Monday, December 10, 2007

Bluetooth Was a Norse King

My knowledge of bluetooth has a gap tooth. bluetooth is the ear thingy people wear that allows for hands-free, wireless use of their cell phones. now you can run, drive, snowboard, even ride a motorcycle and never miss a call. Cell chatter is paramount and there is little patience for those, like myself, who bring up the rear of an inching glacier.

Without a cell phone, I am a lumbering Techno-saur, soon to stumble into a tar pit (if not outright pushed) for not adapting to evolution. I point to my mouth and grunt, Uh! Uh! and so to expand my vocabulary, I tentatively explore bluetooth technology.

The beauty of bluetooth is that it lets various devices by different manufacturers (or providers) talk to each other. Being Bluetooth enabled allows wireless use of cell phones, cameras, printers and other devices.)

On the phone front, simply put your cell phone in your pocket, pop on your bluetooth ear thingy, and if your phone is on, voices will talk into your ear automatically. Look, Ma, no hands!

Ive heard of long-toothed, houndstooth, even saber-toothed, but why is it called Bluetooth?

The name derives from King Harald Blatand of Denmark (910-986). Blatand or Bluetooth, comes from the Norse word, bla (blue), which also can mean dark or black. Methinks Vikings lacked good dental care.

But the Danish kings claim to fame was that he united Denmark and Norway through Christianity in the 10th century. In fact an ancient Rune stone, located on a UNESCO world heritage site in Jelling, Denmark, translates to, "King Haraldr ordered this monument made in memory of Gormr, his father, and in memory of Thyrv, his mother; that Haraldr who won for himself all of Denmark and Norway and made the Danes Christian."

Imagine the corporate meeting the day the technology was officially named Bluetooth.

Perhaps a marketer said, The connection is crystal clear. Harald Bluetooth brought together warring kingdoms, and our bluetooth brings together different devices to work under one technology.

And some underling, no doubt, yelped, Yeah! And isnt communication todays higher power?

Cell phone technology and a Danish Christian king thats quite a stretch. But then, what do computers have in common with an Apple? Oh, right, its a Genesis thing. (I made that up.)

But having what looks like a metal frog perched on my ear is ugly. Why is a bluetooth so big when even devices for the hard-of-hearing are now barely noticeable?

I know why. Something has to separate hands-free cell phone users from Tourette Syndrome sufferers. A visual cue is needed because its harder to tell them apart. Thus, the sizable ear shield tells me that the lone person at the next table is actually sputtering and swearing at someone else.

But I always return to my natural instinct to resist owning a cell phone, never mind a bluetooth.

I dont want to be more productive, as in the ability to talk, eat and send something to the printer while standing at a burger counter.

I relish my dream-time while driving. (With the attention span of a kitten, so do I really need another distraction?)

Spending time and being present fully are precious gifts. I dont want to join the legions of diners who sit across from each other, but talk to invisible parties.

Speaking of timing, I hate it when the momentum of somebodys story (or worse, mine!) is interrupted by the almighty, Oh, hold on a minute, I gotta get this.

Yes, I know I could turn my cell phone off, but knowing myself, I never would. (Be happy - one less offender on the loose.)

To many, Im stuck in the dark ages where bluetooth remains a peaceable Norse king. Ah, the blessed silence!

Suzette Martinez Standring is a speaker, columnist and humorist. She is the author of "The Art of Column Writing: Insider Secrets from Art Buchwald, Dave Barry, Arianna Huffington, Pete Hamill and Other Great Columnists." She is the past president of the National Society of newspaper Columnists. Her Web site is http://www.readsuzette.com

Contact her at suzmar@comcast.net

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Home Security Systems - Separating Fact From Fiction

With home security systems more popular today then ever before, you may be wondering what is fact and what is fiction when it comes to looking into one for your home. Here is a look at two of the most common misconceptions in home security.

1. buying a home security system is going to cost an enormous amount of money.

This is simply fiction. Yes, years ago home security systems were a bit expensive, but increased technology and competition have made them very affordable for everyone.

Basically, most of the alarm companies have monthly rates in the $25-$45 range. That is for 3-5 years of leasing the hardware that operates the system.

You can further control the costs by deciding what you want protected, meaning do you want only what contacts on the front and back doors? Or do you want a full blown security system with contacts on all windows and doors?

Other decisions such as wanting a hard wired or wireless system and whether or not you will be doing the installation will also affect your costs.

A wireless security system is much easier to install, but it is roughly 2-3 times the cost than a hard wired system. For example, if you have a 2,500 square foot home and want protection on your doors and all windows, it will generally cost $250 - $750 for a hardwired system compared to $75-$1400 for wireless.

2. You have to sign a long term service agreement

Again, this is not the case. You have choices when it comes to a home security system. You can keep things simple by having a system that you install yourself and that sounds an alarm when a would be criminal trying to get in.

You could upgrade that to include the ability to automatically call you on your cell phone when the alarm goes off as well. So, there are ways of not having to have contracts.

Of course, having a company monitor your system can make things easier. For example, if the alarm goes off while you are on vacation, you won't have to deal with getting in touch with a neighbor to check things out, the alarm company does it for you.

There are several optional levels of protection that companies offer. You can look them over and find the one that best fits your needs.

Having a home security system is very important today and knowing the facts about them can make things a little easier when it comes to finding one for your home.

By the way, you can find out more about Home Security Systems as well as much more information on all types of home and business security cameras at http://www.SecurityCamera.InfoFromA-z.com

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Abdominal Exercise Routine - Factors To Note

Millions of people in the whole world definitely know how helpful doing an abdominal exercise routine is in losing weight. Many of them, in fact, have been doing a variety of exercises that are developed to tone and strengthen the core muscles of the abdominals. They go to gyms and fitness centers to attend trainings and practices, and its nice to know that all of them have achieved certain changes not just on their body weight, but also in the appearance of their tummies.

Although a regular abdominal exercise routine is valuable in obtaining a toner and well-shaped abs, there are still certain factors that people must know about this considerable practice. First is that, the abdominal exercise routine must not be overdone for too much of them can make you feel uncomfortable. So just do whatever you can in a limit. If you want to do some sit ups, for instance, then you can eliminate the excess fat on your abdomen by simply doing the standard or recommended numbers of this exercise.

Another important thing to note about doing an abdominal exercise routine is that to obtain better results, the exercises must be coupled with proper diet. Too much dieting wont help, so to stick with the right amount of meals a day. If what you are opting is not just a toned and well-shaped abdominals, but a slimmer waist, then its now time for you to cut your calorie intake. While doing all these things, you need to keep one fact in mind your abdomen is going to look perfect if you will just stay focus on your abdominal exercises and diet.

While a regular exercise that is coupled with proper diet can help you get the look you want, it is still necessary for every interested individual to consider his or her overall health prior to taking any of the above mentioned steps. Yes, keeping a regular track of your health will make a big difference. One easy way to do this is to consult your doctor about your health condition and everything that will affect your weight loss and abdominal strengthening and toning purposes. If you are pregnant, for instance, then the more you need to consult a physician. He or she will help you determine what particular practices or movements you need to incorporate into your abdominal exercise routine. Note that pregnant women are generally not allowed to do heavy exercises because of their condition. So, just the basics of abdominal exercises will work.

now, are you thinking of starting an abdominal exercise routine? Want something healthy? As mentioned, theres nothing else you can do than to consult an expert to know more about your condition, and then perform abdominal exercises coupled with proper diet.

Milos Pesic is a professional fitness trainer who runs a highly popular and comprehensive Abdominal Training web site. For more articles and resources on abdominal exercises, abdominal workout tips, abdominal fitness equipment and much more visit his site at:

http://abs.need-to-know.net

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