When Outdoor Digital Signage Goes Wrong

Perhaps the fastest growing sector in the digital out of home market is in the growth of outdoor digital signage screens.

A few years behind the indoor market, outdoor digital signage is now catching up fast. More and more installs are being erected along roadsides, high streets and outside shop frontages.

But it is not just advertising that these outdoor screens are being used for. LCD screens are often taken outdoors for whole host of other reasons; such as providing information or screening TV events such as sports games.

However, as a relatively new industry there can often be failures, common mistakes of breakdowns caused by a lack of experience in this new industry.

Even the biggest can go bad

When NFL stalwarts the Dallas Cowboys had a giant signage screen installed in their stadium all was going well. The giant 90 feet high screen that hung over the pitch was used for displaying scores, important match information and advertising.

And while there was never an issue with the technology it was soon discovered that the screen was too low -amazingly when a visiting team went for a conversion the screen was hit by the ball, deflecting it from its path and causing a controversial in-game decision.

But even regular sized outdoor digital signage can often run into problems:

Protection is vital

There are several common problems associated with using screens in outdoor locations, and most failures occur because of inadequate protection:

• Waterproof - all outdoor digital signage screens should be housed in a waterproof LCD enclosure to prevent rainfall from entering.

• Impacts - Both accidental and deliberate impacts can disable a screen

• Lack of screen protection - Smashed screens are a hazard and a common cause of failure - all screens should be protected with a shatterproof layer.

• Excessive temperatures - Outdoor locations can vary in temperature from sub-zero to extreme heat and any signage system has to have adequate cooling and heating systems to cope.

Richard N Williams is a technical author and a specialist in the digital advertising industry helping to develop outdoor digital signage and protection for plasmas. Please visit us for more information about LCD Enclosures or other digital signage solutions.

The Best Online Strategy Games

With the virtual world providing more and more of our news and entertainment, and computers becoming a standard in households, online strategy games have taken off in a big way. It's been proven that mental exercises keep our brains sharp and ready to perform, and online strategy games can help do just that. For those who own computers (and who doesn't these days!), ease of access and a wide variety of choice make online strategy games a popular choice for some quick fun.

Finding a global-coverage review site for online strategy games can help you narrow down your choices of what's out there, as well as provide you with information about which games are the best, and which sites host them. Your preference will determine a lot about which online strategy games you'll enjoy - do you prefer a tactical game with a winner-take-all purpose, like Risk? Or maybe you're happier with a game where you have to think to solve the puzzle or find your way out of a maze. Think of some board games that were childhood favorites and track down their online equivalent.

What To Look For When Visiting Websites

Do a search for 'online strategy games' and visit a few of the websites offering them. Look for sites that are low on pop-ups and bling-bling, because these sites really aren't trying to attract you to play a game - usually they have an ulterior motive, such as selling another company's products, of which they take a cut of profits. Sites that are serious about entertaining you won't shove ads and banners in your face, and the main gist of the site will be focused on the online strategy games, not the extras.

Also, be careful of sites that ask you to pay to play. While some online strategy game sites do offer quality services and an exclusive opportunity for your money, other sites are just out to make a fast buck, and you may find yourself paying cash only to be disappointed with the product. Some sites are free to play, but if you want to have bonus equipment or skills to get ahead in the game, you might need to pay extra. Other sites may be completely free, but the graphics and technology leaves much to be desired. Better online strategy game sites offer free trials and let you explore what they've got to offer. If you can't try, then don't buy.

For more information on online games uses try visiting http://www.internet-marketing-dot-com.com/onlinegames, a popular website that provides online game tips, advice and resources to include information on online gaming.

Hosting a Coffee Party

Whether shared between colleagues in the break room, sipped after a family meal or savored during conversation with friends, coffee is a fixture on the American social scene. After experiencing a surge of popularity in the 1990s, coffee is now so entrenched in our culture that the idea of the traditional tea party has given way to the "coffee party".

Coffee parties offer friends a chance to gather and enjoy each other's company along with a hot cup of a favorite brew. Sound like an inviting experience? If so, here are some ideas for hosting a delightful coffee party for you and your friends:

* Send invitations to your friends, instead of just an e-mail or phone call. This adds a special touch that everyone can appreciate.

* Let the coffee be the star of the show. Have a variety of brews and flavorings on hand for your guests to try. It's easier than you think when you brew your drinks using a single cup coffee maker. Be it a Senseo, Melitta or Keurig coffee machine, your guests will love how quick and easy it is to make their favorite coffee. Single cup brewers can make one cup in less than a minute - there's no mess and no waiting to finish the pot before trying a different coffee blend.

* Use decorative mugs and plates to serve your guests - these can be fun, colorful dishes or something more dainty and sophisticated, whatever suits the mood.

* Make your coffee party a special event. Put up decorations, be they simple flower arrangements or multi-colored streamers.

* Play up your indulgences. Serve finger foods and bite-sized desserts, such as biscotti, lady fingers or mini-muffins. Get your friends involved by asking everyone to bring his or her favorite baked goods.

* Give your coffee party a special theme. Whether it's a going-away party, a Hawaiian luau-styled event or an occasion to dress in formal wear, your coffee party is sure to be a hit.

* Enjoy the company. Whether you're exchanging books, playing board games, watching a movie or just catching up with one another, the point of the coffee party is to have a good time with the people you care about.

Remember, all it takes is a little imagination and a few good friends to make your coffee party a big success.

This article is copyrighted by CoffeeCow. It may not be reproduced in whole or in part and may not be posted on other websites, without the express written permission of the author, who may be contacted via email at coffeecow@digitalbrandexpressions.com.

R.L. Fielding Bio
R.L. Fielding has been a freelance writer for 10 years, offering her expertise and skills to a variety of major organizations in the education, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing industries. She lives in New Jersey with her dog and two cats and enjoys rock climbing and ornamental gardening.

CoffeeCow.com goes to great lengths to provide the highest quality products, the fastest service, and the deepest discount prices you will find on Keurig coffee makers, regular, decaf, and flavored coffee and tea, and a full line of coffee supplies. Developed by coffee professionals with over 35 years of experience in fulfilling any coffee service need, CoffeeCow offers all the coffee conveniences for your home or office.

Hosting A Wine Tasting Party With True Celebration And Success

You've heard of them, but you've never thought about having a wine tasting party of your own. Then again, maybe you have thought about it, but changed your mind because you were afraid that everyone would come just to taste all the wines and go home a little on the inebriated side. You can remove those thoughts from your mind because the purpose of a wine tasting party is to do just that: taste it!

Your wine tasting party can consist of red wine, white wine, sparkling wine, or a combination of all three. You can serve unsalted bread or crackers with water in order for your guests to cleanse the taste of the wine before tasting another. You may also choose some light appetizers that will complement your personal wine theme. Spice it up a little if you like with a little light humor. It is a party, after all, and does not need to be stuffy just because the theme is wine tasting rather than just fun and games.

For your wine tasting experience, you do not want to drink the wine as you would if you were seated at the dinner table with a nice meal. For wine tasting, you want to first take the glass and hold it up to the light or against a white background. It should be clear with a brilliant color. While holding the stem of the glass and keeping the base on the table, gently swirl the wine in the glass. Doing this allows the wine to mix with the surrounding air, which releases it aroma into the air. While you inhale deeply, take in the fragrance of the wine. In most cases, a wine that smells good will taste good. To taste it, you want to sip it and roll it in your mouth to savor all of the flavors, while taking the time to pick the very essence of its aroma, flavor, and delicacies. Make note of every little thing including whether it tastes fruity, bitter, sour, or some other combination. Your host or hostess should have little booklets for you to write down information about each wine that you taste.

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino is the internet's leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies, using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. Free Party Games to help complete your event.

The Honor and the Expense of Hosting the World Equestrian Games

Just when we think that somebody will get filthy rich off of hosting a spectacular, two week, world class competition, we are forced to come to terms with the amount of money, construction, time, and labor is involved with the very preparation, let alone the event itself. It is true that the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games would not be possible without thousands of volunteers offering their expertise, time, and precious energy free of charge. A description of a few of the major renovations and structures that The Kentucky Horse Park is undergoing might help to explain why.

First of all, there are three permanent structures in the works, the first of which is the indoor stadium scheduled which has been completed. This enormous, enclosed. 6,000 seat building is climate controlled. Next, there is the outdoor stadium which is slated for completion by March of 2010. This venue seats 7,500 people and will be the main vantage point for many of the most popular events at the FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington. A new vehicle entrance and improvements to the existing parking lots are also in the works, as well as expansions and advances to the meeting points and rest areas throughout the park.

On to the temporary structures that are being added to the impressive space where the games will be hosted in 2010. There will be the outdoor stadium which will hold up to 30,000 people. A new driving stadium will also be constructed for the comfort and viewing pleasure of 6,000 visitors. Temporary seating will be determined after the building of the cross country and endurance courses are completed, and these will offer the best views possible for as large as these courses will be. Next, there will be temporary facilities built for the hospitality center, along with some adjacent chalets.

The Ariat Volunteer Center will also be a temporary build, as will the grooms village and the media building. All told, it has become rather easy to see why there need to be 600,000 tickets sold in order for this event to break even for the host. What's more, the public would never be made aware of the financial toll that is possible with such a feat, because the event is held at the highest of class, respect, and professionalism. It really is quite spectacular, the way that it all comes together without a hitch.

For more information about the world equestrian games and to find the best world equestrian games housing visit http://weg2010housing.net.

2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics

Before we know it the Winter Olympics will be here and people from all over the world will be invading Vancouver, BC Canada. The games will be held on
February 12-28 2010. There has been a lot of work done around Vancouver and Whistler in preparation for the big games. The last Olympics that were held in Canada was in Calgary, Alberta in 1988. The excitement is building as the final preparations are being put in place for this special event.

Here are some of the event sites.

Cypress Mountain- West of Vancouver BC. where snowboarding, freestyle skiing, moguls and ski cross will take place.

Whistler Sliding Area - Blackcomb Mountain is the site for the bobsleigh, Luge, and Skeleton

Whistler Creekside - Whistler Mountain will host the Alpine Skiing, Downhill, and the Super G.

Whistler Olympic Park - Callaghan Valley will hold the Biathlon, Cross country Skiing, Nordic Combined, and Ski Jumping.

UBC Winter sports Centre - University of B.C. is the home of the Ice Hockey games and Ice Sledge Hockey.

Pacific Coliseum - Hastings Park will have the Figure Skating events and Short Track SpeedSkating.

Hillcrest/ Nat Bailey Stadium Park will have the Curling events.

General Motors Place - Downtown Vancouver will also hold some of the Hockey games.

BC Place Stadium will hold the Opening and Closing ceremonies as well as nightly victory ceremonies.

Whistler Celebration Plaza will also hold some of the Victory celebration ceremonies.

Ticket sales.

Tickets will go on sale around October 11, 2008. You can go to http://www.cosport.com to fill out an inquiry form.

They will be sold in 4 different stages. Ticket prices will range from $25.00 - $1100.00.

Opening Ceremonies $175-$1100

Closing Ceremonies $175-$775

Ice Hockey Finals $350, $450, $775

Figure Skating Gala Exhibition $175-$525

The Cheapest tickets will be for the cross country skiing $25-$75 and the Women's Ice Hockey will have some for $25.

Some the more sought after events will be sold as a lottery. There will also by an on-line ticket buy-sell exchange program.

General information.

It would be best to start planning your trip to the Winter Olympics as soon as possible as lodging could be limited. If you plan on flying, the airport is Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Whistler is about a 2 hour drive from the airport. Another lodging alternative would be to stay in Seattle WA. The airport in Seattle is called Sea-Tac Airport. It is about a 3 hour drive and you would have the border crossing to go through. Remember that passports are required at the crossing.

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Commonwealth Games 2010 - The Clock is Ticking For New Delhi India

India Calling

79 years ago, in the year 1930, the 1st commonwealth games were held in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, where 11 nations sent 400 athletes to take part in the event. At the moment the clock strikes 10 am, the date is June 6, 2008! Exactly 849 days, 5 hrs 51min and 13 sec from now, India will finally make history by hosting the 20th commonwealth games in 2010 from 3rd to 14th October. The event will shoot India into the limelight for being the second Asian nation after Malaysia, to host the games.

Delhi, the capital of the biggest democracy in the world, is the city which has been honored with this opportunity to host the world's 3rd largest sporting event. India took over the commonwealth flag from Melbourne on the closing ceremony of 2006 commonwealth games, since then it has been gearing up to meet the international standards for holding such a grand event. Hosting such an event is a matter of great pride for India as well as Delhi. Delhi won this golden chance of hosting the games by defeating 22 other contesting nations by 46 votes. Such an event would not only bring fame and glory to the city, but it will also boost the tourism, and Delhi is bracing itself for it.

Infrastructure development

The prime concern of Delhi government has been to develop infrastructure of the city to host the 2010 commonwealth games Delhi has been working on it for five years now, by the end of 2009, Delhi aims at becoming a world class city with excellent infrastructure along with transport and gaming facilities. Master plans have been made to improve Delhi's face which includes 10 new flyover projects, there are plans to increase the green stretches along the road sides and flyovers. A number of stadiums are being built and renovated for the game venues. Delhi's public transport facilities are also being developed by the introduction of low lying buses, and BRT (Bus rapid transit) corridors are being constructed to improve the city's messy transport condition. The commonwealth games 2010, costing a sum of Rs.5, 165 crore, will be bringing tens of thousands of visitors. The only time when Delhi saw so many foreigners in the city was in 1982, during the Asiad games.

The venues

The venues for the sporting events will be spread all across the city. The events will be Rugby, Weightlifting, Squash, Table Tennis, Aquatics, Athletics, Gymnastics, Hockey, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing and Triathlon. The events will be taking place in the already existing outdoor and indoor stadiums like Indira Gandhi Indoor Complex, Talkatora Indoor stadium, Siri Fort Sports Complex along with a number of newly constructed stadiums in Delhi University and other places. An entire Games Village is coming up in Noida which will be the main venue for most of the gaming events.

Games village

A new state-of-the-art Games Village is being built by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) with a focus on maximizing athlete comfort. The site is off the National Highway 24 adjacent to the Akshardham temple at the Noida intersection. To be created at a cost of USD 230.7 million (including Residential Zone), the Games Village will be spread over an area of 63.5 hectare (158.4 acre). The games village is a cornerstone of the Delhi government's plans to transform the capital into a "global city". Like most of the frantic real estate development happening in and around Delhi as part of these plans, the Games Village too is being built by private builders; the MGF group in partnership with the Dubai based Emaar Properties. The site will be ready by the end of next year. Within its immediate vicinity exist internationally known monuments and landmarks like the Bahai Temple, Humayun's Tomb, Akshardham Temple etc. Surrounded with a dense green natural cover, the Village will provide a relaxing and soothing environment for the athletes and officials. This integrated township will have stadiums that will hold sports events. It will also have residential complexes to provide accommodations to participants, staff and volunteers.