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With the various innovations in communications networks hitting the world, it is interesting to note that the traditional means of imparting knowledge in schools and colleges or institutes of higher education have also been impacted to a considerable extent. This new method of learning which has been introduced is popularly referred to as e-learning or online learning. Increased used of the internet and various forms of multimedia technology has facilitated the growth of online learning and it is estimated that currently the online education industry is worth about 38 billion euros approximately. In the United States itself, 3.5 million students are enrolled in online degree courses. In order to aid the various higher educational institutes in spreading knowledge and information as well as in interacting with the students. These are certain tool s which provide extensive course management options and are known as Learning Management Systems or LMS. There are various such software tools available in the market which plays a very significant role in the spread of online education thus aiding the students in attaining the online degree. Moodle is a free software, a learning management system providing a platform for e-learning and it helps the various educators considerably in conceptualizing the various courses, course structures and curriculum thus facilitating interaction with online students. Moodle was devised by Martin Dougiamas and since its inception, its primary agenda has been to contribute suitably to the system of e-learning and facilitate online education and attainment of online degrees. Moodle actually stands for Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment and statistics reveal that about 14million consumers are engaged in about 1.4million courses propagated by this learning management system.

It is to be noted that while Moodle presents certain common features present in almost all similar e-learning tools, there are also certain plug in options that it provides. The various common features of Moodle as an e-learning platform are blogs, chats, database activities, glossaries, support systems enabling the functioning in multiple languages, content management and most importantly constant and regular examination and assessment. The current infrastructure facilities adopted by Moodle enable it to support a plethora of plug-in options like graphical themes and content filters, enrollment and authentication processes as well as resource and question patterns. Any operating system that supports the usage of PHP allows the usage of an e-learning platform like Moodle and some of the systems where Moodle can perform without any alterations include Mac OS X, Windows, Linux, Unix, NetWare etc.

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Cuban cigars originate from the Caribbean, which has a tropical climate very different to Europe. As a natural product, your Havana cigars need to be kept carefully. They are used to being in a warm climate with a relatively high humidity.

Therefore they will need to be protected from extremes of temperature and humidity (particularly low humidity). This is particularly difficult to achieve in air conditioned and centrally heated buildings, where the air tends to get de-humidified and cigars can dry out very quickly. Some cigars come in aluminum tubes which can help preserve them in dry climates, however they tend to mature at a much slower rate than ‘naked’ boxed cigars.

Maintain a temperature of 16 C to 20 C and a relative humidity of 65% – 70%.

In the UK you will need a humidor to maintain the humidity of your cigars at various times of the year:

Humidity

At the least, keep your cigars in a tight fitting cupboard, drawer or box, away from radiators and other sources of heat. Pick the coolest indoor spot in your house. Leave the cigars in their original boxes as this will help preserve them, stop them from being damaged, and prevent any cross-tainting of flavours between different varieties of cigars stored in the same area. If the humidity in your make-shift humidor is low, a damp sponge in a cup will serve as a basic provider of humidity.

When you purchase your cigars from Tomtom, they will be packed in an airtight zip-loc bag, which will maintain the humidity of your cigars while you transport them from the shop to your humidor. These bags are a very efficient short term humidor, however we would not recommend that you leave your cigars sealed in these bags for more than one month. Although humidity will be maintained, cigars also need to be exposed to some fresh air to allow them to ‘breathe’ and age correctly.

A variety of desk-top and travel humidors can be purchased (see ‘Accessories’) and are an essential item for the dedicated cigar smoker (more information below).

Temperature

The danger of excessive temperature (combined with too much humidity) is that the cigars can either go moldy or be damaged by weavil attack. If cigars go moldy, this is generally not a problem, as long as it is spotted reasonably soon and the mould (or bloom) only appears on the wrapper leaf. The mould can be removed with a soft brush (e.g. a badger shaving brush) and then the cigar can be returned to store in the correct conditions. If mould gets into the end of the cigar, we recommend that you do not smoke it. Weavil, or tobacco beetle, is a more serious problem. If you see any small holes in your cigar, you should take immediate action. Please call Tomtom for further advice. Never store cigars near direct sunlight or for long periods exposed to sea breezes (salt will not enhance your smoke). The lower the temperature, the higher the humidity required to compensate.

Desk-Top Humidors

There is a very wide selection of these humidors on the market. The basic design requirements are that they are sealable (and generally lockable!), but allow the cigars to breathe. This is normally achieved by leaving the base of the box unvarnished: and no portion of the inner cedar box should be laminated. The box contains a fitting, which provides the humidity: this is normally a pad containing a sponge or chalk, which can be dampened. The box may also contain a dial showing humidity and temperature.

As a rule of thumb, the smaller the box, the harder it is to maintain a steady level of humidity within its confines. These humidors do not regulate temperature. The price range starts from about 125 for a plexi glass humidor, which will hold approximately 50 cigars to 2000 and above. A comprehensive selection is shown on our accessory page. Fabulous humidors can also be created out of antique boxes which many families have inherited as writing slopes or medal cases and which have since become redundant. This is a very cost-effective way of storing your cigars in a unique and personal humidor.

Travel Humidors

Ranging in price from 100 upwards. These are not suitable for long-term storage of cigars, however they are essential if you are moving about: the wrapper leaf on a handmade cigar is very thin and delicate and will easily damage. The safest way to prevent this is to keep the cigars in their original box, in tubes or in a purpose-built travel humidor.

Cigar Cases

Generally these do not offer humidification systems built in, but will protect your cigars if you take them in your pocket for the day. There are some metal tubes with hermetically sealed ***** tops that will act in the same way as a cigar tube and seal in moisture. The majority are made from leather and offer protection from damage as well as limited protection from fluctuations in humidity and temperature.

Reviving Dried-Out Cigars

This is not an exact science and not always successful. Dry cigars need to be rehumidified very slowly and with care. We suggest you speak to us

Footnote

We do NOT recommend that cigars are kept in a refrigerator for storage. It is likely that the cigars will be dried out by this process and irretrievably damaged.

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Toronto Wedding Photographers assist people in creating & capturing their dreams on their magical day. When you come to a decision of Toronto Wedding Photographer you are getting more than a service, you are savoring memories. Toronto Wedding Photographer will offer you with enhanced photographers that fit the vision of your wedding day. Your Toronto wedding photographer has an in-depth knowledge of all types of cultures & wedding traditions. Toronto Wedding Photographers offers a full range of affordable packages for your consideration. We offer a sit down consultation with your wedding photographer in Toronto & custom design your own. Toronto Wedding Photographers offers a complete service right down to designing a wedding album which can include traditional photos, photojournalism, & romantic images.

Before your special occasion, Toronto Wedding Photographers will discuss with you everything needed such as the style of photography that you desire. Toronto Wedding Photographers will create beautiful shots & identify the people to be photographed. Toronto Wedding Photographer understands how you cannot edit a photo shoot later. Toronto Weddings Photographers takes the time to discuss all of your needs, as well as the other professionals involved in your wedding. Your Toronto Wedding Photographer will do everything possible to make the process as stress free as possible.

There are many things for you to consider. Toronto Wedding Photographers would like to emphasize that it is important to hire. Toronto Wedding Photography can help you determine what your preferences are. Toronto Wedding Photographers can offer you colour, black & white, or a combination. Wedding Photography Toronto offers medium format, 35mm, & well as digital. Your wedding photographer in Toronto can provide you with both styles of wedding photography - traditional & photojournalism. While similar equipment is used for both, it’s the technique & approach that set them apart.

One of the styles that Wedding Photos Toronto provides is traditional wedding photography. This is the classic style that you are accustomed to. Wedding Photography Toronto will carefully orchestrate the poses of the key moments. Of course Toronto Wedding Photographers will have a well planned “shot list”, which means you’ll get all the important images. Let Toronto Wedding Photographers know if you want a formal album or just a proof book. Do you want to keep the negatives? Toronto Wedding Photographers will help you decide which package will work best for you, or if one will be designed to meet your specific needs. You will certainly be anxious to see your proofs.

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So you’ve narrowed down your selection of potential wedding photographers. You’ve now got to decide between two or three. You like their work and they have similar rates and packages. But you still aren’t sure who to hire. The rates are important, yes and of course you’ll want to inquire about them. But once you’ve got a fairly clear idea of the amount you can expect to pay, there are several other things you should make sure of as well…

What else can you do to help make your decision? Contact the photographers who made it to your ‘short list’ and ask them these ten key questions:

1: Does the photographer provide you with a detailed shot-list to fill out prior to your wedding?

This list is invaluable for you and for your photographer. On this list, you’ll fill out the names of the wedding party and family members so your photographer knows who is who, without you having to take time from your wedding day to make extra introductions.

Then you fill out information about the various shots you want. Do you want photos of the wedding party getting ready? Bridal party and groom’s party? Do you want family photos before and after the ceremony? Do you want photos of the cake cutting and the signing of the legal documents? How much time are you allotting for each activity?

All of these details (and more) can be arranged with your photographer weeks or months in advance by filling out this shot list. This ensures you and your photographer both know what to expect and how much time you have for each location and activity. Things go so much more smoothly when those things are worked out ahead of time!

2: If you hire them, will they give you a free consultation before your wedding date?

The answer to this should always be yes. Whether it’s in person or by telephone, at least a few days prior to your wedding, you and your photographer should have a one-on-one discussion about the kinds of photos you envision for your wedding day. Especially if you plan on having formal/posed shots of the bride and groom alone. Where would you like to do those? Would you like them to be posed, or would you like something more casual? Do you have any special ideas in mind?

These are things that are best discussed in person with the photographer so you can both be clear about your vision and your needs for your wedding photography.

3: How soon after your wedding can you expect to receive your photos?

A standard rule on this, is that anything under 60 days is reasonable. More than 60 days is not. If possible, get a quote about this in writing (even an email will do) or included in your wedding photography contract.

4: Does the photographer have portable lighting in case of bad weather or in case of a dim, indoor location?

You want to be sure to hire someone who is prepared for any eventuality. Although portable lighting won’t do much good during your ceremony, (nobody wants to see extra lights set up right in front of the bride and groom during the ceremony) for all the posed shots, additional lighting can make a huge difference during a dark day or in a dim room. Obviously for outdoor ceremonies, plugging in lighting equipment can be difficult and sometimes dangerous, but if the weather is bad, you’ll want to do your photos indoors anyway.

5: Do they work in digital or film or both? Whichever they use, do they provide you with prints or with a CD ROM of your images?

These days, most photographers work strictly in digital, so you’d think you wouldn’t even need to ask. But occasionally a photographer will prefer to shoot in film or with a combination of both. You should specify this just in case there’s an extra charge for whatever they shoot in film.

Digital photographers have the added advantage of providing you with a CD or DVD with all of your digital images instead of you having to go through the expensive process of ordering prints from the photographer. A photographer who does provide prints will have to factor that additional expense into their fee.

Choosing and ordering your own printing from wherever you like, is a lot more cost-effective for you. (As well as being much more environmentally conscious).

6: A VERY important thing to make sure of before hiring any kind of service or supplier for your wedding - and this includes your photographer – is if they provide a contract and receipts or invoices?

Don’t hire anyone who doesn’t provide you with some form of documentation for your transactions. Contracts and invoices/receipts are for your benefit and protection just as much as they are for the tradespeople and service suppliers you hire. Always make sure you get a signed contract upon paying any deposit fee.

7: Ask your potential photographer if they require a booking fee/deposit?

A professional photographer will require this, so expect them to say yes. The average professional photographer doesn’t tend to charge more than 20% for a deposit, sometimes a bit less. This deposit guarantees the photographer’s availability for your date and time. It also guarantees you get the exact services you agreed to.

8: Be sure ask if the booking fee is refunded from the total sum agreed upon for your wedding photography contract. Again, the answer to this should always be ‘yes’.

9: Ask when you’re expected to pay the remaining sum for your wedding photography?

Some photographers invoice you after your wedding, some require full payment by the day of. Either is acceptable, but more often than not, you’ll be expected to make the full payment on or before your wedding day. This applies to paying videographers as well.

10: Finally, always remember to ask if Photoshop image re-touching is included in the photographer’s rates or if they charge extra for that?

In this age of digital photography, Photoshop (or an equivalent program) is exactly like a darkroom. Contrast and colour are corrected and adjusted. Blemishes are removed, focus is sharpened, effects can be added, images can be produced in black and white as well as colour.

Making these adjustments to photos is all part of a professional photographer’s job and you should not be expected to pay extra money for this service. If someone doesn’t include this service in their photography rates, I would recommend that you hire someone else who does.

Now that you’ve asked these 10 important questions, it should be a lot easier to make your decision!

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What to look for in your wedding photographer

There can be a lot of confusion for the recently engaged couple on what to look for in their prospective wedding photographer. Questions can range from what the photographer will wear at the wedding to whether the photographer photographs with film or digital cameras. Planning a wedding can be a stressful and confusing process. The following guidelines will help soon-to-be brides and grooms make an informed and solid decision regarding the employment of a wedding photographer.

How important is a wedding photographer?

At the end of your wedding day, the things that are going to still be with you are your memories and, hopefully, beautiful wedding images that will help you relive those moments for the rest of your lives. Therefore, hiring a wedding photographer is can be compared to hiring a personal historian– someone who will help document and record the tears, the laughter and the joys of the day. Entrusting your memories to a professional wedding photographer may very well be the most important decision you make in all of your wedding planning. Therefore, all care should be taken in ensuring that the professional you select is talented, skilled and fully capable of delivering the finished product.

Finding the right wedding photographer

1. What style of photography to you like? Do you and your fiancé prefer a primarily photojournalistic and candid approach or is a more traditional style more to your liking? Would you like your photographer to perform extensive post-production to your images (such as color tinting a black and white photograph) or do you prefer a more organic enhancement of your images?

2. How many photographers do you want providing coverage of your wedding?

Many photographers bring second-shooters along to help cover the wedding. Other photographers prefer to work alone and feel confident in their abilities to provide full coverage of the wedding solo. Talk with your fiancé about your preferences and whether or not you want an assistant to accompany your photographer.

3. Are your negatives and/or digital files included in the package?

Many wedding photographers now include the negatives and high resolution digital files in their packages but there are a number of photographers who do not. If you’re working with a budget, you may want to look for photographers who offer the negatives and/or files as ordering prints from a photographer could cost you a lot of money.

4. What sort of photo album are you looking for?

Wedding albums range from the simple to the extravagant. Some photographers will offer a simple linen album that holds approximately 50 4×6 images. Other options are Flush Mount albums or Coffee Book Table albums. These albums can cost anywhere from $600 to $2000. Review your photographer’s samples of wedding albums and talk about what you’re looking for.

Remember, being informed gives you the tools to make a good decision about your wedding photographer. Knowing what you’re looking for before starting your wedding photographer search will save you a lot of time and help you be confident that you’ve made the right decision.

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