A little bit ago, I signed on with Twitter, a mini-blogging site.  And with your phone, you can connect to your Twitter account to receive updates via Short Message Service(SMS) or text messaging.  The reason why you would want to do something like this, is to be instantly updated or update your friends with news that is important to you.  It is a simple concept, but extremely powerful.  So I wanted to expand on this topic of text messaging, and try and tie this into how this could apply to counterinsurgency. From recruiting and propaganda, to putting out an alert to protect the citizenry from attack, text messaging is becoming a widely used tool of the populations of the world.  And in my view, if text messaging is used correctly, we can certainly enhance our counterinsurgency efforts in this war. 

Surprisingly, cellphones and the companies that sell the devices and plans are in wide use in such places like Iraq or Afghanistan.  These local populations with phones are making calls and they are text messaging one another, and this is what makes the cell phone an excellent tool to use in order to connect with these populations.

 And believe me, I have seen Iraqis text message one another with the same excitement and enthusiasm as anyone here in the US or world.  SMS is easy to use, and the technology is built into most phones that are used out there-and people like using it.  I think it’s that ‘passing notes’ in class feeling, when you text someone, and it can be fun.  It is also a universal feeling, and if you can read and push buttons on a phone, then you get to play.  But how do you get people involved and interested in text messages?  

My answer to that is entertainment.  You take the most popular past time of that country, and you find ways to take advantage of this interest with text messaging.  Much like American Idol here in the US, where viewers could text message votes and get involved with the process, you could apply something similar to Iraq or Afghanistan.  It does not have to be some American Idol thing-maybe soccer or something that the local population is excited about.  The point is to get the population to use that phone as a tool to connect, and then start expanding on this connection with other means that could be valuable to a SMS Counterinsurgency(COIN) plan.

I say SMS COIN plan, because anyone serious enough about connecting with a population and wanting to protect it, should exploit all and any methods to connect with that population.

  The technologies are there, the populations know how to use it(or could easily learn), and war planners and commanders on the front lines should not be afraid to take advantage of this.  But it must be done right, and there has to be a plan.

Now how could a planner use text messaging to their advantage.  Well, the first step is to ‘learn’ from others throughout the world, and see what works. Build that snowmobile, and find the experts to make it happen. I like the warning system that the Israelis are using for oncoming missiles-protecting the local population.  I like the Crime Stoppers use of text messaging as a tip line for criminals-population turning in the enemy.  I like the use of text messaging to send recruitment notices-reaching out to the population for manpower.  The only limit is your imagination as to the ways you could connect with the local population and find ways to protect them as well as entertain them.  The goal should be to empower that population, and make them feel a part of the process.  Use the local radio stations, and get people to vote in polls via text message about important issues. Or they could vote for their favorite soccer team, or send a text about the Taliban who are currently ravaging their village.  

The other angle with text messaging/cellphones is when people fall in love with that technology, they tend to protect it.  So once folks really enjoy the power of connecting, and someone threatens to take it away or destroys it, then the people will rise up.

One story in particular that demonstrated this, was what Dennis O’Brien, the CEO of cellphone company Digicel, talked about in Haiti. He describes how the people of Haiti were rioting against the government, and spared all the Digicel cellphone stores and towers.  The reason why, was because the cellphone was a major part of their lives.  From business deals, to affairs of the heart, to discussing politics with others, and so on-the cellphone was a prized and extremely useful tool for daily life in Haiti.  That is why they protected it, because they feared losing that vital tool of life and freedom.  I can only imagine how I would react if someone destroyed my cellphone service, or even my internet service-I would not be happy.

These are just a few ideas, but you get the basic idea.  And just last night, I was using text messaging to send in a vote in a poll about the US Vice Presidential debates.  I did it because I wanted to show a reaction to events, and voice an opinion. I wanted to connect and feel a part of the process. Like I said, if you are a war planner on the ground, and you do not have a SMS COIN plan, you are missing out on a huge opportunity to connect with the local population.

To be truthful, there’s not much better way to boost efficiency on your computer than by getting yourself a wide screen personal computer monitor. While you could set up a dual monitor to expand work space, it is simply not as practical and handy as getting a wide screen monitor. Attaching a double screen to your current monitor requires technical know-how to install.

Having a wide screen personal computer monitor, you don’t need to be worried about focusing on 2 different displays. Having two displays can be a little bit too distracting and actually reduce work productivity. As an alternative, you can do every thing on a single wide screen monitor. With more space on your display, you can open more windows and focus on a number of programs simultaneously.

When you’re busy working on several things at once, it may be incredibly annoying to hide windows to view another. Sometimes you might have plenty of applications open and the screen is just a busy mess. This could critically reduce your effectiveness to work successfully and will waste significant amount of time.

Wide screen personal computer monitors are large, with the standard size being around 21 inches. Thus giving you a lot more room to be organized and also do more. You don’t only have more space, you can also enjoy much better clarity. Plenty of widescreen monitors are usually HD and provide amazingly fine detail in addition to color. For graphics developers this really is beneficial as it helps give a far better concept of the final product.

Generally, widescreen personal computer monitors feature 16:9 display, which is the general standard for most movies and TV programs today. You’ll find that most video web sites on the internet also offer the ability to view movies within widescreen. What this means is you’re able to appreciate motion pictures and television as it really is meant to be, without seeing the black bars.

You can effortlessly change your PC into a digital TV set by investing in digital television card. Using this method you can take advantage of the HD quality display when watching your favorite programs. As opposed to analogue, you can enjoy crystal clear digital broadcasts directly on your PC. As many computers have DVD drives you may also appreciate the movies too in widescreen format providing you with an enhanced watching experience.

That’s not all; wide screen personal computer monitors are usually much more energy efficient in comparison to common screens as well as space-saving. You’ll find brand new widescreen LCDs extremely compact and also lightweight.

One way to protect your beloved car and of course you as the driver is by using car insurance program. On the other hand, some people are a little bit worry because car insurance is considered as an expensive insurance program to take.

Although it is considered as an expensive insurance but it doesn’t mean that you can’t get the cheaper one. If you know the way you have an opportunity to get car insurance program based on your financial condition and what you need most. Certain website such as CarInsuranceRates.Com will help you to get the best car insurance. In this case, they are ready with auto insurance quotes and with the quotes you can find more information about car insurance program including car insurance rates.

By knowing about the rates you can save your money because you have an opportunity to get a cheap car insurance program but it meets your need. To get the quotes you just need to enter your zip code and soon you will get the reference. Hopefully, you can find the best car insurance program to use from a reputable car insurance company so you can feel the benefits. Later, you can drive your beloved car without anything to worry about.

Positioning of rattan conservatory furniture is both a skill and an art. Does that mean that it is hard to learn? No, it is not all as a matter of fact. It just requires some basic decorating and coordinating knowledge as well as how to shop for the right furniture.

With all the assistance you are given while selecting and displaying your each piece, your imagination will most likely run wild. Should this be the case, you are likely to compose the most perfect modern furniture scene.

For instance, as you select the right combination of pieces and accessories to be placed in your sunroom you probably would apply a variety of modern furniture decoration tips. For example, the most important one of all is that less is more.

What that means is that although you can get away with being a little bit daring-and you should if you do not want to be boring-you should be careful.

Too many items in a room can subtract from the beauty of the room arrangement rather than add to it.

Your goal is to enhance the in which space you plan to place furniture as much as possible. Therefore, it is important that you take all the advice you can from professionals, who sometimes offer hints and suggestions for free.

Another very helpful tool that you might make use of while creating the perfect rattan conservatory furniture room display is the colour wheel. This will help you know which colours work the best together.

For example, of course black and white, red, or orange often work well together. Likewise, so to castrating shades of purple and yellow or certain shades of bright pink against bright green.

So does a variety of neutral colours such as ivory, white, or light brown. The colour wheel can tell you all this as well as much more.

Speaking of colours, one of the most important bits of advice for people who are placing rattan conservatory in a room is to paint the walls a light colour. The reason why is because this is a sunroom, which should of course reflect sunlight and that is what light colours such as white, yellow, or ivory would do.

Then, whatever furniture you select should either match or contrast the colours of the walls in a very strategic way. The end result is a very spectacular scene.

With that, know that modern rattan conservatory furniture is one that definitely has an appeal. The lines are sleek, the colors are bright and airy, and there is no limitation on the types of room displays you can create.

Given that adopting a cat is a significant commitment – they live for an average of 15 years – it makes sense to learn more about cat breeds before you buy. Two extremely popular purebreds are the Siamese and the Persian, although both of these have characteristics that may make them unsuitable choices for some people. Fortunately, there are a large number of other breeds to choose from, many of them less well known. Two of these less recognized breeds actually give hope to feline loving allergy sufferers, as they have a low-allergy coat and are generally well tolerated.

Although not as popular as they once were, Siamese cats have many loyal fans, and for good reason. They are extremely beautiful and intelligent, although modern breeding practices have introduced an unhealthy leaning towards an overly triangular head shape. Siamese are very vocal, however, which can be a problem for some people, as they may be a little bit determined in putting their views across. This is not a cat for the owner who doesn’t have a lot of time to spend with their pet, as Siamese are very people-oriented. They love attention, and they love interacting with their owners. They will follow them from room to room, and are naturally very curious and mischievous when bored.

Unlike Siamese, Persian cats are very even-tempered. They get along well with other dogs and animals, and integrate well in multi-cat households. They also tolerate children well. The biggest drawback – and also their most striking feature – is their amazing coat. A Persian’s coat needs daily brushing. It mattes easily, and cats need to be sedated to have their coats clipped, so keeping their long coat in good shape needs to be a priority for Persian owners.

The Siberian cat, or croshca, is another long haired feline. It requires less grooming than the Persian, and needs to be brushed only two or three times a week instead of daily. Their coat is different too. Surviving in the deep cold of a Russian winter, the croshca has a waterproof, slightly oil coat. Siberian cats are very playful, and affectionate. Like the Siamese, they grow very attached to their owners, so this is something to keep in mind when selecting a breed. The Siberian is one possibility for those with cat allergies, as their coats are believed to be hypoallergenic.

Devon rex cats are another option for those allergic to cats. They have a very thin, soft, slightly crinkly coat that sheds very little. The coat itself is also hypoallergenic. Be warned however – devon rex are extremely playful and mischievous. They are also very fond of food, and have been known to be quite resourceful in finding it even when hidden away. The devon rex is very affectionate, and another people-oriented cat that will follow you around and ‘help’ with chores.

Feline breeds all have their own distinctive characteristics. This is something to keep in mind as you learn about cat breeds before you buy. Do you have children or other pets? How much time do you want to spend with a cat, and does your work schedule allow it? Getting two cats together (if you don’t already have one) is never a bad idea as it provides companionship for both. But some cats still demand more of their humans than others do, though they often give at least as much back.