Clangy

The holidays are fast approaching and many people will want to call family and friends in far away places. Many people who make international calls infrequently will be shocked when they find out how much their home phone or mobile phone service provider charges for making international calls. The total cost will include a high per minute rate charged by the service provider and additional taxes and fees levied by the government. Large phone companies like AT&T and Verizon offer lower cost international calling plans but even the rates they charge under these plans are outrageous when compared to other low cost options for making international calls.

Many consumers have turned to VoIP providers such as Vonage in order to save money on international calls. This may be a good choice if it is purchased as a replacement for home phone service but it is not the best option for international calling. Vonage includes long distance service to Canada, Puerto Rico, Ireland, Italy, Spain and the UK with their basic service but calls to these locations are typically very cheap. Vonage also uses VoIP technology so international call quality tends to vary from good to poor. Vonage may seem like a good deal but it costs $24.95 per month and a long-term contract is required. International rates are also relatively expensive when compared to other low cost options.

Other consumers, especially techies, save money by making international calls with PC to Phone providers like Skype. This can be a great option since Skype features free PC-to-PC calls. However, in order to make free calls, each party needs to have a PC, an INTERNET connection, and have a Skype account. Many people live with these inconveniences and make free calls with Skype. However, many others want an international calling plan where they can call landlines and cell phones. Skype can be used to make calls to phones but it is inconvenient since a PC and INTERNET connection is required and it is not as cheap as other, more convenient options.

One option for making international calls that is convenient, flexible and low cost is prepaid long distance. These virtual calling plans evolved from phone cards but they have become more sophisticated. Most come with free user accounts where callers can monitor activity (even the details of each call) and make account changes. They also typically have other features like PIN free dialing and speed dial so they are more convenient to use than standard phone cards. A few of these prepaid international calling plans offer high quality and low rates on calls to almost any location in the world. We are very familiar with two of these plans, Tel3Advantage and Continental. We have used both of these to make low cost international phone calls for several years. Tel3Advantage is an especially good calling plan that features high quality connections and rates that beat Skype’s PC-to-Phone rates to many locations. Both Tel3Advantage and Continental are virtual prepaid calling plans that do not require a contract or other long-term obligation. They also do not charge an activation fee or any fees for maintaining or terminating an account. They are both ideal calling plans for short-term use over the holidays or long-term use all year long. Either one of these prepaid calling plans are a good option for consumers who want to save money on long distance calling and still want convenience, flexibility and high quality.

For illustrative purposes, the Table below compares the rates charged by these calling plans to some popular international locations. These rates are in cents per minute for calls made from the USA. They are the rates advertised on the service provider’s website and may not include all fees and taxes. They include rates from two traditional international calling plans (AT&T and Verizon), one VoIP provider (Vonage), one PC-to-Phone provider (Skype) and two prepaid long distance provider (Tel3Advantage and Continental).

International Calling Plan Rate Comparison

Calls Originating in the USA (cents/min)

Conclusions

The above table illustrates a few things:

1. International rates vary significantly between companies and countries. It pays to shop for the best deal to the locations you call the most.
2. It is not hard to beat the rates on international calls offered by the traditional long distance providers. They are not even trying to compete on price.
3. Skype provides free PC-to-PC calls but their rates to landlines or cell phones are easy to beat.
4. Vonage may save consumers money on home phone service but their international rates are not cheap relative to the competition.
5. Consumers who plan to make frequent international calls should consider using a prepaid long distance provider like Tel3Advantage.

rdgraham535 :: Nov.30.2008 :: General, Shopping :: No Comments »

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powerpronyc :: Nov.29.2008 :: Family, Shopping :: No Comments »

The calling card market can be confusing because calling card carriers have been creative in devising hidden fees and other tricks so they can advertise extremely low per minute rates and still make money. We have tried to list, define and explain the technical terms here so a calling card shopper can at least make an informed purchase and have a basic understanding of the market.

First, we would suggest purchasing calling cards from websites where all of the fees are fully disclosed in an easy to read format and where calling cards are rated by users. These sites do exist because there are still honest calling card vendors, carriers and marketers (web sites like Smart Global Call Phone Cards International display customer ratings for all of the cards they sell).

• Check the rate (usually cents/min) to the destination you want to call. Remember that the rates listed or advertised are normally to house phones (land lines). Calls made to cell phones often have higher rates. Also, the advertised rates do not include calling card fees or taxes that can significantly increase the cost of a call.
• Look for added fees, taxes and hidden costs. These should be listed in an easy to read format but can also be buried in the fine print. Remember you will likely pay more than the advertised rate when using a calling card so the trick is to minimize the added fees. Added fees will be called things like connection fee, disconnection fee, taxes, maintenance fee, pay phone fee and long call fee. These fees will vary between calling cards. Some calling cards will have all or most of these added fees and others will not have any of them.
• Calling cards will also have different rounding or billing increments. These are often in 1, 3 or 6 minute increments. The billing increment can have a significant impact on the calling cost depending on how the calling card is used. A calling card with a one minute billing increment will charge a customer 4 minutes for a 3.5 minute call while a calling card with a 3 minute billing increment will charge a customer 6 minutes for the same call. The cost of a call is rounded up to the next billing increment so; in general, a lower billing increment is better.
• Calling card fees are typically minimized if calling cards are purchased in smaller denominations and used for one call or over a short period of time. In general, calling card fees do not start until the calling card is used the first time. Many companies offer calling cards in denominations of $5, 10, 20, 50 and 100. We recommend trying a small denomination card ($5 to $10) before making a large purchase. Also, it is generally better to buy several small denomination cards than to purchase one with a big denomination.
• Calling card call quality depends on the international carrier used and is not always equal between vendors to a given location. There are many international telecom carriers and call quality will vary between carriers. There are generally three levels of call quality (referred to as Tier 1, 2 and 3) with regard to telecom carriers. Tier 1 carriers offer the best quality but they also charge the highest rates. Therefore, in general, calling cards with the lowest advertised rates also tend to have the lowest call quality because they use lower Tier carriers.
• Check for local access number availability. Many cheap calling cards have low per minute rates but have few local access numbers and charge 1 or 2 cents per minute for using a toll free access number.
• All calling cards carry an FCC imposed fee for using a pay phone. However, the rate will vary between calling cards (it ranges from around $0.49 to $1) so check this rate if you plan to use a pay phone.
• Calling cards typically have an expiration date so be sure and use the card before it expires.
• Purchase calling cards from vendors that have 24/7 customer service. If nothing else you may have a question.

So, how to use this information? There are a few things to consider. First, try to compare calling cards on the same basis. When calling card rates are adjusted for the above mentioned fees, taxes and billing tricks, many calling cards with very cheap advertised rates actually cost as much or more to use than a moderately priced card with higher call quality. Remember, a calling card that cannot be used or has extremely poor quality is really worthless to the user. Any money spent on a purchase is lost.

Consumers have become wise to many of the hidden fees and tricks discussed above and, as a result, there are several newer calling cards on the market that have high call quality at reasonable rates. They also tend to have minimal added fees so the advertised rate per minute is closer to the actual rate charged when the card is used. Many of these are hybrid calling cards that are really a virtual calling plan with features like PIN-less dialing, online call history, speed dial and a large network of local access numbers. They are also re-chargeable for customer convenience but also because calling card vendors are trying to build brand loyalty. By offering low cost, quality and convenience they hope to retain customers. It seems that some calling card carriers have rightly concluded that it is better to make a little money off a large number of satisfied users over the long haul than to make some quick money ripping off a few customers one time. Alas, the free market even works with respect to calling cards.

rdgraham535 :: Nov.27.2008 :: General, Shopping :: No Comments »

silkporcelain.com :: Nov.27.2008 :: Arts, Shopping :: No Comments »

silkporcelain.com :: Nov.26.2008 :: Travel :: No Comments »

We all like to get away from it all once in a while, but some of us feel like we can’t afford it. What with the price of airfare skyrocketing and gas prices getting ridiculous it is no wonder that most of us are putting off our vacations indefinitely. But what if there was a way for you to enjoy a nice vacation without breaking the bank? There is, as long as you are willing to do some research first.

Start With Quality

Keep in mind that when you are searching for a cheap hotel you still want it to be in a desirable area, be comfortable and offer the amenities that you want like a pool or fitness facility. Otherwise you may not have as much of an enjoyable time, and then what’s the point of being on vacation? You want to save money, but not sacrifice quality at the same time.

Let You Internet Do the Walking

If you are familiar with your destination and have taken the time to narrow down a specific area to certain lodging, you are much more likely to get a hold of some cheap hotel deals. Sometimes, hotels will offer deals through their websites. Other times, if you call to make reservations you simply have to ask if they have any deals or packages that are available. While they may not advertise them over the phone, asking will open up the window to finding cheap hotel deals that you may not have been able to previously take advantage of.

Shop Around For the Best Deal

Checking out all these hotel’s websites and then calling them will probably yield the best results, but may not be the best use of your personal time. Instead you may want to check out a travel website like www.expedia.com or www.travelocity.com where you can enter a range of dates and destination. They will return a list of hotels that are available on those dates and their best rates. You can save even more money by booking your hotel along with your flight, and by being flexible with your dates.

Now you can go ahead and have that nice, relaxing vacation that you truly deserve, and not return home broke or in debt. You may even save enough money to start putting away for next year’s vacation!

James Cavalier :: Nov.26.2008 :: Travel :: No Comments »

Passports are required documents that must be taken with you while traveling outside of your country. It is very important to keep your passport secure. When applying to get a passport there are several pieces of information that must be gathered and submitted for quick approval.

Several places all over your state provide information on getting, replacing, and changing various parts of your passport. Getting the right passport information will help provide you with a fast and quick approval as long as you provide them with the proper valid documents.

Getting a new passport requires a little more patience but not much. If you realize that you have lost your passport just go to an office where passport service is offered with two photographs, proof of citizenship, and a valid identity card. The basic information for this process can be found on the internet.

Once we get the passport then we would be able to travel every nook and corner of the world by paying the air fare. The passport contains our personal information such as our name, address, nationality etc. We are identified outside our country based on the Passport.

Passport service offices provide information on renewal processes and how to obtain a lost passport. Once you have a passport be very careful with it because if lost it can be used by terrorist organizations or other people and can cause you trouble.

The possession of a passport gives you the freedom to travel the world. Seeing other countries and experiencing their beauty and culture. Also while on vacation make sure to choose the right kind of hotel one that you will be comfortable in. It is best to reserve your hotel online for other countries.

Traveling is done for many reasons such as vacation or business. Most of traveling that occurs in the modern day is business travel. It is important to get a passport even if it is a business trip to travel legally to foreign places.

Now a days getting a passport has been simplified you get online forms for renewal and once you apply for a passport it is processed very quickly and you tend to get it within few days. All information and instructions required for obtaining a passport is easily available on the net. Each and every country has an office working for the issue of passports.

Trip Wend :: Nov.26.2008 :: Travel :: No Comments »

Flowers add a special touch to any event, especially celebrations like baby showers. While some choose a type of flower to match a color scheme, others like to use the baby’s predicted birth month flower, or even the flower of the month in which the baby shower will be held. Whether you decide on flowers according to the baby’s birth date, or simply pick the ones that you love the most, this article will break down the significance of each month’s flower.

A great idea might be to choose different flowers based on their meaning and make a beautiful flower arrangement pattern for the shower. There are beautiful baby shower centerpieces that are made from baby clothes called baby bouquets that have to be seen to be believed make unique arrangements. These are some of the best baby shower ideas to be invented in the last few years.

January’s flower is the sweet and sassy carnation. The carnation exerts beauty, distinction, gratitude, fascination, and admiration; the pink carnation in particular represents “a mother’s love.” Soft and gentle on the outside but strong and durable on the inside, the carnation is the perfect flower to represent the bittersweet paradox relating to the first month of the year. The carnation’s scientific name, Dianthus, directly translates into “flower of love.” This flower is one of the oldest cultivated flowers in the world, yet one of the most popular today.

February is the month of love and warmth, and this month’s flower, the iris, denotes deep and profound notes. The iris’ three upright petals each have a meaning; the first is faith, the second is valor, and the third is wisdom. Gracefulness, majesty, and dignity characterize the iris’ presence. Purple, the color of royalty, makes February’s birth flower extravagant and majestic; the iris is truly the flower of splendor and grandeur.

In March, spring begins to arise with bright cheers and rays of sunshine. The daffodil is dainty and yellow, and is the flower that follows after and breaks winter’s cold atmosphere, bringing warmth and joy to the world. The daffodil is the symbol of rebirth, new beginnings, and a fresh start. Daffodils exert happiness and exhilaration to the world, and fill the earth with light and brightness.

April is a paradoxical month, with both rain showers and sunlight. The daisy’s character parallels this paradox, in that it is a feminine yet childlike flower. The legend of the history of daisies is that this precious flower originated from a nymph who transformed herself into a cute-but-not-loud flower, in order to run away from unwanted attention. The daisy is symbolic of eternal youth, playfulness, and a charming child-like character.

The best things about May are the beautiful lilies that decorate beautiful landscapes of the earth. Lilies are sweet and humble; they do not ask for attention but their unconventional beauty inevitably gets compliments and praise. Lilies symbolize virtue, purity and honor.

The middle of the year calls for June’s sunshine, warmth, and gorgeous roses. Roses are the universal icon for love and passion throughout the world. Roses depict beauty and perfection, and they reveal a touch of mystery. Each and every petal is as gracious as the next, and the rose surely stands out in a bouquet.

Whichever flower, month, color or any other category you choose for baby shower planning, you are assured to have a colorful, fun event for celebrating the newborn baby’s birth!

Edie Mindell :: Nov.26.2008 :: Shopping :: No Comments »

The Drifter clothing company began in 2002 with the aim of becoming a simple clothing manufacturer that would focus on functionality, style, and comfort. Starting with the simple T-shirt, they break it down and begin to put the pieces back together to create a new product that is reflective of their own brand of creativity and artistry.

The Men’s FW 08 line of Drifter shirts includes eight long or short sleeved shirts that come in a variety of colors and designs. The two shirts from the clothing line that are long sleeved are the Chief and Scribe. Both feature the popular double layer design which is like having both a short sleeved and long sleeved shirt together in one. Short sleeved shirts in the series are the Seer, DOA, Glory, and Siren. The DOA design is white with a large graphic on the front which displays the words: “Our currency is flesh and bone,” an allusion to the Pink Floyd song, The Dogs of War.

Their men’s SS 08 clothing line features the popular Godspeed Shirt which they are famous for. The Godspeed is 100 percent cotton and features an eagle design and comes in either black or white. It comes in both short sleeve and long sleeve designs. Another design in the collection is Meter. This is a red, short sleeved shirt that with a V-neck cut. Progress is another short sleeved T-shirt; it is navy with a light blue design and also is made of 100 percent Pima cotton. There is also the Brigadier hoodie for those colder days. It comes in dark gull grey and incorporates two large pockets and the signature Drifter image. Other designs in the collection include: Deta, Stryper, Trent, Adam, Twenty Seven, Palehorse, Dragonfly, and many other.

The Drifter Women’s SS 08 clothing line features a large assortment of shirts that can be worn in many different occasions and are all made from 100 percent cotton. Besides the Godspeed design, there is the Tulips shirt which is very long and resembles a short dress as it reaches down to the thigh area. As the name suggests, it bears flowers near the bottom of the shirt. Dawn is a loose fitting white tank top which is longer so that it can be tucked in. It has a brief flower design made up of different colored lines. Psyche is a unique coral color shirt that features a wide neck with an adjustable strap on the back. Other available designs include Space Suit, Pebbles, Unwritten, and Yawn.

Because the standard T-shirt is a simple design that is cherished and worn by most of the world, Drifter has decided to make this the archetype by which they base each new design. With constantly changing male and female clothing lines available, there will certainly be a Drifter T-shirt that will accentuate your personality and look great on you as well.

Carissa Jenner :: Nov.25.2008 :: Travel :: No Comments »

Today, most people rent movies all the time. Often we will wait for the DVD rentals to hit the stores, as opposed to going to the movies. Here is a short list of some of the highest volume rentals in October.

Another new method for getting films is movie downloads. There are websites that will provide tons of movie downloads. This is a fantastic solution for those looking to build your movie library.

INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL: The Indiana Jones adventure continues, after a few years off. This is the most recent movie in the Indiana Jones movies. In this movie Mr. Jones takes on the Russians. Now, the chase is on for the Crystal Skulls, and the powers they might possess.

THE LAZARUS PROJECT: Ex con Ben Garvey is a changed man. With a beauitiful wife and daughter, and a good job, things are pretty darn good. Then, he unexplicably loses his steady paycheck, and he finds himself heading back into the criminal world. His criminal rebirth is a complete bust, and he is convicted, and sentenced to die. He fully expects to be killed by lethal injection. To his surprise, he isn’t dead, but is in a mental hospital. He now struggles for his sanity, and his spritual well being.

LINEWATCH: Well likes Michael Dixon is a boarder man in New Mexico, and life seems to be good. But Michael’s past is about to rear it’s ugly head. He was part of a brutal L.A. gang, which he eventually left. When an unfortunate meeting gives away his location to a member of his old gang, he and his family are put in a dangerous situation. He is forced risk it all, and work with the gang to move a large drug shipment from Mexico into the U.S.

THE INCREDIBLE HULK: This film tells us the tale of Military scientist Dr. Bruce Banner, who has been changed into a creature called the green Hulk. This box office hit is an epic tale of the marvel universe comic super hero the green Hulk. Key actors include Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth. This film is directed by Louis Leterrier. This movie would be classified as a science fiction film.

DECEPTION: Audiitor for the elite, Jonathan McQuarry has a surprising meeting with corporate lawyer Wyatt Bose. It is a meeting that will change his life. He is exposed to “The List”, which puts you in front of access to a sexual indulgance. However, he is also led into a scene full of deceipt, underhandidness and murder.

JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH: Trying to find his lost brother, professor Trevor Anderson goes on a mission that puts him on a journey to the center of earth. This is a new version of the 1959 production, which was based on the classic novel by celbrated writer Jules Verne. Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutchinson, Anita Briem, and Seth Myers star in this adventure film.

THE HAPPENING: Elliot Moore (Mark Wahlberb), with his wife and many other frightened people are all fleeing Philadelphia on a train. The city has been thrown into chaos. Many people are being overcome by some strange illness, and are dying at their own hands. Can mankind find an answer, or is this the end of the human race?

IRON MAN: Playboy, engineer genius, Tony Stark is captured by insurgent fighters in Afghanastan. They command him to build weapons for the insurgent group. He was injured when his convoy was attacked, and he has shrapnel lodged in his chest. To survive his injuries, and break away from his enemies, he develops a suit of armor, which protects and strengthens him. Iron Man is born.

SPEED RACER: A comic, turned TV anime, is now a movie hit. Similar to The Flinstones, Speed Racer chages a cartoon into a movie with real actors. Speed Racer is a young man who loves racing. His goal is to win The Crucible, a big race that his older brother had died racing in. With odds against him, and risking it all, Speed Racer teams with his arch rival Racer X, in an effort to capture the championship, and rescue the family racing business.

Yellow Kellar :: Nov.25.2008 :: Arts :: No Comments »