How VoIP Will Affect Every Household and Business in the World

Seattle venture capitalist, Greg Gottesman, calls it "?one of the most important changes in communications in the past 100 years."

The Boeing Company announced plans to move its 150,000 employees to an internet-based phone system, and several Seattle area residents are using internet telephones to get cheap rates or, in some cases, free international phone calls.

Using VoIP, homes and businesses can save up to 80% on current phone bills, while enjoying a quality of sound that is superior to traditional lines. The only equipment needed is a computer with sound, and a microphone or headset, which can be purchased at a local store for between $5 to $45. Upgrades to existing equipment is virtually eliminated, as VoIP can be used on dial-up (contrary to numerous published claims), broadband, wireless, or satellite connections.

When shopping for a VoIP solutions provider

? Look for secure lines and patented technology.

? Look for free PC to PC calls.

? Check for hidden costs.

? Avoid providers with unsecure lines and/or peer-to-peer programs as public listing of names and numbers, shared servers, or open platforms, as may leave you vulnerable to not only spyware, but viruses, worms, Trojan horses, unscrupulous hackers, not to mention violation of privacy.

Dee Scrip and her close friend Andy Murray operate the website http://www.whypay4calls.com. Where you can experience a 7 day free trial with a secure line on patented technology. NO contracts, obligations, or hassles!

The Power of Namaste

I honestly am not sure why this hit me so strongly, but it did.

"Namast? is a salutation which essentially means that I greet and acknowledge the God-Spirit that resides within you.

"Ram Dass describes it this way [Namast? means] "I honor the place in you in which the entire universe dwells. I honor the place in you which is of love, of truth, of light, and of peace. When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, we are one."

"This greeting is usually done with a gesture of hands held close to the heart in prayer position. It is a a wonderful way of expressing love and respect for our fellows."

Wouldn't it be absolutely amazing if we could relate to every person who comes into our lives in this way? The old man driving 50 in a 65 zone when you're running late getting your son to baseball practice; the cashier who has obviously not had a good day; the ex-spouse who seems determined to make your road bumpy; the telemarkter who calls in middle of dinner; the Burger King employee who forgot to put your fries in the bag; and on and on and on.

I don't expect myself to be perfect, but I would love to grow in love, compassion, non-judgement and tolerance to the point that I am 'living Namaste'. In this world of fighting, slaughter, lying, cheating, mistrust, disrespect...maybe the way we truly heal a planet and a people is to each grow to 'be Namaste' - one person at a time, one cashier at a time, one 'ex' at a time and one prayer at a time.

Dee is a Doctor of Reflexology, Homeopathic Practitioner, Certified Aromatherapist, and Reiki Master. Her site is AkobiAromas.com - a source of quality aromatherapy, herbal and reflexology information and products. Dee is also a moderator for TheSacredSpace.

What is a Pitch?

I've been training in countries outside the U.S. recently, and have finally accepted a universal truth about sales people: you love to pitch.

For some reason, sellers continue to believe that knowing about a product solution - and all of the features, functions, and benefits it affords ? would lead a prospective buyer to change what they are doing, shift their status quo, place their usual habits in limbo, recognize that something they are doing is less than perfect, stretch their pocket books, and live on a sales person's time schedule.

SALES IS SALES IS SALES IS?..

No matter who is doing the selling, the patterns seem to be the same: whether it's a telemarketer earning $7.00 per hour, or a senior partner in a multinational consulting firm earning seven figures. Oh, there is a style difference, with consultants believing they are truly serving the customer, or only selling according to needs, and telemarketers trained to spout a script. But ? before you all get annoyed and defensive - let's look at the hard facts here. Here is what a 'sales call' looks like at the systems level:

* contact based on uncovering a need that the seller's product can alleviate;

* contact made with some form of demographic baseline that assumes the prospect would have a propensity to purchase;

* contact made for the purpose of introducing, or garnering interest in, the seller's product;

* contact leads up to a pitch (during this contact or subsequent contacts)that explains features, functions, and benefits;

* the baseline assumption that if the seller does a good job, the buyer will know they need the product;

* a close that rounds up the buyer's admitted needs or holes in their thinking, and proves why the seller's product would benefit the buyer;

* the belief that a good product, pitched or presented professionally to an appropriate buyer, should lead to a sale.

Note that all sales approaches ? from telemarketers to relationship managers to senior consultants ? contain the above characteristics. And if it were all true, you'd be closing a heckuva lot more sales than you are now.

So why aren't you closing all those people who seem to need your product? Why isn't your great pitch getting you the business you deserve? Why isn't your care/brains/Prada shoes/marketing/branding and knowledge of the prospect's business (not to mention that your brother-in-law knows the assistant to the CEO) getting buyers to recognize they need you? Or, to take it a step further, to choose you easily over the competition?

Because people don't decide based on information. Because having a need or an obvious problem doesn't lead to a purchase. Because an obvious problem is only a tip of the iceberg. Because the buyer's solution must contain all of the elements that created the problem. Because buyers must design their own solution. Because change and product purchase doesn't happen merely because there is a problem even if that problem is causing stress or costing money.

Buyers will buy only when they recognize, align, and manage all of the internal elements that need to be addressed that live with, created, and maintain the presenting problem. Not when they notice the identified problem ? which is only a part of the range of underlying issues that created the situation in the first place ? and not in the time frame you think they should solve it in. They will make a decision to fix or shift the problem in some way only when they make sure that a solution will not involve unmanageable disruption.

WHAT DO WE GET FROM SLOGGING PRODUCT INFORMATION?

When you pitch product, you have no idea how the buyer will perceive your pitch ? even if they think they need the product and even when the problem and solution are obvious. Just about the only buyer who approaches a seller to seek specific information and is ready to buy at the point of pitch is a retail buyer who has studied his options, knows the brand, price, and store, and is ready to buy. And that person doesn't even need a pitch by that time.

In fact, a prospect with a problem ? even a recognized one ? is not necessarily a candidate for your product even if you understand their needs, even if they understand their needs and they need your product, and even if you have a good relationship with them. And, knowing the buyer's pain and the decision makers still doesn't mitigate the basic problem: the buying environment is a complex system that can only be managed from within.

People do NOT change, or decide, based on information unless they have already figured out how to manage their internal criteria. Buying something new represents change. And the larger the item, the more complex the buying environment, the more internal change it will create when purchased.

Indeed, you've used 'pitch' as a way to sell only because you've not known how to manage the environment the buyer lives within ? that place they go after you've first approached them and believe they need your product. So you remain on the outside looking in ? even when you're convinced that you know what's going on within the buyer's environment, and have done all your homework: it's impossible to know all of the elements and politics and relationships involved ? and attempt to effect change externally by thinking you understand their needs and offering your considered opinion along with data about a potential solution.

But what do you get when you pitch? The following responses are typical for a buyer: agreement, confusion, doubt, reaction, or mistrust. When you pitch information ? even relevant information about an appropriate solution ? buyers don't know what to do with it.

You've even seen it all yourself hundreds of times: a great pitch gets ignored or given short shrift, and you never find out why they didn't buy.

I can't say this enough: information does not teach buyers how to make a purchasing decision. Your wonderful product is not the reason buyers buy. They buy merely to solve a business problem, and only then, when their entire internal system is aligned behind any change that results from solving the presenting problem.

THE BUYER IS IN CONTROL

For those of you who have read this from me a dozen times before, I'm afraid you're going to have to bear with me one more time: buyers have several layers they must manage before knowing what to do with your product data. Are prospects really missing something that they can't solve themselves? Are you offering information that would make them think about simpler solutions they already have on hand? Can their business partners fix it? Do they have to fix it now? Who must they bring in to the equation in order to ensure the appropriate people and elements get included in the solution? What are the politics they need to play internally ? the people, the rules, the relationships? What were the forces at play that helped create the problem that need to be managed before a solution sits comfortably within the system?

Indeed, you don't know where your information is going or how it's being heard when you give a pitch. Actually, sin! ce the listener of a communication is the one in control, the more you offer product data, the more out of control you are. Note how many centuries sellers have had to manage objections. [I believe an objection is nothing more than a prospect deflecting a seller's need to push data with the expectation that the prospect is supposed to do something with it.] And how many centuries sellers have closed only a fraction of the situations in which buyers actually really need the product. Or how long it takes for prospects to decide when it's costing them money every moment they don't.

The most interesting part of this is that the model of sales is not built to support the buyer's environment, since all of sales (sorry folks ? even those of you who think you're really doing consultative sales) is based on an outside force (seller, product, solution) trying to get into an existing, closed, system.

Why not base your sales skills on supporting buyers in recognizing their complex buying criteria? Why not offer buyers the skills to leverage the full range of their internal elements that created and maintain the problem? And, it's not you who needs to comprehend the fact pattern - it's the buyer.

Instead of using a pitch or your product as a sales tool, why not use your experience as a seller and your understanding of your product environment to lead buyers through and around the variables they need to manage? Buying Facilitation can give you the skills to do that for your clients. That way you can do your real job: supporting the decision-making process that will teach your buyers how to design a comprehensive solution. And then you can pitch.

Sharon Drew Morgen is the author of New York Times bestseller Selling with Integrity. She is the visionary and thought leader behind a wholly original sales model based on the systems of how people change and decide. She has taught this system to 13,000 people in the fields of sales, customer service, negotiating, coaching, and change management. Sharon Drew is a keynote speaker and decision strategist, helping companies change their internal practices to embrace collaborative decision making, ethics, values, and integrity. She can be reached at 512-457-0246 and http://www.sharondrewmorgen.com and http://www.newsalesparadigm.com

Pressure From the Top?

Yes, and that pressure often comes from a CEO who knows what a public relations investment SHOULD produce.

And do public relations folks fear such pressure? Not those who've got the answers!

For example, "we're spending your public relations investment in the most effective way - insuring that our most important external audiences perceive us accurately, understand what we do, and end up taking those actions we desire.

"We're operating from a solid foundation," Mr/Ms Chairman, or Executive Director. Namely, people will act on their own perception of the facts before them. And those perceptions will lead to predictable behaviors about which something can be done. When we create, change or reinforce that opinion by reaching, persuading and moving-to-desired-action those folks whose behaviors affect your business, the public relations effort is a success.

So, what actions flow from that underlying premise?

First, we run a kind of G-2 operation by interacting with our most important external audiences - customers, members, prospects, technical specifiers and employees, among others. Here, we ask questions and gather information.

We need to know how they perceive our operation and our management. We listen carefully to what they say about us, especially our products or services. At the same time, we track print and broadcast media and other feedback sources.

We believe it's important to watch for developing misconceptions and inaccuracies. Particularly potential problem areas that may need corrective action. Problems like suggestions of technical difficulties with our products, personnel questions, perceptions of obsolescence, or trouble-making competitive rumors.

Once we've identified perceptions that need correcting, the question is, what is our strategy for getting it done? Here, we must ask ourselves whether we need to create a certain perception where none exists, change an existing perception, or merely reinforce it.

This is really important because the answer obviously will affect the persuasive messages we're about to prepare to correct the misperceptions.

So we carefully put together what we hope will be really compelling messages. Then, we aim them at those key target audiences we discovered are harboring misconceptions that, left unattended, will certainly result in behaviors we don't like. Our objective will be to move that opinion in our direction.

Now, not surprisingly, we must select communications tactics, known in some quarters as "beasts of burden," that are carefully structured to carry those persuasive messages directly to the attention of members of that key target audience.

Communications tactics range from one-on-one meetings, newspaper and radio interviews and press releases to open houses, speeches, brochures, newsletters and promotional events. There are literally scores of such tactics available to you.

Finally, we must gauge the impact of our communications activity by continuing to meet with members of that key target audience, and by monitoring our other feedback sources. We will watch and listen for signs of developing awareness of you, your operation and how it functions. But especially for indications that any misconceptions, or other problems we discovered, have been resolved.

"Mr/Ms Chairman, at the end of the day, I believe you want us to use our expertise in a way that helps you achieve your business objectives."

Thus, regardless of what strategic plan we create to solve a problem, regardless of what tactical program we put in place, when all is said and done, we must modify somebody's behavior if we are to earn our keep.

And that is our certain path to public relations success.

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

Robert A. Kelly ? 2003

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

Tracking Your Child Progress

As a parent, you can learn a lot about your child's learning and watch for signs of possible problems. Here are some things to look for and to discuss with his teacher:

Starting at age 3 or 4:

Does your child remember nursery rhymes, and can he play rhyming games?

At about age 4: Can your child get information or directions from conversations or books that are read aloud to him? Kindergartners:Is your child beginning to name and write the letters and numbers that he sees in books, on billboards and signs, and in other places?

At age 5:

Can your child play and enjoy simple word games in which two or more words start with the same sound? For example: "Name all the animals you can think of that start with d."

At ages 5 and 6:

Does your child show that he understands that spoken words can be broken down into smaller parts (for example, by noticing the word big in bigger)?

Does he seem to understand that you can change a small part of a word and make a different word (for example, by changing the first sound and letter of cat, you can make hat, sat, mat, bat,rat, and so on)?

Remember to track your child's progress and see how he/she is doing. If you suspect there are problem you get help from many places.

Anil Vij is the creator of the ultimate parenting toolbox, which has helped parents all over the world raise smarter, healthier and happier children ==> http://www.expertsonparenting.com

Sign up for Anil's Experts On Parenting Newsletter - just send a blank email ===> mailto: parentingnews@aweber.com

Sorting Through Your Cellular Phone Options

Some people purchase a cellular phone for emergency use only, but others use their cellular phone on a daily basis as a replacement for their land-line home phone. With the number of options available for your cellular phone, finding the right phone for your needs can be confusing. However, there are a few basic points to remember that can help you make a more informed purchasing decision.

Battery life is an extremely important consideration when purchasing a cellular phone. Battery life affects how long your phone can last on standby as well as how long you'll be able to talk before you will need to recharge the battery. Investing in a second battery for your phone will keep you from missing important calls because of a dead battery.

If you're planning to use your cellular phone as a replacement for your land-line home phone, signal strength will be a crucial factor in your purchasing decision. You don't want to discover that you can't call for help in an emergency because your cellular phone isn't getting a strong enough signal.

Accessories can make your cellular phone more enjoyable to use, but they can also significantly increase your phone's price. Some of the accessories available on newer cellular phones include storage for frequently called numbers, caller ID, voice mail, call waiting, text messaging, e-mail, and conference calling. Cellular phones can also play simple games, provide Internet access, and integrate with MP3 players or PDAs. Think carefully about how you'll use your cellular phone to avoid adding a lot of unnecessary accessories.

Weight, size, and color are really just a matter of personal preference. Some people believe lighter and smaller cellular phones are easier to carry around. Since cellular phones have become something of a fashion accessory in recent years, you can choose almost any color you'd like to add a personal touch to your phone.

Timothy Gorman is a successful webmaster and publisher of Cellular-Phone-Solutions.com. He provides cellular phone plans, service and free cellular phones on his website that you can research in your pajamas.

A Guide to UK Secured Homeowner Loans

Trying to find good UK secured homeowner loans might seem difficult at first, but once you know what you're looking for and how to search for it then it's actually quite easy.

The main things that you need to know in order to find the best UK secured homeowner loans are how the loans work and the process of researching loans and loan rates in order to find the best loan for your money.

The first thing that we'll look at is how these loans work, to make sure that you understand the way that UK secured homeowner loans use the equity in your home or real estate to determine your loan's rate and value.

The importance of home equity

One of the most important factors in UK secured homeowner loans is the equity that you have in your house or real estate.

What is equity, you may ask? At its most simple, equity is a measure of the amount of money that you've invested into your house by making payments against your mortgage.

Many people refer to equity as the portion of your house that you actually own, and it is used as a determining factor in the monetary amounts of UK secured homeowner loans that you might be eligible for.

The equity in your home is used as collateral to guarantee the loan, and is the one of the main considerations in determining whether or not you will be approved for the loan amount you're requesting as opposed to a mortgage loan, which looks at the total value of the house or real estate.

The search for the best loans, made easy

In order to simplify your search for UK secured homeowner loans, it's best to get several loan quotes from a variety of sources before making any final decisions.

You should request quotes for the rates of UK secured homeowner loans from several different banks and finance companies, as well as conducting online searches for loan rates? after all, many online lending services have a lower overhead than physical banks and other lenders and can pass the savings on as lower interest rates and better loan terms.

Once you have your loan quotes, you can then begin to compare them in order to determine both the average loan rates for UK secured homeowner loans and which loan has the lowest interest rate with the best repayment terms.

Though it may take a little longer to get your loan if you shop and compare beforehand, the repayment time and interest money that it saves you in the long run make the process more than worth it.

You may freely reprint this article provided the following author's biography (including the live URL link) remains intact:

About The Author

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

Struggling With Addictions

What kind of bad habits do you struggle with? Most people think that when they come to Christ that their bad habits will magically disappear. And some church people act like if you have any bad habits in your life that you must not truly be saved, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Christians or not, we are all people, and people make mistakes. People have bad habits.

If you are anything like me, you have poured your heart out in counseling sessions with your church leaders, stood in prayer lines, repented and vowed to do better. And still found yourself giving into that temptation the next time it presented itself, leaving you asking, "What's wrong with me?"

Nothing. There is nothing wrong with you. The very fact that you are concerned about it is a good sign. It's the people who won't admit they have a problem that should worry.

Everyone, at one time or another, struggles with some type of bad habit or addiction. Maybe it's shopping too much, smoking, drinking alcohol, pornography, coffee, sweets, etc. People don't want others to know about their problems, so they hide them in the closet, hoping that no one will ever find out about their secret. When a problem is hidden in the dark, it will continue to haunt you. But once it is brought into the light, that is when you will be able to overcome it.

A bad habit or addiction is anything that robs you of your time with God, that you feel that you must hide, that hurts your health or the health of others or is against the Word of God.

It is important that we guard what we are feeding the gates of our heart?our eyes, ears and mouth. Looking at pornographic magazines or watching R-rated movies causes those images to enter our eye gates, and once there, our minds store those images for safe keeping. Then at the most awkward moments, it will replay those images. Maybe in your dreams, when you are praising God at church or when you are kissing your girlfriend.

Perhaps you don't watch anything objectionable. Instead your vice of choice is heavy-metal or rap music that talk about killing cops and degrading women. At first, you may just think the music has a nice beat, but after awhile, even though, you are not consciously listening to the lyrics, those words?the ones about murder, drugs and sex?will seep into your subconscious. You will find yourself getting into trouble because you have a shorter fuse than you used to. You will blur the line between right and wrong. You won't remember why having sex without a marriage license is sinful, why stealing and lying are immoral. All because you didn't guard what you let through your eye and ear gates.

How do you overcome the bad habits and addictions in your life?

1. Repent. I John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." If we didn't struggle with problems in life, there would be no reason to repent. However, we do, so we must ask God to forgive us for our wrongdoings. He is a gracious God who promises to forgive us when we repent. The mistake most of us make is in hiding our sin from God. Somehow we think that we can hide it from the One who sees all and knows all. Run to God when you slip in your recovery. Run to Him when you sin because He is on your side. He is not sitting up in Heaven, waiting to pounce on you anytime you make a mistake. That is not who He is. God is love not hate.

2. Ask God For Help. In II Corinthians 12:9, God tell us "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. Think about that for a moment. In our times of weakness, we can count on God to be strong for us. If we team up with God, we can conquer anything. Romans 8:37 promises that "we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."

Philippians 4:13 states that "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Never be afraid to ask God for help because without Him, beating a bad habit is like digging yourself out of the bottom of the Grand Canyon. It's an uphill battle.

3. Make A Decision. I will?when said together, those two words can be the strongest words in the English language. Why? Because they denote choice. Even in the Garden of Eden, we find humans making their own choices. Eve could have chose not to talk to the serpent. She could have decided not to eat the fruit. Adam could have refused the fruit when Eve offered it to him.

Every day we make choices. Will I have the soup or the salad? Will I cheat at golf? Will I give back the extra change the cashier gave me? Every day we make up our minds to do the right thing or to do the wrong thing. But when faced with a choice, humans usually choose the wrong thing because it is easier to give into temptations than to say "no."

So, we must train ourselves to choose the right option. Whenever you have to choose between right and wrong, take a moment and determine which is the wrong option and which is the right. If you don't know, ask yourself what would happen if you picked a certain option. If it would result in someone being hurt or in something that is contrary to God's Word, it is the wrong choice.

4. Find Someone To Talk To. James 5:16 advises us to "Confess your faults one to another that ye may be healed..." As I said before, when we leave things in the dark, they continue to have a hold over us. In order to stop this cycle, we must find someone to confess our habits and addictions to. Once it is out in the open, then you will begin to heal in that area of your life. Make sure to find someone you can trust to talk to. You don't want your sins to be broadcast all over your church, your neighborhood or your school. Instead go to your minister, youth pastor, parents, school counselor or a close friend.

Expose your bad habits and addictions to God's light, and you will be amazed at how quickly they will crumble under the heat.

About The Author

Annagail Lynes is editor of VisionHope Magazine. She specializes in writing articles for young adults about dating, school, parents, peer pressure and other youth-related issues. Get your Free Sample Issue of VisionHope, plus free articles and free pen pal ads at http://visionhope.ontheweb.com; visionhopemag@netzero.net

Cabo Sport Fishing is Like a Box of Chocolates

As Forrest Gump would say, you never know what you're going to get.

Not too many things get me more excited than the prospect of hooking and landing big fish. The mere thought of setting the hook on a 300 pound marlin, hearing the scream of the drag as the fish pulls off line and watching the acrobatic leaps that follow really gets my heart pumping. Fortunately for me, a two and a half hour flight and a 30-minute drive is all it takes to find myself in the "billfish capital of the world". What more can a sport fisherman ask for?

Well, for starters, variety. Just like biting into a randomly selected piece of chocolate, when you set out the trolling lures here in Los Cabos in search of the next big one, you just don't know what it will be. Different seasons bring different possibilities as does different sides of the Baja peninsula. The diversity of game fish here never ceases to amaze me and even a slow day on the water offers the opportunity to see some of the oceans greatest creatures. Whales, porpoise, sea turtles and bat rays that often school by the hundreds and perform what almost appears to be a choreographed routine of synchronized jumps. On a spring trip to Cabo in late march of this year, my partner Dolores Peralta and I had another opportunity to experience the diversity of life in these nutrient rich waters.

Jacqueline "Jacquie" Lee, owner of Guerita II, set us up for two days of fishing with Captain Efren Beron Zamora and crewman Jesus Alfredo Espinoza. Efren has a lifetime of experience as an angler, guide and captain and has a love of the ocean that rubs off on crew and passenger alike. The Guerita II is a tournament rigged 34-foot Crystaliner equipped with everything the avid angler could need or ask for _ Shimano Tiagra 50 wide LRS & Penn International reels, Shimano Black Steel IGFA rods and an outstanding selection of lures, this wide-beamed fishing machine boasts top-of-the-line electronics to help get you on the bite fast.

We arrived at the docks at 6:30 in the morning, a little late for Captain Efren's liking as he planned on running out about 30-40 miles in search of warm, blue water where he hoped to put us on striped marlin and tuna. While waiting on our arrival Efren had already loaded up on live bait from the pangeros that supply the fleets and with no delay, we were on our way. Winds this time of the year can be unpredictable and on this day, the winds helped build a fairly large swell. We motored our way out to sea on a bumpy but dry ride to the fishing grounds. Once he found the water conditions that best provided the chance for large billfish, he switched driving positions to the tall tuna tower while Alfredo began to set out our spread of lures. Purple and orange Zukers set out at the fifth wake behind the boat, trolling feathers in pink and white and Mexican flag patterns on the third wake and a dark colored Marauder set close to the boat.

A few hours passed as we crisscrossed areas where colder water met warmer, Efren's eyes trained on the surface scanning for signs that fish were near ? circling and diving birds, the tail of a marlin cruising for its next meal, a pod of porpoise balling bait. None of the usual signs appeared until Efren's eagle eyes spotted a feeder, a marlin actively working the ocean surface. A quick turn of the boat and a punch of the throttle controls placed us in the perfect position to present our spread of lures to the fish. The marlin took notice and struck one of the lures back at the fifth wake. The jigstrike started our adrenalin flowing and we scrambled to the deck to ready for a battle. The marlin let loose the lure just as Alfredo cast a live bait back to entice a bite. After a few tense moments, the marlin took the bait, the reel left in free spool in order to give it time to fully take the bait. Flipping the reel into locked position followed by three to four strong and sharp lifts of the rod tip set the hook on a good sized striped marlin.

Dolores took her position in one of the two fighting chairs mounted on the stern and within seconds the marlin was giving us a show. Several vertical leaps and violent shakes of its broad head and the fight began. The key to landing marlin is the hook set. Everything depends on whether or not the hook was in the right position when the hook set is made. Many times, the marlin takes the bait only partially and the hook never pierces the mouth fully when the set is made. Unfortunately, this was one of those times. Shortly after the first series of jumps was made, a second series began and on this series the hook was thrown and the fish was lost. Spooked by the encounter, the marlin sounded and was soon nowhere to be found.

We continued on in search of another marlin, my turn in the chair coming next. A short while later, a starboard reel started to scream. Nothing was visible on the surface so the likelihood of it being a marlin was slim. From the strong pull and speed of the fish, we thought it would be a tuna and sure enough it was. The fight lasted only 5-10 minutes and soon we had a twenty-pound yellowfin on deck.

The trolling continued and for several hours and we had nothing to do but occasionally switch out lures and scan the horizon for signs of life. Efren spotted a true prize in the form of a swordfish. While these great eating game fish can be found here most of the year, they prefer colder water so spring is generally the best time of year for this sought after species. Although the sword made a turn towards our spread and a live bait was cast directly in front of it, this fish was apparently well fed and no matter how appealing the presentation, it would not take the bait or strike a lure. As they say, that's why they call it fishing and not catching. The balance of the day produced only suntans and relaxation.

On our second day on the Guerita II, we arrived at 5:30, determined to beat Efren and Alfredo to the boat. Once again, Efren had made it to the boat well before us and once again, he had already baited up. If I didn't know better, I'd say he must have slept on the boat just to make sure we wouldn't arrive before him! We headed out, stopping off to check in with the port authorities to present our manifest and fishing licenses. A recent change in fiscal policies keeps the revenues from fishing licenses within the state where the activity is taking place. This restructuring has apparently heightened the diligence of officials responsible for ensuring that everyone on a boat possesses a valid license, even those not fishing. Makes sense that if you get to keep the money, you're more likely to make sure everyone is playing by the rules and buying their licenses. Those that did not have licenses in hand were sent back to the docks to get them or there would be no fishing that day.

This day we decided to switch to the Sea of Cortez side of the cape and concentrate our efforts on some of the in-shore species that Los Cabos waters offer up. One of the benefits of a pre-dawn start is the experience of viewing some of the most spectacular sunrises you're likely to find anywhere in the world. The skies here light up with all the colors of an artists canvas with the endless reflection of the ocean surface. Everything is bathed in reds, oranges and yellows and the sky appears to be on fire. The sight alone makes the trip worthwhile.

The Guerita II cut through the calmer waters of the Sea of Cortez with ease by benefit of the natural windbreak that the East Cape coast provides. We set out a mix of CD 4 Rapalas in a sardine pattern and started to work the underwater ledges and rock piles in search of sierra or Spanish mackerel, dorado or tuna. We ran across pods of porpoise working bait schools to the surface. These working pods often hold schools of tuna just below that pick off bait from the edges of the bait ball but today, we found just the porpoise. Off in the distance, Captain Efren spotted surface activity and turned the Guerita towards it.

Within minutes we were surrounded by thousands of Humboldt squid. Denizens of the northern most portion of the Sea of Cortez, these alien looking creatures have slowly made their way down to the southern tip of the Baja in recent years. With tentacles reaching up out of the water like some kind of extra terrestrial meat eating flower, we watched in awe as they fed on floating red crab. Just about anything we tossed into the water was immediately engulfed by the toothy tentacles of the squid and with constant pressure and slow pumps and reeling, we brought them to the gaff.

Legends abound about the ferocity and strength of the Humboldt squid and while many of these tales are true "fish stories", there is ample credible evidence of the potential for injury and even death from these marine cephalopods. Recently, a Discovery program featured an in-depth study of the Humboldt squid in the Sea of Cortez. During times of agitation, such as when these animals are being fished by fleets of pangeros who make a significant share of their income from the sale of the tasty beasts, they can and do become very aggressive. One pangero spoke of his encounter with the squid with fear and respect. While working a large school, he lost his balance and fell into the water. Within seconds, several five to six footers locked onto him and began to pull him under, all the while biting into his flesh with their impressive and powerful beaks. He managed to free himself and make his way back to the surface and into his panga, scared and exhausted. The scars that he showed tell the tale all to well. He also told of others that did not fair so well, never making back to the surface.

While events like those have occurred, the squid are usually no more than curious about visitors to their domain. It is the frenzied activity caused by fishing these creatures that creates the aggressive and often cannibalistic behavior. Divers have been able to get up close and personal with the Humboldt squid when no fishing pressure was present, all without being attacked or harmed in any way. The aggressive behavior and flashing of colors associated with a feeding frenzy brought on by fishing pressure is simply not a normal occurrence, but more a reaction to the situation at hand. You need not fear the squid but make sure to stay away from the business end. Tentacles with hundreds of toothed suction cups lead to a bird-like beak with incredible power. Ink on the other hand can reach you from astonishing distances as my partner, Dolores, can testify.

While fighting a squid estimated at about fifty pounds, she experienced the jet blast of a Humboldt squid firsthand. As the squid was gaffed, Alfredo jumped off to the side leaving Dolores directly in the path of what seemed to be gallons of ink shooting from out of the squid. In a split second she was covered head to toe in the slimy, dark liquid. Being the trooper that she is, she laughed it off, wiped herself clean and tossed her line back out to catch another one. By that time we had been joined by over a dozen other charter boats and pangas and everywhere you looked, people were battling these impressive animals. Great fun, an awesome sight and great table fare was the end result. We left the spot having boated 3 squid and cleaning the ink from the deck of the boat.

Our next area of focus was just a few hundred feet from shore working the reef structures that line the coast. Catching eight to ten pound sierra on light tackle is an experience I recommend highly. We picked off a few sierra and even landed a small mako shark before we called it a day and headed back in, all the while amazed at the beauty of the azure blue and turquoise green waters of the Sea of Cortez.

So if you are one to enjoy the ocean and the surprises that such a aquatic paradise promises, fishing the waters of the Pacific ocean and the Sea of Cortez in Los Cabos is a dream come true. Finding the right boat and crew is of the utmost importance in ensuring a successful and memorable charter. When it comes to making that choice, we can't recommend Jacqueline Lee's Guerita II and the knowledge and hospitality of Captain Efren Beron Zamora and crewman Jesus Alfredo Espinoza enough.

To book your trip, visit their site at http://www.gueritasportfishing.com or call 011-52-624-143-4465 and tell them Cabo's Best told you all about them.

Richard Chudy and Dolores Peralta are the co-owners of http://CabosBest.com, a travel information portal for Los Cabos, Baja Sur, Mexico. An avid and frequent Cabo traveller, Richard brings his travel experiences to the web for others interested in exploring all that Cabo has to offer.

To reach him, email caborich@cabosbest.com or call 1-818-702-0876.

Copyright 2005 CabosBest.com

Your Credit Card May Be Costing More Than You Think!

Do you know what your credit card is truly costing you? Many people assume that they do, but aren't familiar with the hidden fees that many credit card companies are charging. In fact, if you don't keep close tabs on your credit card, you may end up paying hundreds of extra dollars per year-without ever really knowing it!

And if you're trying to budget your money, those hidden fees can add up!

Let's take a look at some of the most common credit card fees, and then talk about how you can avoid them.

Grace Periods

In the past, we could always count on grace periods before we ever had to start paying interest. For example, if we charged our card to the limit, and could get it paid off before the grace period expired, then it would be like a free loan-we wouldn't have to pay any interest.

Unfortunately, the credit card companies are making this harder and harder to do. For starters, many of them have reduced the traditional 30 day grace period to 20-25 days.

If you hold a credit card, but didn't realize this, then you're likely paying interest without even knowing it! What's worse is that more and more credit card companies are eliminating grace periods altogether. That means if you charged lunch today at noon, at 12:01 pm, you would be already paying interest on it.

How about your credit card? You need to take a close look at the fine print and find out what kind of grace period you have. If your credit card company has reduced it significantly, or eliminated it altogether, you should seriously consider canceling it and getting a more user-friendly card.

Late Fees

When is the last time you checked to see what amount your credit card company charges you for a late fee? The truth is that these fees have doubled in just the past ten years, and that, combined with the reduced grace period, means that the credit card companies are raking in a lot of dough on late fees!

If it's possible, you should try and send off the check (or electronic transfer) the day that you receive your credit card bill. There are three reasons why it's important never to be late. The first is obvious; you will want to do everything in your power to avoid a hefty late fee. Next, if you are late, it will likely be reported to the credit agency and you will have a bad mark on your credit report. The third is the direst, and we'll discuss it below.

Interest Rate Hikes

Did you know that if you are late--even one time-on your credit card payment, the company will in all likelihood raise your interest rates? That's right; one late payment gives them the right to do it. What's more, that isn't just limited to your credit card payment. Any late payments from any lender that show up on your credit report gives them the justification to raise your rates, so be careful!

Copyright (c)2005 by Michael Ambrosio. You may publish this article on your site or in your newsletter provided this resource box remains in tact. Michael Ambrosio is the author of many credit related articles. Visit his website today: http://www.yourcreditandyou.com and rebuild your credit.

How to Work with Your Graphic Designer

As a graphic designer, I can tell you something right here, right now, right off the bat without blinking?.the graphic design process is a pain in the butt. From the graphic designer point of view, here's what it looks like.

1. Client meets graphic designer to discuss elaborate plans to market, advertise or promote their products. Potentially, there's a chance that the client wants (needs) the graphic designer to 'revamp' the whole image and identity of the client company. Client gets all hyped up about the potential mullah that will roll into their bank account. Graphic Designer hyperventilates and salivates at the imagined amount on the invoice

2. Graphic Designer proposes some concepts and ideas. Client says that it's not EXACTLY what they had in mind and asks the graphic designer to come up with more ideas. For the graphic designer, this is like being handed a really enormous machine gun to just shoot around in the dark, hoping to hit the target on the dot, you get what I mean?

3. The process gets dragged on. Graphic designer gets frustrated because client is not able to dispense of his idea because he doesn't KNOW what he wants but knows it only when he sees it.

4. Client consults other people in the company and a whole bunch of people gets thrown into the picture with their own ideas and proposals.

5. Graphic designer and client sit down in a limp heap of entangled flesh, not knowing what to do now because months have been wasted testing and trying. Now, we start all over again?..

Knowing what you want right from the start is important. If you have no idea what it is that you want to achieve with your new marketing stuff, sit down with your staff BEFORE you get the graphic designer to do any work. Now, this is a very important point, so, let me say it again?.CONSULT WITH YOUR PEOPLE BEFORE YOU GET YOUR GRAPHIC DESIGNER TO DO ANY WORK!

Next, get it all down on paper. Even if you have no intention of passing that piece of document to the graphic designer, at least, you have a clearer vision on what you want. THEN speak to your graphic designer to explore ideas and possible changes to your original idea.

Once the graphic design process has begun, pick and choose the people you consult with with care. Too many cooks DO spoil the broth! Only people who can and SHOULD make or help make the decision should be consulted at this very point in time.

However, as any client will tell you, the graphic designer has a huge and major role in ensuring that they understand the client's instructions, takes the initiative to research and explore other ideas. When the client tells the graphic designer what he/she wants from their new marketing stuff, it's not set in stone. The graphic designer SHOULD present his/her own ideas as an alternative. If not, what's the use of the graphic designer? Why not just get a clerical or the secretary to just learn how to use the appropriate programs/softwares and come up with something that the client wants?

Being a graphic designer is a pain in the butt?.and working with a graphic designer is also a stab in the rear end but at the end of the day?when you see that your effort and all those frustrations results in a smashing success, you can sit back and admire your (and your client's handiwork) over a cup of cappuccino.

Marsha Maung is a freelance graphic designer and copy writer who works from home. She designs apparel and premium items at http://www.creativejooz.com and http://www.allmomstuff.com and is the author of "Raising little magicians", and the popular "The Lance in freelancing". More information can be found at http://www.marshamaung.com

Running on Empty

A sexy pair of legs moseys its way down a soft, vacuumed carpet, around a bend, and through a long, narrow aisle.

Suddenly, these shapely stems, which are encased in bright spandex, dissolve into a jungle of many others, instantly blending into the vibrant surroundings like chameleons. The long row of gams seems endless. They're shaking, they're baking, they're working like jackhammers - together in harmony ? as if they were all drilling for oil.

The machines drown out the booming disco racket from the overhead speakers. All you hear, aside from the constant hum of machinery, is metal on metal, minus the smear of grease.

Squeak. Squeak. Squeak.

The stunning blonde attached to these legs peers down at a dark screen. At first, it looks like she's about to indulge in a game of Pac-Man or Donkey Kong, but in actuality, her ensuing fun is of a much different variety. This woman is about to work out.

After punching in a few keys as if it were tax time, her hips slowly begin to grind, and just like that, the fun has begun.

Needless to say, the year is 1999 and what once was accomplished with such basic simplicity has now entered the world of hi-tech devices and advanced microchips.

To a new patron, who just wandered through the door, it all seems a bit pretentious as he peers over the motoring array of Stairmasters, steppers, treadmills, and stationary bikes.

The observer smirks and chuckles, knowing well that, not so long ago, for the goal at hand, two legs and an old pair of Nikes were all that was required.

However, the art of running seems a forgotten trade, not just for the random observer, but for the fitness public in general. For the mainstream crowd looking to foil the flab (and perhaps partake in the social aspects), a nice, honest jog through the park loses out to a sweat-session on the stairs any corporate day of the week.

Yet, one fact remains, the same fact that has survived both the tests of time and the endless evolution of technology. Nothing will whip you into shape faster and more effectively than a good, primitive run.

Aside from the fresh air that expands your lung capacity, something you can't get at an indoor gym, running continues to stand as the leader in conditioning, fat burning, and keeping your heart rate up. Just compare the three miles down Main Street with the same distance on the rubbery conveyor belt of a treadmill. The difference in the way you feel is astounding.

But one such concept factoring in the demise of running is the belief that it is a muscle man's worst enemy. Reports that running will chisel away on that hard-earned beef have been relentless. Thus, the running fad has come to heel a bit, almost seemingly limited to the hard-core crowd.

The experts say that the ideal method, however, to avoiding such a tragedy is to jog lightly for the first twenty minutes and then upgrade to a more vigorous pace thereafter. After the twenty-minute segment, the body generally kicks into the fat-burning business as opposed to the muscle-consuming business. Remaining at a steady, moderate pace (say 70 percent), and ditching any hopes of becoming the next Jesse Owens would seem the most logical approach, especially for new runners.

Besides, doesn't a nice stroll along a quiet country road amid the birds and the tress sound somewhat appealing? Doesn't it beat gaping at the sweat-drenched back of the guy on the Stairmaster in front of you?

If this is you, then perhaps it's finally time to leave those noisy treadmills and squeaky stationary bikes behind ? far enough behind to choke on your dust.

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