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Lifetime achievement award goes to Chinese label industry’s founding father
Young people are the future of the sign industry in the UK
HP to showcase new business growth opportunities at photokina 2016
VersaUV Experience Day by Roland DG was successful
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Arts & Entertainment
Lifetime achievement award goes to Chinese label industry’s founding father
Young people are the future of the sign industry in the UK
HP to showcase new business growth opportunities at photokina 2016
VersaUV Experience Day by Roland DG was successful
First Appearance Of MTEX 5032HS In UK
IDS Wins Red Dot Award
Life & Style
Xerox is splitting their company in two.
Soyang Europe Strengthens Sales Team
Burns To Chair New Xerox Company
IIJ Beefs-Up Technical Support
New Technical Service Engineer At Durst UK
Brother Goes Outside ‘The Box’
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Dallas A. Dixon
After graduating from high school in Grundy Center, Iowa, in 1961, Dallas spent four years in the U.S. Navy, including three years aboard the submarine USS Bang. With an Honourable Discharge in hand, Dallas returned to Iowa and found employment by working at the lowest position on a land survey crew. Dallas married Rita and they eventually became the parents of two daughters. In 1985, after the further education of hard knocks and several thousand hours of home study, Dallas had the privilege of becoming licensed as a Professional Land Surveyor in the State of Iowa. Dallas retired in 1999. Dallas and Rita reside in Waterloo, Iowa. By the fall of 2011, Dallas had written and published 2 books. He is currently contemplating (part-time) another book.
A lesson I learned about self-publishing.
Dallas A DixonMany people ask me what it is like to write and publish a novel. I always reply that it is very hard work, expensive, takes a lot of time, and is sometimes very frustrating. I endured a lot of frustration during the publishing process of my first novel, but the second one went smoothly. I hope this blog post will help first time authors who plan to self-publish their works.
I will first offer that I spent 3 years writing the first novel, and 2 years writing the second novel. Of course, I write only part-time, but I still spent hours writing, editing, formatting, etc. It took about 6-months of publishing time for each novel. The very first suggestion I have, is to make certain that the manuscript format settings are correct for the computer word program you will use, or are currently using to write the manuscript. All the problems I encountered during the publishing process of my first novel were caused from me not having the settings correct in the word program. This is extremely important, because when the publisher converts the manuscript format into the book format, many changes occur. The page sizes change, the font sizes and styles may change, the line spacing will change, and the margin settings will change, so everything in the manuscript file needs to scroll into the proper positions for the book format. When the publisher sent me the first set of page proofs, I reviewed them and quickly became devastated. Many of the pages contained extra spaces located in between the ends of the sentences and the beginnings of the next sentences. When I contacted the project coordinator about the extra spaces, she said that I could fix the problems in my word files and re-send the files, or they could fix the problems for an additional fee. At the time, I did not know how to fix the spacing problems, so I ended up paying the additional fee.
As my first novel was going through the 6-month publishing process, I began writing the second novel, and I kept thinking about the spacing problems I had had with the first one. It finally dawned on me that one of the problems was that I had hit the enter key several times toward the end of each page so that the new page began with the start of a new sentence. The printed pages looked great to me, but by not allowing the sentences to split at the end of a page was what caused my major spacing problems. After I realized the cause of my spacing problems, I spent hours searching the internet, trying to find the proper settings for a manuscript format. I finally found an article about word processor settings for manuscripts. I thought the settings would work for me, so I set them into my computer word program. I learned that the window/orphan control should be set to the off position.
A good way to tell if your manuscript format settings are correct is to convert a copy file of a manuscript chapter. You can change the font size and style, change the page sizes to 6” x 9”, and then change from double line spacing to single line spacing. You may also have to change the tab settings, but if your word program settings for the manuscript are correct, everything in the converted chapter should scroll into the correct positions. I spent hours converting the chapters of my second manuscript, so that I could see if everything scrolled into the proper positions. I cannot stress enough how important this is, because it is better to correct everything before the publisher converts the manuscript into book format, than it is trying to convert it during the publishing process. Publishers have a schedule to keep, so if there are any changes, they expect you to be prompt.
When I self-published the second novel, I did not have any spacing problems, but I was on pins-and-needles while waiting to receive the first set of page proofs from the publisher. I was greatly relieved when I saw that everything converted correctly. Remember that the publisher will convert the files you send them, but if there are problems with your files, it will be your responsibility to fix the problems, or else pay them to fix the problems. The publishing company I worked with was very dependable and helpful throughout the publishing process, but a person must remember that the publishing company will charge an extra fee for any additional work. I believe that is quite fair because it costs them money, too.
By Dallas A. Dixon
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angry driverA huge number of Irish commuters work overtime, it seems, with 66 per cent saying they spend extra hours in the office – and more than half of that number saying the commute obliged them to do so. The recent Microsoft survey contains some interesting facts.
Up to 64 per cent of Irish commuters take one to three hours to get to work every day and their wish is to reclaim those hours in sleep if possible. On average, commuters say they would like at least another hour in bed.
Interestingly, the survey shows 39 per cent travel further than 10km to work daily, or 2,600km annually. It highlights that 55 per cent of Irish commuters consider they are most productive at 8am-11am.
This daily commute and overtime affect workers’ relationships – up to 50 per cent said their partners had been annoyed with them for returning home late.
To offer an alternative Microsoft has partnered with O2, Bank of Ireland, HP, Nokia, Insomnia and the Microsoft Partner Community to join Work Wherever Wednesday – an initiative to offer employees a better balance between work and personal lives.
The idea is that employers would encourage workers to leave the office on Wednesday, May 23rd, and work at home or any other place of their choosing. The team could enjoy a full and productive day using email, web conferencing, documents and calendars, as if in the office.
I have spent nearly one year working from home. It’s great in one respect, you have access to all the tools you need but one thing creeps in after a while. Lack of social contact – and for certain individuals that can be hard to live with.
The group says cloud computing technology could offer employees flexibility in the way they work – saving the average commuter €2,080 in travel costs, allow them to reclaim 260 hours in lost sleep based on a five-day working week, and cut down on the average .68 tonnes of carbon that each commuter produces annually.
In principle this theory is sound. But while working alone with all the tools available is great, people need interaction. We need to talk and feel part of something. Working from your house or somewhere else denies them of this key social dynamic!
“While everyone is aware of the mobile working concept, there is a big gap between understanding and practice,” said Martin Cullen, small, medium and partner business director, Microsoft Ireland. “Being present equals being productive is no longer the default golden rule in business. To capitalise on Ireland’s current and future industry and jobs potential, we must understand that work is what you do, not where you go.”
He may be right but social support is also a major player in this new world scenario because I have had to do it.
This is commuting Indian StyleIn Microsoft’s view flexible working arrangements offer benefits to both employees and employers.
Benefits to employees:
• Less frustration related to traffic or commuting means happier more productive employees. Removing the commute burden allows employees to get work done on their own schedules, improving morale;
• Happier customers: more time out of the office means more time one-on-one with customers, signing deals and driving results for the business;
• Better work-life balance: employees benefit from freedom and ease of communication in a setting that allows for remote opportunities, both when they are in and away from the office.
Benefits for employers:
• Fewer office costs: Microsoft says organisations which have already adopted this style of working are seeing a 30 per cent cut in space requirements and a corresponding 30 per cent cut in cost of office space;
• Better collaboration: using collaboration solutions such as Microsoft SharePoint, Exchange, Office 2010 and Office 365 this makes it easier for teams to work together;
• Business continuity: By embracing a more flexible approach to work, employers can maintain continuity if employees can’t come into the office. (For example the millions lost in productivity and revenue because of last year’s snowfall and natural disasters such as the Icelandic volcano eruption which crippled business and travel throughout Europe);
• Capturing the best talent: Policies, practices and technology that support a more flexible work ethos enables companies to access a larger talent pool
• Adjusting for millennials: employees, customers and clients – particularly younger millennials who expect flexible work environments.
Such a work lifestyle change requires significant additional personal motivation and is really only suited to individuals who like working on their own. Team players will find this personally depressing after a short while resulting in a loss of productivity and personal esteem.
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The value of Chinese proverbs has increased with the passing of the ages because they ring as true today as they were thousands of years ago.
• Cowards have dreams, brave men have visions
• A single tree cannot make a forest
• A single spark can set a prairie on fire.
• Wisdom is attained by learning when to hold one's tongue.
• Dangerous enemies will meet again in narrow streets.
• Water can both sustain and sink a ship.
• Count not what is lost, but what is left.
• If there is a strong general there will be no weak soldiers.
• To extend your life by a year take one less bite each meal.
• Peace only comes when reason rules.
• Even the tallest tower started form the ground.
• Eloquence provides only persuasion, but truth buys loyalty.
• First attain skill; creativity comes later.
• If one eats less one will taste more.
• One sings, all follow.
• One hand alone cannot clap, it takes two to quarrel.
• One who would pick the roses must bear with thorns
• Failure is the mother of success.
• Do not climb a tree to look for a fish
• Only time and effort brings proficiency
• It does not matter if the cat is black or white, so long as it catches mice.
• Learning is like the horizon; there is no limit.
• The old horse will know the way
• A good friend shields you from the storm
• Do not wait until you're thirsty to dig a well
• Distance tests the endurance of a horse; time reveals a man's character.
• Change the skin, wash the heart
• Make the cap fit the head.
• A single beam cannot support a great house.
• Do not be concerned with things outside your door.
• Wise men may not be learned; learned men may not be wise.
• Crows are black the world over.
• Do not lift a rock only to drop it on your own foot
• Kill the chicken to frighten the monkey
• Fortune has a fickle heart and a short memory.
• Harsh words and poor reasoning never settle anything.
• Better to bend in the wind than to break.
• Do not kill the hen for her eggs.
• Wait long, strike fast.
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The Gilson Endowed School, Oldcastle, Co. MeathCuts to special needs assistant’s posts, adult literacy, concerns about the points needed for third-level courses – education is rarely out of the news these days. Which makes you wonder: in this land of “saints and scholars” with its many summer schools covering all kinds of topics why isn’t one concentrating on education?
Oldcastle, Co Meath, is about to fill the gap with the launch of its Laurence Gilson Summer School (May 25th-27th).
Laurence Gilson, philanthropist, educator and native of Oldcastle, in 1810 funded a free school for Protestant and Catholic children from every social background. The Gilson Endowed School opened in the 1830s and is now held in trust for the people of Oldcastle.
This annual summer school aims to commemorate Laurence Gilson by initiating lively debate on and analysis of the many issues facing Irish education today. This, the inaugural year, is titled: ‘Gilson to Google: the changing face of education in Ireland’.
John Lonergan, former Governor of Mountjoy Prison, will open the school on May 25th.
Dr Aidan Mulkeen, Head of Education Department at NUI Maynooth, will give the keynote address.
On May 26th, guest speakers will include Berni Brady, chief executive officer of AONTAS; Ted Fleming, Centre for Research and Adult Learning NUIM; Leo Casey, director, Centre for Research and Innovation in Learning and Teaching, NCI; Myles Dungan, RTE presenter; and Carmel Mulcahy, Department of Education Studies, DCU.
The weekend with its mix of seminars on lifelong learning, creativity in education and technology's effect on the area will appeal to anyone with even a passing interest in education - academics, students, parents, and teachers.
And this is also a summer school with a difference. Participants will have an opportunity to meet practitioners from a range of areas: animation, architecture, history, botany and horticulture. They will gain some insights into how they might learn more about these subjects. On Sunday May 27th visitors can explore the ancient and beautiful areas and sites around Oldcastle.
By creating a fun-filled educational weekend with a simple message! Learning and education are not confined to the schoolroom. Oldcastle will remember Laurence Gilson and his legacy.
For more information visit:www.laurencegilson.wordpress.com
For more details please contact Tracey Holsgrove on 086 194 6429, or email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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This might sound a strange article to be writing as an entrepreneur, but I am going to any way.
I believe entrepreneurs should have hobbies. I know that both of my hobbies are a great way to relax and help me to de-stress. I suppose the next thing to do is to define a hobby. Well the Oxford Dictionary version is: “Activity pursued for pleasure in one’s spare time”. My version is: “Something I do to unwind and relax that is completely different to my work.”
So the next question is what sort of hobby should an entrepreneur take up? Well, that is entirely down to the individual. No one can tell you what you should do in your spare time. Hobbies are very much a case of something that interests you as an individual. I do know that it should ideally be unrelated to your work environment although some may disagree with me. My two main hobbies are amateur dramatics including the local church pantomime every year; my other hobby is working on my allotments.
The amateur dramatics is relaxing because although I have to learn lines and take direction it is fun and relaxing to do and I do not find learning the lines too much of a problem. This is mainly because it is great to see youngsters learning lines and growing as individuals (I refer the reader to my earlier article on Drama as a Confidence Builder). I know for a fact that doing amateur dramatics has helped me grow as an individual. I have also seen it in some of my fellow actors in the groups I belong to, many of who are now in their early and late teens. As individuals under 11 they were quiet and very reserved.
I strongly and firmly believe they are better people for being involved and it will certainly help them as adults in and for years to come. I think they have become more rounded and self confident. Now I am not advocating that it should be forced on to them and to take away their childhood because that is going the wrong way and making them do something they may not want to. I think that young people from the age of about 14 or 15 should be given the credit and opportunity to start to make their own decisions. Now that is probably going to be regarded as controversial.
My other hobby is my two allotments and this is very relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable (I would recommend people look into it). For me it has several advantages. The very obvious one is that you are out in the fresh air getting exercise. Second and equally important you are growing and eating food you have planted and raised yourself. Yes there is a serious taste difference. Let me put it this way: you plant, say, lettuces and a month to six weeks later you are picking them and putting them on your plate to eat probably an hour after you picked them. Fresh or what?
With the food you grow you know where it has come from and what has been put on it to help it grow and I can tell you that what I grow is organic and extremely tasty. Where I have my allotment there is a great camaraderie and friendship and a willingness to help each other out. There is such a feeling when you can go and pick your own vegetables and fruit and make something from them. It is even more satisfying to be eating your own food right through the winter having frozen it again often inside an hour of picking.
Something else that happens in my allotments is if someone has a glut of a particular vegetable or fruit then it is offered to a fellow allotment owner.
The people I have got to know are of different back grounds and nationalities and it does not make any difference. We are there because we want to grow our own food.
Something I find very rewarding and satisfying is when parents bring up their children and get them involved. I am sure that many people will say: “My children would not be interested or they will not be able to tell the difference.” I can assure you they will be interested and I am talking about toddlers to young people in their early 20s. Another thing I have noticed is the vast age range of my fellow allotment owners. The ages range from young people in their 20s, 30s to those in their 40s and 50s (like me). There are several neighbouring allotment owners in their 60s, 70s and 80s.
So as an entrepreneur I would seriously advise anyone who is thinking of becoming an entrepreneur to choose a hobby and pursue it with vigour. You will and really must have something to help you relax and de-stress and allow you think about something other than the business.
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