Archive for June, 2009

Economist, Activist, Analyst

Posted in More Blogs, Politics News, Writing Content on June 10th, 2009

Well-known economist Marie Josee Kravis, wife of Kohlberg, Kravis & Roberts Co’s Henry Kravis, is a senior fellow as well as a member of the board of trustees of the Hudson Institute. As an economist, Marie Josee specializes in public policy analysis and strategic planning.

Since 1973, Marie Josee Kravis has been actively working with the Hudson Institute. She directed Hudson’s “Corporate Environment Program” as well as the “Europe and the World” study. In addition, she has also done studies that dealt with the economic development of countries such as Morocco, Algeria, Mexico, and France.

Prior to joining Hudson, Marie Josee served as the special assistant to the Federal Solicitor General and then worked in the same capacity for the Minister of Supply and Services for the Canadian government right after she served as Power Corporation of Canada’s financial analyst.

Aside from her involvements with the Hudson Institute and the Canadian government, Marie Josee Kravis also served as a member of the Bilateral Dispute Settlement Board, a part of the Canada/US Free Trade Agreement. She became a part of the Quebec government’s Committee on Financial Institutions and currently serves as the President of New York City’s famous Museum of Modern Art.

Internet Phone Service: The Low Cost Alternative for Keeping in Touch

Posted in Online Telecommunication Resources on June 8th, 2009

Are you always looking for ways to save money without cutting back on the things that make you happy? Do you like to talk on the phone until your mouth is as dry as the desert sand? If you answered yes to these questions, then internet phone service is an ideal fit for you. It works over a high-speed internet connection and allows you to keep in touch with family and friends all over the world for pennies.

In order to enjoy the money saving benefits of internet phone service, you must have a high-speed internet connection, either broadband or DSL. Most Internet Phone Service Providers will then send you a Broadband Phone Adapter, or BPA (a device that resembles a modem) that will plug directly into a modem/router. Then, all you have to do is plug your existing phone into the adapter and you can start making calls. The set-up is really easy and usually takes less than five minutes for installation.

So, how much money are you really going to save with internet phone service versus traditional phone service? Most traditional phone companies usually charge between $20 and $30 a month for basic service. This doesn’t include any features like voicemail, call waiting, 3-way calling, etc. Nor does it include any long distance charges. Add these features up and a normal phone bill would typically cost $50 a month.

With Internet Phone service, most providers charge between $20 and $25 a month. Not much difference than the traditional phone companies, right? Well, for this price you not only get all the features included, but unlimited calling in the United States and Canada as well. Not bad if you have friends and family living outside of your area code. Most consumers who use internet phone service can save as much as $500 a year and that is just the icing on the cake.

The cost savings of internet phone service is great. But even better is the ability to keep in touch with family and friends without the worries of high phone bills.

There are several internet phone service providers to choose from that offer good service. One is Packet8. They have great reviews and even have a 30-day money back guarantee in case you are not happy with their service.

Click here for more in-depth information about internet phone service. Michael Brito is an internet marketing consultant and freelance writer for a variety of consumer related products.

Weekend Plans: Matchmaker Services to Pleasantly Deliver

Posted in Dating, Tips on June 7th, 2009

First, I’m not a spineless laid back single man, all too accustomed to being without a date every weekend. I’d bet you haven’t read me blog on great dating and compatibility. No surprise.

Idleness is an avoidable quality and intentionally missing from my family history. But, There’s no point avoiding it, I had no choice but to put the breaks on a special cohabitation and I felt a great deal for but simply carried on to nowhere. So you would say it has been years since I dated someone new. I don’t hold the dating with great expectations I held years ago.

Single life has had its perks so far. I know one thing, I refuse to spend another weekend undisturbed, devowering Jack Bauer (from 24) reruns. The primary factor behind this bout of fresh break-up dating boredom? This isn’t college, and everyone else is boring.

My former college pal, Jim, who has never had dating apathy, sympathized because he is almost in a similar place. He introduced me to this Dallas dating service called Great Expectations. Not usually my thing, but I can’t argue with introductions with fun gals with similar interests. Surprise, I bit the bullet and signed up.

I told myself, ya can’t be disappointed about not having plans when you haven’t tried to meet anyone. As our mentor and basketball coach Chris Kniffen repeated to no end as his idea of encouragement, “You’re complaining to the competition, son.”

Coach was crazy, and a little out of touch. Even so, the old man was right in a good old fashioned way. He was likable in all ways. The amazing Dallas matchmaking service I joined definitely would have overloaded the old man’s mind.

Last night at a Great Expectations happy hour I mingled with a few accomplished and appealing ladies that hold my eye. I truthfully had a carefree night with a few terrific noteworthy men and women. Went home following an exchange of digits, and as a plus, I grew some social networking relationships for my career. Right on!

Take action. You won’t be happy if you sit the bench. Don’t sell yourself short, you might as well have great expectations for dating.

Respectfully,

Keith

Legal Requirements for FL Auto Insurance Coverage

Posted in Uncategorized on June 6th, 2009

FL Insurance Minimums

  • Bodily Injury Liability (BIL): $10,000/$20,000 Limit
  • Property Damage Liability: $10,000 Limit

Florida is a no-fault state. The rules of a no-fault legal system specify that the auto insurance underwriter covers damages resulting from an auto accident irregardless of who was responsbile for the accident. These basic principles vary by state. Quarrels over who is are lowered with this system, but at the same time, Florida drivers give up some of their legal rights to sue the other drivers involved.

PIP helps cover the expenses incurred for all those involved in an auto accident. There are minimums for this coverage in Florida that each driver must keep. For all other people involved, the limit is $20,000 and $10,000 is the legal required for one person involved. These are only state level mandated minimums and each motorists should reexamine their own position to project how much auto insurance protection is appropriate for you.

To be financially protected on the chance that you are in an accident with somebody who either does not hold insurance or doesn’t have adequate insurance to pay for damages, you should consider adding Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury auto insurance coverage to your Florida auto insurance policy policy. This added coverage is nonmandatory, but can help minimize costs if you are in an accident with an uninsured and/or underinsured motorist.

The mean U.S. insurance premium in 2003 was $914. The average insurance premium in Florida was $1,104 - almost $200 more. Some drivers wrongly believe auto insurance costs are established and confirmed by Florida’s state government, but this is incorrect.

In the real world, a large number of drivers can pay less for their insurance quotes in Florida. To acquire the lowest quotes, you should get auto insurance rate quotes on the internet or call a licensed agent. The best insurance underwriters also give an assortment of auto insurance deductions that you may be eligible for.

In 2007, there was an average decrease of .5%-1% from 2006. This was the first reduction in insurance rates since 1999. However, these decreases were temporary as in 2008 and 2009, insurance costs once more began to ascend. Unless you’re on a regular basis looking for the lowest auto insurance quotes, you’re likely shelling out too much. auto insurance costs. Employing the net can help you figure if you’re overpaying for insurance and if you can obtain discounts.

Being Treated Well in Restaurants

Posted in Entertainment Events, Tips, Victuals on June 6th, 2009

I went into a restaurant the other day- not a particularly special one either, a chain in fact- and was thrilled and delighted that almost immediately after I had sat down, our table was presented with a glass bottle of chilled tap water which the waitress kindly left on the table for us, so no one had to utter the words, Can I have Some Tap Water? I think that all restaurants have a duty to behave in this manner. Water should not be something that customers should have to request. I should be taken as read that anyone eating a meal will also want water to go with it. Should they require a special brand of water, or sparkling water, then they should have to request this, but otherwise, they get what they are given. I have never been to a restaurant and not wanted water. If the waiters and waitresses gave each table a bottle of water then it would also encourage people to keep hydrated, and send out a positive message about Britain’s tap water. The trouble is that restaurants don’t make any money by offering free water, as it often deters people from ordering other beverages. Shouldn’t everyone have the right to choose?

Make Free Internet Phone Calls With VoIP And Save A Ton Of Money On Phone Bills

Posted in Online Telecommunication Resources on June 5th, 2009

Have you heard all the buzz about VoIP?

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is an emerging technology which allows you to make telephone calls over the Internet - many times for free. It is already starting to replace existing telephone networks, with many people and businesses choosing to cancel their traditional phone line and use VoIP instead. Why? Price. Consumer are finding that they can save a lot of money using VoIP technologies.

Originally developed to provide voice communication between computer users in different locations, in recent years, VoIP has been further developed into a telephone network in its own right. People using VoIP can call any telephone anywhere in the world and can receive calls on telephone sets connected to the Internet.

Currently, there are quite a few VoIP services available for consumers to choose from. Some of these still rely on PC-to-PC connections but many VoIP providers offer other services such as PC-to-phone and phone-to-phone connection.

In order to use VoIP, both parties need a broadband connection. This is a high-speed Internet connection usually provided by a cable or DSL modem- broadband modems are usually used to connect computers to the Internet.

The simplest form of VoIP is a computer-to-computer voice connection. This is also the type of connection which allows users to make free phone calls over the Internet.

All that is required to make your first free call over the Internet is a computer, a headset consisting of earphones and microphone, and VoIP software. The VoIP software can be downloaded from the service provider’s site. The best thing is that most software packages are free and allow you to connect to any computer running the same software.

There is no charge for this type of connection and calls can be made to anywhere in the world free of charge. If you choose you could also use an Internet telephone that plugs into the sound card or USB port on your computer. However, this is an additional expense which is really not necessary.

Until recently, the major disadvantage with computer-to-computer calls was that both parties had to have the same kind of software installed in order to make a connection; but things are changing now and emerging technology is beginning to allow users to make calls to users utilizing different VoIP software. Almost every software package, however, has the ability to connect with landline or cellular phones.

How It Works

Although each VoIP software package is different, most VoIP software function the same way. Usually, you can call another person on the network by typing in their user name or number. If that person is online they will see a popup box alerting them that you want to talk. The other party can see who is calling and can choose to either accept or reject the call.

Before the popup appears, however, there has already been some communication between the two computers. The VoIP software has information about the speed of your Internet connection and the type of code that can be used to compress and decompress audio data. When a call request is made, both computers negotiate which code is going to be used to make allowances for the connection speed.

Other types of VoIP Services are available which allow you to make PC-to-Phone connections, and also calls that do not involve the use of your computer at all. Although these premium services vary in price, in most cases by using VoIP technology you will be saving a significant amount of money on your phone bills each month.

We show you how You CAN make cheap international calls and lower your phone bills through the use of cheap prepaid phone cards, call back services, cheap international phone cards, dial-arounds, VoIP, internet calling and more at http://www.make-cheap-international-phone-calls.com

What’s Your IQ on Basic PC Phone (VoIP) Knowledge

Posted in Online Telecommunication Resources on June 5th, 2009

Short T/F quiz

1. T / F You can save a significant amount of money using VoIP rather than traditional telephone/cell phone calling methods.

2. T / F The minimum requirement for VoIP is a broadband (high speed) connection.

3. T / F VoIP security is not an issue to be concerned about because most computers are protected with firewalls.

4. T / F Over 75% of the world will be using VoIP for communication within the next 3-4 years.

5. T / F You can make all your phone calls anywhere in the world from your computer.

6. T / F Peer-to-peer (P2P) networks are perfectly safe to use, especially if your computer is protected with firewalls.

Answers

1. The answer is True. In fact, it is the tremendous savings of up to 80% off traditional phone calling that makes VoIP attractive to consumers and businesses. The only equipment needed for VoIP is your PC and a microphone (if one is not built into your PC). Beware of VoIP service providers that require you to purchase additional equipment and/or sign contracts.

2. The answer is False. Although the public has been fed a steady diet that the minimum requirement for VoIP is a high speed (broadband) connection, this is absolutely false.

Over 90% of the VoIP providers have used this false premise as a smokescreen to take your focus off the fact that their priority was and is to line their own pockets rather than expend the time, effort, and funds to develop technology that incorporates dial up capability.

The technology required for dial up connections to use VoIP involves the ability to compress data packets down to a minimum size of 8 kbps prior to traveling over the Internet.

3. The answer is False. Security should be the most important feature of any VoIP solution provider. Firewalls do not incorporate protection for VoIP. VoIP security should incorporate protection against identity theft, Trojan horses, viruses, and worms.

Craig Pollard of Siemens advised that “Voice must be protected like any other application”. He further stated that, “Along with IT directors and telecom managers, a number of financial directors came to our road shows, which may not be surprising considering the damaging potential of VoIP threats if a network is not properly protected.”

Over 90% of VoIP solution providers do not operate on secure lines. These providers, in order to save a few dollars at your expense, operate on industry standard codec (encryption codes) and industry standard protocols which are publicly open and interpretable. Hacker friendly providers offer hacker manuals, software, programs, and even processor chips that makes accessibility to your computer from these industry standards - as enticing as chum is to sharks in a feeding frenzy.

When a computer hacker gains unauthorized access to your computer, their sole purpose is to steal your identity and sell your personal and confidential information to other criminal entities. In addition, they often plant Trojan horses, viruses, and worms into your computer.

4. The answer is True. Industry insiders such AT&T says, “VoIP traffic is projected to account for approximately 75% of the world’s voice traffic by 2007″. This suggests a major paradigm shift in communication.

5. The answer is True. Not only can you make all your phone calls anywhere in the world from your computer, you can also travel with your computer phone. Simply by bringing your unique number and password, you can download your phone with your entire contact list. Of course, PC to PC is usually free between subscribers. PC to telephones and cell phones typically involves fees at drastically reduced rates when compared to traditional calling rates.

6. The answer is False. P2P networks use industry standard codec (encryption codes) and industry standard protocols which are publicly open and interpretable.

John Ashcroft, Attorney General, in remarks at the High Technology Crime Investigation Association 2004 International Training Conference held on September 13, 2004 stated, “We have seen worms and viruses attack…disrupting basic services…And with the increased use of the Internet and especially peer-to-peer networking, we have seen malicious code spread more quickly and infect more personal computers than ever before. The cost of these worms, viruses, and denial-of-service attacks…reaches into the billions of dollars.”

P2P networks such as Skype operate by taking bandwidth (information carrying capacity) from customers on their service to assist other customers using their service - analogous to a symbiotic relationship. The tools that enable them to accomplish this are bundled in the software their customers agree to in order to download and access their VoIP service.

Another grave concern for both individuals and businesses when using P2P systems is unknowingly having your computer used as a supernode. A supernode occurs when your computer is arbitrarily assigned as a hub.

When you are running the software for P2P services, your computer’s disk space, bandwidth, and processing power are used to help other users on the same system operate their software more efficiently because of their own network or firewall constraints.

We as consumers still have a lot to learn about VoIP, as this technology is the new era of communication and is continuously being changed.

All VoIP service providers need to incorporate the protection, needs, and desires of its customers, as well as address security and dial up capability.

All VoIP service providers should invest in developing a proprietary patented technology that incorporates compression of data packets so that their VoIP can be used on dial up connections, as well as cable, satellite, and wireless.

All VoIP service providers should develop and create their own proprietary high end encryption codec with patented technology, simply because they do not want their customers to be victims of viruses, worms, Trojan horses, or have their identity stolen as a result of using their VoIP service.

Simply put, all VoIP service providers should place the protection, security, and needs of their customers FIRST. Of course, they are in business to earn profits, but it should not be at the expense of exposing their customers to unscrupulous entities.

Want to hear and experience what exceptional sound quality on optimally secure lines sounds like? Download a 7 day free trial at http://www.free-pc-phone.com and see for yourself.

**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.

Dee Scrip is a well known and respected published author of numerous articles on VoIP, VoIP Security, and other related VoIP issues. Other articles can be found at http://www.free-pc-phone.com

Drug Testing

Posted in Consumer Issues, Health Issues, Lifestyle Infos on June 5th, 2009

Drug Testing

Drug examination has become a general phenomenon around the globe. Numerous companies do drug exams on newly hired individuals or present employees to verify a drug-free surrounding at workplace.

Insurance authorities and courts carry out drug screens on a normal basis on suspected people. The serious query that comes to your head, when you go for some exam is how to pass the drug trial?

Internet web sites such as Drug Testing Advice offers up the most advanced detox products including eternal cleaners, synthetic substance weewee products, and saliva purifying products, cleansing drinks and home drug examination kits.

Pass Urine Drug Test

Passing The Drug Test offers master support for every product, with support offered by drug test experts whom are extremely knowledgeable with another types of drug testing ways and issues. Support is available by electronic mail and phone. Shipping is instant, with complete secrecy assured, using plainly and discrete packaging materials to hold undivided customer privateness.

How To Beat Random Drug Test

Embedded on the new web site is a sizable range of products for detoxification and examining intents. Permanent cleansing agents are provided in 3, 5 and 7, 10, 14, 21 and 30 day systems, with a assortment of herbs, roots, barks and minerals that are better-known lipides destroyers which run to break down fat cells and get rid of toxins completely. Synthetic urine is offered, which contains all ingredients ordinarily found in urine, especially balanced for pH with specific gravity, creatine and other piss characteristics. A saliva cleansing mouthwash is offered up will eliminate toxins from your mouth with exactly 3 minutes of use. We provide a range of herbal drinks, to each one accommodating the best effective herbs and fiber to help rid the body of toxins that may have compiled.

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Are You Left Handed? School Scholarships Can Help Fund Your Education

Posted in Education + Schooling, Miscellaneous, Tuition Info on June 1st, 2009

Searching for a way in financing a university degree may be challenging and can certainly need time. Scholarships are different from a normal student loan in that the cash is a grant, and consequently, repayment isn’t necessary. When looking for methods to finance a degree, be conscious that cash is accessible in unlikely spots, such as left hander scholarships.

Financial Aid for Southpaws

It may seem a little strange to offer a grant dependent on being left-handed, however do consider this: Albert Einstein was left-handed, so is the president of the United States, Barack Obama. Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Paul McCartney and J.F. Kennedy Jr were left-handed as well. An estimated 11% of the population are left-handed. Although in the past left-handers have gone through discrimination, in modern times they are frequently considered to be more gifted intellectually and more artistic. Stigmatization is now a thing of the past and lefties are no longer thought of as unusual, and may have many qualities associated with the exceptional people identified above. There are many scholarships accessible for left handed scholars when you know where to search. A Beckley Scholarship for 1000 USD is available at Juniata College in Huntington, PA. For scholars of Juniata College and set up in the 1970’s, this grant helps many left handed scholars receive a university degree. When searching for scholarships, do be mindful that some scholarships have requirements or limitations. In a few cases particular grades may be involved or particular monetary guidelines have to be satisfied. Multiple program applications may step-up your chances of graduating with a negligible amount of debt. Societies, hobby related groups and community organizations can offer college grants. Lefthanded bursaries aren’t the only example; scholarships are available in other instances for instance the students from military households or if you have a disability.

Some students need to invest quite a bit of effort looking for scholarships, even so the return may be enormous. Any debt accrued by a college degree can be reduced by these grants employed alongside regular lending. Leave no stone unturned and research all suitable grants. Left-handed funding is not the only option - make a list of all the options you can conceive of and be sure to utilize every available resource. Go for everything you may possibly qualify for, keeping your tutition debt minimal, and you will look forward to a more positive economic future when you leave college.

Please take a gander at this one of a kind website for scholarships for law students information…