Gaming

Voice over IP: saving money

I was on a technical support call with a customer in Australia for over 45 minutes. Guess how much that cost me. If I told you less than a dollar, would you believe it? Well, it’s actually true.

I called my friend in England the other day. We talked for half an hour and it didn’t cost either of us a penny. Free and crystal clear, I used my computer. Nothing special, just a simple sound card, speakers and microphone is all I need.

If you haven’t heard of Voice over IP yet, you definitely will soon. There are several different methods for the crazed digital phone protocol that could change the way you make calls and save you a lot of money.

What is VoIP?

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is the concept to manage the delivery of voice information in digital format over the Internet instead of conventional voice phone lines. In the simplest form, VoIP turns any computer into a telephone.

Although there are complex and expensive ways to do this on a business level, there are also simple and almost free ways to use VoIP on a personal level. All that is required is a broadband Internet connection of some kind. Now I’m not here to advertise a single organization that sells VoIP equipment or services, but just to let you know that there are some that offer very nice bargain packages with equipment, Internet phones, headsets, and all the fixings for standard business phone systems. There are also software-based systems that work like everyday chat systems and only require computer speakers and a microphone.

Why would I want this?

One of the main advantages of VoIP telephony and the Internet is that it avoids the tolls charged for ordinary telephone services that use the standard public switched telephone network. Of course, Pac Bell and ATT don’t like how that sounds, unless they figure out how to jump on the bandwagon and take advantage of some new technology in this way.

In reality, VoIP has been around for a while, however it is starting to pick up speed now as an alternative means of communication. And the main reason is that it will save you money.

Another money-saving fact about VoIP is that since VoIP uses your broadband Internet connection for delivery, customers pay no federal USF and FCC line charges and pay lower federal excise taxes.

WI-FI and VoIP

Now we are getting serious! Where is this going? Can it really compete with the cell phone? Well, right now wireless has some security risks and setup difficulties to overcome before it becomes a major player in the game. But at the local, business level, we are not far away.

What is the end result?

If you are tired of high phone bills, maybe there is a solution for you to help you with this year’s budget. You don’t need to transform your entire phone system to use the benefits of VoIP. Start small and learn your potential.

A rule for the road:

Stay up-to-date with technology or else technology will pass you by; and ignorance will cost you more than you think.

Health Fitness

High-protein diets and risk of dehydration

Dehydration is more than just the feeling of being thirsty, although doctors are quick to remind patients that once they have felt thirsty, it is too late; they are already well on the day of dehydration. The real condition of dehydration is an abnormal loss of body fluids which can be due to various reasons. While low-level dehydration can be remedied at home and generally doesn’t cause any long-term harm, moderate to severe dehydration can cause an electrolyte imbalance that can lead to a number of other more serious problems, including:

– Irregular heartbeat

– Shock

– Acidosis (depletion of the body’s alkaline reserve which in turn can lead to acidemia)

– Acute uremia (a clinical syndrome related to kidney failure)

– Possibility of death, especially in infants, the elderly and people in poor health.

The average woman loses about three pints of fluid each day in urine, an additional varied amount in stool, and another two pints from the combination of perspiration and expiration. Extra fluids may be lost each day due to increased heat, increased activity, and through mild bouts of diarrhea and vomiting. In most cases, these additional losses will cause the body to react by feeling thirsty and with a dry mouth, especially the lips and tongue. Drinking extra fluids, especially those with electrolytes in them, can replace this lost fluid without physical consequences. However, if the fluid deprivation is severe enough or prolonged, it will become more severe and medical intervention will quickly be necessary.

A high-protein diet, especially when used by an endurance athlete, can be problematic for a number of reasons, including the increased risk of severe dehydration. A moderate increase in protein intake can be beneficial for the athlete in training; however, once it increases dramatically, the risk of severe dehydration also increases. Studies have shown that three out of four Americans may be chronically dehydrated to begin with. A small loss of body fluid, as little as 2-3%, can have a negative impact on cardiovascular health and athletic performance.

The many roles of proteins in the body

Most people think that the only function of protein is to build and repair muscle and that’s it. These same people also think that protein is a magic item that you can eat all you want and never get fat, but that is not correct either. Protein can be stored in the body as fat if you eat more than you need; that myth has been destroyed time and time again. Protein is also much more important than it is often credited with, including some very vital functions that can be adversely affected by dehydration. These functions include:

– Maintain the pH balance of the blood.

– Formation of enzymes and hormones.

– Plays a role in the immune system.

– Connective tissue accumulates

– Forms cell membranes

– Plays a role in the central nervous system

– Helps maintain fluid balance in the body.

Acidemia is abnormal acidity of the blood that can be caused by several factors, including increased lactic acid in the muscles (increased build-up of lactic acid is what causes pain after intense training). Another cause of this condition is prolonged and severe dehydration, especially when caused by intense athletic effort, for example, a strength or endurance-training athlete.

Extreme protein and decreased hydration in athletes

A study of endurance athletes showed that a diet with an average to moderate increase in protein was acceptable, but that once intake reached what could be considered “high,” the risks of dehydration increased dramatically. Using 150 pounds as the average weight for the study, the participants were divided into three groups. The first group, the “low” protein group, received a diet that provided approximately 68 grams of protein per day. The second group, the “moderate” group, received approximately 123 grams of protein per day and the third group, the “high” protein group, received 246 grams of protein per day, the total representing approximately 30% of their daily calories. . an amount that is consistent with the average high protein diet.

At the conclusion of the study, the researchers found that as the protein level increased, the hydration level dropped. Standard blood tests also showed some troubling results. The blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level was abnormal, showing that there was a decrease in kidney function. Urinalysis showed that increased protein level also leads to more concentrated urine.

Too much protein in the diet can be harmful to both the endurance athlete and the average person. The right amount of protein must be found and maintained for everyone. Increased protein can also lead to:

– Decreased levels of glycogen in the muscles and liver, which leads to dehydration as glycogen helps the muscles retain water.

– Decreased resistance.

– A decreased maximum effort

– Decrease in serum glucose levels.

The American Heart Association recommends that your diet contain no more than 35% of your daily calories from protein, a safe amount for anyone, including elite athletes. There are some medical conditions that should receive higher amounts of protein, however those people should only do so on the advice of their own doctors.

The best suggestion to prevent dehydration

Protein is vital for everyone from the TV addict to the weekend warrior to the marathon master, but everyone needs different amounts and levels of protein. Finding the right amount for your owner’s personal health and activity needs is very important, however there’s also a go-to caveat to everyone: Drink more fluids, whether you’re increasing protein or not.

Unless you have a fluid restriction from your doctor, you should drink enough fluids every day. (An advantage of drinking enough water is the possible weight loss; many people mistake thirst for the feeling of water and eat when all they needed was a glass of water.)

How Protein Supplements May Fit

Although the suggestion of adding extra protein to the diet is not the goal, finding the correct amount is. A protein supplement, especially one that has additional vitamins and other benefits, can be a good way to reach that intake goal without having to consume a lot of extra calories to achieve it. For the elite athlete, a quick protein supplement can make a great snack between meals or it can serve as part of the post-workout recovery process.

Legal Law

Illinois Payroll, Unique Aspects of Illinois Payroll Law and Practice

The Illinois State Agency that oversees the collection and reporting of state income taxes deducted from payroll checks is:

revenue Department

101 W. Jefferson St.

P.O. Box 19022

Springfield, IL 62794-9022

(217) 785-0970

(800) 732-8866 (in the state)

http://www.revenue.state.il.us

Illinois requires that you use the Illinois form “IL-W-4, Employee’s Certificate of Illinois Withholding Allowance” instead of a federal Form W-4 for Illinois state income tax withholding.

Not all states allow salary reductions made under Section 125 or 401 (k) cafeteria plans to be treated the same way the IRS code allows. In Illinois, cafeteria plans: are not taxable for income tax calculation; it is not taxable for unemployment insurance purposes if used to purchase life health insurance. The 401 (k) plan deferrals are: nontaxable for income taxes; taxable for unemployment purposes.

In Illinois, supplemental wages are taxed at a flat rate of 3.0%.

You must file your Illinois State W-2s by magnetic means if you have at least 250 employees and you must file your federal W-2s by magnetic means.

The Illinois State Unemployment Insurance Agency is:

Occupational Safety Department

401 S. State St.

Chicago, IL 60605-1289

(312) 793-5700

http://www.ides.state.il.us/

The state of Illinois taxable wage base for unemployment purposes is wages up to $ 9,800.00.

Illinois requires magnetic media to report quarterly wage reports if the employer has at least 250 employees who are reporting that quarter.

Unemployment records must be kept in Illinois for a minimum period of five years. This information generally includes: name; Social Security number; hiring, rehiring and termination dates; wages by period; payroll pay periods and pay dates; date and circumstances of termination.

The Illinois state agency charged with enforcing state wage and hour laws is:

work Department

Application of labor legislation

160 North LaSalle, Ste. C1300

Chicago, IL 60601

(312) 793-2800

[http://www.state.il.us/agency/idol/]

The minimum wage in Illinois is $ 6.50 per hour.

The general provision in Illinois for overtime pay at a non-FLSA-covered employer is one and a half times the regular rate after 40 hours per week.

The state of Illinois’ new hire reporting requirements are that each employer must report every new hire and rehire. The employer must report the elements required by the federal government of:

  • Name of the employee
  • Employee address
  • Employee’s Social Security Number
  • Name of the employee
  • Employee address
  • Employer’s Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)

This information must be reported within 20 days after hiring or rehiring.

Information can be submitted as W4 or equivalent by mail, fax, or electronically.

There is a $ 15, $ 500 fine for a late report in Illinois.

You can contact the Illinois New Hire Reporting Agency at 800-327-4473 or on the web at [http://www.ides.state.il.us/employer/newhire/general.htm]

Illinois does not allow mandatory direct deposit

Illinois requires the following information on an employee’s pay stub:

  • deductions per item
  • Illinois requires that the employee be paid no less than biweekly; monthly for FLSA-exempt employees; The union contract can provide different intervals.

    Illinois requires that the time lag between the end of the pay period and the payment of wages to the employee not exceed 13 days biweekly; weekly-7 days; monthly-21 days; daily-1 day.

    Illinois payroll law requires that involuntarily laid off employees be paid their final pay immediately if possible, if not, before the next regular payday; the next regular payday if it is suspended due to a labor dispute or has been temporarily terminated and that voluntarily terminated employees should be paid immediately if possible; if not, the next regular payday.

    Unpaid wages of the deceased employee must be paid when normally owed to the person owed for funeral expenses, spouse or child after a small property affidavit; Farm no more than $ 15,000.

    Withholding laws in Illinois require that unclaimed wages be paid to the state after five years.

    In addition, the employer is required in Illinois to keep a record of wages abandoned and turned over to the state for a period of 5 years.

    Illinois payroll law requires that no more than 40% of the minimum wage may be used as a tip credit.

    In Illinois, payroll laws covering mandatory breaks or meal breaks state that employees must have 20 minutes during the first 5 hours of the 7 1/2 hour shift.

    Alabama statute requires wage and hour records to be maintained for a period of not less than five years. These records will normally consist of at least the information required by the FLSA.

    The Illinois agency charged with enforcing child support laws and orders is:

    Child Support Enforcement Division

    Department of Public Aid

    509 S. 6th St.

    Springfield, IL 62701

    (800) 447-4278

    [http://ilchildsupport-employer.com/Default.aspx]

    Illinois has the following provisions for child support deductions:

    • When to start withholding? 14 business days after the withholding order is sent to the employer.
    • When to send the payment? Within 7 days after the payday.
    • When to send the Notice of Termination? “Promptly.”
    • Maximum administrative fee? $ 5 per payment.
    • Retention limits? Federal rules under CCPA.

    Please note that this article is not updated for changes that can and will happen from time to time.

    Lifestyle Fashion

    Christian sex: does a long, passionate kiss count as cheating?

    Jesus said that even if you only desire a man or a woman, without the physical contact, you have already committed adultery with that person in your heart. Just think how many times viewers of pornography have committed adultery.

    Matthew 5:27

    You have heard that it was said to the ancients: “You shall not commit adultery.” But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

    Some may say that viewing pornography or lusting after a person without the physical act is totally harmless and will not make anyone cheat, I disagree, it is one thing to be happily married and you can still appreciate another person’s beauty without greed. Whether that “hot babe” neighbor of yours in apartment 7A or that Mr. “McDreamy” you run into every day on your way to work every morning, it’s another thing to wish on that coworker or best friend of your spouse, etc. Not to mention the fact that viewing pornography is disrespectful to your spouse.

    The more you think about having sex with someone other than your spouse, the more it will stick in your mind and you will begin to think of ways to make it come true, the thought or image of you, involved in intense and hot sex with this person or even those pornographic images that you hide under the bed, burn in your subconscious and will make you want your spouse to imitate what you have seen or you will try to seduce and have sex with the person you want.

    The saying, of the heart; the mouth that speaks is not an empty phrase.

    What if you were chatting online with someone and you felt like you have a lot in common with

    “Wow my spouse doesn’t know me as well as you do, we just have this powerful connection” or maybe you were chatting back and forth, engaging in a lot of sexual jokes trying to outdo each other on what you want to do with each other sexually and how fast or slow or long you want to do it. Meanwhile, your spouse is innocently in the bedroom watching television not realizing that your sexual conversation is unfolding fast and furious just a few feet away in the next room.

    Can you honestly say that’s not cheating and it’s just bravado, having fun and you’ll never get anywhere, we’ve both set limits, we know how far to go? Really?

    What if you were at work and you were talking to your co-worker, whom you have known for years, have you had the occasional “how are you?” over the years, but now that they’ve had some conversations with each other, they feel good about all the attention they’re getting and the conversation

    You turn to sex and you end up sharing a long, slow, wet, passionate kiss and feel bad about

    that; but the reason, “I won’t let that happen again.” My spouse doesn’t have to know; it will only make things worse, what you don’t know won’t hurt you “Would you qualify that as cheating?

    You don’t have to engage in physical contact to have committed adultery, and even when it becomes physical, whether it’s a passionate kiss, a “longer” hug than usual, or that “dirty talk,” it’s still a trap. Physical adultery, like a toddler learning to walk, begins with very small steps, lust turns into fantasy, and can lead to masturbation or going out to make your lust fantasy come true.

    Romans 12: 2 says we must be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Replace those lusty thoughts with godly thoughts, spend time in the word, ask God in prayer to forgive, and remove the lusty thoughts.

    Instead, think about how I can be a better spouse, spark an affair with your beloved spouse, do you know who you promised your eternal love to before God and before 250 of your closest friends and family at the wedding? Yes, that 🙂

    Galatians 5: 16-17

    Then I say: Walk in the spirit, and you will not satisfy the desires of the flesh, because the flesh has desires against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to each other, so that you do not do the things you want. In other words, guard your heart, cheating and sex in general is all over the media, so you must be strong.

    Your lust outside of your marriage could be a sign of bigger relationship problems that you might have with your spouse and that requires communication or, if necessary, Christian counseling, it may be part of one or both spouses not meeting your needs, since emotionally or sexually; But it takes two people, making the effort to solve your marital problems, with God at the forefront for it to really work.

    Deception, whether physical or not, can lead to violence, a feeling of betrayal, family dysfunction, emotionally scarred children, divorce and estrangement from God, God is purer eyed than to look at sin, the Bible says in Psalm 66:18 that if I consider iniquity in my heart, he (God) will not listen to me. So if you are a cheater, you are likely to get caught, or if you are tempted to do so, work on your marriage.

    Proverbs 5:15

    Drink water from your own cistern, in other words, you want only your spouse sexually, you have your beautiful girlfriend or your beautiful husband, why destroy your marriage and your relationship with God by lusting after an idiot / idiot thinking that the weed will do it ? be greener on the other side (it never is).

    So what if the young woman paying attention to you is “sexier” than your wife? Are you already captivated, and besides, the outer physical beauty is only superficial? So what if he looks like a “Movie Star”, is 6ft 4in, and makes you laugh and feel like a million dollars? Many women will get the spotlight; But you don’t have to, he probably won’t really love you, but rather is trying to get your clothes off of a charm. Love is not just a feeling; it’s a compromise.

    Once again, communicate any problems you may have, seek God together and solve it, and despite what a recent ABCNews column might say about cheating being more “culturally acceptable,” it is definitely not acceptable to the eye. of God.

    Pets

    Range hoods clear smoke

    If you live in a home where your smoke detector serves as a dinner bell, it may be time to choose one of the many new range hoods available.

    There are times when cooking produces smoke. That smoke is usually a mixture of burned food, grease, water vapor, and other chemicals that should not be breathed in. To quickly remove that smoke from the room, an extractor hood provides ventilation to the outside or through a filtration system.

    When high-fat foods are fried, particles from previous batches of foods often remain in the oil. When oil is heated, these particles can burn and release smoke into the air. The range hood can effectively remove such smoke from the air.

    If your recipe calls for burning meat, you know the problems with smoke the process can cause. If you turn on the fan before you start cooking, that meat can be perfectly seared without filling the house with smoke.

    Despite our best efforts, there are times when cooking when we have spills or spills. If those spills or boils hit the stove’s heating element, they can create some very unpleasant odors and smoke. Turn on that trusty fan on the hood and the odors are eliminated in no time.

    Have you ever had a spill in the oven? The spill may have happened last week without our realizing it ever happened. However, fire up that oven today and the smoke will come out the door. The cooker hood comes to the rescue once again.

    The cooker hoods are made of sheet metal. They can be ventilated or not ventilated. The vented style is connected to a large duct that leads to the exterior of the house. Smoke and cooking odors are extracted with a fan and dissipated into the air. These hoods require access to the outside from the kitchen.

    A ventless range hood has a filtration system that removes smoke and odors from the air. Clean air is returned to the room.

    Breathing smoke is not good for humans. There are chemicals in all smoke that can cause cancer and respiratory problems. A range hood is an effective way to remove smoke from the air in your home. Be sure to use your range hood whenever there is smoke in the kitchen. You will breathe better for it.

    Real Estate

    Tips for repairing and maintaining the roof of a motorhome

    RV is the image of development to keep your business so reliable. As a closest companion, the roof of a motorhome is the most important part of our care. It is the point where you can lose all your security and keep your trip safer as well. Materials for making RV roofs include a different variety. But it is a fact that; the most important thing is the roofing material to protect it from external side effects. For a caravan roof, you must know the material that makes your caravan roof, it makes it easy for you to determine the type of maintenance required.

    Specifically the frequency and type of RV roofing products you need to make your roof strong and sturdy. Get the most benefits with proper maintenance. As a highly reflective roof covering to reduce loft temperatures, it makes the house more comfortable and cooling costs. Camper Roof Repair is a sufficient alternative to be used.

    When it comes to mobile home roofing, there are several roofing options, but you need a reliable one. Camper roof repair has emerged as viable options. Mobile home roofing replacement options when fleece as a building material, yet a little structure, is a straightforward solution to each of these undeniably important problems Establishing roofing coatings can influence you to stay away from all material problems. Roof repair isn’t desirable for most, but it can be fun. Camper Roof Repair has made it so natural to stay on the roof and dries quickly.

    You can get advantages from Camper Roof Repair and stay away from rooftop problems for over ten years. In appearance, everything looks new and polished. It influences your roof to emit free and bright exterior. Get roof protected from cracks and roof damage. People prefer overpriced RV roofs and after that they cry over their repair, but rest forever. Roof coverings can be your closest companions. It’s an especially instructive repair with this so you can easily carry it in your pocket. It is extremely durable in all extreme temperatures and weather conditions. Its amazing looks and results ask your love to take a closer look at the trip and get more business.

    • Determine how to repair a leaky caravan roof.

    • Get in the caravan.

    • Begin cleaning your roof as thoroughly as possible.

    • Prepare for the next works.

    • Make the surface clean and dry.

    • Spread on dry cleaned surface with brush or roller.

    • Let it dry now for more than two days.

    • After drying, recheck for leaks.

    Camper Repair, the purpose of choosing it is its waterproof property. It lasts for more than ten years. The most essential part of the warranty is the warranty and the warranty certificate. They are decent and extremely accommodating options for RV roofers.