Will VoIP be a Mass Market Product?

A common thinking among "Marketing people " is that for every product that enters the market there must be a path, a target, a need ( real or created) that decides how the product must enter the consumer's life, which part of the population is more likely to go for it, which niche it is going to fill and, most important "...certain things being stated, something other than what is stated follows of necessity from their being so." and that is the final issue: the price.

Depending on those anavoidable patterns a product is more or less ready for a certain market.

High technologically devices, the ones that offer perfect quality and cost a fortune will target the elitarian market, where the price has not big importance (on the contrary, if the price would be lower than what certain people can afford, the product wouldn't reach them) since it means luxury.

When a product ceases to be luxury and begins to be a need, then the mass market is ready. The product can enter 60% of consumers' lives, reach easily a good upgrade in the percentage and become " The New Product of the year 200....".

Let's consider the VoIP market.

Prior to recent theoretical work on social needs, the usual purpose of a product invoked individual (social) behaviors. We now know that these assumptions are not completely wrong.

Wrong would be NON considering them.

In systems where many people are free to choose between many options, a small subset of the whole offer will get a disproportionate amount of traffic (or attention, or income), even if no one of the system actively work towards such an outcome. This has nothing to do with moral weakness, selling out, or any other psychological explanation. The very act of choosing, spread widely enough and freely enough, creates a power law distribution.

Now, thanks to a series of breakthroughs in network theory by researchers we know that power law distributions tend to arise in social systems where many people express their preferences among many options. We also know that as the number of options rise, the curve becomes more extreme. This is a counter-intuitive finding - most of us would expect a rising number of choices to flatten the curve, but in fact, increasing the size of the system increases the gap between the #1 spot and the median spot.

In other words: give to the people the choice among desktop phones and mobile phones and the majority will choose what they think more convenient, in spite of the cost of the service.

In a way the cost of the service is the only left advantage in favour of the fixed telephony.

If the price was the same the desktop phones would disappear from the life of the average consumer (mass market consumer).

To see how freedom of choice could create such unequal distributions, consider a hypothetical population of a thousand people, each picking their favorite way of telecommunication. One way to model such a system is simply to assume that each person has an equal chance of liking each kind of telephony. This distribution would be basically flat - most kind of telephony will have the same number of people listing it as a favorite. A few will be more popular than average and a few less, of course, but that will be statistical noise. The bulk of the telephony will be of average popularity, and the highs and lows will not be too far different from this average. In this model, neither the quality of the voice, the availability, the design of the device nor other people's choices have any effect; there are no shared tastes, no preferred genres, no effects from marketing or recommendations from friends.

This is the mass market of VoIP as dreamed and forecasted by most hardware producers.

People would choose VoIP in spite of the fact that the systems are not intercommunicating, the available phones are just desktop phones, most of the population doesn't have a "Flat rate DSL" and some do not even have a decent connection, (just one " UP to...) and just because VoIP means cutting cost.

They have a few wrong assumptions:

Most of the people want to save calling internationally

Most of the people will use a cheap Flat rate connection

Most of the people know how to handle a computer or a network, and so solve all the eventual problems that could arise.

But they do not consider that:

Most people call locally and just a few once in a while internationally.

Most of the people do not have a cheap flat rate Internet

Most of the people are not IT experts.

Besides people's choices do affect one another. If we assume that any kind of telephony chosen by one user is more likely, by even a fractional amount, to be chosen by another user, the system changes dramatically.

If Robert (our average mass market consumer) likes to have a phone in his pocket, available mostly anywhere, it is very likely that Mary would like the same.

Is VoIp ready for the "Mass Market"?

The answer could be No and Yes.

What would VoIP offer more than the existing several choices?

Price. Telephone calls would be completely free of charge among two IP phones ( and that believe me is a GREEEEAT THING when you try it)

The never enough considered satisfaction to be able to ref..ck who f..cked us for many years...

What would VoIP telephony need to be #1 spot in the curve?

A reliable PORTABLE Phone that doesn't need millions of Hot Spot's to work.

A reliable, cheap flat rate internet connection anywhere for everybody.

If ONE could put these patterns together, THEN VoIP would really have the chance to be #1.

See my website: http://www.worldonip.com or contact me patrizia@worldonip.com

About The Author

Patrizia is an ebooks publisher. See also http://www.easymediabroadcast.com

patrizia@worldonip.com

Understanding the Gospel of Matthew and Why it Matters - Part 9

Matthew 3:4-6
John Baptizes the People

4 Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.

5 Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him,

6 And they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

The Meaning of John's Baptism

This passage gives us an incredible opportunity to learn about the meaning and mode of baptism. One of the first principles that we can learn from this passage is that baptism is always to be accompanied by repentance (v.2) and confession of sins (v.6). As you remember from our last passage, baptism was a ceremony that marked entrance into a new kingdom. It was an act that symbolized the inauguration of citizenship in a new nation. Originally, baptism was practiced as a rite of passage for Gentiles who desired to become citizens of Israel. John's baptism was practiced as a rite of passage of Jews who wanted to become citizens of the kingdom of heaven. In both circumstances, the act of baptism symbolized a transformation from unclean to clean, unacceptable to acceptable. Gentiles had to be washed to become Jews, Jews and Gentiles have to be washed to become citizens of heaven.

Does baptism save? The Bible answers with a resounding no. Baptism does not make a person a Christian any more than pledging the U. S. flag makes someone an American. Christians are saved by grace through faith alone. Baptism is an external action that reveals an internal transformation. Baptism reveals that a change of citizenship has taken place, but is not in itself the cause of the change. This is why John's baptism had to be accompanied by genuine repentance. John did not want to baptize anybody who he suspected had not already experienced an inner transformation. The public confession of sins was one way in which people gave evidence to John that they were experiencing authentic repentance, and that they truly were qualified to receive the ceremony of baptism.

This is why I believe that true Christian baptism is believer's baptism. Nowhere in Scripture do we read of an infant or small child receiving baptism. Instead, we read of adults coming to John (and later the Apostles), repenting and confessing of their sins, and then being baptized. I believe that infants are incapable of receiving a genuine Christian baptism simply because they are unable to repent or confess sins. The Scriptures are overwhelmingly clear that baptism is an act for Christians who have repented of their sins and placed their trust in Jesus. Infants cannot do these things, and therefore are not qualified for baptism.

Once more, let me say clearly that baptism is not a requirement of salvation. Yet, nevertheless, it is a requirement of obedience to Christ. Jesus Himself never baptized anybody, but His disciples did. Later, the Apostles made it clear what Jesus expected of His followers: "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins?" It is by repentance that we are saved (the inner transformation), and it is through baptism that we give evidence to God, ourselves, and other people that we have been washed and made new. It is the first step of a lifetime of commitment to Christ as Master.

I struggled for many years to understand how a church ought to handle the ordinance of baptism. There have always been two prevailing views: First, that baptism ought to be something that is done as soon as possible for a new believer; second, that candidates for baptism ought to have a trial period of a few weeks or even months to offer evidence that they have truly repented and are qualified for baptism. Admittedly, I have wavered in which view I hold at different points in my ministry. Currently, I favor the former view. I simply cannot refute the abounding Biblical evidence that baptism seems to be something that was done immediately for those professing Christ.

In Acts 16, Paul and Silas witness the miraculous conversion of the Philippian jailer and his family. Notice the immediacy of the baptism: "And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds, and he was baptized at once, he and all his family." Why was this man and his family baptized so quickly after their conversion ? especially in the middle of the night? I believe that it is because Paul and Silas understood baptism to be the first act of obedience for the jailer and his family. To delay in obeying the command to be baptized is to put off a clear command of God. It would be hypocritical to call Jesus Master and yet to delay in obeying His very first command to believers.

In the New Testament, you would be hard pressed to find one example of a believer who was not baptized. There are examples, of course. The thief on the cross obviously was not baptized before his death. In the same way, many people throughout history have been converted on their deathbeds and were unable to be baptized. That is understandable. What is less easy to understand is the millions of Christians in the world today who call Jesus King and yet have refused to obey His clear command to be baptized. This disobedience classifies them as immature believers at best, deceived unbelievers at worst. Baptism may not be necessary for salvation, but it is necessary as evidence of true salvation, and it ought to be taken seriously.

The Price of Obedience

Consider the price that many Christians paid in the 16th century in obeying the Bible's command to be baptized. The vast majority of the public had received an inauthentic "baptism" when they were born, and were considered baptized by the European states. These European governments made decrees threatening any who attempted to be "re-baptized" as adults. Yet, there were many who became convinced by the Scriptures that to refuse to be baptized as a believing adult was to be disobedient Jesus. At the cost of their lives, they obeyed their Lord.

The decree of Germany and Austria read as follows: "every Anabaptist and rebaptized person of either sex [must] be put to death by sword, or fire, or otherwise." The persecution began in Ulrich, Switzerland between the years of 1527 and 1532, when six of the first "Baptists" were bound, taken by boat to a deep section of the river Limmat, and drowned. In 1528, a re-baptized man called Hubmaier was burnt at the stake in Vienna, his re-baptized wife burnt three days later. The following year, a re-baptized man called Blaurock was scourged, exiled, and burnt at the stake in the town of Tyrol. In the town of Gorz, the house where a group of re-baptized people were meeting for worship was burnt to the ground. In 1531 alone, the town of Gorz saw the death of over 1000 re-baptized men and women. The nearby town of Ensisheim recorded 600 put to death in that year. The persecution spread to England, Holland, and all throughout Europe ? thousands gave their lives to be obedient to Jesus in this matter of baptism.

If you lived in 16th century Europe, where the baptism of believing adults was considered illegal, would you be willing to obey Jesus at the cost of your life? Are you willing to do so today?

The Mode of Baptism

How should a person be baptized? Should they be sprinkled, or immersed? I think that there are at least two reasons why we must favor the latter mode of baptism. First, in verse six, when we read that "they were being baptized by him?," the phrase "being baptized" in the Greek is the word "ebaptizonto", which literally means "being dipped in". It is difficult to see why Matthew would have used this word, or why John would have been known as John the Baptist (literally, "John, the dipper") if he had been practicing anything other than immersion in the Jordan River.

Second, 1 Peter 3:21 and other passages seem to imply that the baptism of Christians is somehow connected to the resurrection of Jesus. When the Christian is placed beneath the water, the picture is that of the death of Jesus. When the Christian brought back up out of the water, the picture is that of the resurrection of Jesus. Just as Christ died, baptism speaks of our dying to sin; just as Christ rose, baptism speaks of our rising again to new life in Him. This is a picture that can only be portrayed through an immersion type of baptism. In sprinkling, this picture is lost.

This is not to say that there can never be exceptions. There are occasions when baptism by immersion simply isn't practical, such as in the case of a person confined to their bed or in a wheel chair, or a person with an extreme phobia of water. In these circumstances, I do not think we ought to be legalistic about a full-immersion baptism, but should feel comfortable in using sprinkling or some other mode. Nevertheless, these circumstances should always be the exception ? not the norm. This passage shows clearly that the baptism God ordained was that of immersion, and that ought to be the typical baptism that we practice.

Ultimately, the issue of baptism is an issue of obedience. If you have repented of your sins and placed your trust in Christ, yet have disobeyed His command in this area, please ask His forgiveness for your disobedience and seek out baptism in the church that you attend. It truly is your first step in a life lived for Him.

Justin Nale is the pastor of Mount Hermon Missionary Baptist Church, a Southern Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, NC - http://www.mhmbc.org

Sex Sells!

An attractive woman has a decided advantage as sales representative over her male counterpart. This "selling edge" is primarily due to the existence of the "glass ceiling" found in most business organizations today. The glass ceiling (women are still arbitrarily held back from leadership positions) means that there are many more men in decision-making positions in businesses than women. Therefore, when cold calling, an attractive woman has a better chance of getting an appointment for a sales presentation, than does a man. Women are also given more attention in their presentations and less resistance up to a point, than a male sales representative or service industry professional (accountants, attorneys, consultants, bankers, etc.). This advantage has everything to do with sex and the physical appeal of a woman. It is clear to me as a sales trainer, coaching sales representatives and service industry professionals in the field, that male decision-makers often use a different part of their anatomy than their head to make their buying decisions.

The female advantage in obtaining sales opportunities is tempered, however, by most sales women experiencing a greater difficulty in closing sales. The male ego gets in the way of the final decision; because many men can't allow themselves to, as they see it, "lose" to an attractive woman. Therefore, female sales professionals need to execute a selling process that counters this knee jerk reaction experienced by many of the male prospects, customers or clients they try to sell.

A selling system like the one taught in my Sales Success Strategies self-directed learning manual http://www.TheSellingEdge.com/manual1.htm can help any sales woman to flip switches in a decision-maker's brain and easily move around the roadblock to closing her sale. I have seen research on this subject that says that an attractive women who effectively implements a step-by-step consultative selling system, can achieve a 30 percent higher closing ratio than a male representative using a similar selling process. Sex sells!

To obtain a free Sales Myths e-training course go to: http://www.mcssl.com/app/contact.asp?id=32989&afid=&formid=&preview=

VIRDEN THORNTON is the founder and President of The $elling Edge?, Inc. a firm specializing in sales, customer relations, and management training and development. Clients have included Sears Optical, Eastman Kodak, IBM, Deloitte & Touch?, Bank One, Jefferson Pilot, and Wal-Mart to name a few. Virden is the author of Prospecting: The Key To Sales Success and the best selling Building & Closing the Sale, Fifty-Minute series books and Close That Sale, a video/audio tape series published by Crisp Publications, Inc. Menlo Park, California. He has also authored a Self-Directed Learning series of sales, coaching & team development, telemarketing, and personal productivity training guides.

Virden assists clients through a unique personal coaching (telephone)program. He has taught at the Center For Professional Development, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas and the School Of Entrepreneurship, Marriott School Of Management, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah. You can contact Virden at: Virden@TheSellingEdge.com. or learn more about him at: http://www.TheSellingEdge.com

Doubt PRs Clout? Dont!

Done right, it helps modify the behaviors of your most important target audiences, and that can spell S-U-R-V-I-V-A-L.

I don't believe that's an overstatement because a customer who thinks badly of you and your business will not soon be darkening your threshold.

Nor are you likely to see prospects who know little or nothing about you.

Ditto for people who may be miffed about something you, or one of your people, said or did publicly.

And forget about those folks with a REAL beef about your business. Like "I didn't get what I thought I paid for," or "it didn't live up to its promise" or "my emails weren't answered" or "they take 5 days to answer a phone inquiry."

Let's face it, meeting this challenge is either a priority for you or it isn't.

If it is, here's a little advice.

First, you should know that public relation's clout is rooted solidly in its fundamental premise:

"People will act on their own perception of the facts before them. And those perceptions will lead 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 folks whose behaviors affect the enterprise, the public relations effort is a success."

And THAT'S clout in any language!

But the trick lies in using it to your best advantage. So, because few of us can do justice to a dozen target audiences at once, let's start by selecting the one with the most impact on your business. Members of such an important group could range from homemakers, teenagers or retirees to 30-something males, techies or military dependents on a nearby base. Only you can say.

Now, do you know everything you should about the members of that audience, that "public?" Are you aware of how they perceive you and your business, if at all? Probably not in enough detail, so you need to take the time to meet with several individuals drawn from that audience. Listen carefully to their feelings and beliefs about your business, its products and services. And be sensitive to media mentions of your business.

Pay special attention to any hints of misconceptions and inaccuracies about you and your business, as well as possible trouble areas that might be brewing.

With those data gathered, you and your public relations advisor can set your strategy. And that means deciding whether the opinions you've gathered from members of your key audience need to be created (in the absence of any opinion), changed or simply reinforced. There must also be agreement on the time frame in which the activity will take place.

This is especially important because you must now prepare persuasive messages to be aimed at those whom you discovered are harboring misconceptions, or no perceptions at all about you. Your objective will be to move that opinion in your direction.

Which brings us to our "beasts-of-burden" - the communications tactics designed to carry those persuasive messages to members of your key target audience.

There are dozens of communications tactics available to you. Everything from media interviews, news releases and letters-to- the-editor to facility tours, personal meetings and newsletters.

But your work is still not done. To get the clout promised at the top of the article, you must monitor your progress by continuing to interact with folks from your target audience. The key is watching and listening carefully for indications of a new awareness of you, your business and how it functions in both the community and your special marketplace.

At the same time, a sign that progress is being made will appear in the form of a new receptivity to those persuasive messages by members of your key target audience.

Of course, how much progress you achieve will depend heavily upon your continued personal involvement in the activity, and the amount of effort you invest.

Finally, as welcome signs of modified target audience behaviors begin to appear, team members may take heart that the clout offered by public relations has once again prevailed.

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 ? 2005.

Bob Kelly counsels, writes and speaks to business, non-profit and association managers about using the fundamental premise of public relations to achieve their operating objectives. 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. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Columbia University, major in public relations.

Visit: http://www.prcommentary.com; bobkelly@TNI.net

Your Child?s Self-Esteem is in The Cards

Research has shown that the present generation of children worldwide is demonstrating more social-emotional challenges (from low self-esteem to depression) than ever before. Families, schools, recreation programs etc. are recognizing that it is critical our children be taught positive values like caring about others and oneself, behaving responsibly, recognizing and managing emotions and developing positive relationships.

Parents can use a variety of tools, such as affirmation cards, to encourage their children to believe in themselves, in their dreams and in their own personal power while also promoting positive values such as honesty, responsibility, compassion and respect. This results in the children, as well as parents, connecting to their true being - their Magnificence within, and the feeling of empowerment to bring about positive changes in themselves, the community and the world.

Research indicates that children who have more positive values, self-esteem, do better in the classroom and are more successful academically. That is why affirmation cards are being used more and more in classrooms around the world. Teachers are using the cards to teach positive values and virtues throughout the curriculum. When children feel good and secure in themselves, they are more willing to work towards reaching their fullest potential. Teachers are also finding that using these in their classrooms has made a positive difference in the relationships amongst peers.

Children who use positive self-talk messages develop respect and confidence for themselves. These positive values help the child faced with a Bully situation. Armed with a positive sense of self, the child is more likely to see the reason for the bullying as outside themselves rather than their fault. The child realizes that the problem is with the bully and so is able to maintain their self worth. They are also more likely to support others that are bullied and not just stand by and watch it happen.

Manifest your Magnificence, a set of 64 affirmation cards, was specifically designed to teach positive values and nurture a child's self-esteem. The cards are focused on bringing together the child's mind and heart for in doing so we arm children with the values and virtues that will guide them to becoming more productive, fulfilled and successful adults.

Manifest Your Magnificence cards can be used in many ways to motivate and remind children that they are Magnificent Creations. A card can be pulled in the morning to set an intention for the day and also facilitate discussion at dinner or before bed. Parents and children can also go through the deck and pick out those they know they are, one's they think they are and one's they aren't quite sure they are. This provides great insight into how a child/parent feels about themselves as well as how they feel about their parent/child.

Teachers can use the cards to teach a particular value, e.g. I AM Conscientious; I always do what I know is right. For instance, one class, after discussing how children could be more conscientious during environmental week, decided to go around the school periodically and clean the playground. There are many ideas and examples of how you can use the "Manifest Your Magnificence" cards in schools, recreation programs etc. to explore, unfold, teach and reinforce positive values. For example:

I SET MY INTENTION

Have students pick a card

Have student read what is on card loud and clearly to class

Have student state one way they will demonstrate what is on card today

Give student applause (we all like to be acknowledged)

Before students leave, have them share an example of how they demonstrated value on card.

Give student applause

DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?

Have students pick 5 values (can be any number of values)

Have students write, draw about what they do to show that value. Make sure no one else sees their sheet and that they put their names on the sheet.

Teacher collects the sheets

Teacher picks a sheet and reads what is on it

Students guess who wrote, drew what was on the page

I AM VALUE CHART

Pick a value you want the class to work on for the day/week

Make a chart that graphs the number of times each student demonstrates the value.

Encourage students to be "Value Beacons", identifying other students who ARE demonstrating the value

I AM THE WORLD!

Pick a value card

Take a walk with students

Explore environment of class, school, home, community, and world

Discuss what students see, experience in the class, their environment, world that demonstrates or doesn't demonstrate the value chosen

Discuss what values, other than the one chosen, do they see or not see

Have students write a positive I AM statement for themselves, the class, their environment, the world

Post values around room.

Opening words of the United Nations' Declaration of the Rights of the Child:

"Mankind owes to the Child the Best that it has to give?"

So take a positive step forward to helping children connect with their true being and Manifest their Magnificence in the world!

Copyright ? September 2004, Magnificent Creations. All Rights Reserved.

About The Author

Susan Howson is the creator of Manifest Your MagnificenceTM, a unique gift set of 64 affirmation cards designed specifically to nurture a child's self-esteem at home or in the classroom. Beautifully illustrated and written, each affirmation card carries a powerful message that when read repeatedly, connects each child to their true being. An early childhood expert, university professor and certified co-active life coach, she received in 2000 the "Award of Excellence for Humanitarian Effort" for her work in Bosnia. Her website is www.magnificentcreations.com.

susan@magnificentcreations.com

Mobile Devices Security

As this security solution is not such a great idea, other companies have researched, and finally found a new way to prevent cell phones and PDAs theft. This method permits to remotely disable up to four different tasks of a stolen cell phone or PDA, rendering it inoperable. But at the same time data contained in the device are locked. The beauty of this option is that the unit is not damaged in any way - full functionality and data can be easily restored if the device is recovered. Thus, the device is useless to the thief, but it can be reactivated and restored if it is recovered and returned to its rightful owner.

Another new security breach has been encountered this year when reports were received about a backdoor Trojan horse program that can take control over a mobile device. This is the first known backdoor Trojan horse for PDAs. The subject program, identified as Backdoor.Brador.A, attacks PDAs running the Windows operating system. And like all backdoors, it cannot spread by itself. The Trojan arrives as an e-mail attachment or can be downloaded from the Internet. Also, it has a complete set of destructive functions characteristic for backdoors. After it is installed, this small program is activated when the PDA is restarted and begins to look for a remote administrator to take control of the device. Security specialists claim the virus was written by a Russian virus coder since it was attached to an e-mail with a Russian sender address and contained Russian text. Fortunately, the Trojan's threat control and removal was rated as "easy".

The important thing about this virus is not the number of devices affected, because this number is very small, but the fact that this is the first one that appeared on the "market" is considered to be very important. We have to admit that it is hardly surprising that viruses have found their way to mobile devices. This is the natural trend. Where technology goes, viruses will follow. As the new technology shifts into the mobile market, these threats will move in that direction also. The specialists from the Kaspersky Labs claim they were expecting a virus attack on a PDA, due to the latest attacks against other mobile devices. Now, the PDA users look at a real danger and it is a well known fact that interested intruders will grab the chance to attack PDAs and mobile phones in the near future. Virus threats development for mobile devices is passing through the same stages as the one for desktops.

Almost at the same time with the appearance of the first Trojan for PDAs, the first virus to affect cell phones has also arrived. This worm is called "Cabir", and it has been spotted by some security specialists who issued an alert concerning the danger. Cabir spreads using a file named "Caribe.sis" and travels across devices working with the Symbian operating system which is used in PDAs and many cell phones. Cabir places itself usually on a mobile device when a user agrees to a transmission showing the text message "Caribe". After that the worm begins a nonstop search particularly for Bluetooth-connected wireless devices to send itself to. Also, the battery's life of the infected device is harshly reduced during this process. The inventors of Cabir did not design the worm to spread massively. It was intended to be a test demonstrating that these mobile devices can be easily infected by viruses because of their rapid maturation. The worm rated with a low risk because it has to be intentionally activated by a mobile phone user, and also allowing the Caribe package requires pressing a button prior the files can be loaded into the receiving phone.

It was predictable that viruses and worms for cell phones and PDAs would appear. This is the end result of the impressive advances made in mobile communication technology in the past years. Over time, cell phones and PDAs turn out to be more PC-like, making them vulnerable to viruses. And because they are more PC-like, smart cell phones and PDAs are mostly used by companies for mission-critical applications and data storage. Also they are used for receiving emails and text messages just like desktop computers. That makes their users just as exposed to viruses and worms. These security concerns can be dealt with software-encryption solutions that need to be attached to the new devices. The encryption technology expands to mobile devices the identical type of security that many companies have organized into their desktop computers. It encrypts data and prevents illegal access to the data stored within the device, which is either lost or stolen.

Mike Ber is the owner of the Canadian Domain Name Portal called http://www.Every.ca. He is also a contributing author to Canadian Computer Magazine and http://www.Developer.ca website.

All About Bad Credit Secured Loans

Bad credit secured loans are a relatively recent addition to most brokers' portfolios. Just a few years ago a less-than-perfect credit history usually meant the end of the financial road. However, today there are a variety of products to choose from; some of which are surprisingly attractive.

What is bad credit and how does it affect me?

Even if you are unaware of it; the chances are that your credit history is already logged with a Credit Reference Agency. Many factors go into calculating your credit score, including: how much you borrow, how you spread your debts (credit cards, hire purchase, mail order etc) and how regularly you meet repayments.

Banks and other lending institutions use your credit score to calculate how much of a borrowing risk you will be. The lower the credit rating, the greater the risk you are considered to be. Lenders typically offset risk by charging higher interest rates.

You've probably seen companies offering to repair your credit profile. In reality there's little that they can do that you can't. And you'll have to pay. Instead visit www.experian.co.uk or telephone 0870 241 6212 and you can order a copy of your credit history for just ?2.00. Check that all details are correct and fully up-to-date.

Can I get a secured loan with bad credit?

You've received your credit report, and the news is bad. Your credit rating is scraping the floor. The good news is that it is still possible to obtain a secured loan. A number of financial institutions have loans specifically tailored to people with a history of adverse credit.

Loan terms vary from lender to lender and the best advice is to shop around. Anyone with serious credit problems, including default notices and CCJs, will be looking at higher interest rates, but this is often balanced out against the amount of equity available in the property.

How do I find the best deals?

Just because you have a bad credit profile; doesn't mean that you'll be punished with sky-high rates. The secret to finding the right loan is to do as much homework as possible. A good broker will know which of their lenders are happy to overlook various black-marks on your credit history. For example: one lender may disregard CCJs which are more than three years old, while another will ignore credit defaults all together.

Should I take out a bad credit secured loan?

Before taking any major financial step, you should always think carefully about how this will affect your future. One of the best reasons for taking out a bad credit secured loan is to repair your credit rating and get back on track. If you are already paying high rates on a variety of credit cards and other loans, a secured loan may be the lifeline you need; helping you to get out of debt for good. When you're making your decision, sit down and calculate exactly how much interest you are already paying on your current debts. Then look for loans which offer lower rates of interest. The right secured loan will get rid of the debts that are damaging your credit rating, as well as saving you money in the long run.

Michael Stepney is part of the team at First Aid Finance; one of the UK's leading secured loans brokers. For more advice or a bad credit secured loan quotation visit their website at http://www.firstaidfinance.co.uk.

Magical Wreaths

Wreaths are like rings. They represent the Universal Circle ("Let the circle be unbroken ?" as the song lyric goes) and also the idea of circulating love, wealth and prosperity for yourself and neighbours. Usually they are hung on the front door, over the fire place or over the dining room table to commemorate special occasions or the changing of the seasons.

To make the frame for your wreath you will need strong thread, glue and branches from the appropriate tree. Try to make your wreath from branches you find on the ground, however if you can't, be sure to thank the tree if you end up breaking off any its limbs. However, probably the easiest way is to buy a pre-fabricated frame for it at Walmart or a local craft store. Most craft stores sell very nice circular frames made from varnished grape vines that look very natural and authentic.

A wreath can be complicated and hung with a cornucopia of herbs, fruits and flowers or it can be as simple as a bunch of pussy willows braided together and formed into a circle. Below I have made a few suggestions for different wreaths you can make to suit different purposes.

LOVE DRAWING WREATH

For this you all you need is some kind of circular armature, or the above mentioned grape vine wreath. However if you want to make your own circle, the branches from any fruit tree (apple, cherry, or orange) are perfect. Leave as many leaves on the branches you can and make sure they are thin and pliable enough so you twist them into a the circle. Once you have constructed the circle decorate it with dried roses. Pink and red are the best colours. The darker the red, the more sexy the wreathe. You can dry your own roses in advance. However, if you have no dried roses available, fabric flowers will work just as well. Tie the buds of the roses into the wreathe and then decorate it with pink, red and white ribbons, Although kind of lush and girly, it is designed to bring love into your life.

PROSPERITY DRAWING WREATH

This little wreath is beautiful, simple, classy and it smells great. Use a grapevine armature and intertwine sprigs of basil, rosemary, thyme, parsley, sage, and bay leaves. All of these herbs draw wealth to the home. You may attach small oranges or kumquats. For an added dash of spice to your life, stick each orange with pins which have been threaded with cloves - an orange stuck with cloves is an ancient way of drawing money to you fast.

CHINESE PROSPERITY DRAWING WREATH

Use dried or fresh red, orange and yellow chrysanthemums, which symbolize autumn, protection and money. With this one you can use a Styrofoam board backing to affix the flowers to the backing. Or you can tie them to a grapevine armature. Decorate with red ribbons.

PROTECTION WREATH

Take long thin branches of holly that still have berries on the vine and braid and twist them into a circle. Holly is known to protect from evil spirits and bring blessings to the home. Decorate with a white ribbon.

CORNOCOPIA OF THE GODS WREATH

Take pine or spruce branches and using wire and players, twist them into a circle. Decorating this is not unlike decorating a Christmas tree, only you are going to attach pomegranates, oranges, walnuts in their shelves, kumquats, pine cones, acorns, bay leaves and chocolate covered coins. I like using fresh stuff, but there are many versions of the wreath that could be made using plastic replicas of food such as grapes strawberries and oranges. Finish this masterpiece off with gold, yellow and green ribbons.

MARTHA STEWART'S OSHUN HAPPINESS WREATH

I stole this one off of Martha Stewart who probably didn't realise that she was inventing something that would honour the African Orisha of the Rivers, Love, and Wealth, Oshun. It is Oshun who takes care of love and relationships, money, and all the things that make life sweet.

For this one you will need hundreds of pins, and bags and bags of pink, orange and yellow gumdrop candies. Use the pins (or use glue) to press these candies onto their backing. The effect is a sunburst of joy. Finish it off with a big bow of pink, yellow and orange ribbons, However save this one for the mantelpiece. Oshun is not the only being that loves sugar. You don't want an army of birds or squirrels attacking your front door!

Samantha Steven's articles have been published in many high-standing newspapers and she has published several books. If you wish to buy Samantha's books about metaphysics click here http://www.insomniacpress.com/author.php?id=110 You can meet Samantha Stevens at http://www.psychicrealm.com where she works as a professional psychic. You can also read more of her articles at http://www.newagenotebook.com

Night Fishing Preparation, The Key To Success

Preparation is the Key To Successful Night Fishing, You Better Have These...

Night fishing requires quite a bit more preparation than daytime fishing does. Even if you "think" you know the waters pretty well, you need to take extra precautions when fishing at night.

If you are night fishing from a boat, you have even more to think about. Make sure you have enough flotation devices onboard and that they are easily accessible. If someone falls overboard, it is much more difficult to see them at night, so you need to be able to throw a flotation device out to them quickly.

Proper lighting on your boat is also essential. Enough flashlights and batteries should be an obvious commodity, but you would be surprised how many times those batteries that you "thought" were new, die off within minutes of the trip.

You should have a GPS monitor at all times (good compasses are better than nothing if you can't afford a GPS). However, don't go out and buy a GPS right before your first night-fishing voyage. Buy one in advance and learn how to use it first! Trust me, it is no fun trying to read the manual when it's pitch dark and you're lost.

Not only are the tree stumps harder to see at night, so are the shallow waters. It definitely pays to learn the waters well before heading out at night.

Before you venture out into the darkness, make sure you let someone know (back onshore) where you are going or are planning to go. If you aren't back home at a specific time you suggest, at least others will know where to start looking for you.

It's also a good idea to pack your insect repellant. Night fishing not only brings out the best fish, but also the meanest bugs. It's prime feeding time for many insects, and to them, you look pretty tasty on that open water.

Prepare your rods, reels and lures BEFORE you hit the water. There is nothing worse than getting out in the water and realizing you forgot to bring your favorite lure.

A little nap during the afternoon before you head out is also a good idea. Of course, if you are catching a lot, I doubt you will be tempted to doze off.

And remember, safety always comes first. I am yet to see a fish worth getting seriously injured or killed over.

Daniel Eggertsen is a long time fishermen, as well as President and Founder of Evening Secret Fishing (http://www.eveningsecretfishing.com/specialsecret/night-preparation.php)

The Things That UK Lenders Like to See on Your Credit File, (and? What They Don?t Like to See!)

Lenders are quite fussy about what they like to see on your credit report. So much so that you will have a hard time to meet their high expectations. But what exactly are they looking for? In this article we take a look at one aspect of your credit history that lenders have a keen eye out for.

Most revolving loans, loan accounts and credit cards will show a monthly payment pattern describing your history for up to 6 years, although often only the last 3 years are visible on your credit history. Usually a revolving credit account or credit card account will be shown as a row of numbers, each one representing a single payment month. Often '0' is used to show - on time, '1' is used to show 30 days late, '2' - 60 days late, and so on through to 9, which is generally indicating an account that has been written-off or sent to a collection agency. You should note that different credit reference agencies employ different codes but the agency concerened will normally give you a full explanation of the codes used.

As an example a well kept credit card should look something like this:

0000000010000121211001000000000000011000000100000

Even though some payments were late the card is generally well kept - lenders don't normally expect perfection so the above example looks pretty good.

Conversely a bad credit card might appear something like this:

0001234110012212341110001231113334456789999999999

Notice that even at the start the card was maintained erratically and unreliably, often falling into arrears. Eventually this lead to the card becoming delinquent and written off. Lenders don't like to see this at all.

Having credit cards and using them regularly and wisely, shows the lender that you are a model borrower. You are likely to be awarded around 50-100 bonus points for every loan or credit card that has been well maintained and/or paid back on time.

Jack Miles, Author of "The Complete U.K. Credit Repair Guide", produced the guide to help people restore a poor credit rating and enjoy the benefits of good credit. The guide shows subscribers step by step how to repair bad credit history, how loan application forms are scored, how to remove court judgments (CCJ's) and also how to best fill apply for loans to gain the best chance of approval.

For more information please visit The Complete UK Credit Repair Guide at http://www.creditsecrets.co.uk

This article is Copyright 2005 Jack Miles.

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