The Refresh Orlando Heirs

With more and more small and home based businesses getting high speed, full time Internet connections, like Cable modem and DSL, there is an increased need for firewall software and/or hardware.

A firewall can be many things, but the main thing you need to know is that without one you are at risk of someone breaking into your computer. With people staying connected to the Internet full time with Cable modems or a DSL line, you are at a MUCH greater risk of someone accessing your computer from a remote location.

Basically a firewall limits the access to your computer from the Internet. This has nothing to do with your website. That’s your webhost’s responsibility to protect your site (which is another reason to make sure you have a reputable firm hosting your website). We’re talking about someone accessing the computer that’s sitting on your desktop right now.

I was amazed at the number of alerts I got when I first installed my firewall. Each alert meant that someone or some automated robot was trying to access my computer. Admittedly, if you are a small business just beginning e-commerce operations, you are not a prestigious target for a hacker to attack. But you might be a fun target for some 8th grader who wants to see if they can get into your computer.

Begin by immediately downloading and installing some free firewall software: You could visit http://www.firewall.com/ for many choices and more technical articles about firewalls.

I got my free firewall at http://www.zonelabs.com . It provides a good beginners level of protection. http://store.mcafee.com/ has a popular firewall for about $40.00. So does http://www.networkice.com/ that has one called Black Ice Defender.

As your business grows, you probably will want to graduate to more sophisticated software and hardware solutions. Just know that you MUST do something and you must do it NOW!

Tom Antion is a success story in Internet marketing. He can show you how he makes a fortune promoting products and services online. For more information and a list of great resources, go to Internet Marketing Solutions.

You went out on a date, you had fun. He seemed to like you. At
the end of the evening he said “I’ll call you.” So you waited
for his call, and waited. And he didn’t.

What went wrong? What’s going on?

Well, let’s look at the three types of dating for singles.
There’s the type where you or he or both are looking for a one
night stand. Let’s not talk about that one. Then there is “High
School Dating”, a type of dating not limited to any age, and
“Interview Dating”.

In “High School Dating” the point of a date is to have a date,
so you won’t be alone Friday night (alas, alas). You like each
other and if it ends up you fall head over heals in love and get
married, well great. But the main purpose is having someone to
go with to the party, or the movie or to dinner, to go dancing
or even vacation with. You’re having fun and, God forbid, you’re
not stuck being alone. You can have dates like this whether you
are 16, 26, 36, 56, 56…..96 years old !

Then there is “Interview Dating” which can have all the fun
qualities of a date, except it is purposeful. Let’s illustrate
this with online dating where it is relatively easy to meet a
lot of people who are also looking:

He liked something about your profile and emailed you. You
exchanged emails, you talked on the phone, you met for coffee.
Each stage is an interview process. The box he checked on his
profile that he’s looking for a committed relationship, implies
“if he can find the right person”. So he’s searching. Unlike,
the “High School Dater” he’s not just killing time, he’s busy.
And chances are he’s interviewing others.

You passed the email interview part enough to meet for coffee.
If he didn’t feel enough of a connection, he probably would just
have not replied. You passed the coffee interview, so now you’ve
a first date.

At each stage he asks himself if he wants to get to know you
better or not. If he doesn’t - it doesn’t mean there is anything
wrong with you at all. It just means you aren’t a close enough
match to the ideal person he is looking for.

So why did he say he’ll call? For a lot of guys “I’ll call you”
is something to say to fill the awkwardness after saying “good
night”. Maybe he leaves it open so he can digest his feelings
further. More likely he knows he won’t call, but it’s kind of a
stupid way of not hurting your feelings right then. Chances are
he’s on to the next interview.

If he truly wanted to see you again, he would have told you
using more than three words.

So you had expectations and now you’re hurt and confused. But
let’s reverse the situation. He’s interested in furthering the
interview dating. But you’re not.

What if he wants to see you again will call? Do you tell him
right then not to. Or do you just nod dumbly and think to
yourself that you’ll figure out some excuse later.

When he calls and you already know that he’s not Mr. Right, do
you tell him so (gently) or do you throw out excuses and hope he
takes the hint. That’s the female equivalent of his saying “I’ll
call you”.

For both men and women it is difficult to tell someone you don’t
want to see them again. You don’t want to be hurtful.

Remember being rejected doesn’t mean that anything is wrong with
you. It means you didn’t fit the mold that someone else is
looking for.

If we could all just say “Thank you for the date. You’re a very
nice person, but you’re not the someone I’m looking for. I wish
you the best of luck.”

Today, many consumers who make purchases online won’t buy anything until they consult with a comparison shopping website first such as Shopzilla, Cnet.com, or Shopping.com. They understand that comparison shopping ensures that they are getting the best deal around, which is what most value conscious shoppers want after all. However, with today’s social and lifestyle pace being faster than ever, there is a growing need for comparison shopping on the go. Sure, there are laptops and wireless connections all over the place, but the average person is more likely to leave home with their cell phone instead of their laptop. So, the need for comparison shopping using a mobile phone was answered and there are several ways to take advantage of this new technology.

Google SMS

Google recently launched a new service that allows U.S. mobile phone users to tap into its search results via the short message service (SMS) infrastructure. Users send queries to GOOGL or 46645 and receive results on their phones. The service returns directory information about local businesses via Google Local and provides price comparison shopping information through Froogle.com. It also lets users search for residential phone numbers, dictionary definitions and Web search results snippets. Google SMS also does calculations, area code look-ups and ZIP code look-ups. Results usually come within a minute, and are text-based only.

This is a great alternative to wasting gas money and time driving all over the city looking for the best deal.

Frucall

Launched in March 2006 as the first price-comparison mobile service using voice, Frucall allows consumers to compare retail store prices with prices for the same products on Amazon.com and online comparison shopping service Yahoo Shopping, directly from their mobile phone. It’s a simple solution that sidelines many services that offer price comparison results to be sent via text message. Even better, is that consumers can soon buy products directly from their mobile phone, assuming they have registered and have a valid credit card in their profile.

Frucall enables consumers in the midst of examining retail aisles to call a toll-free number (888-FRU-SHOP) and input the product’s barcode. Within approximately 10 seconds, the caller gets a confirmation of the product name and the price of the product as listed online. Currently, the service compares prices for products from a variety of categories available on Amazon including automotive supplies, books, electronics, jewelry, movies, music, tools and pet supplies. There are even features that will allow consumers to save purchase history, makes notes, and reminders.

Lastly, is that Frucall be accessed from any phone and since the results are not returned via SMS, there are no text messaging fees that sometimes occurs with Google SMS.

Conclusion

With cell phones being as popular as socks, and everyone from age 10 to 100 having one, there is no surprise that mobile phone comparison shopping services are taking off. It is a simple concept that brings tremendous value for consumers who are looking to save a few dollars; and they can now feel confident about making the right purchasing decision, online or offline.

Click here for more in-depth information about comparison shopping site products and services or visit the comparison shopping blog to post your comments and suggestions.

Michael Brito is an internet marketing consultant and freelance writer for a variety of consumer related products.

If you look around at any given time in public, you are likely to see people talking on a cellular phone. They are everywhere and growing. Almost everyone has a wireless phone. You will see people of all ages and occupations using wireless phones.

There are many different types of accessories and phones
and
many different types of carriers offering wireless phone
services. There are even pre-paid phones that are great if
you want to set the limit of talk time each month or if you
have sketchy credit and are unable to get a regular service
plan. Every cell phone user is probably going to want
accessories to go with. Accessories vary from the basic to
the extravagant. Many basic accessories will come with your
phone such as the charger.

Wireless accessories are becoming as critical to many
wireless users as the actual phones themselves. The fast
moving expansion of technology in the whole wireless
industry has created a huge need for accessories, and
manufacturers have quickly jumped onto the bandwagon
hoping
to create that next big product that consumers everywhere
are going to want. The good thing about wireless
accessories
is that in most cases, they have made wireless technology
use safer and more convenient for everyone.

Most people now agree that driving with a cell phone is in
many states now illegal, or in others extremely dangerous.
Many wireless accessories have been created to make
driving
with a cell phone safer. Many phones have a capacity for
voice activated dialing and now there are accessories to
turn your cell phone into a speaker phone using the built in
stereo speakers of your car.

Other accessories are also available to help shield users
from harmful radiation given off by cell phones so they use
ear pieces and text based screens. Other products keep cell
phones dry and clean and holsters, belt clips and phone
stands today provide people with quick and easy access to
their phones. There are accessories that will change the
appearance of your phone such as phone covers and
faceplates
in various colors and designs. There are light up keypads
and colored keys to add to your phone. For the wealthy there
are even gold cell phone covers and you can get them
encrusted in jewels or your initials added.

The wireless industry is growing unlike any other phone
industry. Manufacturers realize that there is still a huge
open market, so they are working hard to make wireless
products that will continue to revolutionize the
marketplace. Be sure to visit the Internet weekly for the
latest wireless products that will make your wireless
experience as rewarding and as exciting as it can be.

Ava Widdell is passionate about wireless and
is the webmaster of FSU Wireless

This week has challenged my limits for tolerance. I take pride in my university and our commitment to educate our students about particular subjects. We also contribute to their ability to live among many different types of people, which is equally important. Since America will continue to grow and change it will become impossible to justify the labels and stereotypes we impose on people. We have a right to be different and since most of us originate from other countries, the differences are inevitable.

One of the biggest challenges this week came from someone who is preoccupied with how he thinks people should behave, look, and think. Whether it was age, ethnicity, clothing size or hairstyle, he had something mean to say about everyone. In fact, when he tried to be nice it was a ploy to get everyone relaxed so he could say something mean again. Eventually, we caught on and ignored him. When he spoke to me, I just pretended not to hear and walked away. It’s an old high school trick, but it worked. The offender mentioned how everyone at our meeting seemed to be “the quiet types.” He laughed at all of his own offensive jokes, so he missed the fact that nobody else thought he was funny. He probably wonders why so many people are hard of hearing and lack a sense of humor.

I’m old-fashioned. I go to a meeting to do the things on the agenda and that’s all. If I introduce a new topic, it will probably be related to what we are talking about. I have seen people trying to have their needs met in inappropriate ways, but this was the first time I ever saw anyone so open about being hateful and mean. Aren’t we supposed to be ashamed of that? Was that stuff ever funny? The Bible says that our challenges are not physical, but we are in warfare with principles and ideas that could destroy us spiritually. The jokes and comments that I heard this week felt like pin pricks that wouldn’t end.

I did have some sympathy for the culprit. He went from person to person trying to get a reaction or laugh and it didn’t work out. He found out that I live in a small town in West Texas. Apparently, he has stereotypes about what we are like. He worked really hard for my attention. I ignored him equally hard and avoided him most of the time. My impression was that he had nothing to contribute to the meeting so he resorted to making others look bad. The tactic is old, worn, and obvious but he stuck to it. He also had some obvious physical challenges that he might have been self-conscious about. Diverting attention is also a well worn tactic. It doesn’t work though. If his shortcomings are ever pointed out, it is probably because he is pointing out someone else’s.

Eventually, the day will come when people are judged by the content of their character. In the meantime, many others will jump to conclusions based on other things. Every time I tell someone that I live in Plainview, they ask why I came here. As if our town has absolutely nothing to offer. I highly recommend education for the people who just don’t see the beauty of it. There are many of us here who walk the walk when it comes to the things we teach and we don’t mind being the messenger even when people try to kill our spirits.

No matter where we live we will be challenged is the need to take sides on issues. Some of the issues are complicated and don’t have easy solutions. Some long-standing misunderstandings probably never made sense and never will. They continue to linger because people conjure them up to hide what they think about themselves. Grudge holders have a way of wanting to give you the background about why they don’t like certain individuals or groups. They are even more willing to give you updates about why they continue to hold a grudge. I have to tell those hateful spirits that I am from Philadelphia. I missed the whole thing. Don’t most adults have enough to do and think about anyway?

Dr. LaMar researches, writes, and speaks about mentoring relationships among professional women. She also consults with growing businesses about how personality and processes can affect workplace dynamics. Her books “God Provides The Sacrifice: Women Discuss Making Their Hardest Decision” and “Drama Free Workplace” can be purchased in e-book format and paperback from her web sites or by calling 806-203-4094.
http://www.DrLaMar.com
http://www.DramaFreeWorkplace.com
http://www.PhenomenalWomansGuide.com

Someone recently told me, “You would have to be a stupid to lose your personal information.” While I respectfully responded to this person in the moment, the comment has stuck with me. I present on Identity Theft all over the Western United States, and thought I would respond to this particular individual in writing.

There are multitudes of ways to lose your personal information. You have undoubtedly heard of many of them. Fake web sites, data theft, stealing people’s trash, stealing people’s outgoing mail, check fraud, etc., are just a few of the possibilities for loss of information. Job ads are also being used for Identity Theft. Monster.com ranks fake companies posing as real companies on their web site among their biggest problems.

So, to you who think that it could never happen to you, you might want to read this next sentence twice. No matter how good you are, no matter how vigilant, no matter how much you shred or tear, no matter how many times you go to the post office so that you don’t put outgoing mail in your home mailbox, regardless of how well you can hide in your home, there is no 100% effective defense against Identity Theft. Let me say that again, in case you don’t read it twice. There is NO 100% effective method to defend yourself against identity theft.

Here’s an example of why. Let’s say you want to get health insurance, or auto insurance, or finance a car, etc. etc. etc. Let’s say for purposes of this example that you are trying to get health insurance through your company. This is a relatively simple process, right? Fill out the form, and wait to get the insurance cards in the mail.

What you may not realize is that the insurance agent has taken the form you filled out and submitted it for group health. It is submitted to three different companies for underwriting. So now, the insurance agent and the insurance company has the information from you, the three companies supplying the insurance coverage have the information on you, AND all of the employees at all four points have access to the information. Think about how many employees that might be.

That information is often then passed on to a data warehouse like ChoicePoint, and anyone who has access to ChoicePoint now has access to that information. Who has access to ChoicePoint? I think with the recent news articles, the more appropriate question is, who doesn’t have access to ChoicePoint?

The information is also submitted to your MIB (Medical Information Bureau) file. Anyone who has access to the MIB files, now has access to all of that information. Who has access to the Medical Information Bureau records? Anyone, at any hospital around the United States, who has even a small amount of clearance, has access to the Medical Information Bureau records.

According to John Gardner, co-author or Chicken Soup for the Entrepreneurial Soul, “This makes the Identity Theft Shield, along with a Pre-Paid Legal Services Membership, an absolute must for anyone that’s breathing.”

So to you, sir, who more or less said to me, “You’d have to be stupid to become a victim of Identity Theft!” I wish you my best. If you want to continue thinking that shredding your information is going to protect you, then for you I respectfully choose a phrase used by my friend Larry Smith. “Sometimes, you just can’t fix stupid.”

Jonathan Kraft is Colorado’s foremost expert on computer-related Identity Theft. He has been helping employers and employees to protect themselves from the issues surrounding Identity Theft since long before identity theft reached today’s epidemic proportions. To learn how Mr. Kraft can protect you or your company against the effects of Identity Theft, please call 877 825-7119, or email mailto:jkraft@strive4impact.com. You can also find out more online at http://www.strive4impact.com/idt

Firefly Mobile, released their new pre-paid cell phone at Target for $99. The new phones are marketed to kids and features kid friendly features and options. Cingular features the pre-paid phone that includes the kiddie phone and 30 minutes of cell phone service through Cincinnati Bell.

Firefly CEO Robin Abrams stated, “What parents told us is they want to know who their kids are talking to - and probably even more important, who’s talking to their kids.” The new phones have great kid and parent friendly features. The phone offers a mom and a dad quick button for easy dialing of their parents. There is also a quick 911 button for easy access to emergency operators.

Parents can program 20 other phone numbers in the phone and restrict incoming calls to that list only. Parental access is password protected so kids cannot alter the information and there is not a keypad on the device. The phone also comes in fun color options and features customizable face plates, changeable ringtones, and a “Fireworks” button that when pressed lights the phone up for 30 seconds. There are not any gaming or Internet features on these kiddie phones.

Many other cell phone companies are working on similar releases. Blackberry is working on a kid friendly Blueberry, Grapeberry, and Strawberry’s. Disney and Sprint is also in the works of creating a kid friendly mobile device.

http://www.cellchecker.com

Security or safety? It’s like the chicken or the egg, which came first?

When I was a new in this industry, as a fire inspector, the use of keyed locks or dead bolts were common. It took time and hard work to educate business and property owners about the value of a safe means of egress. We can all list tragedies where inadequate non-compliant means of egress was the cause.

Now we face numerous new security issues from international terrorism to industrial espionage and/or employee dishonesty. No individual involved with these issues should have access to buildings. The question is, which scenario should take precedence over the other? In today’s technologically advanced world, they are all equally important. I don’t think one should take precedence. Safety and security can be achieved with thought and in some cases new technology.

When starting a project the first thing to do is list safety and security measures to accomplish.

Let’s deal with a hypothetical issue. A building owner wants to limit access through rear exit doors. A guard station used to check credentials to allow entry protects the main entrance. The rear exits are locked from the outside, so there can be no entry through the rear doors and the code has no specific requirements for rear exits to be locked from the outside, assuming the rear doors are not required for handicapped or fire department access.

Next the building owner wants to limit egress through rear doors. The code specifically indicates all egress doors shall open from the inside without a key. There is a section for delayed egress locks. In certain groups, this allows the use of specialized hardware. This specialized hardware enables the egress doors to be locked but still allows for egress. The doors unlock if an alarm is activated or power fails. If an occupant attempts to open the door when no alarm is activated, the door will automatically open after a certain period (15 to 30 seconds).

There is no code requirement, which would not allow a security alarm to activate when a door is opened or attempted to be opened from the inside.

The area would also require signage and emergency lights.
In this situation, we have complied with both safety and security objectives. So when considering which comes first, the chicken or egg, we only have to worry about: scrambled or fried.

Richard A. Piccolo is president of B & F Technical Code Services, Inc. With more than 30 years in the building code and fire industry, Mr. Piccolo is a Master Code Professional, a Certified Building Official, a Certified Fire Official, a Certified Property Maintenance Inspector, a Certified Building Inspector, a Certified Plans Examiner, an Illinois Certified Fire Inspector and a Certified Firefighter III. He has helped write building and fire codes for the state of Illinois as well as a number of municipalities.

Yule: A Celebration of Light & Warmth
Author: Dorothy Morrison
Trade Paperback, 198 pages
Publisher: Llewellyn
Publication date: September 2000
ISBN: 1567184960
More Information:
http://www.ecauldron.com/cncbook.php?asin=1567184960

Yule is one of my favorite holidays and Dorothy Morrison is one of my favorite writers, so I was looking forward to this book from the moment I heard about it. While is it not the practically perfect in all respects book I might wish for, it is a very worthy addition to my library.

Yule: A Celebration of Light & Warmth isn’t a book for people who want to sit in their armchair and passively read and absorb knowledge. It’s a book for people who want to DO. The greater part of this book is Yule activities. You’ll find chapters full of craft instructions: decorations for home and tree (over 30 projects), quick and easy handmade presents (over 20 projects), Yule party ideas, and Yule recipes (over 30 from around the world).

Some of the decorating projects include mistletoe balls, place mats, wreaths, herbal ornaments, and snow balls. Gift projects include pine cone fire starters, scented mug coasters, herbal tea baskets, potpourri lamps, amulet bags, and friendship eggs. Most of these projects use common, affordable materials and are designed to be child-friendly. As your artistically-challenged reviewer believes he could not only manage, but enjoy making, most of these projects, just about anyone able to read and follow directions should be able to as well. If you have school age children and want to stress the holiday season instead of the buying season, this book is wonderful.

The first part of Yule: A Celebration of Light & Warmth discusses the Yule season’s history and symbols. Unfortunately, some of the information presented here seems as faulty as what I see in non-Pagan books on the holiday season. Given that almost every book on the subject states legends as fact, however, it’s really hard to fault Yule for these problems. Besides, the information is fun and interesting even if there is more of legend than fact present in some sections.

Aside from such minor factual flaws, the only really serious problem is that the book ends. Yule: A Celebration of Light & Warmth is an easy to read and enjoyable book of Yule season activities and projects. This book a wonderful source of Pagan-oriented holiday activities for children young or old in any Pagan household. (The recipe for hot buttered rum isn’t bad either.) If you enjoy this book as much as I do, you’ll probably be hoping for a second volume for some future Yule season.

This review is one of hundreds of reviews of Pagan, Wiccan, occult, and metaphysical books in The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum’s Books and Reviews section at http://www.ecauldron.com/bookstore.php.

About the Author

Randall Sapphire is the founder and co-host of The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum ( http://www.ecauldron.com/ ), a popular Pagan Interfaith web site and message board. He is also an editor at The Cheap Web Hosting Report ( http://www.cheapwebhostingreport.com/ ) and webmaster for a number of other sites.

Can two walk together unless they have agreed to do so? - Amos 3:3

What does it mean to “Walk with Jesus?”

One paraphrased version of this verse from Amos says, “How can we walk together with your sins between us?”

A. W. Tozer once wrote regarding spiritual perfection, “Is there anyone for spiritual perfection?”

This theme of the possibility of being spiritually mature, or “perfect” as Paul puts it, makes many nervous. Many see Christianity as partly religion, partly social fun, partly group therapy. Is it fanaticism to want to press on until you can perfectly love God, perfectly praise Him, and perfectly love other people? Is it fanaticism to want to live daily in the perfect will of God?

Throughout the Old and New Testaments we see those with a hunger to know God and to follow Him. In the New Testament we see that in the life of Paul, and the disciples throughout the book of Acts. Why are we so distracted today?

Many Christians today are not joyful because they are living sub-Christian lives. They are not joyful because they are not Holy persons, and they are not Holy persons because they are not filled with the Holy Spirit. They are not filled with the Holy Spirit because they still want to live with one foot, or both feet, planted in the World. What is even worse is that many Christians living in this condition will defend their choices, their flaws, their weaknesses, and their defeats. They will defend with great emotion their “right” to cling to the world.

Many people followed Jesus. At times the crowds numbered in the thousands. At times, the crowds even wanted to make Him their King. However, when Jesus declared that it was necessary to turn away from sin, to make Him the Lord in their lives, and to give their very life for Him, the crowds left Jesus as fast as they could, leaving only a few remaining. Not many are actually willing to follow Jesus.

The truth is that among those who are saved, not just pretending to be saved, or wishing they were saved, but among those who are actually followers of Christ, not many are willing to “sell their soul to Jesus,” to give themselves 100% to Him.

Can two walk together unless they have agreed to do so? - Amos 3:3

What does it mean to “Walk with Jesus?”

In order to walk with Jesus, you must agree with Him. You must agree with Him about where you are going, and about how to get there. You must agree with Him about where to walk, and about how fast to walk. You must walk with Him. He will not compromise with you.

Douglas Cowan, Psy.D., is a family therapist who has been working with ADHD children and their families since 1986. He is the clinical director of the ADHD Information Library’s family of seven web sites, including http://www.newideas.net, helping over 350,000 parents and teachers learn more about ADHD each year. Dr. Cowan also serves on the Medical Advisory Board of VAXA International of Tampa, FL., is President of the Board of Directors for KAXL 88.3 FM in central California, and is President of NewIdeas.net Incorporated.