Video Conferencing ? An Affordable Medium

Just like prices for computers and telephone systems have reduced, so too have prices for video conferencing systems. Video conferencing was once a hugely expensive technology, but is now available to almost any sized company, large or small. Video conferencing equipment is now so cheap, that is becoming standard equipment in many meeting rooms around the world. The conference room is where video conferencing technology really shines. Video conferencing allows users to connect audibly and visually in offices around the world as well as with people who may be located at remote sites.

Typically the ISDN line is used to call video phones that are outside your company and the IP connection for those that are inside a company network. Video conferencing systems hugely reduce the need for travel. Because of the savings involved through the need for less travel, the units pay for themselves many times over in a very short period of time.

There are many video conference units available on the market. it is best to establish the maximum number of users you are ever going to need and then purchase a suitable system accordingly. Don't forget when choosing the right video conferencing unit for you, to take into account future company expansion and system compatability.

Thank you for reading this article, please feel free to rate it.

Jason

Jason Morris is co-author, search engine optimization and marketing consultant of Business Phone Systems Direct. Specialists in the supply and installation of business phone systems and accessories.

Negative Disturbances

Whenever we have the opportunity to make human assessments, the assessments we make will always betray our doctrine of man. We can always glean from what one person has to say about another, their doctrine or philosophy concerning man in general.

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. Matthew 2:3.

The comments made here in Matthew focus on the negative because there is something negative that is disturbing Herod and something negative brewing within him. He hears about Jesus being born and the magi looking to locate Him so that they could worship Him. Herod immediately begins to feel threatened; so much so that his behavior becomes pathological and results in the death of thousands of innocent children.

Well, this negative something is in all of us and we need to deal with it. We must come to terms with the fact that there are some negative qualities that are common to all human beings. We know this because we realize how difficult it is to honestly say what we will or will not do in any given situation. Peter, you recall, was one of the closest disciples to Jesus. He loved Jesus and Jesus loved him. But he lied, cursed, and betrayed Jesus to save his own skin. He walked and talked and dined with Jesus for three years. He had seen miracles performed and heard sermons preached and claimed he was willing to die, yet denied even being acquainted with Jesus.

Now, we have never seen Jesus, never walked with Him, or talked with Him in the same sense that Peter had. So we have to come to a consensus on human nature. Man was born in sin and shaped in iniquity. We possess the capacity to do all kinds of negative things. We see it in others and we see it in ourselves, do we not? Yet, through the power and might of Jesus Christ, we are enabled and empowered to overcome the negative and the stronghold of sin. Jesus bore our sins on His shoulders at Calvary, thus releasing us from their yoke. When we view life and live life consistent with the will of God, old negative thoughts and behaviors pass away. Behold! All things become new.

Rev. Saundra L. Washington, D.D., is an ordained clergywoman, social worker, and Founder of AMEN Ministries. http://www.clergyservices4u.org. She is also the author of two coffee table books: Room Beneath the Snow: Poems that Preach and Negative Disturbances: Homilies that Teach. Her new book, Out of Deep Water: A Grief Healing Workbook, will be available soon.

Can Walmart Make You Rich?

Have you ever shopped at Walmart and thought... I need to get my products on those shelves. Did you spot the perfect place for your new product and think, Bingo, that's where my product will go. I think I'll give them a call.

The truth is, Walmart receives hundreds of calls each day, asking the same question, "How do I become a vendor?" For many people getting your products on the shelves of Walmart is the pot at the end of the rainbow. Thoughts of millions of dollars race through their heads. For some, Walmart is the pot of gold they searched for. For others it will be another day in bankruptcy court.

The road to the corporate Walmart headquarters can be a long one, it can also be the best road ever traveled. Before even approaching such a large retailer, you must do your homework. The first step to being a Walmart vendor is to go online at www.walmartstores.com and submit detailed financial info about your company. You can also call corporate headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas at (501) 273-4000. Operators will refer you to the appropriate department for the information you need. You also must be listed with and order and pay for two Dun & Bradstreet reports. Walmart wants to know you can handle your biz.

In addition to following these steps, you must apply for Universal Product Code (UPC), meet applicable liability and workers compensation insurance requirements, pass quality assurance testing, and meet Labeling and Packaging requirements. If you survive this round, you might just find yourself in the big ole parking lot filled with rental cars from fellow vendors... your competition. Don't worry, there will be many scared faces to match yours.

Before you submit that questionaire remember you usually have ONE chance to sell those buyers. The buyers at Walmart have become even more demanding. In fact, these days, vendors have to prove they have what it takes to handle Walmart size returns long before negotiations begin. You can't even get past the front door without showing proof that you have adequate financing.

Step two for potential vendors is to go to a Walmart Super Center and figure out where your product should be placed. If you find a spot you think should overtake then you best be ready to say, "Why your product is better and can be sold cheaper." Get to know your competitors and who they are.

One of best kept secrets to Walmart is their LOCAL VENDOR PROGRAM. This program is one of the easiest ways to become a vendor. Your products usually need to be unique and have a local reference in some way. This program is the best way for small local business to set up shop with Walmart which allows smaller orders to be distributed in your local area. Starting at a slow pace can let you get a feel of how Walmart operates. What I did was call my local Walmart store and ask to speak with the general manager. We then set up a time for him to look over my product. After this meeting he gave me a local vendor application. I filled out the application and brought it back to him to send in with his referral. Store managers have the power to refer any new product they think would be good for their store. This usually pushes things along along easier and faster than going to headquarters.

Walmart information contributed by Cindy Jones at http://howtosellyourproducttowalmart.com

PR: How Sweet It Is!

The public relations goal and strategy make sense; the message is persuasive and compelling; the communications tactics are aggressive and well-targeted. YES!!

For those of us in public relations, how sweet it is when members of an important target audience appear to understand why the rumor was wrong and what they believed about the organization is simply not true.

While that happy result can be yours, including the inevitable improvements in behavior, it doesn't just happen. And especially before somebody in the organization even recognizes the importance of doing something about what those key audiences think about you.

When that epiphany does occur, it's usually because target audience perceptions have led to behaviors that just hurt too much.

Why wait? Get hold of your target audiences now before they do damage and possibly affect the survival of your organization.

And I'm talking about damage such as prospects who decide not to do anything with you; existing customers who stop doing business with you, or community leaders who lose faith in your organization's value to their constituents.

It's not worth it to ignore beginning an aggressive public relations effort a minute longer.

Start by listing those two or three outside audiences whose behaviors can ruin your day. Let's take the one at the top of the list and see how we can get organized to change the perceptions of members of that group and, thus, their behaviors.

Can't look to improve perceptions if you don't know how key audience members currently view you and your organization. Get out there and interact with them. Ask questions like "What do you think about our organization?" You must stay alert to factual errors in their responses as well as inaccuracies that need to be corrected. And don't overlook misconceptions or rumors that are just plain wrong.

Now you're in position to set a corrective public relations goal. And make sure it zeros in on a specific problem. For example, shoot down that rumor. Or clarify that misconception. Or correct that inaccuracy.

Here, you come to three forks in the road to a workable strategy that will show you how to get to your public relations goal. When it comes to altering opinion (perceptions), you have just three options available to you: create opinion where there may be none; change existing opinion, or reinforce it.

Pick one that obviously is required by the public relations goal you selected.

Now we come to real work, preparing the persuasive and compelling message you need to alter perceptions, and thus behaviors in your direction. For example, if members of your target audience are persuaded that you in fact offer quality service instead of the inferior service they believe you provide, their behaviors will signal change when they begin doing business with you again.

But your message must not only be persuasive and compelling, it must be easily understood, completely factual and, of course, truthful in all details. That's the only way your message will be believable enough to alter perceptions.

Is there a difference of opinion about how to get your message to the eyes and ears of members of your key target audience? Not really because there are so many communications tactic "foot soldiers" available to carry that message for you. They range from fraternal club speeches, newspaper and radio interviews and awards ceremonies to brochures, face-to-face meetings, plain old emails and dozens of others.

Once you fire the communications tactics gun, and give it several weeks to sink in, you must return to monitoring what members of your key target audience are NOW thinking about you. And that means more questions.

If you fail to do so, you will never know for certain if your public relations effort is making any progress.

You should use the same questions as you did for your first information gathering session. The difference now is your objective: have perceptions been altered in your direction because, if so, a change in behavior cannot be far behind?

And so, your public relations goal and strategy will make sense; your message will be persuasive and compelling, and your communications tactics will be aggressive and well-targeted.

A sure path to public relations success.

Please feel free to publish this article and resource box in your ezine, newsletter, offline publication or website. A copy would be appreciated at bobkelly@TNI.net.

Robert A. Kelly ? 2003

About The Author

Bob Kelly counsels, writes and speaks about the fundamental premise of public relations. He has been DPR, Pepsi-Cola Co.; AGM-PR, Texaco Inc.; VP-PR, Olin Corp.; VP-PR, Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co.; director of communications, U.S. Department of the Interior, and deputy assistant press secretary, The White House. mailto:bobkelly@TNI.net. Visit: http://www.prcommentary.com

Coping With Colic

Quite simply, an absolute nightmare for parents and babies alike, colic is likely to be the first major test of your parenting skills. It is dreadful for all concerned but these tips should help you cope with this difficult time.

You must at all times remember that your baby is not crying to annoy you or to punish you for something you have not done. It is not your fault that she is suffering in this way, nor is it hers. All you can do is to help relieve her pain.

Is it colic?

Colic is defined as 3 or more hours of continued crying in a day. It is not an actual illness or physical ailment and doctors are still not sure what the cause is. All that is known is that a number of babies will suffer from it, starting around 6 weeks and crying inconsolably for hours each day until around 3 months or later.

If your baby cries for long periods of time and you are not able to comfort her, it may be colic but you should first rule out the normal reasons for crying:

Is your baby hungry or thirsty? Is her nappy wet, or is she too hot or cold? Is she bored or in need of a cuddle?

If you can rule out all the above, you should ensure that she is not ill by checking the following:

? Lots of physical contact is often the only way to comfort a baby suffering from colic. A baby that is actually ill is unlikely to want to be handled.

? Nearly every baby will bring back small quantities of milk but any actual vomiting should be checked out with your health visitor or other health professional.

? A baby suffering from colic will continue to feed and has a good sucking reflex. An ill baby is likely to have a reduced appetite and may not suck as well.

? Colic is very unlikely to alter your baby's nappies so any diarrhoea should be investigated further.

A baby with colic will quite literally howl with pain and will bring their knees up into their chest to try and relieve it. Many parents that with lots of patience and hard work, they are able to reduce the level of discomfort even if they are not able to end it completely.

Causes

It is still not known why some babies suffer from colic and it is likely that there are a number of probable causes.

Many colicky babies suffer from excessive wind and doctors will sometimes prescribe anti-wind drops.

Other babies may simply find the transition to the world a little hard to cope with and display colic symptoms as a result.

A small number of babies suffer from a milk allergy (either to breast or formula milk) which may be the cause of the colic symptoms and may respond to a soya-based milk. This needs to be monitored carefully so you must discuss the symptoms with your GP or other health professional before altering your baby's feeding.

Preventative measures

Breast-fed babies

Watch what you are eating as many foods are known to affect babies - spicy food, grapes, onions, dairy products, alcohol, tea, chocolate, coffee, garlic, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, peppers (especially raw green peppers), strawberries, oranges and grapes. I found that grapes, onions and cauliflower were particularly bad.

You should try eliminating any foods that you know don't agree with you for a few days and see if this helps.

Breast-fed babies tend to take in less air than bottle-fed but do remember to burp your baby about 5/10 minutes into the feed and then again at the end. Even breast-fed/fed on demand babies can gulp milk in the first few minutes so an early winding can help to remove this air before too much milk gets on top of it.

Remember to relax when you are feeding - if you are tense you may pass this on to your baby and start the process off. Also, this may be one of the few times in which you will be able to rest yourself. Try out a number of positions to see which is most comfortable for the two of you. Ask for help if you need it - try the NCT Breast-feeding helpline or your health visitor.

Bottle-fed babies

A soya formula can help some babies with colic but do check with your GP or heath visitor as they have been concerns about the levels of sugar in some formulas.

If you think that your baby is swallowing a lot of air when feeding, try a different teat and always make sure that the bulb is full of milk to help reduce this. Keep feeds small and often - this way your baby will never get panicky for a feed and gulp in air and also will never suffer from bloating caused by too full a stomach.

All babies

There are a number of other, more long term preventative measures that you can take. Many parents swear by massage: it can help to prevent a bout of colic and also relieve the symptoms when one does occur. Cranial-osteopathy is another treatment that many parents opt for - do ask around for a recommended practitioner or see our advice and links page.

When an attack occurs There is no single thing that will give relief to all babies with colic but with (lots) of patience and trial and error, you will find things that will help ease the discomfort. What your baby really needs is comforting and lots and lots of it. This will not spoil the baby - you are simply responding to her needs and helping her through a distressing time.

Simple things often work best:

? put her over your shoulder or in another favourite position and walk up and down the room

? cradle her face down over your arm so that all her weight is on her stomach

? lay her face down across your knees and pat her back

? if you have a rocking chair, try sitting in it and rocking backwards and forwards

? if you have a baby carrier, this may help if your arms begin to get tired.

? talk soothingly to your baby - she is scared and in pain and this can help to calm her down

? try any other calming tricks that she likes such as dim lights or soothing music

? try massaging her stomach gently in a clockwise direction (this can also work as a preventative measure) - see our article on baby massage here

? try gently pushing her knees into her stomach to help relieve the pain

? try some of the branded gripe and wind relief preparations that are available after checking with your pharmacist which is best for your baby

It is very hard work and extremely frustrating for you but you should be able to dramatically reduce your baby's suffering if you keep at it.

If you can, share this time with another adult - perhaps you could take it in turns or maybe keep each other company as you cope with the baby's cries.

If you really are reaching the end of your patience, put your baby somewhere safe (such as the cot) and leave the room for 10 minutes. She may scream even louder but no real harm will come to her and the short break will do you wonders.

The next day Your baby is likely to wake up bright and early and not be any the worse for the night before. You on the other hand, are likely to be exhausted and very aware that it will all start again in a few hours.

Forget about the housework - you and your baby need as much enjoyable time together and you need as much rest as you can get. Even if you can't get someone to help you with the nights, perhaps a neighbour or friend would play with the baby while you catch up on some sleep.

Nor is actually getting dressed in the mornings that important - if it helps you to rest, then stay in your dressing gown until you are ready to go out.

Make your life as simple as possible: if friends call round to see you and the baby, ask them to make the coffee while you sit down for 5 minutes. Perhaps they could even hang the washing out for you - it is amazing the difference even this will make to the quality of your life.

Order in takeaway or make simple meals such as jacket potatoes and tuna or cheese - easy to cook and easy to clean up.

This is a very difficult time so try to hold onto the thought that it will pass in a couple of weeks. Also, remember, this is not your fault, nor is it your baby's fault.

Arabella Greatorex is the owner of http://www.naturalnursery.co.uk, an online store selling organic and fairly traded products for families including organic clothing and nappies, fairly traded toys and natural toiletries.

Ringtones Explained - Monophonic, Polyphonic, or Whatever Phonic Rings Your Bell

Downloadable Ring tones - The Latest Trend

What can you say about ring tones? NOTHING ... except that cell phones capable of downloading ringtones are the newest "must have" item today! One of the fastest growing features today is ringtones, especially downloadable ones! There are other downloadable items available on the Internet too like Java Games. Various wallpapers and screen savers are hot too but by far the most popular feature requested is downloadable ringtones.

The cell phone and their various ringtones have become status symbols. Ringtones show that you're up to date and happening. You can even take a test that defines which ringtone best suits your personality. You can truly display your lifestyle and certainly your musical taste on your sleeve.

This article will describe briefly what ring tones are, what's currently available and what the future holds. It will also suggest a caveat to consider prior to downloading the multitude of formats of available on the market. Prices are low and the sky's the limit, so read on.

* Just What Are Downloadable Ringtones?
* A Caveat Before You Buy!
* What's Available?
* A Brief Glimpse At Ancient History.
* Ringtones ? Where Do We Go From Here?
* Other Products Available On Ringtone Websites
* What Can You Say About Ringtones

Just What Are Downloadable Ringtones?

Ringtones are the sound that a regular or cell phone makes when it's rings. Early ring tones were simple chimes and on later models, a combination of chimes. Limited numbers of ringtones were available and mostly consisted of different patterns of tones or chirps. An example of one of the most infamous ringtones was the ominous" ring ring?ring ring" that is reminiscent of Todd Beamer's last telephone call on 9/11. You can hear that ringtone featured as an intro to Neil Young's famous song "Let's Roll."

Ringtone technology developed quickly and has progressed a lot since that song was recorded. Originally, you purchased a cell phone and had a choice of monophonic ring tones that produced a one note song. The number of songs was extremely limited and downloadable ring tones were simply an Engineering student's good idea.

Because of lightning speed technology and numerous service providers, one of the latest and greatest features available today is downloadable ringtones. When you're surfing the 'Net you'll find plenty of sites offering tones by today's hottest musicians; you can pick monophonic, polyphonic or true tone formats. More on that later.

A Caveat Before You Buy!

The first thing you need to know before you select, buy and download a suitable ring tone is if your cell phone is up to date enough to utilize this feature. Like everything else in technology, cell phones have evolved very quickly. As a result the cell phone that you purchased just a year ago may not have the ability to fully access the type of ring tone currently available. So make sure you check. Re-read your manual or call your service provider to find out. It's possible that you can upgrade your phone for a reasonably low fee.

What's Available?

Ringtones are divided into three formats.

1. Monophonic
2. Polyphonic
3. True Tone or Real Tone

To understand this type of technology, a person needs to have a physics/mathematics background and understand musical composition. Luckily, all that is needed to know is what types of ringtones are available and what they sound like. The following is a description of three types of ringtones, monophonic, polyphonic and true tone. Most websites offer samples of each and once you hear an example, you'll know what type you'll want to use on your cell phone.

1) Monophonic Ringtones
Some of the first cell phones came equipped with the capability of having a one tone ringer. "Monophonic" is the simplest of ring tone technology that uses a midi format. This "one note wonder" changed ringtones. Gone were the chirps and chimes; now you could play a song. A monophonic ringtone is single notes playing a song. You can recognize your favorite song but it sounds a little lame. Most monophonic tones are offered free of charge because of more full bodied tones now available, but if you're trying to make a statement, however, read on.

2) Polyphonic Ringtones
Polyphonic ring tones also use midi technology but the tonal quality is richer and has more depth. This is because polyphonic ringtones can play up to 40 notes or more. A quick example is the sound produced when Windows XP? starts up. It reproduces the sound of an orchestra playing a note rather than one instrument playing the same note. Polyphonic with its richer tonal quality sounds better than monophonic but when compared to MP3 quality it sounds pretty weak. Midi format may be adequate for basic ringers and great for greeting cards but if it's real sound that you want for your cell phone, keep reading.

3) Truetone And Mp3's
The future of sound for ringtones seems to be hifi quality. The real tone or true tone ringtones that can be downloaded onto your cell phone are equivalent to an MP3 player quality and sounds a little like an iPod.

True tone technology will allow the user to hear recorded voices such as Austin Powers announcing "You're phone is ringing, baby, yeah". This recording is so convincing that people will be looking for Mike Myers. Songs like Outkast's "Hey Ya" and the Starsky and Hutch theme song are downloadable as well. With a built in microphone you can record your own or someone else's voice. True tone ringtones will even mimic a real old fashioned telephone ring. How's that for retro?

A Brief Glimpse At Ancient History

In the almost ancient past, cell phones came with one ringer and no features at all. Wall paper was something that decorated your home and SMS was unheard of. Cell phones were big and cumbersome and used only by the elite or as marketing gurus put it, "Early Adopters." Very few people owned cell phones because of the size and expense.

Digital technology changed all. All of a sudden a lot of people were buying and using cell phones. This was confusing because every time a phone rang, everyone in the room started to rummage through their bags and pockets to answer it. A unique sound was the answer and that is how ring tones of every description came into being.

Ringtones ? Where Do We Go From Here?

Some technical websites declare that the cell phone of tomorrow will replace the MP3 player of today. This will be possible once a dual use battery is invented that can hold a sufficiently long enough charge. The power would last more than a few hours and be easily recharged. The "techies" declare that memory capabilities must be enhanced so that the user can download and store hundreds of thousands of songs. This isn't that far off, in fact an MP3 player being replaced by a cell phone is considered possible within 5 years according to most technical websites.

Other Products Available On Ringtone Websites

Sound mixers and Recordable Devices
A 2002 Motorola cell phone came with an audio mixer that could harness the hundreds of musical instruments in a midi format. This cell phone has greatly evolved and allows you to program special effects. Effects include echo and reverb to name just a couple. You can program your own ringtone, download it onto your phone and then enhance it with the above hifi effects.

Wall paper and Logos
Many cell phones are used to connect to the Internet and also do double duty as palm pilots. This has necessitated a larger screen and with that you need special wall paper. You can choose from a multitude of assortments. Your favorite logos are also downloadable. Logos of every sports team are available.

Java Games
Whether you're waiting for the dentist or the bus, passing the time is far quicker by playing a computer game. Java games are available from the same websites that offer huge assortments of wallpaper and ringtones. Google the word Java Game or Gamer and there's lots of websites sites to choose.

SMS (Short Message Service)
ICQ (I Seek You) was the pioneer of the SMS technology and still remains on the cutting edge of SMS technology. ICQ is pretty advanced and still progressing. It offers the availability of staying in real time communication and allows a large address book. As part of the ICQ community, there are message boards, chat rooms and user lists available. ICQ also offer unique ringtones as well. SMS Google is catching up quickly and now provides the user with the option of text messaging a query directly to its web site using a cell phone.

What Can You Say About Ringtones

So there you have it, what can you say about ringtones? It seems in today's wireless world and with cutting edge technology, quite a.bit. Gone are the days where a single bell chime or as Lily Tomlin put it so well: "one ringy dingy, two ringy dingy" had to sound to get your attention. Today the choices are endless so shop around for what suits you best in your own unique ringtone. Stay in touch!

? 2005 http://www.cell-phone-n-plans.com

About the Author
Lillian Fuller is a talented and successful freelance writer for hire providing tips and advice for consumers about cell phones, cell phone plans, and cell phone ringtones. Her numerous articles offer valuable insight and informative views on many different topics.

Online Loans: The Easy Way to Apply

The internet is a great place to find the right lender for obtaining a loan. One can apply online by filling out a simple application and submitting it with just a few clicks of the mouse. Online loans, also known as e-loans, are just one more way to make your search for money to finance your purchase easy and convenient.

Online loans offer the following advantages:

1) The greatest advantage of online loans is that you can apply for it from almost anywhere as long as you have a computer or a laptop.

2) Online loan application forms are generally simple in their structure and are user friendly.

3) They are secure, have a no obligation feature and are free of charge.

4) Online loan applications are highly confidential. Internet hackers cannot simply enter a website and steal your personal information. Most lenders have extensive privacy policies and go the extra mile to protect your privacy.

5) Most websites provide loan calculators which helps the borrower to determine the amount of loan he or she would be eligible for and the repayment amount. The borrower can apply different criteria to determine suitability.

6) The borrower can compare a product offered by different lenders to determine which lender is most competitive.

Matters to be considered while applying for online loans:

1) Your credit rating has a very crucial bearing on your ability to borrow and the interest rate. It is always prudent to check your credit score before applying. A high credit score will result in a more favorable interest rate. A low credit score can provide you with a loan, however, the interest rate will be much higher as you pose a greater credit risk to the lender.

2) Comparison shopping should be resorted to in order to find the right lender.

3) Obtaining a pre-approval on your loan application for big ticket purchases, such as a home or a car, would put you on a strong footing while negotiating with the seller. A pre-approved application has the following advantages: the approval is granted for a specific period during which the interest rate at the time of the application does not change even if the market rates fluctuate during the period, the amount available for the purchase and the repayment amounts are known even before you begin the buying process.

Online loan process:

The online loans process works in the following manner:

1) The first step is to fill out the online application form.

2) The lender reviews your creditworthiness and assesses your financial net worth.

3) Based upon the review, the application is either approved or denied.

4) Hard copy of loan contract is sent to the borrower.

5) Documentary evidence maybe called for to support claims made on the application form.

Market players in the online loans market:

1) Loan brokers: These are agents representing several lenders. They do not lend money.

2) Direct lenders: They offer you loans directly. These are financial institutions that lend you the money.

This article may be freely distributed providing no alterations are made to the text and the links remains intact.

Copyright ? www.1st-onlineloans.com- All rights reserved.

For home loans & finance please visit us at http://www.1st-onlineloans.com

Lewis And Clark Pay Attention

As I write this Southern California has just ended its second week of triple digit temperatures. The intense heat changes the way we live and alters the rhythm of our days. We are up earlier to walk the dog while the park is still cool. We spend a lot of time indoors in the air conditioning. We've been eating better. We don't want to heat up the house with the stove ? so it's salads and chicken from the grill. And, as I don't want to head out in my black car two or three times a day, I find myself thinking more about what I need to do and combining trips and make lists.

When I take a break and flop in front of the TV I watch the third Hurricane in as many weeks bear down on Florida. When I try to call the airline to book my Christmas vacations a cheerful voice tells me there is no-one to answer my call right now because of the extreme weather across most of this country.

It occurs to me that we're paying attention to the weather. Or, more accurately, Mother Nature is commanding our attention whether we want to give it or not.

I'm reminded of a trip of the Western states I took years ago when I followed the river course of Lewis and Clark. They took on the amazingly brave project of finding a water route to the Pacific Ocean through uncharted, then-foreign territory. They took their guidance from the Indians and sailed for years on swollen rivers around mountains and plains where no white man had ever been. They rose when the sun rose and took to their beds when dusk fell ? battling mosquitoes as big as small birds throughout the night. Illness and hunger were their frequent companions. Fear walked in step with them.

They paid attention to the weather.

In 1803 when they began their expedition it would have been unthinkable to have made any decision on their journey without considering what nature would bring that day. A wrong move could have exposed them to great danger or even death and could've meant the abandonment of their trip ? ten years in the planning.

Today, we're pretty much cocooned inside our aggressively air-conditioned or heated automobiles, homes and offices. When we venture outside we wear space-industry fabrics which conserve our body heat or wick moisture away from our skin. We don't even need to go outside. From our computer we can make a living, socialize and keep in touch with our extended family all from one room.

It's easy to forget that we survive with the grace of, and at the mercy of, a natural world which has its own laws.

So every so often when we are stopped in our tracks by nature and we become aware of the all-encompassing reality which contains our all-important man-made world our perspective shifts.

We become aware of the dualities of our lives. Controllable or uncontrollable. Important or unimportant. Man-made or natural. And as always reality guides us just as surely as it guided that brave party from the Missouri to the Pacific Ocean.

Mary Rosendale is a writer, speaker and Founder of "The Constructed Life" a unique Holistic Life Coaching Service which assists people in re-directing their lives with purpose and action. Visit her on the web at http://www.TheConstructedLife.com and sign up for her free newsletter or check out her blog at http://TheCosntructedlife.blogs.com

Its Raining... Time to Go Fishing!

Ah, fishing in the rain. You may not like the rain, but the fish sure love it!

You may not believe it, but you may catch more fish while it is raining. There are a few good logical reasons for this.

First, when it rains, the worms come out... and naturally, many of those worms along with other bugs get washed into the water. The fish know this and react by feeding. The underwater world erupts into a feeding frenzy, especially if it hasn't rained for a while.

Another reason is that oxygen levels rise from the rain hitting the water, which increases fish activity levels. There is so much oxygen in the water that it is easier for the fish to swim faster and longer without getting tired. When they see your nice tasty-looking lure, they're much more likely to go after it.

If you've ever been up on a high mountain, you know how much faster you lose your breath and get tired... that's because there's less oxygen up at the higher altitudes... come back down to sea-level, and you have more energy and can breathe easier. When it rains, for the fish, it is like coming down to sea-level after living high in the mountains.

A third reason has to do with what the fish can see (or maybe I should say "what they can't see"). Because of the clouds and all the ripples in the water, it is much more difficult for any fish to see you above the water. Believe it or not, under normal circumstances, fish can see you much better than you can ever see them. And when they do see you, more often than not, they're going to be gone in a heartbeat.

No matter how crazy and stormy it is on top of the water, everything is just about as calm underneath the surface of the water as it is on a normal day. So even though they aren't able to see out of the water as well, there is one thing that they can see just as well as any other time, and that's your bait!

There are quite a few reason's why fishing in the rain is probably better than fishing on a nice sunny day... and I am sure there are more reasons for this than what I have talked about. But the bottom line is that you'll probably catch more fish when it's raining... obviously, you might not catch as much, but experience has shown me that many times, fishing in the rain produces better results.

So, remember, next time you decide to go fishing and the weather reports call for rain, instead of canceling your trip, just smile, grab your rain gear, and get ready to have a great day of fishing... just remember, rain showers are fine, but don't waste a second scampering off the lake if you see lightning or hear thunder... not only do you put your life in danger, but it will spook the fish enough that they won't be feeding anymore anyways.

It may not be exactly fun fishing in the rain at first, but after you get used to it and start reeling in those fish, you'll start liking it more and more.

Scott Pinkert runs a great Wisconsin fishing resource site called Go Wisconsin Fishing. The website is an excellent resource for everything you want or need to know about fishing in Wisconsin. You can check out the site by visiting http://www.go-wisconsin-fishing.com. For more articles like this, sign up for his monthly newsletter at http://www.go-wisconsin-fishing.com/newsletter.html

Guide to Credit Terms

Listed below is a useful guide to credit card terms. It is a list of definitions of credit card terms that may or may not be familiar to you.

Annual Fee

Various card issuers charge an annual fee, which can help offset costs that issuers incur in maintaining accounts and providing services.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

Stands for 'annual percentage rate'. A figure, expressed as a percentage, which incorporates the interest charged upon the credit card as well as any additional fees.

Association for Payment Clearing Services (APACS)

The banking industry body that oversees money transmission and payment clearing activities in the UK.

Automated Teller Machine (ATM)

Another term for a cash machine.

Balance

The total amount that you owe your credit card provider and includes charges such as interest and fees.

Balance Transfer Rate

The interest rate that will be charged on any balance transferred from a previous credit card onto a new one.

Cash Advance

Withdrawing money from a cash machine using your credit card. There is usually a charge imposed for this service. A cash advance is different from a withdrawal you make with your ATM card.

Charge Card

This is a type of credit card often favoured by businesses on which the balance must be paid off in full each month.

Credit Limit

This is the maximum amount you can borrow using your card.

Credit History

A record of how you have paid accounts in the past; used as a guide to determine whether you're likely to pay accounts on time in the future.

Credit Reference Agency

Organisations that specialise in providing credit reports that assess an individual or business's credit risk.

Credit Report

An assessment of an individual or a company's credit risk. These reports are composed using a variety of informational sources and are used by lenders in order to assess applicants.

Finance Charges

The price paid to a lender for the use of borrowed money.

Fixed Rate

A set annual percentage rate that does not change in response to interest rate changes and conditions.

Interest

The charge that the lender imposes on the borrower for the granting of credit.

Interest Free Period

The period during which no interest will accrue on credit card transactions.

Period

The period during which the Introductory Rate applies to balances outstanding on your account.

Introductory Rate

A special annual percentage rate that applies for only a limited time.

Minimum Payment

This is the minimum amount that you will need to pay back each month on your credit card balance.

Online Banking

Online systems enable you to access a host of banking services from a personal computer by connecting with the bank's computers over the Internet.

PIN

Stands for 'personal identification number' and is issued to a credit card holder in order to enable them to use cash machines to withdraw money.

Rewards Program

A point accumulating program based on purchases or transactions made on your card.

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About The Author
John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available loans via the http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.