Audio conferencing, a communications management tool

When you're working on an important project, nothing beats face-to-face meetings to keep the project moving and on schedule...if you're living in the perfect world. For most of us in the workforce, the world is not perfect and life comes at you fast.

Projects require meetings to communicate, especially if there are a number of team members involved. If you're working on a long project, your organization may need a series of meetings to communicate planning updates, expectations of team members, and troubleshoot possible issues.

Audio conferencing allows several parties to connect using devices, such as phones or computers. This technology offers a solution to parties who are separated by distance and don't have the luxury of travel time.

Audio conferencing is great, and even necessary, if you have a multitude of team members working at various locations. These events may also be referred to as a conference calls. High-quality technical support is important so that you can concentrate on the meeting. If you're in the market for a service provider, look for one that:

• offers toll-free access
• provides access to the conference bridge 24/7
• offers round-the-clock tech support
• accommodates a large number of participants

Various technologies exist to support conference calls and audio conferencing. At the very least, telephone companies offer three-way calling, which allows you and two other people to chat at the same time. For larger groups involving dozens of people, seek a company that has sophisticated, yet user-friendly service.

Your event may require the Internet. Make sure the company has a proven track record for providing good meeting experiences.

Funeral homes offer webcasting

High tech has come to the multi-billion-dollar funeral home industry. Crematories are being equipped with touch screen controls. Quick response bar codes are being chiseled onto headstones for visitors to decipher using their smartphones.

In addition, funerals are being streamed online for friends and family members anywhere in the world. For friends and relatives who cannot attend services in person, the option allows loved ones to tune in to services on the Internet.

U.S. mortuaries aren't the only ones using this technology. Beliefnet.com reports that a funeral home in Wales is offering online services for $123 per viewer.

Source: New York Times

Tackling stock market turbulance

On Tuesday the Federal Reserve announced it would keep interest rates low over the next two years in an effort to rejuvenate the stock market. Today Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke dropped by the White House for his third meeting this year with the president.

For the past several days, investors have suffered a roller coaster ride and a stock market slump. When Standard and Poors downgraded the U.S. credit rating, it just added to fretful times. When the The Dow Jones Industrial average dropped 600 points in one day, it was enough scare anyone. Factor in new concerns about Europe's debt crisis. Suddenly, it's as if the stock trading world went from bliss to distress at the flip of a switch.

When it comes to online trading, focused investors find ways to stay in the game, even during turbulent times. Now might be a good time to consider Firstrade, a leading discount online broker. Firstrade makes it possible for investors, beginners and veterans, to survive and enjoy the trading process. This online broker arms investors with first-class technology and a full line of investment products and tools. Attached 24/7 to your smartphone? Trade on the go with mobile trading solutions.

Firstrade allows customers to research companies and stock reports before these customers make investing decisions. Plan your individual retirement accounts (IRA accounts) with IRA retirement, education and investment calculators. Those interested in diversifying their portfolios with mutual funds can choose from more than 11,000 funds. In addition, an online community exists for shareholders who enjoy social networking.

Interested in taking control of your financial future? Add Firstrade to your team.


Sponsored Post - Original Content Created by Media by Sistrunk

A few thoughts on geography

"Children can take lessons in that school via the Internet and can score extra points like in geography or history. That sounds very promising and is a fantastic basis for future steps."
-- Anatoly Karpov

"Coming out involves varying degrees of difficulty that are affected by class, race, religion, and geography."
-- Lance Loud

"Everything has to do with geography."
-- Judy Martz

"Geography has made us neighbors. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners, and necessity has made us allies. Those whom God has so joined together, let no man put asunder."
-- John F. Kennedy

European tours

I've reached a stage in my life when I want to travel more. For years I've dreamed of going on a few Europe tours. Countries that intrigue me include Spain and Portugal. Exploring the Iberian Peninsula might include checking out the world famous Prado Museum in Madrid, and touring the Moorish Alfama Quarter in Lisbon.

For the romantic in me, I wouldn't pass up an opportunity to visit France. I also see Italy tours in my future. In Italy I'd rather tour the roads less traveled. One relaxing and colorful possibility: checking out the country roads of Tuscany and Umbria. I've love to slow down and discover some of Italy's smaller towns. Perhaps I'd even get a chance to explore a restored palace. Sampling Tuscan cuisine would definitely be on my must-do list.

Our own country has some beautiful destinations. My friend Jim, who travels extensively, has nothing but praise for Alaska tours. I've seen the photos he has taken. The landscape is simply breathtaking. From what I hear, my itinerary should include riding the Denali Express train so that I can experience the spectacular scenery where wildlife thrives.

As long as I'm checking out the western United States, I might as well enjoy the tropical climate promised by our youngest state, Hawaii. Everyone I know who has traveled there tells me that I must make this trip. I hear that each island offers unique experiences. A trip to paradise works for me.

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Cultural exploration

Shorten the word "anthropology." Take it traveling, and put it on the Internet. Spice it up with cultural immersion and exploration. The formula puts a new spin on travel journalism. Explore Pology Magazine.

Tags: Travel Writing, Culture, Magazines, Journalism, Media by Sistrunk

Discover the Net10 difference

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Net10 for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

For many of us, cell phones have become an integral part of our lives. Mobile phones keep us in contact with our family. Thanks to the technology, we can contact our spouses at the supermarket if we left something off the grocery list. Kids can call their parents when they arrive safely at their destination. Even people who have been holdouts -- those who have voiced their opposition to cell phones -- are rethinking the value of mobile technology.

Recently, I had lunch with a longtime friend -- an attorney in private practice -- who has been saying for years that cell phones have no place in her life. Imagine my surprise when I saw a cell phone sitting next to her at the restaurant.

If you're thinking about changing cell phone carriers because of high bills, surprises on your statement or poor customer service, you'll find an alternative with the Net10 Unlimited Plan. It just might help you see the Light.

In the work that I do, clients want a way to get in touch with me at a moment's notice. There are times when I need to contact them at the drop of a hat, also.

On a personal level, my kids have moments when they need instant access to mom. I live on a budget, and I'm not one of those people who wants to spend close to $100 a month for cell phone usage. For people like me, the Net 10 Unlimited plan is worth considering. This plan offers national coverage, no contract, unlimited minutes, text and data usage for $50.00 per month. My children pay from $20 to $30 a month more unlimited plans with another carrier.

Here's how it works:

1. Buy and activate your Net10 phone. (Phones, by the way, come from major manufacturers you've become accustomed to.)

2. Test your Net10 phone.

3. Add airtime (when needed) before the service end date displayed on your phone.

4. Learn how easy it is to add air time.

By the way, minutes carry over to the next month.

If you are considering a switch to another company, take the time to hear from a real NET10 customer. Log on to Net10.com to see the company's various offerings. It's likely you'll find a plan tailor-made for you.

FCC focuses on "cramming" crackdown

Opening the cell phone bill can be an ugly and dark experience. Over the years, these invoices have gained notoriety for being complex and cryptic. Many cell phone users have reluctantly paid invoices that contained services and fees without understanding all the charges. That could change soon. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is proposing new rules to crack down on a loathsome scam known as "cramming."

Cramming refers those long, hard-to-understand bills that wireless and phone companies send. According to an editorial this week in the Chicago Sun-Times:

As many as 20 million people are “crammed” each year by third-party companies, some of which do nothing but cram, but only about one in 20 customers realizes it, according to the FCC. The bogus charges can be for anything from psychic hotlines to diet programs, often misleadingly labeled as a “service fee.”

The Senate Commerce Committee estimates Americans pay about $2 billion in mystery fees every year. Phone companies have little incentive to stop the charges because they get a cut of the revenues.

The FCC wants to increase phone bill transparency and disclosure, which will apply to mobile as well as landline phone bills.

Read PCMag.com for more.

The world of headsets

When I began my academic and professional career simultaneously, I had no idea how much technology would impact my life. Without technology, radio and television news would not exist. In radio, headsets were just as important as my voice.

Today we use such equipment for business and leisure. Plantronics headsets offer a myriad of products to address communications solutions: computer headsets, office and call center headsets, mobile devices, residential headsets, and even equipment for aviation use.

When it comes to technology savvy, my kids go to the top of the class. They're young adults now. Both have toiled in call centers while connected to headsets, a computer and a desk. Both of my children also relax playing computer games. They're old pros when it comes to using headsets to augment their gaming experience. I'm not a true gamer, but I do enjoy the freedom wireless headsets give me at home, where I'm often multitasking.

When I ran a communications department for a major nonprofit, I required all staff to use headsets. For each of us, the standard work day included heavy telephone work and lots of writing. When all staff members began using headsets, we saw significant increase in productivity.

Many of us today rely on Bluetooth technology. The Bluetooth represents another opportunity for an invaluable hands-free experience.

If you use any type of headset on a daily basis, you're going to need accessories. Plantronics accessories fit the bill. Check out HeadsetHome.com for details.