Work-At-Home Must Haves: Gadgets and Gear for the Home Office

A Guide to Gadgets and Gear for a productive Home Office

Layoffs due to the stepping back have created a wave of consultants, freelancers, part-timers and other home-office workers who must use their living space as their work space. For this ultimate test of work-life balance, here are a few essentials to make the job easier.

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Coffee Break

Clock in and grab a cup of java made fresh by the cup with the Keurig Office Pro Brewing System. take from 27 varieties of pre-packaged single-serving K-Cups of assorted coffees, teas, and hot cocoa to satisfy house and guests. You don't have to brew a whole pot when you're working solo, and though the K-Cups may seem a bit high-priced compared to coffee by the pound, but they are really thrifty because you don't waste coffee by making more than you want since most other brewers wish you to make at least two cups to get the right taste. Plus you can find the K-Cups reasonably priced at discounters like Costco and Bed Bath and Beyond. The machine is easy to operate and doesn't wish much cleaning, so you can focus on work. 9.00. Bed Bath & Beyond.

Ready Headset Go

With the Sennheiser OfficeRunner Wireless Headset, you can meander straight through the house, put in a load of laundry even get the paper from the driveway, all while taking a company call. This uber headset features impressive high-definition sound potential and allows users to talk on the phone as much as 400 feet away from the phone's base station, and the noise-canceling microphone cuts most background clatter, excellent for home-office multi-tasking. The sleek and approved headset weighs in at a mere .78 ounces, so you barely know it's there, and the black cube charging station base looks spirited as it is non-cumbersome on a smaller desk.

The set can be coupled with an elective handset lifter that attaches to the desk phone and allows the user to remotely lift the phone handset off the cradle so that an incoming call can be answered when the user is away from the desk. One downside is that it requires a corded handset, the kind with a curly cord that plugs into the phone, so it is not compatible with cordless handsets. Set up is fairly simple, once you get all the parts out of the construe packaging, and if you have any difficulties, the nice folks at 1-800-headsets will patiently talk you straight through it. 9.95. Headsets.com/officerunner.

Good Connection

The Uniden D1688-2, which offers the best of both worlds with a corded phone base and two cordless handset companions - expandable to 12. It features Dect 6.0 technology for clear, interference-free talk; digital answering system; large, lighted display; and a keypad and full duplex speaker phone on the base, excellent for the small office. .99. Staples, Target, and sell stores nationwide.

Hook, Line and Ringer

Separate work and home with the 6.0 Dect Vtech Ds6151 two-line phone law with a handy dial pad and speakerphone on the base and handset, along with hold and mute buttons. The digital answering law features selectable ring tones and a dedicated mailbox for each line and remote retrieval to get messages when you are out. Expandable to up to 12 handsets. .95. vtechphones.com.

Wheeling and Dealing

Talk and drive safely and really with the SuperTooth Buddy, the excellent partner for making calls on the road. This user-friendly, hands-free Bluetooth speakerphone clips onto your sun visor and connects two phones at the same time, providing hassle-free talk time in the car. An auto-connect feature reconnects to your phone automatically every time you enter the vehicle. Compatible with all Bluetooth-enabled phones, and provides 20 hours of talk time. In-car charger and handy Usb cable included; can also be expensed from a Pc via the Usb. . Department, specialty and mobile phone stores or http://www.SuperTooth.net

Free-Range Mouse

Get a hand up on repetitive stress injuries with the Smartfish Whirl Mini Notebook Laser Mouse. Touted as the world's most comfortable notebook mouse, this 2.4Mhz wireless peripheral adapts to the appeal of your hand movements using patented anti-gravity comfort-pivot technology. It can take a integrate of weeks to get used to it, but when mastered the Whirl Mini, it feels like a natural extension of your arm so that you feel your hand is floating on air. It also comes in an array of colors and is Mac and Pc compatible. Because its wireless that means less cords and clutter on your desk, and its portability makes it easy to take along to work in the kitchen, the dining room, Starbucks or wherever you roll for a change in scenery .95. Getsmartfish.com.

Ace Up Your Sleeve

Working from home doesn't mean you always stay put. When you take your work on the road, cart it in style and security with the Acme Made Smart Laptop Sleeve, a handsome and durable ultra-slender sleeve with closed-cell foam padding for heavy-duty protection. It comes in fashionable patterns and features ballistic nylon and selected tricot lining, along with a handy detachable nylon shoulder strap. .99-.99. Acmemade.com.

Can You Hear Me Now?

Hear and be heard with the sleek and approved Savi Office, the headset solution to unite your calls straight through a single desktop location. With crystal clear audio performance, you can reply both Pc or deskphone calls with one-button operate on the ultra-lightweight and comfortable wireless headset. It works with most home and commercial phone systems and can roam up to 350 feet from the base and lasts for up to nine hours without a charge. A noise-cancelling microphone and digital signal processing technology makes it easy on the ears for both the user and callers. 9.95. Plantronics.com.

Sky's the Limit

Give up the old ball and chain of a wired hard drive and free up space on your computer with cloud computing by SugarSync. You can upload all those house photos, videos, music and other content that clogs your computer with a accumulate 5Gb free online inventory for anytime, everywhere way everywhere you have an Internet connection. If you need more space, you can get 30Gb to 500Gb for .99 to .99 per month. Sugarsync.com.

Off the Hook

When flexibility is celebrated and desk space is at a premium, the6.0 Dect Vtech Ds6321-3 is a compact phone and digital answering law with a small foot print but packed with distinguished features to meet your home office needs. The phone's potential to make and reply calls for both your landline and up to four Bluetooth-capable cell phones is an ingenious convenience, so you don't have to juggle multiple handsets or miss calls searching for your mobile. The law can also pair the handset with a Bluetooth headset and argument in the middle of each of the three handsets, which all feature a hands-free speaker and mute and hold buttons. .95. Vtechphones.com.

Work-At-Home Must Haves: Gadgets and Gear for the Home Office

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Should I Pay an Appearance Fee to Appear on a Tv Show?

The man you are seeing interviewed on Tv might have paid for that spot.

It's true.

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There seems to be a new trend going on among local Tv shows as well as cable news shows to sell interview spots to authors, speakers and company population for fees ranging from 0 to ,500.

While this isn't illegal, the institution is disturbing. As a viewer, I expect the news directors and producers and reporters to carefully resolve who they want to interview for their spot segments. These population should be interesting, newsworthy, and controversial or pass the normal litmus test of "news."

It could be hard news like a politician defending her views. It could be the head of a charity group talking about some feel-good event he is promoting, or anyone in between. They all have one thing in common: a news man felt they passed the test.

But there appears to be a pay-for-play element creeping into the news biz. Producers are nothing else but request possible guests to pony up a few hundred or thousand dollars to appear on their shows.

The spots are labeled as news, not advertising.

One of my clients says the producer told her this was part of a new trend called "branded entertainment." There's even a Wikipedia entry about this! The producer said that infomercials aren't working any longer, so this form of 5-minute interview tied to a news show is the new, curious shiny object that population are chasing after. an additional one client said that he can get a contract to appear on a local Tv show for 50 segments for 0 a pop.

Apparently, I'm the last man to know about this (or maybe you are). But the cat is out of the bag. Tv stations want to make money and they are seeing to guests to foot the bill.

What should you do?

First, remember that there still are legitimate Tv shows that will be horrified to hear about this trend. I don't think Oprah or Regis or Ellen or Piers will allow pay-for-play.

Second, I'm sure there are late-night talk shows that have always operated on a quid-pro-quo basis that allowed celebrities to come on to a show to promote their movies or their books. That's where the industrial line begins to blur. But it's been going on for a zillion years and isn't about to stop.

That puts us back on point. What should you do if a producer from a real Tv shows asks for money?

First, resolve if this is a real show or not. There are lots of associates that claim to be Tv shows that will film you for a fee and say they will air the episode. But they are frauds. Whether they don't air the show, or the show is viewed by a very small audience. It's a scam.

Second, if the show is legit (as the above two cases with my clients show), then resolve if you can win. Ask yourself: "Will the money I invest make me as much or more money?"

For example, if I pay 0 to appear on this show, will I sell 0 of books, consulting, coaching, speaking or products?

If the retort is "Yes," then go for it. That's what advertising is supposed to do.

But beware:

1. Don't commit yourself to a long-term contract you can't get out of. You might have good success in the beginning. But if the sales start to diminish, you could lose your shirt.

2. Make sure the show nothing else but does reach your target audience. It is nice to be asked to be on a Tv show in Sweden, but will that reach the population who can buy my your services?

3. Make sure the show airs at the prime time to reach your audience. Does your audience watch Tv as they eat breakfast, or at 2 in the morning when they can't sleep?

4. Make sure you get copies of the video to use in any way you want. You will want to get the most value you can out of this video. In addition, it will be much higher quality than anyone you can do with your Mac and a green screen.

Once the interview airs, make sure you make the most of segments. For example:

1. Link to the videos from your website.

2. Publicize the fact you were on Tv, especially if you signed a long-term contract and you are now the expert correspondent for the show on your definite topic.

Remember, not every person sees every small of every lesson of every Tv show (or newspaper for that matter). You must promote your appearances to the population who don't watch Tv or read newspapers or who happened to be working at the time the show aired.

The old newspaper editor in me cringes at the belief of paying to be on Tv and the station not labeling this as a pay-for-play event. But they didn't ask me for my opinion. I'm just showing you how to maximize your opportunities in this new age of media when all the rules seem to be changing.

Should I Pay an Appearance Fee to Appear on a Tv Show?

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equipment For Installing Roof Shingles

If you're installing roof shingles, give right notice to the equipment you select. Here are some exquisite choices based on 22 years of roofing experience...

Equipment for Installing Roof Shingles --Your Nailgun

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There are thirty-some roofing nailers on the market, but here are seven reasons why many professionals like myself pick the Hitachi Nv45Ab2.

1. It's quick and easy to load fasteners. One of the main improvements on this nail gun over old models is the side-loading feature. You no longer have to put up with the awkward bottom-loading mechanism to enjoy the performance of a Hitachi.

2. It is fast and reliable. Firing three nails per second, the piston has pneumatic feed and return. That allows it to drive through tar build-ups on the feed mechanism, unlike some of the competition which rely on a spring return. That gives you a faster nailing cycle and less jamming.

3. The Hitachi has a long-lasting design. From the carbide tips on the nose of the tool, to the tough metal body and steel body shields, this gun has "body armor" to minimize wear from hard use and shingle abrasion. It also has rubber pads on the body shields to minimize slippage on steep roofs.

4. It has assistance available. As good as it is, nothing lasts forever. But Hitachi has a dependable assistance network to get you back up and running fast.

5. It's infinitely adjustable. Unlike some other nail guns, which have a stepped exposure gauge, the Hitachi gauge can be set to any exposure. You can use it for installing roof shingles that perfectly match the exposure of shingles driven with other nail guns, regardless of the brand.

6. It's easy on You. At just 5.5 pounds the Hitachi is one of the lightest roofing nail guns on the market. This model also has a durable rubber grip handle. These two features make a tough job a tiny easier.

7. It's easy on your wallet. There was a time when the Hitachi was one of the most expensive roofing nail guns. Over the years, increased competition has driven the price down, while produce improvements have improved the stamina of the gun. The succeed is a long-lasting tool which is a great value.

Equipment for Installing Roof Shingles -- Your Compressor

I've used a lot of distinct compressors over the years, but my beloved is a Porter-Cable Model C2002-Wk. Here's why...

First off, it's galvanic so you don't have to listen to a loud gas machine running all day. The homeowners and neighbors will appreciate that as well. And unlike gas compressors, this type doesn't run constantly. It turns on while you are installing roof shingles, then shuts off until the pressure switch turns it back on again.

You also don't have to screw colse to with gas motors that won't start because of a bad spark plug, flooded carb or whatever. And you don't have to buy gas or worry about running out.

Electric compressors are also a lot lighter than the gas-powered ones. This one weighs just 34 pounds, which is light adequate for even an old guy like me to drag up on the roof. Try that with a gas compressor.

It is also oil-less which is the only kind to have if you ever have to set it on a sloped roof. And you never have an oily mess on your shingles or the homeowners' driveway.

This Porter-Cable Model puts out all the pressure you need for a roofing nailer and has a six gallon air tank, so it is not running constantly.

Most of all, I'm happy with the price. It's not only the best compressor I've ever had, it's the cheapest.

Just be aware of its limitations. It puts out 3.5 cubic feet of air per minute, which is fine for one roofing nailer, but not beyond doubt adequate for two. Also, like all "pancake type" compressors, it's a tiny top heavy. Make sure it is acquire in your truck, or it will go tumbling when you hit the brakes.

Equipment for Installing Roof Shingles -- Your Cords and Hoses

Ideally, you want your compressor plugged directly into an electrical outlet. Extension cords sell out the power ready to the motor, which can succeed in premature failure. That setup works just fine for many jobs, especially if you have an outlet on both sides of the house you can use.

But sometimes you need an extension cord. I've found that 100 feet of cord will position the compressor for installing roof shingles just about anywhere I want it. That's also long adequate to power my saws and drills on the roof. But get two heavy duty 50-footers so you keep the distance to the outlet as short as possible and minimize the power drop.

As far as your air hose, it's best to have a one-piece hundred footer, so there are no connections to hang up on stuff as you drag the hose over the roof. It's not just the irritation factor either. I've nailed my fingers twice over the years when my hose got hung up on something, redirecting the nailgun at my hand.

1/4" hose works fine for one nailgun and is easier to cope than a 3/8".

Be sure to have a spare hose and/or a repair kit to fix hoses and fittings that suddenly start hissing air. The compressor above comes with a 25-foot hose, which is generally too short for roofing, but it could be helpful as a backup to get you through the day.

With a hundred feet of extension cord and a hundred feet of air hose, you can shingle just about anything!

equipment For Installing Roof Shingles

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12 Baseball and Softball Batting Cage Buying Tips

There are some basic points that you must know before buying a batting cage. When you buy a batting cage you are production an speculation that should contribute you with years and years of top quality batting practice. Here I discuss what I believe are the 12 most leading things to reconsider when you purchase your home, team, school or backyard batting cage. Remember these batting cage buying basics:

1. Batting cages nets come in a range of sizes but they are all rectangles. The net itself must have quadrilateral corners to save building time and cost. The sizes of a cage vary with the length, width, and height of the netting. Be meticulous about buying cages that are too narrow. These cages do not allow older batters to take a comfortable swing and finish. The greater the width and height of the batting cage, the great sensation a batter has when a ball is hit. The wider and higher cages allow the batter to read the path of the ball when it comes off the bat. A short and narrow cage tends to "smother" a hitter. The higher and wider cages are also safer for the coach, player or parent throwing batting practice.

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2. Batting cage netting is most ordinarily available in three common twine sizes which are #21, #36, and #42. The lower the number, the smaller the twine used in building and the lighter-weight the cage will be. Heavy-duty cages such as the #42 great withstand the elements of time and use therefore they offer more durableness and added years of use.

3. Batting cages are most often available in black. The twine is dyed black and Uv is added to the netting. Black cages seem to last longer and in my opinion, they look better.

4. When you buy a batting cage do not just reconsider the cost of the cage, but you must also suspect the cost of shipping. Many clubs have shipping managers that contribute you with an added service of securing the bottom shipping cost possible.

5. All cages wish a retain structure from which the cage will be hung. The longer the cage, the more retain sections that will be required to hold it in place. The smaller and more light-weight a batting cage is, the less retain structure it must have. You can plan on putting a retain section at both ends and every 20 feet, if you want your cage to be hung adequately without a lot of droop. So a batting cage60 feet long would wish at least 4 supports for a heavy-duty net and you may get by with three supports for a light-weight net. You may also need cable or heavy duty rope suspended between your supports to maximize cage support.

6. You can not fit your space to the batting cage. You must fit your batting cage to the space you have available. Step off you or portion the area you have available. Make sure to order a batting cage that will best suit your available space. Do not allow space to deter your commitment to a batting cage purchase. Small cages in the 35, 40, and 50 foot lengths are long enough to allow great batting convention work.

7. Your chosen area must be level and it must drain well. If you can afford the further cost, you may want to add a floor to your cage. There are two materials that make a great floor. Cement or concrete is the most costly. You may want to cover your hitting zone with indoor-outdoor carpet to expand the life of your leather baseballs. If you use rubber pitching motor balls in a pitching machine, they will withstand the abrasive properties of the cement cage floor. an additional one great floor alternative is to use weather treated 2 x 4s to build a raised floor. You will border all sides and ends of your batting cage floor with the 2x4s and stake them into place. You will then fill the inside floor area with a ordinarily used infield material, crushed stone. This provides a raised dry hitting face that will offer a safe and less abrasive face upon which to hit.

8. You are going to need to purchase a protection L-screen to safe the pitchers throwing batting practice. Make sure that your L-screen is a sock style made of at least #42 netting to insure that it will withstand the heavy-duty abuse it will be subjected to. A quadrilateral protective screen is also a great speculation to reconsider if you will be using a pitching motor often. There are screens specially designed to safe the someone operating the pitching machine.

9. You will need a plate for batter and pitcher reference during batting practice. The pitcher will use the plate to throw the discrete pitch locations and the batter will use it to adjust to safe bet situational hitting drills. If your cage has a favorable floor, you may want to paint a plate and batters box to add a much appreciated feature.

10. You will need a power source if you have plans to light your cage and to use a pitching machine. Make sure that you can reach a source with extension cords or run a permanent source if you can do so safely.

11. If you have further questions or need further assistance, shop with a enterprise that takes orders by phone. This allows your to ask questions and get answers. Depending on the description and details listed on a website, may cause you to order a cage that is not favorable for your needs. Most reputable batting cage clubs have toll-free phone numbers and a staff available during enterprise hours to offer you advice and information before you buy.

12. For many families the best and most user-friendly and trouble-free coming to buying a batting cage is to buy a complete batting cage package. These packages include the net size and weight of your option and a batting cage frame specifically designed to match the net. These packages are easy to assemble. Most of these batting cage packages can be assembled by two persons with about 2 hours of work. These batting cage packages can categorically be taken down in the off-season and stored if there is a need to do so. Many of these packages include all things you need together with the protection "L" screen. When the box arrives, all you have to do is determined read and follow the step-by-step instructions to assemble your new batting cage.

12 Baseball and Softball Batting Cage Buying Tips

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