VoIP (Computer Phone) Warning

Warning! Warning! Warning!

Beware of VoIP internet service providers that operate on industry standard codec and industry standard protocols because they are PUBLICLY OPEN and INTERPRETABLE! This also includes, but is not limited to, peer-to-peer (P2P) networks.

In plain terms, this means, if you subscribe to, or considering subscribing to a VoIP internet solution provider who operates on these industry standards ? and over 90% do -- you have inadvertently made yourself vulnerable to the criminal activities of hackers.

Regardless of the type of anti virus software you have on your computer, the publicly accessible industry standards provide a pathway by which these criminals can access your computer to plant viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and/or steal your identity.

Like sharks in a feeding frenzy, unscrupulous criminal hackers view systems operating on these industry standards as their personal "Cash Cow" because of the ease by which they can access your computer and gather your information to sell to other criminals.

Did you know that some hacker-friendly providers offer processor chips that are only sold on the Internet?

Did you know that hacker-friendly providers actually offer hacker software that enables these criminals to deliberately disable security on computers, access your personal and confidential information, as well as inject their viruses, worms, and/or Trojan horses?

For instance, "Vomit" is a free download software that was designed to convert VoIP phone conversations into a wave file which could be played with standard sound players. Hackers gleefully interpret this as a tool they can utilize to attack unsuspecting victims.

Hacker manuals are also easily accessible via the Internet. One of these manuals shows how to DoS other sites. DoSing (Disruption of Service) involves gaining unauthorized access to the "command prompt" on your computer and using it to tie up your vital Internet services. When a hacker invades your system, they can then delete or create files and emails, modify security features, and plant viruses or time bombs onto your computer.

"Sniff" is another tool (originally intended to help telecommunication professionals detect and solve problems) that criminal hackers use to tamper with the protocol and "sniff out" data. When hackers sniff out a data packet from Internet traffic, they reconstruct it to intercept conversations. This enables them to eavesdrop on conversations, gather information, and sell it to other unprincipled criminal entities.

Identity Theft

Identity theft is one of the most sinister of vulnerabilities you can inadvertently be subjected to. Identity theft is defined by the Department of Justice as

"?the wrongful obtaining and using of someone else's personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain."

Identity theft is the by-product of unscrupulous criminal individuals obtaining your social security number (including those of your spouse and children), your bank account, your credit card information, etc. Your information is then sold to other criminal entities for profit. Using your information, these criminals can then:

? access your bank account funds
? create new bank accounts with your information
? create driver's licenses
? create passports

Attorney General Ashcroft stated that,

"Identity theft carries a heavy price, both in the damage to individuals whose identities are stolen and the enormous cost to America's businesses."

Don't be na?ve enough to think it won't happen or couldn't happen to you!

A group hosting a website known as shadowcrew.com was indicted on conspiracy charges for stealing credit card numbers and identity documents, then selling them online. While this group allegedly trafficked $1.7 million in stolen credit card numbers, they also caused losses in excess of $4 million.

According to a Press Release issued by the Department of Justice on February 28, 2005, a hacker was convicted of several counts of fraud, one in which

"?he fraudulently possessed more than 15 computer usernames and passwords belonging to other persons for the purpose of accessing their bank and financial services accounts, opening online bank accounts in the names of those persons, and transferring funds to unauthorized accounts."

If you are using a VoIP internet service provider and do not want to be a victim of Identity Theft, then take the first step to protect yourself -- don't use VoIP internet service providers operating on industry standard codec and industry standard protocols.

Viruses, Worms, and Trojan Horses

On January 28, 2005, a press Release issued by the Department of Justice reported that a 19 year old was convicted for his criminal activity by "?creating and unleashing a variant of the MS Blaster computer worm." Christopher Wray, Attorney General ? Criminal Division stated that,

"This ? malicious attack on the information superhighway caused an economic and technological disruption that was felt around the world."

On February 11, 2005, in a Press Release issued by the Department of Justice, reported that another criminal was sentenced for circulating a worm. This worm,

"directed the infected computers to launch a distributed denial of service (DOS) attack against Microsoft's main web site causing the site to shutdown and thus became inaccessible to the public for approximately four hours."

March 7, 2005, Symantec.com posted discovery of a worm named "W32.Serflog.B" that spread through file-sharing networks and MSN Messenger ? networks that operate on publicly open and interpretable industry standard codec and protocols, including P2P systems, as well as Instant Messaging systems-none of which are protected, regardless of the anti virus software on your computer. The W32.Serflog.B worm also lowers security settings and appears as a blank message window on the MSN Messenger.

If you don't want to be the next victim of the devastation created by worms, STOP using services that operate on industry standard codec and protocols, and/or services that incorporate P2P systems.

Anti virus software does not incorporate protection for Instant Messaging services. In addition, Instant Messaging services, in and of themselves, do not include protection for their users.

If you like the convenience of text chatting via Instant Messaging, then use a VoIP internet service provider that includes the Instant Messaging feature -- one that does not operate on industry standard codec or industry standard protocols that are publicly open and accessible.

Optimally secure VoIP service providers that incorporate a secure Instant Messaging feature, operate from their own proprietary high end encryption codec on patented technology that is hosted in a professional facility. Simply put, when a VoIP internet service provider operates on optimally secure platforms, the Instant Messaging feature on the VoIP softphone, is also protected with their technology.

A Trojan horse is a program that internet criminals use to interrupt and interfere with your security software and produces the following results

? Terminates processes
? Removes registry entries
? Stops services
? Delete files

Hackers, who have gained access to your computer, because of the programs and software as mentioned above, are having a field day incorporating this nasty little program into their arsenal of weapons.

As recently as March 4, 2005, a new Trojan horse was discovered that modified settings in Internet Explorer. Windows 2000, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP were the reported systems that could be affected.

Here's the bottom line.

1. If you are currently using a VoIP internet solution provider that operates on industry standard codec and industry standard protocols that are publicly open and interpretable, you need to make a decision:

a. Continue enticing criminal hackers and remain on their service, or
b. Take immediate corrective action.

2. If you are currently using Instant Messaging of any sort, you need to make a decision

a. Continue enticing criminal hackers and remain as a user of their service, or
b. Take immediate corrective action.

If you decide to take immediate corrective action:

1. Find a VoIP internet solution provider that has their own proprietary high end encryption codec

2. Find a VoIP internet solution provider that has their own proprietary patented technology

3. Find a VoIP internet solution provider that hosts their proprietary patented technology in a professional facility

4. Find a VoIP internet solution provider that includes the Instant Messaging feature in their proprietary patented technology

**Attn Ezine editors / Site owners ** Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine or on your site so long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include the resource box as listed below.

Dee Scrip is a well known and respected published author of numerous articles on VoIP, VoIP Security, and other related VoIP issues.

Other articles can be found at http://www.free-pc-phone.com

Here's a place you can look over to see what a VoIP internet solution provider looks like that operates on their own proprietary high end encryption codec with their own proprietary patented technology hosted in a professional facility, AND that incorporates the Instant Messaging feature: http://www.free-pc-phone.com.

Learning to Listen

The second verse of Amy Grant's song, "Angels Watching Over Me," reminds us that God has given His angels charge over us to keep us in all our ways - even when we are not aware they are there. Amy sings, "God only knows the times my life was threatened just today. A reckless car ran out of gas before it ran my way. Near misses all around me, accidents unknown, Though I never see with human eyes the hands that lead me home. But I know they're all around me all day and through the night. When the enemy is closing in, I know sometimes they fight To keep my fight from falling, I'll never turn away. If you're asking what's protecting me then you're gonna hear me say:" Angels Watching Over Me . . . ."

Most of us want to SEE before we believe that God's angels are there. Amy's song reminds us that they are there - in the dark places, in the secret places, in the "coincidental" happenings. Pause for a moment and reflect on the seemingly small incidents in your life. I'll share one from my own book of memories to jog your mind.

I was returning home from a visit to my daughter in Knoxville, Tennessee. Approximately forty miles from home, I was hot and tired from the drive and long weekend. To break up the drive and cool off a bit, I decided to stop at the Dairy Queen for refreshment. I had enough time to relax a little bit before my evening teaching stint began. A thought passed through my mind: "Wait until you get to Ellijay to get your ice cream cone." I brushed it aside, and turned into the Dairy Queen in Chatsworth, a small town on the north side of Fort Mountain. Another thought persisted, "You'll be sorry you didn't wait. You won't get a chance to rest before you have to go to work."

I ignored it. I had plenty of time! My air conditioner wasn't working very well (needed freon), and I wanted that ice cream!

As I turned into the DQ driveway, I noticed a couple of big dump trucks with distinctive markings on them. They were from Fannin, a county just north of Ellijay. I groaned, figuring I would get behind them later on. But nothing could keep me from that ice cream cone dipped in chocolate!!

There are two roads that lead to Ellijay from Chatsworth: One over Fort Mountain, the other around the mountain. I usually take the road around the mountain - a very scenic drive that is not so curvy and steep. As I drove through the small town, a thought passed through my mind, "You should go over the mountain today." I shrugged off the voice and kept traveling down the highway, passing the road that leads across the mountain. My mind was set: I would take the easier route to Ellijay.

The road around the mountain has some steep, impassable, sections with blind driveways and one must drive with extra caution. Just as I crossed the county line - the worst of these places - the traffic was at a standstill. I could see one of the big dump trucks from Fannin County, a sheriff's car, and a mobile home tilted sideways in the road, making it impossible to pass. I banged the steering wheel, with both hands, irritated at myself, the heat, the traffic jam, and jumped out of the car, and walked up the hill to talk to the deputy sheriff.

"How long will we be here?" I asked him.

He shrugged his shoulders. "Don't know, Mam. Your guess is as good as mine."

From this vantage point I could see what had happened: the driver of the truck pulling the mobile home had misjudged his distance and had backed the mobile home into a ditch, blocking all lanes of traffic. It looked as though we would be held up for a long time. Not a pleasant prospect since it was ninety five degrees in the shade!

"Is there another way to Ellijay?" I asked hopefully, knowing the answer was not one I would enjoy.

"Sure," he said. "You can go back to Chatsworth and cross the mountain."

"I told you to go over the mountain," the thought in my mind whispered as I walked back to my car. I looked at the dump truck sitting there, motor off, the driver with his head lying back against the seat. The other dump truck was nowhere in sight. If I hadn't stopped for refreshment, I would have been in front of both the trucks. I should have listened to the voice long before now. But I had ignored it.

"Near misses all around me . . . ." Amy's song rang through my mind. God was trying to tell me an easier way. If only I had listened! No, it wasn't a life-threatening situation this time. However, it could have been. Would I have listened?

I encourage you to look for God in the small things. Learn from your mistakes (and mine!). Don't be too busy, or too set in your ways to change your course of action. God cares for you and wants to help you. That's why He has given his angels "charge over you." Listen. LISTEN! L I S T E N!

About the Author:
Linda Van Fleet is a freelance inspirational writer specializing in articles and features on Christian lifestyle topics, angels, Internet and social issues. Linda also owns and maintains several websites: Applecity.com, StoverMusic.com, TrueSoulMate.com, Ateau.com as well as content syndication site Awesome Web Essentials. and http://ibelieveinangels.com. Linda has 2 children and three grandchildren.

? 2005 Linda Van Fleet All rights reserved.

Selling ? Remember These Ten Rules and Succeed

There are thousands of books and seminars on how to succeed. What many don't make explicit is the requirement to be a great salesperson ? even if you're selling an idea!

Here are the ten simple but powerful rules that will guide you in all your selling decisions.

* Helping. Get into the mindset of respecting and helping the customer. The hard sell today does not work.

* Knowledge. Know your product/service, customer and industry inside out ? be able to answer almost any question.

* Benefits. Think of how each of the features of your product/service can benefit the customer and always mention that first ? right at the beginning.

* Presentable. Be neat, presentable and clean and that includes smelling good too. Dress as the audience expects.

* Rehearse. Practice your presentation over and over gain. Use audio and video tape, do it in front of the mirror and ask friends and colleagues to offer suggestions. Do not underestimate this.

* The 70 ? 30 rule. Listen more than you talk ? ask questions ? find out customers concerns so you can ease them away.

* Enthusiasm. Show enthusiasm, energy, friendliness and professionalism and show confidence in the product/service. Mention nothing negative ? even if the weather is lousy.

* Easy. Make it easy to handle, try, test the goods or services and then make it so easy to buy.

* Boldness. Ask for the business.

* Friendly. People buy from people. Never argue or make the customer look silly. Here's a list of some of the things that annoy your customers:

+ Spread himself out in my living room
+ Used the toilet and didn't lift the lid
+ Had smelly breath/ body odour
+ ried to pressure me
+ Didn't listen to me
+ When I said it wasn't for me she insisted
+ Tried to convince me I was wrong
+ Talked down to me as if I was stupid or inferior
+ Hinted that I was stupid for not seeing the value of what he was offering me
+ Avoided answering my questions
+ Kept saying bad tings about other companies
+ Went over to my bookcase and took down a book and made some comment
+ Kept talking about his children
+ Didn't have an order form needed to progress the sale
+ Was too smarmy ? kept using my name all the time as a sales technique
+ Spoke too quickly and didn't give me much time in the car ? felt we had to hurry
+ Made me feel I was bothering him ? that I was interrupting him

Of course you don't do any of these!

ALL SUCCESS WITH YOUR SELLING!

Bill is managing director of Brilliant Web Workshops and is committed to discovering, demystifying, distilling and disseminating practical knowledge to help people do even better. He is putting most of his workshops online so people can do them anywhere, anytime. http://www.brilliantwebworkshops.com

A New Idea For Venture Capitalists

Obviously, it hurts when a promising business project you backed financially goes down the tube.

But while you point to many possible causes, seldom do you attribute the wreckage to a lack of effective communications that might have modified the behavior of sales prospects in a positive way, thus averting a money-losing shutdown.

Is it not possible, Mr. or Ms. Venture Capitalist, that aggressive publicity and promotion might salvage the occasional, marginal investment?

I believe it could, so here is a suggestion.

Make it standard operating procedure, starting with your next venture, (a minor cost compared to your investment) that any project you back MUST include an adequately funded, top-notch plan to aggressively publicize the venture.

Here's why. In public relations, we know people will act on their perception of the facts before them about your new venture. Further, we know that those perceptions will lead to predictable behaviors, good or bad, about which something can be done.

So when we create, change or reinforce that opinion by reaching, persuading and moving-to-desired-action those folks whose behaviors affect your new venture, your public relations effort is a success.

I know you have startup worries beyond public relations concerns, but consider for a moment some very serious PR exposures faced by that new venture of yours, and especially by the new management you recently installed.

If sales prospects are not made aware of your product or service, you will not get them as customers. And, as customers, if they don't remain convinced of the value of your product or service, you lose them.

If employees believe your new management doesn't care about them, productivity suffers, and if a minority person believes your new venture discriminates when it doesn't, a host of unnecessary problems may ensue.

For that matter, if community residents perceive your new business as a lousy place to work, you have employee hiring and retention problems. And if insurance carriers perceive your new management as a bad risk, they don't provide the needed business coverage.

There's more. If journalists are suspicious of your new management's motives and they are not convinced otherwise, the venture gets "bad press." And if business people believe what some competitors say about the new business, that strategic alliance your managers want so badly may not come about. Plus, as you grow bigger, if government regulators believe the venture's products are not completely safe, sales will almost certainly be negatively affected.

By the way, this article calls addressing these kinds of risks a new idea for venture capitalists because I've yet to see it discussed or even mentioned in the public press.

Fortunately, you can put the kind of PR we're discussing to work immediately on behalf of your newest venture by introducing the new program to its managers with a brief, no-nonsense charter. Possibly along the lines of "yes, yes, I know you're very busy but it's our money on the line here and we're going to do everything possible to make it work!"

From that might flow these "marching orders" to your managers.

You will take the time to meet with members of your most important audiences and evaluate their feelings and beliefs about you and the business.

You commit to take action when you discover troubling perceptions that could lead to negative behaviors.

You accept that what people BELIEVE to be true, versus the truth, defines your public relations problem.

You will raise your profile, and that of the business, by regularly speaking before business and fraternal clubs, by meeting with the media and by promoting your business as appropriate, thus building the kind of good will you will need should things go awry.

You will prepare carefully thought out, persuasive messages that directly address the misconceptions you discover during your periodic fact finding sessions.

You will select effective communications tactics that will carry those messages to your key audiences in a timely manner. And you will choose from a wide array of tactics such as meetings, speeches, luncheons, facility tours, promotional events, emails, media interviews and many more.

And finally, you will track the progress of your public relations effort by speaking regularly with members of those key audiences, and monitoring both the media and the reaction of community residents and other businesses, adjusting your strategy and tactics accordingly.

Yes, Mr. or Ms. Venture Capitalist, it does hurt when a promising project you backed goes down the tube.

Of course, you are, and must be concerned with a host of financial, human resource, legal and competitive issues for each new venture.

At the same time, in my view, you must remain vigilant as to how a single issue - potentially dangerous, unattended perceptions among a key audience -- can nudge a fledgling business closer to failure than success.

Fortunately, the "marching orders" outlined above will lead your venture management team to resolve such issues without a major investment in either time or money.

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

Backpacks and Bullies. Is Your Child Prepared?

As the flurry of Back to School activities subside, parents are left to ponder more pressing issues than notebooks, backpacks, and sneakers.

Will my child succeed this year? Will his academic and social growth meet my hopes and expectations? Have I done everything I can to make this possible?

If you haven't prepared your child for the school bully, not only could your dreams and aspirations end in failure, but your child could fall victim to the violence, and suffer long-lasting repercussions.

Make no mistake; bullying is a form of violence. Experts estimate that almost 75% of today's youth will be involved in some aspect of bullying before they enter high school. And chances are, your child will be among the statistics.

Humiliation, fear, anxiety and depression are the constant companions of a child that is bullied. It can lead to harmful, shocking and unexpected behavior from an otherwise shy or timid child.

Victims feel ashamed and tend to view themselves as failures. They are more prone to stress related illnesses such as headaches and stomachaches. In extreme cases, the victim of a bully can experience sever depression and entertain thoughts of suicide.

Lack of safety is one of the top concerns of young people, and bullying is a real and constant threat. A child's emotional development is just as important, if not more so, than academic development. In fact, a safe, healthy emotional environment is essential to academic growth and success.

How do you prepare your child for the school bully?

Become involved and make certain your school has active anti-bullying policies in place. Disciplinary guidelines, procedures for investigating and reporting incidences of bullying, adequate supervision, and an immediate plan of action to address reports of bullying are key elements to a successful program.

Teach your child to walk tall and proud and to maintain eye contact. Portraying a positive, self-confident stature will help your child cope in many areas.

Be certain to compliment your child and gently encourage changes that will bolster self-esteem. Use positive words that validate his or her rights as a person.

Use role-playing techniques to illustrate proper responses to negative situations. This will build strength, courage and provide your child with valuable emotional resources to pull from in times of trouble.

Help your child to identify role models, from sports heroes to everyday man. Discuss the obstacles and accomplishments they endured, focusing on the resilient human spirit.

Read stories together that inspire. Discuss how strength of character and perseverance can achieve a positive outcome without resorting to violence or force.

Encourage your child to keep a diary or journal, write poetry or songs. Writing provides a safe outlet for your child and creativity and self-expression are helpful tools used to work through negative issues.

If your child has difficulties making or maintaining friends, intervene - friendships are a protection against bullying. Identify children that might have things in common with your child and arrange a visit.

Encourage your child to join activities both in and out of school that will result in friendships while building strength and confidence.

But most important, don't diminish your child's concern over a classmate's taunting and teasing, it could very well lead to damaging repercussions. Instead, prepare your child for the bully by empowering him with confidence and self-esteem through your words, actions and embrace.

About The Author

Patricia Gatto and John De Angelis are the authors of MILTON'S DILEMMA, the tale of a lonely boy's magical journey to friendship and self-acceptance. As advocates for literacy and children's rights, the authors speak at schools and community events to foster awareness and provide children with a safe and healthy learning environment. For more information, please visit Joyful Productions at http://www.joyfulproductions.com

pgatto@ptd.net

International Calling Made Simpler And Cheaper

When people make international calls from their cell phones or land lines they often have to be aware of what time they are calling, and even where they are calling from. This is because international rates can skyrocket through the course of a day. Things are not much different with traditional phone companies. International phone rates are generally extremely high with major phone carriers, so many people are forced to limit the number of calls they make outside of the United States each month.

Prepaid Long Distance

Prepaid international phone accounts can greatly reduce the costs involved when placing calls overseas, and to Canada, Mexico, Asia and South America.

Pin Free Service

Prepaid phone accounts function in a similar way to calling cards. However, they do not require a pin number to make a call. Callers can access their accounts through a toll free number, or through a local access number that works in their area. Using a local access number will actually reduce the already low rates by one cent per minute.

Prepaid international calling can save people with family and friends in other countries a considerable amount of money. It is also beneficial for people who are traveling. Callers can connect to their accounts through an access number from almost anywhere.

Managing Prepaid Long Distance Accounts

Signing up for a prepaid long distance account can be done quickly online. As soon as your credit card is verified, your account is ready to go, and you can begin making long distance calls. You can keep track of your prepaid long distance account online. The customer management system allows you to view monthly bills and credit card charges, and it grants you access to exclusive offers and speed dial maintenance.

At any time, you can recharge your account. This means that if you run into a problem while you're on the road, you can quickly add money to your account.

Bernard Pragides is the owner of http://www.MrLongdistance.com and has been in the telecom business since 1997. His website MrLongDistance.com offers prepaid long distance from Tel3Advantage. Main Features are PIN free dialing and cheaper quality rates. You may contact him via email at helpmesave@MrLongdistance.com

A General Discussion about Unsecured Personal Loans in the UK Financial Market

Personal loans are offered by lenders such as banks and building societies and are available in a variety of formats, each of which may differ in the possible size, term and purpose of the loan you need. The internet has widened the choice of lenders available supplying personal loans online. The maximum loan value and length of time over which the loan is repaid will not be the same for all types loans for instance. The repayment term available may depend on the purpose for which you require the Credit, and may be restricted accordingly e.g. Loans for holidays and travel may be restricted to a 12 or 24 month term. The amount available usually ranges from ?500 to ?25,000 over a term of 6 months to 10 years. This will vary between lenders and products that they offer. The amount borrowed is subject to an interest charge, which will be quoted as a percentage. This rate is known as the Annual Percentage Rate (APR). As a general guide, it is advisable to compare the A.P.R's of different products, as this will help you to determine how competitive the different creditors are.

The way lenders quote interest rates varies. A fixed interest rate will stay the same throughout the length of your loan, regardless of any changes in the bank base rate. If the rate offered is a variable rate, it may rise or fall in line with any changes the Bank of England makes to the base rate during the term of your loan. When lenders quote their APR's they will state whether these are "typical" or whether they are set at one rate for all successful applicants, regardless of the risk they present. The typical rate is a rate that is offered to over 55% of successful applicants at the time, and the exact rate offered to you will depend on your personal circumstances.

Personal loans are normally repayable monthly. The lender may permit over-payments and lump sum payments, which allow you to clear the loan over a shorter term than that agreed at the from the start. It is VERY important to remember that some lenders will charge you a penalty for repaying your loan early this can be up to 2 month's interest or more. Lenders may offer "payment breaks" or "repayment holidays" as part of their personal loan package and these allow you to take a break from your repayments at the beginning of the loan or at any agreed point during the term you can some times set this with the lender so you don't pay in August or December so you have more money for holiday times. Interest may still accrue on the balance outstanding so the exact terms should always be verified with the lender before you sign.

Unsecured loans can be difficult to obtain, particularly for those with an impaired credit history, who will be forced to pay a fairly high rate of interest if any willing lender can be found be very careful not to end up paying over the odds it may seem good at the time but you will regret it later trust me.

All loan products are advertised with their Annual Percentage Rate. The APR on a loan reflects the true cost of a loan to the customer, taking into account the loan interest rate and any additional charges. This makes it easier to compare loans with different up-front charges and introductory discounts, meaning you can make an informed choice when you decide which one to go for.

George McGonigal

George is webmaster of an online personal loan resourcs website for UK borrowers. We bring under one roof lenders who offer online quotations to allow our visitors to compare rates in the comfort of their own homes. Why not visit us at UK Personal Loans Online: Compare online loan rates for secured or unsecured personal loans in he UK.

Iron Man Inspiration - Raise The Ceiling On What You Can Achieve

The Florida Iron Man involves swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles and running 26.2 miles. It is one of the toughest sporting competitions in the world.

Many people, including me, have trouble swimming half a mile let alone 2.4 miles. Cycling 112 miles might involve the equivalent of cycling flat out on an exercise bike for 6 hours. I have trouble even making a start on my exercise bike!

Running 26.2 miles is not easy as many young and healthy people find out when they have to stop or stagger to the end. Jane Tomlinson recently completed the Florida Iron Man, in 15 hours and 48 minutes.

Before the race, the announcer told the crowd: "Jane Tomlinson from Leeds, England is racing. She learned 4 years ago that she had only 7 months to live because of terminal cancer. She has been doing triathlons ever since."

Jane has a supportive husband called Mike and 3 lovely children, Suzanne, Rebecca and Steven. She has had cancer for 14 years. 4 years ago she was told she had 7 months to live. She has now lived 4 years since she was told she would die within 7 months.

Many people, who are on the receiving end of news that they have terminal cancer, just give up and wait to die or take drugs which will hasten their end. Jane, on the other hand, decided to live and coped with her illness by taking up various tough sporting challenges.

One of her daughters commented on a recent TV documentary that Jane was "never a sporty person before all this. She did gardening and walking and that's about it. I never saw her run or do anything athletic."

Jane wanted to leave her children a lasting memory of their mum achieving things: "I know having cancer is not a positive thing but I just wanted to find a way to live and remember that I am still alive and pleased to be here. I try to just enjoy what I've got in front of me."

Many sick people give up their roles as carers and wage earners. Jane has kept her roles as a mum and a wage earner. She looks after her three children and works as a radiographer. She started training to be a radiographer 14 years ago after her mastectomy. She needs some of the money to be able to travel to the sporting events she competes in.

What amazes me about her is how she manages to live such a full life and still attend at hospitals and clinics to receive the treatment she needs to keep going.

She does this by first creating her treatment schedule as the priority and then fitting in the rest of her life around this. Her life is so full that many people can't believe she is ill:

"Some people don't believe that I am actually poorly but I am. Occasionally you remember that things are pretty dire." Even walking can be painful because of the tumours in her bones.

Some criticise her being away travelling and competing instead of staying with her family. Her answer: " If I do these events, I will be fit enough to spend time with my family." Some of her family went with her to Florida.

Her doctor comments: "Jane is an example of what can be achieved through modern anti cancer treatment but the majority of my patients don't run marathons." That is an understatement.

Jane had several obstacles in her path before she actually arrived in Florida.Her hip was sore and stopped her training for the iron man. At times she was undecided as to whether to go or not :

"I don't think I should go but that does not mean I won't go". Her husband Mike did not want her to go: "She could be a paraplegic by the end of the race or even die."

In the end she decided to go and Mike supported her because: "She can't put it off till next year because there isn't a next year. It's now or never". Jane commented: "If I don't give myself an opportunity to try, it will always be unfinished business."

She packed her gear with the help of her friend, Ryan, who would be her companion throughout the Iron Man. She made sure she included her pain killers

She arrived in Florida and decided to attempt to start the race even though she was not fit. No terminally ill cancer patient has attempted an iron man before. She explained one reason for racing: "One of the reasons for doing this is to challenge people's perceptions of illness".

Mike had never been as scared as this before. "I wish to hell she wasn't doing this." He didn't tell her what he was thinking because she needed all his support in what might be her last great venture.

Mike remarked: "There aren't many boundaries left that you can bring down in the world. She has gone from being told she is going to die to doing an iron man. I would never have believed it"

Jane seemed to enjoy the swim and got through the cycle ride. In the marathon she was still running after 9 miles. "Absolutely incredible!" exclaimed Mike. "She is obviously not comfortable and is feeling pain in all the places she has got cancer."

Steven told his dad to calm down. He knew that his mum would be alright.Over 80 competitors had pulled out after 13 hours but Jane was still competing. Mike cried out: "She 's still running - bloody hell. You're going to do it! Go for it, love. We'll see you at the finish"

At the finish, Mike expressed his amazement again: "I never thought in a mllion years she would get to do this." Ryan, Jane's companion on the race, commented: "Jane just blew me away!"

Jane's comment not surprisingly was: "This is the final thing I am doing." By the end of the iron man race Jane had set an inspiring example for both the healthy and the sick. She and Mike had also raised 1 million pounds for cancer research.

All of us are terminal but not all of us have realised it yet. Life is too short to waste however long we may live on this planet. We all need to take swift action to do what is important to us while we still have the chance.

Jane's life is just one of those lives that can inspire us to achieve far more than we could dream possible and to make the most of whatever life we have left. We can all compete in our own iron man race.

About the author

John Watson is an award winning teacher and martial arts instructor. He has recently written two books about achieving your goals and dreams. They can both be found on his website http://www.motivationtoday.com along with a daily motivational message.

The title of the first book is "36 Laws To Ignite Your Inner Power And Realize Your Dreams Now! - Acronyms, Stories, And Pictures...Easy To Remember And Use Everyday To Grab Your Life And Soar With The Eagles"

The book can be found at this URL http://www.motivationtoday.com/36_laws.php

The book uses acronyms, stories and pictures to help readers remember 36 laws that can gradually transform your life if you apply them.

You are welcome to publish the article above in your ezine or on your website so long as you do not alter it and keep in the words about the author and the 36 Laws.

The Sublime Pleasure of Fly Fishing

Fly fishing has a history stretching back to the ancient Greeks, whose historians record people fishing for "spotted fishes" with fixed-line wooden poles. They used for bait wound with cloth and animal hair ?primitive fishing flies. More than 2,000 years later, people still fly fish, and they're still catching those "spotted fishes" and many other types besides. Fishing venues have expanded to include lakes, rivers, and even the ocean. With a continual flow of new adherents and constant technological advancement, fly fishing is likely to go strong as long as there are still fishes out there to catch.

Flyfishing gear

These days, our fishing flies either come ready-made or we make them ourselves; we've got all kinds of specialized tools and fishing clothing with which we pursue our art; and our fly rods are made of graphite, with nifty fly fishing reels designed to extend our reach well beyond a few feet. Taken together, these comprise a serious fisherman's basic fly fishing gear. You're also likely to need additional fishing equipment like supplies and tackle, and even fishing apparel like mesh vests and waders. If you're making your own flies, that opens up a whole other can of worms, involving the specialty materials and tools required for making decent flies. Finally, if you're fishing deep water, you'll need to take a look at fishing boats too.

Stalking your fishy prey

Any veteran fly fisherman knows that fishing is less about putting fish on the table and more about being comfortable with Mother Nature. There you are: suited up in vest and waders, creel at your side, tackle safely tucked away. You've selected the perfect flies, and you're fly rod is ready for action. Now you're ready to slip into nature's timeless waters, where the trout (or tarpon or sunfish or bonefish) await. If you don't catch any fish, that's all right ? you've had an opportunity to enjoy alone time with yourself, to ejoy nature, and to practice your casting. And that's what it's all about.

Ivan Goertzen is a web publisher. He has websites in various industries that serve as informational resources to those that view them. To find out more information about Fly Fishing. Please go to: http://www.fly-fishing-source.com and check it out.

Understanding Your Credit Score

When you apply for credit one of the first things almost all credit officers do is check your credit score. Although not all of those officers explained to us what a credit score is, we are all rated according to it and the offers we receive were all dependent on that score. This is why understanding your credit score is of utmost importance, and for future reference at least basic knowledge should be acquired. In the following paragraphs we will tackle understanding your credit score, realizing what your credit score means and analyzing what you can do to improve it.

Credit score is actually computed as an average of several elements from your credit report. This report is typically broken into five different sections and each of these sheets will represent a piece of the final score. Each category of credit report information occupies a certain percentage in the final score. To begin with, it is essential to say that the highest percentage is taken by the category made up of credit and payment history. An issuer will look at all types of payments: credit card payments, retail accounts, installment loans and so on. He or she will particularly look at the number of delayed or not paid payments, time passed since the last skipped payment, number of problematic accounts as compared to accounts in good standing.

The next thing taken into account when computing the score is the total amount owed. These amounts are looked at in their absolute value and also in proportion to the credit limit. The number of accounts with balances is also relevant. The third thing issuers analyze is credit history, or how much credit you've had and for how long. Understanding your credit score is essential to you and you need to know that the length of all credit lines and their activity will be monitored and will matter significantly in the final credit score. Also, remember that all scores take into consideration recent credit activity. This category includes number of credit inquiries, new opened accounts, their amount, the time since they were opened and of course reestablishment of credit history if there were any issues in the past. Last, even if many people do not regard it as important the type-element is also significant - that means that the type of credit line you have (credit card, installment, mortgage) also plays a role (about 10% of the final score) in computing your credit score. You also need to understand that your credit financial report is the basis of computing your score. Each of the above mentioned elements is specific to every one of us, and as such if for some people amount owed is the major factor for others credit history is essential, therefore it is impossible to give exact percentages as to how much an element weighs in the final credit score.

Understanding your credit score, none the less, is not the only important aspect, managing it is also important. You will be able to improve your credit score if you follow a few simple tips. First of all, try to pay all the bills in time. This is more important than any of the other factors. If it's not possible to pay on time you can usually get away with paying the bill within a 30 day window of the due date. If you miss this date it is almost certain to end up on your credit report. Keep balances low on your credit cards and other revolving credit and try to pay off debt. Also avoid moving credit from one credit card to another. The low intro rates many companies offer for balance transfers can be very helpful, but it takes a toll on your credit score. It is also recommended that if you plan for applying for important credit soon, avoid opening too many other new accounts. When in doubt, hire a financial consultant. Most people may see this as an expensive luxury that they can't afford, but in reality financial consultant prices are fairly reasonable. Even a single visit can help you drastically improve your credit score, and if that results in a lower interest rate on a large loan it will more than pay for itself. A consultant will also be able to explain the credit score better.

All in all, what you need to know is that credit score influences depends on your credit report and it directly influences your credit payments and amounts. The higher the score the lower the interest rate and the payment will be. Taking into account the importance of this indicator, understanding your credit score will automatically mean you have more chances to improve and make it higher and therefore benefit from better loans.

This article has been provided courtesy of Creditor Web. Creditor Web offers great credit card articles available for reprint and other tools to help you search and compare credit card offers.