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We all know how much computers have been used to boost productivity and save time. The internet has done a great deal to save time in many areas of our lives, such as online shopping and banking. However, a time saving device that is based on a much older technology has proven to be one of the best. The hands free telephone is a gadget that can save you time and greatly simplify your life.

When you consider the number of times in a day that the average person must stop what theyre doing to answer the phone, you see how the minutes can add up. Even todays cordless phones leave you with one hand tied, so to speak. For years, secretaries, office workers and operators have used corded hands free phones, which are excellent when working at a desk. but when you need more freedom to move around, nothing beats a cordless hands free telephone.

There are many good hands free phones to choose from. The one that I prefer is the plantronics CT 12 cordless headset telephone. The CT 12 consists of a headset connected to a tiny handset which maintains a wireless connection to the phone base. The base plugs into a standard land line. This setup allows you to make and receive calls hands free while working or moving around. The CT12 has a range of 100 feet.

The CT12s handset is the heart of the system. This little gem is about the size of a folding cell phone, but has the functionality of much larger models. Its small dimensions (3 x 2 x 1) allows it to be carried easily in your pocket. The features include speed dialing, call waiting, caller ID, a phone book that can hold 100 numbers and chain dialing. Chain dialing allows you to store numbers that are used after your call connects, such as account numbers. The display is a three line, backlit lcd. The CT12s keypad is well marked and easy to use. There is an optional belt clip which can be used but I dont recommend it. It allows the handset to fall. Its safer to carry it in a pocket. The battery provides 5 to 6 hours of talk time.

The lightweight headset can be worn over your ear or head. Either position is comfortable but over your head feels more secure. It has a feature called Firefly. This is a blinking red light at the end of the microphone that lets others know when youre on the phone. The sound quality is every bit as good as you would expect from the folk at plantronics. they have been in the business of making headsets for quite a few years, now. Neil Armstrong was using one when he walked on the moon. Those famous words, One small step for Man came to us through a plantronics headset.

The only drawback to using the plantronics CT12 is the possible interference with wireless computer networks. This may require you to change channels by pressing the channel selector button on the handset. You could also switch channels on your wireless router.

The overall quality of this phone is good. So whether youre an astronaut or an office worker, a phone such as this one can be a worthwhile investment in productivity. I wouldnt try moon walking without one.

Robert Lee Howard is a web developer and online marketer. For more information visit: http://www.plantronicsct12.com

For anyone looking to take on a large project like remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, or adding a porch or in-law suite, for example - here are six things for the top of your home improvement to-do list, according to Ed Campbell, VP for Nashua, NH-based remodeling firm G.M. Roth (gmroth.com):

Be realistic about the project timeline. Though we all have good intentions and we like to hear the best-case scenarios, life isn't always that simple, and unfortunately neither is a remodeling project. It is important to ask every contractor, from whom you get a quote, for an honest estimate of how long the project will take - with no sugarcoating, no rose-colored glasses.

Better check the weather. Depending on where you live, rainy days may still be frequent in spring and summer months, and depending on the length of time your remodeling project will take, you may need to protect all or part of your home from the elements, as well as, from contractors tracking the elements into your home. Make sure you take this possibility into account before and during the remodeling process.

Don't forget about winter too soon. The weather may be warming up but if your remodeling project requires new doors, windows, or changes to exterior walls, be sure to discuss insulation and energy efficiency options with your contractor. You don't want to be left in the cold come winter time.

Make sure to get it all in writing. Your agreement with your contractor should specify who's responsible for cleanup during and after the remodeling project is done Responsibility for protection of your property from construction damage should also be clearly spelled out, too.

Give your insurance agent a call. Home remodeling often increases the value of your home, so you'll want your insurance coverage to come up to speed with the improvements. Your agent can also tell you if you'll be covered in case of problems like weather damage during the remodeling, injuries to workers, and other unexpected events.

Get out, if you can. During the construction process, there may be times where fumes or dust give you no choice but to stay with family, friends, or a local motel for short periods of time. But some projects, kitchen remodeling for example, often deny homeowners the use of major appliances and drinking water, etc. Rather than setting up a temporary kitchen in the spare bedroom, it might be easier to crash with the in-laws for a couple of weeks, and spring for their groceries as well as yours.

Plan ahead. This key to success, in so many areas of life, is just as important for remodeling projects. Taking time to plan before you start a major home improvement won't just increase the value of your home. It will bring you peace of mind as well.

Learn more about avoiding potential home improvement problems by visiting http://easyhouseremodeling.com, a popular house remodeling website that offers information, tips and free house remodeling resources and home improvement advice.

If you have a little athlete, get prepared to get involved in some kind of sports fundraising event. Kids who are involved in non-school funded sports will have to come up with more money than kids that are in sports funded by the school. However, sports funding budgets are continuing to decrease. As a result, schools are asking kids and parents for help more frequently.

If you're asked to come up with some sports fundraising ideas, keep two things in mind. One, you want to maximize your profit. Two, you want to come up with something that people who are not involved with the sport will want to buy.

Discount Coupons
In the past couple of years discount coupons have become a popular form for sports fundraising. Discount coupons can be applied to a variety of different places. However, restaurant and entertainment coupons tend to be the most popular.

When you get involved in a discount coupon sports fundraiser, you have to do a little legwork. You're the one that has to go out and find merchants in your area that will want to participate in the program.

Think about which local vendors might like to participate in a discount program. Sandwich shops, pizza places and other local restaurants will usually sign on. Florists, tanning salons, car washes and dry cleaners are also good businesses. Make sure to tell them that they'll get "free" advertising out of the deal because the company name will be placed on the card. They'll also get people coming into their store, which will ultimately mean more profit.

To get the team involved, ask each kid to sign up one or two merchants. Many of them will get this done quickly. But, if you're having a hard time motivating some of them, remind them that they're doing this to fund new jerseys or a tournament.

Discount coupons usually sell really quickly because they offer something that customers like discounts. For $5 to $10 (the price depends on the card) customers can get great deals on services they use anyway!

The Weekend Wash
Weekend carwashes are popular sports fundraisers, especially in the spring and fall. You're going to need to do this on a very busy corner or your not going to get enough business. Sometimes gas stations (that don't have carwashes) will let sports teams set up shop in their parking lot if the lot is big enough.

This is a great sports fundraiser because it's cheap and if placed in the right spot, will generate a lot of customers. It's cheap because all you have to pay for is soap, sponges and towels. It's also something people need, especially in the muddy months. The one downside to this fundraiser is weather. Whenever you host an outside sports fundraiser like this, you risk running into bad weather that could shut down the fundraiser.

Learn to score with your sports fundraising Visit http://www.redhotfundraising.com for great fundraising products and ideas.