2 Eylül 2015 Çarşamba

14 Things Your Boss Will Never Tell You

A good boss will appreciate inputs from his employees, give feedback, delegate work, and motivate the employees to perform better. On the other hand, a bad boss will never welcome change, not pay heed to ground-level problems, and perhaps even steal the credit of the employees.

At the workplace, everyone has to be on their toes. In this era of cut-throat competition and highly fluctuating economic conditions, everyone is prying on high-paying jobs. In the earlier generation, there were more instances of employees sticking to one organization. These days, with myriad of career options open, job-hopping has become more common. However, the way we portray a rosy picture of ourselves at the interviews, and hide some things from our bosses, there are some things that even our bosses don't tell us. The reasons can be many, right from management regulations to personal opinions. While some good bosses might give an honest opinion in the performance reviews and help the employees grow, some bosses might not be successful in having a rapport with their employees. The way other relationships impact our personal life, the boss-employee relationship may have a direct impact on our career. A boss who acts as a mentor may guide you to make wise decisions in your career.

Things Your Boss Won't Tell You

They Need You!
The way you need a good employer, they need good employees too. Remember, we all make our contribution to the work, and it is the ground-level people who do the real job. They need you, but bosses will deny to say that on your face. You've more power than you think. They do need you, unless they have much better performing employees who can do your work.

There is Going to be a Little Bit of Bias
Motherhood penalty is bound to be there. Statistics indicate that working mothers are paid less than their childless counterparts. The famous female-male pay gap is also known to all. Moreover, bosses will never tell you that on your face, and results may be a little biased.

Boss is (NOT) Always Your Friend
You may have a great and friendly boss, but that does not imply he tells you everything. In the end, the boss has his own share of responsibilities. Moreover, your boss also has his boss to report to, and he may have to take decisions according to him/her.

Age Does Matter
The organization is always on the lookout of younger and fresh talent, one of the reasons being that they're available cheaper. The way we look out for an organization that pays us more, even the organization has its own budget. Gone are the days when employees worked for one organization all their life.

You Can Get Things Done
Your boss won't tell you when to strike the iron. The right moment and the right person is important to get the promotion or salary hike that you want. Of course, your boss cannot always guide you on that. If you've a good boss, he/she will ensure that you get the fair share of hike as per your performance.

They Know What We Do At Our Desks
We're probably innocently unaware of the fact that our bosses know what we're up to while at our desks. You might be checking your social profiles, and remain blissfully oblivious to the fact that your actions are known to them. Your boss might not warn you, but these things make a difference when it comes to your growth in the organization.

Dress Right!
You might be allowed to wear casuals to your office, but that does not imply that you come dressed up for a party. You've to be dressed like you mean serious work. There is something called 'office decorum'.

It's Not Always Your Performance That Matters
There are some things which bosses wish they could tell you about, but cannot, to maintain confidentiality. Sadly, even your boss may be a victim of circumstances and policies, and you may not realize it. A reiteration, your boss may have to satisfy the wishes and whims of his boss, and cannot give you that desired promotion even if he wants to.

Why You're Being Micromanaged
You might be wondering why it is only your work that is subject to so many reviews and checks. You might be micromanaged because you made some serious mistakes at work. Of course, his job is to get the work done right, even if it means interfering in a little bit of your freedom.

The Organization is Going Through a Crisis
Even if your organization is going through a financial crisis, perhaps, your boss is not allowed to disclose it to the employees, unless the higher authorities make an official announcement of the same.

Attitude Matters
Attitude is equally important. If you're merely a cribber, and think of limitations before performing, you might be at risk. Every employer wants an employee with a positive attitude, and not complaint boxes who cannot deal with work stress.

You Might Lose Your Job
Now if the company is cost-cutting, and you seem to be the under-performer to them, your boss cannot really help you in this case, and you might be downsized, perhaps, without any forewarning.

He/She is Leaving the Organization
Your boss might not inform you that he/she is leaving the organization, simply because he does not want your work to be impacted. He/she might also have been advised by his boss to not inform you about the change.

Probably They Know When You're Faking Illness
The next time you're thinking of faking illness, think twice. In an era of social networking, you might end up in a soup, if your friend happens to tag you in a photo at a restaurant. Your bosses might not let you know that they're tracking you down, yet, you know where it impacts: salary hikes and promotions!

This is not an exhaustive list of things a boss will never tell his employees, and definitely, it is not specific to any type of boss or organization in particular. While some bosses hide some things from the employees due to various constraints, there are others who prefer to be open and transparent about everything they say or do., 14 Things Your Boss Will Never Tell You foodrecipeandhealth.blogspot.com farkıyla sizlerle.

Best Investments for 2015

Finance experts believe that 2015 is less attractive on the investment front as compared to last year. They advise investing in stocks and say that bonds should be invested in for safety rather than income. The energy sector is seeing a low, the energy stocks have dropped, and the interest rates have fallen, Rather than predicting or expecting anything, as an article on Financial Post says, it is better to have a diversified portfolio that includes stocks or ETFs. For municipal bonds, the supply and demand outlook seems to be balanced. In states like Alaska, North Dakota, and Texas, oil production exceeds consumption. If oil prices remain low, bonds in these states might perform less, but they won't break down. In stocks, it is advisable to invest in the health care and technology sectors. Intermediate-term corporate bond funds are a good bet. Vanguard High-Yield Corporate and Federated High Yield are examples of junk bond funds that are performing well. Here, we look at some of the best investments for 2015.

Precious Metals
Precious metals like gold and silver have lost much of the value they had in the last few years. But that doesn't mean investing in precious metals is not a good idea any longer. Palladium is a good investment option, owing to its extensive use and China being one of the biggest markets of this metal. The metal can be bought in the form of bars or coins. According to InvestorPlace, the price of palladium will rise. Silver can be invested in, this year as the prices have come down now and are likely to rise in the near future. InvestorPlace says that the demand for silver is expected to grow by 25% or more in the coming years, owing to the increasing industrial demand for this metal. For those looking for diversification, a mix of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium is also a good investment choice. In the event of a sudden inflation or should the dollar prices dwindle, an investment in precious metals will prove to be of value. The best precious metal funds for 2015, according to US News data are: Physical Palladium Shares (PALL) Global X Silver Miners ETF (SIL) ETFS Precious Metals Baskets Trust (GLTR) Mutual Funds
They help you diversify your portfolio and come at lower costs, thus making this investment a convenient option. Secondly, the analysis and monitoring of holding is done by professionals. Also, investors do not trade funds as frequently as stocks. An article on best investment strategies for 2015, by TIME says that investing in ETFs and mutual funds is among the best strategies for this year. Following is a list of the top few mutual funds that can make for good investments in 2015. The rankings have been sourced from Investopedia. Fidelity Select Health Care Portfolio (FSPHX): Expense ratio of 0.76%, Category average of 1.43% Vanguard 500 Index Inv (VFINX): Expense ratio of 0.17%, Category average of 1.08% Vanguard Dividend Growth Inv (VDIGX): Expense ratio of 0.31%, Category average of 1.08% Vanguard Health Care Inv (VGHCX): Expense ratio of 0.35%, Dividend yield of 0.84% Dodge & Cox International Stock (DODFX): Expense ratio of 0.64%, Category average of 1.19% Blue Chip Stocks
They can be a safe bet for people who are looking for a long-term investment. These stocks have the reputation of performing reasonably, even during an economic downturn. They have offered a steady Return On Investment (ROI) in the past. Many will argue that investors can get higher ROI if they invest in emerging, relatively lesser-known companies, but the risk will be relatively higher. The government has averted the fiscal cliff, but future tax laws can deeply impact the performance of the stock market, and if that happens, penny stocks will be the first ones to take a hit. Even if blue chip stocks go down, investors shouldn't hit the panic button as the fundamentals of these companies are pretty strong, and there will always be scope for a recovery. Taking into account all the considerations, we will advise investors to have blue chip stocks in their portfolio. Following are some stocks which you may consider. They have been enlisted by Fidelity as the top 5 blue chip stocks that should pay you more in 2015. Apple Inc (AAPL) Wells Fargo & Co (WFC) Walt Disney Co (DIS) Qualcomm Inc (QCOM) General Motors Co (GM) Municipal Bond Funds
Investors consider municipal bonds as a wise investment option for 2015. According to Forbes, the ones that went out of market after the 2008 crisis may start returning due to favorable market conditions and regulatory developments. The new issuance is expected to be more than $375 billion. Yields on short-maturity bonds are expected to rise. Monolines that were gone after the 2008 crisis seem to be returning and the issuance of insured bonds should increase. The tax-exemption that munis have to offer is one reason why most recommend investing in them. Munis are a safe investment because historically, most bonds have been able to retain their value, while earning interest for the investor at the same time. Some states whose municipal bonds are worth considering this year are California, Massachusetts, and Minnesota.

(Disclaimer: This article is meant for informative purposes only, and should not be substituted for the advice of an appropriately qualified professional. We do not promise, or guarantee that using this information will lead to a particular outcome/result. Readers are advised to use their own discretion.), Best Investments for 2015 foodrecipeandhealth.blogspot.com farkıyla sizlerle.

Amazing Perks Of Working From Home For Employees

Fast Fact
Forbes contributor, Kevin Kruse, states that a humongous 60% of America's workforce prefers working from home, primarily to achieve a balance between an office and homely environment.
The days of working from 9 to 5 are long gone, no doubt. Currently, we live in a technology-driven era, where you can carry your work with you. Working from home has been considered a part-time or freelancing option for long, and has even been a go-get-it choice for stay-at-home moms and the differently-abled. Many companies offer all their employees the option of working from home; however, this option is generally availed for a day or two or at the most, a week.

The latest innovation the corporate world have been thinking of (and many of them have already applied the same) is to actually get their workforce to officially work from home. There are many pros and cons of this option, for the employer as well as the employee. The paragraphs below provide some of the benefits of working from home for employees.

Flexible schedule

Flexibility benefit of working from home

This is one of the coolest benefits of working from home. No 9 to 5 or 2 to 11, or 11 to 8, or any erratic schedule. You have a flexible schedule―you can work when you like, relax when you want, manage the cooking and cleaning, etc., as and when possible. There is flexibility in pretty much everything―nothing is rigid or fixed. Say, you have a skating class or a piano lesson, or you wish to take a stroll in your garden, no one is going to stop you. You can stop your work temporarily, do what you want, and continue your task from where you left it. As long as you complete the task assigned to you, your boss may not have a chance to complain.

No Unnecessary Banter

This is one of the primary advantages of working from home. While at work, you are constantly engaged in unnecessary talk. Blah.. blah.. blah ... and it goes on. If you do not talk, your colleagues do, and you are ultimately dragged into the conversation. Eventually, productivity suffers. At home though, there are no such distractions, no unnecessary talk. Yes of course, if you are living with your family, there will be laughter and conversation, but from what surveys suggest, your family members will be supportive and understanding enough to realize that you are working, and naturally, they will avoid disturbing you, which gives you enough time and space to complete your work.

No Office Politics

No gossip while working from home

Every workplace falls prey to politics at some time or the other. There is unnecessary gossip, ever-changing rumors, hushed whispers, eavesdropping, etc. At some point of time, invariably, you are either the victim or the culprit. This may affect your identity and dignity, and ultimately lower your morale. While at home, you face no such problems. You may not even be aware of what your colleagues are going through, even if you do interact via conference calls and video meetings, the conversation is strictly professional. Everyone is rather tired of the rat race, and the absence of office politics can provide a welcome respite.

No Discrimination

Any kind of professional discrimination can lead to loss of confidence, feeling discouraged, and you being unable to focus on your work. It brings down the overall morale of the workplace, which affects everyone's work. While at home, there is no discrimination. Neither your boss nor your colleagues may interact with you on a daily basis (face-to-face). Thus, you don't have to feel down in the dumps. You are respected as an important employee, and this adds to your confidence.

No Corporate Formalities

No Formal Attire

No formal settings in work from home

It can be rather irritating, and on occasions, painful to wear stiff formal suits and tight formal footwear. To sit all day and work in such attire can sometimes be infuriating. Not just clothing, but the formalities can be irritating after a while too. I do agree that following etiquette and the right mannerism is important, but it can be rather frustrating to have a smile on your face while talking to your senior when you are suffering from a sore foot. The formal niceties get so clichéd after a while that all you want to do is to put your feet on the table and work. Of course, this is not possible in an office environment. When you work from home though, you have the freedom of lazing around on your bed or sofa or easy chair, wear what you want, and work without having to worry about your surroundings.

No Meetings

No boring meetings to attend while working from home

How many corporate meetings actually lead to a definite conclusion? Hardly any. At the office, you spend a lot of time attending meetings, wherein there is a lot of unnecessary talk, cups of coffee, never-ending debates, lesser action, and waiting-to-be-acted-upon solutions. At home, you have no such restrictions. There are Skype meetings and conferences, yet, they seem more productive, since they take place once in a while and for a particularly important topic of discussion in hand.

Employee Satisfaction and Empowerment

Every organization focuses on keeping its employees happy, for they are the resource that helps the organization run profitably. Working from home provides a lot of convenience and flexibility to employees, in various ways, and naturally, they are happy and satisfied. When they are satisfied, they give their 100% to their work, and consequently, benefit themselves as well as their employers. Since they do not interact with other colleagues, there is a general feeling of financial independence and self-control. Yes, your boss would certainly reprimand you if your work is not up to the mark; yet, there is a certain anonymity, a feeling of privacy. And, the fact that you are practically your own boss is enough to give you the energy to put in more effort. Employees, in general, have reported to have felt satisfied and empowered when working from home.

Personal- and Professional-life Balance

Often, employees stay back at work due to work pressure and deadlines. This affects their personal life―they follow an erratic schedule, leading to an irregular lifestyle, experience arguments at home, etc. With the option of working from home, employees will know how to strike a proper balance between office assignments and personal work. They will be able to dedicate equal time for their personal- and professional-life. They can spend time with their families and adjust their work hours accordingly.

Reduced Stress

You will, of course, have deadlines and pressure even if you work from home; however, the intensity is reduced. You do not have your boss hovering around demanding you to compete the assignment, nor do you have periodic meetings to review your work. There is less urgency, lesser hassles, and more comfort and flexibility. Project work can be particularly demanding, which consequently gives rise to a stressful environment. But if planned well, the work can be completed on time. When you work from home, you get to plan your daily activities and work schedule; naturally, your stress levels will be remarkably lower than what you may go through in a conventional work environment.

Better Health

With reduced stress levels, a peaceful atmosphere and fewer expenses, you have fewer issues to worry about. You need not get worked up to drop your children to school or clean your garage or spend time with your family. You can even pursue your hobbies. All these perks help achieve sound physical and mental health, which in turn encourages you to work harder and give your best.

No Daily Commute

No daily commute

If you live close to your workplace, great. But if not, the long commute every day can be a killjoy. Spending more than an hour in the rush hour traffic, whether you use your personal vehicle or public transport, can be very hectic. You may be wanting to rush for an early meeting, and a traffic jam may ruin your morning. No to ignore the rising costs of travel either―bus/train/cab fares or fuel/gas costs. While at home, you need not worry about traveling. You can work while sitting on your bed, in comfort. You save time, money, and energy.

Increased productivity

With a proper balance between home and office, employees feel the urge to work more and give their best. Moreover, there may be employees who may be physically challenged as well, and working from home helps them to make a contribution with their skill and talent. This increases the overall productivity of the firm, primarily due to fewer distractions and more time. Working from home also provides all the privacy you need, and in case of any issues or doubts, there is always a way out―you can note them all down and get them resolved later, all at once. No hassles, no disturbance.

Family Time

Enjoy family time while working from home

Working from home lets you spend quality time with your spouse, kids, and parents. You do not have to compromise on your family life because of long work hours or hectic tasks. While many organizations provide day-care options, women prefer watching over their kids and looking after their needs themselves. Working from home enables new moms to take care of the kids while simultaneously work on a office task at hand. It works well both ways, when timings are planned out and adjusted.

Undoubtedly, there are numerous advantages to working from home. Responsible and aware corporations and organization have today realized that a convenient work-from-home policy will mutually benefit themselves and their employees as well., Amazing Perks Of Working From Home For Employees foodrecipeandhealth.blogspot.com farkıyla sizlerle.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Being dakika Air Hostess

Did You Know?
The world's first male flight attendant was Heinrich Kubis and the first female flight attendant was a nurse called Ellen Church.

An air hostess is a female flight attendant who works for an airline. She is a part of the cabin crew and responsible for the safety and comfort of the passengers in flight. Her responsibilities include serving food and drinks, assisting sick passengers by seeing that emergency equipment is available, and ensuring that passengers are abiding by the airline safety rules. She also checks passengers' tickets or boarding passes, guides them to their seats, and helps them find places to keep their luggage. She needs to comfort the passengers who are afraid of flying. In cases of emergency, she provides them with safety information and may even look after evacuation arrangements.

The job of an air hostess is considered glamorous. It is definitely an interesting job as one travels to many places and meets different people, but there is a lot of physical and mental stress involved. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of being an air hostess.

The Fun Side

✦ The job is prestigious and well-paid.

✦ There is an opportunity to fly around the world and one gets to see some beautiful and exotic places where one can also spend some days at expensive hotels.

✦ Traveling to different places and having an exposure to different cultures, helps increase one's general knowledge and awareness.

✦ Air hostesses working with international airlines have the chance to visit and explore foreign countries. Domestic airlines provide fewer opportunities to do so. However, starting to work with a smaller airline will train one and provide the skills necessary to increase one's chances of working with a bigger company.

✦ Meeting different people is a wonderful experience. One gets to meet interesting passengers.

✦ One has the opportunity to improve one's social skills and become an excellent team player.

✦ One has to be patient and tolerant with the different types of people and understand the needs of people of different ages. This makes one more accommodating and understanding of people in general.

✦ There are rewards for flight attendants when on a holiday. However, they vary between airlines. Many airlines provide air travel for free.

✦ There are discounts or free tickets for immediate family members of the air hostesses, and the expenses for food, lodging, and transportation are less.

✦ Many airlines offer health care coverage for flight attendants who work in a full-time capacity, which includes vision insurance, dental insurance, and many others. Many others provide a retirement savings plan or a profit-sharing program.

The Not So Fun Side

✦ One experiences a lot of physical stress due to standing for a long time.

✦ An air hostess has to be on her toes throughout the journey, as the job responsibilities include assisting passengers to find their seats, informing them about safety rules, serving them food and drinks, retrieving bags or other items for passengers, and so on. There is hardly any time to relax.

✦ Usually, one has to work for long and odd hours, as long as 12 or 14 hours in a single shift. There is tremendous pressure and exhaustion due to lack of sleep and rest. One has to conform to a new schedule after every few months. Flight attendants can be called for work at any time; it may be early in the morning or very late at night.

✦ One may require to work on weekends and even on holidays, which means one may miss birthdays, anniversaries, festivals, or other occasions to celebrate.

✦ Due to the hectic work schedule, there is less time to spend with family and close friends.

✦ An air hostess needs to look pleasant and cheerful at all times, no matter what amount of stress she is dealing with. She has to remain calm and patient under all circumstances.

✦ She may come across ill-tempered and annoying passengers and have to manage them. She may have to listen to blames for delays, for the food, or other complaints from passengers but deal with them patiently.

✦ The plenty of traveling and having no fixed routine can be very disorienting. It can take a toll on one's health., Advantages and Disadvantages of Being an Air Hostess foodrecipeandhealth.blogspot.com farkıyla sizlerle.

Best Careers for 2015

Did you know?According to ManpowerGroup's annual Employment Outlook Survey, the staffing levels are expected to increase by 19%.
The fluctuating trends in the job market create questions like whether to change careers, which job sectors to choose, what kind of job roles to accept, and on what salary. Be it someone who is starting a career or someone planning a job switch, the most challenging thing is to choose the right field. Choosing a job is and should be an individual choice, but it is good to know what prospects different careers have and whether it is the right time to switch to a particular one. Here, we are talking about 2015. Fast-paced industries are in demand, and popular sectors like technology and health care continue to dominate the job market.

Top 10 Career Choices for 2015

This list of the best jobs of the year is based on the data of US News that ranks jobs based on various factors like growth volume and percentage in the near future, median salary, job prospects, rate of employment, as also the stress levels in that job and the work-life balance achieved. Their data is also based on the projected number of openings in various sectors as given by BLS. The median salaries given in this list have been sourced from PayScale.

1. Dentist
Estimated Growth: 23,300 new jobs through 2022

Median Salary: $1,22,953

Responsibilities: Diagnosing and treating oral ailments, prescribing medications, conducting surgeries

Requirements: Graduate degrees from accredited dental schools, a relevant experience, and a license to practice dentistry

* Advancement in the researches connecting oral health with overall health will lead to more demand for dentists in the future.


2. Nurse Practitioner
Estimated Growth: 37,100 new jobs through 2022

Median Salary: $84,731

Responsibilities: Taking patient histories, conducting physical exams, ordering labs, analyzing lab results, prescribing medicines, and educating patients and families about health care

Requirements: A bachelor's degree in nursing, passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), and then a nurse practitioner degree, which can take 2-4 years.


3. Software Developer
Estimated Growth: 140,000 new positions before 2022

Median Salary: $67,207

Responsibilities: Developing computer programs and applications that aid in doing specific tasks, developing programs that help to run computer networks

Requirements: A bachelor's degree in computer science, and thorough computer programming skills are needed.

* The major cause of growth in the employment prospects of software developers is the increasing demand for computer software.


4. Physician
Estimated Growth: 123,300 new openings through 2022

Median Salary: $137,198

Responsibilities: Diagnosis and treatment of diseases and instructing patients on proper diet, hygiene, and preventive care

Requirements: A major in subjects like biology, chemistry, mathematics with very good grades, passing the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) on graduation, and 4 years in a medical school. In case of specialization, the internships and residency programs' type and duration varies based on the specialization chosen.


5. Dental Hygienist
Estimated Growth: 33.3% growth in employment by 2022

Median Salary: $32.51 per hour on an average

Responsibilities: Maintaining dental hygiene of patients (includes procedures for cleaning teeth, removing tartar and plaque, and floss) and educating them about proper oral care.

Requirements: An associate degree in dental hygiene is needed. A bachelor's and a master's degree in dental hygiene leads to better prospects in the field. In order to practice, a state-specific license is required. The requirements vary from one state to another, but most need a graduation from an accredited program and passing of a written and practical exam.


6. Physical Therapist
Estimated Growth: 36% growth by 2022

Median Salary: $66,205

Responsibilities: Evaluating patients, examining their medical records, planning and executing rehabilitative programs for improving the mobility of patients and increasing their strength. The treatment methods may include use of machines, hands-on therapies, exercises, and stretches. Physical therapists are concerned with giving holistic care to their patients.

Requirements: A bachelor's degree in physical therapy, followed by a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is needed. To gain practical experience, physical therapists choose a residency or fellowship, and do certifications to specialize in the field. A state-specific license is required for practice.


7. Computer Systems Analyst
Estimated Growth: 24.5% growth by 2022

Median Salary: $64,620

Responsibilities: Designing computer systems and processes for clients, helping run the computer systems smoothly, planning upgrades and overseeing the installation of new systems, testing systems and training people on them. Their responsibilities also include troubleshooting and repair, in case of problems with the system.

Requirements: A bachelor's degree in information sciences or computer science is needed. A master's degree in Business Administration is of help. Problem-solving skills, knowledge of information technology, and some business acumen is also required.


8. Information Security Analyst
Estimated Growth:36.5% growth by 2022

Median Salary: $70,668

Responsibilities: Protecting computers and computer networks from attack, protecting sensitive information from manipulation, and working towards generating awareness about threats to network security.

Requirements: A bachelor's degree in computer science, programming or engineering is needed. A Master of Business Administration in information systems proves to be an added advantage.


9. Registered Nurse
Estimated Growth:19.4% growth by 2022

Median Salary: $26.68 per hour

Responsibilities: Monitoring a patient's health condition, performing medical procedures, giving medicines, and monitoring progress in the patient's health condition is included. Their job involves working with patients of different health conditions and those belonging to different age groups. Those with a specialization may work with a specific group of patients, such as those of a particular age group or with a specific health condition.

Requirements: An associate's degree or a diploma program is required for an entry-level position. A bachelor of science in nursing is becoming an industry standard. A BSN degree program is required for graduates from other fields. Students also need to pass a national licensing exam and meet other state-specific requirements.


10. Physician Assistant
Estimated Growth: 38.4% growth by 2022

Median Salary: $85,935

Responsibilities: Interpreting X-rays and blood tests, recording patient progress, conducting routine physical exams and treating health conditions are the responsibilities. The work is done under the supervision of a doctor, the extent of which may vary from state to state.

Requirements: A master's degree from an accredited educational program is needed. Supervised clinical training is of help. Most states require professionals to pass a certifying exam from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. 100 hours of continuing education and a re-certification exam after 10 years are other requirements.

People looking for the best jobs on offer may choose between the options mentioned above, provided they have the relevant skills, qualifications, and experience.

Most Sought-after Careers

Health Care

With the current generation growing more health-conscious, and our apparent and obvious efforts in preventing and fighting illnesses, health care as a career is one of the most sought-after sectors. The report of the BLS states that we need to employ more people in the health care sector, while retaining the current employees.

To practice as a professional health care provider, one needs to obtain a valid license via Board Certification, in addition to passing a registry exam. Other than the license, which is common to all people employed in the health care sector, specific qualifications are needed depending on the area they are functional in. Generally, an undergraduate degree in medicine, dentistry, pharmacology, or other relevant fields is enough to qualify in order to apply for a job. Some of the most popular options in this field include:

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Growth rate by 2022 - 27,000 job openings, Median Pay - $27 per hour)
Occupational Therapist (Growth rate by 2022 - 29%, Median Pay - $34 per hour)
Occupational Therapy Assistants (Growth rate by 2022 - 12,900 new job openings, Median Pay - $24 per hour)
Esthetician (Growth rate by 2022 - 39.8%, Median Pay - $12 per hour)
Pharmacists (Growth rate by 2022 - 14.5%, Median Pay - $107,100 per year)
Medical Equipment Repairer (Growth rate by 2022 - 30%, Median Pay - $51,447 per year)
Dietitian and Nutritionist (Growth rate by 2022 - 21%, Median Pay - $48,571 per year)

Radiologic Technologist, Epidemiologist, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse, Physical Therapist Assistant, Home Health Aide, and Pharmacy Technician are some of the other jobs in this sector that have been enlisted among the top 50 on the US News list of best jobs for 2015.

Engineering and Technology

A boom in the IT sector is expected and this field continues to be as much competitive and lucrative as it was in the past. But mind well that the employers are looking for innovative ideas and the right kind of skills.

The information technology sector is filled with a variety of jobs needing a variety of educational backgrounds. Having a thorough knowledge of computer science is necessary and either a bachelor's or master's degree in the subject is preferred. While a degree in management can add to your resume, some employers also prefer prior experience in the field. Popular options in this field include:

Database Administrators (Growth rate by 2022 - 17,900 new positions, Median Pay - $69,579 per year)
Web Developer (Growth rate by 2022 - 20%, Median Pay - $55,057 per year)
IT Manager (Growth rate by 2022 - 50,900 openings, Median Pay - $79,584 per year)

Mechanical engineers, civil engineers, and construction managers are among the few other jobs in the technology and engineering sector that appear on US News' list of top 50 jobs for 2015.

Business and Finance

There is a lot of scope for growth in this sector in terms of employment. There is a demand for accountants and auditors, who manage company accounts and yearly income statements. Financial analysts and financial planners who advise businesses on making the right decisions in order to earn profits, are in great demand too.

You can become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and boost your chances to climb the corporate ladder. There are numerous accounting and finance degree programs offered by various universities, leading to both, undergraduate and graduate degrees. Added to this, there are a number of certificate courses as well. The corporate sector is huge, and your experience can take you far. Here is a list of some of the most sought-after jobs in this sector:

Market Research Analyst (Growth rate by 2022 - 31.6%, Median Pay - $49,359 per year)
Marketing Managers (Growth rate by 2022 - 12.7%, Median Pay - $60,907 per year)
Accountants (Growth rate by 2022 - 166,000 new openings, Median Pay - $47,183 per year)
Financial Advisors (Growth rate by 2025 - 27%, Median Pay - $54,278 per year)

Jobs like Operations Research Analyst, Logistician, Insurance Agent, Loan Officer, Business Operations Manager, and HR Specialist also feature on US News' list of 100 best jobs for the year.

Education

Teaching jobs, whether in school or in college, will continue to be the most sought-after careers. After all, recession or no recession, there will always be a demand for good teachers. The salaries are competitive, while the experience of imparting knowledge is wholesome. All these pluses add to the demand for jobs in the education sector.

People aspiring to be teachers may start with a bachelor's degree in education from an accredited institution and can go on to do an education major in either elementary school education or middle and high school education. While it is not necessary for the private school teachers to acquire a teaching license, it is mandatory for the public school teachers to have one. Special needs educators need to have certifications in specialized fields such as dealing with students with visual impairments, and so on. To teach at the college/university level, one has to have a master's degree in education and a doctoral degree is preferred, sometimes with relevant experience. Here is a list of some of the most popular jobs in this sector:

School Psychologist (Growth rate by 2022 - 11.3%, Median Pay - $57,040 per year)
K-12 School Teachers (Growth rate by 2022 - Over 100,000 openings for elementary school teachers, 76,000 openings for middle school teachers, and over 50,000 openings for high school teachers, Median Pay - Range of $41,000 to $46000 per year)

Jobs in any of these sectors will provide you with the right kind of security and salary in the future. See where your interest lies, and then acquire the qualifications and experience required to enter the field of your choice. Apart from those enlisted above, jobs of Marriage and Family Therapists, Substance Abuse Counselors, and Opticians will also have a very good number of openings in the coming years.

Offbeat Career Choices for 2015

An offbeat career is one that is not commonly chosen by people. Sometimes, choosing to make a career in an offbeat field might prove to be the right decision, owing to lesser competition and good returns, if you possess the right skills. Given below are some options of offbeat careers you may choose from:

Calligraphers: Calligraphy is a fine art of creating new fonts and styling the existing scripts. Calligraphers are employed by craft stores, publication houses, print shops, and so on. But, they may also be freelancers, offering their expertise to individuals and organizations. A good calligrapher should be attentive to minute details, and should possess thorough knowledge of history, and historical scripts, and fonts.
Undercover Detectives: Undercover detectives are either private detectives or police officers, who hide their true identities in order to secretly gather information about people and crimes. This is a very responsible position and one has to undergo rigorous training for the same. One needs to be alert all the time as there is also a huge risk factor involved.
Chocolatiers: Chocolatiers are chefs who make confectionaries with chocolate as a core ingredient. However, they should not be confused with chocolate makers. Master chocolatiers not only make delicious desserts out of chocolate, but also create artistically crafted pieces out of it.
Funeral Directors: Funeral directors, a.k.a. morticians, are people in the business of funeral rites. They undertake the arrangements of the rites involved in cremation/burial of the deceased, alongside planning the entire funeral ceremony. They work full-time, mostly in crematories and funeral homes.
Brewmasters: Brewmasters are the people who brew beer in the brewery. Their job involves the entire process of beer-making, which includes numerous chemical processes as well. They are also responsible for the creation of unique beer recipes.

According to CareerBuilder, the number of companies planning to hire in 2015 will be 12% points more than last year. The hiring of full-time and permanent employees is set to increase this year. Those hired in the Information Technology, Financial Services, Manufacturing, and Health Care sectors will be much higher than the national average. Sales, Customer Service, IT, Production, and Administration are some other sectors that will dominate the recruitment of permanent and full-time employees. 46% employers plan to recruit temporary or contract workers, which is more than 42% compared to last year. According to TIME, unconventional careers like Nuclear Medicine Technologist, Medical Equipment Repairer, Digital Risk Officer, Health and Wellness Educator, and Industrial Organizational Psychologist are some new openings that may also pay well., Best Careers for 2015 foodrecipeandhealth.blogspot.com farkıyla sizlerle.

Interesting Stories Behind Big Brand Names

Some Serious Business!
We all are familiar with the big brand name FedEx. In the initial days, the company was close to success but was short on cash. It had only last $5,000 and a bill due in 2 days. The CEO and founder Fred Smith was smart and would never give up. He took the whole amount and went to Las Vegas. He played blackjack for the weekend and returned with more than $30,000. He could pay the bills and save his company from fading away.

Every brand has to fight its own struggle in establishing itself in the market and maintaining its brand value. But, it's a bigger struggle to come up with a brand name. It is something that stays forever with the company. So, it should be perfect. And that makes it worth a lot of thought!

While some companies are named after their owners, there are others that are given off-beat names. Absolutely. Take Apple or BlackBerry for example. The world knew them as fruits before they became brand names. Or take Pepsi or Google for instance. Were they even words before they became names of such famous companies? Well, there are some fascinating stories behind how these brands got their names. Here, we look at some famous ones and how interestingly their names were derived.

Interesting Stories of Brand Names

Apple
In an interview with Sir Isaacson, Steve Jobs said that he was on a fruitarian diet and was coming home from an apple farm, when he thought this name was fun and not intimidating. Another story says that Jobs wanted to pay a tribute to the music label, Apple Records for the Beatles. Some also say that he wanted the name to be before Atari in a phone book. We may never know the real story, but that doesn't matter now.

Amazon
The company was first named 'Cadabra', but the founder, Jeff Bezos, thought it sounded like cadaver so he changed it. He wanted a name starting from "A" because it would be on the top always. Also, he related to the Amazon river as the longest and exotic. He wanted his company to be the same, which is why he shifted to the name Amazon.

BlackBerry
This name was coined by a marketing company just because the buttons looked like blackberry seeds. Plus, the first phones were black in color.

Google
The site was actually named "Googol", which meant the number represented by 1 followed by 100 zeros. A story says that the founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page got a check of this amount from an investor, and they decided to name the company as Googol. But while registering the domain name, the word Google was written. And that's how it became their company's name. Interesting!

Hotmail
The founders Jack Smith and Sabeer Bhatia were searching for a name ending with 'mail'. They decided on Hotmail because it also had the letters HTML, the language used to create web pages.

HP
The name Hewlett-Packard was named after its founders, Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard. The only problem was to decide whose name would come first, so they just tossed a coin and we all know who won the toss.

IKEA
IKEA was named after the first letters of the founder and the Swedish village he belonged to. His name is Ingvar Kamprad and he grew up in Elmtaryd Agunnaryd.

LEGO
This name is an abbreviation of the Danish words leg godt, which means 'play well'. Apart from that, the word Lego also means "I put together" in Latin, which was not considered by the company while naming it.

Yahoo!
This website was named as "Jerry and David's guide to the World Wide Web", which were the first names of the founders. The term yahoo was selected because it was a slang meaning rude and unrefined. Another theory explains that it may be a combination of "Yet Another Hierarchically Organized Oracle".

Adobe
Talk about randomness here. This name was taken from the stream Adobe Creek because it ran behind the house of the founder John Warnock.

Twitter
All the board members thought of names like "jitter, status, twitch" which would be associated with instant messaging. But, they found the meaning of twitter which said "short burst of inconsequential information, and chirps from birds". This name was pleasing and hence, was finalized.

Bridgestone
The name is a translation of the name of the founder "Shojiro Ishibashi". That literally translates to "bridge of stone" but then the 'of' was removed.

Coca-Cola
The brand was named after the coca leaves and kola nuts which were used to flavor the drink. The K was changed to C because the founder thought it looked nicer.

H&R BLOCK
The company was founded by Henry W. and Richard Bloch so the name is quite clear. But, why block instead of bloch? It seems that the founders didn't want any mispronunciations so they changed it.

Pepsi
It was named after the digestive enzyme "pepsin". They wanted to promote the brand as a drink that helps digestion.

Sony
This name came from the Latin word sonus, which means sound. Also, "sonny" was a slang word which was used to refer to a smart youngster. Thus, the name came into existence.

Toyota
Toyoda (the former name) had arranged a competition for drawing the logo. The winner had written "Toyota" which was much appreciated. Also, the name rhymed with the name of the founder "Toyoda". While getting it drawn, Toyota took only eight strokes of brush while it took 10 for Toyoda. 8 is considered as a lucky number by the Japanese. Considering all the advantages, it was finally named as we know it now.

Starbucks
It was simply named after the character in Herman Melville's novel, Moby Dick. Founders thought that it gave a feeling of romance of the high seas and the tradition of the early coffee traders, who traveled through the seas.

7-Eleven
The company was known as "U-Tote'm" before 1946. The name was later changed because of the new working hours of the company. They were open from 7.00 am to 11.00 pm which reflects in their name.

LG
We all mistake it for "Life's good". That is the tagline but not the meaning or the history of this name. It is a combination of two words, Lucky Goldstar, which was the former name of the company.

It is really interesting how these names were given to big brands. If not for the companies that adopted them, these words would have meant nothing, or perhaps, meant something else., Interesting Stories Behind Big Brand Names foodrecipeandhealth.blogspot.com farkıyla sizlerle.

10 Worst Product Flops of All Time

Failure to SuccessRovio produced 51 flop games, before hitting gold with Angry Birds. Probably, failure, or rather multiple failures are indeed stepping stones to success!

The preferences of the public are hard to predict. Though big corporations and businesses shell out millions on market research, there is still no guarantee that the results obtained through them will be accurate. So, in the end, manufacturers are left with not much choice but to go with the 'best bet' while deciding to launch a new product.

Unfortunately, many times, these new products don't fare well in the market, which results in heavy losses to the companies. There are even cases when good products become a victim to bad advertisement or wrong business decisions. In the followings sections, we shall look at 10 of the biggest product flops of all time.

Brands That Flopped

Product: Arch Deluxe Burger
Company: McDonald's
Year Released: 1996

In 1996, McDonald's released its new quarter pound burger - the Arch Deluxe, which the company marketed as 'decidedly adult'. This new jumbo burger comprised lettuce, onions, tomatoes, ketchup, and mayonnaise-dijon mustard sauce on a potato bread roll. McDonald's spent nearly $100 million on advertisement and marketing for this new burger, which was a significantly greater amount compared to that spent on other items. Unfortunately however, the Arch Deluxe was a major flop.

There were mainly two reasons for its failure - the first was that, this burger was priced at $2.29, which was considerably higher than the Big Mac which was available at just $1.90. The second reason was the advertisement campaign that McDonald's used. The TV ads, billboards, etc., all showed children making grossed-out faces at the burger, instead of showing satisfied adults. Clearly, the adults decided that it wasn't worth opting for the burger simply because the kids hated it.

After the Arch Deluxe failed miserably, McDonald's incurred heavy losses, and decided to completely reverse its original strategy, and began marketing cheaper burgers instead. One example of this approach was the 50 cent Big Mac, released in 1997.

Product: Coors Rocky Mountain Sparkling Water
Company: Adolph Coors Company
Year Released: 1990

Since 1873, Coors has sold beer, proclaiming in advertisements that it is 'cold brewed with pure rocky mountain spring water'. Then, in 1990, the company argued that since its beer was so refreshing, why shouldn't it sell packaged spring water as well.

This decision must have seemed quite right at the time. After all, back then, there was a growing trend towards alcohol moderation, accompanied by a growth in the bottled water segment. Coors even had the bottling infrastructure and distribution logistics in place. Coors' venture into the market of nonalcoholic beverages―Coors Rocky Mountain Sparkling Water―however turned out to be a big disaster!

The most probable reason for this was that, Coors Rocky Mountain Sparkling Water had used a similar name and label as that on the Coors beer. As such, many consumers would often confuse the water for beer, which would discourage the non-alcoholics from laying their hands on it, and the sale of the bottled water remained minimal. As the final straw, the maker of Budweiser, Anheuser-Busch, began publicly criticizing Coors for falsely accrediting its mountain spring water with higher quality. He even accused Coors of cutting its 'spring water' with water from Virginia.

As a result of its dismal sales and this added negative publicity, Coors finally canceled its water trademark in 1997.

Product: Crystal Pepsi
Company: PepsiCo
Year Released: 1992

Though colas and sodas have dominated the soft drink market for many decades, towards the end of the '80s and '90s, a new market trend began to emerge. People became more health conscious, and began increasingly opting for healthier and purer 'diet' beverages. In 1992, PepsiCo decided to enter the 'new-age' beverages market with its clear, caffeine-free drink - Crystal Pepsi.

PepsiCo marketed Crystal as a health beverage, and spent more than $40 million towards the cause. They even obtained permission to include Van Helen's hit number 'Right Now' in their TV advertisements. Even the market tests of the time gave Crystal Pepsi a thumbs up, which prompted Coca-Cola to release Tab Clear to compete with it. With everything seeming so darn good for it, obviously, Crystal had to fail eventually!

During the first year of its release, the new Pepsi recorded very good sales figures ($470 million). However, most of these were not due to the attributes of the new beverage, but instead due to public curiosity over it. Very soon, consumers began disliking the clear color of the drink, and stopped buying into Pepsi's health angle. Also, the fact that Crystal Pepsi tasted exactly like the original, took away the novelty element of this beverage, and Pepsi ultimately had no other choice but to discontinue it in 1993.

Product: Clairol Touch of Yogurt Shampoo
Company: Procter & Gamble
Year Released: 1979

Natural items such as avocado juice, eggs, sour cream, yogurt, etc., may actually benefit your hair by nourishing it. But there is no bypassing the fact that, most often, the result of applying them on your hair is, well, messy! This was what the women in the '70s were finding out the hard way!

Back then, yogurt had emerged as a new trendy food item, and the health-conscious community was all praises about it. Shampoos, back then, contained various natural ingredients, such as beer, lemon, honey, fruits, etc. So, Procter & Gamble reasoned - why not use the now popular yogurt in a shampoo?

However, few women opted for the new Clairol Touch of Yogurt Shampoo. This was mainly because they already had a preconceived notion that, yogurt application to the hair would be messy, sticky, and most of all smelly.

This product sold very poorly, and today it is no longer available in the U.S.

Product: TouchPad
Company: Hewlett Packard (HP)
Year Released: 2011

The failure of HP's TouchPad is a lesson at how much damage a failed product can do. In July 2011, HP introduced its TouchPad into the market, which was its attempt at competing with Apple's popular iPad. The TouchPad was designed with strong features, and was touted as being the sure-shot giant-killer which would slay the iPad.

HP organized several big promotional events, and spared no expense in the promotion of the TouchPad. However, consumers showed hardly any interest in the TouchPad, and most regarded it as being only a secondary option to the iPad.

HP announced that it would discontinue the TouchPad barely 49 days following its launch. They were forced to liquefy assets amounting to nearly $885 million, and another spend another $755 million towards closing down all the operations pertaining to the TouchPad's OS.

All of this took a grave toll on HP, and the once dominant computer company has since struggled to maintain its position in the PC market. Even till date, investors are extremely cautious while investing in HP.

Product: Edsel
Company: Ford
Year Released: 1957

Edsel was named after Edsel B. Ford, Henry Ford's only son, who passed away in 1943. This car was targeted towards consumers looking to upgrade to a higher-end mid-sized vehicle.

Ford spent a lot in the development and production of the Edsel. They ran an aggressive and highly expensive promotional campaign, which perhaps went a bit too far in raising the hopes of their customers.

Soon after the Edsel was launched, many users found out, to their dismay, that the 'revolutionary' Teletouch push-button transmission and electronic controls on it were unreliable. This, coupled with the high pricing of this car ($2,500 for the 4-door sedan, the Edsel Pacer, and $3,766 for the 2-door convertible) dug the grave for Edsel.

The economic slowdown in 1957 had plummeted the sales of most other car manufacturers, such as Buick, Dodge, Mercury, Pontiac, etc. In the November of 1959, after sustaining a loss of $350 million, Ford announced the end of the Edsel program.

Product: WOW! Chips
Company: PepsiCo
Year Released: 1998

Frito-Lay, a subsidiary of PepsiCo, brought to the market the product Wow! Chips, which was promoted as a healthier junk food option. This was due to the use of the FDA approved fat-substitute 'olestra', designed by Procter & Gamble.

WOW Chips! contained significantly less calories and fats as compared to normal chips, and as such, following its release in 1998, it reached $347 million in terms of sales, making it the bestselling chips brand of the year. However, its success was short-lived.

It turned out that, olestra consumption led to diarrhea, incontinence, stomach cramping, and in some cases even hospitalization. Word of its negative effects began to spread, and Pepsi Co poured in $35 million in attempts at counteracting the issue. Yet, sales continued to decline rapidly in 1999 and 2000.

Frito-Lay renamed 'WOW! Chips' to 'Light' in 2004, and tried hard to cover up its continued use of olestra. This led to a number of lawsuits being filed against them for not including warning labels on their products. Ultimately, even the 'Light' chips were discontinued.

Product: Newton MessagePad
Company: Apple
Year Released: 1993

Among the numerous revolutionary products that Apple brought into the market, was the Newton MessagePad, released in 1993. It was one of the world's first handheld devices, that offered basic computing features on-the-go. Newton garnered a number of favorable reviews owing to its advanced features, processing power, and futuristic design. Yet, it couldn't make its mark in the market.

Apple's Head of Product Development of the time - Steve Capps, stated that, it was Newton's handwriting recognition feature which was to be its main selling point, that turned out to be faulty, and killed the product. Further, the device also became a victim of negative publicity, when it was observed in the news that purchasing it was essentially spending $700 on something that a simple inexpensive paper notebook could achieve. Newton was discontinued in 1998.

Product: New Coke
Company: Coca-Cola
Year Released: 1985

Coca-Cola had always held the edge in the soda market. But in the 1980s, when their shares began slipping, they decided to try something new. To bring back the public's enthusiasm for the cola, they changed their original recipe - something which they had never done since they first entered the market nearly 99 years back.

At that time, this seemed like a wise decision. After all Pepsi had changed its flavor several times and managed to gain a significant amount of market share through it. Coca-cola spent over $30 million developing and perfecting the new formula, and more than $4 million on tasting tests. All seemed to be positive and promising.

However, when the New Coke came out, something quite unexpected happened - there was a widespread public outcry! Customers complained not so much about the new flavor, but over the fact that the original Coke was not available any more. Protest groups were formed around the country which finally forced the company to bring back the original Coke, a mere 77 days after the new one was released.

The New Coke was a big flop, but its failure proved to be a boon in disguise. The protests and public outcry upped the brand recognition quotient, with the result that Coca-Cola consequently dominated the carbonated beverage segment.

Product: Zune
Company: Microsoft
Year Released: 2006

In the world of gadgets, Apple's iPod had always been the king of music players. Only a brand as big as Microsoft could ever hope to dethrone it. With this sentiment, Microsoft developed its Zune music player in 2006 as a direct competitor to the iPod. Unfortunately, it didn't succeed!

The problem with Zune was that, it had numerous performance issues. In 2009, there were reports of thousands of Zunes freezing due to bugs in the firmware. Also, there was a belief among the consumers that the Zune, and for that matter any other music player, could never be as cool as the iPod.

Microsoft advertised its Zune ferociously, but even after spending $9 million, was able to acquire only 10.8% market share as opposed to Apple's mammoth 86.1%. After disappointing initial sales, Microsoft doubled the advertisement investment, but the Zune still didn't appeal to the consumers.

The Entertainment and Devices division of Microsoft lost $1.3 billion in 2006, and another $1.9 billion in 2007. With sales continuing to be low, in June 2012, Microsoft finally decided to discontinue the Zune project.
, 10 Worst Product Flops of All Time foodrecipeandhealth.blogspot.com farkıyla sizlerle.

Cool Restaurant Board Ideas

Quick Tip
Always keep the menu as attractive as possible, that is to say, use photographs of food items and drinks.
You may have seen various restaurants, cafes, pizzerias, etc., displaying images of their dishes on display boards for everyone to see. Some restaurants have the day's special menu displayed outside or a gist of the foods available. Generally, the actual menu has an elaborate list of foods, but what catches a customer's immediate attention is the board hung outside.

It is vital that these boards are presented in the best way possible to entice customers. A bland, dull display may go unnoticed and subsequently fail to get customer's interested. The right mantra is to keep it simple yet chic. On that note, some unique restaurant menu board designs are enlisted in the paragraphs below.

Regular Menu Boards

Most simple menu boards consist of a large rectangular structure that displays images of popular dishes and a simple list of the foods served. The menu template is almost predictable - with rectangular strips containing the name of the dish or food, a brief description about the dish and price list underneath. Some popular designs are as shown below.

Regular boards for salad and sandwiches

Regular board for simple breakfast

Regular board for Mexican cuisine

Regular board for a bakery shop

You can experiment with different color combinations and faded backgrounds. This is decent enough, and convenient to display everything that is available. But it is not a sure-fire way to attract customers, which is why restaurants present a smaller menu board with the day's special items or the restaurant's specialty, or some of the signature dishes, on a smaller display board. This is experimented with, quite often, and owners have come up with newer and innovative methods of menu boards.

Chalkboard Ideas

Chalkboard ideas for restaurant menus are more common than you think, but you need to come up with creative ideas rather than the plain write-with-chalk-on-the-board. Embed the board in a wooden frame, use different colors, and pictures of food items to display what you sell. Another idea would be to use bulletin board ideas for the interiors of the restaurants. Some ideas on these lines are given below.

Simple beige board with food pictures

Despite a simple menu, the picture of the female chef and the burger adds to the beauty of the board.

Blackboard with cooking equipment

Using wooden cookware and decorating the blackboard with a wooden frame is a unique idea, and lends a different charm.

Bulletin board with food photos

Using bulletin boards is a fairly common idea. Restaurant owners can pin attractive pictures of the food items with their names in a list; this idea is subtle and provides clarity.

Blackboard with sandwiches

Using a semi-circular arc with a rectangular frame is also a common yet widely-used theme. The forte/specialty of the restaurant can be highlighted within the arc, and the dishes can be listed one below the other.

Colored boards for cakes and cookies

Speaking of boards, colorful menu boards are in vogue. The picture above depicts menu boards outside a cafe that specializes in cakes, cookies, and the like, and the three boards capture their essence perfectly. Colorful and vibrant, with the right food posters, these boards look just fabulous.

Banner Designs


Banner for cupcakes

A simple banner can be hung inside the restaurant that gives a gist of the menu. The USP of this place is cakes, and the cupcakes in the picture say it all, the names of the dishes adding to the appeal.

Banner for a coffeeshop

More of scroll than a banner, this theme can be used as per the dishes served. In this case, it has been used by a coffee shop. The rough parchment look and the coffee icons lend a vintage charm.

Transparent Menu

Glass board with shadow on the letters

Having been used for quite a while now, this idea is still considered relatively new. A glass frame on a wooden board looks rich and sophisticated, and is enterprising enough gain customer attention.

Rustic Boards

A rustic theme is one of the best for restaurants. Using wood not only gives the boards a classic ancient look, but is versatile and can be experimented with. Some interesting ideas are enlisted below.

Rustic board for pizza shop

With the photograph of the pizza encrusted in a wheel-like shape, the tablecloth design and the wooden background transport you to the authentic pizzerias of Naples.

Rustic board for a wine shop

A rustic theme works best for pubs and bars as it adds a vintage charm.

Rustic board specially for barbeque

Wooden backgrounds work perfectly for grilled menus and barbecued items. The texture gives you a feel of wood fire and authentic gas ovens, and the smoked aroma―a perfect setting.

Clipboard as a rustic board

Having a wooden clipboard over another wooden background with different shades is also a good idea. It gives the impression of a waiter actually noting down your order.

Rustic board with triple menu

Rustic board only for sandwiches

Different textures and colors can be used for rustic banners. The ones above can be used by restaurants or cafes that specialize in separate food items, or a particular food item with variations.

Whiteboard with tablecloth

A plain whiteboard is a classic idea. It adds a regal touch and the checkered tablecloth provides a homely, picnic atmosphere.

Blue-colored rustic board
Green-colored rustic board

Speaking of wood, colored display boards can be used, like the ones shown above that specialize in different food items.

Unique Design Ideas

Using chopping board as menu board

Using cookware always works best. And, using a chopping board is a lovely idea that conveys a homely, comfortable atmosphere.

Using infographic template as a menu board

Colors need to be blended well to suit the cuisine. Even though the above design is fairly common, the use of different colors makes it unique.

Plain infographic design as a menu board

This is a classic example of colors with sophistication. The zig-zag pattern on a sober background is one of the unique themes many restaurants are employing successfully in recent times.

Gold-designed board like a chef

How about using the color gold? Rich and royal, it blends effectively with the menu.

Gold color on a plate

Inscribing the menu on a plate with a golden ribbon is most certainly vibrant and cool.

Unique board for sea food

The use of shell motifs and ladles along with the blue waters gives such a lovely feel, you cannot wait to taste the food!

Thinking of innovate and unique display boards can seem a bit tricky, but incorporating your USP with a creativity is sure to give you ideas that seem more and more innovative and out-of-the-box. Entertain your customers with the most attractive restaurant boards!, Cool Restaurant Board Ideas foodrecipeandhealth.blogspot.com farkıyla sizlerle.

Nostalgia Marketing: The New Trend Marketers are Embracing

"It is strange how we hold on to the pieces of the past while we wait for our futures."
― Ally Condie, Matched
How about adding a tad bit of emotion to your advertisement? If yes, marketers are using nostalgia today, to bank upon the emotions of consumers. Admit it, we all go through that teeny moment of feeling emotional when we come across a product that we used in our childhood days. The old huge desktop computers are a reminder of our school days.

The Ads that are abuzz today are full of sentimental value. They whisk you away to the past, and add an appeal of the old rustic feeling, bringing back the happy memories of childhood. We all love to drool in the past that strongly brings back cherished memories. Your old school photographs, marriage, and family pictures, tend to make you feel nostalgic. Especially during the '90s, things were much more simple, with less competition than today. Yes, we want gadgets with the latest technology, devices that are user-friendly, portable, and hassle-free. Yet, somewhere in our hearts, we do miss those products that definitely had a longer shelf life than today's times, wherein most products now are 'use and throw'. Even all the super tech games of today cannot reduce the charm and appeal of the game 'Mario'. We emotionally bond with the product, see it evolve and change, yet, when we see the old advertisement, something strangely appeals to our heart. This sentiment is exactly exploited by nostalgic marketing, so as to increase the consumer base by charming and luring them into the past.

Banking on this new nostalgia trend, consumers get to resonate their inner child, and also capture human emotion.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Nostalgia Marketing

Pros
► 'Retro' and 'Vintage' is the new cool these days.
► It evokes a feeling of happy memories in your heart.
► Consumers are enticed to continue their brand loyalty following their long association with the brand.
► As we grow old, our need to reconnect with the past youthful life increases, and when any Ad campaign reminds us of any product that was popular during those times, it immediately impacts our minds as consumers, and entices us to buy it.
► The older the brand, higher is the chance of it having an emotional appeal. 'Classic' never goes out of fashion.

Cons
► A major disadvantage can be, when the marketing strategy fails to make an impact if the message is not appropriately delivered. Hence, this strategy is a huge risk, considering that it may fail to work.
► Also, if the past records of the company's performance have not been up to the mark, this marketing tool will not work on the minds of the consumers.
► Over-dosage of emotional content might tick off some consumers, and instead of connecting with the brand, they might feel that the advertisement is overtly done, or fake.

Examples of Successful Nostalgia Marketing

PS4
The PS4 Ad shows how they progressed over the years, depicting how, with the change in technology, the teenage boys grew up and their tastes are reflected on their bedroom. Now, this emotionally-packed advertisement certainly left many viewers teary-eyed, as the PlayStation has been an integral part of the childhood days of many.

Nickelodeon
This cartoon channel made an extremely smart use of nostalgia marketing through their show 'The '90s Are All That'. This programming block debuted on July 25, 2011, and it shows the classic Nickelodeon shows of the 1990s. Now, that is a feast for us who would love to revisit some of our childhood days by watching the show. Viewers of the channel definitely increased through this smart move.

Old Navy
This popular clothing and accessories brand has been using the past to emotionally connect with the audience, and in 2012, they incorporated the 1990s' hit band 'Backstreet Boys' in a bid to increase their target consumer base. A revival of the '90s certainly evoked a positive response among consumers.

Microsoft's Internet Explorer
"You grew up. So did we." Now isn't that an effective tagline? Microsoft simply took the viewers down memory lane to recollect how they developed over these years. Internet Explorer may have strong competitors today, but some time ago, we all have used it in our childhood. And bingo, the Ad did work wonders on the sentiments of consumers, enough to increase their sales.
, Nostalgia Marketing: The New Trend Marketers are Embracing foodrecipeandhealth.blogspot.com farkıyla sizlerle.

Factors That Differentiate Entrepreneurs From Employees

"I think a great entrepreneur is learning every day. An entrepreneur is somebody that doesn't take no for an answer - they're going to figure something out. They also take responsibility. They don't blame anybody else. And they're dreamers in one sense but they're also realistic and they take affordable steps when they can."
― Damon John

The broad and basic distinction between an entrepreneur and an employee lies in their attitude and approach towards different things. A basic law of economics states that profit is the reward for risk bearing. Life is insecure, but there are a select few who dare to come out of their comfort zones and risk their monthly pay checks to start something of their own.

Well, to develop an entrepreneurial mind, you should be open to new ideas and not think of the limitations involved. An analysis of the employee vs entrepreneur mindset reveals a few more distinct differences that have been listed below.

Risk-taking Ability

Employee
It has been observed that employees are more inclined towards security and stability, and have a lesser capacity to bear risks. An employee delivers what he is expected to and expects his monthly paycheck in return. This does not imply that an employee aims low, but his promotion and growth in the organization depends on his bosses.
Entrepreneur
As mentioned earlier, entrepreneurs set the course of their organization or company. They take major decisions when it comes to expanding their business. An entrepreneur is willing to forgo security, in terms of liabilities, for the growth of the organization. He is willing to take greater financial risk for increased business gains.
Social Skills

Employee
An employee primarily develops social skills for improving his employment options. An employee will usually improve contacts with people that belong to his field/expertise.
Entrepreneur
An entrepreneur needs to have multiple skills and cannot stick to merely specializing in his field. He needs to have social skills to interact with employees, understand the law, maintain trade relations with the outside world.
Attitude and Thought Process

Employee
An employee may refrain from thinking unconventionally, and usually, his job tends to involve following instructions.
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs tend to think out of the box, and also execute such ideas. They may also motivate employees to think differently. They have the ability to spot potential business opportunities and tap the best of resources for the growth of the organization.
Assessing a Situation

Employee
A typical employee may lack the skill to accurately assess a situation and may have limitations when it comes to decision-making. He may feel intimidated to push his limits and share his ideas with his employers.
Entrepreneur
Not everyone possesses entrepreneurship skills, and it takes a real nerve to become self-employed especially if one does not have a backup plan if the business fails. A true entrepreneur will know exactly how much to push so that he does not jeopardize his employees. He has to strike the right balance, and not get swayed by emotions.
Vision and Foresight

Employee
Employees are led by their employers vision and direction, like sailors follow directions of the captain of the ship and depend on his foresight.
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs have a vision that employees may lack. They foresee the trends in the market, study and know how to best use them for their organization's benefit.
Work-Life Balance

Employee
An employee has a defined task and will generally perform duties that pertain to his position or profile. An employee usually has fixed working hours and is entitled to paid holidays and other employee benefits granted by laws and legislation.
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs do not have a specific task, job or profile. They do not stick only to regular working hours but may have to attend to business related matters at any hour of the day (or night). No doubt, they more than willing to do it, because it is their business. While an entrepreneur may take a holiday, without having to apply for it, in reality, he ends up sacrificing his vacation for the sake of the organization. An entrepreneur is not merely a businessman he has to be accountable, and be willing to take risks, and act as a cover for your employees. However, the leader and the follower, both are equally important. Without a leader, the employee will have no direction, and a leader cannot run his business alone without any employees., Factors That Differentiate Entrepreneurs From Employees foodrecipeandhealth.blogspot.com farkıyla sizlerle.

20 Delicious Microwave Snacks to Cook mağara a Mug

Just a Tip!
Remember to keep the mug in for some time, even after the microwave is stopped. It makes sure that it is evenly heated and prevents burns while handling and eating. It can be kept in for longer if there is meat or cheese in it.

Microwaves are one of the gifts of technology to us; they help in easy and fast cooking. Thanks to them, making food and warming it at the time of eating/serving is so much easier.

Imagine yourself alone, bored, and hungry. What do you do? You don't have the patience to cook for yourself. Plus, it's about a single serving so not worth cooking a lot of food. Wait, wait, we have an idea! We have compiled some recipes which can be made in a single microwave mug or a microwave-safe bowl. They don't take much time or effort and make for a great snack or meal for one.

#1. Crispy Cereal Treat

Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients Cereal, ½ cup Butter, 1 tsp. Marshmallows, 4
ProcedurePut the butter and marshmallows in the mug or a bowl. Keep the mug in the microwave for 20 - 30 seconds. See to it that the butter has melted and the marshmallows have puffed up. When you remove it, stir it immediately. Now, add the cereal you like. Stir it and enjoy!
microwave mug recipe of crispy cereals


#2. Macaroni and Cheese

Time: 4 minutes
Ingredients Milk, ½ cup Macaroni, ½ cup Cheddar cheese, shredded ½ cup
ProcedureMix the macaroni and milk in the mug. Microwave it for a minute. Remove it and check if any of the macaroni has stuck to the bottom. Stir it properly. Keep it back and cook it for another minute. By then, the macaroni should be just cooked and the milk should be mostly gone. Immediately add the cheese and mix it properly so that the macaroni is properly coated with it. If you use thicker cheese, cook it for another 20 seconds and you're ready to go! Eat it immediately.
mac and cheese in microwave mug


#3. Chicken Soup

Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients Cooked chicken, ½ cup Cooked pasta, ½ cup Fresh tomatoes, seeded and diced, ¼ cup Chicken broth, 1 tbsp Butter, 1 tbsp Lemon juice, 1 tsp Minced garlic, ⅛ tsp Grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp Fresh basil, 1 tbsp Salt and Pepper, to taste
ProcedureAdd tomatoes, broth, garlic, butter, and lemon in the mug. Cook it for 1 minute and 30 seconds. Add the chicken and pasta to the mixture and cook it for a minute. Just garnish it with Parmesan and basil. *You will need a lid to clip on, and open the steam vent.
mug recipe of chicken soup


#4. Pepperoni Lasagna

Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients Cottage cheese, 3 tbsp Pizza sauce, 3 tbsp Greens (any), ⅓ cup Pepperoni, 4 slices Green olives, 2 Shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup
ProcedureMake a layer of the pizza sauce first. Add the cottage cheese over it (you can use pesto here instead of cottage cheese). Add the toppings over it and sprinkle the cheese on it. Cook it for a minute. Let it cool a bit and then eat.
chicken lasagna in mug recipe


#5. Chocolate Mousse

Time: 5 minutes (doesn't include the chilling time)
Ingredients Dark chocolate, 20 g Whipping cream, 45 ml Marshmallows, 2 Toppings of your choice
ProcedureAdd the dark chocolate, whipping cream, and marshmallows in the mug. Cook it for 1 minute. Stir the mixture roughly and cook it for 1 more minute. Now, stir the mixture properly. Let it cool. Whip ½ cup of whipping cream till it's thick. Pour 1/3rd of it over the cooled chocolate mixture. Fold to combine. Now, add the remaining whipped cream and fold until it's properly mixed. Chill it for some time and then enjoy!
chocolate mousse in mug recipe


Some More Recipes

#6. There are many egg recipes you can try. Just follow the proportions given in these egg recipes and make them in a mug.

#7. For your sweet tooth, you can make chocolate fudge in a mug. Follow these fudge recipes and adjust the ingredients in the same proportion for a single serving.

#8. You can try something different with these easy acorn squash recipes. There are many ways with which you can cook it. Follow these acorn squash recipes.

#9. Make baked oatmeal with fruits. Add 1/2 cup quick oats, 1 egg, 1/2 cup milk, 1 tbsp. ground flaxseeds in a mug and stir. Then add 1/3 of a banana (mashed), 1/2 an apple, 1/4 tsp. cinnamon, and 2 tsp. honey. Stir the mixture evenly and microwave it for 3 minutes. You may stir more milk if needed and fluff with a fork.

#10. Add 1 tbsp. milk, 1 tbsp. ketchup, 2 tbsp. oats, and 1 tsp. onion soup mix in a bowl (cooking spray). Crumble 1/4 pound lean ground beef in it and stir. Cover and cook for 3 minutes (until the meat is no longer pink). Let it cool for another 3 minutes and then serve it with additional ketchup. Your meat loaf is ready!

#11. To make Mexican-style corn, add corn grains to a cup of water, mix them with 3 tbsp. butter and salt (to taste). Microwave it till the corn is cooked. Drain out the corn and fill half of it in a bowl. Cover it with 1 tsp. grated cotija, lime juice, and chili powder (optional). Add a layer of the boiled corn again and garnish it with cheese and lime juice.

#12. Make some yummy chilaquiles in a mug. Beat an egg and add 1 tbsp. milk in the cup. Add salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp. cheddar cheese to it, and stir properly. Crush 3 - 4 tortilla chips on it, add some salsa, and stir. Microwave it for a minute. Garnish with tortilla chips, green onion, and sour cream.

#13. Make a quick enchilada by crushing corn tortillas and layering it with shredded jack cheese. Just microwave it for 2 minutes and you're ready to go!

#14. A Nutella Mug cake is something that is fast and tasty at the same time. Just mix 4 tbsp. of self-rising flour, 4 tbsp. white sugar, 1 egg, 3 tbsp. Nutella, 3 tbsp. cocoa powder, 3 tbsp. milk, and 3 tbsp. oil in a mug and whisk. Cook it for 2 minutes (depends on the microwave wattage). Serve with whipped cream or chocolate sauce. You can check out more mug cake recipes.

#15. A mug is perfect for making something like a quiche. Beat 1 egg with 1.5 tbsp. milk and salt and pepper, in a mug. Crush 1/4 french bread/bagel in it and add 2 tsp. cream cheese, and stir. Cut 1/2 slice of prosciutto and add to the mixture. Sprinkle some thyme and then cook it for 1 minute 10 seconds. Serve it with fresh thyme or chives and mustard.

#16. To make Huevos Rancheros egg whites, spray the mug with cooking spray, add 1/2 cup egg whites, 1 tbsp. cheese, 1 tbsp. ready-to-serve bacon pieces, and 1/8 tsp. chili powder (optional). Cook it for 1 minute, remove and stir, and again cook for 30 seconds more. Top it with 1 tbsp. spicy taco salsa and 1 tbsp. cheese.

#17. Make a 2-minute cheesecake. Mix 2 tbsp. sugar, 2 tbsp. sour cream, 3 tbsp. cream cheese, 1/8 tsp. lemon juice, and 1/2 egg properly. Microwave it for 1 minute, let it cool for 20 seconds (keep the door open), and again microwave it for 45 seconds. Take it out and let it cool for 10 minutes. Freeze for 2 hours and serve it with a vanilla wafer.

#18. To make cinnamon rolls, mix 2 tbsp. applesauce, 1 tbsp. buttermilk, 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract, 1 tbsp. vegetable oil, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 dash ground nutmeg, 1/8 tsp. salt, 3/4 tsp. cinnamon, and 2 ½ tbsp. brown sugar. Microwave this mixture for 1 minute and have it with your favorite icing.

#19. If you want to eat something healthy but yummy, steamed vegetables do the trick. Just wash and cut all your favorite vegetables (green beans, carrots, broccoli, peas, bell peppers). Put them in the mug with enough water for them to submerge. Cover the mixture and cook it for 2 minutes. Check the tenderness and accordingly, flip it and cook for one minute. Once they are moist, remove the mug. Garnish with salt and pepper and enjoy.

#20. Cook some yummy polenta for yourself. Mix 1/4 cup ground coarse cornmeal, salt, and 1 tsp. olive oil. Microwave it for 2.5 minutes, remove and stir properly. You can add some drops of milk if it's too dry. Put it back and cook for another 2.5 minutes. It will get thick so you may eat it with some milk, brown sugar, and walnuts or just top it with a poached egg.

These were some lip-smacking but easy recipes which will take no time. In some of them, you may choose to add your favorite toppings or change the flavor as you wish. Make these microwave snacks and satisfy your lazy, hungry self!, 20 Delicious Microwave Snacks to Cook in a Mug foodrecipeandhealth.blogspot.com farkıyla sizlerle.

What does Nixtamalization Mean?

Did You Know?Although niacin is present in maize (corn), only 20 to 50% of it is available in the free form. A major percentage of niacin in maize is bound up, hence not available for absorption.

When it comes to cooking corn, we often prefer to drop it in hot water until it starts boiling. However, a healthier option would be to cook it using a process called nixtamalization. In this process, corn is soaked and cooked in limewater, which is an aqueous solution of calcium hydroxide. Limewater is an alkaline solution that has often been recommended for cooking corn. Corn is generally considered nutritionally deficient but with nixtamalization, it can be transformed into a good source of nutrition.

History
Nixtamalization has been practiced for centuries by our ancestors. Mesoamerica (currently Mexico and central America) is credited for starting this process of nixtamalization. This method of cooking was an integral part of the early Mesoamerican diet. Archaeological evidence suggests that this cooking method was practiced as early as 1200 BC in Guatemala.

The Native Americans commonly used sodium carbonate for making an alkaline solution. The ancient civilizations in Mexico such as the Mayans and the Aztecs practiced nixtamalization using slaked lime and ash (potassium hydroxide). The civilization native to Columbia used calcium hydroxide (cal) to nixtamalize corn.

Nixtamalization Process
The first step involves cooking dried corn kernels in an alkalizing agent such as limewater. When limewater reaches its boiling point, heating is continued for a few minutes to an hour. The kernels are then allowed to steep anywhere from a few minutes to up to 24 hours. This is followed by decanting to separate the alkaline liquid from the kernel. The kernels are then rinsed properly. This is followed by hulling, which involves removing the hard portion of the kernel. What remains is the endosperm of the grain, which is commonly referred to as nixtamal.

Fresh nixtamalized corn is then grounded to corn flour (dough), which is commonly used for making tortillas, tortilla chips, tamales, pupusas, tlacoyos, and arepas. Hominy is made by the nixtamalization of dried maize kernels.

Nutritional Benefits

Increases Bioavailability of Niacin
This method of cooking enhances the nutritional value of corn. As such, corn is a good source of niacin (vitamin B3). However, with nixtamalization, the bioavailability of niacin increases tremendously. To be more specific, in pre-treated corn, the niacin is attached to a large molecule, thereby inhibiting its absorption. The alkalization of corn detaches niacin from the molecule. This unbound form of niacin can now be readily absorbed.

Since pre-treated corn is low in niacin, nixtamalization is particularly important when corn forms the staple food of the diet. Niacin deficiency has been responsible for causing pellagra, a condition that is typically marked by a thickened, rough skin.

Boosts Calcium Content
Moreover, corn cooked in an alkaline solution has greater amounts of calcium than raw corn. Limewater being a good source of calcium, corn soaked in limewater readily absorbs this mineral. Hence, there can be up to 750% increase in the calcium content of corn that is subjected to the nixtamalization process.

Increases Protein Availability
Alkalinity also increases the availability of essential amino acids. Thus, more protein is available in nixtamalized corn.

Reduces Toxin Levels
Fusarium verticillioides, a fungus associated with corn is known to release mycotoxins such as fumonisin. These mycotoxins reportedly cause liver and kidney cancer in animals. However, nixtamalization strips maize off its mycotoxins, leaving it completely safe for consumption. Studies show that there is a substantial decrease in the mycotoxin levels (up to 90 to 95% ) of corn treated with nixtamalization.

Decreases Phytic Acid Levels
High levels of phytic acid in grains (corn included) have always been a cause of concern, as they considerably inhibit the absorption of essential minerals including calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron. An easy way to resolve this issue is by nixtamalizing it. Nixtamalization can work wonders in reducing phytic acid levels of grains, in turn increasing the bioavailability of essential nutrients.

Enhances Flavor
Nixtamalization imparts a wonderful taste to maize. The alkalization process ameliorates the flavor and aroma of corn. Nixtamalized corn tends to have a pleasing delicate nutty flavor. So apart from increasing the nutritional content of maize, the alkalizing agent is also effective in enhancing its taste.

Industrial Production
Industrial methods do not use the traditional nixtamalization process for making tortillas. They instead opt for the enzymatic process of nixtamalization. This process is carried out at a much lower temperature (50-60 degrees Celsius) and the alkaline solution is added with protease enzymes. Also, before alkalization, corn is pre-soaked in hot water so that the grain can easily absorb the enzymes. Moreover, corn is cooked for not more than 30 minutes in the alkaline solution.

This enzymatic process lowers the amount of corn wasted during processing and most importantly, the production time and cost reduces considerably. However, the resulting dough produced from the enzymatic process for making tortillas has a much lower nutritional value in comparison to that produced from traditional nixtamalization., What does Nixtamalization Mean? foodrecipeandhealth.blogspot.com farkıyla sizlerle.