About Toll Free Numbers Services

Scientific Advertising And Free Samples

2009-11-06T05:10:00.000-08:00

Some useful info you can be interested in. Read carefully!

Interactive television commercials may have more in common with print advertising than today's mass media commercials. Now that cablers are rolling out interactive televisio, we could experience, over the long term, a change in how commercials are made.

Up until this year '' which many consider to be the turning point for interactivity -- television advertising had always been driven by demographics and size of audience. But audience size does not have much to do with the actual product sales generated by each avail. As we all know, advertising's goal is not to drive awareness of the product, but rather to drive sales.

Interactive television has a lot in common with the advertising industry from the early 1900s. As pointed out by Claude C. Hopkins in "Scientific Advertising" (published in 1923) "the cost of advertising largely depends on the percentage of waste circulation." Hopkins felt that each print placement should focus on increasing product sales while also eliminating waste in the advertiser's budget.

Hopkins believed that through "keyed" advertising -- which means by tracing or "keying" results back to the exact advertisement by codes -- companies should be able to improve their ad copy after every placement. Copy would then be tweaked till the sales from that advertisement were continually growing and exposure costs contained. Back in the early 1900s, coupons and free samples helped advertisers track "keyed" advertising. In many ways it is a bellwether that some of today's early interactive advertising campaigns have also involved sampling and coupons.

One of the skill sets required for interactive television will be in creating ad copy and graphics that gets viewers to pause programming and "click" their interest in that product. Today ad agencies, for the most part, rely on sheer tonnage in audience delivery and -- except for toll-free numbers and web sites tracked in a small portion of TV commercials -- don't correlate sales back to the exact copy and avail. In the interactive world every avail can be linked to "click" results and advertisers should be able to remove much of the guesswork out of their television budgets.

While the agency learns how to tweak each campaign's response rates, untested interactive copy should first run in front of tens of thousands of viewers, not millions. I think within a few years a national interactive footprint will emerge and popular campaigns may capitalize on these first-generation technologies. However, even then the smart copywriter should still look to test interactive TV creatives in a low risk way, perhaps by DMA or local broadcast television.

Out of control room

2009-10-30T02:57:00.000-07:00

Read and enjoy! Hope to find your comments next time!

KANPUR: Meant to help the Kanpurites for registering complaints in regard to any existing civic problem in any locality of the city and initiate action accordingly, the Control Room of Kanpur Nagar Nigam (KNN) seems to be out of control itself and how.

Ideally there should be one officer from each department of KNN to attend to the complaints but the control room wears a deserted look as just one officer is on duty to receive the calls. Consequently, the complaints requiring immediate action get delayed for a more than a week.
Sometimes, the calls go unanswered -- as the officials go missing during duty hours -- forcing the complainant to visit the KNN office and get the complaint filed.

Narrating her bitter experience, Sita Chaudhari, a resident of Juhi said, "Last month due to heavy downpour, there was waterlogging in the area surrounding my house. Repeated calls to the control room to get the waterlogging cleared went in vain as no one attended the calls.''

Finally, after a week, one of the representatives of our locality went to the KNN office to lodge a complaint and it was then only that the problem could be solved, she added.

Notably, the Tax Collection Centre is serving as the KNN's control room as no separate room has been assigned to register the calls.

Further, as per the rule, the two departments should work separately but they are working under one roof. With the department functioning despite inadequate staff, the control room has just one employee deputed to reply to the calls. Officials of health department, sanitary inspector, chief engineer and traffic officer should be present in the control room so that they could take action on complaints as early as possible, but that is not the case.

However, according to KNN officials nothing is lacking in the system. "We receive only one to two calls everyday. The name, address and the complaints of the person filing the complaints is registered and then the information is passed on to the officials concerned. What else do people expect from us?" asked one of the clerks at KNN.

Municipal commissioner, Rajeev Sharma said, "The control room is running on an old pattern. However, under the Public Private Partnership, the project of running a control room would be given to a BPO. 10 toll free numbers of KNN would serve as the numbers for registering the call. Apart from it, a helpline number would also be given for the convenience of the denizens."

Flight Information Now Available through Toll-free Numbers

2009-10-21T01:54:00.001-07:00

Hey! Here is some info for you. Read carefully the text below!

Continuing its ongoing effort to bring Patna Airport at par with other metro airports in the nation, airport authorities on Thursday announced the launching of a series of toll-free numbers that would provide airline schedule and latest flight positions so people could plan their visits accordingly.

Instant flight schedules could also be obtained through text messaging, Patna Airport officials said.

The numbers for various airlines are as follows:

Air India: 1-800-180-1407

Kingfisher Airlines: 1-800-180-0101, 1800-233-3131, 1-800-425-7008, and 1-800-209-3030.

Indigo Airlines: 1-800-180-3838.

Flight information through SMS could be obtained by dialing 03339893333 from any cell phone. This service, however, incurs a nominal charge levied by the phone service providers.

Reverse Phone Lookup - Cell Phone Number Search

2009-10-14T04:31:00.000-07:00

Maybe somebody will be interested by these news! Read the article below and leave your opinion about it!

There is a lot of hue and cry about the reverse cell phone look up but how can we know for sure that we can run it on the Internet? Almost every other service provider claims on the internet claim their services to be the best but the reality is very different from what is portrayed. Do you think that the reverse cell phone look up service is really worth trying? Reverse cell phone look up has many advantages and comes in handy on different occasions. With the help of this service you can find any person if you have his cell number. This service helps in locating the address and the complete bio data of that person. You can use this service to find out the addresses of your peers and friends as well as get complete information about the ownership of the numbers you are not sure about. You can also track down anyone who has been frustrating you for quite a while!

Reverse cell phone look up can be run at a large number of websites. You should bear in mind that these services are not free and you can use them to search for residential numbers and business purposes. Since most of the phone directories do not provide any cell phone lookup, many people are of the view that this service does not exist. This is wrong. You can actually conduct a cell phone number reverse lookup by paying some fee to a website and they will help you in getting all the information that you need.

The websites help you in gaining access to many details such as the name of the owner, postal address, phone connection history and details about the carrier. Here, it is important to know that the details may vary from website to website. Generally, the websites provide information for toll-free numbers, landline numbers, mobile numbers, pagers and business numbers.

Start your phone reverse search lookup immediately to discover everything you wish to know about the phone number and its caller/owner.

What You Should Know About Reverse Cell Phone Look up Services

2009-10-08T03:53:00.000-07:00

Found this and decided to post it here. Leave your comments.

The Internet provides you with many websites where you can look up both residential and business phone owners online for free, which sometimes even include the toll-free numbers.

The cell phone numbers are generally not part of the public telephone directories. This is to ensure that the cell phone owner can choose among the people whose call they want to receive.

The cell phone directories also maintain complete confidentiality of the customer. In the earlier times, only the law enforcement agents and the military departments were able to get information about the identity of the person using a particular cell phone number.

Nowadays with reverse cell phone number lookup services, it is possible for anyone to obtain any information about any cell phone number. Just by typing in the cell phone number, anyone accessing the reverse phone directories will get the details of its owner, such as the first name, last name, present and old address, country, city and the service provider.

Now, where to find a free reverse cell phone directory?

Better Business Bureau: If disaster strikes, are you prepared?

2009-10-01T03:45:00.000-07:00

Watching the latest news I decided to post this. Hope you will never need these advices but for being ready you ought to read this and remember!

Natural disasters can destroy your personal property and severely impair your ability to conduct financial transactions. If you had only a few minutes to evacuate your home, and had to be away for several days or weeks, would you have access to cash, banking services and the personal identification documents you would need to support your family?

The Better Business Bureau and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. offer tips on what to have ready if a disaster should strike without warning:

• Forms of identification: These include driver's licenses, medical insurance cards, Social Security cards, passports and birth certificates. While it is best to have originals, it is also important to have copies, in case originals are misplaced or destroyed.

• Checks and deposit slips: Even if you rarely write checks, consider having your checking account number handy. That way you can authorize an important payment over the phone. If you do rely on checks, have enough blank checks and deposit slips to last a month or so.

• ATM cards, debit cards and credit cards: These cards give you access to cash and the ability to make payments on outstanding bills. Make sure you know your PIN numbers; do not write them down or carry them with the cards.

• Cash: ATMs in affected areas may not be functioning, so it is a good idea to have cash available for necessary purchases. The amount will depend on the size of your family, your expected financial needs and your ability to use debit or credit cards to make purchases.

• Phone numbers for financial service providers: Make a list of the local and toll-free numbers for your bank, credit card companies, mortgage lender, brokerage firms and insurance companies. You may need to contact these providers to defer a payment, replace lost cards or open a new account.

Account Numbers: These would include bank and brokerage account numbers, credit card numbers and auto and homeowner's insurance policy numbers. Copy the front and back of your credit cards.

• Safe deposit box key: You cannot get into your safe deposit box without your key, no matter what forms of identification you present.

After you have gathered this information, store it in a safe, protected place. Do not leave it out in the open or in an unlocked drawer. Some identity theft victims have been "robbed" by family members or workers within their homes.

Tools of the Trade: Smoke alarms are good news for curbing fires

2009-09-22T03:38:00.000-07:00

Here is something interesting for you!

Residential smoke detectors save lives by alerting occupants to potential impending disaster. Sierra Vista Fire Department likes this. Firefighters would much rather prevent blazes than fight them, and smoke detectors are simple, inexpensive tools that can help prevent small fires from becoming big ones, which often end in tragedy.

The good news is that the vast majority of residences in the Sierra Vista area are equipped with smoke detectors (based on national statistics and local characteristics). And that is really very good, because 30 years ago, hardly any homes had them. It was not until the mid-1970s that residential use caught on, and they became a requirement of building codes.

Unfortunately, there is also bad news with this story. Some residences still do not have smoke detectors. Even more sinister than that, some of the smoke detectors that are installed will not work in the event of a fire! Some reasons that smoke detectors fail: dead or low battery, missing battery or incorrect placement in the detector, dirty or damaged detector, or one that is simply old and worn out.

It is very important to check smoke detectors on a regular basis to ensure they will work, if needed. Dust or carefully vacuum them, push the test button on each unit and replace the batteries annually. For detailed information, consult the instructions that came with the units or check the Internet for user manuals. BRK Brands Inc. and Kidde Inc. have extensive Web sites, and it is very likely that most smoke detectors were made by one of these companies (including First Alert, Family Gard, and OneLink, which are brands made by BRK). Both companies have toll-free numbers to call for assistance with installing, servicing or replacing the units.
If a home is more than 10 years old, and the original smoke detectors have not been replaced, it is definitely time to replace them. Studies show the chance of failure is significant after 10 years, as dust and dirt accumulation and deterioration of electronic components occurs. Once ready to buy new smoke detectors, consider buying dual-sensor (ionization plus photoelectric) models, which are becoming the industry standard. Shop around before buying, as prices can vary quite a bit, even in local stores. A four-pack will save a few dollars per unit, so consider that if several are needed. Shopping online is a good option that allows easy comparison of features and prices.

The best news yet: The Sierra Vista Fire Department has a volunteer group known as the Citizens Fire Academy Association that can help ensure smoke detectors are in good working order. This service is intended primarily for senior citizens and disabled individuals who are unable to reach their detectors, but the group is more than willing to assist anyone who needs a hand. Academy members are not electricians, so they do not do electrical work, but they can sometimes help diagnose a problem and understand what needs to be done. If a residence does not have any working smoke detectors, the group will install new ones at no cost to the residents. The service is free, thanks to grants and donations from organizations including the Kiwanis Club of Sierra Vista and Walmart, as well as some generous and civic-minded local individuals.

Tips on Writing Holiday Features That Get You Noticed and Help Editors Prepare Their Sections

2009-09-16T03:57:00.000-07:00

Hi peolpe! Here are some advices that may help you. Read below!

NEW YORK--(Business Wire)--
Features that cover holidays are a topic that is golden to editors, and of
interest to a majority of readers of all ages, young and old. Which means the
media is always on the lookout for fresh holiday story ideas. So this year, give
them the gift of a well-written feature.

"Writing holiday features stories, with the purpose of sharing them with others,
is not always easy, and persuading the editor who is preparing a gift guide or
section is an even more difficult task," says Angela Mendola, Manager of
Strategic Products for Business Wire.

"More often than not, we feel pressured to be creative and we focus more on
promoting the product than on the information itself," says Mendola, "Getting to
the point can be a challenge, but there are tricks and techniques that will help
you promote your holiday message by actually being a credible source of
information without sounding like an ad."

Some helpful tips on preparing a holiday feature:

* Less is more: Keep your story to 400 words.
* Headline: Summarize your story in 20 words or less and let readers know what
it's all about.
* Provide a good humanizing quote from your spokesperson within 60 words of your
story, and attribute and identify the source or expert.
* Avoid shopworn phrases, such as "Santa is making a list and checking it
twice." The only person who will lead with a holiday phrase will be the editor,
and that would be on the front page of the section.
* Avoid superlatives like "revolutionary," "cutting-edge" or "innovative." Those
words are overused and predictable. Instead, let the readers know the key
benefits of the product and how it can help them.
* Don't date your gift story to one specific holiday. Consider writing that the
gift is also available even after the holidays.
* Bullet your tips and do not number them. Editors may be tight on space and may
need to edit the list.
* Prices are necessary, but you don't want your story to become a price listing
-- this will discourage the editor. Simply put parentheses around prices and
toll free numbers. This way editor can decide whether or not to carry them.

Lost or stolen credit cards require action

2009-09-08T03:35:00.000-07:00

Have you ever lost your credit card? Do you know what to do in this case and how to act? This story is exactly about this. Read carefully.

You know that feeling, heart pounding and panicky, when you intuitively sense something is missing. Perhaps you left it at the restaurant cash register, dropped it in the parking lot as you fumbled for your keys, or even more ominous, had your wallet lifted in the crowd in the sports arena. No matter if your credit card is lost or stolen, immediate action is required. It’s easier to cancel a card that you end up finding a few days later, then to deal with a crook wracking up thousands of dollars of debt in your good name.

First signs of trouble
You may not have that sixth sense that tells you that your card is missing. Your first clue may come when your monthly statement arrives and you find charges listed that you did not make. Or you may get a call from your credit card company asking about suspicious activity coming from another country or in questionable and troublesome amounts.

Action needs to be taken
Once you’ve become aware of suspicious activity, immediate action is required to stop continued damage and protect your name. The credit card company must respond with results of their investigation within 60 days.

1. Call the card company and tell of your suspicion. Many companies have toll-free numbers and 24-hour fraud departments to deal with such emergencies listed on your monthly statement. Have your account number ready and any details you can share about theft or loss, like when you first noticed your card was missing. Be sure to get the name of the representative you speak with and any reference numbers that may apply.

2. If you are able to report the loss before the card is used, you are not responsible for any unauthorized charges. There is no liability, if the fraudulent activity only involves your account number and not the card itself. If you report suspicious activity within 60 days from the first statement in which it appeared, you'll only be responsible for the first $50.

3. Follow up your phone call with a letter. The address for billing errors can be found on your monthly statement. Continue to pursue the matter with your credit card company until the issue has been resolved. Be persistant but polite in working out the problem.

4. Order your credit report from the credit reporting agencies, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Be sure that any errors posted, as a result of the loss or theft, are removed.

Actions to protect your credit accounts
Federal law protects you from the financial loss of unauthorized activity with a liability cap of $50 for each occurrence. In addition, many credit card companies have a $0 liability clause, if you call within 24 hours of the loss. Consider the following bits of advice to help protect yourself from personal loss and unauthorized credit card activity:

• Keep all your credit cards, whether active or inactive, in a secure place. Include a list of all account numbers and company contact information including emergency and customer service phone numbers to be used if your card is lost or stolen.

• Make a photocopy of all of the information in your wallet, and keep it in an easily accessible safe place. Be sure to photocopy the back sides of cards — they often contain information for reporting lost or stolen cards, or disputed transactions.

• Never carry more than the credit or debit cards you plan to use. When they're not in your wallet, keep them in a secure place.

• Protect your account number by never writing it on a check or envelope. Never give your number to an unsolicited phone caller but only to reputable companies for a specific purchase.

• Destroy carbons and receipts after reconciling them against the credit card statement.

• Cut through all account numbers and magnetic strips when discarding old cards.

• After a loss, review your billing statements carefully.

New Offices and 2010 Vacation Deals at Escaped to Peru

2009-09-02T04:30:00.000-07:00

Hey! Read next and lesve your comments below. Ithink this is rather interesting, so tell your opinion.

Escaped to Peru, part of Escaped to Latin America, have moved to new offices in the old Inca capital of Cusco, Peru as part of their ongoing expansion plans. The tour company is extending its range of vacations and tours, number of staff and investment in software in the battle against the economic turndown.

Cusco, Peru, August 27, 2009 Escaped to Peru is a Peruvian company but English owned and Managing Director Gary Sargent explains “Our travel consultants are either from the UK or the USA, live in Cusco and are extremely well travelled in Latin America. So when you talk to us about your vacation you can be sure you will receive detailed and accurate information, quickly, from experts”.

He goes on to explain that as the company is based in Cusco, Peru the overheads are lower and this lower cost can be passed onto the clients. In this time of economic uncertainty many providers are lowering their prices and Escaped to Peru are therefore able to offer 2010 vacations at 2009 prices if booked before 31st October.

If you are interested in taking a vacation to Peru or Latin America in general you may contact the company via the website, email and toll free numbers.

Probing Question: Why do we love reality television?

2009-08-28T02:00:00.000-07:00

Hey! Found something interesting about the reality television. If you are interested in it, read below!

At this time of year, one can’t help but notice those perennial signs of the changing seasons: the leaves begin to turn, the kids return to school, and the summer reality television shows -- "Jon & Kate Plus 8," "America’s Got Talent" and "Whale Wars" -- give way to fall reality television shows, such as "The Amazing Race," "The Hills" and "Dancing with the Stars," among many others. The abundance of reality television has begun to seem as reliable as the seasons, with shows like "American Idol" more popular than ever and imitators proliferating on the cable channels.

But what is it about these shows that audiences find so compelling?

The reality genre has been around for a long time, with shows like "Cops" and MTV’s "The Real World," said S. Shyam Sundar, distinguished professor of communications and founding director of the Media Effects Research Laboratory at Penn State, but the defining step came in 2002, when American Idol introduced audience interactivity.

"Shows like American Idol have completely changed how audiences watch television," Sundar said. In the past, television generally asked only that we sit back and relax as sitcoms and scripted dramas supplied passive entertainment. When the most popular show of the early ’80s, "Dallas," aired its "Who Shot J.R.?" cliffhanger, television writers -- not viewers -- decided what would happen. Game shows such as "Jeopardy!" and "Family Feud" set "average Joe" contestants against one another, but never included the audience. And while you could dream of appearing on "The Real World" (or have nightmares about appearing on "Cops"), a barrier remained between stars and viewers.

The real change, said Sundar, came when the audience became part of the production.

"It's the tantalizing possibility of shaping the show that is offered to viewers week in and week out."

American Idol -- now in its seventh season and one of the highest rated shows in the history of television -- appeared at the perfect time, he said. Years of surfing the Web and playing video games have taught younger viewers to expect more interaction with their entertainment media. American Idol’s voting via toll-free numbers and text messaging provides the television audience with a previously unheard-of level of influence.

Similar types of audience feedback have begun to appear outside of reality television, with news broadcasts and sports events especially taking advantage of text messaging interactivity, Sundar said. CNN recently displayed Twitter responses during the presidential debates, for example. Even scripted dramas such as "Lost" often provide a degree of interactivity through complicated puzzles that viewers solve online.

Yet while reality shows have become ratings bonanzas ("Survivor" finales have rivaled the Superbowl), many viewers remain suspicious of their "reality." Virtually every episode of "American Idol" provokes online speculation about vote-rigging or unfair judging. "It's like televised wrestling where everyone generally knows that things are not as real as they seem," Sundar said. Strict adherence to "reality" is not part of the appeal.

"The non-fictional nature of reality television helps only to the degree to which it promises audience involvement," Sundar said. If "American Idol" sets audience members at odds with the show’s producers (especially the acerbic Simon Cowell, who viewers love to hate), so much the better. Such passionate response marks a special kind of involvement that boosts ratings.

Reality TV shows without interactivity still have their appeal. Viewers can fantasize about becoming stars when watching ordinary people attain celebrity on shows like "Survivor."

However, the most appealing aspect of reality television, Sundar said, is its power to make audience members feel like part of the action. No longer mere couch potatoes, viewers join the creative production; the experience feels less like simply watching television and more like being part of a shared national project. "American Idol" is the most popular television show in America not because it produces stars, he said, but because it turns audience members into what they always wanted to be: star-makers.

How can businesses be sure that they'll get the most from their answering service?

2009-08-21T04:27:00.000-07:00

One more article that can help you in keeping your own business. Enjoy!

Businesses that are looking for answering services don’t always require only the basic features that come standard on sign-up. Several will discover they need advanced service options beyond the straightforward options that most answering service vendors provide. Many businesses will learn that their requisites are fairly simple and can be performed by a multitude of similar answering services.

This begs the question: How can businesses be sure that they’ll get the most from their answering service?

The most efficient approach to getting a great answering service is to first really understand what your company wants to accomplish by hiring an outside support provider, and then speak about your plans with the representative at the answering services on your list. Some exceptional answering service vendors can come up with creative ways of turning your call center and support ideas into a unique package of services that works for your business and supports your customers. That said, most answering services will offer companies these kinds of services:

Standard Call Answering and Forwarding. This service is the most simple, but essential, service an answering service can provide. With standard call answering and forwarding, companies receive a team of live operators as acting as virtual receptionists. These workers screen calls as well as receive and forward telephone messages. Since customers are hearing friendly voices immediately answer the line instead of an automated voice mail prompt, businesses usually experience better customer service ratings or see an increase in sales conversions.

Toll-free numbers. Getting a toll-free number can be a pathway to success for many local companies. Toll-free numbers allow customers and clients to call in to businesses from anywhere around the world at no cost. This could give companies a competitive edge over other businesses; if a customer is choosing between calling a business with a toll-free number and having to pay for a local or long-distance call, they’ll more likely to call the business with a toll-free number.

Online Access. In today’s technology saturated world, it’s almost impossible to run a business without the utilizing the internet. Many answering services jump on board by providing businesses with secure online access to call logs, messages, and appointment scheduling software. When businesses have online access to services provided by their answering service, they’re often able to run more efficiently. They can access their information through any device that utilizes the internet (including smartphones, laptops, and office computers).

24-hour Order-taking Service. Retail businesses especially find these services useful. When companies launch as start-ups, or are starting to expand, a 24-hour order taking service can keep expansion costs in-line. Since helpful live operators often walk customers through their orders, businesses often see a surge in their customer service levels.

The finest answering services make sure that their clients receive exactly the right options that fit their business. Whether a client needs only standard call answering and forwarding or needs express order-taking services at 3 a.m., a great answering service will take a business to the next level.

Cleaning Up Silver Creek

2009-08-14T01:21:00.000-07:00

Oh my! There is another awful info. Maybe some of you knows about this. There is an article below I have found about this.
After the massive flood, residents of Silver Village were hopeful they could get back into their homes today. Homes literally on their sides. One resident says she was hoping to bag everything up this afternoon.
"They are going to move the real damaged trailers, and they are afraid there could be a propane tank over there so nobody can go in until tomorrow," said Betty Schroeder.

But just down the road, the cleanup is in full force today. The fire department is damaged, and so is one home across the street. Friends have been stopping by to help clean up Michael Pagano's Basement.

Sunset Bay was also pounded by the storm. In a marina, David Novak found his boat more than 75 yards away from where it was yesterday. Today, he tried to figure out how to get it out of the water. But his boat was not his major concern.

"I feel terrible for all these people. This is not the way to spend your summer," said Novak.

The Red Cross is up and running at the high school. Congressman Higgins was also in silver creek to assess damage.

"State officials are here now, as the county executive has said, assessing the damage tallying things up so we can make a compelling request for a presidential declaration of disaster for this area," said Higgins.

And there are numbers you can call in the area for assistance. 211 for emergencies. Seniors can call 363-4471 for their needs. And for other needs, call 363-3538. They are toll free numbers.

Polycom: The art of teleworking

2009-08-05T04:46:00.000-07:00

Going to become a teleworker? You have all chances to start after reading next article. Here you will find some advices and notes for making your business more productive and profitable. I believe you will enjoy it.

There is a new class of workers out there-working from their homes nearly autonomously. Some call them teleworkers, some telecommuters. Armed with remote access to their organisation's network, with toll-free numbers, Virtual private networks (VPNs) and mobile phones, they escape traffic jams, bad weather and high fuel prices, and are able to find the right balance between personal and professional life.
But when does teleworking really work? How can a teleworker be equally or even more productive than an employee in the office?

This Polycom white paper analyses the teleworker's primary challenges and offers ideas for overcoming them.

It highlights the advances of technology that make teleworking truly successful and of greater benefit to both teleworkers and their organisations.

Contents:
- Business drivers for teleworking
- The key challenges of teleworking
- Teleworking over HD video and HD voice
- Recommendations for teleworking over video
- Planning your home office space
- Natural versus artificial light
- Workstation location and background
- Selecting your video equipment
- Installing a Polycom HDX 4000 video system
- Installing CMA desktop application
- Network requirements
- Packet loss
- Recommendations for Lan configuration
- Recommendations for wan sp selection
- Firewall traversal and quality of service (QOS)

Beware of phony federal job listings

2009-07-31T03:43:00.000-07:00

One more message about scamming. Enjoy!

The Better Business Bureau advises using extreme caution in responding to offers of employment for government jobs.

You've seen the advertisements in the classified section of the newspapers advertising job vacancies with the U.S. Government or U.S. Postal Service. Scam artists behind these ads offer, for a fee, to help job seekers find and apply for federal jobs. Some companies try to confuse consumers by using names that sound like government agencies, such as, "U.S. Agency for Career Advancement," or the "Postal Employment Service." Consumers should know that information about federal job vacancies are available free from the federal government.

Federal agencies and the U.S. Postal Service never charge application fees, sell study guides for job tests, or guarantee that an applicant will be hired. If positions require a competitive examination - and many do not -the federal agencies doing the hiring usually offer free sample questions to applicants who sign up for the exam.

To help you recognize federal job scams, the Better Business Bureau, along with the Federal Trade Commission, suggest you be aware of the following types of ads or techniques used by scam artists.

Ads that offer information about "hidden" or unadvertised federal jobs.

Ads that refer to a toll-free phone number. Often in these cases, an operator encourages you to buy a "valuable" booklet containing job listings, practice test questions, and tips for entrance exams.

Classified ads or oral sales pitches that imply an affiliation with the federal government, guarantee high test scores or jobs, or state that "no experience is necessary."

Toll-free numbers that direct you to other pay-per-call numbers for more information. Under federal law, any solicitations for pay-per-call numbers must contain full disclosures about cost. Also the solicitation must make clear if there is an affiliation with the federal government. You must have a chance to hang up before you incur any charges.

Toll Free Number to Check on Unscrupulous Agents

2009-07-24T05:11:00.000-07:00

Useful info for emigrants.
ABU DHABI — In a bid to check unscrupulous agents, the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MoOIA) has set up an Overseas Workers Resource Centre in India. Through the centre, Indians who reside overseas, or in India, can lodge their complaints through international toll free numbers and receive information on emigration procedures.The international toll free number is 800 091 202 53 for those residing in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. This toll free number can be reached 24/7 from these three countries, a statement from Indian embassy in Abu Dhabi said. MoOIA has taken measures to educate emigrants, particularly the vulnerable category, about emigration procedures, the risks involved in irregular migration and the precautions to be taken while seeking overseas employment. on the toll free number from OWRC office in New Delhi, Deepak Sandal who is employed to assist people and register complaints from Indians living overseas or in India, said, “Many Indians who travel abroad fall prey to unscrupulous agents who exploit them. We are here to educate those emigrants and tell them about the emigration procedures."

How to keep photos, documents safe

2009-07-17T01:34:00.000-07:00

Got one more useful message. Really hope you will enjoy it!
Along with a three-day supply of water, food that won't spoil, medicine and other supplies in preparation for hurricane season, you should also be squirreling away important documents to keep them safe from damage.

You might need to use some of your financial papers and tax records before the power returns, and some may simply be difficult to replace if they are destroyed.

These are some of the things you should consider safeguarding: insurance policies, prescriptions, tax-related documents, passports, drivers licenses and other identification papers, Social Security cards, birth certificates and bank account statements. Have a list of emergency phone numbers, including contact information for your insurance agents, tucked away with these documents as well.

Here are some ideas:

Safe-deposit box: This is one way to preserve important records, but they may not be easy to get to if there are extended power outages or major damage because of the storm. So if you put records in the bank for safe-keeping, you may still want to keep copies of some papers on hand. Either way, if you use a box to secure tax documents, the price of the box could be used as a tax deduction, IRS spokesman Mike Dobzinski said.

If you rely on your box, make sure the key goes with you if you must leave your home before or after the storm.

Another way to store electronic records: e-mail them to someone you trust who lives far enough away that it's unlikely they'll be affected by the same natural disaster you might face, he said.

Even if you can't access them after a storm, that person will be able to, Dobzinski said.

Electronic storage: If you already receive bank statements and other financial documents via e-mail, you already have a backup copy. You may want to scan additional financial papers that you don't want to lose or want to have handy. You can keep all of the electronic records on a disc or thumb drive so you can take them with you. There is also software you can buy to use for electronic record keeping.

Photographs: While many people take pictures of damage after a storm, photos of your home and possessions while they are still intact can be useful too.

"Photographs are great for both insurance claims and tax claims," Dobzinski said. "Take a picture of each room just so you have an idea of what was there."

If you take photos using film, make copies and keep them in separate locations. If you take digital photos, back those up, too.

You can also create an inventory of your items using sites including knowyourstuff.org. Make sure you know the limits of your insurance policy's coverage.

Taking them with you: Some people will only have peace of mind if they take their records with them. A sturdy plastic box is one way to keep them easily accessible and organized if you do take your papers with you. But it's still a smart idea to have copies on hand elsewhere — electronically or with someone you trust — in case you and your papers are separated.

If you lose documents: To get copies of tax returns and related documents, including W-2 forms, use IRS form 4506.

Information

Many insurers have toll-free numbers you can call in the event of a natural disaster.

12 accused of fraud

2009-07-10T03:00:00.000-07:00

Oh!
Another story about the cases of fraud! Be aware of being scummed!

Five months after indicting several Toledoans for fraudulently making federal claims for hurricane assistance, an additional 12 people were charged recently with stealing from the agency designed to help in times of a disaster. Eleven Toledo residents - including six members of the same family - were charged in a single indictment unsealed yesterday in U.S. District Court in Toledo with conspiring to steal about $90,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. A 12th person was charged in a separate indictment for stealing $2,000. "The indictment alleges that some co-conspirators contacted the FEMA hotline for Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita and falsely informed FEMA the hurricanes had displaced them from their homes in the affected areas," a release from the U.S. Attorney's Office stated. The indictment further states that "on at least 10 separate occasions these callers gave FEMA the Toledo residential address and/or telephone number of defendants Reginald McFarland and [his father] Roger McFarland and that FEMA mailed at least 10 emergency assistance checks to that address. Reginald McFarland, 50, pleaded not guilty in federal court yesterday and was ordered to be held in custody. Another defendant, Tina Frieson, 46, who was identified as Mr. McFarland's girlfriend, also was arraigned but released. The remaining defendants will be summoned to appear in federal court.

After the hurricanes struck within weeks of each other in 2005, FEMA provided aid to the storm victims by paying for immediate emergency assistance, rental assistance, and lost or damage property replacement assistance.

The agency set up a hotline as an attempt to expedite the assistance process. To make a claim for financial assistance, victims were asked to call the toll-free numbers and provide certain personal information, including their address in the affected areas. Each was mailed a check as a result of the information given. In addition to making false claims, the indictment charges that Mr. McFarland and his co-conspirators paid others $330 to $500 to cash the checks at Toledo banks or conveniences stores. The indictments were the result of a lengthy investigation by the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Office of Inspector General for the Department of Homeland Security, Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Uram said. Mr. Uram added that the recent indictments are "not the conclusion of our investigation." Also named in the indictment are Frances Huntley, 70; Jerome King, Jr., 53; Lois Lipkins, 72; Lori J. Bibbs, 38; Henrietta Mack, 58; Sirena L. Campbell, 38; Jamica D.G. Chenault, 32; and Kenyatta D. King, 31. Named in a separate indictment was Booker T. Grace, 44, who is charged with stealing of $2,000. The maximum sentence for a conviction is up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. However, if convicted, a judge will determine each defendant's sentence. Of the 15 Toledo residents charged in February with similar allegations, 13 have pleaded guilty to the charges. The other two await court dates. In that case, the Toledoans were accused of acting individually to obtain fraudulently $115,142.

The act of scams and frauds on the Internet has a Las Vegas Real Estate firm hoping for the best

2009-07-01T03:48:00.000-07:00

Hey! Here is one more attempt to prevent scamming and frauds! Read next!!!

Las Vegas, NV -- Las Vega Realty is hoping to help their clients and the consuming public become more aware of Internet scams and frauds.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, scamming methods seen so far include:

1. Scam artists ask you to send a small processing fee, supposedly to get a much larger check in return.
2. Scammers ask for your bank account number so they can “deposit” your check. Then, they use the information to clean out your account or open new ones using your identifying information.
3. Some stimulus scams encourage you to click on links, open attached forms, or call phony toll-free numbers. But simply clicking the link or opening the document can install harmful software, like spyware, on your computer. The result could be your personal information ending up in the hands of an identity thief.

Las Vegas Realty is especially concerned about the third type of Internet scam, because at least one client was hoodwinked by this type of email scam. The client received an email with a picture of President Obama and it promised a “free stimulus check” of $613.27. The client clicked on a link to receive their funds and was directed to another link where they have to “participate in the program” in order to get a check. Participation required that they complete a “reward offer” by purchasing a magazine subscription with a credit card. This phoney purchase gave the scammers all the credit card info they needed.

A spokesperson at the real estate urges consumers to be aware of such scams and don't act without full investigation of ANY email offer! To report a scam go to the website of the Federal Trade Commission.

Here are common sense tips to protect identity and credit

2009-06-24T05:52:00.000-07:00

Hi guys! I present you some tips about how to protect yourself of fraud. Read carefully, maybe some day you will need this information.

1. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put “Photo ID required.”

2. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, do not put the complete account number on the “For” line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it.

3. Put your work phone number on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a P.O. Box, use that instead of your home address. Never have your Social Security number printed on your checks.

4. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel if it's stolen. Keep the photocopy in a safe place.

5. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them.

6. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).

7. Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name. Also call the Social Security fraud line number. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.

Soon, call toll-free for ambulance

2009-06-15T06:04:00.000-07:00

Hey, World!
Some news from India!

Having an ambulance at your doorstep in case of a medical emergency will soon be a reality, if the state government is to be
believed.
State public health minister Rajendra Shingne made an announcement to this effect at the assembly on Friday.
During the discussion on budgetary allocation for the public health department, the minister said a toll-free number would be introduced in two months.
"People can dial the number and an ambulance will be at their doorstep,'' he said, adding that every district would also have an emergency cardiac ambulance service by the end of this year.
A separate board will be constituted for recruitment of doctors in the public health department, the minister added.

Help your teen stay safe

2009-05-25T02:40:00.000-07:00

Hey guys!
This post is for parents. As for me I found it useful.

Reading up on health and safety topics could be the last thing on your teen's to-do list. That's why informed, proactive parenting can make such a difference, especially in high-risk areas like driving, relationships, and mental health. While your adolescent may not intend to occasionally jeopardize their well-being, it's not something you want left to chance.

Road Safety

Car accidents are the chief cause of death and disability among teenagers, with teens being killed at four times the rate of adults. The contributing factors are legion: inexperience behind the wheel, tendencies to eschew seat belts and to speed, distractibility (as attention flits, perhaps, between road, radio, telephone, and text message), overconfidence in their skills, and underdeveloped judgment and impulse control.

A growing number of solutions--from sophisticated GPS tracking devices to bumper stickers bearing toll-free numbers that forward called-in complaints straight to Mom--empower parents to take an active role in steering their kids away from accidents. The gadget DriveCam provides parents with an in-car camera device. It senses and records the sights and sounds of any abrupt, potentially risky maneuvers made by your licensed teenagers and alerts you immediately by E-mail.

Your other options include GPS tracking tools designed to alert you electronically if your novice drivers blow through preset speed limits, ignore driving curfews, or cruise beyond certain boundaries. One is offered through Safeco Insurance's Teensurance program, a service that became available to customers and noncustomers alike last May.

A lower-budget approach: bumper stickers bearing slogans like "Call My Mom" and a toll-free number for reporting erratic driving. Each sticker contains a unique code number, allowing anonymous tips to be quickly forwarded to the appropriate parents.

Sexual Health

There's no denying it. Teens are doing the deed. About 70 percent of teenagers have had sex by their 19th birthdays, and about 14 percent lose their virginity before turning 15, surveys suggest. A result: approximately three quarters of a million teen pregnancies each year. And while today's teens overall report having safer sex than did those in years past, about a quarter of girls ages 14 to 19 are infected with at least one of four common STDs (human papillomavirus, chlamydia, herpes, and the parasitic infection trichomoniasis), federal health officials reported last March.

Adolescents are ultimately responsible for their own actions, of course. Yet you can do a lot to guide your kids through the treacherous tides of teen lust--without insisting on a chastity belt. A powerful, if dreaded, tool doesn't cost a cent: open dialogue about sexual issues. That's dialogue, experts stress, not a one-time "sex talk." Repeated conversations about things like orgasm or condoms appear to make teens feel closer to parents and more able to discuss tricky topics like sex with them. Start well before kids hit puberty, and don't shy away from questions or you'll encourage them to turn elsewhere for information.

As for protection, what's best is the "belt and suspenders" approach: condoms to thwart STDs and a hormonal contraceptive for girls as a second-line defense against unwanted pregnancy. More important, teens need to know how to use these methods properly; condoms, for example, expire.

Mental Health

It might be tough to watch your beloved child morph into a teenage cliché--a back-talking, door-slamming, bedroom-retreating, fickle being. But it might be tougher yet to discern "normal" adolescent behavior from the signs of a materializing mood disorder.

Yet half of all mental illnesses arise by age 14. And about 2 million 12-to-17-year-olds, or 1 in 12 of them, experience clinical depression each year, government health officials estimated last May. What's more, on average a child has had symptoms of mental illness for more than six months before getting help. That lag could have devastating consequences, since untreated mental illness can lead to suicide. The third-leading cause of death among 15-to-24-year-olds, suicide appears to be on the rise among youth and young adults after more than a decade of decline.

Spotting warning signs can be tricky. Many teenagers with depression, for example, exhibit an easily overlooked blend of mood and behavioral issues rather than the symptoms typically seen in adults, experts say. Stress from things like pressure to excel in school or to land a good job may precipitate psychiatric disorders, which they found almost half of the more than 5,000 college-age individuals studied had suffered from in the past year.

You can take steps to cultivate resilience in your children by setting a good example when, for instance, coping with setbacks. Another is to focus on raising a balanced person, not a high-achieving performer; if kids are made to feel as though their ultimate goal is to please parents, not themselves, they won't learn how to identify their own strengths and preferences. So if you notice that there might be something wrong and your child is no longer coping well, that's the time to seek help.

Sports Safety

Teen sports are great: They can promote teamwork, jump-start a lifelong exercise habit, and provide an antidote to obesity. But teen athletes can also get hurt, which means they--and their parents and coaches--should be vigilant about prevention.

Sports injuries fall into two categories. Acute injuries, like a sprained ankle or torn ACL in the knee, occur suddenly, after a missed step or a midfield collision. Overuse injuries are caused by repetitive motion that damages the body over time. Those used to be fairly rare among teens and kids. But increasingly, doctors see teens with overuse injuries that used to plague mostly collegiate or pro athletes--such as a damaged ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow.

There are ways to protect against both overuse and acute injuries. Proper conditioning is crucial. Teens new to sports should start by getting in good overall shape--including working on aerobic fitness, strength, and flexibility. On the other hand, serious teen athletes may need to build more recovery time into their schedule. Train hard on some days, but go easier and work on recovery and technique on alternate days, he recommends. Done correctly, both strength training and working on the core muscles of the back and abdomen may prevent injury and boost performance. Sports-specific warm-up programs also can help.

Swine flu

2009-05-12T07:47:00.000-07:00

I think that now the biggest problem is the swine flu. Here are some news about this problem. But remember that the prevention is the easest way to health. Some tips for you.

The CDC describes swine flu symptoms as similar to those of the common flu with fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, and possible diarrhea and vomiting. The swine flu, however, can only be diagnosed with a laboratory testing of a swab from the nose or throat.

It is said that people should keep themselves safe by practicing proper respiratory etiquette, such as covering sneezes and coughs, frequent hand washing and staying away from crowds if they feel ill.

Contrary to some belief, the swine flu is not acquired by eating pork products, but person-to-person contact.

The State of Florida has established a toll-free number to call for information about the swine flu. Residents can call 1-800-342-3557. The line is staffed daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Virginia Campground Introduces Brand New Water Slides

2009-04-10T02:35:00.001-07:00

Summer is almost here! Have you heard about new slides in Natural Bridge Jellystone Park?

"Natural Bridge Jellystone Park™ will hold the grand opening for their new water slides and spray park on 05/16/2009. The Water Zone will offer the guest's endless hours of fun. The water slides are side by side, allowing riders to race each other for 175 feet of exhilarating fun. The Virginia campground's water park will also feature a "Spray Ground" where visitors of all ages can find relief from the hot summer by splashing around the water activated pool figures and features.

You can find more information regarding reservations, campground activities, and campsite amenities by visiting www.campnbr.com or by calling toll free at 1-800-258-9532."

Social focus by Open Space forum

2009-03-13T04:18:00.000-07:00

The new ideas from Open Space forum.

"Open Space forum keys on homelessness, addiction. There was no lack of ideas on how to improve downtown coming out of an Open Space forum, but frustration was also evident.
Among the dozens of ideas floated at the event at the Ramada Hotel were: Create a clean-and-safe streets program to employ homeless people to build up civic pride and cleanliness; start a program to paint over graffiti using youth volunteers, and implement a toll-free number to keep property owners accountable for keeping up their properties.
Other ideas include paying the homeless in gift cards for work, instead of cash, to lower the risk of the money being spent on drugs and alcohol, and creating a civic pride awards program to recognize business owners who keep up their stores and area in front of their stores, possibly handing out awards on a monthly basis."

Some of them look great. Want to know more?
More ideas (and complaints) to come out of the open-space forum:
- Create store front for street people with laundry facilities, showers and bathrooms.
- Designate downtown as a small business area.
- Light up downtown.
- Put university students downtown.
- Provide better bicycle stands.
- Too many social services are concentrated in one area.
- Create mixed-use building to entice people to live downtown.
- Put more money into cleanup and snow removal.
- Hire youth for snow removal.
- Bars on windows give impression of fear
- Run buses until 2 a.m. or 3 a.m.
- Have special events downtown.
- Move the needle exchange close to Northern Health.
- Create public art to improve ugly character of some buildings.