What could be more enticing during the summer than to set out from your affordable Cape Town holiday accommodation to enjoy an al fresco picnic amongst the beautiful scenery and lovely beaches? Whether you are planning a family picnic or a romantic picnic for 2, there are so many lovely spots from which to choose. A picnic can be enjoyed on any of the beaches of but for those who choose not to mix their food with sand; this article suggests choice spots that specifically cater to picnics.

Silvermine Nature Reserve: The Silvermine reserve is part of the Table Mountain National park, between the suburbs of Tokai and Noordhoek. At the top of the mountain, on the old wagon road to Simonstown is a National Parks sign marking the entrance to the Silvermine Reservoir. There is a nominal entrance fee charged, and toilet facilities are available at the parking. A pleasant and easy walk, suitable for family outings, leads along a trail that meanders alongside a bubbling stream through lovely indigenous flora, with a number of boardwalks to cross the stream, ending at the Silvermine reservoir. Along the walk one may enjoy spectacular panoramic views across False Bay. There are a number of quaint stone benches and tables situated in shady nooks, where one can picnic or make use of the barbeque hearths, and enjoy a peaceful sojourn with nature. During the warmer weather one will enjoy a swim in the cool, clean blue water of the dam

Chapman’s Peak Drive is surely one of South Africa’s most spectacular coastal scenic drives, easily accessible from our Noordhoek guest house. The drive skirts the mountainside high above the Atlantic Ocean; following the rocky coastline hundreds of metres below, and winds through 114 bends and curves. One can almost never tire of the magnificent views from the sandy white beaches. There are a number of designated picnic spots along the Drive; each offering spectacular view spots where one can pull off the road and enjoy a picnic in a lovely setting, and where concrete tables and benches are thought fully provided. If you plan your picnic for the afternoon you will be bound to experience the majesty of the colourful sunsets over Hout Bay.

Oudekraal may be the city’s best kept secret picnic and bathing spot. Oudekraal is located between Camps Bay and Llandudno on the way between Cape Town to Hout bay, and is set against the awesome backdrop of the peaks of the 12 Apostles. There are a number of sheltered coves and small sandy beaches situated between the massive granite boulders, offering safe swimming, with some having picnic and barbecue sites sheltered beneath indigenous Milkwood trees, whilst others have spectacular views of mountain and ocean, and you will probably see the resident seal colony.

Perdekloof Picnic Site is on the way from Noordhoek to the Cape of Good Hope, Perdekloof is an extensive family picnic spot thoughtfully furnished by the City of with concrete table and benches, affording good shade areas amongst the many pine trees. There are also ample barbeque facilities. This is a great spot to enjoy the feeling of being out in the country, and far from the bustle of the city. From here you could continue to southwards, or drive over the mountain opposite the picnic spot via Red Hill Road to marvel at the truly awesome views from the top of the mountain across Simonstown and False Bay before descending to Simonstown.

Cape Point Nature reserve: The picnic spots at Buffels Bay and Bordjiesdrif lie within the National reserve and provide a lovely location with plenty of sun and sea. The unmatched beauty of this reserve will reward the distance that has to be travelled to get here. There are clean white sand beaches and tidal pools, as well as grassed picnic spots for the family to enjoy a day out. Here are some of the highest sea cliffs and freshest sea air in the world and is home to a variety of animals including baboons, Mountain Zebra and other plains game. It is open between 06:00 and 18:00 from October to March and between 07:00 and 17:00 from April to September.

Simonstown: Seaforth beach is a lovely venue for a family picnic, with sloping green lawns that overlook the sheltered bathing beach, so parents can keep an eye on the little ones at play. Boulders Beach, a little further on, will keep the little ones busy playing in the small sheltered bay. After enjoying a picnic that you have brought along, one can walk along the pathways past the penguin colony where cute black and white birds frolic in the waves. Boulders beach was recently voted the best family beach in the world by a leading UK journal. Further on southwards is a lovely small beach at Froggy Pond; situated right next to the road, where green lawns invite one to unpack a picnic and spend a few relaxing hours.

Wynberg Park: With over 22 hectares of ground, is a popular spot with a number of barbeque and picnic spots; a tree-shaded duck pond and fully-equipped kids play area. This popular family spot offers kids plenty of room to play and work up an appetite. Entrance to the park is free, and located on the corner of Klaasens and Trovato Link Roads, Wynberg

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens is renowned for its diverse floral kingdom and its magnificent setting against the Eastern slopes of Table Mountain. The Gardens are an ideal family picnic venue. In summer there are open-air concerts on Sunday evenings, so bring along a blanket, a picnic basket and some local wine to enjoy the gardens or the concerts. The Silvertree Deli and Restaurant has a selection of picnic baskets on offer. An entrance fee is payable to the Gardens.

Tokai Forest: The Constantia valley offers breathtaking vineyard and forests vistas. Situated on the edge of the Tokai forest is a centrally located, spacious picnic site shaded by pine trees. There is ample space for large families and is convenient to many enjoyable trails through the plantation. Tokai forest is carpeted in lush pine trees, eucalyptus trees, indigenous forest and wild flora, making it great for weekend family picnics. There is a nominal entrance fee.

Groot Constantia:More exclusive picnics can be enjoyed at Groot Constantia; the original wine farm of the Cape which is worth a visit whether you intend to enjoy a picnic or not. There are beautiful views from the grounds towards Muizenberg beach and the back of Table Mountain. Groot Constantia has some beautiful Dutch style buildings and the Manor house is open to the public as a museum. One can enjoy scenic walks through the peaceful gardens. There are 2 choices of picnic fare on offer”: Simon’s Terrace picnic offers a relaxed, tranquil experience on the rolling green lawns. Picnic baskets with delicious country fare can be pre-ordered and collected from the picnic kiosk, but they try to provide for impromptu orders. For your comfort, it is advised to bring your own chairs and blankets.The Jonkershuis restaurant is best known for our local Malay cuisine and is surrounded by ancient oak trees and the legendary Groot Constantia Vineyards, but also offers their Vineyard Picnic with a selection of local & imported delicacies and a Kiddies Picnic box. All Jonkershuis picnics come complete with utensils and picnic blankets are provided against a refundable deposit. There is a wide selection of wines on sale from the Estate in a delightful shop.

You will find a wide choice of restaurants, catering to all tastes and budgets, but a feast selected and prepared by yourself in the beautiful outdoors is bound to be a highlight of your affordable Cape Town holiday

Source by CapeTown holidays

Valentines Day is on February 14th every year.  This day of celebration offers lovers an opportunity to reaffirm their love for one another by exchanging gifts and love messages.  This article provides some Valentine gift ideas for your boyfriend or husband. Most of these gifts are under $50.00 (with many under $30.00), so you really do not have to worry about breaking your budget.  At the same time, you will find these unique gifts range from romantic, delicious, practical to fun. 1.  Valentine Gift Basket:
Sending your sweetheart a Valentine gift basket is a great way to deliver your message of love.  You can tease your sweetheart as a little devil with a cute plush bear dressed as a little devil in a heart-adorned gift basket filled with an assortment of chocolate treats. This gift will sure to make him smile.

2. Giant Fortune Cookie:
You can deliver your message of love in a giant fortune cookie.  This delicious giant Valentine fortune Cookie is hand-dipped in fine Belgianft-long chocolate and is almost the size of a football.  He will discover his love fortune when he reads your 1-ft long love message hidden inside the cookie. The cookie is covered with adorable hand-crafted royal icing decorations, assorted nonpareils and heart sprinkles. It is beautifully wrapped in a cellophane bag and tied with a wire edged ombre ribbon.  This gift is a fun and tasty way to say I love you.

3. Rose Petals Gift Set:
For your boyfriend whom you are deeply in love with, you can send him a gift of romantic pleasure. Inside the black satin pouch are a special invitation card, four tea lights, rose-scented bubble bath fizzies, warming massage oil in chocolate, a hand held massager and over 250 scented red silk rose petals. The rose petals will fill a bed with roses.

4   Teddy Bear with Chocolates:
Teddy bear and chocolates are popular Valentines gifts. You can send your boyfriend a cute, plush teddy bear along with a box of chocolate truffles.  The little bear will warm the heart of your love, and the delicious chocolates will deliver your sentiments of love and affection in good taste. 

5. Chocolate Oreo Cookies:
Another tasty way to deliver your love to your boyfriend is to send him a box of Valentine chocolate Oreo cookies. These delicious cookies are dipped in fine Belgian chocolates – dark, milk and white – and decorated with hand crafted royal icing of hearts, flowers, sweethearts, bears and more. They are then generously sprinkled with tasty hearts and sprinkles, and presented in a beautiful red heart window box of 9.  These cookies are a romantic gift for sharing over a glass of ice-cold milk.

6.  Personalized Cufflinks:
If you do not want to send him food gift, you can send him a gift that can last for years to come, just like your love with him.  You can send him cufflinks that are engraved with his initials.  To make your gift more interesting, You can send him cufflinks engraved with his initials.  These cufflinks have a secret compartment. When he unscrew these tubular-shaped silver-toned cufflinks, he will find your written love note for him. This is a practical yet fun gift of love.

7.  Personalized Pocket Watch:
You can also send him a personalized classic style pocket watch in gunmetal finish.  It has a handsome black face with Roman numerals, and a sturdy chain and clip is included for safe keeping. He will think of you whenever he looks at his watch. 

In summary, Valentines Day offers a good opportunity to confirm your love to your boyfriend.  You can send him a Valentine gift that delivers your message of love and affection.  You can send him a Valentine gift basket, giant fortune cookie, rose petals gift set, teddy bear with chocolates, personalized cufflinks, and other personalized gifts.  Your message of love will be well appreciated, and the love between the two of you will grow stronger.

Kate S. is the CEO of Giftbasketforall.com. You can visit her gift basket store for gourmet gift basket, anniversary, new baby, and birthday gifts.
If you want to browse for Valentines gifts for your boyfriend, you can click on Valentines Gifts For Him.

 

Source by Kate S

There’s something about the rustic look that makes an area not only look but feel warm and inviting. Turn your outdoor patio or entertaining area into a treasure trove of yesteryear with some simple solutions to brighten up the dullest space by using some of these ideas.

1. Rustic outdoor furniture

Transform the area instantly with the use of wood or wrought iron furniture. Old and worn out timber pieces can be neatened up with a light sanding, followed by a rich stain and a coat of varnish.

Wrought iron benches, love seats and tables scattered around the patio provide additional seating for informal gatherings. Create your own rustic furniture with logs and leather.

2. Ornaments or plaques

Liven up the walls with some relics from the past. Wire candle holders will also add to the atmosphere for night time entertaining.

Get creative with those bits and pieces you were going to throw away. Take an old clock and put a timber or cane frame around it. Hang a weathervane or bird feeder from the rafters of the veranda.

3. Heritage colours

It is no accident that heritage buildings give a sense of stepping back in time. Using the accepted heritage colours on painted surfaces gives a genuine feeling of the past. Use colours such as clotted cream, mission brown or rivergum green to brighten up an old dresser.

4. Wind chimes

Wind chimes not only look appealing they have the added benefit of filling the outdoor patio area with sound.

Make your own with heavy pipes and wooden chucks or hefty hollowed out bamboo poles.

5. Straw and bamboo furnishings

Floor mats or blinds made from straw and bamboo are pleasing to the eye and have practical uses as well. Position a blind to protect from the afternoon sun. Use straw or cane matting as placemats or drink coasters on the table.

Fill some cane baskets with pine cones, pot pouri or other seed pods.

6. Plants

Plants in clay or terracotta pots or hanging baskets will remind you of your childhood holidays spent with grandparents or weekends in the country.

Train vines and creepers along a wrought iron trellis or arches. or hanging baskets will remind you of your childhood holidays spent with grandparents or weekends in the country.

7. Lighting fixtures

Keep it old with wrought iron frames that use iron cups for encasing the light fixtures or use candles in wire holders hung along the edges of the veranda. Scour the second had shops for others cast offs. You’ll be surprised what a quick clean and fresh coat of paint can achieve. Add a new shade in nostalgic fabric and tassels.

8. Garden Bridge

Wooden bridges over fish ponds can give any yard an instant rustic feel. Use recyled hardwood timbers for the hand rails and railway sleepers for the floor. Bridge kits can be bought on line if you want to build your own. Not only do bridges provide a walkway from one side of the pond to the other but they are aesthetically pleasing to the eye and create a focal point while looking out from your patio.

9. Handcrafted items

Nothing says rustic as well as handcrafted items. Use left over scraps of fabric or timber to create wall plaques and table ornaments. Line an old cane basket with a hand sewn placemat as a bread warmer or hand the drinks around on a tray made out of wooden triangular off cuts. The internet is a great source for ideas on hand made goods or head down to any charity fete if you’re not so handy yourself.

What about a timber or wrought iron wine rack hanging on the wall or ceramic statues on timber shelving? Don’t stop with these nine ideas to create a rustic look for your outdoor patio. The only limits are your imagination.

Source by Rebecca Jane

Basements can quickly fill with water and ruin carpet, furniture, drywall and everything else so it is extremely important to me to have a good backup sump pump system in place. Most Basement battery sump pump batteries are shipped dry without acid so that they will remain fresh until you activate them. Filling the battery can be done easily. Many companies have developed an even more impressive system called the Ultrasump. This system is actually a second sump that piggie-backs on top of your original system.

A will often come with an alarm. If the water rises too high, the alarm will sound while the backup sump pump continues to run. A battery backup system is essential if the basement is finished, especially with carpeting or hardwood floors. A controller automatically switches from electricity to the battery in the event of a power outage so there is no needs to worry while your home, away, at work or vacation. The peace of mind that a battery powered back up system offers is priceless.

Electricity is not 100% reliable as many storms can cause power failures. You can feel safer with a backup protection device in place that runs without electric power? Most major plumbing or larger national size home centers carry a large selection of electric generator accessories perfect for all types of electric generators. If you finish off your basement a backup sump should be on the top of your list.

Sump pumps are usually hardwired into a home’s electrical system, and may have a battery backup. Some even use the home’s pressurized water supply to power the pump, eliminating the need for electricity. Sumps are installed in the lowest section of the basement and will pump out any water that has entered the basement before it starts flooding the basement floor. As groundwater makes its way into the basement, it is diverted into the sump pit or sump basin. The pumps normally work in combination with a sump pit. The sump pit is simply a hole dug into the ground, generally in the basement of a house, which allows water to collect into it. This sump basket is made of a high strength plastic and installed by the plumber during the rough plumbing phase of construction.

A sump pump, in general, is a category that encompasses a number of styles of pumps that are used to pump out collected fluid. This classification includes bilge and ballast pumps, centrifugal pumps, cantilever pumps, sewage pump pumps, submersible sump pumps and utility pumps, among others. Sump pumps are rated in gallons per minute (GPM). They also are rated by motor capacity. Sump pumps may also have a battery backup installed to ensure continuous operation.

Submersible pumps are quieter and tend to have a longer life because their sealed, oil-cooled motors are protected from moisture and dust. For the typical 1/3 HP pump, the average lift ability is 25 feet and flow capacity is about 25 GPM. Submersible pumps are designed to be submerged in water and sit on the bottom of the sump. The on/off switch, which is attached to the pump, can be a ball float connected to an internal pressure switch or a sealed, adjustable mercury-activated float switch. Submersible pumps are entirely mounted inside the pit, and they have a specially seal to prevent electrical short circuits.

The usual life span of a sump pump depends directly on how often the sump tank fills up, the depth of the properties water table, if any debris has made their way into the basket and even the quality of the pump that was installed. The pump is definitely something not to take lightly and to have the piece of mind that the basement you just spent a lot of money on will not get ruined during the next big rain or power outage.

Source by Chris DiCicco

So you got up this morning and found a smelly wet spot on the carpet? Or you came home yesterday to discover a puddle on the linoleum? Regardless of when or where your cat’s been doing his “business,” a cat urinating in the house can drive you crazy fast. Although the problem can be frustratingly difficult to solve, there is always a solution. Even the best litter-box-trained cat can fall victim to certain issues that interfere with normal urination behavior. Getting to the root cause of the behavior change can help you decide what to do to stop the puddle machine.

Get to the Vet
Before you spend time combing through potential causes of inappropriate urination behavior, make an appointment with your vet. This is especially urgent if your cat’s suddenly started avoiding the litter box, is straining to urinate or has blood in her urine. Some conditions, like a blocked urethra and urinary tract infections, can be fatal, so a prompt vet check-up is important. Keep in mind, too, that diet can lead to certain urinary health problems, so you may need to change what your cat eats to keep him healthy in the future.

Check For Causes of Stress
Sometimes a perfectly healthy cat may starting peeing outside the litter box due to stress. Cats aren’t always as laid-back as they appear and changes in a cat’s environment or routine can stress her enough to cause behavioral problems. Moving to a new house, a new person or pet moving in or someone moving out are more obvious causes of stress, but they’re far from the only ones. Because cats can’t always make sense of human behavior, they can become stressed by things that seem normal to us.

Examples include increased activity in the house like a holiday season or spring cleaning, loud noises like nearby road work or home renovations, and a stray cat in the neighborhood that your cat can see or smell from your home. Some cats even become stressed by new furniture in the house. If you suspect stress is the cause of your cat’s change in urination behavior, but eliminating the cause of the stress isn’t possible, a cat pheromone diffuser can help keep kitty calm until she adjusts.

Rework the Litter Box
Sometimes a cat decides there’s something so unpleasant about her litter box that she’d rather just use the carpet, sofa or laundry basket instead. The size and type of box are one potential problem. Try a large-size, uncovered box that gives kitty plenty of room to turn around and get situated in.

Another factor to consider is litter type. Avoid scented or deodorized litters, which put many cats off. Although some cats do prefer soft, pellet-type litters, they seem to be in the minority. If you’ve been using pellet litter, switch to a gravel type. Put only an inch or less of litter in the box. Some cats seem to dislike the “sinking” feeling of walking in deep litter. Keep the box clear of high traffic areas and noisy home appliance.

Source by Marie Young

One word that is perfect for describing this American brand is Classy. Incorporated in the year 1981 by the ace designer Michael Kors, it is best known for its exquisite collection of handbags, footwear and accessories. Ever since it was established, the label became very popular because of its simple and practical yet striking styles that were welcomed by everyone. It is still the most admired company among teenagers and women. It has always been a trend setter in the fashion world.

Today it has more than 550 stores all over the world with more than 1500 boutiques including in New York, London, Chicago, Paris, Milan, Dubai, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Munich and Rio de Janeiro. It earned annual revenue of about $ 3.2 billion as of year 2014. It operates under labels known as, Michael Kors, Kors Michael Kors and MICHAEL Michael Kors. The sub labels offer products at lower prices as compared to the primary one and are more accessible. Over the years, it has earned a lot of awards in its basket. With humble beginning, now it has grown into an empire with huge fan following including many celebrities who are often seen carrying its products namely Michelle Obama, Jennifer Lopez, Natalie Portman, Rachel McAdams, Heidi Klum, Catherine Zeta, Bette Midler and etc.

Shoes are the most important feature in any one’s outfit because it may form a great impression in front of others if right attention is given to it. So spending adequate time in choosing one is necessary. Michael kors shoes are apt when one wants to nail the first impression and they are also a quality addition to the wardrobe as they are comfortable and beautiful. The perfect word to describe the collection is CHIC & Timeless. They are so, that will never go out of fashion because of the simplicity they display. The various categories under which the footwear are available are as follows; slippers & sandals, ballet flats, boots, flats, lace-ups & dress shoes, loafers, pumps & heels, sneakers and wedges for women. Each category has something different to offer like the flats are comfortable enough to be worn everyday be it to the college or office, options for heels are a lot which can be paired up with a nice dress to a party or dinner. The tassel loafers are very cool with a tassel decoration on the vamp and are available in colors like navy, gold, red and silver. Sneakers are also a good option available if you are not into fancy heels and all with a lot of varieties like Allie wrap sneakers, Craig sneakers, Keaton sneakers, Nikko sneakers, Harlen sneakers, Amanda sneakers, Maggie sneakers, Matty high sneakers, denim sneakers, color block, quilted sneakers and more. Each one is different with different features and sneakers are quite a trend nowadays among women with a lot of fashion bloggers and celebs flaunting them. So, one can choose amongst these options to keep in touch with the latest trend. The heels and pumps of the brand is for those events when you need to look anything but simple. Like other categories of footwear of the brand, heels have something different to offer. The way a girl walks and the attitude defines her personality. The heels of Michael Kors gives that attitude to the wearer that can turn each and every head around. Pumps gives a added benefit of comfortable footbed. Thus, it gives a blend of both fashion and functionality. The elegant yet stylish design of footwear can give a classic update to your wardrobe.

The must-have shoe for fall? A sky-high clog. https://t.co/VlPZ7C5H2H #JetSetGo pic.twitter.com/pjXakIMIt0

— Michael Kors (@MichaelKors) August 22, 2016

The best thing of about the footwear of the brand is that they are very versatile. The collection has the widest range of color combinations. The luxury fashion house has successfully introduced the assortment of footwear that can enable you get an edgy and trendy look. The comfortable as well as slip on style can match every outfit and accompany you at every event.

Whatever your taste may be, this iconic label won’t disappoint you and with the shoes that it offers, your wardrobe will have a fresh & youthful update that it always needed. One can purchase the products in India through the official company’s store or through various online portals dealing in them.

Source by Darveys

The BP oil spills have resulted in many weapons being brought out to help save the beaches from destruction. Oil spill clean up companies are acting fast because time is of the essence with the spill. The oil is already washing up tar balls on white beach sand all along the Gulf Coast. Without wasting any time, some companies have started using HESCO® Concertainers® along with Enviro-Amour™ to prevent the oil from ruining the beaches. The HESCO® units have an accordion design and are easily positioned. By using a sand thrower, they create a wall of protection that can be assembled within 20 minutes time. They have a stable core with a pyramid design of three rows that are stacked on top of each other. The structure is then concealed with a layer of sand. Two people can put the units together as opposed to the 10 people it would take to put together 1,500 sandbags. This adds to the many benefits of the units and their effectiveness against BP oil spills. The benefits include:

·    Easy to install
·    Cost effective
·    Can be applied to a wide range of projects
·    Constructed durably
·    Good for fighting BP oil spills, floods and beach erosion

Enviro-Amour™ is a real effective tool against BP oil spills. It made up of a blend of USDA food grade polymers that are non-harmful to humans or animals. They act as a solidifier that can transform any hydrocarbon spill on water into a disposable solid. It is easier to pick up during oil spill clean up efforts and it can even be turned into raw materials for later use. Some of the materials it can used for include:

·    Asphalt
·    Rubber
·    Fuel
·    Plastic

These along with the HESCO® basket units make a great duo in the fight against BP oil spills. The U.S. military uses the units in combat situations and it has resulted in many soldier’s lives being saved. There is no special training required to install them, just the work of two people and 20 minutes time. There is no limit to their height or length – you just keep adding on more units as needed.

The BP oil spills have caused enough trouble as it is, so implementing new ideas to fight the spill are welcome. Integrated Protection Systems has been using their preferred installers, Sterling Building Specialist, to install the HESCO® units. For more, call 800-605-6586 or log on to www.bp-oil-spills.com.

Source by Michael Moorhead

Knowledge is compounding of two words know and ledge. The meaning of first word ‘Know’ is to be aware of how to do or perform something, be aware of the truth of something; have a belief or faith in something; regard as true beyond any doubt, be familiar or acquainted with a person or an object, perceive as familiar and second word ‘Ledge’ to enhance or ridge mountain. It is tedious to give exact definition or meaning to knowledge. But as per Oxford dictionary, Knowledge is defined as expertise, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject; what is known in a particular field or in total; facts and information; or awareness or familiarity gained by experience of a fact or situation. The classical definition, described but not ultimately endorsed by Plato, specifies that a statement must meet three criteria in order to be considered knowledge: it must be justified, true, and believed.  Management means to attain the object with utilization of resources by the economical way. It is also a technique to set co-ordination in different resources to get maximum output.

Knowledge has two basic definitions of interest. The first pertains to a defined body of information. Depending on the definition, the body of information might consist of facts, opinions, ideas, theories, principles, and models (or other frameworks). Clearly, other categories are possible, too. Subject matter (e.g., chemistry, mathematics, etc.) is just one possibility.

Seeing the definition, knowledge has various kinds of resources to gain it. Management responsibility is to get the knowledge from these resources in economical with effective manner.         Knowledge management (KM) comprises a range of strategies and practices used in an organization to identify, create, represent, distribute, and enable adoption of insights and experiences. Such insights and experiences comprise knowledge, either embodied in individuals or embedded in organizational processes or practice. Many large companies and non-profit organizations have resources dedicated to internal KM efforts, often as a part of their ‘business strategy’, ‘information technology’, or ‘human resourcemanagement’ departments. Several consulting companies also exist that provide strategy and advice regarding KM to these organizations. Knowledge Management efforts typically focus on organizational objectives such as improved performance, competitive advantage, innovation, the sharing of lessons learned, integration and continuous improvement of the organization. KM efforts overlap with organizational learning, and may be distinguished from that by a greater focus on the management of knowledge as a strategic asset and a focus on encouraging the sharing of knowledge. KM efforts can help individuals and groups to share valuable organizational insights, to reduce redundant work, to avoid reinventing the wheel per se, to reduce training time for new employees, to retain intellectual capital as employee’s turnover in an organization, and to adapt to changing environments and markets. “Knowledge Management: Where Did It Come From and Where Will It Go?” Knowledge Management is about applying the collective knowledge of the entire workforce to achieve specific organizational goals. It is about facilitating the process by which knowledge is created, shared and utilized.

Knowledge starts from analysis and ends with feedback and review. The development of knowledge has ten phases. The phase explains that the knowledge can never universal and constant over the time. It should revive and works start from phase one to phase ten. It process is perpetual and never end.  As per definition and philosophical way knowledge has intention or object. So it can starts from creation and ends with revive.

Source of Knowledge

Knowledge has various sources to expand it. Generally it is part of learning.  There are two way of knowledge tacit and explicit knowledge. Explicit knowledge is knowledge that has been or can be articulated, codified, and stored in certain media. It can be readily transmitted to others. The information contained in encyclopedias (including Wikipedia) are good examples of explicit knowledge. Tacit knowledge (as opposed to formal or explicit knowledge) is knowledge that is difficult to transfer to another person by means of writing it down or verbalizing it.

OCTAPACE Culture for Knowledge Management

O

Openness

C

Collaboration

T

Trust & Trustworthiness

A

Authenticity

P

Pro-action

A

Autonomy

C

Confrontation

E

Experimentation

CULTURE

Openness: It is found where people feel free to express their ideas, opinions and feelings to each other irrespective of their level, designation etc. The organisation not only encourages them for such expressions but also take them seriously for exploring their talents and implementing them after deciding about their suitability.

Collaboration: Where people are eager to help each other. There is spirit of sacrifice team spirit and familial feeling among people and personal power, ambition and departmental loyalties do not come in the way as hurdles.

Trust and Trustworthiness: Where employees, dyads, team, groups and departments believe or trust each other and act on the basis of oral message and instructions without waiting for instructions and explanations in black and white.

Authenticity: It means speaking the truth fearlessly and making full efforts for keeping up promises made/words given. It is higher than trust and trustworthiness.

Pro-action: People are action oriented, willing to take initiatives and initiate new actives and newer and improved ways of doing things for cost effectiveness, innovation, culturing etc.

Autonomy: People are given some freedom for exercising some discretion in their jobs and, for that sake; they are empowered to do so. It is very essential for bringing out excellence in performance and, as such, very indispensable in case of knowledgeable organizations like IT & HRD.

Confrontation: It means facing issues and problems squarely or boldly by people without hiding or avoiding them for fear of hurting each other.

Experimentation: It means risk taking, trying out new ways of doing things, taking new decisions, discovering new potentials etc.

Query and Response

After the discussion with students, teachers and parents of different institute the result has come that are presented through diagram. Three major technical and management institute of Gorakhpur (150 students, 45 teachers) and local guardian are source of discussion.

Query1: Do you rely that computer is the best resource of knowledge?

Yes 84% No 16%

Query2: Can computer create knowledge?

Yes  23% No 73%

Query3: Computer can communicate full duplex mode in knowledge sharing.

Yes 11% No 89%

Query4: Which is the best knowledge Management source?

Yes 11% No 89%

Query5: KM’s analysis and finding method.

MRP /SIP  17% Suggestion 16% Feedback 25% Curriculum 16% Exam Paper 26%

Suggestion

• Which is required for OCTAPACE culture, computer or e-learning can not fulfill.
• Human is the best resource of knowledge Management and it fit in OCTAPACE culture.
• Mining of knowledge is good but basket analysis of knowledge can possible through human being.
• There is not important, you have much information but there is required modify and update the information.
• “Imagination is an art but we can not imagine”. Knowledge is based on imagination. Computer has no imagination but human being has imagination attribute in itself.
• Knowledge Management can do some following practices:
  • Free discussion with two way communication
  • Hortative environment for learning
  • Multiple channels for knowledge transfer
  • A standard, flexible knowledge structure.

Source by Amit Pratap Singh

There’s something about the rustic look that makes an area not only look but feel warm and inviting. Turn your outdoor patio or entertaining area into a treasure trove of yesteryear with some simple solutions to brighten up the dullest space by using some of these ideas.

1. Rustic outdoor furniture

Transform the area instantly with the use of wood or wrought iron furniture. Old and worn out timber pieces can be neatened up with a light sanding, followed by a rich stain and a coat of varnish.

Wrought iron benches, love seats and tables scattered around the patio provide additional seating for informal gatherings. Create your own rustic furniture with logs and leather.

2. Ornaments or plaques

Liven up the walls with some relics from the past. Wire candle holders will also add to the atmosphere for night time entertaining.

Get creative with those bits and pieces you were going to throw away. Take an old clock and put a timber or cane frame around it. Hang a weathervane or bird feeder from the rafters of the veranda.

3. Heritage colours

It is no accident that heritage buildings give a sense of stepping back in time. Using the accepted heritage colours on painted surfaces gives a genuine feeling of the past. Use colours such as clotted cream, mission brown or rivergum green to brighten up an old dresser.

4. Wind chimes

Wind chimes not only look appealing they have the added benefit of filling the outdoor patio area with sound.

Make your own with heavy pipes and wooden chucks or hefty hollowed out bamboo poles.

5. Straw and bamboo furnishings

Floor mats or blinds made from straw and bamboo are pleasing to the eye and have practical uses as well. Position a blind to protect from the afternoon sun. Use straw or cane matting as placemats or drink coasters on the table.

Fill some cane baskets with pine cones, pot pouri or other seed pods.

6. Plants

Plants in clay or terracotta pots or hanging baskets will remind you of your childhood holidays spent with grandparents or weekends in the country.

Train vines and creepers along a wrought iron trellis or arches. or hanging baskets will remind you of your childhood holidays spent with grandparents or weekends in the country.

7. Lighting fixtures

Keep it old with wrought iron frames that use iron cups for encasing the light fixtures or use candles in wire holders hung along the edges of the veranda. Scour the second had shops for others cast offs. You’ll be surprised what a quick clean and fresh coat of paint can achieve. Add a new shade in nostalgic fabric and tassels.

8. Garden Bridge

Wooden bridges over fish ponds can give any yard an instant rustic feel. Use recyled hardwood timbers for the hand rails and railway sleepers for the floor. Bridge kits can be bought on line if you want to build your own. Not only do bridges provide a walkway from one side of the pond to the other but they are aesthetically pleasing to the eye and create a focal point while looking out from your patio.

9. Handcrafted items

Nothing says rustic as well as handcrafted items. Use left over scraps of fabric or timber to create wall plaques and table ornaments. Line an old cane basket with a hand sewn placemat as a bread warmer or hand the drinks around on a tray made out of wooden triangular off cuts. The internet is a great source for ideas on hand made goods or head down to any charity fete if you’re not so handy yourself.

What about a timber or wrought iron wine rack hanging on the wall or ceramic statues on timber shelving? Don’t stop with these nine ideas to create a rustic look for your outdoor patio. The only limits are your imagination.

Source by Rebecca Jane