Windows 8 - A user's Review

With updates in the Windows 8 operating system, a number of Windows 8 tablets and windows 8 Laptops have been in the market for quite some months until now. This is a game changing OS. This operating system was launched on the 26th of October 2012. Windows 8 has brought in radical changes to the User Interface. It is interface is designed so that it can be used with the touchscreen, mouse and keyboard as well.

We can download the windows apps through the Windows store or from the apps designer website as well. This windows store is quite similar to that of Google Play store and Apple Store. As of now you can get many free apps but they would eventually increase as the number of windows users will increase. Like the previous versions of Windows you can definitely run all the previous version of windows on Windows 8which is only possible on PC and Laptops but not on Tablets.

Once you enter your password, you will come across the modern UI (User Interface) which gives you an amazing experience of the new start screen. Most people feel lost at this juncture. It takes only some time to figure out how you need to proceed with the new interface. It allows you to install all the apps you would like to have. This allows you to zoom in and out of the screen. Those without touchscreen can also do this by holing the Ctrl key and roll their mouse wheel to do so. It’s good to learn the keyboard shortcuts as this would be the only way for you to get your work done fast if you had a touch screen.

Keyboard Shortcuts:

Windows + L: Locks your system and shows you the lock screen

Windows + C: It opens the Charms bar

Windows + H: Helps you share the charm bar

Windows + Z: It displays the apps bar

Windows + I: helps you with the charms bar settings

Windows + D: It shows you the traditional/ Conventional desktop.

Windows + X: It opens the admin menu.

Alt + F4: Closes the current application.

Charms Bar:

This charms bar is a brand new feature included in the Windows 8. It appears on the right edge of your screen. From the top you have the following in sequence of Search, share, start, devices and settings. Start takes you to the start screen. Share allows you to share stuff with people if you have some apps like Facebook and Twitter downloaded. Search is the substitute for the search box in the previous version of Windows.

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iPhone 6 - Expectations and Big time for Apple

Samsung S4 is a take of Samsung on Apple's iPhone 5, A much powerful, with better features, innovative and not a copycat at all. Major two features that are "Smart scroll" and "Smart pause" never seen before. With a life like screen with more pixels per inch, a 13 mp camera, bigger 5 inch screen and everything to beat iPhone 5. Not just Samsung S4, in market there is Blackberry B10, HTC One and Sony Experia Z which are giving neck to competition to Apple.
Apple used to be an industry leader, not in terms of profits and revenue but in terms of technology, innovation and design. But they are losing their "Throne" to Samsung, In past many years it was Apple which use to bring new features and everybody in the market follow them. Samsung is now changing the game, they are hitting Apple in every market, Samsung is also snatching tablet market from Apple.

SWOT analysis of Apple for smart phone market

Strenghts 

• Industry leader in design, huge following for its product design.
• Big brand (much higher brand value than competitors)
• Culture to shape markets and bring new features in the products
• Operating system, which is still better than Google's android
• Apps marketplace provides huge apps

Weaknesses

• Kept the prices of smart phones high, it was strategy when there was no close alternative in the market and people were ready to pay premium, but now things have been changed.
• Not product lines for cheaper smart phones, every competitor have a wide range of product line, but Apple just want to create it's own market and want people and it's competitors to follow them.

Opportunities

• Still competitors are trying eat market share of Apple, it can broaden its product line to increase the customers' base.

Threats

• Samsung!!! New players in this segment are doing really well. It's stupid to underestimate any of them, Sony in their new smart phone Xperia Z, brought "Best of Sony", Sony makes one of the best cameras, displays and portable music players. That is a great product.

What is the deciding factor in this Smart phone war :-

Apple is leading in smart phone marketplace because of their Operating system, Wide apps marketplace and Design. Now development of Android is a deciding factor in this market. Next 2 years are really important for this market as everything is dependent on app market, it would be amazing to look which platform will be able to host exclusive apps that can shaken the market.

What new features we expect from Apple in iPhone 6 :-

• Wireless charging (Nokia and Samsung done this before, this is the most probable feature)
• Higher resolution ( currently 226 ppi is not that much crystal clear as of competitors)
• Better primary camera - even 8mp is not enough now
• Smart scroll and smart pause ( Copyright stuff, now that's really dependent on the market response on these features

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Samsung Rex Series Mobiles - No Value For Money

In a attempt to capture low cost handset market, Samsung Mobiles launched Samsung Rex series by launching 4 handsets in the series - Rex 60, Rex 70, Rex 80 and Rex 90. These handsets are targeting low cost Nokia Asha series, but Nokia Asha series supports Whatsapp and many other applications that are not supported by Rex series. These are low quality mobiles, According to me Samsung is trying to incash it's brand value that is created by Galaxy series and it's landmark handsets.

Overall Rating - 2 out of 5
Price - 3 out of 5
Features - 1.5 out of 5

Features of Rex 60

Screen size - 2.8''
Primary camera - 1.3mp
Internal storage - 30mb
Battery - 1000mAh
Dual sim, Samsung TouchWiz Lite
Price - 3700

Features of Rex 70

Screen size - 3.0''
Primary camera - 2mp
Internal storage - 10mb
Battery - 1000mAh
Dual sim, Samsung TouchWiz Lite
Price - 4070

Features of Rex 80

Screen size - 3.''
Primary camera - 3.2mp
Internal storage - 10mb
Battery - 1000mAh
Dual sim, Samsung TouchWiz Lite
Price - 4790

Features of Rex 90

Screen size - 3.5''
Primary camera - 3.2mp
Internal storage - 10mb
Battery - 1000mAh
Dual sim, Samsung TouchWiz Lite
Price - 5990

Pros of Rex series phones

Cheap
Value for money
Looks good
Dual sim
Nice user interface

Cons of Rex series phones

No android
Whatsapp not supported by Rex series mobiles
Low internal storage space
Less battery life, just 1000mAh battery,

Price - Rs.3500 to 5800

Advice - You can purchase Samsung Galaxy Y for Rs.5100, it runs on Android and with much better specs than Rex.

Rex 90 Vs Samsung Galaxy Y 5360
Please read deatied review of Samsung Galaxy Y 5360

You should also read this

• 9 Best Android Mobile Phones Below Rs.10,000 In India

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Indiatimes Shopping Review - Worst place to shop online

Today i will give you a review of my personal experience with Indiatimes shopping. To say the least, it has been a horrendous experience. To know the details, read further.

I ordered a pair of Nike shoes on 23th Jan through my credit card. I shop a lot online, However, this was my first shopping experience with Indiatimes shopping. Ebay, Myntra, Bestylish, Pepperfry, Tradus are few of my preferred online stores and to be honest my experience with them has always been good. Trusting the Times brand, I placed the order with estimated delivery date of 2^nd Feb.

I regularly checked the order details to see if they had shipped as most of the stores I order from, ship within a couple of days even if they mention 5-7 days. However, Indiatimes had still not shipped. On 31^st Jan, I contacted Indiatimes shopping customer care on chat(which was equally pathetic). The chat support agent assured that the product will be shipped by 1^st Jan, and I will get the product within 2 days.

I checked again on 2^nd Feb, but it was still not shipped. I decided to wait and see exactly how bad their service can be. On 6^th Feb I received a call from them informing that the order has been cancelled as the product was out of stock. I had never experienced this kind of 3^rd Grade service and that too from a Times Group company.

Online shopping has become a rage in India and is growing really fast. The scope of price differentiation is really less, so online stores create a space for themselves on the basis of their service.

My experience with Indiatimes shopping was not just one example of really bad customer experience. The same thing happened with a good friend.

As a customer, I love to get a good product at reasonable price, however good customer service is more important for me, and I most certainly appreciate honesty.

Indiatimes shopping took my order and my money upfront even though the product was out of stock. They kept me waiting for 15 days for the product and then cancelled it.

So if you are one of those people who don’t mind paying a little extra for better service, try avoiding indiatimes shopping if you can.

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{Infographic} The great Indian Shopping Guide

India is one of the fastest growing economics which is possible due to the change in the online trends which are extremely positive. Google has done a survey about the growth in the online shopping in the year 2012-13. The results reveal amazing trends of growth as it has reported 128 % growth in one fiscal alone. This change is due to the introduction of many e – commerce websites which are promoting virtually every product online. The users or the customers do find these websites very attractive because of the discount vouchers, smart deals and fair variety. Customers have many brands to choose from and comfort is an added advantage. Online shopping is a convenient affair with the options to shop 24x7 and easy payment process. There are some exceptions in terms of fraudulent and suspicious websites which are being promoted with ill intentions. Such websites can compromise your security and identity online. Please go through the following infographic for more details.

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5 Best Stores To Buy shoes in India

Everybody is crazy about shoes, gone are the days when people use to buy one pair of shoes and use them till they torn off. Now in India people buy shoes for every occasion just like apparels. Buying shoes have become a fashion in India. Indians are so much comfortable with online shoe stores, most of youth now is purchasing shoes online. There are many reasons behind this :-

• Online stores offers huge discounts
• They have large variety of shoes
• Ease of shopping 
• Shop anywhere

So let's talk about top shoe stores in India. Shoes is the most purchased item online after pen drives, it generates huge revenues so large number of startups enters the market. But you need to be cautious while purchasing shoes online

Myntra

Myntra is a big guy when it comes to men's shoes. With very high customer satisfaction and almost 0% order cancellations, I give this store number 1 spot.
Strengths
Quick delivery

Easy return policy
Quick customer care response
Largest collection of shoes in industry
Lowest price
Great user experience on website
Big brands available

Jabong

Jabong is one of the best online shoe stores in India. They have huge collections both for male and females. Best thing about this store is whenever you like a pair of shoe, you will find your size.

Strengths
Nice user interface
Low prices
Genuine products

Bestylish

Bestylish is the only big store targeted towards shoes only.

Strengths
Everyday low price, don't wait for sale

Huge collection
Nice user interface
Quick and free shipping, Cash on delivery available

FashionAndYou

Out of box shopping portal. They don't allow anonymous shopping. Amazing thing I noticed is very low prices of products. But it is more like a clearance store selling whatever left unsold with manufacturer.
Strengths
Low prices

Weaknesses
Bad user interface
Lack of variety
More like a female store, most of the products are for girls

Yebhi

Strengths :-
Great offers

Super savers that can give you great deals


Weaknesses
Bad user interface

High prices without coupons
Lack of big brands

Worst Place to buy Shoes online

Indiatimes Shopping 

After purchasing a dozen pairs of shoes online. I placed an order with Indiatimes, they were offering A pair of Nike canvas shoes for Rs.1278, I placed the order although i knew they asked for 10 days for delivery. I made the payment from my credit card and after 10 days, I got their call that order had been cancelled and I will receive my money back in my account after another 5 days. It's been 1 week, I haven't received any money in my account. I think they don't even have a warehouse and they are a middleman, that's why they were asking for 10 days for delivery and they didn't knew that there was no stock. This happened to 3 of my friends who who purchased different shoes from this website on that day. So i recommend, stay away from them.

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10 Romantic ways to celebrate Valentine's Day

It doesn’t make any difference if you are seventeen or eighty that spark of love remains. It could be that wild, unbridled passion of your first love. It could be just a spark from a long ago time, a memory locked deep in our heart. Love is at the core of Valentine’s Day. This day, like no other, is the day when we express our love for one another. It’s the day to “tell our story of love.”

Love is a feeling, an emotion, an unseen energy that exists between two people. On Valentine’s Day we must speak this love from our hearts. The actual events we plan are not as important as how we express them. Your Valentine’s Day may be filled with power packed activity or a simple time spent alone together. The key is how we tell our partner that he/she is the most important person in the world.

Here again, we’ve got to know our partner, the depths of his/her emotions, what he/she wants and needs to express that energy of love. Some partners are reluctant to speak about love, yet they love deeply. Others tell their partner openly and often that they love them.

On this day, Valentine’s Day, take time to plan that special event, one that will be remembered long after the day is past. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Say “I love you with words.” Don’t just give a card. Take the time to write your feelings of love for your partner, what excites you most, what you treasure most, and how this makes you feel.

2. Say it with music. Music resounds deep in the human heart. Take your partner dancing. Most couples don’t dance often enough.

3. Laugh. Laughing is one of the most exhilarating ways to express your love. Have you ever started laughing with your partner and that set off a laughing binge that lasted for hours?

4. Be intimate. Massage each other. Have you ever spent the entire day in bed? Try it on Valentine’s Day. You’ll be amazed at how close you become. You’ll catch those little, deep, hidden tidbits about your partner that you never knew before.

5. Get away. Send the kids to grandma’s and just be alone together in a remove hideaway. Talk about how much you love each other.

6. Stay at home. Don’t cook. Order in. Spend a romantic evening in bed watching a movie, holding each other and telling each other how much you love them.

7. Weather permitting, do a picnic. It can be outdoors or in front of your fireplace. You can set the mood with the traditional wine and cheese. Hold each other. Make love.

8. Take a warm bath together. Use divine fragrances. Make this sensual and romantic, a night to remember.

9. Take a moonlight stroll. Hold hands and “feel” your partner’s love.

10. Make a memory. Take pictures of both of you together. Share your love and pictures with friends.

Remember, Valentine’s Day is a day of love and feeling. Use the day to make a memory that will last a lifetime.

Set up the day by celebrating it for a whole week and you can also take part in the multifaceted musical experience by watching live shows at boxoffice.

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How To Find Your Business The Best Internet Service Provider

Contrary to some beliefs, not all internet connections are the same. In fact, there are quite a few differences between different types of internet connections. Price is only one example of some of the differences between types of internet connections. It is important for you to choose the best internet service provider for your business. 

There are quite a few things that you have to consider if you want to choose the best high speed internet service provider for your business. For example, you would have to think about the type of internet connection that is best and internet security that can protect your business. You might already recognize the terms ‘high speed’ and ‘broadband’ when you shop for internet service providers. Bandwidth is the more popular type of internet connection that is offered by internet service providers. This is because it is still relatively cheap while being faster than dial-up. Wideband is the fastest type of internet connection. It can offer speeds that go up to 50 megabits per second.

Types of Internet Connections
DSL is the cheapest type of internet connection that you will find. In order to purchase a DSL internet connection for your business, you would only have to pay between $30 and $90 each month. A DSL internet connection uses phone lines to provide internet services. However, DSL does let its users transfer data and make voice calls at the same time. How well this type of internet connection performs is based on how far away your company’s location is from the internet service provider’s exchange. DSL speeds can reach 15 megabits per second for downloads. It reaches around one megabits per second for uploads. DSL can handle around twelve users of the internet connection. It can also be used for point of sale systems. 

Cable is one of the more popular types of internet connections. If you wish to purchase a cable internet connection for your business, you might end up paying anything between $60 and $300 each month. Cable internet connections use cable lines to provide digital phones, an internet connection and television to its users. This type of internet connection can provide speeds as high as 50 megabits per second for downloads. It can also provide anywhere between two megabits per second and ten megabits per second for uploads. Cable users share bandwidth with other users as well. It might be slower during hours of extreme use.

Fiber is the best type of high speed internet connection for business because it offers the best performance. Fiber optic internet connections prove download speeds that are anywhere between 15 megabits per second and 150 megabits per second. Upload speeds for fiber optic internet connections can be anything between five megabits per second and 135 megabits per second. This type of internet connection can cost anything between $70 and $200 a month. It can provide internet connection, phone services and television services for up to 24 users at the same time.

Dynamic IP Addresses and Static IP Addresses

Many men and women tend to believe that dynamic IP addresses are the best type of IP addresses for businesses. There are a many different things that dynamic IP addresses can do that a static IP address is unable to provide. For example, internet service providers do not need to configure addresses or manage addresses for specific customers when a dynamic IP address is used. It can also be useful for companies. For example, IP configuration on a router is not required for a dynamic IP address. In addition, dynamic IP addresses automatically provide some type of security. It is harder for a hacker to track and find your company’s IP address. If you must use a static IP address to run servers, you must have firewall protection.

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Irresistible Specifications of iPhone 5, you can't afford to Abstain It

The moment you want to buy any mobile that you can’t afford to abstain it, is none other than iphone5 with the desirable specifications. This is a unique mobile in itself. You will get astonished by looking into the exceptional features provided with this phone, which are renewed. Let’s go through the renewed features:-




This is the sixth invention of the series, which has totally a new 4-inches retina display. It not only has a giant screen, which gives an amazing picture but also clarity of video. As it has 326pixels per inch, the density of pixel is very high, which distinguishes from 4s. The giant display will make you enjoy the change, when you go for playing games, viewing videos, images or for reading purpose. Because of the latest and improved technology, it runs faster than 4s. Because of its larger screen, one can hold it with a single hand and can text messages, as many as you can.


When it comes to the design, it is also well-known for its slim and weightlessness. It comes with significant redesign in the era of iPhone series; as it weighs 112grams and the thickness is 7.6mm. This iPhone is available in two colors – Black and white.


As it’s a dual processed chip, it is two times faster than the previous one, (i.e.) A5 chip. By insertion of the core chip namely 4GLTE support, which creates a tremendous increase in the downloading speed, browsing, saving pictures. The unique option provided here is that it can be customized according to your requirements. This device also provides a standby battery life for around 8hours of conversation and also an excellent WI-FI usage. The processor is associated with graphics, battery and performance. There are certain features like new ear pods, ioS 6 operating systems.


The Google map feature is replaced by a new map application designed to provide 3D interactive pictures and also provides cool vocalized directions. This includes updates about traffic, and also guides as a best alternative ways to the user.


The next best feature is Lighting dock connector. This enables iphone5 to have an easy access and comes with adaptable and user friendly interface, which is compatible with digital information and more durable. With the structured with USB host capability; this permits the device to take care of the lightening patterns.


There is another exciting option in this phone which is the newly improved wireless technology. With this technology, you can download the required files with in no time. It also supports Wi-Fi to present the faster graphic performance. By this, you can have a good experience of renovated and efficient graphics.


If you are quite sure about the iphone5 you like to go with all the features you wished, see whether it is fitting your budget or you can go for an option of having cash loan, which are easily available in the market and the process takes a few minutes and requires no documents.









About the Author:

The guest post was contributed by Sophie, financial guest blogger from Manchester, UK. Find out more about her finance related blogs @financeport .

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Natural Themes for Windows 7

When I am working on my computer sometimes I need to take a break from it all and look at something beautiful. There is nothing more beautiful to me then scenes from nature. From waterfalls to flowers to mountains and streams, nature is so living and active that just a photograph of it takes me away from my desk and into another world. Here are some of my favorite free natural themes for Windows 7.

1.      Canada Theme 

      This theme consists of six separate photo of the beauty of the Canadian landscape. From the sunset at Moraine Lake in Banff National Park to the desert cliffs of Dinosaur Provincial Park to the boats, lovely trees, and serene water atthe Curme Islands in Desolation Sound. These images will thrill and delight you. There is also a beautiful photo of Lady Evelyn Falls and a gorgeous shot of the Northern Lights.

2.      Caribbean Shores Theme 

      From the cool northern climate to the sunny beaches of the Caribbean Sea, this theme is a collection of twelve beautiful sea inspired shots. With an abundance of clear blue water and palm trees, coves and tropical flowers, and picturesque thatched huts, this theme will leave you aching for a vacation, especially during the chilly winter months.

3.      Forests Theme 

      To me there is nothing like the cool, dappled beauty of a forest to calm the nerves. This theme is one of my absolute favorites. With sixteen calming images of trees, leaves, flowers, meadows, creeks, dewdrops, climbing vines and dangling moss, you will never be bored. Span the seasons from Spring to Fall with this heavenly collection of forest photos.

4.      Germany:Mountains to Sea Theme

      This eclectic collection features a dozen images from the mountains and waters of Germany. From sheep on hills to lighthouses and cool waters, this theme will make you feel like you have just taken a trip to see the wonders of the German landscape. I love the shot of the cabin sitting on the water with the majestic mountains surrounding it and reflecting in the still water.

5.      IcelandTheme

      This theme is all about the water. With twelve images it gives you an overview of the natural beauty of this desolate place. From the waves crashing against the rocky sea shore to the mossy banks of a creek to the roaring of a waterfall, you can practically feel and smell the dampness in the air.

6.      IrelandTheme

      There is nothing so green as Ireland. From the rolling hills to the cliffs by the sea, there is something just magical about this place. This theme has seventeen images that will give you some idea of what this beautiful area is like. One of my favorite images is of The Rock of Cashel in Cahir in the County Tipperary. The sheep graze under the might of a looming castle with ominous grey clouds signaling a storm is on its way. Just perfect.

7.      JapanTheme 

      There are many Japanese themes to choose from but this short theme of only six photos is really special. I love the image of the colorful pink cherry tree blossoming and the current of a mossy river in Akita Prefecture. Such a pretty scene.

8.      Painted Skies Theme – This theme is all about the beauty of the skies as the sun paints pastel colors. The photographer, Brook Burling, captures the sky in beautiful shades. Even lighting can light up the night sky in ways that you could not imagine. There are seventeen spectacular photos in this theme, each one with a beauty all its own.

9.      WaterfallsTheme

      There is just something so calming and reinvigorating about water, and waterfalls in particular. In this theme there are ten spectacular photographs that capture a vast array of waterfalls, from a trickle to a massive onslaught of white, tumbling drops. The long exposures help you to see the movement and you feel as if you could reach out and drink for the brisk, clear water of mountain streams and forest pools.

10.  HarvestTime Theme 

      This is the theme I have on my computer right now, and it is a splendid theme to see the variety of nature’s fruit as it is collected before the winter. From olives to grapes to berries of all shapes and sizes and even hay being baled, these eighteen images make you feel like you are back on the farm and will leave you hungry for a piece of fresh fruit or a bite of berry.

11.  LighteningTheme

      This theme features one of nature’s most beautiful, frightening and elusive things. Lightening. The bolts raining down from the sky used to be attributed to the anger of the gods, but they can still inspire a shiver of awe today. With fourteen captures of lighting in this theme you will always be left wondering how in the world the photographer managed to get such a perfect shot.

12.  MoonlightTheme 

      “When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s amore!” Crooners can go on about the moon as much as they would like but it still does not diminish its standing in our eyes. The beauty of the moon is captured in these sixteen images. From seas to forests to meadows and cities the moon looks as beautiful as always, no matter what the surroundings. The thing that gets me the most is the juxtaposition between the relics of our past, like the ruins of ancient Greece, and the self same moon that has always hung over our planet throughout the ages of human history.

13.  SpectacularSkies Theme

      This theme is all about capturing the spectacular. From cloudy days to glorious sunsets to flowers against a clear blue sky, the eleven images on this theme will have you looking up more often than not. How much do we miss with our eyes on our phones? You might want to start looking up at the beauty above and around you.

14.  RainbowsTheme

      Throughout history rainbows have been considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity. In the bible a rainbow was shown to Noah as God’s promise never to wipe out the world in a flood again and ever since then a rainbow has held a special meaning for us. These eighteen images capture rainbows as they appear around the world, shining their multi colored splendor on the landscapes below. From icy waters to lush farmland to crowded cities, rainbows light up the sky and bring a smile to your face.

15.  WinterTheme

      Last but not least is the Winter Theme. The beauty of snow and ice is truly something you have to see to appreciate. During the hot summer months you long for a cool crisp winter and during the winter months you long for a warm breeze. It is just how we are, I guess. But these thirteen images will leave you wishing you lived in a winter wonderland year round. Frost covered branches, fat little birds, pine trees covered with snow, and meadows dusted with white will all inspire you to grab a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy your winter.

These are just a sampling of the beautiful assortment of themes that are available to download for free on your Windows 7 PC. If you are interested in seeing more all you have to do is right click on your desktop and select personalize. There you will see a window with the themes that you already have and you can click ‘get more themes online’ to choose from a wide selection of free downloads. Or you can simply click here to be taken directly to the Windows 7 theme directory. There you can browse by topic or just see the most popular downloads. Have fun!

Author Byline:

Ken Myers the editor in chief is a frequent contributor of http://www.gonannies.com/ Ken helps acquiring knowledge on the duties & responsibilities of nannies to society. You can reach him at kmyers.ceo@gmail.com.

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