VOIP Small Business/Home Business Advantage

VOIP Small BusinessHome Business Advantage VOIP Small BusinessHome Business Advantage by http:www.articledashboard.comprofileJoel-Walsh,-freelance-writer1654Joel Walsh, freelance writerSmall businesses, home-based businesses, and self-employed individuals have been turning to internet telephone service also called broadband phone or VOIP in droves. What is the attraction? As a self-employed, telecommuting, small-business-owning freelance writer, I can provide some insight. I switched my business to internet phones early in 2005. Despite a few hiccups, Im not going back to landlines. Internet phone service has too many advantages, which Ill describe for you. I also have some tips for avoiding possible rough patches. VOIP Internet Phone Small Business and SOHO Advantages VOIP Advantage No. 1: Look bigger. * If your small business has to seem large, a virtual PBX with a dial-by-name directory might help. These systems cost thousands to install. But many VOIP companies let you rent this service for less than a hundred dollars a month. * Give each member of your team their own outside line. With most VOIP companies, each line costs around 10. * Get one or more 1-800 numbers at around 10month. VOIP Advantage No 2. Freedom of movement. * Freedom to travel. When I went to Sacramento to visit a friend, I ended up extending my stay to a whole month. I couldnt have done that without regular phone access. With VOIP, my Massachusetts number follows me wherever I go. * Tropical adventures. I regularly work with a virtual assistant company that takes phone calls on their Quebec phone number everyday. That wouldnt be so strange except theyre in the Philippines. Theyre using the same small business VOIP phone service sold right here in North America. True, VOIP companies dont generally guarantee their services will work outside the country of purchase. But the internet is the internet, whether in Fargo or the South Pacific. With the growth of broadband to virtually every non-pariah nation on earth, your second office really could be in a tropical paradise--or year-round ski resort. Isnt that the freedom you hoped being your own boss would bring? * Telecommuting. Feel a cold coming? Work from home! With VOIP, even the receptionist may be able to telecommute! * Voicemail by email. You dont have to be by the phone to get voicemail. This is the perfect service for busy people and email addicts. Bonus: the message in a file similar those used on MP3 players can be stored indefinitely. Internet Phone Advantage 3. Cost * Make lots of calls? Many VOIP providers unlimited-calling plans cost just 20 to 80 a month. * Features such as call waiting, caller ID, hold, call forwarding, and multiple ring-to numbers are usually costly extras with landline service. With most VOIP services, those are built-in features. SOHO VOIP: Tips for Making it Work for Your Business SOHO VOIP Tip 1. Test internet phoning out before committing. Yes, some VOIP connections are so scratchy and patchy they sound like cell phones. Thats usually because of a problem in the internet connection. Such problems may not be apparent in ordinary web browsing and file downloading. Go with a service that has a 30-day money-back guarantee. Try VOIP out where you live and work. Make sure to try inbound and outbound calls. Small Business Internet Phone Tip 2. Phoning from a laptop. With VOIP telephones, you dont need a computer. But you can use your computer as a phone. A piece of software called a softphone uses your computers speakers and microphone. If your laptop is running too many programs at once, calls will deteriorate. Higher-end laptops shouldnt have this problem. SOHO Internet Phones Tip 3. Go with an established VOIP company. You dont want to lose your telephone service and possibly your number. Yet only a few VOIP companies have roots before 2000. Choose a service with deep enough roots to survive a VOIP industry shake-out. Small Biz Internet Phoning Tip 4. Choose a provider carefully before putting the number on your business cards. Switching VOIP companies is at least as much of a pain as switching landline phone companies. In fact, there is typically no outward number-portability. You can bring a number in, but good luck taking it with you. Researching in early 2005, I found no nationwide VOIP services officially offering outward number portability. Choose a VOIP provider with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Test the service out thoroughly. One thing is likely: you may want to switch VOIP providers, but you wont want to go back to landline. About the author: Joel Walsh, freelance writer and small business owner, recommends you check out Packet8, an established VOIP service provider: http:www.packet8.net?20VOIP20service20provider [Publish this article on your website! Requirements: 1. Live link for above URLweb address. 2. Link anchor text: VOIP service provider OR leave this bracketed message intact.] Article Directory: http:www.articledashboard.comArticle Dashboard

A Japanese Garden is Not Your Ordinary Garden

A Japanese Garden is Not Your Ordinary Garden A Japanese Garden is Not Your Ordinary Garden by http:www.articledashboard.comprofilesmgenie124smgenieJapanese gardening is much different from the Western style garden. Most would say that a Japanese garden is far more soul soothing and inspires meditation. Japanese gardening is a cultural form of gardening that is meant to produce a scene that mimics nature as much as possible. Using trees, shrubs, rocks, sand, artificial hills, ponds, and flowing water the garden becomes an art form. The Zen and Shinto traditions are both a large part of Japanese gardening and, because of this; the gardens have a contemplative and reflective state of mind. The basic methods of scenery in are a reduced scale, symbolization, and borrowed views. The reduced scale is the art of taking an actual scene from nature, mountains, rivers, trees, and reproducing it on a smaller scale. Symbolization involves generalization and abstraction. An example of this would be using white sand to suggest the ocean. Borrowed views refer to artists that would use something like an ocean or a forest as a background, but it would end up becoming an important part of the scene. There are two types of Japanese gardening. The tsukiyami garden is a hill garden and mainly composed of hills and ponds. The hiraniwa, which is the exact opposite of the tsukiyami garden, is a flat without any hills or ponds. The basic elements used in Japanese gardening include rocks, gravel, water, moss, stones, fences, and hedges. Rocks are used as centerpieces and bring a presence of spirituality to the garden. According to the Shinto tradition, rocks embody the spirits of nature. Gravel defines surface and is used to imitate the flow of water when arranged properly. Stones create a boundary and are sculpted into the form of lanterns. Water; whether it is in the form of a pond, stream, or waterfall, is an essential part of a Japanese garden. It can be in the actual form of water or portrayed by gravel, but no matter what, it is crucial to a Japanese gardens balance. There are several forms and types of plants that are signature of Japanese gardening, the main one being Bonsai. Bonsai is the art of training everyday, average plants, such as Pine, Cypress, Holly, Cedar, Cherry, Maple, and Beech, to look like large, old trees just in miniature form. These trees range from five centimeters to one meter and are kept small by pruning, re-potting, pinching of growth, and wiring the branches. A garden is a wonderful place to relax and meditate. Whether it is a Japanese garden or Western world garden, designing, building, and planting is a great family event. For more information about Japanese gardening, visit http:www.japanesegardenguide.com target_blank Japanese Garden. For resources about general gardening, visit http:www.gardeninfocenter.com target_blank Garden Article Directory: http:www.articledashboard.comArticle Dashboard

Why You Should Join A Model Railroad Club

Why You Should Join A Model Railroad Club Why You Should Join A Model Railroad Club by http:www.articledashboard.comprofileDavid-Faulkner29726David FaulknerMore people enjoy the hobby of building their own model railroads today than they ever have before. It is no surprise considering that the model railroads that collectors in the 1960s built are really primitive in comparison with the railroads that enthusiasts can build today. They are so life like and appealing that you cannot help falling in love with them and buying the equipment to get you started on your own. As a result of the popularity of modern railroads, individuals are starting to want to communicate with each other. Although technological advances have made this possible in recent years, you first need a forum to meet. Enter the model railroad club! The model railroad club is extremely popular amongst new and old model railroad fans alike. Not only can you get in contact with people with the same hobby via model railroad club, you can also swap hints and tips as well as advice. You can also learn more about the modern railroad, which is especially important if you are looking to learn owing to novice status! You can chat, read articles and also find out about live events and news via a model railroad club. Model railroad clubs are actually all over the place. You will usually find one in every town and city so there are definitely model railroad clubs that are accessible to you regardless of where you live and work. Amtrak Employees Model Railroad Club is one particular club that you can join. It is based in Los Angeles, California and is extremely possible. Amtrak is a well known transport company in its own right so it does tend to attract a lot of members. There are no requirements either. As long as you are a model railroading fan then you can join this modern railroad club. Although it is only five years old, it is one of the best around by a long way! There are other large model railroad clubs around too, as well as a number of small individual ones that are usually formed by friends with shared interests. Of the larger ones, Tech Model Railroad Club is one of the most renowned and is known all over the world. It is this particular model railroad club that actually uses telephone relays to automatically switch tracks. Of course this was the most advanced technology available in the 1950s and can actually be done on your own model railroad now. There are of course other clubs available to you, regardless of what country you actually live in! You can check out a list of model railroad clubs on the Internet and narrow them by region, state or even country. They are the perfect places to meet likeminded individuals and ask advice. You can supplement your knowledge and then one day actually use it to help someone else out! You can also find more info on http:www.modelrailroadshelp.comModel Rail Road and http:www.modelrailroadshelp.comElectric_Model_TrainsElectric Model Trains. Modelrailroadshelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about model rail roads. Article Directory: http:www.articledashboard.comArticle Dashboard

3 Little Known Tips Of Basketball Hoop Shopping

3 Little Known Tips Of Basketball Hoop Shopping 3 Little Known Tips Of Basketball Hoop Shopping by http:www.articledashboard.comprofileRichard-Menzel1495Richard MenzelIve got a confession to make. I play basketball. I play it very poorly and cant make very many of the shots that I shoot at the basketball hoop. I have a feeling that I am not alone in the world at being a rather poor basketball player. However, one thing that Im not bad at is comparison shopping. Ive mastered the ancient art of comparing prices between merchants and can usually ferret out a fairly good deal with a little bit of leg work. Basketball hoops are no different than other items when it comes to shopping for them. There are some tips you should know before embarking on your journey to shop for a basketball hoop. 1New or Used. You really might consider buying a used basketball hoop if you are interested in value. However, make sure you are buying one that hasnt been banged up too bad. Years of basketball practice can only make your rim bent and dirty. Ebay can be a great place to buy used equipment and basketball hoops are regularly for sale on Ebay. 2Do your homework by comparing different merchant offers on different search engines and different websites. Just because something is advertised for sale on Google doesnt mean its also advertised for sale on Yahoo. Some merchants advertise their good strictly through the Amazon partners program and dont do any other advertising anywhere else. Price vary drastically and the only way you will know that you are getting a good deal is to examine what the different people are selling the same goods for on different websites. Basketball hoops are no exception. 3Learn about the different types and styles of basketball hoops. Without the knowledge of what you are buying, points #1 and #2 are nearly worthless. Buy your hoop the right way and get a great deal on one by being an informed consumer. Learn how to buy a basketball hoop and you can guarantee that you got a better deal than everyone else. Tim Jeffries is author of

Lowes Backyard Playground Sets

Lowes Backyard Playground Sets Lowes Backyard Playground Sets by http:www.articledashboard.comprofileJames-Thomas--16189James Thomas -Lowes is an excellent first place to look for anyone who is looking for the best swing sets on the market today. The right swing set can be a great investment for any family for many reasons. For any outdoor building project, Lowes is a very reliable and dependable home improvement store. Lowes has several different types of swing sets every child will enjoy and love! These swing sets are incredibly durable and will provide fun for all ages. Discovery Kit Quick and easy to build, this kit is a basic swing set kit. It can be assembled in one of three different styles, two with slides and one without. These kits are quick and easy to build, and with a price low enough anyone can have a great swing set for their kids. Grand View Kit Like the Discovery, this kit includes three styles of swing sets, but the Grandview always includes a slide and adds a great playhouse. In fact, two of these styles include two slides rather than merely one. These swing set kits are great for any family. While it takes longer to assemble than the Discovery kit, its still quite easy to put together. With the additional parts comes more fun! Euro Castle Kit This is a fantastic swing set that is designed to look like a castle. A bit more expensive than the previous kits, kids absolutely love this sets making it well worth the extra cost. It comes with a fun playhouse, slides--everything a kid could want. With these extra features the set will hold the interest of children longer. Extra Duty Majestic Kit The most expensive of this group of swing set kits, this kit has everything! Top of the line in every way, this is the best swing set any child could want. This kit is perfect for a growing child, meaning it will be used for many years to come. With something for every age, it is a great investment for any family. All of Lowes swing sets are of the highest quality and ideal for every family. James Thomas contributes articles to several popular online magazines, on http:cupur.comproduct ideas and http:sojab.comproducts and shopping themes. Article Directory: http:www.articledashboard.comArticle Dashboard

Myspace Backgrounds

Myspace Backgrounds Myspace Backgrounds by http:www.articledashboard.comprofileBronia-Campbell--3764Bronia Campbell -Myspace background selection is one of the most important decisions in the creation of a Myspace profile. Myspace is a social networking website, which offers free access to its users. Myspace acts as a strong platform for interactions and it avails all possible means of web communication such as public and private chat rooms, forums, blogs, Myspace messenger and email id, to satisfy its users. However, the most important attraction of Myspace is the profile, a web space, where you can add up your personal information, interest and everything you prefer, except any abusive or ill-mannered comments. Myspace backgrounds imply the background of the profile, and usually, they match to the context of the profile. Background is the most visible layer of a webpage, on which, the rest of the items such as tables and text are displayed. Often, background is not a serious matter of consideration in many websites. However, in Myspace, background is given an important position since it helps to fulfill the basic intention of the profile, to catch the attention of others. You have to make your profile attractive, as much as you can, in such a competitive situation, to gain the appreciation of the viewers. According to the saying

Guide to Self Hypnosis Instruction

Guide to Self Hypnosis Instruction Guide to Self Hypnosis Instruction by http:www.articledashboard.comprofileKismet14616KismetSelf Hypnosis is the name for a process whereby another person induces an altered state of consciousness in themselves. All the while the person is in this state they are fully in control of what is happening to them, however they are in a very relaxed and susceptible place and the hypnotist can make suggestions verbally or otherwise that can bring about responses, ideas, information, behavior, etc. that would not be apparent in the normal conscious state. Self hypnosis or a trance can also occur at any time of the day when a person becomes so absorbed in an activity, they seem to drift off and do not realize the time. This is natural. Hypnosis is one of the most potent forms of psychological intervention to assist with stress, anxiety and phobias as it is very normal to feel totally relaxed and have peace of mind and a feeling of serenity whilst undergoing the procedure. It is a natural, safe and non-invasive and can mostly be utilized by individuals for their own sense of well-being too. The process is completely safe for anybody including children. Another area that self hypnosis is especially usuful is confidence building, assertiveness and motivation. It takes normally about 7-9 minutes for the conscious mind to start to truly begin to enter a deep relaxed state. During this time the hypnotist can use several techniques to help to get the client to relax and let go. Some of these you may be familiar with, like the counting down backwards using numbers. Another method would be to create effectively imagery in the form of a story told by the hypnotist that the client can follow using their imagination. These are the most common ways to help somebody reach a very deep relaxed state. Once the person is in this relaxed state, the unconscious mind is more susceptible to suggestion, without the rational conscious mind interfering with the process. At this stage the hypnotist will usually suggest some positive changes that would be beneficial for the client to take on board at an unconscious level. Sometimes these suggestions can be weaved into a story so it is not quite as obvious to the client. This is done purely to stop the client

Human-made Monsters

Human-made Monsters Human-made Monsters by http:www.articledashboard.comprofileSam-Vaknin104Sam VakninHumans made monsters by inhuman treatment abound in literature. In The Man Who Laughs, published in 1869, the French author, Victor Hugo 1802-1885, described the comprachicos thus: The comprachicos child buyers were strange and hideous nomads in the 17th century. They made children into sideshow freaks. To succeed in producing a freak one must get hold of him early; a dwarf must be started when he is small. They stunted growth, they mangled features. It was an artscience of inverted orthopedics. Where nature had put a straight glance, this art put a squint. Where nature had put harmony, they put deformity and imperfection. The child was not aware of the mutilation he had suffered. This horrible surgery left traces on his face, not in his mind. During the operation the little patient was unconscious by means of a stupefying magic powder. In China since time immemorial, they have achieved refinement in a special art and industry: the molding of living man. One takes a child two or three years old and puts them into a grotesquely shaped porcelain vase. It is without cover or bottom, so the head and feet protrude. In the daytime the vase is upright, at night it is laid down so the child can sleep. Thus the child slowly fills the contours of the vase with compressed flesh and twisted bones. This bottled development continues for several years. At a certain point, it becomes an irreparable monster. Then the vase is broken and one has a man in the shape of a pot. The Kyrgyz writer, Chingiz Aitmatov or Aytmatov 1928 - recounts in The Day Lasts More than One Hundred Years 1980 the legend of the Ana-Beiit cemetery and the zombies known as mankurts. According to tradition, the nomad Zhuan

Source And Scope Of Low APR Secured Loans

Source And Scope Of Low APR Secured Loans Source And Scope Of Low APR Secured Loans by http:www.articledashboard.comprofilePeter-Taylor282Peter TaylorLow APR secured loans- sounds interesting indeed. But it is not always easy to get. Therefore, one should be aware of the scope and proper source to get the best deal. But before that, you have to know what is APR? APR means annual percentage rate. It is a yearly rate of interest including fees and costs paid to obtain the loan. APR is the best measure for comparing the cost of borrowing from one lender to another. As per the regulation, all lenders are bound to disclose the APR. No doubt, collateral is required to avail low APR secured loan. Like other secured loans, with low APR secured loans, you can borrow up to ₤75,000 or125 of your collateral. Besides, these loans are provided with the benefit of a flexible repayment period ranging from 5 to 25 years. With low APR secured loans you can avail cash without getting hole in your pocket. However, Low APR secured loans pave your way to fulfill your personal desires. Whether you want to buy an ultra modern car, debt consolidation, home improvement, holidaying, wedding purpose, pursuing higher study etc. With low APR secured loans you can turn your any dream into reality. The risk of collateral repossession is less with low APR secured loans, because of the low interest rate and low monthly payments, which can be easily adjusted with your budget. But, still before applying, check your financial capacity, as you are using your property to avail these loans. Now the question is