Medications are being produced and consumed in ever-increasing numbers. With this rise in consumption, researchers are finding the presence of these medications in our drinking water sources, which means they make it all the way through waste water treatment, into our water resources, through fresh water treatment and eventually into our home water supplies. These second-hand drugs include hormones, anti-cancer chemotherapy, birth control pills, caffeine, antibiotics, heart medications, painkillers, psychiatric drugs and others.

These medications not only come from consumers who excrete them from their bodies into the sewers, but from drug manufacturing companies, hospitals and clinics that discharge them into the sewers as well, along with being excreted from farm animals being treated with veterinary medications, where they percolate down into the ground and pollute underground water sources.

All water ultimately is recycled water, even though it has been treated before reaching our homes. What was once waste water eventually winds up in rivers, lakes or underground aquifers where municipalities obtain their water for their citizens. These drug “left-overs” had their pharmacological effect on the original medication consumers, and in turn can have unwanter residual effects on the next person drinking recycled tap water.

Some of these second-hand drugs are endocrine disrupters. They cause hormonal effects on the body which can lead to menstrual and reproductive abnormalities and breast cancer in women, and testicular cancer, infertility, feminization and gynecomastia (breast growth) in men. Also, the presence of antibiotics in our water supply is especially of concern to scientists who fear they may cause disease-causing bacteria to become resistant to treatment.

Some might think I am being over-concerned, but the problem has the attention of scientists both in the U.S. and in Europe, where medication consumption is the highest. Of even greater concern, is that is is expected that the number of medications that will be produced and consumed in the future will increase by twenty times over current numbers. This will surely increase the amount of second-hand drugs expected to pollute our water supply in the future, and municipal utilities cannot remove them from our water even now.

None of us wants to consume water that contains drugs that someone else had already taken and excreted. If we need medications for treatment, we prefer to go to a drugstore, thank you. The only way to ideally deal with this dilemma is to be proactive and filter your own water at home to remove these drug chemicals, which also has the benefit or removing other contaminants such as microorganisms, chlorine, pesticides, petrochemicals, toxic metals and more.

Ajay R (articlesubmit.net)
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/second-hand-drugs-in-your-tap-water-89521.html

In Africa, the paradigm of a united Africa is spreading like a veld fire. People are being made aware of uniting forces that they believe can benefit us all here in Africa.

The principle of synergy teaches us that 1 and 1 doesn’t necessarily make 2. I heard a story told to me by a farmer that one of his workhorses could haul a wagon with a load of three and a half thousand pounds (one and a half thousand kg), but when he uses two horses the weight doesn’t double – it triples. With two horses he couldn’t only haul double what one horse could do, he could haul triple – a wagon with a load of ten thousand pounds (four and a half thousand kg). This is synergy; one labouring with another brings about a result higher than the sum of the two working separately.

Many circumstances should be in place to accommodate any paradigm shift successfully. One of the circumstances that would contribute to assisting the paradigm of the African renaissance to succeed is economical sustainability. Economical sustainability is a very scarce idea in Africa. In Africa, we either live for the here or now or we are simply ignorant of the way we should think economically.

A paradigm most definitely worth our earnest consideration for successful transition to African renaissance is the paradigm of entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurial thinking frees people to embrace their autonomy and take charge of the future they want to create. Entrepreneurial thinking elicits in us the willingness to embrace responsibility that motivates us to participate in creating economical sustainability.

One wonders which one came first – poverty or a scarcity mentality? I know for certain a scarcity mentality can lead to (physical) poverty. I also believe poverty created by natural or external circumstances, like drought or dictatorial leadership, can eventually cause a scarcity mentality in people. In Africa we had our fair share of these external and natural circumstances that inhibited us to live in abundance.

Now if it’s true that we have to change our thinking, even our thinking that was formed by external and natural circumstances, how are we going to do it? How can we embrace a paradigm of abundance, like entrepreneurial thinking, to lift us up from the scarcity mentality that has made ingrained roads on the creases of our brains?

A quick answer added to this article will simply not suffice to give a clear picture of what we should do to embrace the entrepreneurial paradigm of abundance. I suggest you frequent this blog over the next couple of weeks in order to follow a line of thinking that will empower you to take hold of yourself. A line of thinking that will empower you to embrace the entrepreneurial paradigm of abundance.

I will show you, thought by thought, how we can get up from the dust, shake it from us and start to live the way we were meant to live!

Nico
http://www.articlesbase.com/entrepreneurship-articles/the-african-renaissance-needs-entrepreneurial-fuel-158357.html

Neutralize Energy Clutter! Spring Clean your Environment

Jewel of the Month: Pietersite

Pietersite is formed out of tiger’s eye or falcon’s eye when they become cemented together with quartz. It has been called ‘stormstone’ because it helps us during chaotic periods. It stimulates the pituitary gland and the brow (6th) chakra and helps us to see what needs to be done to bring order back into our lives during times of chaos. With pietersite we are able to remain calm and collected, even if we have a multitude of distractions and diversions tugging on our life. It loosens block and helps to clear up any confusion that we are experiencing ridding us of stagnate, toxic energy and bringing in a clear prospective.

Jewels of Life:

Energetic toxins also come from our immediate environment in the form of chaos and clutter. Sometimes we feel overwhelmed with our surroundings because things that need our attention start to stack up.

When we allow clutter and unfinished business or projects to stack up, we often don’t where to start to clear the clutter and take care of business. Every time that we look at or think of this stuff, it is an energy drain. Every time that we log onto our computer and see emails that we haven’t gotten to or the files that long ago needed to be deleted, it drains our energy.

Do you find yourself surrounded by energy drains such as these? Even a mild forms of clutter can be draining such as closets that need to be cleaned and organized, garages that need a little attention or even cobwebs in the corners.

Now is the perfect time to take care of the chaos as the ritual of spring-cleaning is at hand. To get started, make a list of things that need to be taken care of and whittle away at the list one by one or take a few days and do a major attack on the chaos.

There are numerous good books, many of which are available at local libraries, on organization and clutter clearing. Feng Shui books have great tips on clutter clearing and valuable information on the flow or stagnation of energy in our environment. Have a garage sale and make some money or donate any unwanted items to charity.

Simplify your life in as many areas as possible so that you have time and energy for summer fun. You’ll be amazed at how a good spring-cleaning frees up your energy.

Becoming clutter-free is an easy way to simplify your life and to feel more organized and in control. It gives you a peaceful feeling of space. It lifts your emotional spirit by giving you a feeling of openness and of being connected to, rather than overwhelmed by life. –Richard Carlson

Annette Pieper
http://www.articlesbase.com/self-help-articles/neutralize-energy-clutter-spring-clean-your-environment-136605.html

Living in Mexico was an adventurous fairytale; due to the variety of things to do, beauty of the country and the kindness of its residents. I am originally from Ohio but spent substantial time living in Mexico, studying the nature and history of this beautiful place. Here are some ideas and tips I learned from being there that may help you on your next trip to the Yucatan Peninsula.

Using the public bus system is infinitely cheaper than taking taxis everywhere. If you are looking for cheaper transportation to and from the airport, take the bus to downtown Playa del Carmen or Cancun. It is easy and the bus stations are centrally located in both cities. You can choose to ride an air-conditioned bus for a small amount more than the non air-conditioned bus. I would use either, whoever left soonest. There are bus schedules posted for local travel or throughout the country. The nicest buses when I was there were the plush tour buses for longer trips, called ADO. Really nice buses that cost more but are worth it.

If you need to make phone calls in Mexico, buy a phone card there and use them from any pay phone. They can be used to call internationally as well. The locals, many of which do not have phones in their homes, use them all the time. You can buy them in the Casas de Cambio (places where you can exchange your money into Mexican pesos). A note on exchanging your money, check around, to look for the best exchange rates as they may vary place to place.

Those who don’t scuba can enjoy the beauty of the underwater coral gardens and scenery by snorkeling. Go to the scuba shops and inquire about what excursions they offer for snorkelers, or ask your resort’s front desk if you can sign up for snorkeling tours there at the hotel. Wear sunscreen while doing this daytrip, don’t expect a white t-shirt to protect you, because it won’t. If you don’t use sun protection, you will come back lobster-red, trust me.

A word about avoiding Turista (Montezuma’s Revenge, the Tourist Trots). These very unpleasant bacterial infections happen, frequently, to travellers. To avoid spending most of your vacation in the bathroom recuperating, I suggest you don’t eat raw fruit (unless it’s already peeled), and don’t drink drinks that have ice that isn’t round, with a hole in it (purified water ice cubes). The large resorts’ food is safe, as far as I have experienced. I’ve stayed in a few before moving to Mexico and never got sick by eating or drinking their food. Big resorts take precautions against contaminated foods and drink. But, out on the street, those bacteria free float into the food offered at taco stands (and I love those, by the way), and wherever fruit is sold. If you buy fruit, peel before eating it. If it isn’t peelable, then forget it. Drink purified, bottled water at all times. If you go to day-long trips out in the heat, bring a gallon jug of water, you will need it.

Hire only qualified tour guides through reputable agencies (usually found through the hotels or your travel agent). Don’t use freelance tour guides because I was told when living there that some will make information up as they go along. Independent tour guides will approach you at places like the ruins of Coba, Chichen Itza and Tulum, for example. Go with a tour group to these places. I liked the Apple tours, but there are many others that are good, too. Ask around to see who are most highly recommended. Chichen Itza is a big site, worthy of seeing, if you are going to choose a sight to see. The pyramid there, called El Castillo, is spectacular. I have been inside it (very, incredibly claustrophobic if you decide to brave it up the narrow stairway inside) and on top of it (steep stairs lead up to a few small rooms on the top, where nobility would perform rituals, etc.) Take a camera and stop at the nearby hotel for lunch if you have the chance. There was a show there where dancers in Mayan dress entertained us as our group ate there. It was a good break from the heat of sightseeing this ancient city. Word to the wise, bringing a family-size vat of sunscreen wouldn’t be a bad idea. And as much water as possible. Walking around the site all day will dehydrate and bake you if you aren’t careful.

Check out the cenotes (lakes of brackish water in the jungle), accessed by taking buses or taxi, along the Playa del Carmen-Tulum corridor. I liked going to the Cenote Azul or the Cenote Dos Ojos. Cenotes attract nature, and while visiting them, I saw a variety of fascinating flora and fauna from basilisk lizards to a diving duck. Cenotes are the entrance points to underwater caves, which are only safe to go to with certified dive experts. Underneath the Yucatan peninsula there are a large network of underground caves that expert divers like to explore. Do not attempt to dive these on your own, because it is dangerous. If you want to see what an underground cave is like, go nearby to the nature park of Xcaret, where there are underwater caves for the public to swim in.

Speaking of Xcaret, it is a must to visit if you love nature. It is full of educational activities and fun things to do for the whole family. Expect to spend an entire day there. There is swimming with dolphins, horseback riding, exploring an ancient Mayan village, seeing Mayan dancing shows, snorkeling in a large lagoon, all built into the jungles. It is a top-class place, and even has its own small zoo, butterfly garden and aviary. I know, I used to be the main illustrator for the park years ago. The restaurants are atmospheric and the food is good. Don’t forget to see the Mayan musicians do their flying pole exhibition, which is done all day long. They start on top of a pole, and “fly” down, while playing their instruments, while hanging from ropes by their ankles. You won’t see anything quite like it out of this region. Xcaret has a variety of natural history exhibits near their large gift shop. It is a “must” for all.

If you want a fun trip by boat, go to Playa Linda (in the Hotel Zone of Cancun) and hop a boat over to Isla Mujeres. Aqua Tours has a big, luxurious yacht that goes over there a few times a day. On the way to the island, you are served drinks, are entertained by the staff and get a great view of the Cancun coastline. Once at Isla Mujeres, you are taken on excursions to places like Tortugranja (a sea turtle farm, where they raise endangered sea turtles from small to large), or Hacienda Mundaca (a supposed former estate of an ex-pirate, who built it for his love interest, according to local legend). They offer snorkeling, too. It’s a fun day trip, and the shopping is pretty good on the island, too.

Another interesting place to visit is Merida, the capital city of the state of Quintana Roo (where Cancun is located). It reminded me of Europe, with its lovely, large mansions,outdoor cafes and stately buildings. There, you will find the United States embassy, among others. If you need to replace a lost passport or talk to embassy officials, this is where you want to go. It is a very international place, worth the very long bus ride from Cancun.

Downtown Cancun has a few interesting places to shop. There are authentic food and crafts at Plaza 2000, or see Chedraui (a department/ grocery store), or Pelicano (another general merchandise store). I haven’t been to Cancun since the devastating hurricane there, so check to see if these places are still in operation, if so, they are definitely worth going to. Take a bus or taxi to these places, to get a more “authentic” Mexican experience. Staying just in the Hotel Zone is fun, but not a slice of everyday Mexican life. Try some of the great food stands where the locals go. I love the chicken cooked on spits everywhere, called “Pollo Rojo” (red chicken) due to the spices used. It is to die for and incredibly cheap. If you see people on the street selling tamales, try them, they are excellent and really cheap. I could easily eat my way through Mexico by living on tamales (meat inside a corn-based “cake”) and empanadas (meat turnovers) alone. If you buy bakery items in Mexico at the grocery stores, bear in mind that they use much less sugar than Americans are used to having, in their recipes. I like the Conchitas, breads shaped like shells. If you want sweets, buy the cakes sold under the brand name

“Bimbo” (yes, that is the name of it). It is a major bread and snack food producer in Mexico.

Enjoy your stay in the lovely Mayan Riviera. Walk the beaches and admire that stunningly turquoise water, it is truly paradise. Enjoy the hospitality of the friendly and helpful Mexican nationals. Remember to have fun, but remember, it is a foreign country, so obey their laws and be respectful of the differences in culture. If you go, you’ll want to go back again and again. I know I did. The more you go, the more you know. Living in the Yucatan was an unforgettable experience, visiting there is too, so make it a memorable trip for yourself by seeing as much of it as you can. You won’t be disappointed.

Carolyn McFann
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/an-insiders-guide-to-cancun-and-the-riviera-maya-mexico-126025.html

Is Microgeneration the new clean revolution?
by Tal Potishman

Microgeneration is likely to be an important step towards the Millennium Goal of ensuring environmental sustainability by the year 2015. This is an ambitious, if not idealistic, target which has been well-received by most – less so as an individual burden, and more of a sub-national one. “Let the government do something about it,” is the response of many. Although many argue the benefits of this concept, there are only a few that have actually taken a proactive approach as individuals or private businesses.

Great Britain, in particular, has come under direct criticism for not doing enough to reduce its carbon footprint on our increasingly delicate atmosphere. And if governments cannot be counted on to set in motion a plan to ensure ecological sustainability, how can we, as individuals, be expected to do so?

Over the past two years, the UK has taken various steps to catch up with the rest of Europe in the race to reach the ambitious millennium target by 2015, in particular by setting up a Microgeneration Strategy. This aims to offer Zero- and Low- Carbon solutions for domestic homes, businesses, and communities, with specific targets that demand that by 2016 all new homes in the UK should be zero-carbon, whereas the same applies to non-domestic buildings by 2019. While that’s a few years later than the Millennium goals dictate, it is definitely a start as the UK is taking the first step in a new direction.

But what exactly does microgeneration do? Microgeneration involves the producing of energy through small-scale energy generators such wind turbines and solar photo voltaic electricity generating panels. It means that in the future, all buildings will be equipped with these small generators, allowing them to produce and supply their own energy, and in the process, reducing the mass impact that big energy generators have on the environment today.

What is more, microgenerators are particularly beneficial for particular types of homes, such as those with no access to a central gas network. This newly acquired self-sufficiency of future households, communities, and businesses would make them less dependent on large industrial power plants. The Guardian argues that Microgeneration might even be a rival to nuclear energy. We need to ask ourselves whether these advantages are enough to encourage people to make their own contributions to helping preserve the planet for their great-grandchildren.

Like any new method, Microgeneration does have its hurdles that need to be assessed and overtaken. For one, it is not suitable for all types of homes. It is, for example, not readily available for local shops, nor is it easy to find many who are specialized in installing these microgenerators. Affordability is also a problem for many, reaffirming the old argument that ecological sustainability is only attainable by those who can afford it.

So is microgeneration the best way forward? Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks, among others, agree that it is. With the proper government support schemes in place, such as grants as well as more information regarding the pros and cons of microgeneration, more people will be ready to embrace it. It has the potential to have a massive impact on the reduction of CO2 emissions, so the more accessible microgeneration is made to the British public, the more individuals can do to reduce their ecological footprint. For now, it’s back to recycling for most of us until we can afford to produce our own energy.

Tal Potishman
http://www.articlesbase.com/bath-showers-articles/microgeneration-in-the-uk-evaluation-and-background-629387.html

Energy efficiency is something of a buzz word at the moment, particularly with the growing concern in scientific and academic circles around global warming and the irreversible changes occurring to the world in which we live. For many people, global warming might seem like something that is too distant, and something that one single person can have very little impact upon in their daily lives. However, few people realise that if we all adopt the attitude of making some minor changes in our lives, we can all save the planet, whilst saving ourselves money.

Pond heaters are no exception to this rule. Whatever the size and nature of your pond, it is often important to ensure you have adequate heating in place to protect your pond life and prevent your pond from freezing through in the winter and early spring, but many people feel upset about the potential cost implications of this necessary part of pond ownership. Let’s face it, if you’ve got a pond heater you’re going to increase your energy costs on a monthly basis. Yet it need not be as clear cut as that – there are ways in which you can make sure you save money on your heater without sacrificing the wellbeing of your pond.

If your pond needs to be heated for the benefit of your pond life, make sure you have a contingency source of heat in the event of a mechanical failure with your main unit. Too many people neglect to think about the potential for problems with their pond heater, particularly during the colder winter months, and investing now in an energy efficient unit as a backup may be a wise move for anyone who cares about the health and wellbeing of his pond.

More and more pond owners nationwide are falling for the benefits of energy efficient pond heaters, as their main source of heat or alternatively as a back up source in the event of an emergency situation. One of the best things about energy efficient heating is that it proactively saves you money, leaving you better off at the end of each billing cycle. As compared to standard heating units, and the energy they consume, the greater the efficiency, the less energy your backup unit will require. Ultimately that means that you could be saving a significant amount on your energy bill on an ongoing basis, whilst also doing your bit for the environment.

On a grander scale, energy efficient pond heaters as the name would imply require less energy to power them along, which means less electricity to be produced by polluting power stations, which is generally a good thing for the environment. At the same time, you’ll directly feel the benefits on a reduced energy bill every month, creating an effective win/win situation. On that basis, it seems crazy not make the investment in energy efficient pond heating units sooner rather than later, with a view to helping your fish, the environment and your wallet.

Kirk Rogers
http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/energy-efficient-pond-heaters-for-your-fish-the-environment-and-your-wallet-320063.html

It’s easy to see your beautiful landscape during the daytime, and usually that’s the only time you think about it. But why not enjoy those scenes at night as well, with lighting that will accentuate and add beauty to every setpiece.

There’s an extra element to landscaping that many people don’t even think about, and that’s lighting. In broad daylight, of course, there’s no need for lighting, as you’ll be able to sit back and enjoy your front or backyard, meticulously designed just the way you want it, with no problem at all. But, what’s the point in lighting your yard at night, you’ll be asking yourself.

Security
Outdoor lights are one of the best accessories you can add to your home from a security issue. Everyone should have a porch light, so those hard-working pizza drivers can find your house if nothing else! But with a porch light or a lamp post illuminating your front door, this provides extra security against intruders.

And it’s not even so much to guard against intruders. Who hasn’t fumbled with their keys when trying to fit a key into a lock they can’t see? Placing a row of lights next to your garden paths can ensure that unsuspecting feet don’t step off into the flower beds.

Accents
Why just be able to enjoy the beauties of your gardens at night? With strategically placed lights you can enjoy your miniature fountains or waterfalls, water gardens or rock gardens at any time. Indeed, they may even look more spectacular at night. And its not just a question of accenting your garden. By lighting up your entire home with carefully placed spotlights, it can be made a work of art in itself.

Celebrating the seasons
Lots of people put up lights for the holidays – and go to a great amount of trouble stringing lights on their garage and on the eaves of their house. Then, two weeks later, they go through all the trouble of taking those lights down again. By designing a lighting system that will be semi-permanent, you remove the need for all that extra work. Simply change out the bulbs for those of different colors, depending on the season.

Where’s the power come from?
Give a thought to your lighting needs. If you choose line voltage fixtures that can get their power from your home’s electrical system, you’ll want the wires to run underground. You’ll want to have these installed by a professional. Also, make sure that you have a plan of where these underground wires are installed, because if you do any digging in future – or if you sell the home and the new owner wants to do some digging – it will be all too easy to cut through these wires if no one knows where they are.

The other choice that also works great, is to use solar light fixtures. These feature a solar cell that absorbs energy from the sun and stores it in rechargeable batteries. These types of lights are easily installed by the homeowner, but how long they will last can be a question.

To find out what kinds of lights are available, visit your local home and garden or home improvement center. However, a lot of companies offer their wares on the web as well. Seagull Lighting has practically every type of outdoor light you can imagine, as does Lights by Lighthouse.

Mr.Andrew Caxton
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/light-up-your-life-and-your-landscape-127363.html

Natural and alternative health and lifestyle products can really benefit you and your family.

Did you know that the industry in health foods and natural products in their retail and business opportunity form have increased by 75% in the last 5 years alone?

This article has a few simple answers to why the natural more healthy alternatives can deliver much greater health benefits than just going and getting some vitamins from your local drug store.

Many elements and chemicals that help our body function and boost our immune system can only be found in a “stable” form in the foods and drinks that occur naturally. By taking these natural chemicals from their natural states and trying to “bottle” it is virtually impossible without the use of further adding dangerous additives and manmade chemicals.

Furthermore, the organic industry, which seems so new, is coming back after about 50 years of “conventional” farming to boost the sustainability and production needed in agriculture.

For some reason people think that organics has never existed before and it was only about 50 years ago that we didn’t have pesticides, fertilisers and herbicides and relied purely on the co-dependant relationships of ecosystems.

People again are realising the benefits of organics only after 50 years of cancer causing chemicals being passed along in our food. It is strange as many people who have had the initial stages of cancer have converted to organics for added support to their immune systems.

From organics to sustainable lifestyles which includes our complete environment from building to water to energy production to health… everything is a dynamic system and will become increasingly important as global warming becomes more of a problem.

This leads me onto the next step, sustainable building. Did you know that your home can become a toxic and uncomfortable environment for you and your family if you don’t think consciously about the types of products you use within and around your house?

Many insulation and cabinet maker products use materials that contain a vast amount of formaldehyde which is a very toxic and carcinogenic chemical. Paints and finishes can contain high levels of VOC (volatile organic compounds) which have been proven to cause serious health issues and lead to “sick house syndrome”. Building material used for the structure of your home can be cheap and cause the temperature in your home to be very uncomfortable and the air conditioner you use to make up for this costs you hundreds of dollars every year.

Might as well give up hey? No way…

There are so many resources and products available at your request that can dramatically change the negative aspects and will improve your overall wellbeing aswell as your families, whilst at the same time improve the quality of products that are good for the environment also. For instance, there are many paint companies with low to zero VOC products, insulation has been developed using cellulose (recycled paper basically) with no formaldehyde, energy efficient air conditioners exist and many products that are affordable but have the qualities to increase the comfort of your home.

The main point is… If you buy for the health and comfort of you and your family, the results will be beneficial to both you and the environment. This is what I mean by a dynamic system. Sustainability isn’t about knowing everything about what does what and where it goes, it is simply about working with your local environment to produce the best possible outcome that WILL save you money, your health and the environment.

I suggest you start to educate yourself in the simple parts of sustainability and even if you save a litre of water a year or have an organic meal at least once every 2 months, you will be on your way to sustainability. www.onlife.com.au

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Dr Jim Barton
http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/the-sustainable-path-94960.html

A company that chooses to implement an international project is obligated to conduct a thorough research in order to understand if such project is viable and can be brought to life in a certain country. Numerous factors have to be taken into consideration and investigated; it has to be done objectively from the point of view of the host country in which business will be performed. Thus the home company can ensure the realization of the project in specified terms with regards to projected profits and spending funds.

While analyzing foreign environment companies have to pay close attention to various factors that will effect, or help if used efficiently, future success of business in a new economy. First of all it is necessary to carefully examine the firm’s competitive position and understand if a project is able to bring profit in the global industry. Adequate financial resources, successful global ventures in the past, risk levels that a company is able to undertake and growing international demand are those few questions that need to posed before a firm can make any projections as to doing business abroad. There are also factors that are directly connected to specific projects and situations and that influence the outcome of the venture and have to be considered.

In case when a company is ready to start international project in terms of its internal situation, it has to study issues and challenges that are caused by macro economical and other environmental factors. Legal and political factors are essential for the implementation of the project abroad and each country has its own laws and regulations that could be of negative or positive influence which greatly depends on the nature of business. Economic condition of the host county is a core issue in deciding where and when project will be carried out and if it is feasible at all. Such environmental issues as GDP, inflation fluctuations and population growth have to be considered in order to comprehend conditions in which business will operate. Infrastructure and geography are among other factors that will affect the project or not allow its execution in case a host county has severe weather conditions or undeveloped infrastructure; for instance unpaved roads and no electrical power can easily fail the project in the very beginning and thus knowing such conditions is necessary. Security of the country in which project will be developed is essential as well, people make things happen and if they are in a dangerous environment it is priory impossible to do business. Workers who are knowledgeable about cultural differences in a host country are more likely to perform successfully as traditions and holidays can play a huge role in certain marketing campaigns and serve for the good image of the company.

Working in a foreign country requires a great deal of preparation and assessment of all possible differences that business is about to encounter. As was already said major role is deciding whether of not the project will be successful is comprehending macro environment of a new country. Studying its economical condition, security levels and infrastructure system is a core competence of a company who wants to be more successful that its competitors. In case when all of those factors are studied and considered advantageous for a new enterprise it is important to bear in mind that cultural differences can make all efforts void. Thus such countries as the United States must attentively analyze what changes have to be made in the business plan and what people are best suit for the its implementation. Often companies hire professionals already experienced in such ventures with foreign education who speak two or more languages. Those intermediaries who are familiar with host country’s traditions and have social connections are great helpers in establishing a good image of the company abroad and in avoiding mistakes in a setting up period.

Selecting and training employees for the international project is very important for the future success of the company. Culture shock and coping with it are issues that have to be addressed to potential workers because people who cannot sleep at night of nervous breakdown are unable to work effectively. Consequently firms need to inform and train employees how to cope with cultural diversities and benefit from them to better manage in the new environment. Multiplicity of the factors that have to be thought through by the international project managers can be outstanding but successful implementation will be rewarded by monetary and personal contentment.

Jeff Stats
http://www.articlesbase.com/college-and-university-articles/environment-and-international-project-selection-129570.html

Jersey City is city rich with lifestyle variety, attractions, and entertainment. It is also a city with fascinating small ethnic neighborhoods, modern high rise condo towers, and attractions that include museums, a nationally recognized science learning center, and unbeatable, world class harbor views overlooking the New York City Skyline, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.

Jersey City is also steep in history. Before the Civil War, the city was an important stop on the Underground Railroad that led to a secret trail of safe houses that helped runaway slaves escape from the southern plantations. Four main railroad routes converged in Jersey City, and thousands of slaves passed through here on their way to freedom.

In recent years, Jersey City has undergone major redevelopment. The city has benefited from being across the Hudson River from New York City and from the relocation of many major corporations; new residents followed to enjoy a less expensive life style than NYC. This development has seen a dramatic increase in new high rise housing, shopping areas, restaurants, and major attractions.

The redevelopment of Jersey City is best exemplified by its waterfront. Construction of tall office towers and apartment complexes have taken hold along the downtown district, while further south, Liberty State Park is also experiencing improvements with the preservation of its natural environment to preserve the wetlands and creation of recreational areas, and the restoration of the historic CRRNJ railroad terminal. There is no better view in the world than Jersey City’s view of the harbor, overseeing the New York City Skyline, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Jersey City’s Neighborhood’s

The Grove Street area, with easy access from the PATH station, is the center of downtown activity with arts, restaurants, and nightlife.

Van Vorst Park is one of the city’s nicest neighborhoods, with tree lined historic brownstone homes, and a convenient walk to the Grove Street Path station, café’s and restaurants.

Paulus Hook is a charming neighborhood of Brownstone Row Houses with an excellent view of New York City and is convenient to the ferries to and from Manhattan. It also has many restaurants, arts and shopping throughout the mostly residential district.

Jersey City’s financial waterfront, known as Exchange Place, is home to many large financial firms and tall office towers. 30 Hudson Street, at 781 ft and 42 floors, is the tallest building in New Jersey, and the tallest building in the United States which is not within its metro area’s largest city. However, like many financial centers it’s virtually deserted after 6 PM.

Journal Square is anchored by the Loews Jersey movie palace, which is also home to live music and art works. A short walk from Journal Square is Little India, where you can sniff the aroma of spices, and sample some of the excellent Indian restaurants.

Newport is a 600-acre master-planned mixed-use community, made up of residential rental towers, condominiums, office buildings, a marina, schools, restaurants, hotels, The Newport Centre Mall, a waterfront walkway, transportation facilities, and on-site parking for more than 15,000 vehicles. The Newport waterfront complex almost constitutes a separate city from the older neighborhoods.

Jersey City’s Major Attractions

Liberty State Park

Created in 1976 for the U.S. Bicentennial, Liberty State Park is as large as New York’s Central Park but is far less developed. It is a prime waterfront location that draws 4 million visitors a year to experience the many world class park attractions.

With sweeping views of lower Manhattan, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, and ferries to all of the above, it also has playgrounds, picnic areas, bike paths, jogging paths, estuary, gardens, a marina and a large, beautiful restaurant with an awesome view. The park is host to many festivals, concerts, and other cultural happenings, and offers a great view of the fireworks displays over the water on the Fourth of July.

The park is easy to access via car, bus or light rail.

In the park’s northwest corner is The Liberty Science Center, a family science museum, located on Phillip Drive. The most visited museum in New Jersey, it has 3 floors of interactive exhibits that focus on invention, health, and the environment. Also located in the Liberty Science Center is the Kodak Omni Theater, with the largest sized IMAX dome screen in the world. The Liberty Science Center is undergoing expansion and construction and will re-open in July of 2007.

The Liberty walk promenade graces the eastern edge of Liberty State Park, and is a 1.3 mile stroll taking in the park office, the Statue of Liberty overlook, and the restored CRRNJ railroad terminal.

The Interpretive Center, an environmental and historical educational facility, is located on Freedom Way. The Center, which houses an exhibit area, auditorium, and classroom space, offers programs for both the general public and school groups. Adjacent to the Center lies a sixty-acre natural area that consists mostly of salt marsh, nature trails and observation points to complement this wildlife habitat.

Hop on a ferry near the CRRNJ railroad terminal and visit Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

Statue of Liberty

Located on Liberty Island, a 12 acre island, it is 2000 feet from Liberty State Park. While there have been many claims as to which state the Statue of Liberty (Liberty Island) is in, it is in closer proximity to New Jersey and the State of New Jersey in fact does retain the riparian rights to all the submerged land surrounding the statue. However it continues to be within the territorial jurisdiction of the State of New York. Picnicking may be enjoyed at the southern end of the park located near the Administration Building. Picnic tables are provided with magnificent views of the harbor and skyline.

Ellis Island

Since it opened in 1892, Ellis Island has been the nation’s premier federal immigration station until 1954 when it closed down. The immigration center processed over 12 million immigrant steamship passengers. After being greeted by the Statue of Liberty and processed at Ellis Island, the arriving immigrants purchased tickets and boarded trains at the nearby railroad terminal that took them to their new destinations throughout the United States

The main building was restored after 30 years of abandonment and opened as a museum on September 10, 1990. Today, over 40 percent of America’s population can trace their ancestry through Ellis Island.

The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are free, but you need to buy a ferry ticket to make it to the both places. The ferry and tickets for the ride can be had on the waterfront in Liberty National Park.

Liberty National Golf Course

Liberty National Golf Course is the world’s most expensive golf course. Opened in 2006, it stretches along New York Harbor with dramatic views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Verrazano Narrows Bridge and the New York skyline. It features five lakes, a waterfall, four streams, underground air ducts to optimize turf moisture, and several acres of wetlands for migratory birds and other wildlife.

Jersey City Museum

Located in the historic Jersey City’s Van Horst district, it contains a collection of more than 20,000 objects of regionally significant art and historical objects, and important 20th century acquisitions. The Collection includes over 300 paintings and works on paper by local illustrator and landscape painter August Will (1834-1910), as well as drawings, paintings, prints, photographs, maps, textiles, decorative arts and industrial objects.

Frank Dalotto
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