Use your Computer to make Cheap Long-Distance Telephone Calls

What is 'VoIP'?

Simply put, VoIP refers to the carriage of voice signals over the Internet. PC to Phone VoIP refers to using your 'Internet-connected' computer to make calls to conventional telephones around the world. Whereas traditional telephone calls take place over fixed line 'circuit switched' networks, VoIP calls are routed through the Internet using a far more efficient method known as 'packet switching'. Whilst carrying voice data more efficiently via the Internet is a benefit, the main advantage that VoIP has is one of cost. For example, a typical PC to Phone VoIP call to a telephone in the United States from anywhere in the world generally runs at just a few cents per minute. Keep in mind, the clarity/quality of PC to Phone calls is usually as good and in many cases better than that of a comparable Phone to Phone call.

How can it be so cheap?

Herein lies the beauty of PC to Phone calls. By using the Internet to route your calls, long-distance charges imposed upon you by the major telecommunications companies (Bell, Sprint, AT&T, etc) are all but eliminated. Furthermore, many of the governmental levies and fees associated with using the highly regulated 'traditional' telephone networks are also avoided. The result? Extremely cheap, long distance calling to conventional telephones around the world with little or no loss of call quality.

So how does it work?

In a typical PC to Phone call, your computer receives your voice input via a microphone and then translates your voice into a 'data packet'. This packet of data is then transmitted via the Internet to as close as possible to the physical destination of the telephone you're calling. Your voice 'data packet' is then switched to the conventional telephone network and routed to the phone that you are calling. All of this data transmission, translation and switching takes place transparently and extremely quickly. Chances are that the person whom you're calling would have no idea that you're talking to them using your computer.

So what do you need?

In order to start making long-distance telephone calls using your computer, you'll need a computer that's connected to the Internet, a microphone and speakers (a headset with a boom microphone is ideal). It's worth mentioning that although there are several companies that support both the Linux and Macintosh platforms (e.g., www.skype.com), the vast majority of PC to Phone software is designed for use on Windows' compatible PCs. As far as your Internet connection goes, the faster the better (e.g., high speed Cable or ADSL). However, PC to Phone does also work on dial-up Internet connections (the way I access the Internet).

The next thing to do is choose a PC to Phone Service Provider. These are the companies that provide the software and infrastructure necessary for you to make calls to conventional telephones via the Internet. There are many Service Providers and each have their own benefits and rates so it's a good idea to shop around. Almost all of them allow for pay-as-you-go usage (i.e., on a per minute basis) however some also offer unlimited calling plans to certain destinations for a low monthly fee. Some of the better known Providers include

net2phone.com

iconnecthere.com

skype.com

Once you've chosen a Service Provider, you'll need to open an account and deposit funds into that account. If you're reluctant to use your credit card online, many of the PC to Phone companies offer alternative forms of payment (e.g., PayPal, direct deposit, wire transfer, etc.). Next, you'll need to download the 'softphone' application from your service provider. A softphone is merely the interface program through which you dial the number of the person you're calling and usually only takes a few minutes to download on even the slowest 'dial-up' Internet connections. Softphones generally resemble the keypad on conventional telephones and work in much the same way. Depending on your service provider, the manner in which you 'dial out' will vary. Typically, the softphone will take into account where you are in the world and adjust the dialing settings accordingly. In other words, you'd dial the exact same series of numbers into the softphone that you would if you were using a conventional telephone.

Once you've made a few calls to friends and family around the world using your computer, you'll quickly realize the fantastic cost advantages of making 'PC to Phone' calls versus 'Phone to Phone' calls.

So what's the catch?

Whilst PC to Phone is terrific, it isn't perfect. There are some disadvantages that you should be aware of and these include:

a) Quality: If you access the Internet via a 'dial-up' connection (i.e., through a normal telephone line), you may experience call quality degradation if you are surfing the web and talking to someone via PC to Phone at the same time. In other words, the 'bandwidth' or 'capacity of your Internet connection' may be limited and this could affect your calling ability.

b) Echo: If you're using computer speakers to hear the person you're talking to, that person may hear an 'echo' of their own voice. This happens for reasons similar to that encountered with the 'speakerphone' function on conventional telephones. At the same time as you hear that person's voice coming through your computer speakers, your microphone will also detect the voice and re-transmit the signal back to the person you're talking to. This 'echo' can easily be avoided by using either a computer headset or by turning your speaker volume down so as to minimize the chance of your microphone picking up and retransmitting the incoming voice signals.

c) Cost: If you're calling relatively small and/or remote countries, you should check the rates of the PC to Phone Service Providers' to those countries before signing up for their PC to Phone service. For example, calling a country like Fiji in the Pacific Ocean is almost as expensive using PC to Phone as it is using a conventional telephone. The reason for these high rates to certain countries is usually due to the PC to Phone Service Provider not having the necessary switching equipment (required for switching your call back to the traditional telephone network from the Internet) physically located in that country. In these scenarios, your calls are routed through the traditional telephone network for a good proportion of the distance they travel and as such they attract many of the long-distance charges that the traditional networks impose. If you'd like to call one country in particular, it's definitely worth shopping around to find out whether prospective PC to Phone companies have the necessary switching equipment located in that country (and hence, can pass on the savings to you in the form of cheaper rates).

So give PC to Phone a try. You've really nothing to lose and have the potential to save yourself a lot of money.

Nathan Smith

Nathan is the operator of http://www.netphonedirectory.com - a directory of PC to Phone and free PC to PC VoIP Service Providers. Nathan currently resides in New Brunswick, Canada

Understanding the Gospel of Matthew and Why it Matters - Part 7

Matthew 2:19-23
The Return to Nazareth

19 But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

20 saying, "Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead."

21 And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.

22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee.

23 And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled: "He shall be called a Nazarene."

The Death of King Herod (v.19-20)

As you remember, Joseph was warned by an angel in a dream to take his family and flee to Egypt, for Jesus' life was in danger. Probably using the gifts of the wise men to finance the trip, Joseph, Mary, and the baby came to the African nation and settled into their temporary home. At this time there were many Jews in Egypt ? Alexander the Great had allotted land specifically for them when he planned his city Alexandria ? and they even had their own temple there. Joseph may have attempted to earn some income using his carpentry skills, or doing odd jobs for other Jews. The wait in Egypt was not a long one, however, for in just a few months King Herod had died.

The disease that afflicted King Herod at the end of his life was awful and fitting for such a cruel man:

"But now Herod's distemper greatly increased upon him after a severe manner, and this by God's judgment upon him for his sins: for a fire glowed in him slowly, which did not so much appear to the touch outwardly, as it augmented his pains inwardly; for it brought upon him a vehement appetite to eating, which he could not avoid to supply with one sort of food or other. His entrails were also exulcerated, and the chief violence of his pain lay on his colon; an aqueous and transparent liquor also had settled itself about his feet, and a like matter afflicted him at the bottom of his belly. Nay, further, his privy-member was putrified, and produced worms; and when he sat upright, he had a difficulty of breathing, which was very loathsome, on account of the stench of his breath and the quickness of its return; he had also convulsions in all parts of his body?"

King Herod's son Antipater would have been the rightful heir to the throne, but Herod, in a maliciousness that was typical of his life, ordered that he be killed. Five days after the death of this son, King Herod himself died. Thus, the angel could say to Joseph, "those who sought the child's life are dead."

The Return to Israel (v.21-22)

After Antipater had been slain, and shortly before dying, King Herod ordered that his kingdom should be divided and placed under his remaining three sons. Idumea, Samaria, and Judea were given to Archelaus, Galilee and Berea were given to Antipas, and the northern lands of Gaulonitis, Trachonitis, and Paneas were given to Philip.

Joseph's original plan seems to have been to return to Bethlehem, where he and Mary both had family. Yet upon hearing that Archelaus, who was known to have inherited the evil nature of his father, was ruling over Judea (which included Bethlehem and Jerusalem), Joseph heeded a warning from God and passed through Archelaus' lands to the region of Galilee. The ruler in Galilee ? Herod Antipas ? was not exactly a model of integrity and moral soundness, but at least he was not the type that would likely pursue the death of Jesus as his father did.

Thus, Joseph returned to his former home of Nazareth, this time with a family in tow.

The Sixth Fulfilled Prophecy (v.23)

As you might suspect by now, even this part of Jesus' life fulfilled a Messianic prophecy. Unlike the other prophecies that we have seen fulfilled, however, this particular prophecy is not recorded in our Bibles. Certainly many of the prophecies spoken in Israel were not included in the Scriptures, and this seems to be one of them. However, it appears that this prediction was made by more than one prophet, and it would have been well known among the people of Israel.

In two chapters of Matthew's gospel, we have already seen six prophecies fulfilled. As a review, here they are again:

1. The Messiah would be an heir of David.
2. The Messiah would be born of a virgin.
3. The Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.
4. The Messiah would be called out of Egypt.
5. The Messiah's birthplace would experience pain.
6. The Messiah would be called a Nazarene.

The lesson here is simple: what God says will happen will happen. He is completely trustworthy. When God makes a promise, you can take it to the bank. Our faith is not in a flimsy God who may or may not keep His Word. Instead, our faith is in the rock-solid guarantee that our God will prove Himself faithful to us, and that He our souls are secure in His care.

Jesus: A Model of Humility

One lesson we can learn from our Master as we consider these past two chapters is that Jesus was truly a model of humility. We see this in at least two ways:

First, we see the humility of Jesus in that He was willing to come to earth as a child. In doing so, he went from absolute power to absolute helplessness. The Jesus that ruled the world became a fetus, then a baby, then a toddler ? completely dependent on the care of a twelve year old girl and her teenage husband.

Of course, the Father was still sovereign and would never have allowed His plan to be thwarted. Jesus was to live blamelessly for thirty-three years and die on a cross for the sins of the world. God's providence would not permit any accidents that might prevent that from happening.

Yet while the Father was still in absolute control, Jesus "made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." Second, we see an incredible example of humility in that Jesus was to be called "a Nazarene." He could have been brought up among the philosophical elite of Athens, the powerful leaders of Rome, or the religious heritage of Jerusalem. Yet God ordained for His Son to grow up in a town of about 500 people with no honor or prestige.

Indeed, Nazareth was just the opposite. It was a military post town on the outskirts of a larger city (Sepphoris), and like many military towns was known for its debauchery. Wine and women were the token of the city. It is no surprise, then, that when Philip from Bethsaida found Nathaniel and declared that he had found the Messiah, and that He was Jesus of Nazareth, Nathaniel replied: "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Jesus modeled humility in many ways as He grew into manhood in the town of Nazareth:

1. Jesus was a peasant. The richest being in all the universe made Himself one of the poorest!

2. Jesus was a worker. Rather than being a wealthy man with servants and enjoying a luxurious life on earth, He became a simple carpenter. Jesus was a blue-collar worker who was not afraid to sweat and knew what it meant to put in a hard days work.

3. Jesus spent His young life surrounded by uniquely sinful people. Though Joseph and Mary certainly sought to create a home of devout faith for Jesus, they could not shelter Him from the environment of drunkenness and fornication that permeated their town. Jesus knew temptation, even before the 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness! Jesus was a teenager. He felt the desire to lust, to be angry, and to disrespect his parents. Indeed, He endured these temptations to a greater degree than most Christians, because He did not give in as we do. Many Christians are spiritual wimps, and cannot endure more than a few minutes of powerful temptation before giving in. Jesus never gave in, and therefore experienced an intensity of battling temptation that many believers have never encountered.

4. Jesus modeled humility by living a life that included real pain. He almost certainly experienced the physical pain of having His finger smashed by hammer, but He also experienced the emotional pain of losing His step-father. Sometime between age 12 and 30, Jesus became the man of the house. How Joseph died is unknown, but throughout the remainder of Matthew's gospel Mary will be treated as a widow, indicating that he was somehow tragically taken from his family.

Why did Jesus, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, humble Himself to this kind of life? He did it for us, to obtain the righteousness we could not obtain. His perfect life of thirty three years is foundational to our salvation. When Jesus was on the cross, God treated Him as if He had lived your life; once you've placed your faith in Jesus, God treats you as if you have lived His life. Jesus' grades are on your report card. The Apostle Paul once said, "For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ?"

Without this imputed righteousness, the Holy Spirit would not be living inside of you, performing His work of sanctification. Without this imputed righteousness, you would have no hope of heaven. Jesus' life of humility was for you.

Jesus' life of humility was also for His Father. It was Jesus' passionate love for His Father that caused Him to submit to the divine plan. Jesus once said, "I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of Him who sent me." That was Jesus' ultimate purpose in living and dying, namely, to do what He must to see His Father glorified. Jesus is the most God-centered person that ever lived, and thus He was also the most humble.

What About You?

Would you consider yourself a humble person? The question is a trap ? whatever you answer you come across as being prideful. Yet we have been called by our Master's example to seek humility. Why? Just as Jesus humbled Himself that we might be saved, we ought to be humble because we are saved. For example, if any Christian would take a few moments to meditate deeply on what the Bible says we were saved from, humility would naturally arise in the heart. The incredible reality that we were dead in our transgressions and sins, living a self-destructive life of dangerous pursuits, and deserving of eternal punishment should quickly end any inclinations we might have to boast.

Furthermore, if we would take a few moments to consider how we were saved, humility would be nurtured in us. Before we were born, God chose us! While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us! The only reason we are saved is because we believe on Christ, and even that faith is a gift from God, unattainable without His gift of regeneration. There is nothing that we can boast of in our salvation. We have been saved by grace and grace alone. Therefore, we have no right to look down upon those who still live in their sin, as if we are better than them. We are no better at all ? only forgiven! Christians ought to be the most humble people in the world! We ought also to pursue humility because it is only through humble people that God is glorified. God is not honored by believers who boast of themselves rather than Him. To be a Christian is to be completely enthralled with His goodness and mercy, and to proclaim His wonders to the world. Such is the meaning of Paul in paraphrasing the prophet Jeremiah: "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."

The truth is that this is who we were created to be: lovers of God. We will never know true joy if we pursue it through love for ourselves. The greatest happiness in the world is to be so enraptured by God that boasting of Him is the natural outpouring of your heart.

A Test for Humility

As you consider your own life and whether or not you are imitating Jesus' example of humility, take some time to meditate on the following questions.

1. Is your heart empty of all arrogant thoughts?

2. Are you quick to boast about yourself to others?

3. Do you consider others better than yourself?

4. Do you take credit for your achievements, or do you give the credit where it is due, namely, to God?

5. Is your heart full of God, or full of yourself?

6. Are you a complainer? How is your complaining evidence of pride?

7. Are you quick to point the finger at others' faults?

8. Are you always willing and ready to receive reproof from others, or do you hate reproach?

9. Are you willing to be with people of all races, classes, and ethnic backgrounds, or do you consider yourself above certain groups of people?

10. Is there any trace of prideful, self-love hidden in your heart?

Justin Nale is pastor of Mount Hermon Missionary Baptist Church, a Southern Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, NC - http://www.mhmbc.org

Top 10 Ways to Maximize Your Approachability

After reading and researching thousands of books, articles and other resources on communication, first impressions, networking and conversation, I've learned one thing: none of them address what approachability means. Or maybe they just don't take the time to define it, stress its importance and offer suggestions on how to maximize it.

That research was my impetus for writing The Power of Approachability. I wanted to give people a clear picture of what the idea meant, along with many small tips and suggestions to put that idea to use ? one conversation at a time.

So, straight from the pages of the book, here are my Top Ten Ways to Maximize Your Approachability.

Ready to Engage
The word approachability derives from the Latin verb appropriare, which means "to come nearer to." Interesting. It doesn't say anything about the approach-er or the approach-ee. Just "to come nearer to." So the first idea to remember is that approachability is a two way street. It's both you stepping onto someone else's front porch; and you inviting someone to step onto your front porch.

Although this article will address both sides of the street, here's an example of the former. When you arrive at a meeting, event, party or anywhere in which many conversations will take place, prepare yourself. Be "ready to engage" with conversation topics, questions and stories in the back of your mind ready to go as soon as you meet someone. This will help you avoid those awkward "How's the weather" type of discussions.

CPI
This acronym stands for the Common Point of Interest. It's an essential element to every conversation and interaction. Your duty, as you meet new people, or even as you talk with those you already know, is to discover the CPI as soon as possible. It connects people to you. It allows them to feel more comfortable talking to you. And it increases your approachability inasmuch as people will be magnetized to you due to the commonality you share.

A great tip is to ask the right type of questions. Similar to our first example, "ready to engage," you don't want to ask people about the weather. You can do better than that! Instead, ask questions that begin with "What's your favorite?" "Tell me the best?" or "When was the last time?" The CPI is almost guaranteed to be discovered.

Flavored Answers
In the event that one of those Fruitless Questions like "How's it going?" "What's up?" or "How are you?" comes up, don't fall into the F.I.N.E. trap. In fact, fine isn't even a word. No, seriously! I looked the word up in 23 different dictionaries and it wasn't listed! Upon further research I discovered that F.I.N.E. is an acronym for "Feelings I'm Not Expressing."

A great technique is to offer a Flavored Answer to a Fruitless Question. Instead of "fine," try "Amazing!" "Any better and I'd be twins!" or "Everything is beautiful." Your conversation partner will instantly change his or her demeanor as they smile and, most of the time, inquirer further to find out what made you say that answer. Because nobody expects it. And offering a true response to magnify the way you feel is a perfect way to share yourself with others, or "make yourself personally available" to others.

Don't Cross Your Arms
Even if it's cold, even if you're bored, even if you're tired and don't want to be there ? don't cross your arms. It's such a simple, subconscious non-verbal cue that too many people practice and it hinders their approachability.

As a result, people won't want to "bother" you. They will form the impression that you are defensive, nervous, judgmental, close minded or skeptical. Honestly, would you want to approach someone like that? I know I wouldn't.

Don't Assume
Every time you assume, you end up making an ? yeah, yeah, yeah ? we get it. Or do we? How many times have we uttered one of the following sentences, only to be stricken with a terrible case of Foot-In-Mouth Disease?

You must be new here?

How's work going?

Do you remember me?

Remember, just because someone walks in whom you've never seen before ? doesn't mean he's new. Or just because you're at a networking meeting ? doesn't mean everyone in attendance has a job. And believe me, not everyone you remember ? remembers you.

Approachability is a function of comfort, so it's important to sidestep these moments of embarrassment with Success Sentences. These are phrases that allow the other person to offer you're the information you need to know. Examples include, "I'm not sure we've met before," "What are you working on this week?" and "I'm Scott, we met last month at the Chamber meeting."

Options for Communication
Your friends, colleagues, customers and coworkers will chose to communicate with you in different ways. Some will choose face to face, some will email, others will call, while others will do a little of everything. The bottom line is: make all of them available. On your business cards, email signatures, websites or marketing materials, let people know that can get in touch with you in whatever manner they choose. Sure, you might prefer email. But what matters most is the comfort of the other person and their ability to communicate effectively.

A good idea is to give people as many options to contact you as possible. There's nothing more annoying to a "phone person" than when she discovers she can't get a hold of you unless she emails you.

Email Signature
Whatever program you use for email - Outlook, Eudora, Yahoo, Hotmail - find out how to customize your signature. There's nothing more frustrating than receiving an email from someone who wants to talk further, get together or have you send them something that doesn't have any personal information in the email. So at the end of every email you send, always cross reference the following information:

Name

Title

Company/Organization

Mailing address

At least two phone numbers

Fax number

Email address

Website

A sentence or two about yourself, your company or your job

Think of it this way: have you ever received a handwritten letter from someone that had no return address stamped on the envelope?

Always Have Business Cards
Have you ever told a story about a successful, serendipitous business encounter that ended with the phrase, "Thank God I had one of my business cards with me that day!"? If so, great! You're practicing approachability by being "easy to reach."

If not, you've no doubt missed out on valuable relationships and opportunities. And it happens ? people forget cards, get their supply reprinted or change jobs. But the bottom line is; there is a time and place for networking: ANY time and ANY place. Because you just never know whom you might meet.

No Fear
They won't say hello back to me. They won't be interested in me. I will make a fool of myself.

This is the number one reason people don't start conversations. However, practice will make this fear fade away. The more you often you start conversations, the better you will become at it. So, be the first to introduce yourself or say hello. When you take an active instead of a passive role, your skills will develop and there will be less of a chance for rejection. Also understand the gains vs. losses. For example, what's so bad about a rejection from someone you don't even know?

Wear Your Nametag
I've heard every possible complaint about wearing nametags, and all of them can be validated. Case in point:

Nametags look silly ? yes, they do. But remember, everyone else is wearing them too.

Nametags ruin my clothes ? not if you wear them on the edge of your lapel or use cloth-safe connectors like lanyards and plastic clips.

But I already know everybody ? no you don't. You may think you do, but new people come in and out of businesses and organizations all the time.

But everyone already knows me ? no they don't. Even the best networkers know there's always someone new to meet.

Your nametag is your best friend for several reasons. First of all, a person's name is the single context of human memory most forgotten. And people are less likely to approach you if they don't know (or forgot) your name. Secondly, it's free advertising for you and your company. Third, nametags encourage people to be friendly and more approachable. TRUST me on that one!

? 2005 All Rights Reserved.

Scott Ginsberg is a professional speaker, "The World's Foremost Expert on Nametags" and the author of HELLO my name is Scott and The Power of Approachability. He helps people MAXIMIZE their approachability and become UNFORGETTABLE communicators - one conversation at a time. For more information contact Front Porch Productions at http://www.hellomynameisscott.com.

Sure-Fire Recipe for a Successful Public Relations Career

Without a solid, well-designed foundation, few buildings successfully withstand the ravages of time and weather. And so it is with public relations, ever-dependent upon how well its practitioners understand the discipline.

Yet, some public relations people manage to go through their entire career without a firm grasp of what public relations is all about. Their response to crises, or to requests for well thought-out solutions to public relations problems, reveals a serious lack of understanding. They confuse the basic function of public relations with any number of tactical parts that make up the whole, such as publicity, crisis management or employee relations.

Understandably, they feel unsure in approaching public relations problems, then uncertain about what counsel to give their clients. Many, relying on career-long misconceptions about public relations, forge ahead anyway advising the client ineffectively sometimes with damaging, if not dangerous counsel.

If you are new to the business, grasp early-on The Rosetta Stone of public relations, i.e., a guide to understanding the discipline and its core strength. Namely, people act on their perception of the facts; those perceptions lead to certain behaviors; and something can be done about those perceptions and behaviors that lead to achieving an organization's objectives.

The fact is that NO organization -- business, non-profit, association or public sector -- can succeed today unless the behaviors of its most important audiences are in-sync with the organization's objectives. Which is why, when public relations goes on to successfully create, change or reinforce public opinion by reaching, persuading and moving-to-desired action those people whose behaviors affect the organization, it accomplishes its mission.

By all means discuss public relations' strategic role in any organization with professionals whom you respect. But do it early, do it seriously, and do it now so that you create that solid foundation of understanding about this business that will help you make a meaningful contribution to the field of public relations for many years to come.

Once that foundation of understanding is firmly set, an action pathway begins to appear:

-- identify the problem or challenge
-- identify target audiences
-- set the public relations goal
-- set the public relations strategy
-- prepare persuasive messages
-- select/implement key communications tactics
-- monitor progress
-- and the end game? Meet the behavior modification goal.

A bonus: you are using a near-perfect public relations performance measurement. I mean how can you measure the results of an activity more accurately than when you clearly achieve the goal you set at the beginning of that activity? You can't. It's pure success.

So, if you are a newcomer to the business, can you expect to avoid the pitfalls listed above? Yes, and here's why:

-- With proper preparation, you will not confuse action tactics with the basic mission of public relations because you will know precisely what each is and just what fits where in the public relations problem solving sequence outlined above.

-- You will feel more confident about providing counsel to the employer/client because the public relations problem at hand can be clearly identified allowing you to select solutions that obviously fit into the action sequence above. You will accurately identify your target audiences because you will know exactly who your employer/client wants to reach, and the necessary action tactics will then be self-evident.

-- You realize that you have gone through your entire career WITH a firm, successful grasp of what public relations is all about.

But, on the way you must do everything necessary to reach your target audiences, and to nurture the relationships between those audiences and the employer/client by burnishing the reputation of the organization, its products or services. You'll do your best to persuade those audiences to do what the client/employer wishes them to do. And, while seeking public understanding and acceptance of your client/employer, you'll insure that your joint activities not only comply with the law, but clearly serve the public interest. Then, you will pull-out all tactical stops to actually move those target individuals to action. Your client will be pleased that you have brought matters to this point.

When that client measures your real effectiveness, I suggest that he or she will be fully satisfied with those public relations results only when your "reach, persuade and move-to-desired action" efforts produce a visible, and desired, modification in the behaviors of those people your client/employer wishes to influence. In my view, this is the central, strategic function of public relations and the basic context in which you must pursue that successful public relations career, a lesson best learned at the beginning of your career.

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 ? 2005.

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

Authoritarian Parenting, Permissive Parenting, or Loving Parenting

Angie was brought up by rigid, authoritarian parents who kept her on a tight leash. They rarely considered her feelings about anything, showing a complete lack of empathy and compassion for her feelings and desires. If she came home five minutes late from school or from an activity, she was punished. Yelling and hitting were their favorite forms of punishment.

Angie was a good girl. She did well in school and did what she was told, but was often sad and lonely and never felt important. When she married and had her own children, she knew that she didn't want to treat her children the way she had been treated. She wanted to consider their feelings and needs. She wanted them to feel valued and important.

Angie was a very loving mother. She spent lots of time with her children, playing with them, listening to them, and giving them much affection and approval. However, because it was so vital to Angie that her children feel valued and important, she often put herself aside and gave in to their demands. Because Angie had never felt important, it was easy to put herself aside. She actually believed that her children's feelings and needs were more important than hers. As a result, Angie swung the other way from her own upbringing and became a permissive parent.

The consequences for Angie of authoritarian parenting was that she didn't value herself. The results for her children of permissive parenting was that her children grew up with entitlement issues, thinking they were more important than others, and often not being caring and respectful toward others.

Neither authoritarian nor permissive parenting is loving parenting. Loving parenting is parenting that values both the parents' and the children's feelings and needs. Loving parents do not attempt to control their children ? other than in actual situations of health and safety - nor do they allow their children to control them. They do not violate their children with anger, blame, or hitting, nor do they allow their children to violate them. They do not expect their children to give themselves for others, nor do they give themselves up for their children.

Loving parents are parents who deeply value themselves enough to not worry about being rejected by their children. They are willing to set solid limits on unacceptable behavior and are not available to being manipulated by their children. Their identities are not tied into their children's performance in school or in other activities, such as sports. Nor are their identities tied up in how their children look. They are accepting of who their children are as individuals, even when their children are very different from them. They do not impose their way of being onto their children, yet at the same time they solidly reinforce a value system that includes honesty, integrity, caring, compassion, kindness and empathy.

As much as we want to be loving parents, unless we have done our own inner work to heal our own deep fears of rejection and domination, we will automatically be acting out of these fears without being consciously aware of it. If you grew up with fears of rejection and/or domination, you will automatically protect against these fears in your relationships with your children. You may find yourself trying to control them out of a fear of being controlled or rejected by them. You might be controlling with your anger or with your giving in and giving yourself up. Fears of rejection can manifest with children through trying to control them with anger, or through trying to control their love through giving yourself up to them. Fears of domination can manifest through controlling them with anger or violence to avoid being controlled by them. Insecurities can manifest through attempting to get your children to perform in the way you want in order to define your worth.

In one way or another, whatever is unhealed within you will surface in your behavior with your children. Raising healthy children means first healing the wounded child within you ? the part of you that has your fears and insecurities, and your desire to protect against rejection and domination.

Our society has swung back and forth between authoritarian and permissive parenting and the result of both is far less than desirable. We have only to look at the number of people taking antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, as well as the number of alcoholics and drug addicts, as well as the rise of crime and the number of people in prisons, to know that neither method works to raise healthy individuals.

Perhaps it is time to accept that we need to be in the process of healing ourselves before becoming parents.

About The Author

Margaret Paul, Ph.D. is the best-selling author and co-author of eight books, including "Do I Have To Give Up Me To Be Loved By You?" She is the co-creator of the powerful Inner Bonding healing process. Learn Inner Bonding now! Visit her web site for a FREE Inner Bonding course: http://www.innerbonding.com or mailto:margaret@innerbonding.com. Phone sessions available.

margaret@innerbonding.com

Wireless... Are You Connected?

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

No Income Verification Loans ? When Income Doesnt Show on Paychecks

Financial statements, salaries, income proof, documents, paycheck, W-2 forms, 1099's - there is an exhaustive list of some of the forms that you may require to provide for a loan. Income documentation is not always easy for someone who is self employed or retired or for any person who doesn't have a fixed source of income. You may have high income and assets. Undocumented income can get good gains in the context of tax deductions. However, it might frustrate a loan borrowing attempt because the loan borrowers usually require two to three years of employment proof even for self employed. A no income verification loan can counter this situation when you can't adhere to conventional loan demands.

The no income verification loan are applicable to everyone and not just self employed people. In fact many people apply for no income verification loans for the simple reason that they are processed faster.

No income verification loans have three basic types ? stated income loans, no ratio loans and no document loans or NINA (no income/no asset verification).

Stated income loans are for those who work and draw wages but not regular wages like that from an employer. This no income verification loan works for those who are self employed or those who make their living from commissions and tips. With stated income loans, income for the past two years has to be stated. No any pay stubs or W2 forms but you would have to show some bank statements, tax returns. This no income verification loans require you to reveal debts. For the lender is required to calculate debt to income ratio. That's the percentage of gross income that is used to pay off debt.

The no ratio loan doesn't involve you to declare your income. There is no requirement of tax returns, pay checks, W2 forms. The loan lender doesn't calculate debt to income ratio. But this 'no income verification loan' requires you to list asset like bank balances, property, business ownership, stock and bonds. This no income verification works well for someone who owns more than one dealership. This loan process would prevent you from tedious assembling the papers of various dealerships. Significant change like retirement, job change, divorce, death of a spouse can necessitate no income verification loans.

No income, no asset verification ? otherwise called NINAs require least documentation for their approval. The loan lenders demands are restricted to the name of the borrower, social security number, down payment and the loan amount. This no income verification loans are highly dependent on credit score. If the borrower has good credit score would require lesser documentation. But a borrower can be asked for job details. A continued job for two years is most likely to win the favour of the lender.

Interest rates for no income verification loans are usually higher. The interest rates are dependent on down payment, credit history, the availability of assets and the openness in giving out information about property and job. Credit history is very important. In order to have no income verification loan you are required to have a very good credit history. It is meant for those who have been paying their bills on time. The guidelines for giving no income verification loans vary from lender to lender. Shopping around would win you a favourable deal.

A no income verification loan can sometimes bring document demands from the lender during the loan process. You can prevent this situation by being honest with your loan lender. Talk openly about the documents required for no income verification loan application. Be wary of brokers who ask you to quote false income or credit score to get the loan. In case of default, your income tax copies might be asked and if there is any discrepancy ? you can land up with fraud charges.

No income verification loans are not 'no income verification' in the strictest sense. Yet, they can solve great problems for someone who has difficulty documenting source of earnings. They may come with higher interest rates but they are financially viable for whom paychecks do not mean income.

After having herself gone through the ordeal of loan borrowing, Natasha Anderson understands the need for good quality loan advice. Her articles endeavor to provide you the wise counsel in the most elementary way for the benefit of the readers. She hopes that this will help them to locate the loan that beseems their expectations. She works for the UK secured loan web site uk finance world.To find a Secured or unsecured loan that best suits your needs visit http://www.ukfinanceworld.co.uk

And How Do We Feel This Morning?

Without question, going to the hospital is teamwork from the time you arrive until you are wheeled out the front door. Everyone is working together for the common good of the patient, or at least a crack at his bank account. That is as it should be in such mercenary endeavors.

Spending a few days in the hospital recently reinforced this in my own mind. Although my time in the hospital was brief, I was given the full treatment.

The hospital staff left no bed unturned in the holy quest of my recuperation. No matter what time of night it was, each nurse cooperated in awakening me and asking, "And how do we feel tonight?"

Teamwork is good for a number of things in life. Peanut butter and jelly, ham and eggs, and bologna and cheese are a few things benefiting from cooperation. In each example, one element compliments the other and the combination is greater than each individual part. This is coordination at it finest.

There is a limitation to the so-called cooperation, especially in the environment of the hospital. I don't want to complain, but now that I am out, I feel a little freer expressing my opinion, without fear of any needling from the hospital staff.

I will grant you, nurses are some of the most wonderful people in the world. The job they do is simply marvelous. It is absolutely true that patients could not get along without these nurses.

On the other hand, what would these nurses do without patients?

I don't want to brag here, but if it were not for patients like me (if there are patients like me), nurses would not have a single thing to do in the hospital. Essentially, they owe their job to me. The level of their significance is in direct proportion to the patients they serve.

Not one to belabor a point, (it's hard to do any labor in my condition right now) I think it's about time someone stood up for patient rights. Since I have nothing to do for the next week except recuperate here at home, I am the perfect person to say something about this crucial issue.

The major complaint I have is with the "we-disease" rampant in hospitals across the nation. This "we-disease" syndrome has gotten out of hand and despite all the research, no cure seems looming in the hospital corridors.

Every morning, around 5 o'clock, my nurse came bouncing into my room with the cheeriest of dispositions, completely disregarding my condition at hand and boldly asked, "And how do we feel this morning?"

Even on my best day, 5 o'clock in the morning is not a good time to ask me any question, especially how I'm feeling. If there were any chance that I was feeling good, I certainly would not be in the hospital.

The thing most disturbing to me is the sense on the part of the nurse to personally identify with my pain. Hence, "And how do we feel this morning?"

I object to this vehemently. It is my pain, not "our" pain. I believe each nurse should go and get their own pain. I'm paying a lot for this pain and I deserve all the credit. I do not choose to share my pain with anyone, especially someone with a bubbly orientation so early in the morning.

It's my ailment and I have the right to not only enjoy it but also tell everyone about it. One reason it's so hard to tell people about my ailment is everybody wants to tell me about their own ailments instead.

My hospital room that I'm paying for should be the one place I can indulge my ailment. I should not have to compete with nurses concerning my prevailing ailment. From a casual perusal of medical journals while waiting in the doctor's office, there are more than enough ailments to go around.

This is my ailment and I share it with no person, especially healthy nurses wielding needles and pain pills.

If I hear that phrase, "And how do we feel this morning?" one more time I'm going to throw some business to my favorite funeral home.

A related phrase brought just as much frustration. My good nurse came in one morning and quipped, "And are we having our breakfast this morning?"

Looking at the breakfast tray before me, with barely enough for me, I simply glared at her. If she had any designs of slicing in on my breakfast, blood would flow. I gripped my plastic knife menacingly.

This whole thing came to a head my last morning in the hospital. My evanescent nurse burst into my room and asked, "And are we ready for our bath this morning?" This was the straw that sipped the last drop of patience from my languishing body.

Nothing is more personal to me then "my" bath. I will share my tub with nobody except my rubber ducky.

Getting rest in the hospital is a challenge for the weariest soul. Just when you think you have snuggled down for a snooze, someone asks how you are.

The best rest comes from Jesus Christ who invites everyone to "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30 KJV.)

His inquiry is always welcome and comes at the right time, like now.

Reverend Snyder is currently ministering at the "Family of God Fellowship" in Ocala, Florida. More of his articles are available for reprint at his website: http://www.godspenman.com/ Rev. Snyder is available as a guest speaker. He writes a weekly column and is the author of "Romance Around a Parsonage Fireplace" available at: http://www.jamessnyderministries.com/

Why a Blacklight Will Take Your Night Fishing To A New Level

If You Have Never Used A Blacklight While Night Fishing, You're Missing Out

We all know the benefits of night fishing - bigger catches and calmer waters are just two, however, night fishermen have several challenges that "day time" fishermen do not have to deal with.

One of the most difficult challenges is, of course, being able to see your line to find out if you have had a hit. Here is one way of easily being able to watch your line at night.

Use a blacklight and a fluorescent fishing line.

When fishing at night, it may be a few seconds before you know you have one on the line. By this time, the fish could already be under your boat or have begun it's mad dash to the opposite shoreline.

By using a blacklight, your florescent line will glow in the dark, making it sometimes easier to see your line than during the day. You'll be amazed at how your line lights up in the dark waters.

There are several types of blacklights on the market specifically made for night fishermen. Probably the most popular is the "Stan Sloan" brand. Cabela's also has an Optronics brand blacklight they are selling for about $50.

Just as important as the blacklight is the type of line you use with it.

Berkley makes a great flame green fireline florescent line that works well with blacklight night fishing as well. The reason this particular line works so well is because the florescent coloring is not painted on the line, but rather is chemically mixed into the actual line during production, which means the color lasts much longer than other brands.

P-Line also makes a good fluorescent line that is clear. You will need to test to determine which one works best for you.

The use of a blacklight during night fishing is a common debate among avid fishermen. Some think the black lights may spook certain fish, others couldn't live without using them.

Give it a shot and see for yourself. You may be pleasantly surprised with the results.

Daniel Eggertsen is a long time fishermen, as well as President and Founder of Evening Secret Fishing - (http://www.eveningsecretfishing.com/specialsecret/blacklight.php)

Can Credit Search Entries Affect Your Ability to get Approved for a New Loan in the UK?

About Search Entries:

Every time a lender checks your credit history from your credit file (i.e. each time you apply for a loan), your credit-file will have a record of this. These records are known as search entries. The search entries do not generally say whether you were approved or denied credit, but they do reveal the name of the lender(s) processing previous applications. Lenders automatically impart this information back the credit bureaus and see it as an important tool.

As you can imagine, with this information other lenders can see if you have been applying for many, many loans. The lender dealing with your current application would expect to see a few search entries, but if there are more than, say, 20 in a few months he will be very wary, and may reject your application. (Of course he will be adding one more entry to your credit-file himself in the process!).The original reason for a credit search entry being inserted into credit files was to check for fraud, but lenders have since found much value in watching the habits of consumers applying for credit.

There is no specific number of searches that would cause an application to be turned down flat, but as above, too many unrelated credit searches on your credit file will certainly not be helpful in your quest to get approved for credit.

Limiting credit search entries:

Try to limit search entries by only applying for 1 or 2 loans a month. If you see duplicate searches appearing on your credit file for the same loan, these should be removed. Write to the credit agencies to ensure they are. All searches should expire after 2 years, so check that they are deleted after this time and if not you can insist this is done too.

Once your credit file contains a minimal number of credit search entries then you can be sure that you have the best chance for getting approved for your next loan.

Jack Miles, Author of "The Complete U.K. Credit Repair Guide", produced the guide to help people restore a poor credit rating and enjoy the benefits of good credit. The guide shows subscribers step by step how to repair bad credit history, how loan application forms are scored, how to remove court judgments (CCJ's) and also how to best fill apply for loans to gain the best chance of approval.

For more information please visit The Complete UK Credit Repair Guide at http://www.creditsecrets.co.uk

This article is Copyright 2005 Jack Miles.

Reprint Rights: This article may be reprinted only in full (unedited), and complete with author's name and active links. All other rights reserved.

Branding 101: Why Its Critical to Business Success and How to Do It Right

What's Your Brand?

A brand is a product/company personality that helps distinguish it from the competition. It evolves out of the product essence. So, what's yours? Quality? Service? Price? Whatever it is it's something your marketing must reinforce across all communication channels, from business card to TV spot. Even your office space. You can't brand yourself as a cutting-edge ad agency if your office looks like a law firm. It also shouldn't try to be all things to all people. "The best, cheapest, easiest, most fun" is not a clear brand. Above all, your brand must be truthful.

What's in a Name?

For a start-up or a new product, don't underestimate the value of a good name. Because once you decide, you don't want to change it. A good name should be more than something personal or catchy. It's a key part of your brand identity that must help define your business for a lifetime.

A name should trigger an emotion with your prospects. And not just any emotion, but the right emotion. Huge companies like P&G know this and each year invest millions on testing to attract consumers and build their brands. Knowing this, I'm surprised how many smaller businesses treat naming so casually.

I was once asked about a name that a business owner was considering for his natural gas company. The name sounded like something from the mind of a child. After offering my tempered opinion I asked about the name's genesis. "My 10-year old kid came up with it. I kinda like it," he replied proudly.

Similarly, a European entrepreneur asked me about his product's name: "MiaManna". Any guesses what it is? Something Italian or Spanish perhaps? A bread, maybe? MiaManna is a dried-fruit snack, from Germany. It's actually a terrific, healthy product that deserves a great name. When I suggested he rethink the name, at least for the US market, it was as if I'd insulted his wife. I haven't heard from him since.

One of the catchier names I've seen is "Guzzle". Cool name, right? Well, that would depend on what you're guzzling. Instead of a sports drink, a juice, or beer, Guzzle is ketchup. That's right,ketchup. Clearly, the owner thinks his ketchup is good enough to guzzle.

If it's not obvious, the problem is that it's difficult for business owners to be objective, even for something as seemingly simple as naming their own product. No doubt most day-to-day management decisions aren't fun, so it's not surprising why they get jazzed at the chance to be creative. Unfortunately, you see what can happen. So, if you're a business owner and you really need to name something, name your kid, your dog and your yacht. But when it comes to your business, get the help of an expert.

Follis Fact #1
Anyone crazy enough to be running a businessshould seek professional help.

Knowing your business or product doesn't mean knowing how to market it. As just described, it's disturbing how otherwise savvy business owners can sabotage their marketing effort. Successful owners realize they're not marketing experts. The problem is, they often aren't sure who is. Often because they have an existing relationship with a design firm or PR agency, it's easy to assume (or be convinced) that those same folks can handle advertising and marketing. I've seen it happen too often. If your business needs legal help, hire a lawyer. If it needs financial help, hire an accountant. If it needs office cleaning, hire a cleaning service. So, when it needs marketing help, do yourself a favor and hire some.

Taglines

"Just do it." "We try harder." "The Ultimate Driving Machine." "Be all that you can be." Taglines are one of the best ways of branding a product, service, company, or organization for years. Like these:

Please don't squeeze the Charmin. (since 1964)

A diamond is forever. (since 1948)

All the news that's fit to print. (since 1896)

Another classic case is Avis. When Avis (the # 2 car rental behind Hertz) incorporated the tagline, "We try harder", they not only turned being #2 into a positive, they also gave their company a likeable, underdog personality. To support that company personality, every ad that Avis created evolved from that simple, brilliant, three-word tag about better service. Now, over fifty years later, Avis still uses it. Another example is, "You're in good hands with Allstate." Being "in good hands" conveys a caring, protective personality. Another example is "Think different" for Apple Computer. The line gives Apple the personality of being innovative and above the rest.

So, what else makes a good tagline? A general rule is: The shorter the better. However, if you blindly follow that logic you'll be asking for trouble. You don't want to compromise a great line for brevity. And shorter doesn't always mean more memorable. One of the most famous taglines of all time is 10 words:

With a name like Smucker's, it has to be good.

So, as much as you may try to break creativity down to a formula, you really can't. A great tagline involves the perfect mix of right-brain creativity and left-brain strategic thinking. Both are critical. After all, it doesn't matter how clever it is if it's the wrong message, and it won't matter how strategically smart it is if it's dull.

Like a name, a tagline is something you'll want to live with forever. So, if you decide on getting a tagline, be sure it's great. Because just as a tagline can help your business, a bad one can do the opposite.

(For more Follis branding facts, see booklet info below.)

? 2005 John Follis. All rights reserved.

John Follis is one of the 12 "Best Advertising Minds of New York" as voted by The New York Ad Club. His campaigns are in 3 college textbooks, he has written for ADWEEK, and he has taught at 3 New York universities. Currently, John works on select projects, consults, and speaks. He may be reached at john@follisinc.com

For John's booklet: How to Attract and Excite Your Prospects: A Guide for Getting the Best Marketing Results, visit: http://www.follisinc.com/booklet.htm

For consulting info, visit: Marketing Therapy: http://www.follisinc.com/therapy.htm

For speaking info, visit: Follis Speaking: http://www.follisinc.com/speaking.htm

Integrated Training for Improved Cycling Performance - Part 1

As we all know cycling is a great way to improve your overall cardiovascular fitness. However, what you may not know is that over time the demands of cycling can lead to muscular imbalances which can limit the body's ability to perform at peak level and dramatically increase chance of both over-use injury and chronic pain.

To get a clearer idea of how these imbalances can occur we'll take a look at the riding posture starting from the feet and moving up to the head:

Pedaling places a lot of stress on the calves. Tight calves can cause the feet to flatten and place undue stress on the heel cord, plantar fascia and knees. The major muscles involved in cycling are the quadriceps. You can see that by looking at any professional cyclist. However, miles of cycling in the bent over cycling position can create tightness in the quadriceps and the psoas (hip flexors). These tight quads and hip flexors pull the pelvis out of optimal position into a forward tilt. This anterior tilt of the pelvis sets in motion a cascade of muscle imbalance. The forward tilt of the pelvis causes an increased arching of the lower back. This over loads the muscles of the lumbar spine while at the same time lengthens and weakens the abdominals. Another muscle group negatively affected by these dominant quads and hip flexors are the gluteals. The glutes are a major pelvic stabilizer and the main hip extensors of the body. Tightness and over-activation of their opposing hip flexors cause the glutes to become weak and under-active. In this situation, because the glutes cannot effectively extend the hip, the hamstrings must pick up the slack. As a result, the hamstrings get over worked and become tight.

Moving up to the shoulders and mid-back, we see the back rounded. A rounded upper back causes the shoulder blades to elevate and protract. As a result, the muscles in the chest and upper trapezius become tight leaving the shoulders hiked up and pulled forward. Tight pecs major and upper traps weaken the mid-back and scapula stabilizers. Weak scapula stabilizers can place undue stress in the shoulder joint during overhead movements while tight upper Traps are a major contributor to neck tension and pain.

The last body part to look at is the head. Cycling posture pulls the head forward. The cervical spine was designed to efficiently support the head and evenly distribute its weight among the seven cervical vertebrae. As the head is pulled forward the distribution of its weight shifts and more force is placed on the vertebrae at the base of the neck. This can lead to calcium deposits and arthritic changes in the cervical vertebrae. A forward head also leads to tightness of the neck flexors and weakening of the neck extensors. This places undue stress on the muscles in the back of the neck and commonly results in neck pain and tension head aches.

As you can see, cycling can cause some serious muscle imbalances that can lead to pain in the body. The next article will look at how to correct these imbalances using an integrated training approach that encompasses muscle balance, postural efficiency, core stability and flexibility.

Dave Radin, CSCS, NASM-CPT, is a personal trainer with Precision Fitness. Precision Fitness is located in the Lake Norman area of Charlotte, North Carolina. Check out their website at http://www.lakenormanfitness.com. You can contact Dave at Precision Fitness at 704-662-8664, or by email at dave@ncprecisionfitness.com.