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Awasom blog writer - my friend Anthony

My Friend Anthony Almonds "what a writer" He is an amzing blog writer. I always like to read his blogs regularly.

Anthony Almonds Blog's :-

Write        
The Xbox 360 -a gamer's dream machine    
Fuse-In 2006     
Top Web Site Tips     
The World Cup

All are very informative blogs you can view it.

Pretexting is a valuable investigative tool in its natural form

Many defend the practice of pretexting as a useful way for companies to keep track of their competition.

Technology for Spying Lures More Than Military

By JULIE CRESWELL  and RON STODGHILL

In the world of security sleuths and private investigators, it’s billed as one of the biggest events of the year. Some 20,000 experts in the business are gathering this week in San Diego to check out the latest in high-tech surveillance gadgets and sit in on seminars discussing undercover investigations, background checks and interrogation techniques.    

One of the keynote speakers is George J. Tenet, the former director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

But many of those attending the ASIS International “Maximum Security” conference will not be there on behalf of the United States government or the military. They work for corporate America, where security is a big and sometimes controversial business, as the executives of Hewlett-Packard have found in the wake of revelations of a covert-operations spying scandal that the company conducted against its own directors and journalists.

There’s no word whether executives from Hewlett-Packard are attending the conference to take in seminars like “Rules of Engagement: The Impact of Security Services Contracts in Future Litigation” or “Trusted Insiders — Preventing Betrayal in High-Risk Times.”

But while H.P. may be in the spotlight for the spying imbroglio in its boardroom, it is far from alone in diving into the murky world of private investigators and secret surveillance.

Companies worldwide spent an estimated $95 billion on security last year, according to the Freedonia Group, a market research firm in Cleveland. While that’s a broad figure that includes spending on emergency planning in case of a terrorist attack and protecting corporate records from hackers, an increasing portion went to high-tech equipment like spyware and specialized data-mining software that was deployed in-house so companies could better see what their own employees were up to.

Outside their offices, corporations are also turning to a vast network of large consulting firms and local ex-cops-turned-detectives that can supply all sorts of personal information and run surveillance on competitors, executives and directors using techniques worthy of the C.I.A.

Read more news about this : Technology for Spying Lures More Than Military

To be effective in investigative journalism

What Investigative Reporting Entails

Author:                                                 Paul Wilson

The field of investigative reporting involves bringing to the fore facts and figure that affect human interests and fair governance. This means conducting in depth research, looking at public records, doing extensive interviews, as well as checking and rechecking of facts before publication. Whether print or television, investigative reporting is essentially “watchdog” reporting. This means reporting crimes, unfair practices, injustice, as well as other human interest aspects like environment, disease, and so on.

Investigative journalism can move public opinion and instill fear in those treading the wrong path. Slave trade, gun running, terrorist activities, drug trafficking, money laundering and so on are brought to the notice of the world by investigative journalism.

An investigative journalist must be unafraid, determined, patient, watchful, fair, as well as dog minded to be successful. The questions a journalist seeks answers to are: who is responsible for the wrong doing; what methods were employed; what are the consequences; what can be done to correct the wrong; can the wrongdoers be brought to book?

The keys are to dig up the first lead, tip, or hunch. Then sniff around for facts. Form an investigative hypothesis. Next, like a detective, gather evidence that will prove undeniably the hypothesis. This will involve interviews, documents, records, proofs, and intense paper work. Organize the information and write the report. Check facts, check chances of libel, and the laws. To be good at your work it is advantageous if you are familiar with the law, know the procedures, can conduct quick and accurate research, follow the money trail, and dig out facts.

Investigative journalism is a specialized field that uses journalism skills, curiosity, advanced research methods, and a determination to right wrongs. This field of journalism is what helps shape democracy and protects the lives of the innocent. Done correctly it can raise public opinion to such an extent that the way the world thinks and functions can be changed.

An investigative journalist must work within the confines of ethics written and unwritten and the laws. The work could include revealing scandals and tracing infringements of laws, rules, or morals. Bring to public notice the policies of governments, companies, and other organizations. And, institute social change by describing social, economic, political, and cultural trends.

To be effective in investigative journalism the journalist must have high standards of functioning and be above corruption. The principles of truthfulness, accuracy, objectivity, impartiality, fair play, and public accountability must be deeply ingrained in the mind and soul of the journalist. Since investigative journalism involves use of undercover sources and anonymous tips it is absolutely essential for the journalist to double check facts.

Investigative journalism is news with a difference. It is critical and in depth investigations to a happening or policy which will serve to prevent or correct a wrong, prevent crimes, save the planet from destruction, and shape the future of the world in more ways than one. It is reporting the unknown, the hidden, and so, the investigative journalist becomes the keeper or custodian of public conscience.

It is a field where a mere niggling thought or suspicion becomes an expose of wrong doings. It questions actions and decisions and brings to the limelight outrageous acts and in human actions. In simple terms an investigative journalist polices society in the larger interests of mankind.
About Author
                                 Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for http://www.1888PressRelease.com , the premier website to Submit Free Press Release for any announcements including launching of new product or services, new website, announcing new hires, sponsoring a special event or seminar and more. He also freelances for the premier REVENUE SHARING discussion forum site http://www.1888Discuss.com

company has implemented to its operations and management structure

Microsoft reshuffles    

financial services

execs

By Dawn Kawamoto

Microsoft has reshuffled executives in its U.S. financial services group to improve its responsiveness to customers' needs in the banking, capital markets and insurance industries.

With the restructuring, announced Monday, a couple of new roles were created and others became more defined, a Microsoft representative said. The move marks the latest change the company has implemented to its operations and management structure as it seeks to become more agile when responding to shifts in market conditions and customers needs. 

The financial services group, which has previously concentrated on the banking, capital markets and insurance industries to sell certain products, will now have three industry solution directors assigned to each market. These directors will oversee the selling of products that address specific needs of a particular industry.

The directors will draw on their industry experience to oversee direct sales quotas, relay customer feedback to Microsoft's product groups and answer customers' questions, the company said. Microsoft partner and marketing managers, as well as technologists, who specialize in these three industries, will report to the directors.

"In short, we must expand our market share and grow the top-line revenues," Rich Feldmann, managing director of Microsoft's U.S. financial services group, said in a statement. "We have realigned our management team to more effectively marry our industry expertise in banking, capital markets and insurance directly with the sales organization, thus creating three vertical units geared toward driving industry-specific revenue in...2007." The three directors will report to Feldmann.

Bill Hartnett, former general manager of Microsoft's financial services strategy and solutions, will now serve as general manager and industry director of Microsoft's U.S. insurance solutions group. Hartnett is a former insurance industry executive.

Read more about it at: http://news.com.com/Microsoft+reshuffles+financial+services+execs/2100-1014_3-6110539.html?tag=nefd.top

The key to success

The Quest For A Perfect Apartment

Author: Paul Wilson

The search for the perfect apartment need not be an ordeal. If you go about the process systematically, then you will find the most convenient as well as perfect apartment. The first step is to jot down answers to practical aspects like how big should the apartment be. What size of rooms do I need for my furniture? Do I need one bedroom or more? Do I need parking? Should there be a park/school nearby?

Study a map of the city you are going to live in and locate where your place of work is. Then study the residential possibilities in and around that area. Or decide, I don’t want to be near work but in a beautiful, healthy, and safe environment. Next, work out your finances. Decide how much rent you can afford and whether you can give a substantial deposit.

Keep a watch out for “apartments available” classifieds in the newspapers and magazines and, spread the word around that you are looking for a place. Tell the people at work, the grocer, newspaper boy, as well as local agents (however you will need to pay their charges). Be innovative and take a drive around areas you have short listed as “possibilities” and look for signs that indicate there are places for rent.

View the apartments in the day time. Ask others who live in the building or area what their experience has been. Read through the agreement carefully and check whether the electricity, heaters, and air conditioners are working and whether the plumbing is functional.

Check things like is there a separate entrance, enough closets, does the building have washer/dryer facilities, what about cable TV and internet, and are pets and children welcome, what are the rules to be followed by tenants? Check how you feel about the apartment. Think do you see yourself living here? Do the windows have a view or do they look into other homes.

Be vigilant and check the condition of the building, what are the hallways and surroundings like, is there any garbage dump close by? Are windows safe and secure, does the building have adequate security, what are the nearby amenities, are you to pay for utilities or is it included in the rent?

In order to establish your credentials as a suitable tenant you will need to show the landlord a credit evaluation, your pay stub, or tax return, one or two references, as well as give a small introduction of yourself explaining where you are from, where you work, how many people will live at the apartment and so on.

The key to success is not to overspend and keep to your budget. Rent should ideally not exceed one quarter of the monthly income. Ensure that the neighborhood is safe and has everything you need close by. Always do comparison shopping. Have a clear idea of what rents are in the neighborhood. Be careful and check the apartment and neighborhood out at least three times at different times in the day.

Be sure the lease protects your rights as well as that of the landlord. Find out what rules would apply if for some reason you need to break the lease before it runs out. A place must give you a feeling of warmth and welcome and ideally the neighbors must be friendly.                                                                                                               
About Author
Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for http://www.1888MovingCompanies.com , the premier website to find help on Moving including topics on moving companies search, compare movers, moving insurance, auto transport, moving tips and more. He also freelances for the premier Travel site http://www.1866Travel.com

Nice Blog article by Gene DeFazzio

The Perfect Blog

By Gene DeFazzio

What is a Blog?

Blogs come in many shapes and sizes. The present trend is a proliferation of websites that are intended as online journals by which individuals and/or organizations express their thoughts and opinions. That in a nut shell is a Blog. Or to put it another way;

A weblog, which is usually shortened to blog, is a type of website where entries are made (such as in a journal or diary), displayed in a reverse chronological order.

Blogs often provide commentary or news on a particular subject, such as food, politics, or local news; some function as more personal online diaries. A typical Blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic. Most blogs are primarily textual although many focus on photograph (photoblog), videos (vlog), or audio (podcasting).

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Creating a Blog

There are many ways to present your Blog. Basically you can use your own imagination to create the type of Blog that suits your fancy. However, the following guidelines will enhance your Blog and provide your visitors with a pleasant experience that increases the probability that they will return.

1.) Stick to your theme.

A Blog should have a central theme. It is the information contained in your content that your visitors will be interested in. If you ramble and deviate from the main topic of your Blog they will leave. Decide on a topic and stay with it. This will help you to create a following of interested readers.

2.) Be informative.

Your visitors are looking for information not some egocentric ramblings on your pet peeve. If you want to express an opinion do so in an informed manner. Use current events to underscore your views or provide references to bolster your opinions.

3.) Stay current.

No matter what you are trying to say on your Blog keep your content fresh and up to date. Don't rehash old stories or previous entries unless your visitors request it or it ties into some current event. Old news is not very interesting.

4.) Be dependable.

Update your Blog on a regular basis. Don't allow long lapses to occur between new entries. Have some sort of schedule for your Blog. It isn't necessary to do a daily update but you should never exceed a week between posts. You visitors expect as much. If your Blog content is updated on a regular basis, search engines will tend to spider the pages at regular intervals.

5.) Be clear and simple.

Always strive to keep your content clear and simply stated. Your visitors are from all walks of life and are composed of many nationalities. Keeping your message simple and straightforward will help to reach the most people.

6.) Use keywords.

Whatever the subject of your Blog may be use the keywords that best represent your theme. Your title should contain keywords that tie into your content and your content should contain your keywords as well. The search engines will be better able to index your Blog if they find your keywords easily.

7.) Blog quality.

Just any old content will not do. Strive to keep your content well written. Study the rules of essay writing and apply them always. Search engines have become more sophisticated and can tell the poorly written Blogs from the well written ones. Practice and apply good writing skills to be successful. Also, include an archive of past posts for the search engines to index and for your visitors to refer to.

8.) Proof read and check spelling.

Keep your content polished and accurate. To gain respect you must write with respect. Poor spelling and awkward sentences will turn most people off. Have pride in what you present and it will show in the number of followers that you will gain.

Summary

Most Blogs start out small with only a few regular visitors. But, if you follow the above guidelines your audience will grow over time. Don't expect an overnight success but stay the course and keep growing your Blog. In the end I think you will be glad you did.

Gene DeFazzio is the webmaster and author of the Rocketface(R) Workshop http://www.rocketface.com/ - A website for beginning webmasters and home of the award winning webmasters tutorial "How to Design a Website".