Webcams: Science-Fiction Becomes Reality

One of the most incredible inventions I've ever come across is the web cam and its process of video conferencing. This is just so futuristic I can't believe they really exist and are readily available to anyone with the Internet, speakers, and the right software. I'm not absolutely sure but doesn't this spell the end of telephones? Now we can have conversations with people on the other side of the world, and see their face moving as we hear them speaking live.

Picture this: You're an Antarctic explorer on a solo journey in the middle of the ice and snow on your way to the South Pole. The only living creatures around are the slippery penguins sliding around having fun. You're in your special tent keeping safe from the intense wind from the blizzard outside. As you boil up water on your portable stove you flip open your laptop (with battery recharger, broadband Internet, and in-built speakers) and connect with your family back in Russia. You can see their smiles as you hear them speak. What a magical connection!

Another great aspect of video conferencing is the fact that you can communicate with whole groups of people at once either through networking a group of computers or by form of broadcast. This is a huge step forward for both companies and for schools. I've heard corporations have saved a lot of money and time, and students are enjoying learning this way much more than from a textbook. Informed people can talk to classes and help them learn, where otherwise they wouldn't be able to because of time and distance restrictions. This is also a bonus for children who have different learning styles. E.G. The more visual types who understand better when they can see what they're working with.

Feasibly, a surgeon in Japan could watch an operation in Australia and even ask the doctor in progress questions about procedures. It's obvious that video conferencing will both help humans evolve further through the sharing of knowledge as well as keep loved ones more connected when they are far from home.

A lot of people who are either fascinated or obsessed with sex will also tell you about the benefits of this technology for their voyeuristic purposes, but I'm not going to go there. Science Fiction has once again turned to reality, and I hope we can truly make the most of this invention created by humans who wish to make society a better place.

About The Author

Jesse Somer is a simple human being sharing his newfound knowledge about the changing world we live, which is being achieved through the power of the Internet; http://www.m6.net

Resolutions or Revelations?

There's nothing wrong with wanting to improve ourselves either outwardly or inwardly. What's important is to check the motives behind the improvements.

Do we want to improve our outward appearance in order to get more attention from the opposite sex or do we just want to be healthier as a result of losing weight? Are we trying to make improvements that will get us attention from those around us or are we secretly improving the hidden parts that only God sees? If flattery and compliments are what we seek, then these are vain and futile improvements. They won't get us anywhere.

"You do not know (the least thing) about what may happen tomorrow. What is the nature of your life? You are (really) but a wisp of vapor (a puff of smoke, a mist) that is visible for a little while, and then disappears (into thin air)" Jm. 4:16 (Amplified)

Oops! And you thought you would be around forever!!! God knows better, and so should we. We aren't an exception to the rule. All our improvements to grant us satisfaction of the flesh are all useless. Man has been searching for the fountain of youth forever, and the only way to find it is through God's Word, the Living Waters.

We are not promised another day after this one, we don't know at what time our lives will be cut off, only God knows that. We tend to take this for granted when we make long term plans for happiness. It's all fleeting. We are given this time, right now, and anything other than that is pure foolishness. After all, what is tomorrow? Have you actually lived tomorrow? A gas station put out a sign in front of their building which read, "Free gas tomorrow". When the customers expected free gas the following day, the owner said, "It's not tomorrow, it's today!" Tomorrow never comes. Living for today is what is important. The gas station wasn't falsely advertising, when tomorrow does get here, it is then today!

That is why Christ advises in Jm. 4:15 that we ought to say, "If the Lord is willing, we shall live and shall do this thing or that thing."

The length of our fragile lives is all in God's hands, so it doesn't much really matter what precautions we take to prolong them. It's still a good idea to stay healthy because your body is a temple of the Lord. He wants to use you.

As we are setting goals for ourselves, are we boasting and bragging along the way? Do we try to build ourselves up in front of others causing envy or jealousy and taking satisfaction in that? Remember, as it is written in God's Word that those who are first (now) shall (later) be last and those who are last (now) shall (later) be first. God rewards the humble. As you humble yourself, He will exalt you and as you exalt yourself, He will humble you. Think about that the next time you draw attention to yourself.

"But as it is, you boast (falsely) in presumption and your self-conceit. All such boasting is wrong." Jm. 4:16

Now knowing that tomorrow never comes and boasting and bragging are useless, then we should then reconsider that these resolutions should become a revelation. This should open up our eyes to the things that really matter.

As all improvements go, they bring sacrifices and suffering. They are meant to crucify the flesh. Like the saying goes, "No pain, no gain." How very true that is.

With this pain and suffering comes life long lessons. The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians about the hardships he had endured, such as stoning, beating, and imprisonment. He barely escaped death and did it all for the love of Christ. As he wrote in 2 Cor. 12:7, he described a thorn in the flesh that Satan gave him. Although he never mentioned exactly what this thorn was, the main thing to remember is, we all have one and this way we can identify with his. He begged God to remove it three different times. (2 Cor. 12:8) But since God knows what's best, did not take away this pain and suffering but instead told Paul, "My Grace is sufficient for you." In other words, God makes us strong in our weaknesses through His infinate Grace and Wisdom. He gives us the ability to keep going when all looks hopeless. He told Paul that His strength and power are made perfect and show themselves most effective in his own weaknesses. It was then that Paul realized that in his weakness and infirmities that he could gladly glory in them. In the next verse (2 Cor. 12:10) Paul continues to write that he is well pleased and takes pleasure in the insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses, for when he is weak in human strength, then he is truly strong, able and powerful in divine strength.

As we consider a resolution for ourselves in self improvement, perhaps we should look at it as revelation instead. We should have our eyes open to the true meaning of what it means to try and make ourselves better. We shouldn't be doing it for ourselves, we should be doing it for our Father.

No matter what we try to do in life, Satan will always be around to sink a thorn into us, to make us weak and vulnerable, but when we take to heart that God's grace is sufficient for us, we can learn to laugh in the face of adversity.

Life is for living to honor God and not false idols, just remember that you are not the be all and end all. Your life is a gift, how will you use it? If you live your life serving God, it will count for eternity in peace, if not, it will be an eternity in hell.

We all have a free will choice to live our lives the way we want. We can either follow God, or we can become our own god. Either way, there will be very real consequences to pay. Do you know if you have salvation in your life? Have you asked God to forgive your sins?

Heaven or Hell, it's your call. If you are not a child of the Most High God, remember, He can not accept you into His Kingdom of Righteousness. He has a place reserved for those who don't want to serve Him now. But on the other hand, He will gladly accept you into His Kingdom and give you all that is laid aside for you if you only recognize His Son Christ as the One Who came to pay the ransom for your sins. They are forgiven once you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, to be ruler over your life. Believe that He died, was buried and rose on the third day and was resurrected into heaven at the right side of His Father. He promises to make your enemies His footstool. Who's side are you on?

Vivian Gordon loves to write inspirational articles that bring God's Word to life so that others may understand the meaning of their own lives better according to God's promises.

Stop Telemarketers, Do Not Call List or Not

American consumers have spoken and have done so loudly registering 50 million telephone numbers with the FTC's National Do-Not-Call list since the registry debuted in July.

This new telemarketing sales rule, which was scheduled to take effect October 1st, recently encountered two legal battles which could diminish the rule's intent - to allow consumers to fight back against annoying telemarketing calls.

The first legal battle against the national list occurred in Oklahoma where a federal judge ruled that the Federal Trade Commission did not have the proper authority to oversee the do-not-call list. On Monday, September 29th, President Bush signed legislation to give the FTC the proper authority to administer the national registry.

A second legal battle is now underway in Colorado questioning the constitutionality of the do-not-call list. This second challenge contends that the list infringes upon the 1st amendment right of free speech because it restricts commercial telemarketing calls but not those from non-profit or political groups.

Even without the protections intended by the national do-not-call legislation, you can still control the amount of telemarketing pitches you receive with these four easy steps.

First, check to see if your state has it's own "do-not-call" list. Many states created their own registry prior to the debut of the national list. You can check for state-by-state "do-not-call" listings at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/donotcall/statelist.html.

Whether your state has a list or not you can request to be placed on any individual company's "do not call" list. Write down the name of the company and the date that you asked to be put on its do not call list. You should not receive further calls from that company. Report violations to your state's attorney general's office.

According to the Direct Marketing Association (DMA), companies spent over $80 billion on telemarketing in 2002. Marketers will now look to focus those funds toward more traditional sales pitches to reach their targets and avoid possible fines. Consumers should prepare for the onslaught of direct mail and internet advertising they will receive.

To cut down on the amount of direct mail marketing you receive, contact the DMA by letter and give them your full name, your complete home address, your telephone number and your signature. Inform them that you want to register for their "opt-out" Preference program.

They can be contacted at:

Direct Marketing Association
Mail Preference Service
P.O. Box 643
Carmel, NY 10512

This registration will stop mailings from about 80% of companies for a period of five years. It will can take up to 90 days to honor your request if you contact them by mail. If you want a faster way to "opt-out" of their list, then consider going online to register for this service. You will need a credit card to pay the $5.00 charge to register online at www.dmaconsumers.org. There is no charge to register by mail.

Another measure to take is to "opt out" from pre-approved credit offers. The nation's three major credit bureaus provide credit reports to a number of "information vendors" or "resellers." These vendors use the information in your credit report to compile lists of individuals who meet certain financial criteria. They then sell them to companies that offer pre-approved credit cards or other lines of credit. To have your name removed from these lists, call (888) 567-8688.

National Do-Not-Call List or not, you can take control of your mailbox and enjoy less telemarketing calls and mailings with these simple steps.

About The Author

? 2003 James H. Dimmitt, www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com

James is editor of "To Your Credit" a FREE weekly newsletter for consumers. You can subscribe at http://tinyurl.com/bgo9; jimdim815@aol.com

Where is the Best PR Value?

Wherever the fundamental premise of public relations is practiced.

Look at what it suggests. People act on their own perception of the facts before them, which leads to predictable behaviors about which something can be done. When we create, change or reinforce that opinion by reaching, persuading and moving-to- desired-action those people whose behaviors affect the organi- zation, the public relations mission is accomplished.

What a positive message for those business, non-profit and assoc- iation managers who don't really understand the role public relations can play in helping achieve their organizational objectives. Nor, that reliance on public relations' fundamental premise even identifies the tools they need to put such a plan into action.

If, sadly, you are one of those managers, here's how you can make up for lost time and actually boost your chances of reaching your organizational goals.

Make the time investment needed to identify and rank, as to their impact on your organization, those important outside audiences whose behaviors really do help or hinder your operations. Let's talk about the one at the top of the list.

It's really crucial that you know what members of that "public" think about your organization. Obviously, you must ask them! Interaction is really necessary if you are going to identify percep- tions likely to lead to negative behaviors. For example, wrong- headed beliefs, misconceptions, inaccuracies and even rumors.

And while you're talking to these audience members, keep an eye or an ear on local talk show and newspaper columns for the same signs.

The results of such opinion or perception monitoring are the very data you need to establish your public relations goal. For instance, neutralize that rumor, clear up that misconception or correct the inaccuracy.

And the very same goal will stand as your behavior modification objective so that you can measure your progress.

But here, the question always arises as to just how you will get to that goal. You need a strategy to show you the way, and you have three choices: create opinion/perception where there may be none, change existing opinion or reinforce it. Fortunately your goal will identify which strategy you should select.

Still, nothing happens until you write a truly responsive message and transmit it to members of your target audience. You must convince them that what you discovered in the way of rumors, inaccuracies, misconceptions or wrong-headed beliefs is simply not true. But do try for believability and clarity. And, above all, make your message persuasive and compelling.

Meanwhile, a whole stable of "beasts of burden" await your pleasure ? communications tactics capable of carrying that hard-won message direct to your audience members' eyes and ears. And there are scores and scores of them in that stable ? articles, interviews, newsletters, personal meetings, op-eds, emails, speeches and brochures among many others.

Impatience always grows at this point as you wait for signs that your public relations program is working. But that's the signal to once again interact with members of your target audience. The difference the second time around is that you're looking for signs that their perceptions of your organization have been altered by your message through its aggressive delivery system. So get out there and, again, ask lots of questions.

If things aren't moving fast enough for you, you may want to add a few more communications tactics to the mix, as well as increasing their frequency. Your message should also be vetted again for factual validity and clarity.

Gradually, the perceptions, and thus behaviors of your key, target audiences will begin moving in your direction, leaving little doubt as to where the best PR value can be found.

I can tell you from personal experience that there is no more satisfying moment in the practice of public relations.

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.

Robert A. Kelly ? 2003.

Your Job as a Role Model

A certain educator was once asked at what point should a parent begin to prepare for child raising.

"How old are you?" the educator inquired.

"Twenty-three."

"You should begin twenty-three years ago."

What is the message? The single most important thing a parent can do to educate a child is to provide the child with a good role model. A parent has to work a whole lifetime becoming the type of person that he wants his child to become.

The most important people in the world in the child's eyes are his parents. They are his first and most important teachers. The behavior of a child's parents leaves a permanent impression in the child's subconscious mind. Why is this so? The reason is that the most reliable source of priorities and values in a child's eyes is his parents. Children have an innate trust in their parents. They feel that everything their parents say and do is the true and proper way to behave.

We all wish our children would do what we say and not what we do. However, this is not how the mind of a child works. The intellect of a child is undeveloped. As a result, children function an emotional level, absorbing more from what they see and hear around them than from what they are taught.

What is the take home message? The main thing for you to realize is that you have far more influence on your child than you probably realize. Your child is going to pattern himself after you. That is how nature set it up. Your job as a parent is to be the best role model that you can be. True, it is hard, but that is the way it is.

The following is a story I heard recently that brings out the extent to which your child learns from your actions.

A certain kindergarten teacher once warned a group of parents to be careful how they behave in front of their children.

"By the way your children play in school," she said. "I know which of you treat each other respectfully. I know which of you use foul language at home. I know everything about how you behave in your home by the way your child plays, talks, and behaves."

Remember, you might think that everything that goes on in your home behind closed doors is hidden from the world, but it is not. Your child sees everything. Your child is going to take your behavior and broadcast it to the world. Make sure that what he is transmitting is something that you want the world to see.

About The Author

Anthony Kane, MD is a physician, an international lecturer, and director of special education. He is the author of a book, numerous articles, and a number of online programs dealing with ADHD (addadhdadvances.com/childyoulove.html) treatment, ODD, parenting issues (addadhdadvances.com/betterbehavior.html), and education. You may visit his website at http://addadhdadvances.com. To sign up for the free ADD ADHD Advances online journal send a blank email to: subscribe@addadhdadvances.com?subject=subscribeartcity

akane@addadhdadvances.com

The Pros and Cons of Camera Cell Phones

All the major phone manufacturers are cashing in on the ever increasing market in camera phones. Companies such as Nokia, Siemens, Motorola and many more have seen their profits sore since the introduction of the camera cell phone. Many of the cell phone carriers are offering a free camera phone for new customers to their networks.

What are the benefits of owning a camera cell phone?

Yes the camera cell phone is a luxury and very affordable to buy but the there are many advantages to having such a phone. How many times have you been in a position where you wished "if only I had a camera" It's easy to send a picture to friends or family who may live far away or overseas. Pictures saved on the camera can be easily uploaded to your home computer. Camera phones today offer high resolution photos with red eye reduction and different zoom options. You can take an excellent scenic photo and set it uniquely setup as your background image. The quality of the photo will depend on the type of phone you purchase but overall the camera phone is an excellent purchase.

Disadvantages of owning a camera cell phone:

Like everything there is always a downside. Camera cell phones have a number of disadvantages over standard cell phones. Firstly they are generally more expensive to buy. Sending photos to friends or family from your cell phone is a costly activity. You need to check with your cell phone carrier to see the rates. It is much more expensive than sending a general text. Sometimes the quality of the photo is not as clear as you may have expected. Some people find it difficult to focus the lens using the phone.

It can be costly if the lens gets cracked and needs to be replaced (some camera phone lens cannot be replaced and the whole phone will need to be changed)

Remember if you are purchasing a camera cell phone go the extra mile and get insurance. Unfortunately in today's world they are the type of gadget that pick pockets only love.

What is the cheapest way to get a camera cell phone?

If you a new user to the mobile world check out the different cell phone promotions offered by the carriers such as Cingular, T-Mobile, Verizon and others. These types of companies will offer free camera phones if you sign up to their network. Generally the camera phone will not be the top of the range but certainly good enough for you to practice with as your first camera cell phone. Once you have been on the network (generally for 6 months to one year) you may be entitled to an upgrade / trade in (check with the carrier before you sign any contracts).

Photo and movies:

Apart from photos most camera cell phones can act as a mini camcorder. You generally get a 30 second movie feature with even the basic camera phone. You can even upload or sync the movie clip you have just created to your PC and transfer to the Internet or simply email it to friends or family. This feature is ideal for special occasions such as birthdays or even a wedding clip for those who cannot travel.

Overview:

The camera cell phone is by far the best seller on today's market. Very popular with people of all ages. They are convenient and generally inexpensive to run (providing you do not abuse sending photos all the time to friends). If you are not at the level of a professional photographer and just want the party or fun pictures the camera cell phone is ideal, small and tidy to carry and mostly good quality pictures.

Remember to shop around for the best offers and ask the different carriers their rates for sending pictures MMS. You will be surprised at the different rates offered. Camera cell phones are also available as a prepaid cell phone but remember, prepaid cell phones a more expensive than one with line rental and MMS rates are generally very high per text.

About the Author
Declan Tobin is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of Prepaid phone plans which includes Cell prepaid plans, Carriers, and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information for all of your phone interests and needs.

Fast Money: A Guide to Fast Secured Loans

Here is a useful guide to fast secured loans. Here is a useful guide to fast secured loans. Sometimes it seems as though there's nothing you can do? you need money and you need it now, but you don't get paid for another week or more. You need to find a fast secured loan, but banks can sometimes take weeks to process your application and there's still no guarantee that you'll get the money that you need. Luckily, there are other options available for fast secured loans.

Cash Advance and Cheque Cashing
Cash advance stores and cheque cashing services are one of the simplest forms of fast secured loans. You go in and fill out some paperwork, write them a cheque for the amount of your loan plus their service charges, and walk out with either cash or a cheque that you can take to the bank. You usually have two weeks to pay off the loan, and may or may not be able to make partial payments. If you haven't paid your debt within the appropriate timeframe, then they'll submit your cheque to the bank for payment? and if you don't have the money, the cheque will bounce and you'll be looking at service fees from both the cash advance store and your bank.

Title Loans
A title loan is another form of fast secured loan, working much like the cash advance store but with the loan provider putting a lien against your car title (meaning that they have loaned you money, and therefore are considered to be legal owners of the vehicle) instead of you writing a cheque. Title loans usually allow for greater amounts to be loaned, and in almost all cases you get to keep your car? the down side is that if you don't pay the loan back in time, then the lender is able to repossess the vehicle. If you don't pay them back after they've repossessed (as well as pay for the repossession fees), then they're free to sell the car in order to get their money. Title loans usually aren't recommended unless you have a dire need for money, and know that you'll be able to pay back the loan before the payments get out of hand or behind.

Pawn Shops
One of the most popular forms of fast secured loans is the pawn shop. The way that a pawn shop works is that you bring in some item of value (ranging from rings to computers, and sometimes even your car title) and they loan you the amount that they estimate it to be worth. Their estimation will be much lower than the actual value, and they'll keep the item as collateral; when you pay back the loan (usually within 30 days), then you'll get your item back. If 90 days pass and you haven't picked up your item or made payments on the loan, then the pawn shop is free to put it on their shelves and sell it to whoever wants it.

As you can see, fast secured loans are fast and can get you the money you need if you have a desperate need? but they have some serious drawbacks as well. Use caution when deciding whether you really need the money that badly, and go in with a definite plan for paying the money back.

You may freely reprint this article provided the following author's biography (including the live URL link) remains intact:

About The Author

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