
Take your time, think it out and it may also be good to have your garden developed gradually step by step by an experienced designer over a period of time.
About.com garden design section
This is really a very well written article about garden design, work through it segment by segment, perhaps the most important though is to be on the ball early because once the warm weather starts back in after winter, people will start looking out of the window into the garden, and the work will begin. Go to your garden supply centre early, find a knowledgeable assistant, befriend him or her, compliment them on the advice, and build a relationship with them, ask them about their shifts, what days they work, nothing is worse than laying the ground work to find the person is not there the day you go to buy your supplies, or moved to another store. Establish rapport with them; ask them if it has been busy, perhaps real early during the week, or on a Saturday, before the pressures of the day kick in dealing with all the other amateur weekend gardeners. You will benefit from planning, strategy, make sure your stock is in place, and then off you go.
Institute of Garden Design
Can you ask for better than this, the institute of Garden Design, free advice, students to respond to your questions.
They actually say, put our students to work.
Here’s how it works
Write your email address in the form at the bottom of the page. It will arrive in your inbox in a second. The form asks you about your garden.
When you email us the form, we’ll send it to our students. Some of them may email you their suggestions.
You pay nothing for this advice. It’s completely free.
How about this, awesome, fantastic, brilliant, to help you create your beautiful London garden.
Here are some more links for you too!
http://www.gardeningdata.co.uk/garden-design/garden-design.php
http://www.gardeningdata.co.uk/books/books-gardening.php
http://www.gardendesignadvice.com/
http://www.allotment.org.uk/garden/software/index.php
http://gardening.about.com/od/gardendesign/Garden_Design_Putting_It_All_Together.htm
http://www.gardenmentor.co.uk/
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Sun 12 Dec 2010
Garden Design Crouch End| Garden Designer
Posted by Ray under Garden Design Crouch End
No CommentsWhy not think about having your Crouch End London Garden designed by a specialist and creating a beautiful garden?
Well first of all, why a web site called Garden Design Crouch End?
I wanted you to find my web site, specifically about designing gardens in Crouch End
It’s about finding the right kind of service, educating the homeowner, and bringing up some great questions to think about.
This site will help you prepare for your initial meeting with your Garden Designer, and give you some great concepts to think about by bringing some important considerations to mind.
Planted Flowers N8 Crouch End London
Despite being a busy and active London community, Crouch End has still been able to maintain that “villagy” feel, most likely because it does not have an underground station running through the middle of it, the lack of major heavy duty transportation has allowed Crouch End to continue to possess it’s own special charm.
As the people who live here, we have developed an intuitive collective interest in keeping the big city at bay.
I do not own a garden design company, but this site is designed to help home owners make informed decisions about what they are looking for in having their own garden designed by a professional garden designer, and also to provide some guidance and insight.
What a lot of people don’t know is that there are a lot more factors to designing a garden than you might think on the surface; there is the atmosphere you want to create, texture, color, shape or form, and how the eye moves across the space.
Landscape
One generally finds that when a great job is done by a master gardener, or any professional, there are a lot of refinements, choices, and “tricks of the trade” that have been made that might never initially come to mind, but, that make all the difference in he world.
Recently we decided it was time to redesign the family garden where we have lived in since the 1970′s.
Being contemporary Londoners in an urban setting, we wanted an atmospheric and peaceful place to get away from in our daily lives, to get home and be able to relax, entertain, and give our guests an experience to remember.
We realized we needed a garden designer with an established reputation and a passion, sensitivity, and practical experience to deliver to the needs of their clients, someone who would be knowledgeable about plants, how to design a garden to fit our needs, and bring the project in on time and on budget.
Ok, so you’re in the market for a full garden design and planting service.You want to find someone who you can trust to be considerate of your neighbors, with the knowledge and experience to create your dream design.
Ideally someone with a lot of experience, and previous clients who will be happy to provide references and also, if someone has been in the business for a while, they should have a portfolio of completed and successful projects and an active list of quality plant and garden suppliers.
Garden Design North London
You don’t want someone who will take an initial payment, work for a few days and disappear, or like many trades people, someone who does not respond to phone calls for days, and always seems to be “out” when you call.
You need someone who will be responsive, caring, considerate of you neighbors, who will take time to? understand exactly what it is you are looking for in your Crouch End garden.
Someone who will have the insight to be able to see what it is you want to achieve, how you want your garden to be a reflection of who you are, and the type of people you would wish to invite to your home, your friends, and possibly even professionally associates that you might bring to your home for dinner.
I wanted you to find my web site because unlike other websites that may pop up I do not own my own garden design company but am actually an impartial consumer that was once in your shoes and motivated me to create a site that will help consumers just like you.
Hopefully after you have spent a few minutes at my site, you will have a much more developed idea about how you would like your
Crouch End garden to be designed.
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Sat 15 Jan 2011
Garden Design Crouch End | Water Gardening
Posted by Ray under Things to Think about when you Design Your Garden
No CommentsGarden Design Crouch End covers a range of advice about landscaping and developing your property, in this section we will discuss a water garden.
Choosing the site: The site should be ideally in part sun. This means sun preferably in the morning and shaded in the afternoon. This will keep the pond from getting too warm in the summer months. This will also help keep the algae from getting out of control.
Hard or soft liner? In my experience a soft liner works best. The hard liners are pre-formed and not easy to get level. When you are installing a pre-formed liner many of them have built in plant shelves and different levels. Dig the hole larger than the entire surface size of the pond and the total depth. This makes for a lot of digging. Once its dug and the bottom is level, install the liner and start back filling. Try to have more than one person back fill with you, so the liner does not shift. Try to pack it down as you go. Putting some water in the liner will help anchor it in place while you are back filling it. If you live in an area of the country that has freezing temps in the winter, BEWARE: Hard liners can pop out of the ground during the winter months.
A soft liner gives you more flexibility. With design, with layout and the edges are easier to hide.
When digging for a soft liner install, spray paint the shape of the pond onto the ground, then start digging. This too should be as level as possible, however the soft liner is very forgiving and will bend to any slight bumps or divets. To install shelves in the pond, you can dig the shape into the wall of the pond or use materials such as cinderblock to create shelves. A pond fabric underlayment is extremely important. This will protect the liner from roots and rough edges. If you are using cinderblock or other rough materials to create ledges or shelves pad the edges well so they will not rub against the liner itself. As you install the soft liner get the bottom set and smooth (you will have to get in the pond) and work your way up. Again adding water to the liner will add pressure and help smooth out wrinkles. If you are building a waterfall, run a soft liner under the rocks and into the pond. Make sure it overlaps into the pond a good bit. This will reduce the amount of water loss.
With a hard or soft liner you will want to cover up the edges with some type of rock border. This is for decorative purposes if you are using a hard liner, however, if you are using a soft liner a rock border is a must. This will anchor the liner in place and keep the edges from moving or sliding. You can use natural stone such as Slate or Bluestone for a natural look or for a more contemporary look, cut prefabricated concrete wall capping for a clean custom look.
Filter Systems: There are two types of biological filter systems. In the water and above ground. The in the water systems are good for smaller ponds. The pump and filter system sit in the bottom of the pond. These systems are relatively inexpensive, the down side is that when the filter needs to be cleaned (on a regular basis, at least bi-weekly) you are getting wet.
The above ground systems are more expensive, however, once installed they are easier to maintain and are good for larger ponds and ponds with waterfalls. These pumps are generally stronger than the submersible type and can push more water. The filters are easier to change and clean.
When cleaning your filter system, whether above ground or in the pond, Never clean the entire filter system at one time. There are usually more than one filter pad or chamber of filter medium. Clean half at a time. You want to keep a supply of beneficial bacteria in the filter system. The beneficial bacteria helps to filter our things like chlorine and waste. It will also keep the algae at bay.
Having Fish: If you want to have fish in your pond, it should be 24′ – 30″ deep at the center so the fish can be wintered over. It also provides a cool spot for fish in the summer. A biological filter is also a must. Start with small, inexpensive fish. The fish will grow to fit the size of the pond, and you are bound to lose a few from time to time. Unless you are an experienced water gardener, I would not recommend spending $80.00 on a special Koi. Koi are beautiful, but they are also dirty fish. They excrete more waste than a regular goldfish.
Caring for your fish: Before you put any fish in your pond, neutralize the chlorine from the water. Fish hate chlorine! I recommend letting the pond settle for a few weeks and let the filter system grow a little beneficial bacteria before adding fish. When you do add fish, let the fish acclimate to the water temperature for at least one hour before cutting open the bags and pouring them into the pond. This way the fish can change temperature slowly and reduce the chance of shock. A dose of stress coat in the water will help reduce stress. This will coat the fish and reduce stress. The other deadly problem for fish is high Nitrates. Doing some reading about water chemistry in ponds will go a long way.
Pond plants are also great for the pond. They provide a source of shade and food for the fish. There are floating plants, such as Water Lettuce, Water Hyacinth, Anacharis and Water lillies. There are also bog plants. These grow in special pots and sit in the ledges of the pond, such as Iris, Cannas and Cat Tails. There are dozens of different types of pond plants.This will add aesthetic beauty to the pond. It will also create a habitat for frogs and turtles.
I know this sounds like a lot of work, but really its just a lot of info. Once you get your pond installed and balanced, it will be a joy. Put a bench near the pond so you can sit, relax and enjoy the serenity of a pond in your own backyard.
There are many ready to install pond kits available that will make building a pond quick and easier then you can imagine. You can find a series of sizes to meet your specific needs at most Garden Centers.
This article may be reproduced and/or distributed. Please include this Author Resource. This article was written by Vera Pappas, Owner of Green Nation Gardens, suppliers of unique and eco-friendly garden supplies.
Copyright © 2007 Green Nation Gardens All Rights Reserved
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vera_Pappas
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Sat 8 Jan 2011
Garden Design Crouch End | Preparing for the coming season
Posted by Ray under Things to Think about when you Design Your Garden
No CommentsNow is the time to think about contacting your garden designer in the Crouch End area.In this section of Garden Design Crouch End, we will talk about a few areas you can take into consideration when planning to use a garden designer, or do your own gardening redesign in your Crouch End, north London garden.Garden Path
Perhaps it is time to add a pathway, a path that you can walk along that will take you to the various parts of your garden, assuming you have a lot of space, or even a pathway along the edges of the border, can be a big part of your planting design.
Plan your garden’s growthUsing shrubs to define the shape of your garden, will the plant survive the seasons, when planting, how to space them apart so that they will grow together.Vertical plant growth planningPlants that can be trained to grow up a trellis, or fence can bring a wonderful visual quality to your garden.Furniture and garden architectureIntroduce an arch, gazebo, a bench or swing, even a table in a secluded corner where your family might enjoy an outside meal in the summer, or a nice glass of wine after a busy day’s work in the city.Garden colorsWhat colors would you like to enjoy in the N8 North London area this year?
Perhaps one consideration is what do you want to attract to your Crouch End garden, wandering around last year, and watching the butterflies, one thought is, what kind of plants are they attracted to?, how to match the colors of the plants you will have. When planting, will they be flowers that are low to the ground, or ones that grow a few feet?Design your garden lightingAdd lights to the garden, white christmas lights can be tied to the branches of trees, some types are specifically designed for trees, don’t forget to make sure they are made with outdoor use in mind. Spotlights pointing up at trees, or sofited for steps can be not only aesthetically useful, but also make your garden safer. Movement detection lights, can also help to deter criminals, or keep away pests.And what better way to show off your Crouch End garden to friends
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Sat 8 Jan 2011
Garden Design Crouch End | Spring preparation
Posted by Ray under Things to Think about when you Design Your Garden
No CommentsPreparing your Crouch End garden for spring in London.As it has passed the first of the year, in this section of Garden Design Crouch End, a web site to help you work with a garden designer, we are going to go over preparation for your spring gardening in London.London lawnsLawn preparation, for a beautiful lawn, you can start your preparation steps, perhaps still a bit soon with regard to the length of the winter, but still there is no time like the present to start planning your north London garden.Preparing to start garden design planningIt is really a great time of year if you are in North London, to think about getting ready for the coming spring. The preparation you do now will pay off in the enjoyment you will get from your garden throughout the year. When the buds start to appear, suddenly the excitement of new growth will hopefully start your thought processes working on the way you would like your garden designed.Composting your gardenComposting is an area for consideration, naturally take into account animals and pests if you choose to compost.
Foxes in urban areas, rats, are the kind of pests we would probably like to discourage from our urban garden areas.Garden pestsTake adequate precautions against animals and pests.Your city garden layoutWinter weather can break down the soil, I well remember that my father would turn over the soil in the autumn, so that the rain and cold cycles would produce a wonderfully even granular soil for his spring planting. Time to redefine flower beds, plan borders and the general shape and layout of the garden.Garden fertilisingTime to fertilise with a good quality compost. Prepare now, enjoy the results of your planting later.Small garden area weedsPull weeds, remove dead and non productive plants, or any you would like to change out.Urban pruningYou will likely still be able to prune and deadhead bulb plants, trees, shrubs, and bushes to encourage future growth.
Check with a local gardening expert knowledgeable in this area, there may still be time to safely accomplish this.Planting herbs and vegetables for your urban gardenVegetables for future use, we will likely still have some cold snaps and snow, but remembering greenhouse planting will give you a nice
fast start to the growing season.Growing herbs in your north London gardenGrowing Herbs in your Finsbury Park garden
Winter plantingTiming is great to think about planting your more resilient plants.A good time to find a gardener designer is now!Employing a gardener, a garden designer for your garden, however large or small is a great way to get ready for the coming year.
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Sat 1 Jan 2011
Keep unwanted visitors out of your garden
Posted by Ray under Garden Design Crouch End
Comments OffGarden Design Crouch End is a site about how to take care of your N8 postcode, North London garden, in this next topic, we will examine how to keep cats out of your garden…
Are you bothered by cats coming into your garden and doing their business, scaring your birds away, or getting up to other mischief? Here is a list of 30 deterrents you could try:
1. If a Tom starts to mark his new territory you could mark over it yourself although it may surprise the neighbours!
2. You can buy repellent pellets from garden centres that smell like citrus fruits, which apparently cats don’t like.
3. Or you could use the real thing lemon or citrus peels work for a bit but you have to keep replacing them every three or four days. Not good for a big space unless you really really like lemonade.
4. You could try planting Coleus Canina which emits a foul odour when a cat rubs itself against it, but I’d imagine you’d have to cover quite a large area (depending on the size of your garden) for it to be effective.
Crouch End garden unwanted visitors
5. Lion dung is said to keep them out but it may smell even worse than cats poo, but it’s good for the roses.
6. Small sticks pushed into the ground so that approximately six to 12 inches are sticking out of the ground like spikes.
They must be close enough together to prevent cats snuggling their bottoms down between them to poo.
7. Get a dog.
8. Some say Jeyes disinfectant fluid around the edges of the garden works but the fluid is actually quite poisonous to cats and will kill them in fairly small amounts.
9. Spray water at them, not from a hose, from one of those spray bottles from a garden centre or use or a super-soaking water gun for cats further away.
10. I have heard that they don’t like garlic.
11. A friend suggested moth balls worked for her.
12. Sprinkle black pepper & chilli around the garden, harmless to animals but an effective deterrent apparently.
13. Getting a cat yourself often works. Its very unusual for a cat to poop in its own garden, and other cats won’t really come near another cats area, unless it likes them, and then it wont poop ‘cos it respects the area!
14. Catch the cat and rub its nose in it (not so it smudges all over the cat, just near it) then put the cat in next doors garden, or wherever you wish it to poop from now on.
15. You can buy some pet repellent spray from the DIY stores. It is harmless to animals and children.
16. Solid toilet blocks (used in public loos usually) crumbled around.
17. Scatter citrus peel (oranges & lemons) around the garden.
18. Place pine cones around near garden borders.
19. Plant geraniums, marigolds and petunias, cats apparently dislike those plants.
20. Grow spiky plants near areas you want to keep cats away from.
21. Ask local cat owners to provide an inside litter tray for their cats to discourage outside toileting.
22. Or if the cat owner doesn’t want/can’t have inside trays…Ask them to dig a pit in their garden, several feet deep and 2 foot square and fill with peat. Then all that is needed is for this outside toilet to be dug over frequently.
23. If you have bare soil cover it with gravel or slate chippings etc, it will discourage digging.
24. Keep your lawn short. If you let your lawn get to 3″ ish high, they will poo in it and not bury it.
25. Place a small length of hosepipe in amongst your plants, cats and birds don’t like snakes!
26. Invest in a bag of coffee (grounds), and spread around the garden.
27. Plant some lavender. It works for some and smells divine and for some reason the cats hate it.
28. Olbas oil (the one you put on pillows for blocked noses) works pretty well.
29. Water ‘Scarecrow’ that squirts water at things it detects moving, including you!
30. If all the foregoing makes you despair then go the high-tech route and buy yourself an ultrasonic cat repeller.
They have a motion detector built-in, can be mains powered and emit a high decibel tone that only cats can here. Problem solved.
I use one at my house and found it excellent. Didn’t hear any noises from it and it didn’t bother the dogs next door either. I’d recommend the mains powered one rather than using batteries, they never seem to last for very long, but battery power does give more flexibility.It has a PIR which means that it is only emitting ‘noise’ while the cat is in range so the cat cannot ‘learn’ to tolerate it. This also saves batteries (if you use them). There is an alternative of purchasing a mains connector if the battery option doesn’t work out well.
They only activate when a large enough object passes by, humans included , and only go for a short time so small mammals are OK. There has been no reduction in bat activity where we live and no signs of them being mis-directed either. The cat repeller is fantastic. Not a single cat in the garden at the moment, and when they appear they skulk along the wall and don’t stay. I really recommend this investment.
Are you bothered by cats coming into your garden and doing their business, or scaring your birds away? First read these 30 tips, the last one really works, then http://petthings.googlepages.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cliff_Harvey
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Fri 31 Dec 2010
Garden Design Crouch End | Small Garden Plans With Interesting Feature
Posted by Ray under Garden Design Crouch End
[2] CommentsIn this page of Garden Design Crouch End, a site offering thoughts to share with a garden designer for your North London garden, we will discuss small garden ideas for your N8 postcode urban garden…
The best small garden designs are always simple but elegant, no complicated arrangement and mixing different garden style on it. In other words, the key factor for successful small garden design is simplicity and yet elegant. Designing a garden in a small space is challenging and yet has many advantages compare with larger one. For example, since the area is small, less effort is needed to maintain the area; and also we can concentrate on very detail accent and accessories that will apply to our small garden. Planning is the first and crucial aspect in any garden design. For designing a garden the following steps are considered: – Creating a list of essential things we want to apply on the garden – Good planning of placement of plants and other things – Drawing a rough sketch on available space – One more important thing is efficiently using a vertical space; not only apply for garden furniture and accessories- but also for the plants itself.
Use plants that grow upwards. The small garden ideas should be planned in a manner so that it provides a complete look to the home without being overly populated. These gardens compliment and dress up the entire house without being acting as a separate entity. They also prove to be an apt location for having a cup of tea in the evening or for relaxing in cool and cozy environment. One of the important factors that play a role in small garden is texture. Various textures of our choice can be used to give a unique and interesting look to our garden. For the patio area we can use the bricks whereas for the walking area natural stone will be a good option and the rest of the surrounding area can be covered with crushed rock. Proper selection of plants is also very important in small garden design so that they do not give a messed up and crowded look. It will be a good idea to plant decorative pots and planters in these small gardens. The pots will prove to be a good choice as they can be moved easily from one place to another and they also do not grow very large. The container is also an important factor in small garden, so that digging of the garden is not necessary and the garden space can be utilized efficiently. Various optical illusions can also be used in order to make the garden appear bigger. Using a professional weed barrier will keep our garden protected and safe. Letting our imagination fly high brings good garden design. By planning each and every feature perfectly we come out with good designs. Thus a good garden design will be a good place for us and our plants. The author of this article has expertise in Garden designs. The articles on Garden designs reveals the author’s knowledge on the same. The author has written many articles on Garden designs as well. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Coooper
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Sun 26 Dec 2010
A Patio Could Transform Your Crouch End Garden
Posted by Ray under Garden Design Crouch End
1 CommentIn this section of garden design in Crouch End N8, we will discuss the difference it might make to add a patio especially if you might like to eat out in your North London garden.
If you’re fortunate enough to have a garden then it makes sense to try and make good use of it. Unfortunately, many of us take this outdoor space for granted. Instead of taking advantage of it, we may spend too little time on ensuring that it really adds to our lives.
This is real shame, especially when so many people in the world are not in such a fortunate position. So what’s holding you back from making more use of your garden? It may be that you don’t like the thought of weeding and other mundane tasks. As a result, your garden may not be as neat and tidy as it should be.
Your garden could look like this.
If this sounds familiar then you might like to think about whether you could improve the situation. Could you make some basic changes in order to ensure that your garden is in a better state? One option that you may not have considered is the installation of a patio.
This has a number of advantages. It’s clear that a patio can be used to reduce the amount of lawn that you have in your garden. Such a change could be useful if you want to reduce the amount of maintenance that’s required.
But it’s certainly not the only reason for thinking about a patio. Having a solid surface will have a real benefit if you like to eat outdoors. You could easily position an outdoor table on the patio, meaning that you could enjoy meals outdoors. You’ll even be able to invite friends over to share those meals with you.
That may sound particularly tempting. You’ll no longer need to feel concerned about the state of your garden space. Instead, you’ll feel like spending time there. This is what a real transformation is all about.
No matter what you decide, there can be no doubt that you’ll feel happier once your garden gets more use.
Find out how picnic benches and tables can help to improve your garden, as discussed by Simon Barnett. This article may be used by any website publisher, though this resource box must always be included in full.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Barnett
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Sat 25 Dec 2010
Garden Design Books – 4 Key Ideas You’ll Learn From The Design Books For Gardens
Posted by Ray under Garden Design Books
No CommentsIn this section of the blog I created about Garden Design Crouch End,
we have an article about garden design books.You can learn a lot from garden design books. Garden design books show you how to lay out various types of gardens and can give you creative ideas as well as technical advice. Every gardener should build a library of garden design books by various authors, although there are websites and online books where you can research, too.
Garden design books and websites can give you suggestions and “secrets” for starting and cultivating fruit gardens, vegetable gardens, herb gardens, flower gardens, mixed gardens that include trees, and even container gardens, kitchen gardens, Winter gardens, French raised bed gardens, gardens that are based on color themes, and “butterfly” gardens (that is, they are specially set up to attract butterflies).
These books allow you to learn from the thoughts and experiences of other gardeners and will be able to provide you with measurements, dimensions, suggested tools, suggested varieties and types of seeds, instructions for composting and mulching, and so forth.
What are some of the key ideas that you’ll learn from quality garden design books?
- How to have the “just right” soil for what you want to grow. You’ll learn how to get your local soil tested, or perform the DIY testing, for pH balance and how to adjust it with either lime or sulfur in accordance with the needs of the plants you intend to grow. You’ll also learn about proper and efficient methods of mulching, composting, and fertilizing.
- Layouts. Yes, layout of the garden is quite important. You need to know how much space certain plants, bushes, herbs, and trees need for their runners and roots. Furthermore, you’ll want a layout that is a mixture of efficiency, aesthetic appeal, and weeding/watering convenience.
- What rocks to get rid of and what rocks to keep. Some rocks and stones go well with particular garden designs. Others will just be in the way or hinder growth. And some will just be aesthetically displeasing. You’ll learn what to throw away and what to keep.
- What you should try to grow in the area where you live. Growing regions are divided up into “zones” according to climate. Each zone has its weaknesses and advantages for different plants and trees. Knowing what will flourish and what will flounder in your zone is essential to healthy and bountiful gardening.
What’s enumerated above is just a small sample of the ideas you’ll find in garden design books. For even more ideas about garden designing, just follow the link below.
Absolutely everything you need to know to set up a garden that produces many times more than a traditional vegetable garden that only requires 8 hours of light easy effort per year at http://www.foods4wealth.info/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Ducceschi
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Sat 25 Dec 2010
RHS Flower Show Garden Design ideas for Crouch End
Posted by Ray under Garden design RHS Chelsea Flower Show
No Comments
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Sat 18 Dec 2010
Garden Design Crouch End |Principles of Landscape Design
Posted by Ray under Landscape Design The Primary Principles
1 CommentIn this section of Garden Design Crouch End we talk about the principles of landscape design.
Landscaping Design – The Primary Principles
By J VoightPrinciples refer to standards or prescriptions for working with or arranging various elements to produce the intended landscape design. Good landscape design follows a combination of seven principles: unity, balance, proportion, focalization or emphasis, sequence or transition, rhythm, and repetition.
Unity refers to the use of elements to create harmony and consistency with the main theme or idea of the landscape design. Unity gives the landscape design a sense of oneness and interconnection. Unity in landscape design can be achieved by using plants, trees, or material that have repeating lines or shapes, a common hue, or similar texture. However, too much unity in landscape design can be boring. Therefore, it is important to introduce some variety or contrast into the landscape design.
Balance gives the landscape design a sense of equilibrium and symmetry in visual attraction. There are three ways by which balance may be presented in landscape design. Symmetrical or formal balance is achieved when the mass, weight, or number of objects both sides of the landscape design are exactly the same. Asymmetrical or informal balance in landscape design suggests a feeling of balance on both sides, even though the sides do not look the same. Asymmetrical balance in visual attraction may be achieved by using opposing compositions on either side of the central axis. Landscape design with radial balance has a center point. A sunflower, a wheel, and the cross-section of an orange all have radial balance.
Proportion describes the size relationship between parts of the landscape design or between a part of the design and the design as a whole. A large fountain would cramp a small backyard garden, but would complement a sprawling public courtyard. Additionally, proportion in landscape design must take into consideration how people interact with various components of the landscape through normal human activities.
Focalization or Emphasis directs visual attention to a point of interest or
prominent part of the landscape design. This could be a hanging earth-forms sculpture, a stone-finished Corinthian garden fountain, a mass of architectural herbaceous perennials, or an elegant spruce. Emphasis in landscape design may be achieved by using a contrasting color, a different or unusual line, or a plain background space. Paths, walkways, and strategically placed plants lead the eye to the focal point of the landscape without distracting from the overall landscape design.
Sequence or Transition creates visual movement in landscape design. Sequence in landscape design is achieved by the gradual progression of texture, form, size, or color. Examples of landscape design elements in transition are plants that go from coarse to medium to fine textures or softscapes that go from large trees to medium trees to shrubs to bedding plants. Transition in landscape design may also be used to create depth or distance or to emphasize a focal point.
Rhythm creates a feeling of motion which leads the eye from one part of the landscape design to another part. Repeating a color scheme, shape, texture, line or form evokes rhythm in landscape design. Proper expression of rhythm eliminates confusion and monotony from landscape design.
And finally, repetition in landscape design is the repeated use of objects or elements with identical shape, form, texture, or color. Although it gives the landscape design a unified planting scheme, repetition runs the risk of being overdone. However, when correctly implemented, repetition can lead to rhythm, focalization or emphasis in landscape design.
J Voight is an avid landscaping design enthusiast who provides excellent tips, techniques, and advice to anyone wanting information on landscape design. You’ll find all of this outstanding landscaping news at http://www.great-landscaping-ideas.com
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