Character Reference

It appears that HTML entities can cause RSS/syndication readers to fail when trying to read WordPress comment RSS feeds. Fortunately, a plugin has been written to resolve the issue. Entity 2NCR has a confusing name, but has a purpose that is easy to understand which is to convert various HTML Character Entities to their numeric equivalents.

HTML Explained

The Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) is a simple markup language used to create hypertext documents that are platform independent. HTML documents are SGML documents with generic semantics appropriate for representing information from a wide range of domains. It can represent hypertext news, mail, documentation and hypermedia as well as menus of options, database query results and simple structured documents with in-line graphics. It can likewise represent hypertext views of existing bodies of information.

The World Wide Web (WWW) has been using HTML since 1990, making it one if the most widely used computer languages in the world. The WWW, in turn, is most commonly used for HTML whose popularity is due to the fact that it is the coding technology used to publish content on the Internet or the web. Programmers were quick to recognize HTML's user friendliness due to the ease of learning it.

This ease of coding was significantly contributory to the proliferation of web sites. However, HTML is not a complete programming language because it lacks conditional tests and flow control statements. There are implementations that may offer extensions to the HTML language in order to accomplish these functions but are not actually part of the HTML standards. By embedding some suitable programming language code inside HTML, the power of real programming language is realized.

A character entity can be written in two ways in HTML. One is called the symbolic reference while the other is the numeric reference. Symbolic references start with an ampersand and ends with a semi colon. The description of the symbol which is generally a shortened version of the full expression, can be found between these two. The letters in the middle are case sensitive and are usually lower cased, though there are exceptions.

Numeric references also start with an ampersand and finish with a semi colon, but between them is a number preceded by a hash. These are less memorable than symbolic references but correspond only to just a single byte of data. This can be very useful if one is trying to optimize pages for minimum download time. Symbolic references are sometimes referred to as entity references while numeric references are also called decimal references.

Most unusual characters can be directly entered without any problem. However, HTML character entities can be used in case one does encounter a problem. Lines and paragraph are automatically recognized. A couple of blank lines are added when paragraphs are not recognized.

A character entity is a method used to display special characters normally reserved for use in HTML. For instance, the less than () are used as part of the HTML tag structure, thus both symbols are reserved for the use. If there is a need to display these symbols on one's site, character entities can be used.

Problems

Many WordPress users are running afoul of character entities appearing in their comment RSS feeds, which many RSS/syndication readers fail on. The WordPress Plugin - Entity 2NCR seeks to resolve this by converting various HTML character entities such as », &, © and so on to their numeric equivalents. This plugin is for RSS output, but can also be adapted to posts if the user so wishes.

Installation of the Entity2NCR is not needed if a user is running WordPress 1.5.1 and above. It will only result to problems due to the plugin's function having the same name in the WordPress core. Upgrading to the most recent version is recommended since the plugin is already incorporated. The Entity2NCR should first be deactivated from the Plugin Admin before the installation of 1.5.1. The user should likewise delete its file from the WP-contents/plugins directory since it will just unnecessarily take up space.

The Entity2NCR is installed by downloading the zip file, extracting http://Entity2NCR.php from it and uploading this to the WP-content/plugins/directory and activating the plugin in WordPress. Entity2NCR hits the standard assortment of HTML character entities plus some of the more unusual and obscure ones as well. While this plugin primarily focuses on RSS output, both from posts and comments, it can also convert character entities in the regular content on one's blog as well. At the end of the plugin for the add-filter lines, the user is to remove the comment for any WordPress function he/she would want Entity2NCR to work on.

The RSS 2.0 spec is too vague although it can produce feeds that are valid, accurate and useful. This means that the contents of the feed should reflect the best possible representation of the article content. The spec does not say however, what to do if an article title contains HTML code or entities. It also doesn't say a lot of other things. In fact, an entire industry has sprung around the service of interpreting and fixing the various semantic differences between feeds. RSS application developers need to agree on some basic answers to fundamental questions instead of making endless conflicting discussions that do not help in any way.

Attribute Values

An HTML author should always put attribute values into quotes in HTML, although the formal rules allow the omission of the quotes in some cases. SGML requires that all attribute values are delimited using either double quotation marks or single quotation marks. Single quote marks can be included within the attribute values when the value is delimited by double quote marks and vice versa. Authors can also use numeric character references to represent double quotes and single quotes or use the character entity reference " for double quotes. There are cases that the values of an attribute may be specified without any quotation marks. The attribute value may contain letters, digits, hyphens and periods. It is highly recommended to use quotation marks even when it is possible to eliminate them.

There are several reasons to always use quotes around attribute values. It is much easier since there is no need to memorize and recall the rules for allowable omission. Another thing is that quotes are always required in XML. When one's HTML file is later edited, it may easily be forgotten to add the quotes in attribute value that is edited in a manner which makes the quotes mandatory. One drawback of doing this is the effort of typing and extra storage and transmission time required which are quite minor issues anyway. Quotes constitute just a small fraction of an HTML file.

Have you ever experienced writing a letter of reference and not knowing what to write? Has anyone approached you requesting a letter of reference and you felt you had to say no? Have you ever wondered how to write a letter of reference?

This letter is generally meant to help someone obtain employment. They are also used when applying for college. There are employers who would require this letter from their employees and regard this letter as a character reference. Often, the purpose for which a letter of reference is intended is huge. This is why it is important to learn how to write a letter of reference especially if you seem to have a lot of people requesting this letter from you.

In almost all cases, only people who know you will request this letter from you. You need not wonder how to write a letter of reference. It's easy but it's easier to write a letter if you are at least familiar with the person; otherwise, you wouldn't even know where you would begin. It is advisable to decline the request and promptly suggest that the person seek for it elsewhere. It is also not advisable to write a recommendation letter if you don't feel like creating one for a particular individual, although you may know of him or her. This kind of letter only works well if you know you can actually recommend the person.

Learning how to write a letter of reference is not that difficult. It doesn't even have to be wordy or long. You only need to explain how the person is related or known to you. Is he your neighbor? Is he a co-worker or a business acquaintance? Is he your student? You also need to put down how long you have known the person. This would determine how well you know the person. A letter of recommendation for someone you have known only known for two days is not really credible.

Aside from mentioning the length of time you have known the person, you also need to mention your shared experiences with the person if there are any. This would give the recipient of the letter a clue as to how trustworthy your claims and recommendations are.

Many people do not know how to write a letter of reference because they do not simply know what to say. Basically, you need to mention of three traits that the person requesting the letter possesses. Is the person honest? Is he dependable? Is he the kind of person that you would want to have on your team? What are his skills?

You need to carefully think of the things you have to say before you actually start writing the letter. Make a draft if necessary. Add an anecdote if you feel like it would help. Just make sure that the person will stand out.

Once you have learned how to write a letter of reference, you wouldn't have difficulty phrasing the words and sentences that will help the person achieve the purpose for which your letter is intended.

Landlords give their property on rent to get additional finance. They provide facilities to the tenant and in return tenants pay monthly rent to the landlord. It is important to check carefully whether tenants are good or bad renters for the sake of getting finance on time. It is necessary for the tenant to place all information about their personal details along with previous residence address in the landlord reference letter. 

Rental applications ask a lot of questions that should be constructed in order to gather enough information about a prospective tenant to avoid any problems. This application would play a decisive role whether he or she is a potential renter or not.

The landlords always think of reducing the risk of losing income by renting his property to the good renters more often than bad renters. Landlords may ask for character reference letter if they are looking for good tenants.

Before entering into the renting place, tenant should act sensible and understand his responsibility towards it. Landlords have invested in their property so they do not want to rent it to anyone who would damage the apartment. If the tenant has a good track record of keeping his previous apartment in good condition, then he or she can get the apartment. The landlord reference letter of the tenant can come from the most recent landlord's. With a good rental history he or she should not have any problem in getting a reference letter from a landlord.

The reference letter may include the behaviour of the tenant with neighbours, paying rent on time, ability of taking care of home, any complaints etc. Nowadays it is very likely that landlords would do a background check and a credit check. So, it is better to keep up the good records, and one should be always aware of his or her credit status. While you may have a good idea about credit score, you should be prepared to explain any deficient areas, if necessary. Everyone has ups and downs in terms of finance, and as long as you have a reasonable explanation and are able to show how you have taken steps to prevent the financial downturns, you should have options to get a good apartment.

Look over your application form that you have to fill for the reference letter and think about the most appropriate things you can say, then jot them down and be sure to express them accurately to your landlord reference writer. It is a good idea to have your landlord reference letter writer to end casually, with an invitation to the landlord to contact him or her if they need more information or clarification about a certain statement.

With the help of good and positive reference letter you not only get an apartment to live but also build up rapport with the landlord and maintain a strong trust- worthy relation forever

For more information you can visit: http://www.landlordtenant.org.uk/

The government of the country you wish to immigrate to wants to know, how best you'll serve and benefit the country. So, what should you know and how can you prepare?

The Health and Character Tests

If you fail the health or character test, your entire application will be rejected.

Fortunately, the requirements can be waived under the  Family Visa Stream (Spouse or Child Visa)
The family Sponsored skilled applications also have the right of appeal against a refusal. Interestingly enough, an independent Application has some recourse against an adverse decision.

Every visa category has a different health and character requirement.

Take the following into consideration: A chest x-ray is required for adult applications in order to obtain a work permit. This only applies is the applicant/you are planning to work in school or hospitals. A police clearance is not mandatory. A discretionary request is mandatory.

The Character Test The test is long and detailed. Applicants are required to provide individual circumstances to their registered migration consultant. This is needed to obtain complete and accurate advice on visa chances.

Your Criminal Offences

In regards to character testing, the Australian Government for example will consider the nature of any offence that the applicant may have. The government will assess any time served as well as how long ago the offence was committed and how many offences are listed and recorded. The country in which the offense occurred will also be taken into consideration as many contrived carry very strict punishments. Some offences are viewed as minor.

Issues that cause problems

Violent offences, drug charges, long periods of imprisonment and serious white collar crime.

The Health Test is as detailed as the Character Test (not to mention your  citizenship test. For example, the most prevalent disease or illnesses that will be checked for are tuberculosis, any contagious or expensive to treat illnesses that could place some strain on the public health system. It's generally about the well being and sustainability of the country. So you may be thinking, what if I offer to pay for all my medical tests or bills through the private system? Surely, this will work in my favour? There's no guarantee that it will. Take into account that once you're a permanent resident you cannot contract out of your public health rights.

Unfavourable Diseases

Cancer, Renal Failure, HIV, certain types of Diabetes, Down syndrome, autism and paraplegia can cause some concern.

It will stand you in good stead to seek professional advice. This area of the Immigration Process can become complicated and intricate. If you think that you don't stand a chance of passing the test, a professional may just prove you wrong.

Preparing for the Test

Everyone's situation is different. The answers below are general as to give great scope. However, the questions and answers aren't concrete and should not be taken too seriously. It'll merely give you an idea as to what you can or may expect.

Health Test and Character Questions – What to Expect

If you have concerns about your medical conditions, it may be a good idea to have a pre-migration assessment done. In fact, there are doctors who specialise in this. Ask your immigration Consultant for advice. You may have a predisposition to certain illnesses. Perhaps, your family line or heredity could be to blame. Who knows? Do a bit of investigation into the diseases or illnesses that are most prevalent in your family line.

Your medical exam will consist of the following; a chest x-ray, blood tests and full medical/body check.

An Immigration Consultant can find a unique solution for your scenario.

The Health Test – Points to Ponder

Scenario:
Applicant is wheelchair-bound wanting to migrate to Australia
Applicants that are wheelchair-bound, wanting to migrate to Australia can gain approval when applying for a spousal visa.

Scenario:
Applicant is diagnosed with cancer. However, the applicant is in remission. Note that the applicant will have to be clear of the disease for five years after remission.

Character Test Know how's – Point to Ponder

Scenario:
Applicant spent 6 months in jail. Applicant was charged with shoplifting. It's a first offense and occurred 10 years ago whilst the applicant was an adolescent.

The length of the time spent in jail was not long. This works in the applicants favour. If the applicant spent 10 or 15 years in jail, there may be some cause for concern. The applicant should gather some excellent character references from people of influence in your community.

Scenario: Applicant has incurred speeding fines.
A speeding fine is not considered a criminal offence. Speeding fines are considered misdemeanours. Usually this won't be an issue.

Your tests are important. Do the best you can to abide by the requirements. However, the best way to prepare is to contact an Immigration Consultant  or complete a free online assessment. The consultant has dealt with various scenarios and will more than likely have a solution for whatever you concerns may be. Give your agent a call and prepare for success!

Want more information from one of our trained professionals? Fill out our FREE ASSESSMENT form or call us on 0845 2 606030 on a no obligation basis.

In order to learn how to set up the format for a reference letter in the litigious culture of today, many important factors must be taken into consideration. If you approach it from the stand point that anything you write may end up in a court of law, you will write an excellent sample reference letter.

You have been asked to write a letter of reference letter for an employee. This person values your opinion, and you are glad to be of help. The problem is you are unsure how to go about writing a reference letter.

Reference letters are generally written for prospective employers, scholarship applications, and character reference. An effective reference letter will contain the following:

1. You must know enough about the person and their skills, abilities, and their character to write clearly and truthfully.

2. You should know whether your organization allows you to write a letter of reference. Some do not!

3. State your title, position, and any other pertinent information.

4. State the title of the person, position, primary responsibilities and professional associations. Also include dates of employment.

5. Use a business like but courteous and warm tone.

6. Do not make vague statements like such as he was respected among his coworkers. But rather say that James led the way in increasing production by 20% over the last year.

7. Describe certain instances where James really shined. You could mention that he stayed late to complete a critical project. Also that he worked diligently to help a customer make a product decision.

8. Say how James is a keen observer and that he knows how to make customers eventually buy. He stays with them every step of the way if they have questions. As you write, give a true, in depth knowledge of the type of person James is.

9. When completed, print five of these sample reference letters on company stationery and give them to James. This gives him additional letters for any other positions that he may apply for in the future. It saves you from having to write them again.

10. If you know it, put the address of the company to whom the letter is being sent, as well as the name of the person who will be collecting these reference letters. A personalized greeting is far better than a general To Whom It May Concern salutation.

11. Leave the address area blank in the other four copies, so that the employee can use them for other job opportunities that may arise.

If you are stuck on what to write, ask James to write a letter about himself in his own words. Use this letter to jog your memory or to give you starters if you get stuck. This is a great time saver if you are struggling to put the right words on paper.

Make sure the reference letter shows James how much you value him. It will help him feel more confident when he moves on to the next level.

On a recent trip to Oklahoma to vist a good friend of mine from business school, all he could talk about was how lucky he was to find a way to buy the home he had his eye on for 2 years.  Charles and I have known each other for years.  We met in an accounting class years ago and have kept in touch.

Charles is self employed and runs his own business and has done so for years.  Until recently his business has performed quite well.  With the downturn, and an addition to his family, Charles decided the family needed to move.  But there was only one problem--no bank would finance the $320,000 house he was looking to purchase.  Everywhere Charles went, he would show he had the money to buy it--but no banks would work with him due to a lack of W2's and average credit from a real estate project years before.

Enter New Horizon Oklahoma.  "This program is too good to be true.  I was at wits end, and they told me all I had to do was come up with the down payment and three character references.  I did and I am now in my home". 

Since that time, Charles has been telling a lot of his friends about the program and the program itself is taking off. New Horizon Oklahoma helps people purchase a home who fall into any of the following categories:  Credit challenged consumers (or no income verification), self-employed individuals or just individuals seeking discretion.  What makes this program work is the network of 10,000 private investors who finance the homes.

"The American Dream is still alive for myself and my family, thanks to New Horizon Oklahoma" Charles boasts.  I was impressed with the program as well, and even more impressed that Charles picked up our lunch tab. 

You can find more information on the program at www.NewHorizonOklahoma.com by clicking on Guaranteed Home Approval.

Some folks can whip up a sample character reference letter straight off the top of their head, for those who can't, it's a good idea to keep one on file.

If a person requests you to pen a letter, it goes without saying they would anticipate that it contained only good things about them. Did your Mom ever say to you, "If you have nothing nice to say about someone, then don't say anything"

THAT MAKES SENSE DOESN'T IT?

Some businesses state that providing character reference letters is against company policy. If you're against writing one, certainly this makes it easy for you.

If the company you work for has this policy, it's possibly not a good move to go ahead & write one.

If your opinion of the person is high enough and it's important to you that you write one, go ahead... just write it on plain stationery. You may wish to check with your boss prior to writing it, the last thing you want to do is jeopardise you job.

Composing a good letter is very much an art so if you don't feel that you can produce a professional document, then don't ask someone else has the talent to do it.

A SAMPLE CHARACTER REFERRENCE LETTER...

Here is a sample to give you an idea to kick off with.

March 25 2009

Dear sir/madam, David Johnson has been employed with The Stevens Corporation since 2001 in the position of Chief Engineer.

Throughout his employment I've been extremely impressed by David's skill in his chosen career & his ability to put his skill to practice. He has well developed communication skills which have assisted us to retain more customers. Ever ready to put in the extra effort, David is diligent, proud of what he does has a great eye for design, and stays on track working on a plan.

Since joining us his contributions towards the company's growth has been significant and include improved product quality, greater an increase in our credibility and redesigning of outdated equipment.

A terrific team player, David has been a delight to be associated with.

All of us at here at The Stevens Corporation, and our customers, wish him every success in the future..

Yours sincerely,

Brian Jones

LAYOUT IS IMPORTANT...

Your sample character reference letter, of course, should be written in an acceptable format so it falls in line with standard business letter writing.

And for the benefit of anyone wishes to contact you, make sure you include relevant details in your letter.

Communication is all inportant in the business world.