Fortunate Contest

There are several factors that differentiate satellite phones from cell phones. How they work, their utility and cost just to name a few.

Functionality Differences

Cellular phones or cell phones use small stations or towers known as ‘cells’ from which they receive their signals and to which they send signals. As the user moves from one destination to the next, his call or his cellular service is passed on from cell to the next. The mobile handset is thus in continuous connectivity with the different cells of the network provider and the individual can talk on the move. This is thus known as mobile connectivity.

Satellite phones on the other hand, do not use ‘cells’ or towers. They work with satellites orbiting the Earth. These Low Earth Orbiting or LEO satellites receive signals from the satellite phone handsets and send signals to these handsets as required. The satellite phones send signals to the satellite, which passes it on to a gateway. The gateway routes the calls to the receiver. Also, all calls made to the satellite phones are routed via the satellites.

Differences In Area Coverage

Cellular phone companies generally provide network coverage in densely populated areas. Since the companies have to set up ‘cells’ to be able to provide coverage, they need a high number of subscribers to justify setting up the cell. In thinly populated areas or remote areas with difficult terrains, the cost of providing coverage is often more than the expected returns. Hence, while cell phones work great in densely populated areas, they may or may not work in inaccessible locations.

Satellite phones communicate with the LEO satellites and not with any ‘cells’ on Earth. Hence, the coverage provided by satellite phone companies is far greater than that provided by cellular phone companies. Since satellite companies don’t have to set up cells from destination to destination, they offer service in a wider area and some even offer it across the globe.

Usability Differences

Cell phones have become an absolute necessity for practically all urban residents. In fact, a large number of people are opting to have cell phones instead of the traditional landlines. Cell phones are perfect to use while on the move in metropolitan cities. For marketing and sales executives, employees, CEOs, managers, mothers, students and almost all people in different walks of life - cell phones provide a high value service. They are also a great option to surf the net, listen to music and exchange photos. In short, cell phones have become the single all-purpose media electronic instrument of the 21st century.

Satellite phones on the other hand, are perfect for use in remote and thinly populated areas where cellular companies do not provide network coverage. Satellite phones are also extremely handy in situations when cellular networks go down. Such situations generally arise in times of natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes and floods when the ‘cells’ that route calls are damaged.

Satellite phones have the advantage in such conditions since natural disasters do not affect the LEO satellites. Hence while cellular phone networks are down, satellite phones continue to function as normal. This has indeed saved many lives in the recent past.

Satellite phones are also the perfect option for companies that have research laboratories or departments in isolated areas like Alaska, Siberia and Antartica. Adventurers who frequently travel to densely populated tropical forests, high mountain areas and across oceans also prefer the better coverage provided by satellite phones.

Differences In Cost

As is to be expected, cellular phones are far cheaper to operate and maintain than satellite phones. The cellular phone handsets as well as the subscription plans offered by cellular service providers are extremely affordable and cost barely a few cents per minute.

Satellite phones on the other hand are expensive. The satellite phone hand sets or the fixed satellite phone sets cost a pretty penny as does the satellite phone service provided by leaders in the industry like Iridium and Globalstar. At an average satellite phones can cost anything from $600 to $1000 with costs going up to $1.50 per minute for talktime.

Thus, cell phones and satellite phones are both a boon to the world of communication and both service users in different ways and under differing conditions.

Natural disasters come in many shapes. From the incomprehensible carnage of last weekend’s tsunami in the Indian Ocean, to hurricanes and typhoons, to tornadoes and drought, our world deals with the horror of disaster as a normal part of our lives. Throw in a bit of human influence through wars, terrorism, or the threat of weapons of mass destruction, and our need to deal with and overcome calamity almost becomes routine.

Watching CNN and the news channels gives a near real-time view of disasters. While some may find this a bit macabre, it also shows our ability to quickly respond to major events, on a global scale. The same technologies that allow us to view the aftermath of a tsunami also allow us to quickly gather factual data on the extent of a disaster, and use that for disaster planning and response.

Organizations such as the Pacific Disaster Center (http://www.pdc.org/), the Asia Pacific Area Network (http://www.apan-info.net/), try to assist regional nations to build better disaster planning models and response model through training and timely dissemination of critical information. Regional military organizations participate with each other on joint disaster planning (for other than wartime-related disaster) to organize their resources in response to a regional disaster, and can respond within hours to major problems.

While carnage on the scale of the Indian Ocean tsunami cannot be controlled within a day or a few days, the communications and real time information collection on the disaster will most certainly reduce the level of misery experienced by victims at a level that would not have been possible even 40 years ago. As aircraft and on-site persons (using satellite phones or other powerful mobile communicators) collect information on areas of Sumatra, Thailand, and other affected areas, the information is almost immediately being logged, evaluated, distributed, and prioritized among a number of emergency response centers operated by regional governments - as well as international relief agencies.

From the regional and international response centers coordination further occurs among members of organizations such as the Multinational Planning Augmentation Team (http://www2.apan-info.net/mpat/ ). MPAT holds frequent disaster response exercises among member nations to ensure coordination lines and pre-planned responses are quickly executed. All MPAT member nations have access to central databases of planning information, available resources, and a “command center” mobilized when a regional disaster occurs.

Telecommunications and information technology are key components in our ability to respond to disaster. As real time information is collected, it is available immediately to all participants in the relief effort. Other technology - in particular military technology, can easily serve a duel use purpose in a disaster. The same troop transports designed to carry soldiers to war can carry refugees from a disaster. The same photo reconnaissance aircraft used to spy on enemies can provide a clear view of the extent of damage. The same technology used to collect electronic intelligence can locate attempts to use mobile phones, radios, and even audio signals of people stranded in remote areas. Infrared scanning used to identify enemy soldiers in a bunker or building can just as easily locate a family stranded in a jungle.

If you compare the current response to the Indian Ocean tsunami to the effects of tsunami damage following eruption of the Krakatoa volcano in 1883 (http://www.drgeorgepc.com/Vocano1883Krakatoa.html ), you can see the extent of damage from that disaster was not even known for several decades.

In most cases disaster cannot be predicted. We are making progress predicting earthquakes, hurricanes, and eruptions - however science is no closer to effective disaster prediction than we are in fully understanding the human genome. Through effective use of communications, information technology, and duel use military/civilian technology transfer, we are getting much closer to reducing the level of pain following an event.

2005 will be a big year in further exploiting the potential of Internet and communications-related technology. Given the positive moves toward regional cooperation in activities such as MPAT, we should be encouraged our governments understand the need and role of technology in planning - was well as responding - to regional disaster.

(About the Author - John Savageau is a managing director at CRG-West, responsible for managing operations and architecture for several of the largest telecommunications interconnect facilities in the US, including One Wilshire in Los Angeles)

Never before with Instant Messaging (IM) has a more vital warning been needed for current and potential IM buddies who chat on line.

John Sakoda of IMlogic CTO and Vice President of Products stated that,

“IM viruses and worms are growing exponentially….Virus writers are now shifting the focus of their attack to instant messaging, which is seen as a largely unprotected channel into the enterprise.”

Because Instant Messaging operates on peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, it spawns an irresistible temptation for malicious computer hackers. P2P networks share files and operate on industry standard codec (encyrption codes) and industry standard protocols, which are publicly open and interpretable. Anti virus software does not incorporate protection for Instant Messaging services.

Like sharks in a feeding frenzy, these hacker mercenaries view Instant Messaging clients as their personal “Cash Cow” because of the ease by which they can access your computer via the publicly open and interpretable standards, unleash a Trojan horse, virus, or worm, as well as gather your personal and confidential information, and sell it to other depraved reprobates.

Please, don’t be nave enough to think it won’t or couldn’t happen to you!

Want to see how easy it is for hackers to access your Instant Messaging chat and what can happen to you as a result?

Did you know that some hacker-friendly providers offer processor chips that can be bought on the Internet? (I guess it would be pretty hard to walk into a store and ask the clerk to help them find a processor chip that could be used to illegally hack into a victim’s computer for the sole purpose of spreading malicious code or stealing someone’s identity!)

Did you know that hacker-friendly providers actually offer hacker software that enables these criminals to deliberately disable security on computers, access your personal and confidential information, as well as inject their Trojan horses, viruses, and worms?

Hacker manuals are also conveniently accessible via the Internet. One of these manuals shows how to DoS other sites. DoSing (Disruption of Service) involves gaining unauthorized access to the “command prompt” on your computer and using it to tie up your vital Internet services. When a hacker invades your system, they can then delete or create files and emails, modify security features, and plant viruses or time bombs onto your computer.

“Sniff” is a tool (originally intended to help telecommunication professionals detect and solve problems) that reprobate hackers use to tamper with the protocol and “sniff out” data. When hackers sniff out your IM data packet from Internet traffic, they reconstruct it to intercept conversations. This enables them to eavesdrop on conversations, gather information, and sell it to other depraved criminal entities.

Don’t set yourself up to be the next Identity Theft Victim because you like to chat using Instant Messaging.

Identity theft is one of the most sinister of vulnerabilities you can inadvertently be subjected to. Identity theft is defined by the Department of Justice as

“…the wrongful obtaining and using of someone else’s personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain.” Identity theft is the by-product of hacker mercenaries obtaining your social security number (including those of your spouse and children), your bank account, your credit card information, etc., from the Internet. You become a virtual “Cash Cow” for hackers as your information is then sold to other felons for financial gain. Using your information, these criminals then:

access your bank account funds create new bank accounts with your information create driver’s licenses create passports

Attorney General Ashcroft stated that,

“Identity theft carries a heavy price, both in the damage to individuals whose identities are stolen and the enormous cost to America’s businesses.”

A group hosting a website known as shadowcrew.com was indicted on conspiracy charges for stealing credit card numbers and identity documents, then selling them online. While this group allegedly trafficked $1.7 million in stolen credit card numbers, they also caused losses in excess of $4 million.

According to a Press Release issued by the Department of Justice on February 28, 2005, a hacker was convicted of several counts of fraud, one in which

“…he fraudulently possessed more than 15 computer usernames and passwords belonging to other persons for the purpose of accessing their bank and financial services accounts, opening online bank accounts in the names of those persons, and transferring funds to unauthorized accounts.”

Trojan Horses, Viruses, and Worms - The Toxic Trio

According to Dictionary.com, a Trojan horse is “…a subversive group that supports the enemy and engages in espionage or sabotage—an enemy in your midst.” The toxic cargo of Trojan horses can include viruses or worms.

A Trojan horse is a program that Internet criminals use to interrupt and interfere with your security software and produce the following results

Terminates processes Removes registry entries Stops services Deletes files

Hackers, who have gained access to your computer, because of the easily accessible programs and software as mentioned above, are enthusiastically incorporating this venomous little program into their arsenal of weapons.

As recently as March 4, 2005, a new Trojan horse was discovered that modified settings in Internet Explorer. Windows 2000, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP were the reported systems that could be affected.

On January 28, 2005, a press Release issued by the Department of Justice reported that a 19 year old was convicted for his criminal activity by “…creating and unleashing a variant of the MS Blaster computer worm.” Christopher Wray, Attorney General - Criminal Division stated that,

“This … malicious attack on the information superhighway caused an economic and technological disruption that was felt around the world.”

By the way, “malicious” is defined by Webster as “…intentionally mischievous or harmful”.

On February 11, 2005, in a Press Release issued by the Department of Justice, reported that another criminal was sentenced for circulating a worm. This worm,

“…directed the infected computers to launch a distributed denial of service (DOS) attack against Microsoft’s main web site causing the site to shutdown and thus became inaccessible to the public for approximately four hours.” March 7, 2005, Symantec.com posted discovery of a worm named “W32.Serflog.B” that spread through file-sharing networks and MSN Messenger - networks that operate on publicly open and interpretable industry standards administered by P2P systems that host Instant Messaging clientsnone of which are protected, regardless of the anti virus software on your computer. The W32.Serflog.B worm also lowers security settings and appears as a blank message window on the MSN Messenger. SOLUTION

Avoid at all costs, P2P file sharing networks as they operate on publicly open and interpretable industry standards. (Instant Messaging services run on P2P file sharing networks.)

If you like the convenience of text chatting via Instant Messaging, then why not consider an optimally secure VoIP (voice over internet protocol), also known as a Computer Phone, that incorporates the Instant Messaging feature. Make sure the VoIP internet service provider does not operate on P2P file sharing networks that use industry standard codec or industry standard protocols that are publicly open and accessible. (Don’t forget, these standards create the vulnerability which hackers are capitalizing on because of their easy accessibility.)

Optimally secure VoIP service providers that incorporate a secure Instant Messaging feature, operate from their own proprietary high end encryption codec on patented technology which is hosted in a professional facility. Simply put, when a VoIP internet service provider is optimally secure, the Instant Messaging feature on the VoIP softphone is also incorporated in their optimally secure technology.

Here’s the bottom line.

If you are currently using Instant Messaging of any sort, you need to make a decision:

a.Continue enticing hacker mercenaries and remain as a user of an Instant Messaging service, or b.Take immediate corrective action.

If you decide to take immediate corrective action:

1.Find an optimally secure VoIP internet solution provider that includes the Instant Messaging feature in their proprietary patented technology. 2.Find an optimally secure VoIP internet solution provider that has their own proprietary high end encryption codec. 3.Find an optimally secure VoIP internet solution provider that has their own proprietary patented technology. 4.Find an optimally secure VoIP internet solution provider that hosts their proprietary patented technology in a professional facility.

Here’s a place you can look over to see what an optimally secure VoIP internet solution provider looks like–one that operates on their own proprietary high end encryption codec with their own proprietary patented technology hosted in a professional facility, AND one that incorporates the Instant Messaging feature. http://www.free-pc-phone.com

**Attn Ezine editors / Site owners ** Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine or on your site so long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include the resource box as listed above

Interpersonal communication is something most of us do on a daily basis, although we may not be aware that is what it is called.

Interpersonal communication differs from other forms of communication in various ways. It is also very important in development.

The following list outlines what interpersonal communication is and what some of the characterizes are. It also explains why we need it.

1. What is it?

Interpersonal communication involves a close group of participants. It is basically the everyday conversations you carry on and it includes speeches, general friendly exchanges, arguments and basically anytime you speak to someone.

2. How is it different than other forms of communication?

Interpersonal communication involves face to face encounters. You are talking in person not over a computer, phone or through written information. You can get immediate responses.

You are also able to benefit from body language. You hear a voice where you can pick up on different dialects and speech patterns.

3. How does interpersonal communication vary?

The variances in interpersonal communication involve the people and situations. You communicate differently with someone you know well verses a stranger. You will have different topics of conversation when talking to your preacher or your best friend.

These variations make interpersonal communication flexibility important for difference circumstances.

4. How do we use interpersonal communication?

We use interpersonal communication for a variety of reasons. You use it to learn new information, such as when asking questions. You use it to share information, such as when telling a story. You use it to define yourself, such as when giving a speech.

You also use it to fulfill the natural need for contact with other people. Interpersonal communication is how we develop from infant to adult. We learn about different cultures and languages through interpersonal communication as well. It gives you a human element, a real nature that other forms of communication can not provide.

5. Why is interpersonal communication important?

Interpersonal communication is important because you need it to develop throughout the stages of life. You get so much from interpersonal communication.

You learn, teach and get an identity through interpersonal communication. You also share with others who you are. You need interpersonal communication to learn how to pronounce words correctly, how to speak properly in certain situations and how to communicate in general.

Interpersonal communication has taken a back seat to other forms of communication in recent years. More people than ever are using the internet to exchange information and make contact with others.

We must also be sure to keep interpersonal communication in our lives. Without it babies will never learn to talk properly and we can never expand our language abilities through learning form others speech. The spoken word should never have its importance underestimated.

Because HD radio is a relatively new technology, the cost of HD radios is a bit on the high side. For example, the Radiosophy Web site lists its MultiStream radio for $269. This compact, tabletop radio has a 4″ x 8″ , removable receiver (it can be removed from its speakers) that can be easily taken from room to room. It also has a large, easy-to-read LCD monitor that can be read from across the room. Radiosophy also says the MultiStream HD radio receives everything - analog AM and FM, HD AM and FM and sub channels.

HD Radio prices for Boston Acoustics’ HD Recepter radio HD with HD Technology from iBiquity Digital have not yet been announced.. Boston Acoustics says this dynamic, tabletop, next-generation HD Tabletop delivers enhanced audio quality, fidelity and reception, new information features - and The Boston Sound. The company went on to say that the Recepter Radio HD embodies the bright promise of HD Radio technology. You can get more information on Boston Acoustics HD Radio prices and availability, by visiting the Boston Acoustics Web site.

Car owners who would like to get into HD Technology radio have a broader range of HD radio prices from which to choose.

As examples of HD radio prices for car decks, Best Buy has the Kenwood EZ500 for $249.99, the KDC-MP228 for $149.99 and the KDC-MP528 for $199.99. All three of these decks are multi-functional with MP3 playback as well as HD reception.

Another example of HD Radio prices is Circuit City with the Panasonic CO-C9701U In-Dash CD Player at $455.99. Plus, Crutchfield.com has the Kenwood KTC-HR100MC HD-compatible tuner for $399.99 and the Eclipse HDR-105 tuner for $449.99.

HD car radios are already prevalent enough that they can be found on eBay. I recently searched “Completed Items”: for HD radios and found the following:

JVC KD-SHX900 sold for $399

New Kenwood CD car radio with Sirius, and HD Technology - had a Buy It Now price of $99

New Kenwood Car Radio MP3/Sirius/HD/ Player/Receiver sold for $116.95

:Panasonic MXE-CQCB8901U MP3 HD Radio could have been purchased for $318

New Kenwood EZ700SR car radio CD/MP3/HD receiver sold for $243.95

High-end HD Technology receivers are harder to get a fix on. The only three companies currently offering these receivers are Yamaha, Audio Design Associates and Day-Sequerra.

The Yamaha RX-V4600 with HD Technology lists for $1205 at Brandnamz and $1349.99 at Etronics. And BizRate shows five other online stores (plus Etronics and Brandnamz) at prices ranging from $1195 to $1350.

The ADA Quadri-tune receiver is expected to release during the fourth quarter of this year and, of this writing, the company has not announced a price. Day-Sequerra has announced its M2 and M4 receivers will start at $2995.

To learn more about HD Radio technology, which stations are already broadcasting in HD Radio technology, and where to find HD radios, please go to my web site, http://www.hd-radio-home.com.

Douglas Hanna is a retired marketing executive and long-time radio fan. He is the author of many articles on family finances and HD radio technology

Ringtones are all about personalisation and have proved to be a fashion statement. People may choose their own style and not care about what is popular but they keep themselves updated with the ring tone trend. Today with everyone wanting to have the latest in ringtones, the market has grown at a pace faster than expected.

Ringtone sales are on the rise and have even overtaken CD sales. Many artists are making money from ringtones, charging up to $4 for each ringtone. Ringtones sales have also overtaken legal Internet download services, such as Apple’s iTunes, which generates under $100 million a year worldwide.

Ringtones have appealed to people so much that they have now become a fashion statement. Sound quality is also improving day by day; latest handsets are supporting polyphonic ringtones and real tones, which are nothing but actual music clips.

The success of these ringtones has created a huge opportunity for mobile operators. It has been estimated that mobile downloads could account for 20-30% of music sales by 2006.

The speed with which the ringtone sales took off surprised just pretty much everyone. The reason behind the immense popularity of ringtones is the easy download process involved. You simply have to send a text message and the ringtone will be sent to you with charges automatically being added to your phone bill.

The popularity of ringtones among the young generation shows that kids care about music in a very definite way. They’re taking the song they like and using it as a way of displaying their identity. Now the question is whether the ringtones sales will continue growing at break-neck speed, or whether MP3-phones that offer consumers the ability to play full tracks will result in their end. One thing we know for sure is that at the moment, an increasing number of people are using their mobile phones to download ringtones and are paying a pretty heavy price for them. Through a combination of increased ringtone availibility and desire to personalise one’s mobile phone with one’s favourite ringtones, the growth in the mobile music arena has flourished. There is currently a demand for musical ringtones, but it is believed that with new phones being able to play MP3-quality music,there will be no need for this market. iTunes and MP3 technology will prove to be far more efficient than purchasing ringtones. The user friendly format of iTunes and MP3 will be so appealing to customers that the market will see the demise of the ringtone industry. The iTunes phone ultimately gives consumers more choices and the power to personalise their phone on a daily basis without additional costs associated with ringtones. Finally, time will tell if ringtones will be singing so long or if two related digital music markets will emerge.

Cyberspace has certainly shrunk the margin of error …

Colloquialisms used to take quite a while to become embedded in a local vernacular. For example, the Americans expunged the British from the colonies in 1789, but based upon personal letters exchanged between the two countries which have been noted by historians, it took until the 1830s before comments were made noticing a distinct difference in accents between them.

Local dialects will always be a fixture in geographical cultures. However, as more and more of us traverse both cyberspace and the real world, basic pronunciations are becoming a bit of an issue.

I just noticed this again in the world of sport, when a national broadcast featured the recent darlings of NCAA basketball, Gonzaga University from Spokane, Washington. The locals there insist that the name be stated as ‘Gon-ZAEG-ah,’ but inevitably, sports announcers from elsewhere defer to ‘Gon-ZAHG-uh’ until corrected by the locals.

However, the Gonzaga name has been a part of Italian history since the 1300s, and anyone who has studied it or been exposed to it from that much deeper context knows that the correct pronunciation is ‘Gon-ZAHG-uh.’ Ludovico Gonzaga not only established his family’s dynasty over the Italian state of Mantua in 1328, but his family became a cultural and military force in that area for the better part of five centuries.

You’ll even note that the Spokane university has an extension program in Italy and still steadfastly maintains its preference for the colloquial pronunciation. Trust me, in Europe, it’s called ‘Gon-ZAHG-uh.’ However, alumni from the Spokane campus, from Bing Crosby to John Stockton, learned to refer to their alma mater as ‘Gon-ZAEG-ah.’

This raises the age-old question of proper pronunciation etiquette, of course. Do we go with the traditional and accurate version of a proper name if we are aware of it or with the colloquial preferences which, for some reason, took hold in a certain area?

Another classic example is Ntre Dame. The correct French, of course, is ‘Noht-ruh Dahm.’ Use the Americanized version anywhere else in the world at the risk of being castigated as a hayseed. And yet, the Jesuit university based in South Bend, Indiana, obviously prefers the local pronunciation.

The universalization of products broaches the same issue. For example, the German beer ‘Lwenbru’ is pronounced ‘LUH-ven-broy’ everywhere except in English-speaking countries and the Swedish furniture store, IKEA, is universally stated as ‘ee-KAY-uh.’ Try pronouncing those in the proper way and it’s odds-on you’ll be met with a blank stare or looked upon as a snob. But, what have you done except say the name accurately?

Of course, in commercialism, it’s the bottom line that dictates pronunciation. There is no better example than the legendary German shoe tycoon, Adi Dassler, who used his own name as the basis for his corporate image. While most of the world refers to his sporting footwear as ‘AH-dee-dahs,’ Americans somehow found a way to call it ‘Uh-DEE-duhs.’ Go figure. Dassler never minded, though. Dollars spent just as easily as any other currency.

Other famous names have been subject to colloquialization in their own right. In hockey, Teemu Selanne is a Finnish star who has been in the NHL for quite a while. He may have come to North America as ‘TAE-moo SAY-lah-nuh,’ but any hockey fan on the continent will know him only as ‘TEE-moo Seh-LAH-nee.’

Sometimes, we even see the metamorphosis from universal to colloquial pronunciation occur before our very eyes. In baseball, Bill Mueller has been a solid major-league baseball player since his debut with the San Francisco Giants in 1996. At that time, he went by the traditional German pronunciation of his surname of ‘MYOO-luhr.’ However, somewhere along the line, he decided and subsequently announced that his surname was best said aloud as ‘Miller.’ Who knows why? What does one do then? Correct someone on how to state his own name?

Actor Jake Gyllenhll has Swedish roots. His surname literally means ‘Golden Way’ and should be stated as ‘YEE-lehn-hole.’ North Americans find it easier to say ‘JEE-lehn-hall.’ I’ve never seen anything that indicates where Jake stands on the issue. He’s probably too busy being talented and rich.

This is why I find it difficult to criticize anyone who uses either pronunciation. It’s a matter of context as to who’s right. Like the famous breath-mint commercial says, they both are.

My rule of thumb is simple. In any situation, if there’s more of them than there are of you and pronunciation becomes a volatile issue, they’re right. Otherwise, universality prevails.

When the need for a conference call arises, the last thing you have time to worry about is whether or not your service provider can handle the number of participants that need to attend, or if the integrity of the call will be disrupted in some way during the course of the conference, as a result of poor service. You also don’t need the added stress of whether or not a line will be available at the time during which your conference is scheduled to take place.

Consider this scenario: you’ve just become aware of some critical information that needs to be shared with a number of other individuals around the world without delay. There’s no time to schedule a telephone conference or go through a lot of red tape with a service provider. In addition, you don’t have the budget to pay buckets of money for a conference call that includes participants who are overseas. Yet, you’ve got to get everyone into the loop as fast as possible, regardless of the circumstances, and discuss the information in detail.

While this may seem like an extreme set of circumstances, it happens all too often, in both the small and large business environment. Those who don’t currently have a conference calling service provider in place may find themselves up against the proverbial wall when just such a scenario rears its ugly head. Fortunately, there’s now a way to overcome all of these obstacles by using a service provider that offers features that will meet all of these needs.

Since you must plan for the need for conference calls at some point in your future, it’s best to choose a provider that can give you a full-service package from the beginning, rather than spend a lot of time shopping around and comparing benefits among a large number of providers. Your best plan of action, then, is to set up an account with a service provider that offers conference calling without the need for advanced reservations, that has the capability of accepting a large number of participants within the framework of one call and that doesn’t charge extra for overseas calls. Believe it or not, these are available and, in addition, can offer 24/7 phone access to meet all of your conference call needs.

Providers such as ConferenceCall.com can help you to set up an account that offers those features and more, at good rates that don’t mask any hidden fees, with billing that you won’t need your accountant to help you to understand. Better yet, if you have specific needs, service providers such as this one will help to customize your account so that you’ll receive a comprehensive service package that includes all of their regular benefits.

In many cases, accounts can be set up within an hour, and your company will be enjoying a full range of benefits that you can begin to use almost immediately. This type of service is far superior to the conference call service providers of yesterday, who demanded scheduling far in advance of the event, limited calling ranges, low participant ratios and a hefty bill. Conference calling no longer has to be a means of stress in your busy work schedule, if you take the short amount of time to set up an account with the right service provider.

Mike Spencer reviews various business services to help small and home office businesses get the best value for money in communicating with the outside world. Read more about Mikes reviews at his site here: http://www.teleconferencing-services-reviews.com or pick up the article online here: http://www.teleconferencing-reviews-online.com

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Water Signs

Water signs are reflective, responsive and whose nature is toward abundance, sometimes excess. Their hallmark is their emotional, expressive nature.

Cancer - Caring - (June 22 - July 22) Cancer is ruled by the Moon and its symbol is the crab. It is a Water sign, and as such is connected to the world of emotion and the instincts. People react in a positive way to your sensitive intuitive nature. If it’s a love interest you are after, you instinctively know how to get the attention you desire. Because you are a good friend and confidante, people have a tendency to confess their sins to you. When it comes to flirting you prefer a more demure or reserved approach to one that is overt. You are a caring, nurturing lover and enjoy cuddling and hand-holding. You may seduce the object of your desire with a home-cooked meal of fare that is fit for a king or queen. You tend to fuss over the object of your affections, a clear indication that you are interested in pursuing the relationship further. Pampering and affection are your signatures in romance. You are also very protective of your love interests (all relationships for that matter) and will go to the ends of the earth to make those in your life feel safe and secure. Family is important to you and you enjoy sharing family traditions as well as starting those of your own creation. For you, home is where the heart is. A Cancerean in full courtship mode will invite their love interest to meet the family. You make those you love feel like the center of the universe.

Scorpio - (October 24 - November 21) Scorpio is ruled by the planet Mars and is symbolized by the scorpion. As a Water sign it is connected with the world of emotions. You can be intently focused, even absorbed on the object of your desire. You are send by others as sultry, emotional and even a “dangerous”. Your passionate nature can smolder for days, weeks and even months and then it all of the sudden erupts into a volcanic fire that is almost impossible to contain. You have a sexy animal magnetism” that can subtly seduces the object of your desires. There is a mesmerizing way about you; when you look into the eyes of your love it is as though you are looking deep into their soul. You are a born detective and will go to almost any lengths to find out about someone to whom you have an interest in. You are intense and emotionally perceptive. When hurt, you don’t mend easily and don’t forgive quickly (if ever). You know how to channel your energy and power into exploring your lover’s sexuality. You are intuitive and inquisitive; there are no secrets you won’t discover. However, your nature is such that you may keep a few secrets of your own. Ever resourceful and self-confident, you know what’s best for you and think you know what’s best for others. Sex with a Scorpio is anything but subtle, it is full of energy, daring and can even involve some risk taking. You are looking for a fearless lover, one willing to create a romance that will unleash your passions.

Pisces - (February 22 - March 21) Pisces is ruled by the planet Neptune , and its symbol is two fish bound together. Pisces is a water sign, emotional and compassionate. You have an air of mystery and love a good secret. You love affairs of the heart and could become involved in a love tryst or steamy affair. You can be shy or coy, and your sensitive side and air of vulnerability can and will often work to your advantage to attract the object of your desires. You love romance and fantasy and sometimes have a hard time separating the two. You are able to share your deepest feelings with the one you love and often connect on a soul level. It is said the eyes are the window to the soul and you often find yourself flirting with your eyes. Pisces men are often seen as gallant (opening doors, and offering a hand) and both sexes can be self-sacrificing often putting the needs of their lover ahead of their own. You tend to daydream and often have your head in the clouds. You would rather go with the flow than ruffle feathers. You love to serve your lover and shower him or her with delightful fantasies. You have a spiritual nature, and are very creative. When it comes to romance, you can be unpredictable and truly enjoy the game of love, although you will pursue the object of your affection with slow, careful intent.

© 2005 - Heidi Richards