Author: Flash

Share Your Files on the Web

What Can I Use This For?

Have you ever tried to send a friend an MP3 over AIM or ICQ and it just refuses to work? If you have a personal website there is a much easier way to share a file with someone — upload it, send them the link and BAM, they now have the file and you guys can talk about how cool of a dj Paul van Dyk is. Of course this guide will teach you how to put any file on the net, so if you want to create a webpage or upload images, etc, this guide will assist with the technical aspects of transfering files from your local machine to the webserver and finally accessing them via a URL.

Another cool application is including an image in your signature on forums or posting links/files elsewhere on the net.

I remember when i started my FIRST website I signed up for everything and in no time I had a webhost and website… I had no idea what to do. What good is that when you have no idea how to get your files onto your web server? Getting the hang of how everything works seems tricky but it is actually REALLY simple…

FTP the Files on to Your Server

It’s All in the FTP, Baby

This first step is getting your file from your personal computer onto your webserver. The most typical way of uploading files is through FTP. FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol and is basically a method of connecting to a server and transfering files from one computer to the other.

What You Will Need To FTP

Your web host should have provided you with three things:

  • IP Address OR Domain
  • User name also known as Login
  • Password

Once you have your FTP login details in order you need to obtain an FTP client.

An FTP client is the application you will use to build a connection between your computer and your web server. Essentially all an FTP client does is:

  • Connects to your web server based on it’s IP address
  • Logs you in based on the User name and Password you provide
  • Allow you to transfer files from your computer up to the server (Upload)
  • Allow you to transfer files from web server to your computer (Download)

I suggest you Google for a free one, there are tons such as Filezilla!

Connect!

Once you have installed your FTP client fill out the login information and connect to your web server. When you connect and login, you will be dropped into your Home Directory also known as ‘ /’ yes, that is right, ‘ /’ OR slash. Now on to the good stuff…

How does this FTP program work?

FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. It is a protocol used for transfering files from one machine to the other. In our case we will be transfering files on your local machine to your webserver (uploading). You can also transfer files from the remote server to your local machine if you desire (downloading).

Most Windows based FTP applications give you a split view where one pane is your local machine’s file system and the other pane is the remote (aka web server) server’s file system. In the local machine pane you can simply navigate the directory tree until you find the files on your local machine that will be uploaded to the server. In the other pane you can navigate your server’s directory tree until you find the location in which you would like to store the files.

Transfering the files is normally as easy as just dragging the file from your local machine pane to the remote server’s pane!

Where do I Upload my Files?

Upon connecting to your web server with FTP you now have the ability to upload files directly to the server. So lets say for example you want to share your favorite song with your friend Tony and your website is mydomain.com.

It is important to realize that all directories after mydomain.com are simply directories you have created inside of / . So for example, if you wanted to make a directory that will contain all the files you want to share with your buddy Tony, called ‘fortony’ you would create the directory ‘fortony’ as a subdirectory of /. Then the path on the web would be as follows: http://www.mydomain.com/fortony/

So as you can see the concept is fairly easy to grasp. You can create folders and files inside of your domain’s root directory. Anything that goes inside of there can be accessed from the web by providing a complete URL.

Note: Some webservers allow you to get a listing of what a directory has in it. So for example some web servers might show you a list of all files inside of mydomain.com/fortony/ while others may give you an error or not show you anything. This is a setting that needs to be changed by the admin of your server.

Now that you have created a folder you can put files into it and share specific files by linking your friends to them. We can use Tony in this next example because we know he likes trance music. If you wanted to share a file with Tony called trance.mp3 all you need to do is FTP into your server, change directory to ‘fortony’ and upload your file.

Once trance.mp3 is uploaded into the directory fortony you can link anyone to the file by appending the file name after the directory path. So with our example using trance.mp3 the complete URL to that file would be http://www.mydomain.com/fortony/trance.mp3.

Now Share Something!

Basically to share a file on the web you need to transfer it from your local computer to a location on your server that is accessible by the web. Once you have done this all you need to do is provide the correct URL to the person you would like to present a shared file. Easy as that, and if you need more assistance please leave a comment on this article!

Different Types of Yoga

You have to admit, you get stressed once in a while if not all the time.  It can be because of so many things in your life such as problems in work, relationship, family, and even your own self. When this happens, it can affect your physical and mental well-being. When you let this get the best of you, you can lose your job, boyfriend or girlfriend, and a whole lot more. In worst cases, you may even lose yourself.

This can all be prevented if you know the right way to release these negative energies inside your body. If you are one of these people, then Yoga is the best solution to your problems.

Yoga is an old form of stretching exercise which is believed to come from the civilization of the Indus-Sarasvati in ancient India.  This word was mentioned first in their oldest sacred documents called Rig Veda.  Aside from yoga, it also included most of the rituals and songs of Vedic priests known as Brahmans.  As time passed by, these intellectuals developed and refined the practice and even wrote it in Yogic scriptures, the most well-known was the Bhagavad Gita. They also taught karman and jnana yoga, which are teachings about action and knowledge respectively.

In the classical period, yoga was presented in the document called Patanjali’s Yoga-Sutras.   Considered as the father of yoga, it talked about the path leading to Raja Yoga, which was also referred to as classical yoga.   The text also improved the “eight limbed path” practice. With this, they taught the steps to commit enlightenment or Samadhi.

After the classical times came the post-classical period. It differed with the previous times because its focus was on rejuvenating the body and prolonging life.  They also believed that the body was a tool to reach enlightenment.   In this time, they created Tantra Yoga which contained methods to cleanse the mind as well as body.   Because of their concentration on body and mind as well as physical and mental connections, they were able to develop the Hatha yoga.

Between the 1800s and 1900s, the scholars or yoga masters decided to spread their knowledge about their exercise.  They traveled to the west where they gained a number of followers.

During 1920, the Hatha yoga became more popular in India because of T. Krishnamacharya.  He was the one who made an effort to reach all corners of the country to teach the exercise and the different yoga poses.  After some time, he was able to establish his Hatha Yoga School.  His students who helped him spread the exercise were Pattabhi Jois, T.K.V. Desikachar, as well as B.K.S. Iyengar. The popularity of yoga became more known to the Western world when Indra Devi established her Yoga school there in 1947.

Since its creation a thousand years ago, yoga has evolved and now has many types.  Among the most famous practices is the old teaching of Hatha Yoga. If you are a beginner at yoga, this is most definitely the exercise for you. The reason for this is that it introduces the yoga’s basic poses or asanas. In addition, Hatha yoga classes are usually have a slow pace and are gentle to the mind and even body. It also allows you to perfect your body by perfecting your mind.   This exercise can even help you with your breathing and meditating techniques.

Vinyasa yoga means movements that are breath synchronized.  Just like the famous Hatha yoga, it includes a lot of classes.  Its movements, which are more vigorous in style and form, are copied from the Sun Salutations.  This is a series of asanas wherein the breathing is matched with the exercises you do in class. An ordinary class of Vinyasa yoga usually begins with different Sun salutation poses so your body will be warmed up.  It is followed by a number of stretching exercises which will usually last until the end of your lesson.

Ashtanga, also known as eight limbed in Sanskrit language, is another type of yoga exercise that is fast-paced and really intense compared to others.  In just a short amount of time, you are required to go from one yoga pose to another. The act is known in yoga as Pose.  As such, it will really demand your physical and mental energy.  Nowadays, this has become the basis of Power yoga.  Although a bit different, the class still teaches Ashtanga’s flowing style.

As one of the students of yoga master T. Krishnamacharya, B.K.S Iyengar was able to develop his own kind of exercise. Based on his teachings, it is called Iyengar and its main focus is on the body alignment.  In simple words, it means that your body must be aligned the right way so you can maximize the positive benefits of yoga as well as avoid being injured.  When you are practicing this yoga exercise, you will be asked to stay in one yoga pose for a while. In addition, it also uses props like blankets, mats, socks, etc.

Kundalini is another yoga exercise which emphasizes breath and movement.  Its purpose is to move your energy from your lower body to release it to your upper half. Unlike other yoga exercises which require you to control your breathing.  Kundalini allows you to explore your breaths in various poses.

Bikram or Hot Yoga was developed by Bikram Choudhury.  It got its name because this exercise is done in a hot room, preferably 95 to 100 degrees.  This is done to loosen your tight muscles as well as cleanse your body through sweating.  It is usually composed of 26 poses; however, not all classes practice all of these.

With all the types of yoga exercise you can try out, you can relieve yourself of stress.  Aside from that, you can become a happier and healthier person inside and out.

Hurricane Katrina & FEMA: Disaster Tips

On August 25, 2005 Hurricane Katrina came to the northern part of Miami, Florida first as a tropical storm that developed into a hurricane in just one day. It broke the levee system of New Orleans, bringing flood and rendering thousands of people dead while sending a million more people out of their homes. Hurricane Katrina was considered to be the costliest natural disaster in the history of the country.

The effects were beyond catastrophic. Houses and stores had been looted; cars were stolen and violence had been reported leading to arrests of individuals. The death toll was predicted to reach up to 10,000. There had been reports, too, that in New Orleans alone there were already some 5,000 persons missing. Because of the flooding and people in the hurricane affected areas feared the health problems that ensued such as dehydration, food poisoning and diarrhea.

Hurricane Katrina had devastating effects not only in the US but also outside the region. Not counting the cost of the flood disaster in the United States and the interruption of the oil industry it was predicted that the cost of the damage could reach up to $100 billion. Because of this the global prices for oil rose. Flights had been canceled; internet connections that would make live reports on the New Orleans disaster possible were also interrupted. Scientific, medical and military research facilities had been destroyed.

The Federal Emergency Management Emergency had already issued pre-Katrina response warnings. They have mobilized the deployment of their logistic supply and assigned volunteers to give assistance to residents in the affected areas. FEMA is responsible for the task of coordinating with the local, state and federal agencies to respond to all kinds of natural disasters. Its major responsibilities are to provide aid for the disaster victims to rebuild their homes, community facilities and businesses as well as training emergency professionals. It is also responsible for the provision of funds for the emergency planning in all of the United States. The FEMA is concerned with the four important realms of managing emergency namely: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.

The role of FEMA during emergency disasters cannot be underestimated. Despite the apparent disorientation that Hurricane Katrina brought to the agency, it is still important to take heed of their storm response tips.

Hurricane Preparedness

Here are some essential to-dos during a hurricane:

Pre-Hurricane Season. The first thing to do is look for a safe route in case evacuation from your home during a hurricane is necessary. If you have been provided with a hurricane preparedness plan begin tracking the safest routes that lead to inland shelters. Pack on your bag the following essentials: flashlight and batteries, emergency food and water, first aid kit and medicines, a portable battery-operated radio, cash/credit cards, heavy-duty shoes and can opener.

Since pets may not be allowed to stay with humans in evacuation sites, they must be brought to animal shelters before the storm even hits.

Get yourself a flood insurance as soon as possible since it may take some thirty days of waiting before the policy takes effect.

Anticipate loss of contact. Because the hurricane is unpredictable, all the members of the family should be informed on how to respond when it strikes. Children must be taught how to turn off gas, electric and water facilities and how to communicate information through 911 emergency police and the local radio stations. A post-hurricane plan must also be adopted – have all the names, addresses and phone numbers of contact persons known to all the family members in case they get separated after the disaster.

Hurricane Season. Whether the reports say the hurricane will be strong or not anticipate flooding in your area. Place your important papers and other valuables inside containers in the highest places in your house and bring in your equipment from the garden or lawn that may possibly break during the storm. Keep the radio always turned on. Your car should be fueled up. Store potable water in clean containers such as bottles and jugs. Fix and protect your windows with marine plywood and boards.

Hurricane Presence within 24 Hours. The hurricane may arrive when you are at work, at home or in the streets. Wherever you are, stay away from glass windows and doors, especially elevators. Keep your radio on to listen for official storm instructions and keep extra batteries too. Should you evacuate, make sure that all your appliances and water valves are turned off. Heave your furniture to a higher storey if you still have time. Before leaving your house, check your emergency supplies, blankets and sleeping bags. Wear warm clothes and leave as soon as possible.

Post-Hurricane. Unless the there is an official announcement that evacuees can return safely home, you must stay in the shelter. The terrain will be much difficult to cross now so avoid driving in flooded areas and bridges. You may encounter some injured persons along the way and if this happens do not move them, use your first aid kit and call for emergency assistance. Take photos of the damages that occurred in your house so you can make insurance claims. Ventilate your house and check for some stray animals and insects. Do not go near hanging power lines and have them reported to the authorities as soon as possible. Most importantly, check your gas, electric and water facilities. If you smell leaks, open the window, turn off the gas valve and leave your house or building. Call for the gas company for help. Turn off your main breakers if you spot electrical wire damages too. Don’t step on the flood water. If you suspect some damage on your water pipes also try not to drink tap water from your faucet. Call for the plumber to have it fixed.

For us ordinary citizens, a National Response Plan may just be the next best thing when hurricanes come. However, our own readiness should still be on top of our precaution list.

High Intensity Interval Training – HIIT

What is HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training)?

HIIT stands for High Intensity Interval Training. It is one of THE BEST methods for losing fat loss and retaining a high level of muscle conditioning. This type of training has been around for quite a while and while some people are calling it a fad, HIIT is here to stay. By using HIIT training techniques you are able to lose fat without losing muscle mass — unlike activities such as aerobics which have been proven to cause muscle tissue breakdown (catabolism).

The beauty behind HIIT techniques is that after you complete a workout your body continues to burn calories. It has been noted that the effects can still be beneficial days later. Take a look at any sprinter’s body. These guys are lean and defined — clear cut results from HIIT training.
HIIT and interval training are very similar, the only difference is the intensity in which they are done. So what is interval training? Interval training is a varying of intensities within one workout , where you add a low intensity bout with a higher intensity bout. HIIT training is a very high intensity bout with a lower intensity bout. You can perform your interval training in many ways, and you should use variety. You can perform it on a stationary bike, stairmaster, mountain bike, local track, etc. Change it up often.

Good HIIT Workouts

BEFORE YOU DO THESE: Make sure you are warmed up! Walk around, stretch, bend, jump… etc.

A good way to start a HIIT work out is by doing whatever cardio workout you enjoy for five minutes at a steady and easy pace. Then take up your intensity level to the MAX and keep it there for 1 minute straight. After the minute bring it back down to your easy pace and leave it there for about 2 minutes, or however long it takes for you to recover enough to do it again. Repeat a few more times.

Another easy way to introduce yourself to this kind of cardio without killing yourself right off the bat is simply to keep changing your speed and intensity level every two minutes or so — go up and down — challenge yourself. This will “trick” your body into burning more calories since it can not achieve steady state.

Sprinting is a great exercise. It not only burns HUGE amounts of calories while but it will also keep your metabolism flying for days after. This is one of the key elements of HIIT training and top reason HIIT works SO well.

Piraeus, The Port of Ancient Athens

Piraeus, also known as Peiraeus or Pireas, is a city located in the prefecture of Attica, towards the southern side of Athens. This city’s main attraction is based on the fact that in ancient Greece, it was used as Athens’ main port, and therefore it played a very important role in the city’s life.

Besides than being the port of ancient Athens, Piraeus has been also named port of modern Athens since 1834. This way, nowadays this port can be seen in action, and although it does not look just like it used in ancient Greece, it still shows some of such antique characteristics which turn it into a very interesting and peculiar place to meet.

The name of this area, Piraeus, means “the place over the passage”, a meaning which is very significant to its past history. In its origins as a populated area, Piraeus was a small island which was connected to the land by a narrow stretch of land. Although at first the area received other denominations, this geographical characteristic finally inspired the actual name.

Although its main port is the most famous one, Piraeus also has two other smaller harbors which have also helped turning this spot into a very active one. The benefits of this spot and its harbor was not noticed until the decade of 490 BC when Themistocles constructed a fortification by this spot with the purpose of being able t easily use the ports and protect the citizens of Athens from Persian attacks.

Piraeus has a population of about 175.000 people, with a density of 15.972 inhabitants per km2. IT is one of the few municipal authorities located within the metropolitan area of Athens. Besides Pireus, this metropolitan area has other municipal authorities among which we can name Keratsini, Korydalos, Drapetsona, Nikaia, Perama, and Rentis.

Piraeus has been home town of several important people, such as per example the Andrianopoulos brothers, who founded the Olympiacos sporting club, Yiorgos Batis, an important Greek musician who lived between 1885 and 1967, or Dimitris Gkogkos, an important Greek musician from beginnings of the XX century.