:Forest Folk

There are many concerned as I about the issues with Net-Centric Warfare, cryptonics, bandwidth issues and even as “we put our money where our mouth is” we wonder will it all work? It looks as if it is working and looks like it will work better than we expect. That is a good thing because it is not cheap. One of the biggest concerns with RF for communication is that it is easily intercepted (directional communications methods much tougher indeed). We currently use many frequencies and technologies to transfer data and that also now includes light. One issue is what to do with all the data and still make sure that the data gets to where it is going and ASAP. Not to mention with no errors or so few errors that it is not important. One way to do that is to send information and once it gets going start re-sending the first round of information again, this way any corrupted data can be fixed, only problem is that that takes up more space and adds to the possibility of interception. Luckily it takes a lot of hardware to accumulate all that data and this would mean the enemy must also have not only the world’s best way to factor prime numbers using three dimensional equations but must also be able to handle that amount of data flow.

http://worldthinktank.net/wttbbs/index.php?showtopic=217

In the net centric game each component must be fully functional and able to move and adapt to local changes quickly like a networked set of businesses in franchising; special team on the football field, small strike force or flash mob:

http://worldthinktank.net/wttbbs/index.php?showtopic=182

As each component of the net-centric team survives on it’s own it is re-enforced by the whole. But to be re-enforced with it’s direct needs the symbiotic relationship needs good information. Just like the body needs to realize that if one part is hurt that the other compensate, the signal used is called pain and it alerts the whole that there is a problem and it behooves the larger system to be advised. Pain is a huge amount of alerting power and therefore in a net-centric system you need to have all possible information to the brain of the whole to decide what to do and where to re-enforce the system best.

Now then, how do you get large amounts of data to Central Command? In a way in which the data is safe and cannot be stolen or hacked and give away vital information which could be used against the whole or any of the vital components? Well new technologies in the private sector include: Terabeam. Terabeam, beams information at extremely unheard of rates. By using this technology, TeraBeam can be sent to a UAV for data capture and sending. The new TeraBeam Technology has come a long way;

http://www-bsac.eecs.berkeley.edu/%7Emattl…/papers/vsd.pdf

Linking UAVs with TeraBeam tracking and data collection systems seems appropriate but things are surely moving slow as is depicted in this report in Jan of 2002. Clearly the thoughts then are so far behind the perceived ability of what can be.

https://webportal.saalt.army.mil/sard-asb/A…eless-Final.pdf

The sending unit could be on a HumVee and follow and track the UAV in flight and send the data or the UAV could have the tracking unit on it. It could be a predator type UAV or even a Lighter than air Balloon.

For intercepting enemy transmissions it could be a balloon which was see through with no apparent radar signature until time to collect the information with shutters made of material needed to collect the information and simply blink on and off as it disrupted, retransmitted for decoding the WOV or disrupt or reflect. For Long range Terabeams. Laser disruption could be made possible by chemical laser or combining pulsed, particle and chemical lasers.

A mirror could be used to intercept to steer around it. For sending to a UAV a UAV would be equipped with tiny motors behind mirrors to arch data for sending to a flying UAV with a laser finder MALT Transmitter. This is all possible now without too much problem, just need to build a working prototype if in fact one is not already being built or even used in the field (have heard rumors) as we speak after all a modern day aircraft carrier can send real time directional data transmissions a multitude of ways while in motion and bouncing in the seas in horrible weather to aircraft, satellites, other ships, etc. The only difference would be this is so much faster a way to communicate and we only need to make it smaller to put into aircraft the size of the predator or smaller, the smaller the better. And such a system sure beats the heck out of the older systems as we enter a new age of Net-Centric Warfare.

“Lance Winslow” - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

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Starting a conversation can sometimes seem difficult. Certain circumstances can make this process even more difficult. Knowing how to start a conversation in a variety of tricky circumstances will help you become more confident in your abilities to communicate effectively.

Circumstances can range from co-workers to complete strangers. Learning the best ways to start a conversation with many different people will allow you to become a master of communication.

1. Coworker - When starting a conversation with a co-worker you know you have at least one topic that you can both relate to: work.

You can make a casual comment about work related details to strike up a conversation. Be sure to avoid making negative comments or talking about things like salary and management because these topics could actually cause you problems.

You should also be somewhat aware of what exactly this co-worker does in the company because you do not want to start a conversation about something he or she knows nothing about.

You could try opening with a question about how long they have been with the company or what area of the company they work in if you are not sure.

2. Acquaintance - An acquaintance is someone you know, but not too intimately. This may be someone you had attended high school with but who was not one of your close friends or perhaps someone you go to church with.

However you know this person you are not familiar enough to ask personal questions. You should start a conversation about something you have in common or about something you know about the person.

Good topics to start with are asking about children or a recent operation. Think about something that isn’t too invasive, but shows you are truly interested in this person.

3. A date - When dating there are added frustrations and concerns. You are hoping to come off as someone your date would like to pursue a relationship with and you want to really make a good impression by offering interesting conversation.

The trick here is really knowing what to avoid. You really need to avoid highly debated topics like religion and politics. You should also keep the conversation light and considerate, so avoiding topics like sex and money is a good idea.

Knowing how to start a conversation by making an observation about your date or about something around you is a good tip. For example, comment on her unique necklace or how quickly the waiter took your drink order after you arrived.

4. A stranger - Most of the time when you strike up a conversation with a complete stranger you have a topic already in mind.

For example, if you are waiting in a long line, you may comment to someone standing behind you about how long it is taking. Usually though this is a short comment and can sometimes leave you feeling as if you should say more.

Take a cue from the other person. If they answer you with a complete answer and genuinely look as if they care about what you have said then you may want to strike up a more in depth conversation.

You can let them know you name and why you are where you are. Just avoid sharing too much information and if the person answers you with a smile or a quick, short answer then they are probably not interested in talking with you and you should move on.

These are just four situations that explain how to handle an awkward beginning to a conversation. Most of the ideas, however, are great to apply to other conversations.

The biggest advice about how to start a conversation is to look for clues from the other person that show they are interested and do want to continue talking to you.

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There are tons and tons of sites out on the web right now that offer free online translations between different language pairs. It’s even gotten to the point to where people are forgetting that there are human translators that professionally translate for a living.

Regardless of that, however, is the fact that while free online translators can be useful in certain situations, it’s important to understand that these online translators often leave plenty to be desired. You don’t want to be using a free translator you find on the web to translate some important documents for your business.

As I mentioned earlier, though, free online translators can serve a good purpose when used how they are meant to be used. These online translators were never meant to replace human translators (OK, maybe there were some engineers who envisioned such a world, but they’re long gone). In fact, they are usually not even good enough to help give translators a rough-cut pretranslation of a text they might be working on.

So then what are they good for? Well, online translators such as the ones you can find at Google or Babelfish are meant to be used to give very rough translations of fairly simplified text, which means that they work better on shorter texts and documents with less complex language. A couple sentences will translate better than a 40 page whitepaper, and a short social email with translate better than a legal contract.

Another issue to understand when using a free online translator is that they all offer different language pairs to translate. Most of them provide translations between languages such as English, Spanish, French, German, and Portuguese; more and more translators are also providing translations into Asian languages such as Japanese, Chinese, and Korean. So if one of these languages interests you, then you’ll be in luck. However, if you’re looking for free online translation of Quechua or Guaran, you might be disappointed.

Finally, remember that they are free and usually in this world you get what you pay for. Don’t expect too much from them and they won’t disappoint you. Rather, they’ll probably make you laugh with their often hilarious, sometimes ridiculous output.

So, what do you need to remember when using free online translation programs and websites? 1) They’re far from perfect, 2) They usually work better with simple and short text, 3) They often only include the world’s most widely-spoken languages, and 4) They can really make you laugh with the translations they give.

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I now understand the importance of holding. No, I’m not talking about two lovers caressing each other tightly in front of a fireplace (although that is also certainly important, fireplace or not). I’m talking about being put on hold when doing business over the phone. I recently took my automobile in to be serviced at my local garage. After they had it for a day, I called to get the prognosis and see just how much this was going to cost me. I was transferred over to the mechanic working on my car, and by transferred; I mean that the first person I reached yelled at the top of her lungs for a second person to pick up line 2. It was endearing, in a way, but not terribly professional.

After reaching the mechanic, I was told to wait for a moment while he checked on the status of my car. He then put the phone down (or let it hang, for all I know) and went to get the paperwork. It took him quite a while to get the information he needed, so I was sitting at my desk at work with my ear to the receiver, listening to other mechanics talk about everything under the sun. I certainly don’t mind that, but the profanity I was hearing didn’t really instill any confidence in me that I had chosen the right garage for my vehicle. These guys could have made a sailor blush, as the saying goes. Eventually, the mechanic came back and told me the amount of the bill and what they had found.

I picked my car up that evening. The four or five minutes I spent listening to the other mechanics curse with reckless abandon got me to thinking. I really do believe that ignorance is bliss. It’s not that I’m such a prude that a few expletives will offend me, it’s more about professionalism. When a person feels that the company he or she is doing business with exudes professionalism, it makes one comfortable in doing business. When the situation is otherwise, it makes you wonder if there isn’t someone else you should be doing business with instead.

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We have seen it more and more in the past several years. As communications technology becomes cheaper and the industry more competitive, more service providers are popping up all the time, offering rock bottom prices on services such as long distance calling and wireless communication.

With this constant bombardment of new services, many customers are taking advantage of their ability to pick and choose carriers, and to switch on a whim. A 2005 survey conducted by US based National Consomers League (NCL) suggests that a whopping 76% of Americans with long distance service have switched carriers at some point. At the same time, 45% have changed local service providers, and 47% have switched wireless plans.

The survey also suggests that customers are generally more satisfied with services when there is a large array of options to choose from. This, of course demonstrates the fact that competition is good for the market, and that customers will be more satisfied in the long term if they have the ability to choose.

The results also show us that many people actually seem to enjoy switching carriers. Definitely something that telecommunications companies need to keep in mind when deciding how to handle customer support issues.

It seems that in the current market, no company can hold the rank of “cheapest carrier” for long. So providing superior service and support to customers will be what truly defines the most popular and successful service providers.

(Originally published by TeleClick.ca)

Jeremy Maddock is a well-known technology blogger who specializes in telecommunications news, and long distance telephone information.

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Voice over internet protocol or VoIP is beginning to come into it’s own. The promise of cost savings over traditional phone lines is driving this technology into the mainstream. Leveraging your existing broadband connection to save on your monthly phone expense at first glance makes sense. Let’s take a closer look.

First off, can your existing broadband throughput handle the additional strain of digital voice transfer? You can use your favorite search engine (google, msn, yahoo, etc.) and search for ‘VoIP broadband test’ to get a general idea of the speed of your connection. This is only the first consideration.

How is your existing broadband access coming into your home? If you’re using DSL then using VoIP for your ‘primary’ phone line may not be an option. DSL availability without existing phone service is not generally available. You should check with your local phone company before canceling service. You just might end up with no phone service, VoIP or traditional. Check first.

If you’re using cable internet access and your connection speed test looks good, find a VoIP provider that allows for a trial period. You may find a good provider that offers up to 30 days for you to cancel if you are not satisfied with voice quality or service.

A VoIP converter and a router will be required to setup your VoIP service. Your modem would plug into your router. Next your converter plugs into your router and your phone base plugs into your converter. Most normal phones should work fine. There isn’t any ’special’ phone required to use this type of service. The entire process is pretty painless, but if you should run into any issue, your provider should be ready to help.

If you’re looking to leverage your existing broadband internet access to save money on your monthly phone expense, VoIP can be a great option. Just remember to check your connection, check with your local phone provider (for DSL users) and find a provider that offers a money back trial period. This can be a great way to save money, but don’t be pressured before you know the facts. Even if it doesn’t work out for you now, keep your eye on this technology.

The FCC is already involved in the apparent conflict between VoIP service providers and DSL access. E911 service (Enhanced 911 service) is already being mandated and additional steps will be made to bring this technology further into the mainstream. Make no mistake about this technology. It has arrived and is here to stay.

Michael Weaver - http://www.fullservice-broadband-provider.com

The full service broadband provider is a service offered by Try Right Technology, Inc. This service provides unbiased informative information on broadband technology as well as local/long distance and cellular service. Copyright 2005 - Michael Weaver. This article can be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.

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Do you know how you sound to others? Record yourself speaking in different circumstances to learn how you can speak more effectively. Listen for what you say, and how you say it.

When you are nervous, stressed or excited, your voice may go up in pitch and become shrill. If you notice yourself doing this, take a deep breath and relax.

Do you speak too quickly or too slowly? People listen at a certain rate. If you speak faster or slower than they are listening, they will not retain your message as well. Keep regional differences in mind–what seems too fast in the South may not be in New York City.

Fillers are, like, you know, annoying. When you hear yourself using uh, um, like, you know, and other similar fillers, it is usually a stall because your mouth got ahead of your brain. Slow down and concentrate on what you are saying.

Make powerful statements? You will sound uncertain and lack credibility if your voice goes “up” at the end of sentences. To see what I mean, ask a question out loud. Do you hear how your voice goes “up” at the end, in anticipation of an answer? Now, say, “I am an excellent speaker.” Did that also sound like a question? If so, work on making your speech stronger.

Strong speech does not mean vulgar speech. If you frequently pepper your speech with profanity, clean it up. No one will be offended if you don’t swear, but many will be if you do.

Do you interrupt others? Calm down and let them speak. Really listen to them, don’t just wait for them to take a breath so you can jump in.

Modulate your volume. If you speak too quietly, it will be difficult for others to hear you. If you speak too loudly, it can be jarring.

Look at people when you speak to them. It is polite, and makes it easier for them to hear you. This is especially important for those who have a hearing loss, but will help everyone to better understand you.

Watch for verbal cues to see if your message is getting through. Is the person nodding, or do they look confused? Are they fidgeting or looking past you? Those could be signs that they aren’t getting it or they aren’t interested.

Remember that much of your message is delivered non-verbally. Your posture, facial expressions, gestures, even the way you are dressed, all affect how your message is received and interpreted.

Your message is important, so deliver it with importance.

Copyright Cathy Stucker. As the Idea Lady, Cathy Stucker can help you attract customers and make yourself famous with ideas to market yourself as an expert. Get free tips, articles and more at http://www.IdeaLady.com/.

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Last week I attended an excellent 2-day workshop called “Staying Grounded When on the Spot,” offered by the Public Conversations Project, in Watertown, MA. Geared to help facilitators and trainers manage challenging group moments, I found that the skills applied in a variety of settings, including one-on-one communication “hot spots.”

When a conversation becomes difficult, I can return to a more centered, grounded state by asking two questions:

1) What is the purpose of my communication?

2) Will the choices I make serve that purpose?

Let’s try it. Think of a conversation that you need to hold but have been putting off because you’re concerned that it might not go well. What is your purpose for having the conversation? It helps to have a useful purpose. For example, trying to get the other person to change is not useful. You have no control over that. On the other hand, learning about his experience could be very useful.

What choices could you make to serve this purpose? Listening is a good start, and summarizing to clarify that you both heard the same thing. Asking questions that validate your partner and seek to understand his view also work beautifully. What is your purpose, and what choices will support it?

Other useful purposes could be sharing your experiences, or looking for mutually beneficial ways to solve a problem. Perilous purposes include venting on your partner, or making sure he understands how wrong he is. It sounds silly - who would ever choose such a purpose? But I know I’ve done it.

One caution: sometimes I think I’m going into a conversation with a useful purpose, like learning, but I find that the feeling or attitude behind it is more about revenge or punishment. So though I use the “appropriate” words, my partner still feels attacked.

Paying attention to your purpose for the conversation will give you the courage to have it and help you to stay grounded when things get hot.

© 2005 Judy Ringer, Power & Presence Training

About the Author: Judy Ringer is Founder of Power & Presence Training, specializing in unique workshops on conflict, communication, and creating a more positive work environment. Judy is also a black belt in aikido, and is writing her first book on the connection between aikido, conflict, and living a more purposeful life. To sign up for more free tips and articles like these, visit http://www.JudyRinger.com

Note: You’re welcome to reprint this article as long as it remains complete and unaltered (including the “about the author” info at the end), and you send a copy of your reprint to judy@judyringer.com.

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Does your toddler or young child have problems with their speech? Are you a child who has a stutter/stammer? In this article I write about communication and speech problems in childhood.

The type of speech impediment I am going to concentrate on is stuttering. I myself had a stutter from the age of four and it was after eighteen years and at the age of twenty-two, that I finally managed to overcome it.

I was not alone as many children have problems with their speech from an early age. It is estimated that one percent of people in England have a stutter.

In most cases people start stuttering in childhood, often when they are a toddler. This can be a very worrying and stressful period for parents and the child alike, and where to seek help can often be difficult to know. To attend speech therapy straight away, can have a damaging affect as it can over-highlight the problem to the child and can make them withdraw into their shells. Parents though in most cases are not happy to just ignore the problem and to hope it goes away of its own accord.

Stuttering affects people in different ways. Some people who stutter are very good at hiding it and are sometimes known as a closet stutterer. Many people they mix with, may not even be aware that they have a stuttering problem. They have become so good at avoiding certain words or by finding alternative words, that they can make out that they are fluent. This takes a lot of effort though and it comes as more of a shock to people when the person does actually stutter.

Other people who have a stutter are unable to do this and can have what is seen as a more severe stutter.

A stutter would normally occur more when a person is:

under pressure

very tired

meeting new people

speaking in an uncomfortable situation

asking questions, for example asking for directions

introducing people

Stuttering therapy:

There are many types of stuttering therapy or stuttering treatments available these days. Most people would first try a speech therapist or speech pathologist. Alternatively they can attend a speech course which can be in a group or on a one to one basis.

I personally prefer and advise one to one stutter courses as I believe every person who has a stutter is an individual and has their own individual type of stutter.

There are also stuttering self help dvd’s or stuttering self help ebooks now available for people who do not feel they have the confidence to attend a speech course.

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Rip Out Your Phone Lines

I hate the phone company. Reading my phone bill is like reading hieroglyphics. I thought that the break up of ma bell was suppose to make it easier for the consumer. We were suppose to get more choice. The choices seem to all be the same. For instance, I was so elated last year when the phone company offered me a lower rate. Yes, 29.99 and that was all I had to pay. Well, they forgot to tell me about all the special charges. My 29.99 became a towering $55.00 a month. I went from jubilation to silent despair. Is there anyone who could rescue me from my prison?

But then freedom came from the most unlikely source while visiting a friend’s office. He told me that he had unplugged his entire office from the phone company. He was running his phone over the Internet. It’s called Voice over IP. It has been around for a few years. Voice over IP allows you to make calls through a broadband Internet connection. I have always been reluctant to try it. I was concerned about quality of the sound, loosing my old phone numbers, and what happens if the cable goes out.

My friend convinced me to take the plunge. I decided to go with Vonage, they are a fast growing Voice over IP service and they provide a plethora of goodies. At 24.99, I get unlimited long distance calling to US and Canada; voicemail, caller id, call waiting, call forwarding, and 3 way calling. I purchased a router phone box for my cable modem. Cost after rebate, $29.00. It took me about 30 minutes to get whole thing up and running.

So far, so good. The sound quality is great. I was able to transfer my personal and business number to my new service. Even If I loose the cable connection, the calls go to voicemail or I can forward them to my cell phone. All my services are completely accessed via the web. I can see all the calls, and make any changes via the web. My entire cost to switching is less than one month’s phone bill. I estimate that I will save over $400 this year alone.

But don’t take my word for it. Would you like to get a free coupon for 30 days of free Vonage service? I would like to offer this to all my pals out there. If you want to slash your phone bill in half, click on the link below and I will send you the coupon immediately. http://www.speakingsmart.com/vonage.htm

Reginal Smith, Speaking Smart

Author of “Speaking Secrets for the Bored Room”

Learn to be an Effective Presenter

Free Ezine, Free Speaking Teleseminars

Contact: www.speakingsmart.com rsmith@speakingsmart.com

About The Author

Reginal Smith is a dynamice speaker, trainer and writer. He is the author of Speaking Secrets for the Bored Room. What’s is worse than sitting through a boring presentation, giving one. Reggie’s Speaking Secrets book can help any professional become more a more effective presenter. He has trained hundreds of executives, managers, and community organizers with his technique. He has been featured on over 200 radio and Televison shows.

rsmith@speakingsmart.com

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