Criminal Records and Technology by Brian McElwee

There is a strange dichotomy of information when it comes to criminal record research, with the most easily accessed and ‘technically advanced’ records frequently being outdated and less reliable than those held in paper files, microfiche and archive rooms. Most background checks have multiple components, including an Address History, Criminal Record Searches, Employment and Education Verifications, Credit Reports and more. The purpose of this article however, is to focus on criminal record research and how developments in technology are presenting employers and other end-users with additional options, and more importantly, decisions that can minimize or create legal exposure.

In today’s world of instant information, there is often an assumption that a single, electronically accessible source of all criminal records must be available. Not so. Even the FBI National Criminal Information Center (NCIC), which is available only to law enforcement and certain government agencies, does not contain all records. The bottom line is simple; our laws and record keeping procedures haven’t kept pace with advances in technology. Enter the key words “background check” in any search engine and within a few clicks, you’ll find promotions for “Nationwide Criminal Record Search” and “Instant Statewide Criminal Record Search”. These searches are database oriented and represent the growing availability of what is commonly sold as an instant and complete background check. The idea that a criminal records search can be ordered and completed within a few seconds is very appealing – a miracle of sorts for those experiencing a time famine. In too many cases however, users are focused on delivery time and not content. Would it surprise you to find that an “Instant Statewide Search” doesn’t include all records in the state or that a “Nationwide Search” really isn’t nationwide? Don’t be. Because there is no standard among states as to what should or should not be reported with regard to criminal records, data content varies widely from one state to the next. The Massachusetts CORI system for example, filters the publicly available criminal record data extensively – the North Carolina Statewide search produces an extensive history, all the way down to low level misdemeanors and infractions. Many counties in Texas, which requires all counties to report felony convictions to the state, simply lack the personnel to comply with state regulations, leaving volumes of criminal records unreported. And with Vermont, California, Louisiana and other states offering no widespread electronic access to criminal record databases, how can a search be advertised as ‘Nationwide’? The answer to that question lies with the provider and is a valid consideration when selecting a vendor.

Of equal importance is how records reported from instant database sources can or cannot be used. If the reported information is from sources that are updated monthly, quarterly or even annually, then it isn’t considered to be the most current information available. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), if a Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA) is reporting information that could have an adverse impact (such as a criminal record), they must either notify the consumer (applicant/employee) of what is being reported and to whom it is being reported; or have strict procedures in place to insure that reported information is the most accurate and up-to-date information available. In most cases, this means the records reported from the database would need to be verified with a County Court Criminal Record search.

Instant criminal record searches definitely have a place in your screening program – it just isn’t as the primary means of research. The most effective and FCRA compliant method of criminal record research is a County Court Criminal Record search conducted in each county of residency and employment during the past 7 years, supplemented by Statewide Criminal Record searches or a Multi-State Criminal Database search. County Court searches generally require a visit to the courthouse; usually Superior Court where felony and serious misdemeanors are handled. These searches produce the most current information available along with at least two identifiers. The Statewide and Multi-State database searches are an excellent means of broadening the geographic scope of the search. Even though most cases occur in a county of residency or employment, there are certainly occasions when individuals violate laws outside these areas. If a record is identified by one of the instant database searches and you plan to use it in making an employment decision, it should be verified via a County Court search.

Eventually, technology at the County Courts will advance to the point where up-to-the-minute information will be available on all records. When that point is reached, the ability to run a truly instant FCRA compliant criminal record search will have been realized. Until then, stick with the standard 7 year County Court search, and use the instant database searches as a supplement to improve your screening program.


About The Author
easyBackgrounds - Comprehensive pre employment, criminal and employee background check services with quick turn around

The author invites you to visit:
http://www.easybackgrounds.com

Advances in Ethernet Technology Boost Industrial Networking Capabilities by Chris Muldowney

An assembly line, or any highly automated, complex industrial process, typically relies on a three-layer system of controllers. At the top is a human machine interface (HMI), where a human operator monitors the system. The middle layer of the hierarchy consists of programmable logic controllers (PLC) working with a communications system (such as Ethernet). The bottom layer is the fieldbus, which serves as a local area network (LAN) for instruments used in process control and manufacturing automation applications. It links the PLCs to devices such as sensors, actuators, electric motors and electric speed controllers.

During the 1990s, fieldbus networks flourished on the factory floor. These applications save time and money by simplifying machine wiring, but the low bandwidth communications they provide lack the speed needed to synchronize positions between multiple axes. In the last few years, Ethernet has received considerable attention as an alternative to these dedicated industrial buses, thanks to advances in its high-speed data network functionality.

Ethernet first ran at 10MB, then at 100MB and will soon operate at 1GB data-transfer rates, meaning it’s now fast enough to be used for a motionbus (a fieldbus for motion control purposes). An Ethernet motionbus takes advantage of high consumer volumes of Ethernet components to keep hardware costs down.

Ethernet POWERLINK is one of the most promising advances in motionbus technology. A real-time protocol for standard Ethernet, POWERLINK is managed by the Ethernet POWERLINK Standardization Group (EPSG). Austrian automation company B&R debuted this protocol in 2001. Ethernet POWERLINK acts as the nervous system, communicating to and from servo and stepper motor systems, drives and the other components that make up the system. As the mastermind of the HMI, Ethernet POWERLINK can oversee functions such as electronic ac motor control and electric motor speed control.

Ethernet POWERLINK solves the issue of determinism — the certainty of a system responding within a certain amount of time — which has been the historical drawback to using Ethernet as a motion-control solution. Standard Ethernet is non-deterministic. That means there is no guarantee when a data packet will arrive at its intended destination. Two different packets may collide on the network, and when they do, standard Ethernet resolves the collision by randomly assigning a wait time to each packet before it can be resent.

Synchronized timing isn’t a major issue for some everyday operations, but that precision is critical for multi-axis motion systems. Ethernet POWERLINK solves the determinism issue by assigning each important motion a dedicated, isochronous time slot when it can send and receive data.

Ethernet POWERLINK also solves the issue of elaborate cabling. Fieldbus networks used to rely on a tangled network of wires and cables that were both complicated and expensive. With Ethernet POWERLINK, there’s just one plug to connect everything, and that simple wiring results in significant cost savings.

Ethernet POWERLINK also offers off-the-shelf networking hardware and chipsets, making Ethernet an open and “future-proof” solution for motion control. Other solutions rely on closed, proprietary hardware designs accessible only to them and their licensees. They are using Ethernet cabling, and may support TCP/IP packets, but the chip hardware is unique. There are typically patent and intellectual property rights associated with these designs, adding cost and complexity along with support issues.

As a result of these advances in Ethernet technology, motion controllers on the factory floor can be linked right to the front office — meaning that an engineer can monitor a machine process without leaving his desk. As Ethernet technology continues to advance, it will improve on its ability to combine the benefits of fieldbus network wiring, Ethernet speeds and visibility, consumer volume hardware costs and open platforms.

How to Maintain Your Income Stream If You Are Laid Off? by Nicole Reebi

How to Maintain Your Income Stream If You Are Laid Off?

The world has entered into a recession, many corporations and companies had announced their job cutting news. If you are an employee for any of the companies that have plan to reduce their company's headcounts; then, your job will not be guaranteed. The question is how you are going to maintain your income stream just in case you are being laid off and unable to find a new job due to the job opportunities have been cutting down tremendously by most companies. It's time for you to think of setting up a second income source.

If you are thinking of getting a part-time job from other company, and go to work after your day job, then you probably will have a hard time find one in today's recession situation. Then, what other ways to source for income if you can't find a part-time job?

What if you create one for yourself? There are a few ways to make your own business without the need to investment a lot of money. By using the advantages of internet and online business features that allow you to work from home, here are the 2 common ways of earning money online:

1. Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is a business model that enables you to make money online without the need to have your own product. There are many online merchants looking for marketing outsourcing. They make their products available for online freelance agents, called affiliates who will be given commission based on their sales. You can set up a website to sell a few selected affiliate products. Your role as an affiliate is to drive web traffic to your website or directly to merchant's website through a unique link that will identify you as the affiliate who makes the sale.

Affiliate marketing has been a good income source for many people either as the part-time job or a full-time income. You may consider to set up a second income source through affiliate marketing while you still with your day job. Invest some time and efforts to make it successful; it can become your main income source just in case you are being laid off.

2. Set up an online store

Unlike traditional business, you don't need to invest a lot of money to have your own business on internet. You can choose to become your own boss by opening an online store to sell physical or downloadable products. In addition, you don't need to own a product for an online business. There is a business called dropshipping where you can easily find the products you are interested in selling at your online store; buy it at wholesale price and sell it at retail price at your online store. Under the dropshipping business model, dropshippers will sell you their product at wholesale price for individual item and they will deliver the ordered items to your customers on your behalf.

You don't need to quit your day job to start an online business. In fact, you can do it in parallel and work it out for a success. The income from online store can replace your main income just in case you have lost your job due to being laid off.

Summary

Under the bad economy situation where companies are looking for potential cost cutting and headcounts reduction, no job is guaranteed. As a working individual, you need to start to think of how to maintain your income stream if you are hit by the recession wave. Internet can be the best source to set up an income online and be the back up income stream while you are still with your day job.

Straight Edge Marketing launches 2009 Stimulus Package and iVo Technology

Arts: The Passing of a Pop Icon - NYTimes.com/Video

Michael Jackson, the legendary singer, songwriter and dancer, died in Los Angeles on Thursday.

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The greatest performer ever

Interview with Michael Cheney from AdSense Videos

Interview
with Michael Cheney from AdSense Videos

Q. So what made
you get started with AdSense?

A. I
was looking for a way to monetize some of my websites. AdSense
is such an easy thing to get started with the eye for it would
be a great way to start earning more money without actually putting
into much more effort. I think as soon as you see the first earnings
coming into your account you get addicted to AdSense. I know is
what happened to me and since then I've just spent time working
out how to earn more and more each day.

Q. How much do
you make with AdSense?

A. Some days I can earn
close to $1000 and others it's less than that. But it all comes
down to how much time and effort you devote to creating a quality
site that people like visiting. AdSense is not what my business
is based on by any means - but it is a great way to earn revenue
almost on autopilot.

Q. What is the
biggest mistake people making with AdSense?

A. Probably
the biggest mistake people make is thinking the AdSense earnings
are easy to achieve. It is very easy to get started but as I learned
it takes a lot of effort to increase your earnings. I got really
downhearted whenever I would log in to my account to see that
I had only made a few dollars. And that's when I decided to spend
months and months of my time learning everything I could about
AdSense.

I basically buried myself
away and devoured every single piece of AdSense information I
could find. I ran thousands of AdSense tests and started to see
a dramatic effect on my click through ratio and therefore on my
earnings.

This is why I'd decided
to record the videos - because I knew that it would help people
who were in my position to also increase their earnings. I've
read an absolute ton of AdSense e-book's but they take so long
to go through and always seem to keep information back.

With AdSense Videos I
knew that I had to tell the story exactly as it is and actually
show people and lead them by the hand through the exact techniques
that I use to generate large earnings from AdSense.

Q. In your videos
you show people how to increase their AdSense earnings - can you
give us a taster of this advice?

A. I
don't want to give away my biggest secrets as you can understand!
But some of the more basic things that you can do to increase
your revenues include using ads that blend in rather than stand
out from your content. Flat out the worst thing you can do with
an AdSense ad is make it look like the standard Google ad. What
you need to realise is that you will get more clicks if your ad
actually appears part of your site rather than something that's
just been dropped into the page.

Q. What would
you recommend that someone do right now to increase their AdSense
earnings?

A. I've
created a totally free AdSense minicourse that people can go through
to learn some of my techniques. It takes you through the four
cornerstone principles that I've used to build up my AdSense empire.
You can check it out, as well as all the AdSense Videos, here:


CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEOS

Michael Jackson - Thriller

Michael Jackson Thriller
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Michael Jackson Dead At 50: "R.I.P."

One Word... "Legend" "Which Michael Jackson song is Your ALL TIME FAV?"

WTIA: 1of8 - The Stimulus and the Washington Technology Industry; April 09

As Washington DC directs billions in economic stimulus the states, what is the opportunity for the Puget Sound and Washington States technology industry? What role will IT play in rescuing and reshaping the economy? Will the stimulus create lasting change? How should businesses position themselves now to influence where and how this money is spent?

WTIA: 2of8 - The Stimulus and the Washington Technology Industry; April 09

As Washington DC directs billions in economic stimulus the states, what is the opportunity for the Puget Sound and Washington States technology industry? What role will IT play in rescuing and reshaping the economy? Will the stimulus create lasting change? How should businesses position themselves now to influence where and how this money is spent?

WTIA: 3of8 - The Stimulus and the Washington Technology Industry; April 09

As Washington DC directs billions in economic stimulus the states, what is the opportunity for the Puget Sound and Washington States technology industry? What role will IT play in rescuing and reshaping the economy? Will the stimulus create lasting change? How should businesses position themselves now to influence where and how this money is spent?