Consumer Quartet

In 2004 the terms VoIP, internet phone service and IP phone were foreign to almost everyone except technology professionals and geeky computer types. Now most people I talk with are at least slightly familiar with these terms, as the internet phone service market is now starting to take off. Contrary to what many people believe, VoIP is not a new technology. It was introduced to the public in 1995, by a company called Vocaltec. By using internet phone software, registered users could make phone calls via their computer using a dialup internet connection. I made my first internet phone call in 2000 using my computer, a headset, a dialup internet connection and a free account with Net2Phone. The sound quality was terrible, but it was an absolutely fascinating experience to be making a free long distance call over my computer. Now in 2005, ten years after the first commercial use of VoIP, the technology is finally ready for prime time!

Significant improvements have been made with VoIP in the past five years, and communications companies have started investing heavily in the technology. The quality and reliability of service has improved so much within the past year or so that VoIP is now suitable and reliable enough for everyday residential and business use. In fact, so much attention is now being given to the continued improvement of VoIP technology that it’s well on it’s way to becoming the PREFERRED method of communication by home users and businesses alike.

There were around 1.5 million internet phone users in the USA in 2004, and around 2.1 million today according to Telecommunications Industry News. According to various statistics I’ve seen, the number of VoIP users in the United States is projected to be around 17 to 18 million between 2008 and 2010. This in an increase of over 1000% within the next 3 to 5 years! Experts also estimate that by 2007, 75% of long distance calls worldwide will be made via the internet. The US is currently not the biggest user of VoIP technology - there are about 7 million users in Japan out of approximately 12 million worldwide today. The internet phone industry is booming, and will continue to grow over the next decade. It seems that everyone including EBay wants in on the exploding VoIP market now, as evidenced by their purchase of VoIP provider Skype in September 2005.

More people are showing interest in obtaining Internet Phone Service because they are starting to hear more about it. This is due in part to more “converted users” raving about the amount of money they are saving and the great features they get for free (I love my VoIP service so much I wrote a website about it!). A greater awareness has also come from increased advertising efforts by major cable and communications companies. Many cable television and phone service companies (like Verizon) have been pouring money into VoIP technology in order to capture some of this new market share.

In an effort to hold on to their customers, many regular PSTN (public switched telephone network) phone companies are now offering “unlimited long distance calling” for a flat monthly fee of around $39 per month. Current subscribers are starting to cancel their traditional phone service as they are convinced that VoIP is a better option. Not only is VoIP cheaper (under $25 a month for unlimited calling), but most Internet Phone providers throw in all of the optional features for free. Phone companies charge extra for services like voicemail, caller id and call waiting. I think phone companies have missed the boat when it comes to competing with VoIP, but that’s a topic for another article……

With all of the telephone service options now available, it is becoming difficult for consumers to choose the right provider for their needs:

Should you subscribe with a true VoIP service service provider (like Vonage, Packet8, SunRocket, Voip.net, etc…), or should you choose the phone service that your cable company provides? If you compare VoIP provider rates with those of the cable company, “pure” VoIP providers are clearly the winner. Cable companies do provide free installation, but VoIP is really very simple to install. Many cable companies offer discount through “package deals”, but it’s always smart to compare total cost and included features with VoIP providers before making a decision.

Should you switch to VoIP and get rid of your landline phone, or keep what you’ve got and pay for unlimited long distance calling? If you don’t use the internet, keep your landline phone and forget about VoIP for now. To get the most bang for your buck out of VoIP service, you need to have cable internet service. This eliminates the need for a phone line and “dial tone” that you have to pay the phone company for. To use VoIP in the most cost effective way, calls should go through your cable broadband connection - this eliminates the need for standard phone service. VoIP does not work well over dial up internet; you really need broadband in order to get the best audio quality.

Depending on your long distance calling habits, VoIP internet phone service can save you between 20% - 80% per year vs. traditional PSTN phone service. The technology is mature now and the quality of service is great (and getting better all the time). It’s hard to beat unlimited local and long distance calling for less than $25 per month, plus you get free voicemail, caller id, call waiting, call return, and all the other features you’re used to paying extra for.

VoIP is definitely here to stay, and cost savings is only one of the many benefits it offers. Internet phones will change the way the world communicates. It’s now possible to live in another country and have a US phone number, you can have several “virtual” phone numbers in different states or travel the world and bring your home phone with you. It’s an exciting time in the world of communications - are you ready to switch to VoIP?

(c) Copyright 2005, Debbie Jacobsen. All rights reserved.

Debbie Jacobsen is an information technology professional and creator of SaveOnPhoneService.com - in informative website about Internet Phone Service. If you are interested in learning more about the benefits and features of VoIP internet phone service, please visit: http://www.saveonphoneservice.com

In this second of a three part series we’re going to go over how GPS receivers actually measure distance. A lot of math and science goes into this stuff so sit back and get ready to strain your brain.

At any given time, let’s choose midnight for this example, the satellite begins transmitting a digital pattern called a pseudo-random code. At that same time the GPS receiver begins running that same random pattern. When the satellite’s signal reaches the receiver the pattern transmission will lag a little behind the receivers playing of the same pattern. The length of the delay is equal to the travel time of the signal. The receiver multiplies this time by the speed of light to measure how far the signal actually travelled. We assume the signal travelled in a straight line and this therefore is the distance from receiver to satellite.

In order for this measurement to be able to be made the receiver and the satellite both need clocks that can be synchronized to the nanosecond. In order to make this possible you need atomic clocks, not only in the receiver but in every satellite as well. Atomic clocks cost between $50,000 and $100,000. That makes them a little too expensive for everyday use.

To overcome this cost problem the GPS system has a very clever solution. Every satellite contains an expensive atomic clock but the receiver contains a regular quartz clock which the receiver itself constantly resets. The receiver looks at the incoming signals from four or more of the satellites and compensates for it’s own inaccuracy. Once it calculates the correct time value this will cause all the signals that the receiver is getting from the satellites to align at a single point in space. That is the time value held by the atomic clocks in the satellites themselves. So the receiver sets it’s clock to that time value and therefore has the same time value as all the satellites. Atomic clock accuracy for quartz clock prices. You can’t beat that.

When you measure the distance to four satellites you can draw four spheres that all intersect at one point. Three spheres will intersect even if you’re way off but four spheres will only intersect if you are exactly right. The receiver can calculate the time needed for the spheres to intersect at one point. Based on this it resets it’s clock to match the atomic clocks of the satellites. The receiver does this constantly as long as it is on, which gives it the same accuracy as the atomic clocks in the satellites.

In order for this info to be of any use, the receiver also has to know where the satellites actually are. To do this, the receiver stores an almanac that tells where each satellite is at a given time. Any adjustments that need to be made because of gravitational pull are transmitted to the receivers by the department of the military.

In the last instalment of this series we’ll go over problems with the system, how they can be compensated for and how to use the data itself.

——————————————————-
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Global Positioning Systems
——————————————————-

Not so long a go it seemed like laptops for gaming were only obtainable from certain system builders and they were generally built to order. Even though they did not ship a large amount they still produced the most compared to other styles of laptop computer. I guess most people would agree they always desired a laptop for gaming however it was just out of reach for the masses. In my view they were the best laptops around. I would get seriously excited by them however I knew I could not go out and buy laptops at the high prices they were at. The primary companies have recently begun taking advantage of enormous opportunities in gaming laptops, so that is all changing.

In contrast to the littler system builders these companies are aware that they can generate even more cash. Margins have been so slim as of late that this is a excellent opportunity to make more money on selling hardware. With their enormous marketing budgets I’m certain they can get people to buy laptops like these. I’m guessing what the the counter from smaller retailers will be. I’m already noticing some price reductions. Now prospects will have increased choice it makes it difficult for the small retailers. Additionally prospects just seem to trust larger companies more.

The laptops are surprisingly extremely good too. I think that local resellers may yet have an opportunity. This is a gigantic sales feature that must be mentioned. These particular buyers are traditionally very familiar with the technology and are able to compare each of the parts by themselves. Often these kinds of purchasers are to a greater extent interested in the power than the styling.

This could be rather beneficial from the consumers view. In the end, the prices will be dropped even more causing high end technology to be an alternative that we will all be able to buy. I mention that with a feeling of uncertainty though. Whether laptop prices will drop on the whole is another subject however the best laptops are always pricey. Strong Competition normally forces companies to do more and provide greater value so that appears promising.

As a customer we have all come across business establishments where we received good customer service and occasionally when that service is great it really stands out. Today even good customer service stands out, because we seldom get that very often. At Starbucks Coffee they instruct all their team partners, a fancy name for employee line worker, to give not good or great service, but Legendary Service. Ask any employee it is a mantra around there. Now that does not mean you will get Legendary Service all the time, but you will see the sparks of it and generally you will receive good customer service. And to us customers, well that is a good thing.

There are many companies, which give good customer service, companies such as Enterprise Rent A Car, Southwest Airlines, Starbucks, Fed Ex, Dell and I am sure you have a list of your own. Personally I like Sam’s Deli, but since you have never been there you will just have to trust me on that one. Good customer service is something every company should give if they want to keep you as a customer? I just have to ask this question; What if Every Company Gave Great Service? Think on this.

“Lance Winslow” - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

Anyone can be a farmer. You can too. Why not try raising Arborvitae.

I feel the best opportunity in agriculture is in raising plants and trees. Growing plants can be done almost anywhere. You don’t have to have large fields and hundreds of acres. You have to have imagination. People who grow dope do it in cellars and in caves. Select plants to raise that that you see being sold in quanity by local nurseries or garden centers. In our area arborvitae are in hot demand. These plants can be started from cuttings or you can buy rooted cuttings. Thousands can be grown in a 20′x20′ area in small containers. Arborvitae are not the only plants that you can choose. Dwarf conifers and bonsai are other avenues to consider. The first thing to consider is what plants you like. They make a nice starting point. I like arborvitae. Plus they are easy to grow. There are many types that are available. These can be grown from cuttings< /a> or you can purchase rooted cutting or small liners. I suggest that you raise Emerald Greens. They are compact and very popular. A 2-3″ rooted cutting in 3 years should be 2′ if growing conditions are optimal. These might sell for as much as $5-10 depending on your market and quality. If you were to raise 1000 of them that might be $5-10,000. You can market them just as I do on the internet. Being small you can ship them via UPS practically anywhere. An example of a plant that is not suitable for small plot urban farming is an Oak tree. It is very fast in growing (good), but has a big tap root, and is best marketed when over 6-8′ tall. You will use up your space with a hard to confine, large tree that is not suitable for close compact container production. Shipping will also be more costly as starter plants tend to be larger hence larger shipping fees per tree. Besides I have sold many people 50 -100 arbs at a time but no one, 100 oaks at a time. My largest order for arbs to one homeowner was 265. Try to target plants that will sell multiples to a customer rather than just one at a time. If you target single plants to individual customers you need high value plants for your sales cost per unit will be higher. You will hear the same story from your customers about 1 plant as you will about 10 plants. I can tell you without a doubt that each customer will tell you about his property and his neighbors dog. I would rather hear the story once for each 10 plants that I sell. That is why I like plants that sell in multiples to a single customer. Additionally an unusual or exotic plant is seldom purched in quanity and the buyer has little knowledge of the plant. They will have many more questions about this plant. This translates to a higher amount of time spent on a smaller volume of product sold.

Arborvitae are commonly used evergreen shrubs or trees useful in urban areas where low maintenance and durability is needed. Many cultivars with forms such as being globed in shape, columnar, or narrow pyramidal, tend to be near buildings, doors, and walkways. Other forms which are larger are used for screens and buffers that are planted in rows. These plants will be easy to raise on your small urban lot.

The form of arborvitae is small, medium, or large depending on the cultivar. Some reach 50′, others only 3′. Most prefer full sun to partial sun. Planting in dense shade conditions should be avoided. A moist , well drained, loamy soil in full sunlight are ideal conditions for growing healthy arborvitae. These plants will tolerate rocky, clay, urban conditions of heat drought and pollution. The most important pest we have is bagworms which must be controlled to prevent complete defoliation. Some cultivars have multiple leaders which also prove to be a detraction for the plant. Pruning out multiple leaders in some cultivars is a simple remeady. As you raise these plants if you find that you are selling more than you can raise on your property, an add in the newspaper such as, “Wanted: land to grow trees on” will help you find vacant parcels to use in growing more stock. This land may be free to use as many owners want in urban areas land to be used as it is then maintained. We have had many offers of free land to use in raising nursery stock. (You should check with your local BTK Code Enforcement Officer to make sure that this use is acceptable.) Another suggestion is that you work for another local urban grower. They may have facilities set up that they would allow you to use after hours. When they see that you are a willing go getter, they might even ask you to grow special plants that they don’t want to grow because the volumes are light or they are to intensive in labor. At any rate it is the best way to learn the trade and its secrets. Most nurserymen will tell all their trade secrets because its the best way to help the industry and build a network of reliable and knowledgeable associates. See my web site at http://www.seedlingsrus.com

As a writer, do you sometimes/often/always find yourself at a loss as to what to write next? No, I am not talking about topics or subjects you already have nailed down. Rather, the simple desire to get started with something, anything to break the brain logjam. It could be a personal project or something you want to develop to show to a potential client the stuff that you are made of. Whatever, I have been there myself and have found that some of my sources of inspiration have come from blogs. You got it…sites that have sparked my creative juices and allowed me to take a concept and bring it to fruition.

Typically, I come across a blog geared toward a particular topic let’s say aviation and find something within that blog that catches my attention. It may be a trend, company news, even simple speculation. Oftentimes, what I read becomes the inspiration for a fresh article so I take that idea, do some additional research, and create my own new work.

No, I don’t cut and paste someone else’s writings. Instead, their pithy work becomes the seed that I germinate to produce a unique and compelling article of my own. The key here is this: it is my own voice, not someone else’s work.

We all have our favorite blogs, you can be certain of that. Spend some time on those particular blogs and see what inspires you. Who knows, but a sentence or a paragraph you read may gel your brain into producing a 500-750 word article that you can include in your vast repository of interesting and relevant work.

Gosh, I think that I may be on to something!

Copyright 2005 — Matthew Keegan is The Article Writer who writes on a variety of topics including: advocacy, automobiles, aviation, business, Christian themes, family, news, product reviews, travel, writing, and more. Please visit Matt’s blog for absolutely stunning and humorous writings from the master himself!

The pliable construction of the Twice as Nice allows for penetration at angles that are rarely achieved during normal sex, meaning you can dabble in new and exciting sensations and hither to un explored parts of your body. The Twice as Nice also comes with an add-on vibrator pack, meaning this is vibrator of the best quality. The Twice as Nice has cleverly designed gnarly bobbles, which will help you lift your adventures to new heights. This dildo is produced with a choice of different lengths, colors and widths. Not only is it fun but, the Twice as Nice formed out of safe acrylic, so you be happy that it is perfectly harmless to play with.

Over the last three years the Twice as Nice has remained one of the best selling vibrating dildos for Rapide Pleasure. It’s success is based on the unit’s mind blowing performance. This dong would make a perfect new addition to any connoisseurs collection. The Twice as Nice is ideal for the stimulation of any female erogenous areas. The great vibrating dildo for quiet nights alone home alone. This dildo would make a brilliant first buy for anyone who does not already own a dildo.

The company that makes the Twice as Nice, Rapide Pleasure are considered the oldest and most respected brands involved in the distribution of vibrators. They are producers of a massive range of alternative well known toys for example the Real Skin Double and the famous 8 Inch Flexi Dong. Rapide Pleasure are probably the most cost competitive, so you can buy your dildo knowing you will not see a better offer offered by a competitor.

Say the word ‘intuition,’ and some cringe. It sounds too new-age, too touchy-feely. Its close cousin instinct sounds animalistic.

Western culture tends to denigrate information that comes to us through means other than logic, reason and analysis.

Yet, intuition and instinct can save us from hassle and heartache, lead us to happiness, even save our lives.

Here’s a real life example.

A number of years ago I was driving in Manhattan on a Saturday night. The light was green. I was crossing Second Avenue, when out of the corner of my eye I saw a car approaching the intersection from my left running his red light.

I had about a quarter of a second before impact. There was no time for to think, no time for fear. only time to act.

I gunned the gas.

Kaboom!

My car was lifted into the air, spinning as I was jerked around in a crazy carnival ride.

The impact was on the left side of the car. I was in the middIe of the intersection when I felt the impact.

I saw the driver’s side window dissolve. The impact was so great that when I landed, the car was on the sidewalk facing into the street. Its back lay just inches away from the traffic light.

My car was in ruins but the seatbelt held firm. I walked out with nothing more than a few minor scratches.

When I gunned the gas, my car advanced just enough so the impact of the other vehicle was to the rear passenger seat; not the driver’s seat where I was sitting.

That action saved me from, at minimum, serious physical injury.

It was an action of sheer instinct - coming from the “right side of the brain.”

From time to time we are all called to make snap judgments, we have all gotten a bad feeling about a person, a situation.

We’ve all uttered the phrase, “I can’t put my finger on it, but …” And more often than not, later on, our apprehensions are confirmed by events.

That is our intuition talking.

So … Are you listening?

Your ability to size up people in a first impression is, in part, the result of your taking in the person’s body language, dress and demeanor on an unconscious level. Although I think there is more to it than that, the question of what makes up intuition is beyond the scope of this article.

Nonetheless, intuition speaks to us in many ways.

It can be the reaction of your body to a person or a situation.

You tense up around threatening people.

You experience an uneasy feeling in the pit of your stomach when you have to operate in a situation where something is “not quite right.” Sure, it looks fine on the surface, but there’s more to the story than meets the eye.

Intuition works the other way, too. Some people and places feel easy and comfortable. We feel strong and recharged around them.

They are good for us. We just accept it. We feel no need to question.

There are many applications to the use of intuition in our personal and business lives. We tend do well in settings and around people that support our abilities and support us emotionally.

Your intuition can be a divining rod leading you to those settings. By monitoring your feelings, your reactions, your energy levels, you can determine whether something or someone is good for you.

A feeling of uneasiness, queasiness should serve as a red flag when, say taking on a new client, a new project, a new partner, a new job. Then it is time to call in your powers of logic, observation and analysis to ferret out the reasons why you are feeling this way.

More often than not, your gut will warn you before you are able to see the landmine.

I suggest looking at intuition and logic as two complementary ways of processing information. If the two aren’t pointing in the same direction, more likely than not, you don’t have all of the information.

Proceed with caution.

And when they do point the same way, you can be confident that you on the right track.

Then it’s full steam ahead.

Ellen Zucker’s site http://www.selfemployment101.com provides articles and resources to help the creative sole-proprietor earn a living and create a life.

Subscribe to the The Self Employment Lady and have Ellen’s articles sent to your inbox.

Being able to read other poker players is essential to being successful at winning hands at the poker table. This is the case whether the table is virtual or real, in a tournament or in your friends’ basement. If you are going to win against the other players, you need to know how to read their tells.

One of the most valued skills among poker players is the ability to bluff, to have a good “poker face”. Bluffing is a term that is used to when a player is trying to get an opponent to believe what they are saying is true. This works for both good and bad hands, for a good hand, it may be in your best interest to let your opponent believe they have the better hand, they will then bet up the pot. However, a poker player with a bad hand who is good at bluffing might be able to convince their opponent to fold, therefore winning the hand with poorer cards.

The bluffing skill works well during online as well as off line play; however, online play has its own opportunities for poker players. Many times, while playing online, other players are more willing to share secrets of play with you. Use this to your best advantage, ask questions of them, they will usually tell you why they did or did not make a certain play during a hand. After all, they are, most likely not going to be playing against you in person. If you explain that you are new to the sport, most poker players will not mind teaching you.

Another skill that poker players must develop is being able to pick up on opponents tells, while hiding their own. Most players are not going to be as obvious as to jump up and down when they are dealt a great hand, but maybe the look up at the ceiling or begin to tap their toes. Being able to pick up on these little gestures will help you to play more effectively against them. However, just as important, never forget that while you are watching your opponents, they are watching you also.

Some poker players engage in idol chitchat while playing a hand. This can be very distracting if you are not one of the people who can do this and still concentrate. The reason for this talking is easy to understand, it is an effective way to throw off the concentration of a table. If you are to be a successful poker player, you will need to learn either to block this out, or to use it to your advantage.

For online poker room reviews, Party Poker bonus codes, and Paradise Poker bonus codes, visit www.poker-reviews-online.com/ and www.poker-reviews-online.com/paradise-poker/ today.

We have all heard this warning: You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. Also, human behavior specialists caution that we only have from seven to seventeen seconds of interacting with strangers before they form an opinion of us.

With this widely acknowledged pressure to make our case instantly, here are my seven tips for making your first impression strongly positive.

ONE: The greatest way to make a positive first impression is to demonstrate immediately that the other person–not you–is the center of action and conversation.

Illustrate that the spotlight is on you only, and you*ll miss opportunities for friendships, jobs, promotions, love relationships, networking, and sales. Show that you are other-centered, and first-time acquaintances will be eager to see you again.

Recently I attended a conference. At lunch, my wife and I sat with several people we didn*t know. While most of our tablemates made good impressions, one man emerged as the person we*d be sure to avoid all weekend. He talked about himself, non-stop. Only rarely did anyone else get a chance to speak. Unfortunately, he probably thought he was captivating us with his life story.

I applaud this definition of a bore: Somebody who talks about himself so much that you don*t get to talk about yourself.

TWO: You*ll make a superb initial impression when you demonstrate good listening skills. Give positive verbal cues:

Hmmm. . .interesting! Tell me more, please. What did you do next?

Just as actors benefit from prompts, your conversational partner will welcome your assistance in keeping the exchange going.

Nonverbally, you show you*re a skilled listener by maintaining steady eye contact. Remember how you respond to the social gadabout who appears to be looking over your shoulder for the next person he or she wants to corner. Remember, and offer full attention to everyone you meet.

THREE: Use the name of a new acquaintance frequently. Example: Judy, I like that suggestion. Or: Your vacation must have been exciting, Fred. You show that you have paid attention from the start, catching the name during the introduction. Equally as important, you*ll make conversations more personal by including the listener*s name several times.

FOUR: Be careful with humor.

Although a quip or two might serve as an icebreaker, stay away from sarcastic remarks that could backfire. Because you don*t know a stranger*s sensitivities, prolonged joking might establish barriers you can*t overcome, either now or later.

FIVE: Give up the need to be right.

This was Dr. Wayne Dyer*s advice in his wonderful book, Real Magic. Confrontations with somebody you*ve just met will destroy rapport before you even start building it. Wait until you have established credibility before you challenge another*s statements.

SIX: Appearance counts.

Several years ago, a professional colleague offered to meet me for lunch. I decided against wearing a suit, opting for a sport coat and tie. When he showed up in shorts and sandals, the message he conveyed was: Bill, meeting you is a rather ordinary experience, and doesn*t call for me to present a business-like appearance. Not surprisingly, that was the last time I met with him.

True, standards for appropriate attire have changed drastically. Maybe the best advice I can share came from a participant in a communication seminar I conducted. She said: I don*t dress for the job I have now, I dress for the job I want to have.

SEVEN: Speak clearly, confidently, and convincingly.

As a communication specialist, I have to point out that an individual*s speaking style impacts the first impression, maybe more than we wish. Listeners judge our intelligence, our cultural level, our education, even our leadership ability by the words we select–and by how we say them.

Think of Professor Henry Higgins of My Fair Lady, who changed a so-called guttersnipe into a lady, by teaching her to speak skillfully. While none of us occupies the lowly level of Eliza Doolittle, we can keep her example in mind. Rather than mumble, speak so you*re easily heard. Enunciate clearly. Alter your pitch, to avoid the dullness of a monotone. Display animation in both voice and facial expression. Gesture naturally, without canning your movements.

Keep these seven tips in mind. They will reduce your fear of business and social encounters with unfamiliar faces. More positively, you*ll start enjoying poise and success that you thought were beyond your reach.

About The Author

Bill Lampton, Ph.D., wrote The Complete Communicator: Change Your Communication, Change Your Life! As a business consultant, speaker and coach, he helps organizations improve their communication, motivation, customer service and sales.

His Web site: http://www.ChampionshipCommunication.com

E-mail: mailto:drbill@ChampionshipCommunication.com