Open Space Technology

Posted by Admin on January 30th, 2011


Open Space Technology (OST) is a workshop format that allows a group of people to work through a complex set of issues in a finite amount of time. The time is typically from half-a-day to three days for a workshop. To run OST there must be a well defined question or problem statement. Then OST will allow a group of people to have all the conversations they need, to document all those conversations, to collaborate with all the right people, and to reach a shared consensus on the best way forward.

OST is an Open Source technology, originally invented by Harrison Owen in 1985. It has since been successfully used throughout the world for over twenty years for workshops on subjects as diverse as international conflict, to technology problems, to discussions on new organizational solutions.

OST is typically the right solution when:

- The topic or question can be well defined in a single statement.
- But no one knows the answer!
- The problem is too complex for a small number of people to solve .
- Involving people in finding the solution is the right answer..
- A group of people who do not normally meet need to be brought together to solve the problem
- Time pressure would necessitate moving away from the usual ways of working.
- People are passionate about the outcome.
- There is a sense of ownerships for the problem and for the potential solution.

30-1000 People are involved.

OST is NOT good when:

- Someone knows the answer and is waiting for people to agree!
- The problem can not be defined
- There is no real will or passion to solve the problem.
- OST is not ideal for less than 30 people in our experience.
- There is no owner for the problem or for the solution.

Stephen Hinde, director of Business With Heart has a long experience of running successful OST workshops in a number of sectors: including the Arts, Technology companies, and local government.

In order to run a great OST workshop there is always a requirement for good preparation, a great event in the middle, and good follow-up in order to maximise the impact and relevance of the workshop to your organization. We will tailor it to your needs and guide you through the whole life-cycle of the workshop.

Please contact us to discuss OST and for a no obligation consultancy to find out if OST is the right solution for you.

? Stephen Hinde, Business With Heart, January 2009

By: Stephen Hinde

About the Author:
Contact: Stephen Hinde
Mobile: 07803 18 37 47
Web: http://www.businesswithheart.co.uk



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Advanced Vibration Technology Goes Mainstream

Posted by Admin on January 30th, 2011


Since the 1960s the Soviet Aerospace program has used whole-body vibration technology or vibration therapy, also known as Advanced Vibration Technology, to help the cosmonauts battle the effects on the human body while in space for prolonged periods of time. While these individuals lived in space, they experienced zero gravity which caused a myriad of physical problems ranging from loss of muscle strength, flexibility, bone density and prolonged recovery time.

Advanced Vibration Technology helped the cosmonauts to regain strength, bone density and flexibility in faster time and to experience an increase in endorphins, leading to the same sensation as what is referred to as a “runners high.” Due to electronic commerce, this technology is now available around the global.

Benefits of Advanced Vibration Technology

The benefits of vibration therapy continue to increase due to the popularity and effectiveness of new products such as the Power Plate. Power Plate offers professional models that range from $2,500 to $9,995. These training devices are being used by individuals and professional athletes. Teams such as the Carolina Panthers and the Chicago Bulls are taking advantage of this breakthrough technology.

“All of our players are reaping the benefits from using Power Plate. They are improving speed, quickness, jumping ability, balance and coordination,” Eric Hellland, Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Chicago Bulls, reported.

Advanced Vibration Technology is improving the quality of life for individuals who experience bone loss, muscle weakness, diminished range of motion and soreness, while recovering from injury.
In addition, with an aging U.S. population, physical therapists are seeking alternatives to help patients improve their conditions.

“It’s a powerful device; it makes a difference in how my patients feel, and more importantly, it makes what I do as a physical therapist more effective,” Lisa Jurki, MSPT Accelerated Rehabilitation, said about the Power Plate devices.

How does Advanced Vibration Technology Work?

This technology works by stimulating the body’s natural response to vibration. The vibration causes contractions in the body’s muscles which lead to an increase in muscle strength, blood flow and overall relaxation. With as little as 15 minutes a day, three times a week, this cutting-edge technology is redefining the time it takes to combat such problems as aging and injury recovery while helping to maintain overall strength and body relaxation.

How Can Advanced Vibration Technology Fit Into Your life?

You don’t have to be rich or famous to enjoy the benefits of vibration therapy, though many celebrities are jumping on board. Among them are: Clint Eastwood, Madonna, and Brad Pitt.
Since Advanced Vibration Technology is now readily available, why not include it in plans for a home spa or fitness room? In addition to its therapeutic and healing effects, it also helps with balance and flexibility.

If expanding or improving a health-based or fitness-oriented business, Power Plate can provide a competitive edge. For example, general practitioners can use the product to effectively reverse osteoporosis without drugs.

Advanced Vibration Technology Research Studies

Several sponsored studies have been completed or are underway. They include:

National Institute on Aging (NIA): “VIBES” – Low Magnitude Mechanical Stimulation to Improve Bone Mineral Density.”

University Health Network, Toronto. “Influence of Vibration on Bone Mineral Density in Women Who Have Weak Bones After Menopause”.

University of Erlangen-N?rnberg. “Effect of Whole Body Vibration on Bone and Fall Related Parameters.”

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. “Vibration Intervention to Improve Bone and Muscle in Children with Cerebral Palsy.”

Logan College of Chiropractic. Whole Body Vibration Therapy in a Participant With Multiple Sclerosis Related Balance Deficits – A Case Study.

Oregon State University College of Health and Human Sciences. “OSU Researchers to Shake-Up Hip Replacement Therapy.”

Oregon State University College of Health and Human Sciences. “OSU Researchers to Shake-Up Hip Replacement Therapy.”

By: Tom Maroney

About the Author:
Tom Maroney, CEO of Banner Therapy Products in Asheville, NC, was a practicing N.Y. attorney for many years prior to being in a terrible car accident. As the result of severe neck and brain injuries, he was exposed to many rehabilitative products, first hand. This experience prompted him to become an investor, advisor and later CEO, of Banner Therapy Products. Since the inception of the company, 10 years ago, the company has gone from carrying 400 to 6,000 products. His wife, Dianne, is a principal in the business as well and has a medical background in neurology. Currently, she works with children to assist in analyzing medical disabilities. Tom and Dianne continue to travel the world seeking out new products. Email:service@bannertherapy.com or visit http://www.bannertherapy.com for more information.



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History of Bulova Watch Company

Posted by Admin on January 29th, 2011


The Bulova watch company we know started in 1875 when Joseph Bulova immigrated from Bohemia to New York at the age of 23. Joseph Bulova opened a small jewelry store in New York City. In 1911 Joseph began manufacturing desk clocks and nice pocket watches. He had refined a manufacturing process and began making and selling his products at an accelerated rate.

During World War I wristwatches were issued to soldiers to allow them the ability to organize attacks. Soldiers returning from the war brought their watches home creating a new trend. Since Joseph already had the manufacturing capabilities and jewelry design background he was able to take advantage of the new fashion. To fulfill the need of this new fashion Bulova created his first full line of men’s jeweled wristwatches in 1919. The men’s line of watches was followed by his first full line of lady’s wristwatches and diamond wristwatches.

When the United States became involved in World War II Bulova began creating precision equipment for the military. Bulova manufactured wristwatches, specialized timepieces, aircraft instruments and torpedo mechanisms for the military. This contract of course allowed Bulova’s business to boom. At the end of the war Bulova created a watch making school to teach disabled veterans a new trade.

In 1950 Bulova completed the development of the first electronic watch. The creation of the electronic watch was said to be the first breakthrough in watch technology in 300 years. Because of this technology during the 1960′s NASA asked Bulova to utilize the Accutron technology to work on computers for the space program. This work allowed Accutron’s timing mechanism to be an important part of space technology.

Through the years Bulova Watch Company has continued their tradition of growth and innovation. Due to their innovation and growth Bulova offers a wide range of elegant dress watches, casual watches, and sport watches.

By: Erik Petersen

About the Author:
Erik Petersen is the editor for TimePieceContinuum.com, a website that specializes in Mens Wristwatches.



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