Sunday, March 3, 2013

PHP 5 - The King Of Web Development Languages

Since the release of PHP version 5, the woes of developers have indeed finally come to an end. PHP 5 is essentially the most robust version of this web coding language that comes integrated with support for Object Oriented Programming as well as enhanced MySQL and XML. These three essential components of PHP 5 have been completely recoded in order to unleash their full capability. Apart from this, there are tons of other improvements that have been inculcated within this release. Here is a brief overview of all good things that happened to PHP 5:

Enhanced Support For OOP:

Before this 5th release of PHP, some developers were really frustrated due to limited OOP support. However, this version of PHP carries a huge variety of classes and public / private methods that help is making PHP the king of all web development application languages. The PHP 5 comes integrated with constructors, final properties and method, enhanced interfaces, destructors, class type hints and objects plus a complete collection of magical methods.

Recoded and Enhanced MySql:

PHP and MySQL together are deployed for programming robust and scalable web applications. Although earlier version of PHP was acting OK with MySQL, but this version comes with even better enhancements. Components like prepared statements and inbound / outbound parameters have been fully recoded along with SSL connection and Multi Query functions. MySQLi has also been deployed to gather some juice from newly OOP functionality added to

New XML Extension:

1. The new XML extension integrated with this release of PHP include:

2. Unified whole extension

3. Single Library Standardization

4. Full W3C Compliance

5. Easy to Handle and Worthy XML Tool

6. Effective and Quick Processing of Data

SQLite Database Integration:

SQlite is a lighter version of MySQL that doesn't requires you to install complete database and only needs a single library to store and query the required data. PHP 5 comes packaged with SQLite that is bound to operate on all PHP 5 installations. The SQLite support of sub queries, triggers and transaction makes it a wonderful add-on.

Revamped Exception Handling:

This new version of PHP comes with a highly enhanced and clear error handling interface that wasn't present in previous releases. The new and revamped exception / error handling allows you to separate coding logic from exception handling and parsing them to different and associated code joints.

Apart from these important changes in PHP 5, some minor enhancements include better SOAP deployment with WSDL file and Iterators. Iteration is a new addition to PHP 5 and allows programmers to clean jumbled details from their code.

All in all, PHP 5 is perhaps the most in-demand web development coding language that is getting quickly adopted due to its adaptability, scalability and robustness. In case you are interested in getting your next application done in PHP, then you can easily hire PHP developers from different freelancing and online work portals.

Top Cities for Salsa Dance

If you are wondering where the best dance classes are in the top cities, check out these salsa dance club listings. We’ve done the research for you to help you pick the best salsa dance studio in your city. Below we’ve added their website information for easier access and navigation just for you.

Check out the best salsa dance classes available to you!

[http://bravodancecompany.com/brav_clss.html] - Vancouver, Canada

Bravo Dance Company was formed in early 2005 by Alfonso Caldera, W.S.F. world salsa Champion. Inspired by the intensity of the L.A. salsa scene Alfonso pooled together a group of talented individuals creating a dance company that captures that energy, bringing an explosive new style to the Vancouver salsa community. Bravo dance company is Made up of a women's and a couple's team.

Combining talent from various fields of performance, Bravo routines consist of a mixture of Hip-Hop, Afro Cuban rhythms, jazz, and L.A style salsa. The Bravo style can be described as fierce, fast, and aggressive; with attitude and style, held together by professionalism and showmanship. Having participated in competitions throughout the world, Alfonso has an understanding of what it takes to create a 1st class performance team. Constantly striving to raise their level of performance and dance, The Bravo Dance team has set out to bring recognition to the Vancouver salsa scene with passion and style.

[http://www.mambotribe.com/] - Toronto, Canada

Mambo Tribe Salsa Dance Company; bring you their new multi-level salsa classes in Toronto. Together Mark-Anthony and Stephanie have over 17 years of teaching and performing experience in the Canadian and International salsa circuit. Their specialized salsa classes will feature timing, technique, turns & spins, cool up-to-date turn patterns, shines/footwork, body isolations and styling both On1 & On2.

A combination of New York, Puerto Rico L.A, Cuban, Columbian and Toronto salsa styles are incorporated in their classes to ensure that you can dance to any style in the clubs. Known for their clear and concise breakdown along with a fun filled class, Mark-Anthony and Stephanie will give you the tools to feel confident on the dance floor, whether you are a total beginner or advanced dancer.

Their studio is located at the beautiful DLM Studios 1610 Bloor St West, Toronto (On Bloor 2 blocks west of Dundas West) 416-895-7874 & The Earl Haig School of Arts located behind the North York Civic Centre (Yonge & Sheppard) 416-995-7638.

http://www.strictlysalsa.com - Toronto, Canada

Since 1978 the Gomez Family, led by the legendary Alberto Gomez, has been recognized as pioneers in the Toronto Latin Entertainment industry for infusing their love and passion for the dance in their performances. They have showcased their talent at Massey Hall for Tito Puente and Johnny Pacheco Concert, Queen of Salsa Celia Cruz concert, and Tango Vive production. This infectious passion for the dance was the legacy passed on to Albert J. Gomez and Ronald Gomez.

Albert, with the vision of showcasing the richness of the Latin culture both in North American and abroad, founded Strickly Salsa Dance Company in 1999, which allowed him to merge his obsession with the high energy dips, tricks and flips of the dance, with his love for music and entertaining. Strickly Salsa quickly began to live up to its vision when Albert organized a group of talented dancers in the city to attend and participate in the 2000 Salsa Convention in Los Angeles, California. The group made its mark as the first salsa dance company in Toronto to represent Latin talent at an international event. This event also showcased the addition of Strickly Salsa's newest and youngest addition - Ronald Gomez.

Their speed, high energy and creative combinations have won them recognition from Tele-Latino, Toronto Sun, CFMT, Toronto Star, and World Salsa Congress. In addition they were presented with a certificate for being "the best performers and instructors" Ethnic Press Council and presented by the City of Toronto Mayor, Mel Lastman.

Strickly Salsa, working with event planners and co-coordinators, remains focused on the future forward as it expands its services to provide the ultimate source of Latin entertainment. From Bands to DJ's, to Salsa to Tango: Strickly Salsa Dance Company, a mix of Latin entertainment.

http://www.londonsalsa.co.uk/ - London, England

LondonSalsa is an independent London Salsa guide by Salseros for Salseros. We don't favor any club/class over another, but let the dancers decide which they like best!

Some say London has become THE capital of Salsa in Europe. That is why we are here to tell you about all about:

• the best Salsa classes & clubs in London

• renowned instructors from around the world

• upcoming events & parties

• reviews by dancers of the best clubs in London

• ... And much more!

http://www.dancesf.com - San Francisco

DanceSF is the San Francisco Bay Area's leading Dance School for club style social dancing. We offer fun and social dance classes for people of all ages, and all skill levels! We also offer East Bay and South Bay salsa classes. Our dance classes are geared towards beginner dancers, providing everyone a wonderful, supportive, and fun environment to learn to dance! In addition, DanceSF offers our bestselling Learn to Dance DVD's for your home use. North Bay, South Bay, East Bay, Peninsula and Silicon Valley Salsa Classes

http://www.justsalsa.com - New York

To find a great Salsa dance instructor giving dance classes in the New York area contact the JustSalsa Dance Referral Service at 212.982.4633. We will spend the necessary time to help you locate the right Salsa class and instructor or dance school in an area near your home or place of work. We can recommend a Salsa instructor or dance school that offers group or private instruction or classes near you.

Classes are taught by professional Salsa dance instructors in various styles and levels. Instructors are available for your nightclub Salsa lessons, private functions or parties, corporate events or to prepare you and your bride for your wedding dance. or wedding reception.

We can recommend a Dance instructor who teaches in the language of your choice including English, Spanish, or even Chinese. New York Area Salsa Instructor Referral Service Telephone: (212 982-4633) E-mail: in@justsalsa.com

So, if you are traveling in any of the major cities and want to get your salsa groove on, give any of these dance studios a call. These schools offer the best training by the best instructors. At least you’ll know your getting the best training available.

Now get your dancing shoes on and salsa!

The Importance of Fruit and Vegetable Juices in Nutrition

A man's health is a very important aspect of his life. To say that "health is wealth" is not only to utter an old, used up mantra, but to mean that for most human beings, staying fit and healthy is parallel to being wealthy, for a person's everyday life is influenced mainly by the state of his mind and body, especially by the presence and absence of certain diseases.

Many people go through various efforts to stay fit, maintain good health, and ensure their longevity. Examples of these practices include engaging in rigorous physical fitness training, eating a balanced and healthy diet, maintaining ideal weight, and employing an effective stress management procedure. It is also important to stop smoking, reduce alcohol intake, and avoid the use of prohibited substances.

Poor health can be caused by a host of different factors, such as poor eating habits, lack of exercise, stress, and excessive smoking and alcohol intake. Unbalanced intake of nutrients, for one, may cause excessive or deficient nutrient intake, which will definitely affect the body's normal functions. These nutrients are necessary for a person's growth, metabolism, and other functions. There are about six nutrients, which are needed by the human body in different amounts to perform its various processes. These are: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, or nutrients that are known to provide energy to the body; and minerals, vitamins, and water, or those nutrients that support the body's metabolism.

Water, the last nutrient in the list, is sometimes called the forgotten nutrient, but it is considered as the most important. Water is necessary for the body's growth and metabolic processes. It runs through the blood and lymphatic system, carries oxygen and distributes nutrients to the cells, and rids the body of toxins and wastes in the form of urine and sweat. If water and its other liquid substitutes are not present in the human diet, food digestion, nutrient absorption, and waste excretion would be impossible.

The human body is made up of two-thirds water. It needs eight to ten glasses of water or caffeine- and alcohol-free liquids to replace the water it loses during the day. The body's need for water is satisfied by the intake of other drinking liquids free from caffeine and alcohol, such as juices; fruits and vegetables, which are made of 80 to 95% water; meat products, which are made of 50% water; and cereals like rice and oats, which can contain as much as 35% water.

Fruit juices, on the other hand, have been scientifically proven to give certain health benefits, provided that they are taken in moderation. Nutritionists also suggest that fruit juices should be taken in their pure state, and people should only drink 100% fruit juice. Cranberry juice is believed to prevent urinary tract infections; grape juice is believed to lower the chances of blood clots in the heart; and orange juice is believed to prevent stroke and reduce the risk of heart attacks.

Though these popular beliefs have no scientific basis to their therapeutic claims, most scientists say that many fruit juices are indeed healthy to drink. Pure orange juice, for example, is very rich in Vitamin C, potassium, and folic acid. Other fruit juices that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and anthocynanins (water soluble pigments found in plants which act as antioxidants) include grape juice (purple), pomegranate juice, and cranberry juice. It is believed that juices that are made from fruits with rich colors such as grapes, pomegranates, cranberries, and blueberries are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. New juices from black currants and Tahitian noni have also found their way in the international market.

Recent scientific studies have also claimed that the antioxidants found in most fruits and vegetable juices can help lower a person's risks of developing Alzheimer's disease. Antioxidants are naturally occurring substances found in most plants and have the potential to help combat heart diseases and fight cancer.

Freshly squeezed juices from fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of minerals and vitamins which catalyze chemical reactions occurring in the body. These enzymes also produce the energy needed for digestion, absorption, and conversion of food into body tissues. An increased intake of fruit and vegetable juices ensures that the body will efficiently absorb more minerals and vitamins.

Another helpful benefit of fruits and fruit juices is their ability to promote detoxification in the human body. Fruits help to cleanse the body, especially those with high acid levels. Tomatoes, pineapples, and citruses such as oranges, red grapefruits, and lemons are known for their detoxifying properties. While these fruits promote cleansing, they still provide the body with a high boost of Vitamin C!

The Power of the Offline-To-Online-To-Offline Strategy to Attract More Clients

It's ironic that one of the most effective ways today to market products and services online is through offline marketing. This can be especially effective when used in an offline to online to offline strategy.

What I mean by that is that your mailer or ad includes your URL and your telephone number. The URL gives the reader the opportunity to learn more about your product or service before you talk to them. Some may call you. For those who do not, you can follow up with a phone call. People are much more receptive to these kinds of follow up calls rather than cold calls.

It was right on his desk

In a recent campaign I did, I followed up with one prospect and asked him if he had seen my mailer. He answered, "I did, in fact, it's right here on my desk." He had also visited my website. Needless to say this made for a pretty easy conversion, and turned out to be a great client.

Postcards reach an audience where email might be filtered out or just overlooked. If the postcard is good, it attracts attention. Make sure to have your url and telephone number on the card. But there is an even easier way to use offline marketing. The humble flyer.

Flyer Power

Instead of printing thousands of postcards, and realizing afterwards that something was wrong, or another headline or photo would've worked better, flyers enable you to test creative in whatever small numbers you want.

Now, instead of printing all 500 or 1,000 postcards, you could test a small sample of your list. Let's say you want to test 100. You could send one headline to 50 people (group A) and the other headline to the other 50 (group B). Or, use one image for group A and another image for group B.

You would then need to set up a different landing page for each group. So the flyer for Group A is directed to URL A, and group B is directed to URL B. Then you can track which creative work draws the most people. As in the postcards, make sure your telephone number is also on the flyers.

And since most desktop printers are fine for flyers, the cost for a test campaign would be minimal. You could send out 100 flyers for under $50. For that amount you could get an idea of what creative works best for your postcard rollout.

But flyers can be so effective that sometimes you won't have to do a rollout. Not too long ago I did a very small test campaign, sending flyers to just 25 prospects. About 15 % called me, and proved to be highly motivated prospects. I followed up and reached about another 50%. A fair number of those had seen the mailing and had gone to the website. In 4 months time, the campaign yielded an additional $70,000+ in fees, for just one service.

When you're marketing a service, generally a phone call is what closes the deal. By leading off with a good mailer leading prospects to a well-done landing page, your follow up calls become so much easier and much more effective.

Plans Are Essential When Building a Chicken Coop

Many Chicken breeders and owners choose to purchase from retailers at full price, rather than researching the subject. By doing some quick research for a friend, I quickly found that not only are chicken coops really expensive, but also that chicken coops plans are readily available, and could lead to huge savings!

The average person spends just under $300 building one, so getting hold of the right chicken coops plans and ensuring it is built the highest quality will mean that you won't be wasting the above amount of money! The good thing about most plans that can be found across the internet is that in general they allow the owner to adapt to their own requirements or to their own style, meaning you can build the structure exactly how you want it.

Many plans will suggest which materials to use, but to be honest, that's a fairly flexible subject when it comes to building a chicken coop. My research shows that people building use anything ranging from scrap wood, PVC pipes, 50 gallon barrels, tarps and so on. Most sets of plans will try to identify the best ways to save money on materials, but remember not to jeopardize the quality of your end product, as your chicken's habitat will definitely not last as long!

Remember to find chicken coop plans that offer all the essential ingredients to building a chicken coop such as nest boxes, chicken roosts, feeders and a water container. Not having space to implement the above features could be disastrous.

I have written a few more articles that go into a bit more detail on my website, so hope this helps get you started!

Design Overload: An Editorial On The Trend of Visually Over-Caffeinated Interiors

I have been a professional Interior Designer for thirty-two years now, and after all that time, I still find immense pleasure in doing what a Designer does. One of the compelling aspects of Design for me is that of creating a space appropriate and pleasing for the user. In a residence, this involves providing a space that is attractive while being comfortable, calming balancing, and nurturing. I like to think of home as shelter from the storm of our hectic lives. In an office, it is desirable to create space that is enjoyable to be in while simultaneously inspiring the user to create optimum work.

Over the years, I have seen lots of design trends. Personally, I seldom design to trends, believing my clients are better served by a design personalized to who and where they are in their lives. But still, I am aware of trends and do use them, as appropriate, for each client on an individual basis.

Having both residential and commercial clients, I subscribe to several national magazines as a means to stay informed of new products. Recently, an issue in Contract magazine pointed out a trend that I find disturbing. I call this trend the "Visually Over-caffeinated Interior". This issue had articles of several featured office space interiors. As I looked at the photos of the featured interiors, I became distressed to notice the trend toward frenetic design.

Even looking at photos of these projects created sensory overload for me. Everywhere I looked I saw pattern and color and shape and texture. I felt that unrelated design elements were placed at random for their "coolness" factor rather than their "humanness" factor. It's kind of like design after a six-pack of Red Bull.

I really appreciate the "WOW" factor. But, in a human space this should be balanced with a calm, reflective space.

In my own design projects, I use negative space as a means for creating emphasis and visual flow. Negative space is the quiet, seemingly unused space between design elements. This allows your brain to regroup and be able to really "look at" what you want it to. When you ask your brain to look at a whole lot of things at once, there is the tendency not to be able to see it all and appreciate the individuality of each element. I can use the analogy of eating dinner to explain what I'm talking about. Dinner seems much more appetizing when salad comes out first. After salad, you enjoy your entrée on another plate, and finally dessert after all else, again on it's own plate. When I looked at the "over-caffeinated" interiors, it's like all the food was thrown on one plate, with the desert on top. Not very appetizing, I think, to have to search to differentiate between salad and dessert.

Is my observation due to my age? Of course. Today's ADD lifestyle is extremely hectic, much more than I sometimes enjoy. But I contend that the need for quiet downtime to regenerate and nurture our selves is being neglected. Batteries must be recharged if we expect them to continue to provide energy. Why do we neglect the same need in ourselves? I think that people, particularly those younger than forty, have come to expect everything they experience to be high energy in an effort to keep themselves perpetually entertained. Is major burnout looming? Probably, but who can say for sure?

It was with some trepidation that I opened the following issue of Contract (May 2012) to see what they were touting as good design in this issue. "Oh my," I think. "Maybe things aren't as dire as I thought". I admit to feeling relief as I perused the article on the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Campus in Seattle, Washington. This office seems to be littered with attractive, quiet meditative places to brainstorm and let the creative juices flow, either individually or in a group. With pleasure I read the quote from the Foundation's CAO, Martha Choe, "Our new location gives staff and partners a place to do their best work with the ultimate goal of giving all people a chance to live a healthy and productive life". I sighed with relief. The design world still has some sanity and purpose left.

Our work environments and our homes are where we spend most of our time. Do yours suit your needs, not only functionally, but also aesthetically, providing a place for you to rejuvenate and create?


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