Archive for December, 2007

31st Dec 2007

Paternity Dna Testing

Paternity DNA testing is a reliable way to determine the true paternal identity of a child, and generally provides 99.9% accurate results. Paternal DNA testing is legally binding and can be used to solve legal issues surrounding the true birth parents of a child, such as alimony, visitation, etc.

The DNA profile of a person possesses two genetic types, also known as alleles, inherited from each parent. By comparing the DNA profiles of the mother and the child, the genetic type inherited form its mother is identified, which leaves the other half being inherited from the child’s biological father. The profile of the child and the father is then examined to determine whether the DNA profile matches the paternal alleles in the child.

Although paternity DNA testing is quite accurate, it is never possible to prove 100% that a man is definitely the biological father of a child, as it might be remotely possible that another man may have the same DNA profiling as that of the child. Most paternity DNA testing requires utmost security and confidentiality. One should also ensure that all the specimens collected for analysis should be collected according to the regulations, which require photo identification of all people providing blood samples, specifications for labeling and sealing of sample containers, and maintaining confidentiality of the case details, including names, addresses and results. One should also ensure that the DNA testing centers store all samples and case files in a secure area with tightly controlled access.

The results for the DNA tests are usually issued within five working days of receipt of all specimens by mail to the mother and the alleged father or the legal representative. Although most DNA paternity tests are admissible in most courts of law, it is recommended that you check your state and local governments for regulations that may govern this service.

e-DNATesting.com DNA Testing provides detailed information on DNA Testing, Paternity DNA Testing, Free DNA Testing, At Home DNA Testing and more. DNA Testing is affiliated with z-DNA.com DNA Structures.

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31st Dec 2007

How to Make Yourself Write - Tips and Tricks

All writers, graduate students, and professors know that they’re supposed to write on a daily basis, or at least as frequently as possible. Despite this knowledge, most find it difficult to maintain a regular writing habit.

I’m frequently asked for tips on how to make yourself write, even when you don’t feel like it (which for many, is most of the time!)

What is the One Way That’s Guaranteed to Work?

Sorry! There’s no one correct method. And what works for you now may not work at some other time.

So I’ve listed a bunch of ideas below. Just pick what feels right for you, tweak it if necessary, and see what works!

How to Write Right Now
1. Start with right now. Don’t beat yourself up about what you didn’t do yesterday. Don’t think about how much you have to do by Friday or next month. Just do what you need to do at this very moment.
2. Change your writing format. If you’re used to typing, try longhand. This can be very freeing. Or print out your previous writing, and cut and paste it onto index cards in order to organize your thinking.
3. Remove yourself from all normal temptations, such as email and telephones. You can combine this with the previous tip. I notice that I get a lot done when I’m on a plane or in a waiting room. I have a notebook with me, and I start jotting down my thoughts, and sometimes I’m more prolific than when I’m in front of my laptop!
4. Use a timer. When you turn it on, you know that you can’t do anything else but write. No email, no Internet, no phone. The upside is that you know that when the timer goes off, you can stop writing, and do more enjoyable activities. Try setting the timer for short periods of time and then taking a break; say 30 minutes on and 10 minutes off. You can use the timer to time your breaks, also.
5. Sign up for my newsletter and receive the “Academic Writer’s Block Wizard.” Pull it out and use it when you’re stuck!

How to Set Up a Regular Writing Habit
1. Always write first thing in the morning, before showering or reading the paper (caffeine optional.) If you’re not a morning person, pick another regular time.
2. At the end of each writing session, make a note as to what you will start with next time.
3. Have a special place where you always write. Set it up with everything you need, and if possible, don’t use this space for other purposes.
4. Focus on the amount of time spent writing (or trying to write!) Don’t focus on number or words, paragraphs or pages produced. What counts is the regular habit of thinking. Some days will be fruitful and others won’t. It all counts as long as you put the time in.
5. Track your progress. This might take the form of an ongoing chart that shows how much you’ve written daily, a journal, or a graph. One creative client of mine has developed a nice technique. Whenever she sits down to write, she lights a candle. This is a signal that she is not “allowed” to do anything but work on her writing. A nice touch is that she’s saved all the matches that she’s used to light these “writing candles.” The matches show her how much work she’s actually put into writing.
6. Put writing time into your calendar or daytimer as if it were an appointment. When others ask if you’re busy then, you can honestly say, “Yes.”
7. Keep a running list of points that you want to cover in your work. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate outline. Then when you’re stuck, you can go to your list. It feels good to check each item off as you cover it.
8. Find a writing buddy. Agree that you will each write at the same time each day. You can make this a more firm agreement by calling, writing, or instant messaging each other before or after you work.

Try one or more of these techniques – I’m sure one will be helpful. Just remember that the most important step is sitting down to write!

Gina J Hiatt, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist, tenure coach and dissertation coach and enjoys helping faculty and graduate students complete research, writing projects, and publish, while maintaining high teaching standards and other commitments. In addition to dissertation coaching, she teaches workshops and teleclasses on time management, writing, career planning and grad student/advisor relationships. Sign up for my free newsletter at academicladder.com academicladder.com or call me at (703) 734-4945.

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