Dial-up Vs. Broadband Video

The decision to pay the extra fees and move from dial-up to broadband usually involves meeting three wants: faster downloads, faster uploads and live streaming video.

The transmission of live streaming video is dependent on bandwidth, video codecs and the ability to transmit as many frames per second as possible. Let's review how these variables effect video on dial-up and broadband.

First a little background on bandwidths and speeds. A lot of people use the terms bandwidth and speeds interchangeably, so it's important to clarify the difference. Think of a water pipe. You can get more water through the pipe by increasing the pressure to send it through faster. This increases the "speed." You can also get more water out the end by increasing the size of the pipe. This increases the "bandwidth"

When you go from a dial-up ISP to a broadband ISP, you increase the size of the pipe by getting more bandwidth. This way you can get more data through the pipe in the same amount of time, thus allowing faster uploads and downloads. Video is data, too, but good video requires enormous amounts of data. Because of this, video is often referred to as a bandwidth hog. When you increase the bandwidth, you allow more video through in the same amount of time.

Programmers can use creative and complicated mathematical formulas called algorithms to put the data into packets that allow more packets to go through the pipe. This is comparable to increasing the speed of the water in the pipeline. In the world of video, the algorithm is called a codec. Well known codecs include MPEG-4, MPEG-2 and JPEG.

In order to evaluate codecs, a definition of quality is necessary. The number of frames per second (fps) is usually the objective measurement of video quality. "Broadcast quality video" is an overused term that typically means 25 to 35 fps. Independent of theoretical rates, most live video streamed on the internet through broadband is in the range of 10 to 15 fps. It's not like HDTV or like movies in the theater, but it is sufficient for the purpose.

JPEG transmits video like a movie. Each full picture frame from the "film strip" is transmitted and viewed. When the individual pictures, called frames, are accumulated together rapidly, they appear to display motion, just like a film strip.

MPEG-2, MPEG-4 and others don't send a full frame each time. They send what's called an I-Frame, which is a full frame, only once in a while. In between the I-Frames, they only send the video data that change. So, if the image is from a fixed camera in a room where someone is walking, the wall doesn't change, so the image of the wall is not sent with each frame. Only the spots where the person is moving are transmitted between the I-frames. This eliminates a lot of data without changing the quality of the video. So, with the same amount of data, the end result can be more frames per second. This is why MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 are said to offer higher quality video.

What is bandwidth? Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be sent in a second, typically measured in kilobits per second (kbps). Did you ever notice how TV reporters on satellite phones sometimes look weird? They are usually transmitting at very low bandwidths of less than 5 fps. Have you asked yourself why cell phone voice plans typically can only transmit still video images, or video clips that are so slow that motion is not apparent? That's because their maximum bandwidth is 9.6 kbps, also considered very low.

Cell phone data plans and dial-up telephone service fall in the less than 56 kbps range. Broadband is above 56 kbps. Cable companies typically offer it in 128 kbps or 256 kbps increments. However, these are maximum rates. For example, dial-up telephone usually fluctuates between 30 and 45 kbps in the real world, even though it is theoretically 56 kbps.

MPEG-4 and its many variants are pretty much the standard for sending video over broadband. Many different companies have developed their own unique twist to try to take into account variations in bandwidth that result in interruptions, pixilation and video tears. But, with a 256 kbps bandwidth, video can stream on average at 10 to 15 fps, and may even peak at 20 or 25 fps depending on the fluctuation. Unfortunately, on dial-up, the number of frames per second that these standard codecs can deliver is less than 5 frames per second, and often only 1 frame per second.

Some new video codecs are allowing frame rates of 12 fps over dial-up services, in many ways comparable to the video offered over broadband. This has expanded the ability to transmit quality video through dial-up.

To summarize the water pipe analogy, different video codecs can increase the water flow by increasing the number of frames per second at the end of the pipe without increasing the size of the pipe. Switching from dial-up to broadband is a way to increase the size of the pipe so that more frames per second can come out the end of the pipe.

Cost is always a consideration, with dial-up being less expensive. Also, many people worldwide do not have the availability of broadband, so dial-up is their only option.

Comet Video Technologies develops products and services for the low bandwidth transmission of video through satellites, cell voice plans, cell data plans, telephone dial-up and broadband. http://www.cometvt.com

Readers have permission to duplicate and distribute the above article in its entirety. We request that the final paragraph be included in each reproduction.

Howard Becker is CEO of Comet Video Technologies. For the past 20 years, Becker has been CEO of consumer product and video technology companies as large as $25 million in sales, as well as a consultant for start-up technology companies. He has an MBA is from the University of Chicago and a BS from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and is a former CPA with Big Four Experience. He developed the first published integration of the Fama-Miller efficient market model and the Black-Scholes Option pricing model, thus creating a theoretical justification for the trading of derivitives on index funds. He is author of a number of published papers on semiconductor based heating elements, as well as a paper on the objective measurement of job placement for individuals with disabilities.

Where Are You Currently Heading?

Do you know where your current path is taking you?

Education, religious upbringing, core family beliefs and friend's values have been shaping your life up to now. You're busy with life, work, partner, kids and socials and have little or no time to stop and think about where you're life is heading. In fact sometimes you hear a tiny voice in your head say, 'I think I'm losing my identity.'

Ninety-four percent of people don't know where they're heading. Little wonder then that life seems to go around and around in circles. And unless you take time out it won't get any better. Twenty years from now you'll still be working like a dog works when it's chasing its tail. And that tiny voice? well if you can still hear, it will be saying, 'I've well and truly lost my identity!'

And what is your identity? I say your identity is who you really are, not your job, or your exam results, or your religious persuasion or your family name or your bank balance or how much you do to care for your dependants. No, you're identity is something else?

You we're born into this world with a unique gift and a distinctive way of expressing it, the problem is, with so many other influences on you in your youth and adulthood you've forgotten what those things are. Now you're programmed and running a set pattern of behaviour in what I'd call 'The Existence Mode.'

Your sense of identity in fact has most probably helped form a person who you are not and maybe even don't like too much (grumpy, often tired, overweight, apathetic?) rather than who you really are. But changing it, after years of shaping you into this person you are now, seems like a task, way, way too massive to even contemplate.

Yet while you continually throw your heart into doing what seems right, performing in 'The Existence Mode' your soul is searching. (That's why you are reading this now and identifying yourself in my words).

Your soul wants you to do the logical thing. Align with your true identity - become all that you are. It doesn't want to see you floundering one day more. It doesn't want you to be lost, fed-up, mentally beating yourself or picking on the ones you love. It wants you to be free.

Begin your search now.

Understand that you were born with a unique talent and a distinctive way of expressing it; understand that at some level you already know your life purpose and that it has just become buried and that all you need now is just some time and a little help to uncover it; understand life purpose is not just job specific, though work is a key element because of the hours spent doing it; understand without clarity of life purpose living becomes existence. Until you know what you want you'll continue to run on the pre-programmed Existence Mode'.

Finding out who you really are and where you are really heading takes a little time and may cost you some money. It's a journey ? a journey that leads to self-fulfillment, greater rewards at work and greater, all-round happiness.

Full of stories, tips, tricks and ideas for living life on purpose, the Unstoppable Life newsletter is a must for anyone who wants a richer, happier life. Join the fast-growing readership and they will send you the e-book, Greater Steps to Happiness as a way of saying, thanks for joining.

http://www.unstoppablelife.com

Want More Sales? Write A Barry Bonds Sales Letter

I'm not a baseball fan. Never have been. In fact, I hate the sport. However, I am a Barry Bonds fan. Here's why: Barry Bonds possesses the exact same intangibles every great sales letter possesses. He's loyal, consistent, powerful, and hits a ton of home runs, year after year after year! Those are all things that great sales letters do and have done from the very beginning.

And believe it or not, of all the aforementioned intangibles, the number one intangible is loyalty. All great sales letters remain loyal to one of the oldest of all copywriting basics: the AIDA formula!

You MUST write every single sales letter using the following classic AIDA formula. If you are loyal to the formula, the consistency, power and home runs will follow. That's a proven fact. Here's the formula:

A=ATTENTION I=INTEREST D=DESIRE A=ACTION

Let's break down each letter, so that you can understand the full import of the formula:

A=ATTENTION: The very first thing your sales letter must do is get your prospects attention. The best way to do that is with an effective headline.

So, what's an effective headline? An effective headline is any headline that answers this question: "What's in it for me?" That's all your prospects really care about. What's in it for them? Here's an up-to-the-second example of an effective headline: "Want More Sales? Write A Barry Bond Sales Letter."

So, what makes the title of this article an effective headline? Three things: First of all, I answered the "What's in it for me" question--which in this case would be more sales. Secondly, I brilliantly interjected the curiosity factor. I made you wonder what a Barry Bonds sales letter is. And last but not least, the headline made you read this article.

And that my friend is the whole point! You want prospects to read your sales letter!

Now, we come to the second letter in the aforementioned AIDA formula: I="INTEREST." After you get your prospects attention, you want to get them "INTERESTED" in your product or service. You do that by immediately telling them what your headline promises. You don't waste their time with a bunch of fluff and garbage that nobody but you cares about.

Tell them what they want to know, starting with the very first paragraph, and continue to tell them, right through to the very last paragraph. If you keep them interested, they'll keep reading, right to the very end--just like you're doing now with this article.

Next comes the third letter letter in the formula: D="DESIRE." You have to make your prospects "DESIRE" your product or service. And the way to do that is with benefits, benefits and more benefits!

Remember, just keep telling them what your headline promised. Also, tell them what they stand to gain by purchasing your product or service. More importantly, tell them what they stand to lose, if they don't purchase.

Push their emotional "hot buttons", by using magic selling words like, new, save, amazing, free, guaranteed, security, no-risk, look younger, feel better, etc!

Finally, we come to the last letter in the formula, but certainly not the least: A="ACTION." You want to close your sales letter with a call to action! In other words, ask them for the order. It's important to ask for the order at least six or more times.

Here are a few examples of effective closes:

"Just click on the button below to order NOW--Risk-Free!"

"To get your FREE web site--Order NOW!"

"Limited time offer! Order NOW!"

Something else that's very effective is to include a post- script (P.S.) at the end of your sales letter. Your post-script should include an enticement of some sort, to get your prospects to order NOW. You should also use the post-script as a final call to "ACTION!"

Here's an example of an effective post-script:

P.S. If you order within the next 7 days, you'll also receive a personalized calculator mouse pad absolutely FREE, with your company's name embossed in gold lettering! Order NOW!"

You can also use a post script to tie everything together, by summarizing your most important benefits.

Another reason that you should use a post-script is strictly elementary. Studies have shown that most people, when reading a sales letter will read the headline and then immediately zoom right down to the bottom of the page to check out the price, and see if your offer is anything that they'd be interested in.

WARNING: Don't be fooled by the simplicity of the AIDA formula. It's been proven over time. It's powerful, and it works. In fact, the power is in its simplicity.

Also, when writing a sales letter, there are two critical points you must NEVER, EVER forget:

Most people don't make a buying decision based on logic. They make a buying decision based on their emotions. They justify their decision with logic, after the fact.

People don't want to feel like they're being coerced or pushed into anything. They want to feel like they arrived at a buying decision completely of their own free will.

Go back and read those two points again. Obviously, that's a very fine line to walk. But you MUST learn the distinction, if you want to master the art of writing effective sales letters.

In closing, follow the AIDA formula faithfully and it will rarely let you down.

And remember, when writing your sales letters, ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS answer that one question we all want to know: "What's in it for me?"

About The Author

Dean Phillips is an Internet marketing expert, writer, publisher and entrepreneur. Questions? Comments? Dean can be reached at mailto: dean@lets-make-money.net

Visit his website at: http://www.lets-make-money.net

Ignore PR at Your Peril!

If you do, it means:

you don't value tracking the perceptions of important outside audiences whose behaviors could sink your ship:

you don't care about setting a public relations goal designed to correct misconceptions, inaccuracies or rumors that can hurt you;

you care even less about strategies to get you from here to that PR goal you already don't care about;

and you certainly don't value the persuasive messages you need to convince your key outside audiences that their damaging perceptions of your enterprise are dead wrong.

Man, that's risky and an awful lot not to care about!

Actually, I don't believe you don't care, and I don't believe you're really ignoring public relations. If you were, by now your organization would be on its last legs, Kaput!, Morto!

In fact, you may be a closet PR person who knows better. Why you may even buy the fundamental premise of public relations:

"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 organization, the public relations mission is accomplished."

I'll bet you're also pretty darn good at monitoring what that #1 external audience thinks about you and your organization. And that you regularly interact with them asking questions like What do you think of us? Why? while watching for negative undertones, wrong-headed beliefs or misconceptions.

And that means you'll be anxious to create a public relations goal that corrects such misconceptions because they can lead directly to negative behaviors that will hurt you.

In practice, your goal may be focused on pacifying an activist group, reinforcing prospect interest in your product or service, or even countering a painful rumor.

You're probably ahead of me in forming the strategy you need to reach that goal. For better or worse, there are only three ways to deal with opinion or perception problems. Create some all-new opinion where none exists, change existing opinion, or reinforce it.

With goal and strategy both in hand, you now have some real work to do. What will you need to say to your key audience members to persuade them to your way of thinking? You must be clear about what should be corrected or clarified. You must also be persuasive, and your facts and figures believable. And if appropriate, try to be compelling, perhaps with a certain sense of urgency.

Your "foot soldiers" ? communications tactics ? can now carry that hard-won message to the attention of your #1 target audience, and there are scads of them just waiting for you to send them into action. For example, speeches, news releases, brochures, special events, radio interviews and one-on-one meetings.

One question remains. How do you tell whether or not you are making any headway with your public relations effort?

You again interact with members of that key audience of yours. And yes, with questions very similar to those you asked during your original information gathering exercise at the start of the program. Only this time, you are more interested in whether your communications tactics have moved perceptions in your direction.

Do the new responses show signs that your were successful in changing that inaccurate belief? Or correcting that misconception? Or killing that dangerous rumor for good?

Not enough movement? Take another look at your message to see if it is really compelling. Is it honestly persuasive? Are your facts supportive of your goal and strategy? Is it written clearly enough?

I want to reemphasize that what you are looking for at this stage is a strong indication that your efforts have clearly moved perceptions and target audience behaviors in the desired direction.

When this second monitoring drill allows that conclusion, you will have good reason to value highly your public relations goal, strategy, message and communications tactics.

Together, they will have made it possible for you to say, as promised in the fundamental premise,"My public relations mission is accomplished."

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

Robert A. Kelly ? 2003

About The Author

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

Visit: http://www.prcommentary.com

The Most Powerful Question a Parent Can Ask?

The question I have for you drives right to the heart of the matter. It could alter that tired, haggard feeling you have at the end of a day or weekend. It could alter the life of your children for the better and the life of their future partner. More than that, it could even alter your community, because once I've told you the question and you've seen how powerful it is you'll want to share it with your brother, sister, neighbours and friends.

Before I ask you my question I want to set the scene. You're a loving parent striving to give your children the best life you can offer. You race around the household picking up their dirty underwear from under the bed, collecting the towels from the bathroom floor and spend whatever time it takes to knock up their favourite food while one of your children spends fifty percent of their free time surfing the net and talking in chat rooms and the other catches up on thirty hours of TV a week. Meantime, you?

Well, sometimes you might feel tired. Sometimes deflated. Sometimes unappreciated and perhaps just a tad grumpy! If you relate to any of what I describe then my question will change it all for you and I recommend you read on.

For women, age-old family values still play a big part. Values passed on ? mother-to-mother ? combine with the natural instincts to love, support and nurture. And despite doing a day job you probably still arrive home and strive to take care of your family in the way your mother took care of you. But are your mother's old values working for you and, just as importantly, are they working for your children?

So, here is the question?

What kind of children do you want to raise?

Do we want to raise well-rounded, confident, considerate children that show gratitude and appreciation for all that is given to them and just a fraction of what you do for them? Do you want strong, loving children, who understand and accept responsibility for their 'self' and the ones they love. If you do then I have a second question for you?

Will the current behaviour in your household make that happen?

Will chatting to strangers on the internet during a large part of her free time help your daughter become a confident, considerate woman? Will Homer Simpson help your son to respect his 'self' and the ones he loves? And will you picking up their sweaty, crumpled, underwear help them to become responsible for their own lives?

I recently overheard a woman talking about her 12 year-old son. She confessed to laying out his clothes each morning, packing his school bag with books and food and then she said, "Because if I don't, he'll forget." This shocked me and here is why?

My own children, since the age of five have done all the things that a lot of mother's still do. Why? Because I am their parent ? their guide and leader, not their nanny ? and as such I have a responsibility to first nurture, then educate, then, as soon as they are ready, hand over responsibility for their wellbeing to them. Children who take part in their own life ? pick up their dirty linen, contribute to dinner and tidying their home ? go on to become confident, well-rounded, respectful kids; and children who don't? well they're the ones you might moan about to your friends when you witness them disrespecting both other human beings and the environment.

Begin by directing your children to take on small tasks. Ask them to put their clothes in a washing basket or hang a towel up. Ask them to bring their plates to the sink and wash them after dinner and tell them they are helping you and that you really appreciate their help. Give them a hug for their help and they might do even more! As they get better increase the tasks. Ask them to cut the grass for you, iron the clothes or cook dinner. And if you think that is too much responsibility then think about this?

A Maasai tribe leader appointed a seven year-old girl as the person in charge of two-thirds of his village's wealth. The wealth was not held in money, but in three camels. The girl was responsible for ensuring that these camels stayed safe and well fed and she knew if she failed to do this properly then the villagers may end up starving. Maybe we could trust our children with a vacuum or a mop or a duster once or twice a week!

Help your children to find purpose in life. Find more time for your 'self' so you can to define your own purpose more strongly.

About The Author

Neil Millar is the novelist behind the potent SAS adventure Black Water, personal development writer and author of Simple Steps to Greater Happiness and Be the Hero in your Own Life. Neil's words inspire people to find greater reward in their work and more fun in their personal relationships and life. Subscribe to the Ezine he writes for Unstoppable Life? FREE!

Join Neil's readership at Unstoppable Life and get a FREE copy of his e-book, Steps to Greater Happiness. It's FREE. Sign up at www.UnstoppableLife.com

Cell Phone - Helping You Choose

When the first cell phone arrived onto the market it was very basic but in those days it was classed as the best invention since electricity. Would we dispute that now? The cell phone manufacturers today are in constant battle to win over your dollars with the latest cellular phones science has to offer. You are as the consumer need to aware of what is best for you. Many people receive their first cell phone after they sign up to a cell phone carrier for the first time. The phone may not exactly be what you want but it's a starting point saving you money.

What's the difference anyway?

There are so many differences when it comes to choosing cell phones. Price is one thing but functionality is most important. Cell phones such as, camera phones, PDA and GPS are all the rage on today's market but you need to look at your own needs before choosing.

Camera Cell Phones:

Camera cell phones are as their name suggests a cell phone that can capture photographs. They are very popular with all ages but mostly with teens to those in their early twenties. All the major cell phone manufacturers such as Nokia, Samsung, Siemens, and Motorola etc have seen their profits sore since their introduction onto the market. The idea of sending photos to friends and family via MMS appeals to most especially for those who have family living far away. The phone itself can also be attached to your home or office PC and the photo's then uploaded to the PC and emailed globally if you wish. The camera cellular phones range in price depending on the quality of the camera, most now have built in zoom in / out options and offer a limited movie take generally 30 seconds to 1 minute. All in all the camera phone is good quality fun phone to have.

GPS Phones:

Firstly GPS stands for Global Positioning Satellite. GPS cell phones are at the higher end of the scale and once again all the major cell phone manufacturers are making them. They are ideal for a number of different people. For those of us who love outdoor adventure such as mountainous walks, climbing or skiing the GPS phone could be a life safer. GPS allows you to be pin pointed to an area at all times, so if in the unfortunate case of you being lost or hurt you will be tracked down and brought to safety. On the other end of the scale employers are purchasing the GPS cell phones for employees in order to keep track of their whereabouts (not a great idea for the employee who plays golf). The GPS phone is generally more expensive.

PDA Phones:

PDA stands for Personal Digital Assistant. PDA cell phones are more like your home PC, they are ideal for those who work in an office environment and need to travel to clients or simply work from home. Like your home computer they have a processor, memory and a good quality TFT display. You will even have a smaller version of windows to navigate around the different programs. As you might imagine the PDA phone is the most expensive on the market with all the functionality available to it.

What one is for me?

Well that a question for you but have a think about it, cell phones are not overly cheap so choosing wisely is a must. The camera cell phone is ideal if you are going to maximise it's use for photo's, be aware that sending photo's via text or MMS as it is called is much more expensive than sending standard texts. GPS is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts or employers who need to keep track of staff. PDA cell phones are great as mini computer and ideal for office workers or even students. If you wish to travel internationally with your cell phone you need to check two things: Firstly ask your cell phone carrier about the coverage and roaming rates in the country you intend travelling too, roaming rates can be very high depending on what carrier you are with. Secondly your cell phone may need tri or quad band functionality so check the specifications of the cellular phone before purchasing.

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.

Payday Loans And Pawnshops: Comparing Two Popular Ways Of Getting Cash Quickly

I remember years ago growing up when you needed some money fast and didn't have any other alternatives such as credit cards, friends or a friendly bank you pawned something you had that was valuable. This was an easy way to get some money and technically you didn't give away what you owned but you did have to pay a fee to get it back.

Every day I read headlines concerning payday loans that read-
? City imposes moratorium on payday loan business,
? Payday loan limits being considered and imposed,
? Lawmakers seeking to impose payday loan interest cap rates.
? Payday loan interest is high but it's also legal
? Supreme court to hear payday lending case

I though I would compare pawnshops to payday loans and see if it is really any different than the age old practice we all grew up with.

Pawnshops and pawn broking have been around for thousands of years the idea of bartering for goods and cash is nothing new. Basically when you pawn something you bring in something you own and give it to the pawnbroker as collateral for a loan. The pawnbroker then loans you the money against that collateral. This is really a subjective part but it's usually pennies on the dollar. If you want your item back you repay the loan plus the interest and then get your item back. If you don't repay the loan the pawnbroker keeps your item and sells it in their store usually for more of a profit.

So let's take an example of this process and see how much we could expect to pay. Let's take a common item like a piece of jewelry. We spent $200 for the piece of jewelry new a few years ago and want to pawn it to get some fast cash. The pawn shop is willing to give me $20 dollars for the item. In return for my item I get $20 and a ticket for the item indicating:
? The item that I pawned
? The amount of money the shop loaned to me for that item
? The amount of money due in 30 days to get my item back if I choose

My ticket would tell me that for my piece of jewelry I received $20 and I need to pay $24.40 (that's 2 percent interest plus 20 percent in fees). Within 30 days I can do one of the following:
? I can return to the shop pay the fee and get my jewelry back
? I can pay the monthly fee ($4.40) to extend my loan for another 30 days.
? I can do nothing and give the pawnshop my property

$4.40 fees due in 30 days for a $20 dollar loan works out to about 264 percent per year. I won't even go into the amount of info you have to give a pawnshop to protect the merchant from handling possible stolen goods. Let's just say it's not anonymous and leave it at that

Is any of this sounding familiar?

Payday loans work in the same manner. If you need fast cash and have a job and are over 18 years old you basically can get a payday loan. There are scores of payday loan stores in most major metropolitan cities and you can also get a loan over the internet without ever leaving your home

Most services are all automated and give you an answer within 2 minutes. Typically payday loans firms offer the following

? Up to $1500 deposited into your account within 24 hours ? Flexible payment options
? $30 per $100 finance charge
? 100% faxless
? Bad Credit ok

While typically these loans are high interest think about the alternative, it is a set rate with no haggling over the value of merchandise you may or may not what to give up. By examining the facts and reading comparisons of the different loan types available you can quickly and easy qualify for a quick and easy loan. Both payday loans and pawnshops have there place within society and serve a need with a few facts and help both can be utilized at different times to help during a time of need

To view a list of recommended payday loan companies, visit the page http://www.officialpaydayloan.com. Officialpaydayloan.com is an informational payday loan website with informative articles, loan comparisons and all the latest information on payday loans

http://www.Officialpaydayloan.com is the best resource for finding information and comparisons of the latest payday loan programs and offerings. Visit our site often for the latest information and reviews of payday loan offerings Visit http://www.officialpayloan.com today!

Choicemaking: Self-Help Secrets Revealed

We all assume that making choices is a simple process. We see what's in front of us and we choose the best option. That's the way it goes in this choicemaking process.

But what if it were not that simple? Because, let's face it, people make the wrong choices everyday. The wrong girlfriend! The wrong boyfriend! The wrong destination! The wrong colors, and so on.

Choicemaking is not as simple as it may seem. Smokers continue to smoke. Drinkers continue to drink. Drug users continue to abuse. If making choices was so simple, then none of the above problems would exist, would they?

Look at your own life for a few moments.

See if all your choices have been wise ones. Is there a repeating choice occurring that still produces the same negative result? Why are you still making it?

When it comes to Life Choices, then we see that this process is not as simple as choosing the right candy, or movie, or other form of entertainment.

Truly FREE choicemaking is based on Personal Characteristics, Prehistory and Personal Awareness.

How aware are you of your Prehistory to determine why you may be making the same faulty choices over and over again? Why does a woman continue to choose the same type of abusive man? Why does a man continually succomb to the definitions and desires of others? There's no choice in such examples, only repeating patterns!

But the fact is: "There is choice!"

Choicemaking still goes on, even if it's outside our conscious awareness. A part of us is making choices based on - prehistory, old patterns or a familiar expectation like "I never get what I want" or, something similar.

These are some of the common denominators of Prehistory.

As a child you React to your environment. You adopt the Status Quo, that is, how things work in your family of origin. You make unconscious choices based on Survival Value. "If my dad always yells at me when I need something, then I won't "need" and won't ask anymore."

And you give up trying to get that Need Met! Repeat this a few dozen times and see how many things you have given up. And worse, you start convincing yourself "you don't really need it!"

The more dysfunctional your Family of Origin is, the more Reactive and Unconscious your choices tend to be. And this is the root of all negative choices.

Very few people would Consciously choose a situation or pattern with a guaranteed negative outcome. So called "common sense" is about hindsight and stating the obvious. The fact that so many choices are made at a subconscious level, cancels out any so-called fruitful effects of "common sense." Common Sense isn't so common after all.

Patterns return. Familiarity seems safer. Only because these are known.

Making a choice for a better Life is tatamount to a Crisis. It certainly is a Crisis for the Part of You that makes your unconscious choices! Some call this part your "survival side" or your "inner tyrant."

He, she, or It, has a big investment in maintaining Control. So you "doze off" or "go numb" when an important Critical Choice has to be made. You are still making a choice, only you are "choosing not to choose." And the necessary choice is relegated to your Unconscious Self.

You "allow" this unconscious "protector/controller" self to make the choice for you. And then, you see the Same Old Negative Result. Once again confirming "You Are the Victim of Forces Beyond Your Control!"

What has to happen on a conscious level for this pattern to change?

"Know Thyself" is the key phrase here. And this is no small order. Even well trained Psychologists can have a tyrannical unconscious self to deal with.

It is critical to get to the bottom of this though. One has to see that those unconscious choices: a) exist and; b) no longer work. What once had survival value, during childhood, has now become a detriment to your healthy development as an adult.

We've all had occasion to say: "he's acting like a child again." Or, "I felt like a child who needed her mother." These are common enough experiences for all of us to relate to.

The Primary Sign of True Adult Development is Emotional Maturity.

This includes the ability to make choices based on the evidence at hand, and not the "programs" from one's prehistory. True Freedom comes when one's childhood, hurtful past is laid to rest.

Freedom comes when we take hold of ourselves and declare: "I'm making the decisions from now on - not my old Childhood Self - not my Abused and Frightened Self - not my Victim Self, or any part of me that came into being before I could make conscious choices.

In a safe environment we grow up capable of making informed choices. We are allowed to be ourselves.

In Dysfunctional Environments, Conscious Choicemaking is Absent.

We react. We resist. We counterattack. And we become passive- aggressive. We identify ourselves as victims, because we feel victimized. And we make limited, uninformed choices based on these stressful circumstances.

There's no such thing as a Free Choice here. Survival takes precendence. "What do I need do to survive this stress?" replaces "What choice would I like to make at this time?"

We come to believe that: "we are what is happening to us" - The Victim - The Abused One - The Abandonned One, and so on. Name your Poisonous Identity.

These are factual results of various types of domestic tyranny. There are hundreds of self-help books addressing each one of these results.

How do You Change a Reactive Choice to a Free Choice?

You become aware of who you are. Of what happened to you as a child, and what you need now to correct this.

You make Conscious Choices to better your life. You seek out resources that will help you untie all these psychological and emotional knots. You Choose to open yourself up to the Inner You, the person you are, or could be, had none of the above happened.

You choose to get in touch with your full potential, and to clean out all the garbage that no longer belongs. You are choosing Your Freedom!

This Could Be A Long Process Indeed.

What's your alternative? To live out your life as a pattern of prepackaged reactions that were triggered by others? Or, to live your life as it could be, given what you now know about cleaning up messes?

I made my commitment 40 years ago, and I still work at it. But it's not so hard anymore, and I have had some fun along the way. I actually enjoyed untangling those knots.

As I needed certain things, they came along in one form or another, a good Counselor, a Friend, many Great Books, an Inspiring Movie, and so on. As I learned to take responsibility and own my feelings, things improved. I improved. I got stronger. I benefitted from these conscious choices.

As I learned to overcome defeat and curtail negative self- references, I gained self-esteem.

As I realized that a part of me ( the tyrant) seemed programmed to harm me, I took away its power and claimed it for myself.

This Is The Hero's Journey From Mythology.

Into the Heart of Darkness we go, past the Guard Dog "Cerebus" (inner tyrant) to recover our Essential Self (innocent inner child), and become what we can be.

It is a long and difficult journey at times, but well worth it in the end. I wouldn't trade my journey for any other experience. That's the level of my commitment and the rewards that come with it.

Whatever it takes. Wherever I need to go. I'll do it. Because, I am worth it. AND SO ARE YOU!!!

Are you ready to commit to the Full Expression of your Being? Then Let's Get Moving!

Maurice Turmel has a PHD in Counseling Psychology and was a practicing therapist for nearly 25 years. Self-Help issues are dealt with regularly in his monthly Ezine "The Self-Help Advisor." Dr. Turmel likes to use parable stories to illustrate important points. He has authored 3 books and is also a performing songwriter. He can be reached through his Website at: http://www.mauriceturmel.com

6 Things You Must Do If You Want To Have The Secret To Catching More Trout

It has always been my private conviction that any man who pits his intelligence against a fish and loses has it coming. ~John Steinbeck

1. How Fish Think

When you hunt for deer, and any other animal for that matter, there are some set rules you have to follow if you are going to catch some very wary Brook and Brown trout. Will the rules for hunting somehow help with Trout Fishing.

2. Study and Research

Understanding how a trout thinks, will increase your chances of success. You could go to a local bookstore as well as the library. Within a week you will know more about Trout than 99.9% of the world's population.

3. Trout Tips

Trout have monocular vision. This means that each eye can focus on an object independently of the other eye, giving them an all-around panoramic field of vision. Research has confirmed that fish , to some extent, can see color, above and beyond some practical uses of color. The fact that most strikingly colored species use their pigmentation for attracting mates; or they use color to hide from and scare off would be predators.

4. Hearing

Sound travels more than four times faster through water than it does through air. Trout can hear sound through the vibrations in the water, through a porous lateral line along the sides of its body. As it picks up water vibrations, the fish becomes aware of feeding frenzies or other fish fleeing that happens nearby.

5. Touch

There are many species that have taste receptors on the skin, which send food messages to the brain, and prompts the fish to go towards the source of the food taste.There are also fish that have receptors on their heads, mouths, lips, and on, barbels like that of a catfish.

6. Smell

Many species of fish have nostrils with which to smell odors coming from food and mating partners. Their nostrils have sensors that detect the odors from the water and send signals to their brain.

To understand how Trout think, what spooks them, what excites them, when they feed, when they travel, and a number of other factors really is very important if you want to fill your creels full of fish consistently. Luckily for you, theres a man who has captured the essence of fishing and put his expertise into a Book, which is titled "How To Catch A Trout Every Time ? When Spinner Fishing Your Favorite Stream Or River."

This book is quite literally the bible of Trout Fishing. If you' re new to fishing or semi-experienced, you' ll immediately improve your chances of catching fish each time you go after reading the book. The authors name is Nick Anikijenko.

Val and Robin Shortt are experienced campers and own three outdoor websites For more tips like these and to register for their Free newsletter visit: Good Night Camping Equipment

Credit Card Tips

Here are some useful credit card tips for you to consider before applying for a credit card. Before applying for a credit card, you should decide why you want one, and make sure you can use it wisely.

More and more people use plastic as their main means of paying for goods and services. Today our entire financial system relies on credit. Credit cards can help to make your life that little bit easier- you can use it to pay for goods or services, either over the phone, online or over the counter.

A credit card makes it easy to buy something now and pay for it later. It's much safer to use a credit card than to carry around cash. If you lose your credit card, you can ask your credit card company to cancel your card, and no one else can use it. But if you lose cash, your money is lost.

Credit cards are also convenient. You can use them to make hotel, car rental and other reservations. You can buy items over the phone or online. You can also use credit cards for emergencies, like unexpected car repairs, when you don't have the cash to cover the expenses.

A credit card allows the cardholder to borrow as much money (up to their credit limit) as they like, when and where they like, without having to get permission from their bank manager.

All credit cards have finance charges for not paying your balance in full each month, but you could save a lot of money by shopping around for the credit card that offers you the best terms.

Shop for a card with an interest free period that gives you enough time to pay your bills on time without charging you interest. Credit cards with no interest free period start charging you fees as soon as you buy something on your credit card.

Finally, using a credit card gives you a credit history, which helps to get home loans and other credit in the future.

You may freely reprint this article provided the author's biography remains intact:

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

A Successful Failure

A successfully positioned business sometimes doesn't win a new client. And that, my friend, is the point. Let me illustrate with an anecdote.

Recently I was making a new business pitch to a Charlotte area professional services firm. The second meeting took place after I had provided a detailed proposal to the company on how I work. From the two meetings and the proposal it was made abundantly clear that I take a comprehensive, strategic approach to communications.

One of the partners asked me if there was a "PR light" alternative. This meant that he wanted a tactical program that required very little involvement or input from him and the other partners. I assured him there was, but that was not my approach.

I guess I could have taken the company's money every month just to perform a few tactical activities, but it would have been wrong for both of us. I wouldn't feel right taking their money, nor would I be happy implementing a program that a PR intern could accomplish easily.

Needless to say, the firm selected another communications agency. To understand why this new business loss was a success, we need to look at a definition of positioning.

Positioning Defined

An organization's brand identity must be a reflection of three things: market perceptions, the organization's acumen, as well as its aspirations. Positioning is where these three elements overlap.

The point of positioning is to develop a platform from which all communications emanate. Positioning defines who we are, the kinds of customers we want, how we will compete, and how we are different.

So, before you can hone your brand identity, and before you develop and implement a communications plan, you must approve a positioning statement. From a communications standpoint, it is the heart of your brand.

Let's look at the elements of positioning:

Market. The kinds of clients we want to do business with. Hoover ink's market definition is: For organizations that are serious about their success and that understand the need for focused communications,

Competitive Offering. The products/services and/or type of service we will provide. Hoover ink's competitive offering is: we are the PR and marketing firm that carefully defines its clients' audiences and develops market-based positioning,

Differentiation. The benefit that makes us special. Hoover ink's differentiation is: so that we can help our clients communicate to all of its constituencies clear, concise messages that have a bottom line impact.

When the prospect called to say they had selected another agency to handle its PR program, I was told that my approach was too strategic and comprehensive. I'll take that as a compliment any day, and as an indicator that my positioning is on track.

Harry Hoover is managing principal of Hoover ink PR. He has 26 years of experience in crafting and delivering bottom line messages that ensure success for serious businesses like Brent Dees Financial Planning, Levolor, New World Mortgage, North Carolina Tourism, TeamHeidi, Ty Boyd Executive Learning Systems, VELUX, Verbatim and Youth Link USA.

How Do People Know Youre in Business?

One of the most important things to do now that you've started a business is to TELL THE WORLD! But HOW? It can be very expensive and time consuming if not done properly. Here's some inexpensive publicity and marketing ideas to help you get recognition for your new venture.

You've picked a great name for your company, made a list of your potential clients, incorporated your business and you're ready to go. What next? Well, you need to find as many ways as possible to tell people you're in business, and why they should do business with you!

One of the first things to do is to get business cards printed up and carry them wherever you go. Hand them out to everyone you know. It always amazes me how many people forget to give their cards to friends and family. Even if you "think" your family knows what you do ? you might be surprised to find out how little they really do know. Besides, they may have a friend who needs exactly what you offer, and it's much more professional for them to offer a business card than a scrap of paper with your name and number scrawled on it.

Make sure your cards are professionally printed and have no spelling mistakes. This may be the first impression someone has of your business - make it a great impression - because you won't get a second chance to do it better. Make sure your cards have as many to contact you as possible: snail mail, fax, phone, email, pager, etc. Give people as many options as you can. Make sure your card also clearly states what you do ? if you just have your name and phone number on your card it's likely to be tossed in the garbage. I make sure I give away AT LEAST 5 business cards a day. People ask, "Who can you possibly give 5 business cards to?" How about: leaving one on the tray when I leave my payment and tip for the waitress in a restaurant, giving it to the receptionist when I sign in at the dentist/doctor/vet, go to meet with my child's teacher at school, chat with another parent at the swimming pool watching our kids swimming, someone I meet in the checkout line at the grocery store, etc, etc. If you want to grow you business quickly this is one way to start!

Send out press releases to your local paper - these are free and many times the paper may phone for a follow up interview. Have press kits ready when you're asked for them. Remember a press release needs to sound like a news story, NOT an advertisement for your business. If you're not familiar with how to write one there are lots of articles online to help you.

First impressions are so important ? did you know that you only have 15 seconds to capture someone's attention when they see your advertising in a newspaper or magazine? Yes, 15 short seconds - not long to make a good impression is it? But you know what? It takes even less than that to make a bad impression.

So, how to make the most of your 15 seconds in the spotlight - and win customers at the same time? Make sure that any print ads REALLY do a terrific job for you ? get feedback from people you trust. Just because you think something looks good, doesn't mean it will sell your product. Test the ad in the paper one week, make a change to it and put it in the paper the next week (on the same day of the week) and see which ad gets the most response for you. Always test your ads this way. You're wasting money if you don't.

Create advertising that has the following traits - well designed (get help if you need it), is truthful (don't stretch the truth either) and tells the customer the benefits to them if they buy and lastly requests an action - something like - "call now to order", "order today, supply limited".

First impressions count when meeting in person even more! Every person in business should have a 15 second "script" explaining what you do ready to tell a prospective client at anytime. I know some people say that it sounds too rehearsed to be "ready" ? I say it sounds like you're prepared to do business. I'd rather do business with someone who is prepared, than someone who is still fumbling around trying to figure out what they're supposed to be doing. An example of a 15 second script might be: "Hi my name is Sally Jones and I am a communications specialist who helps ensure your technology hardware all speaks the same language, so that when your computer tells the printer to print it will!" If you met Sally Jones, heard her introduction and got her card, you would likely remember her because she explained what she did very clearly, but also in a unique way. Not many computer technicians would explain their jobs this way. Find a unique way to explain what you do.

Imagine you step into an elevator and right in front of you is the MOST IMPORTANT POTENTIAL CLIENT you could ever imagine and it's JUST THE TWO OF YOU. You have 20 floors (about 15 seconds) to make an impression! What would YOU say??

Does everything that leaves your office have your company name and/or web address on it? It should! That includes your vehicle, stationery, delivery driver's t-shirts, etc ? everything!

Every day will provide you with opportunities to tell people about your business ? don't miss them! Don't be afraid to ask for a cross-promotional opportunity. Team up with other businesses to make your profile larger, and your business will grow much faster.

Wendy McClelland is a motivational speaker, marketing innovator and Certified Guerrilla Marketing Coach who specializes in teaching people to "think without boundaries!" She is a past nominee for "Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year" and her clients have included software developers, an Olympic athlete and a wide range of business organizations. She has spoken to 10,000+ conference attendees, about Marketing, Internet Business and Motivation. You can contact her through her website ? http://www.thinkwithoutboundaries.com