Experiential training program aims to get more women leaders
in top management positions.

Birmingham, AL (GoArticles) September 7, 2005 – Can women lead
America’s businesses?

Six corporate consultants and one Princeton student say “Yes!”

A new leadership development program for women in business was
announced today. Six former corporate managers and consultants
to Fortune 500 companies and one student from Princeton came
together to form one of the most dynamic new development
programs for women in business available on the market today.

WomenCorp, an international women’s leadership training company,
was developed as a solution to the problem many companies are
experiencing in attracting and retaining top talent.

“Considering that 50% of the talent pool is made up of women and
women are leaving at twice the rate of men, something has to be
done to help companies keep their women leaders.” Says Roxanne
Batson, founder of WomenCorp.

The concept of an experiential training program for women was
developed after these consultants and entrepreneurs noted how
many large corporations were suffering continual outflow of
their women managers.

“Our goal was to develop a way to help companies retain talented
individuals by addressing the specific training needs that would
develop women in management to their highest potential” said
Batson.

The venture began with a survey (see it at
http://www.WomenCorp.org) conducted by WomenCorp, that asked
both men and women managers why they felt that less than 20% of
top management in companies are women. While the answers and
comments varied, the consensus was “lack of flexibility”.

It has long been debated that women, often the primary
caregivers in their family, have the ability and desire to work
50-60 hours per week and give their complete attention to the
company. Therefore, it’s been said that it is difficult for such
women to compete with men who focus more time and energy on
their job.

Yet, in society today, many women are not only the primary
caregivers, but also the sole provider within their family. In
addition, many possess talents that are highly valuable to the
company. For successful companies to stay on top and retain
their talent, it will continue to be important to open the doors
for women to achieve top management positions.

There is another issue that surfaced in the survey. It seems
that while many women (52.4%) believe that women in management
are not as confident as male peers, men felt differently (only
17.9% chose “lack of confidence” as an issue).

“Confidence usually comes from knowledge, but can be undermined
when there is a lack of support for the way women view things,”
said Ms. Batson. “A woman who have achieved a high position in
her company is often a lone female voice among many male voices
so there isn’t much support. At the same time, few women are in
line management jobs where they are able to gain experience
necessary to manage to the bottom line. Yet, this is exactly the
type experience that most companies look for in its top tier
managers. This is where we believe we can make a difference.”

WomenCorp offers development workshops for mindset and
confidence building combined with experiential training to teach
women in management all aspects of running highly profitable
businesses including P&L, revenue generation and leadership.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Brian Kirk WomenCorp (205) 835-8167

http://www.WomenCorp.or

Recently I bought a magazine dedicated to Scale Model Trains. There inside was an article about the Milwaukee Train fest. This is the third year they have held it and 21,621 railroad fans attended. I got my answer to something I wondered about. There are fans like me out there. I remembered my Uncle and his favorite hobby, which was his train set. It was a long time ago, but what I do remember was the smoke rising from the locomotive. I can still picture the little villages, people, and the way he could control the track. One time the train would go this way and the next it would go another.

I can still hear the whistle blow and the crossing bell. Those were really fun times. I looked forward to Christmas and watching Uncle Joe play with his Model Toy Train. Another thing that amazed me was the detail of everything. In this young boys eyes it was a miniature version of the real thing. One year he had snow on the tracks and I was concerned that it would derail the trail. Looking back I’m sure he got a kick out of that. The magazine I bought goes into detail about different types of Model Toy Trains, including HO,N and large scales. You can now use digital controls. From the novice to the engineer there is a train set out there for every fan. I also noticed a lot of people that are collectors. My life today is a far cry from those innocent days, but I’d love to go back and watch that train run around that track one more time.

Woodworking is a craft of creating furniture or anything that is made of wood. The most common types of wood used for woodworking are hardwood, softwood, and the most recent man made materials like MDF and plywood. While traditional hand tools can execute well for woodworking, the need for power tools and modern equipments are also vital for further productivity and convenience.

Traditional woodworkers normally use manual hand tools as well as simple measuring tools. In spite of that, they can accurately create beautiful furniture. However, traditional skills and tools require much more time to complete a project. With this concern, many woodworkers have shifted to utilizing modern woodworking machines and more accurate measuring tools. These modern tools and machines offer woodworkers ease of doing even the toughest projects in less time. With these features, woodworkers can perform with increased productivity and greater precision.

It is a fact that woodworkers must have the proper tools whether it is hand tools or power tools so that outstanding wood crafts can be built. It is also vital that they learn the proper way of using these tools. Below are some of the essential tools needed for woodworking shops. We start with the most basic to the most hi-end power tools, which a woodworker ought to have.

Hammers

Hammers are mostly used by traditional woodworkers. This tool is a general woodworking tool and is necessary especially when applying nails for crafting furniture. This can also be used in making jigs for your workshop. For quality woodworking, a small dead-blow hammer having a weight of one to two pounds is recommended. A rubber mallet hammer is also needed for accomplishing finishing touches crucial to avoiding scratches on the wood.

Hand Plane

Hand plane tools are frequently manipulated to remove small wood surpluses in finishing cuts of wood. This tool can also be adjusted depending on the required cut. It can be used to take away extra glue from the wood joints for a smoother finishing.

Hand Saw

Although there are power tools for cutting wood, it is still best if you have a hand saw. This tool is very flexible and can do a lot of general cutting requirements. It can be utilized to cut braces or complete some trimming.

Level

This tool is substantially functional for hanging cabinets and tool holders.

Screwdrivers

Screwdrivers are not only valuable to woodworking but they are versatile tools, as well. Although rarely used in woodworking applications, screwdrivers are still an indispensable tool for a workshop. They are ideal for adjusting or tightening other power tools and can also be used in fixing screws in furniture and cabinetry.

Chisels

Even if you have the most advanced power tools, there will always be a project that will necessitate the application of chisels. These tools are available in different sizes and are good for multi purpose treatments. They are just right for rounding corners, glue removal, as a scraper, and a lot more functions.

Table Saw

Generally, table saws are the heavily exploited among all machines in a woodworking shop. These machines are significantly advantageous in cutting large quantities and sizes of wood pieces in less time. This too is considered the backbone of a woodworking shop, so make sure to purchase the best, which would last for long years.

Band Saw

These types of saw machines are great for accurately cutting curves and intricate forms of cuts.

Radial Arm Saw

This tool is handled for manifold cutting applications such as cross cutting, stock ripping, and bevel cutting. These are joined by miters, rabbets, and dadoes. It can also be applied as a guide for routers.

Power Drill

A power drill is elemental and has the power for most drilling job. This tool is handy and is useful for drilling hard to reach areas of a project, as well. This power tool comes with a modifiable speed.

Drill Press

The drill press can be employed for drilling holes in stocks of wood with precision. This machine comes with adjustable clamps, which hold the stock into place. Drill press machines can either be for table tops or floors.

Random Orbital Sander

The orbital sander can perform sanding with random motion and thus, reduces sanding markings as compared to palm sanders. The sanding disks can be effortlessly replaced with proper grits required for a task.

Have you always wanted to become a model?  Fashion models are well sought after of all sizes and shapes.  Ideally, fashion models were tall and lanky and could fit into any size from a 4 to a 10.  Today, however, there is an increasing demand for larger fashion models to fit into real clothes and who look like real people.  This is especially true when it comes to online modeling jobs. 

You do not have to dash your dream to become a model if you are not a size two.  While you should have an attractive appearance, you can hire makeup artists, hair stylists and a good photographer to come up with a good portfolio for you.  All models need to have portfolios and they should be updated periodically.  Along with the original photos, you should also place any photos in your portfolio of any modeling jobs that you have acquired.  The more expanded your portfolio, the better chance you have of landing modeling jobs. 

The best way now to become a model is to use an online agency.  They will post your portfolio on the site and also have a job board where you can look for modeling jobs for fashion models that will suit you.  Fashion models usually model clothing and most likely, those who hire you for this job will want you to model their clothes.  In some cases, they will send you the clothes and ask you to pose in different fashions.  They will make this all very clear to you.  The more used you get to modeling clothes as a fashion model, the easier it will become.  Most online companies today do not send for models for their fashion shots but prefer to do it electronically.  This works for both online websites as well as off line catalogs.  You can become a model without even leaving your home by using the computer to get jobs as well as add to your portfolio. 

Years a go, if you wanted to become a model, you had to have an agency that would represent you.  You had to bring along a portfolio and travel to places like New York in the hopes of being signed.  This is not the case any longer.  As the internet continues to expand, there is an increasing need for fashion models of all sizes, ages and shapes.  You can become a model online and this can even lead to off line modeling jobs as well. 

You should be very active in seeking out modeling jobs for your type.  Once you find a job that you think will suit you on the site board, you should apply by sending them your portfolio.  Do not take it personally if you are turned down.  Modeling is a very competitive field and in most cases, clients are looking for a certain type of person and not basing everything they see on appearance.  You should have good poise and be photogenic.  Fashion models, like all models, need to photograph well and be comfortable in their own skin.  If you want to become a model, you need the portfolio and the looks, but you also need to have self confidence that comes out through the camera. 

By the end of the First World War, many changes in fashion came about. Short bobs became in, as well as pinafores worn above the knee. Corsets were gone, and women suddenly dressed like boys. The androgynous style soon became the in thing by 1925. Sportswear became hot trends among men and women, with popular designers Jean Patou with Coco Chanel helping popularize the athletic look.

Chanel was one of the most popular fashion movers of the era, as she was responsible for introducing chic and futuristic designs. She helped in making popular the bob hairstyle, use of jersey knit among women, as well as use of the little black dress. She also made popular the use of jewelry and knitwear among her clients.

Another popular French designer of the era was Jeanne Lanvin, who was responsible for introducing intricate trimmings, as well as impressive embroideries and decorations. By the middle of the decade she had manufactured an impressive line of products ranging from men’s wear, sportswear, and lingerie.

Still another renowned designer of the decade was Jean Patou. While hers was never mainstream, Patou’s style was eccentric and original. She was known for her garments with clean lines, emphasized by luxury and practicality.

Men’s wear became emphasized youthfulness and relaxation. Formality was being forgotten, as men preferred to show off their youthfulness. They wore short suit jackets, as well as short tuxedo, sweaters and short pants. Another trend was the London cut, made popular by the English tailor Scholte.