There comes a time in all of our lives where we may find ourselves wanting to lose a little extra weight.  This is especially important this time of year when we seem to eat a little more at holiday gatherings with friends and family.  Counting calories is a good way to keep your weight in check over the holiday and the internet can help with that.

With the expansion of high speed broadband into other venues other than just the traditional desktop computer, it is easier than ever to count calories even when at the dining table.  This is especially true for people accessing the internet in rural areas as they do not have the same resources as people in urban areas.  Technologies such as satellite internet service has truly allowed these areas to be more connected to the rest of the nation and share their diet plans with family and friends.  For example, there are plenty of sites available for free, which allow you to type in the food you are eating and see how many calories it contains.  In addition, you can also access a restaurant’s web page in order to see if they list the amount of calories in each of their dishes so you will have a better idea of what you would like to order. All of this information is easily available on laptops, smart phones and tablets so it is always at your fingertips. If you do want to do a plan where you might pay, such as Weight Watchers, they also have information available online in order to show you how many points everything on your plate will cost you.

In addition, high speed internet comes in handy when trying to plan low calorie meals for yourself at home.  There are plenty of websites dedicated entirely to low calorie meals or you can go to a site such as the Food Network and search specifically for low calorie ideas for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Not only will you get step by step instructions, but you can also find a picture of the food that you are thinking of preparing.

There are also blogs and chat rooms available in order to continue on your weight loss campaign.  These are a great source of support when you have had a bad eating day or just feel like you can’t eat one more low calorie meal.  The people on these sites are more than likely going through the same thing that you are and not only can you provide support to someone, they can provide support to you.  In addition, you can track your progress so you know if you are on track to meet your goals.

A fast broadband connection can also help you plan your shopping list.  You can easily keep count of all calories located in all the foods you are buying and use online programs in order to keep your grocery list straight and help you avoid any last minute purchases of items that might not fit into your diet.

As the internet continues to expand, we are sure to find more and more ways to use the technology for an old fashioned problem of keeping weight off.  If you are trying to lose weight, it is always important to use all of the technology and resources available in order to make it as easy and pain free as possible.

The internet has changed a lot in our world including how we live and the things that we have in our lives.  We now find ourselves turning to the internet more and more often for answers to both routine and slightly more complicated questions.  The fact that we can find answers to our questions about anything makes it easier than having to search out a professional in our area.  In addition, because of the advancements in satellite internet service people in very remote areas can even find almost any sort of information they are looking for.  One area that the internet can be a great resource for has to deal with the landscaping we may have or be planning to put around our homes.

Satellite internet service comes in handy for rural residents when looking to see what type of plants you should incorporate into your landscaping design.  This is because not all plants can grow in all areas of the country.  Some thrive in different soil types and different weather conditions.  In order to get the most out of your garden and landscaping, there are numerous sites online that can help you determine what you should be planting for your particular area.

In addition, the internet can help you determine which plants to put where.  There are numerous sites that will give you detailed drawings for anything from a vegetable garden to a rock garden. It is important to consult such gardening and landscaping sites in order to determine which plants need more sunlight versus more shade.  In addition, some plants may be better in certain locations because they will either grow tall or stay a little closer to the ground.  Making sure that you put plants in the proper spot means that you will get more enjoyment out of them and they will last longer.

There are also plenty of websites available if you start having problems with your plants.  From bugs to other issues, there are plenty of threats to your garden and landscaping.  A simple search will help you find out why your plants are suffering and what you can do to correct the issue.  In addition, there are also plenty of sites where you can ask others how to solve a particular problem and get personal help in return.

There is also plenty of information available online in order to find out what vitamins and fertilizer is best for your plants. The information will include if it has to be mixed with anything and the best way to apply it without burning the leaves.  If you live in a dry climate, you may also need some help with irrigating your landscaping.  Before putting in your plants, it is a good idea to consult various websites for information on irrigation and the best ways to install underground information if that will be the optimal way to keep your plants happy and well watered.

If you do need a landscaper, be sure to consult theinternet to find one in your area that matches your needs.  Not all landscapers provide the same services so be sure to find the one that will get the job done for a price within your budget.

Everyone wants to live the good life.  Some of my family moved into rural America only to find out that “the good life” does not include reliable internet connections. When my family moved into the rural heartland, they had hopes and dreams of staying connected to the world only to find that Cable and DSL services are not available with the exception of dial-up internet in the country.

They called the local internet cable providers only to find out that Cable internet was not available for their location.  If this information was not bad enough, they were also informed that if they wanted cable internet connection services that they would have to dish out mega bucks to have the cable lines set up to run into their home.  This proved frustrating with their only option being dial-up internet, or so they thought.

Upon hanging up the phone (yes, unbelievably, they had phone service) with the Cable and DSL companies, they smartly walked next door to the neighbors.  They knocked on the door and their burly, friendly neighbor answered the door.  They began the conversation with “Hello” which was quickly followed up with the question, “What do you utilize for connection to the internet?”  This is when they were informed that the neighbor was using technology from a satellite to log on the internet.

The neighbor went on to explain that having internet in the country is not impossible due to satellite technology.   They were also informed that this type of technology was great for not being bumped off the internet while chatting with family and friends and most importantly, proved just as fast when downloading pictures and files.

This was a relief because they had just moved in their home in a beautiful rural area and now life began to feel perfect again.  They remember searching the area schools, playgrounds and even checking into the crime rate in the area (was very low) but who remembers to ask about connecting to the internet?

The helpful neighbor gave the name and number to a satellite internet service company.  They discovered at least one pitfall of living in rural America, and this was connecting to the internet.  They never thought that anyone would have issues with connecting to the internet in the country. They tried to call the satellite company from their cell phone but the call was continually being dropped (they did not think about asking about cell phone coverage either).

They picked up their landline and called the satellite company.  A friendly and professional person answered on the other end while informing them that satellite internet in the country was available for my family.  They were informed of the upfront costs and equipment needed for the installation.  This proved to be quite a relief considering they were thinking their only options were dial-up or traveling to the local library.

After asking the company about pricing packages and customer service, they hung up the landline with a sigh of relief.  They walked out onto the porch and sat down in the swing.  They sat there listening to the birds sing in the trees with the sound of the rolling river nearby on their property.  The rural area in which they reside is truly something they have always wanted.

As beautiful as this area is, they could not fathom losing contact with the information highway.  This is why the conversation that they had with the satellite internet company was worth it.  They now live in a beautiful rural area with the soon and coming amenities of internet technology that combines the best of both worlds.  Internet in the country should not prove so difficult.  Perhaps at the next community meeting after introducing themselves, they should recommend more advances toward increasing technology in the area.  As for the neighbor with the great advice about getting, the internet hooked up?  He gets a friendly smile and maybe a cake.

With our recent newfound technology, those living in rural areas should be able to have fast internet access as well.  Extending cables out to undeveloped regions may seem like more effort than it is worth.  However, through implementing forms of wireless internet such as Wi-Fi, WiMAX, and balloons, now there is no reason why any secluded home cannot obtain fast rural internet service.

Limitations in technology and profitability make planning rural high speed internet service difficult.  Homes in rural areas may be spaced several miles apart from one another while suburban and city homes are close together.  Building a single tower in a metropolitan area is highly profitable since it serves hundreds of nearby residents.  Erecting an identical tower in a rural area may cost the same but serves far fewer homes than those that are widely spaced apart.  Also, not every rural household will want fast rural i

nternet service.

The following are three types of wireless internet services which serve as alternatives to satellite towers:

• Wi-Fi:  Short for wireless fidelity, Wi-Fi is compatible with wireless devices that use the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11a and 802.11b standards which enable 54 Mbps in a 5 Ghz band and 11 Mbps in a 2.4 Ghz band respectively.  Wi-Fi can be said to be the pioneer in wireless network access and has served as a cheaper alternative to wired internet access.  Since Wi-Fi does not require licensing, providers can offer it to customers for less.  In some areas, it lacks the range and power needed to travel through rural areas and data is not always secure unless customers take precautions to protect their information.  Wi-Fi can be applied to most types of internet connections to make the connection wireless.  However, it is also increasingly becoming available in urban areas as a sole internet option to residents as it is broadcasted throughout the city.
• WiMAX:   As a form of wireless internet, WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) provides mobility, which Wi-Fi lacks.  It works on the IEEE 802.16 standard as used in 2004 with a transmission capability of 70 Mbps reaching just over 30 miles.  WiMAX is more expensive to install and maintain than Wi-Fi and may not be favorable to rural customers who are satisfied with Wi-Fi.
• Balloons:  Balloons filled with hydrogen gas lift attached equipment up to space.  The equipment then sends and receives internet and cell phone signals.  One catch: Within a day of hovering in thinner air than its gas, the balloon pops and a parachute gently lowers it back to Earth.  Once back on the ground, the balloons are refilled and launched by hired customers.  Through the use of balloons, no satellite towers need to be built or technical launches need be made.  Since the equipment lands daily, there are more opportunities to examine it without removing it from a tower.  Also there are issues with birds or aircraft running into the balloons as well as inclement weather affecting them.  Worst of all, is the requirement of inflating and launching them daily.

New technologies, including 802.22 and laser link, are currently being developed.  Hopefully  they’ll overcome the range and line of sight problems found in rural areas. Today WiMAX, satellites, and balloons still provide useful ways in achieving rural high speed internet services.

What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of New York State? It’s a dairy farm in Brunswick, isn’t it. No? A cider mill in Canisteo? No, again? Well, what are you thinking of if it’s not that? Oh, I know, you’re thinking about New York City, Niagara Falls, High Speed Satellite Internet and the Statue of Liberty.

All very important components of the Empire State but don’t leave the rest of the place out of the picture. And don’t forget that Rural High Speed Satellite Internet is available all over. It’s one of those things that the East Coast States share along with a history that goes back to colonial times. Truly amazing 17^th and 18^th century architecture that has survived whatever wars or revolutions have thrown at it. You can see a home built at the time of the Declaration of Independence that had been revamped with tunnels leading to and from a river to a safe room where slaves of the Underground Railroad were hidden on their trek to Canada.

The aptly named Finger Lakes region is famous for its fishing, camping, hiking or just plain sight-seeing. They also have world-class vineyards if you would like to go for a tour and a tasting.  Would you like something a little softer? There are many orchards and cider mills to go to and stock up while watching the apple press do its magic.  Florida may tout its fresh-squeezed orange juice but there’s nothing like a newly pressed apple dripping that fine amber liquid into a vessel for your tasting.

Dairy farms dot the countryside and produce the milks and cheeses we all enjoy. Many of these same farms have been around for a couple of centuries! I know you want to get to the Big Apple but enjoy a little trip of discovery around the state that will maybe rival one of those shows on Broadway.

Ok, now you’re in the biggest and best city in the world. Horns are honking; people are rushing en masse on the sidewalks while the taxi cabs are trying to run you over. Don’t worry, just go along with the crowd in whatever direction you are heading since the drivers will usually avoid hitting a whole group of people (you hope). Walk fast and don’t act like a tourist. Don’t loiter by any dark alleys and by all means don’t leave your money in your pocket. Pick pockets are every where and they hide in dark alleys. Too many rules to remember? Then get out of that city and get back up state!

Just kidding (about some of it). Have some fun in the big city by wining and dining in the world’s finest restaurants and go see the best that Broadway has to offer. Take a walk around Central Park where it seems most movies are filmed and grab a taxi (if you dare) back to whatever star hotel you are staying. Just watch out for the bedbugs (not kidding) and make sure they have some of that High Speed Satellite Internet! That will make the whole trip worthwhile no matter where you end up in New York State.

High Speed Rural Satellite Internet is by no means old but has been around long enough to get a good foothold in this desert destination. A state with not much water, beautiful sunsets, snow-covered mountains (Nevada is Spanish for snow-covered), and laws that allow just about anything, or I should say a lack of laws.

There is definitely no law against setting up your computer with rural satellite internet service. This ‘lack of laws’ is exactly how they rebuilt the economy after people got sick of mining silver and gold in excruciating heat and started to leave the state.

Nevada had its own gold and silver rush but the harsh desert conditions took its toll on the prospectors and claim owners alike. Then came air conditioning! Not until the 20^th century did the government leaders figure that with air-cooled buildings they could lure people back to the arid landscape. As an added benefit they started legalizing institutions that had been banned in the surrounding states and most of the nation.

Then came the second rush and the population exploded. Nevada became a vacation destination for not only gamblers but those who rise up the mountains and shush down on skis. Lake Tahoe’s deep clear waters entice boaters, swimmers and even scuba divers.

Can you believe that in 1900 there were only 100 people living in the gulch we now call Las Vegas? Thanks to some smart thinkers and air conditioning the city now boasts 2.5 million inhabitants! And that doesn’t include the tens of thousands who travel there in any given year. Quite an accomplishment.

Not only did the people come but industry, too. Although the bulk of the economy is based on tourism, almost as much revenue comes from non-gaming institutions. Mining and cattle ranching are again leading the state in income production. I guess some things never change.

Speaking of change, bring a lot of it when you visit the casinos. Try your hand at a one-armed bandit or, for the more confident, play at one of the game tables. It’s all for fun unless you lose your shirt so be careful to allot yourself a certain amount to gamble with everyday and don’t let yourself get carried away! The amount of money that comes and goes from that town must be astronomical.

When you’ve finished with the glitz and glamour of the casinos, step away and go visit places like Carson City or Virginia City, both made famous boom towns by the discovery of the Comstock Lode. If you walk along the shores of Lake Tahoe you can almost see, through the woods, the Cartwright homestead called the ‘Ponderosa’ from the old TV show, ‘Bonanza’. They were always riding into Virginia City to take care of some kind of ranch business. May not be very historical but it was fun to watch.

So, whether you’re at a ranch, hotel, casino, lake house or mountain chalet, email the folks back home with a high speed rural satellite internet connection to let them know about all of the money you won or how steep the mountain was that you skied. They’ll appreciate it.

There is good news for anyone who lives or operates businesses in rural areas in the United States.  The Federal Communications Commission has vowed they will bring rural high speed broadband to businesses and private residences.  This news comes with the “Communications Workers of America’s Speed Matters” campaign pressing for better means of communication in making the latest technology available for everyone.

This proves to be great news for anyone who lives in areas where rural high-speed broadband services are not readily accessible.  This modernization for rural areas will help with increasing community and economic development in areas that badly need the help that only technology can offer.  The digital divide has consistently been widened with people who live and or operate businesses in these areas in comparison to people who live or operate businesses in urban areas of the United States.

Can you imagine living in an area in this day and age being without the services of rural high-speed internet?  This is a reality for numerous people in these areas and proves an atrocity in a country that is technology driven.  This fact is often overlooked with rural areas suffering from technological neglect with no affordable way to gain entry to the world’s internet highway.

Universal broadband deployments are still in the development phases in the United States.  This leaves millions of Americans living in rural areas no access to rural high-speed broadband services.  Why is it that our nation is still lagging behind other countries in allowing internet access to people living in rural areas?

The digital divide still exists unfortunately with rural businesses suffering and residences being left out in the dark to technological advances.  So far, our nation has proved that country living should not have the amenity of affordable internet connection services.  This is bad news for rural educational institutions, businesses and households.  Everyone no matter where they have chosen to live or work deserves the amenity of enjoying internet technology.

There are obvious gains being made with adopting rural high-speed broadband in rural areas but more can be done.  Imagine the possibilities and endless opportunities that rural communities could enjoy with this type of technology advancements.  Communities should be entitled to enjoy the endless educational, business and social benefits enjoyed by urban communities.

Most of the world is embracing the digital age with fast access to the internet and other types of technology.  In rural areas, technology such as cell phones provides numerous dropped calls and sporadic cell phone towers.  This proves frustrating to rural residents and business owners who pay hefty prices for their technology only to deal with technology that is not conducive to the area, which they live.  Internet technology is no different in this aspect.

Rural businesses, schools and homeowners are often times left with options such as expensive DSL services and worst case scenario, dial-up connections.  These areas suffer economically while being exploited with high-priced internet connection packages that are not guaranteed to work consistently.  This proves frustrating for anyone who has to perform ten times the effort to do what someone else performs in a matter of seconds or minutes.  Rural high-speed broadband services should be available for everyone and it finally looks like the government agrees with this fact.

Known for over a century as the “Food Capital of the World”, Iowa and its citizens have had to make many changes over the years to keep their economy healthy. And boy, did they make changes. The populous must be made up of some very resilient people to have accomplished all that needed to be done to make the list of “Top 10 States for Business in the United States”, coming in at number six in 2010.

They have also made great strides in education and avail themselves of high speed satellite internet, showing just how intelligent they are.  They boast three state universities and over 30 private colleges and universities. People come from all over the world to study in this quiet ‘corn belt’ state. I call it quiet because it is also rated as the safest place to live.

With great schools, many job opportunities and state-wide satellite internet service, it is indeed a great place to live and work. Nothing to fear here except for some extreme seasonal weather. It’s known to be very hot and humid in the summer (great for crops!), and frigid and snowy in the winter. Spring and fall can bring about some nasty storms with tornadoes being frequent unwelcome visitors.

Since over 60% of Iowa’s acreage is agricultural they suffered greatly during the Farm Crisis of the 1980’s. It brought with it an economic depression that some never recovered from prompting many to move out-of-state to make a living.  However, it took only a decade to turn this around. Iowans were smart enough to see they needed something other than corn to rely on and went about diversifying by attracting many businesses in advanced manufacturing, processing, financial and insurance services, biotechnology, and green energy production. They sweetened the pot by providing a well-educated workforce and tax incentives. People started moving back and became part of the recovery.

Due to this resourcefulness they are also weathering this latest recession better than most states. With such a large rural population it was also necessary to bring these areas current with the rest of the state by allowing the introduction of rural high speed internet. The US government is helping with this by allotting funds to ensure everyone has access to the internet.  With all of this, things are looking good for Iowa now and into the future.

So, we not only have Iowa to thank for feeding the world but also for showing the rest of the country that things can get better if you allow change and work diligently to make it happen. If they can bounce back after almost losing an entire industry, one they relied on to keep them economically healthy, it is not too difficult to see that it can be done.

Seeing how they value education so highly, I hope Iowa can teach the rest of us the lesson of how to survive even in the most dire of circumstances. Thank you Iowa!

What a great song by Ray Charles. Of course, I don’t think he was singing about rural high speed internet but maybe he should have been! It is one of the great incentives to live in some of the most beautiful areas in the country.

Georgia has much more than internet services to sing about. A rich, sometimes turbulent, history only adds to the allure. Geographically speaking, the wonders of the Appalachians with its many rivers cascading down the mountainsides; the long, sandy seashores, and thick pine forests are without a doubt the reason so many make their way to the Peach State and have since the early 18^th century. Of course, it’s only been in recent history that rural internet service has allowed the most beautiful remote spots the connections they need.

As one of the original 13 colonies, it has produced some great citizens throughout the years and gave us our 39^th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter. President Carter is still very active on behalf of our country and has made great strides towards peace with others around the world. In his own back yard he implemented the Jimmy Carter Work Project for Habitat for Humanity which has grown in such proportions that there is not a state in the Union that does not have a Habitat project in progress.

We can’t forget it is also the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr., baseball legend Jackie Robinson, Girl Scouts founder Juliette Low and so many others. Margaret Mitchell, of Atlanta, wrote a little book called Gone With The Wind, and gave all of us a look at the war that tore the country apart, from a Southern point of view.

One of the many tragedies of that war was the burning of Georgia’s most incredible cities. But look at them now. Atlanta has exploded into a powerhouse of a city. Savannah has reclaimed the charming warmth of the city and still puts visitors under its spell.

It was said “The South Will Rise Again”. Well, it didn’t just rise, it flew! The people of Georgia have always thought ahead and still do. That is how they came up from the rubble of war to become the progressive, positive people they are today. They had to make a few changes to get there but that’s what Georgia has always been about. They’ve done that by attracting many Fortune 500 companies who needed intelligent, qualified personnel to run and work in their companies.

They have also embraced technologies that have helped put them ahead of the game. With Rural High Speed Broadband as an option, sometimes the only option, for many who live away from the cities, it allows every person in the state to participate in the growth of Georgia.

Everyone needs a vacation once in a while and I’m sure you are no different. If you work from home people may think it would be easier for you to get away for a week or longer but this is not necessarily the case. In all actuality, in today’s technologically advanced world, you likely have to have your computer with you seven days a week to keep your business running. If this sounds like you I bet you would like to know of a way you could just pack up and go on that fishing trip you’ve been thinking about, if such a way exists…right?

Luckily, rural satellite internet is offered in places you would never imagine. I could take a trip to the country and stay in some remote cabin and still stay on top of things. A trip to a beach resort? No problem, because satellite service is available there too.

You may think it can’t be much of a vacation if you bring your work or computer with you but for some of us it is a necessity. Now we don’t have to be tied down to our cable – we can go places and have some fun with rural high speed broadband.

This is not just a good idea, it’s a great idea! Before you make your plans check out some of the places you are interested in visiting and you will be happily surprised to find that most areas that were once considered ‘off the grid’ now advertise their rural satellite internet service for your convenience.

It is now shown to be the smart thing to have for your business, whether it be a mom & pop outfit or a nice out-of-the-way beachfront getaway. They’ve all come to realize the huge benefits to them for offering satellite connections to their customers.

Caught a fish? Take a picture before you let it go and send it to your friends and family. Looking for something to do on a rainy day? Surf the local scene and see what they have to offer in the way of entertainment or historical spots. Check the weather and plan accordingly. You’ll know whether to pack the sun tan lotion or raincoats and sweaters.

Just want to keep in touch with your Facebook friends? What a great way to let them see and hear how much fun you are having. The uses are endless and always available when you choose a venue that has rural satellite internet connections.

So, your vacation is all planned; one week on the beach and one week in the mountains and now you know you will likely be able to find numerous places to stay that has the rural satellite internet connection you need. You get to keep your business running in a timely manner and still have time away from the crowds.

With your new found knowledge, next year you might even be brave enough to take that cruise you’ve always wanted to take, but was not able to because you couldn’t be away from internet access! Yes, it’s true. Broadband satellite internet is also available on board cruise ships. You can take the trip, live the high life, and bring the office with you!