Know your options, from free cell phone directories to paid reverse lookup          services

Tracing cell phone numbers can be difficult. Unlike landlines, cell phone numbers are usually not listed in phone books and can't be accessed by dialing Information. Many companies charge to trace cell phone numbers, and until recently, you had to pay the fee or not get much information. However, it is now possible to trace cell phone numbers free of charge.

If you want to know immediately who's calling you, you can find out NOW at ReverseMobile.com.

1. Try simply searching on the Internet. Type the cellphone number into your favorite search engine and see what comes up. If this works, it is the easiest way to trace a cell phone number, free. The reason this even has a chance of working is because the Internet is a big place and someone's cell phone number could be listed for all sorts of reasons. If their cell phone number is on a networking site, a business site, or any other site, for any reason, it should come up on a search, giving you information about whose number it is. Often, even people with unlisted cell phone numbers forget about other reasons that their number may be listed on the Internet.
   If the search yields just a long unmanageable list after entering the entire number with the area code, try putting everything but the area code in quotations, like this: 555 "555 5555". If that still doesn't deliver, you can try getting rid of the area code, replacing it with the state where that code exists, or even the city, if you know that information.
   
   To skip the legwork and trace the number right away, I recommend two other options:
   
• Reverse Phone Detective
• National Registry of Cellular Numbers

1. Check an online cell phone directory. Many free cell phone directories are available online, such as NonPublished.com. Information from these directories about a cell phone number is generally limited, but it can be a good starting point for tracking cell phone numbers, usually at least giving you the cellphone number's carrier and the city registered on the billing address. Obviously, the city might be outdated, since cell phones are mobile. 
   
   

   

2. Search reverse lookup sites. Although many of these sites charge a fee, more and more reverse lookup sites are letting people trace cell phone numbers free of charge. If you visit these sites (like Free Reverse Cell Phone Directory or National Cellular Directory, to name a couple) and provide your own information (like your name, cell phone number and city/state), they let you do a few searches for free. Keep in mind that you might
   "pay" for these by enduring sales calls and emails.
3. Try a volunteer directory. Volunteer directories are those where people voluntarily list contact information and cell phone numbers. If the person you are looking for has listed their information on one of those sites, you can trace the cell phone number free of charge. However, if they haven't, you won't be able to find someone's number there.
4. Bite the bullet and pay a small fee. If you feel an urgent need to lookup the most current and detailed information about a cell phone number, you may decide to pay about $20 at trusted sites like Reverse Phone Detective and Intelius. Although tracing a cell phone isn’t free at these sites, you are told what details you can expect to receive about the cell phone number before paying the fee.
5. Remember to block your cell phone number if you want privacy! Now that you know how to trace a cell phone number, don't forget to block yours if you don't want people using a tracer to find out who is calling. Otherwise your name and location could be easy to track using your cell phone number.

Although the Internet doesn't provide all the information you will ever need, it comes pretty close. Even if you can't find everything, chances are that you will be able to trace cell phone numbers free of charge. And luckily, if you are trying to trace cell phone text messages (and I'm sure we'll all be doing much more of that as time goes on), it is the same process. I wish you good luck in your reverse search efforts.

    Learn about temporary and permanent options for blocking your phone

There might be many reasons why you want to block yourcell phone number from showing up on other people's caller IDs. Whatever the reason is, it's very simple to block your cell phone number. You have two options: you can permanently block your phone number or you can block your number on a call-by-call basis.There's no need for an expensive cell phone blocker - this is an easy, affordable process.

If you're trying to figure out who's calling you from an unlisted cell phone, check out Reverse Phone Detective. 

Blocking Your Cell Phone Number Permanently:

The most permanent solution is to request a "line block" from your cell carrier.

1. To do this you simply need to call the customer service for your specific provider and they can block your number. When you do this your number will never show up to anyone.
2. To call your wireless customer service to block your number, just dial 611 from your cell phone and you will reach them.
3. If there is a situation where you want your number to show up, you will still have an option. When you have a permanent block on your number you will need to dial *82 before dialing the number you are calling. When you do this your phone number will show up just once for that specific call. (Ex: *82 (555) 555-5555.)

Did you know that you or anybody else can look up unknown cell phone numbers online?Here are two top sites for looking up these numbers:

• PhoneNumberScan.com

• National Registry of Cellular Numbers (NRCN)

Blocking Your Cell Phone Number Temporarily:

Sometimes you may want to block your number from caller ID for a specific call. You might not want someone to know that you are trying to reach them for the 15^th time in a row, or you might be calling a business and might not want them to know your number. Whatever the reason, it's easy to do.

1. If you want to block your number on a call-by-call basis you need to dial *67 before dialing the number. Ex *67 (555) 555-5555.
2. When you do this you will not have any feedback that it worked. If you want to test it, just call your home phone, or anther phone that has a caller ID from your cell to confirm that the block worked.

One important thing to remember is that your number will not be blocked from emergency services or any toll-free number - it only works when you call businesses and individuals. 

Another strategy you can use is caller ID spoofing, which displays a different name and number than the one you're calling from. Be careful when signing up for a caller ID spoofing service - some fake caller ID services are illegal. There are many other caller ID tricks; however, it's important to be cautious. Anything that shows the caller ID a phone number that belongs to somebody else could be illegal. 

Finally, if you want to have people call you while keeping your main phone number private, you can get a call forwarding service. The person calling you will dial a telephone number that will then connect to your phone - without them knowing your real number.  There are many call forwarding services - a famous one is Google Voice.

If you’re looking to convert MP4 to MP3, chances are you want to convert an MP4 audio file to play on your MP3 player. But before we move on to cover how to convert the files, let’s go over the main differences between Mp3 and Mp4.

• MP3 (MPEG-1, Layer 3): MP3s are small, high quality audio files that can be played on MP3 players or software. It can be easily created using a home computer, a ripper program that copies a song from a CD to your computer, and an encoder that converts your music to MP3 format.
• MP4 (MPEG4 Part 14): Mp4 is used for audio and video. This file type enables for high quality streaming over the Internet and next generation cell phones. Mp4 players are available for download online.
  There are 2 main types of these files. The first type is called Simple Profile, which is used for low resolution digital video content, popularly used for online distribution. The second version is called Advanced Video Coding, which is a higher quality format used for HDTV content.

So in basic terms, MP3 is for audio files used on MP3 players and software, and MP4 is for audio/video files used for internet streaming and high tech cell phones.

Converting MP4 to MP3

To convert MP4 to MP3, you must use a file format converter program. These programs are abundantly available via the web. Downloads.com may be a good place for you to start shopping around. Many downloadable programs offer a free trial period so you may find it a good idea to try a program before purchasing it.

Three basic steps to converting MP4 to MP3:

1. Download a free converter or purchase a converter that supports MP4 to MP3 fileconversion.
2. Install the program on your computer.
3. Follow the instructions the program provides you with and you will be able to convert Mp4 to Mp3.

Here are some converters for your reference:

• Easy CD-DA Extractor 9.0.1 build 2 by Poikosoft 
  This program has a free trial period for your evaluation.
• River Past Audio Converter
  You can purchase and download this program for a reasonable fee.

There are three things I’m really good at: snacking, always having my favorite snacks on hand, and not overpaying for snacks. I don’t mean to brag, but that pretty much sums up my strongest talents. I was recently asked to join the Ziploc® Fresh 180˚ challenge to sneak a snack and take my food to forbidden places.  Been there, done that, and don’t plan on stopping! Sneaking snacks for me isn’t about being a rule breaker—it’s about eating the snacks of my choice instead of paying for the limited options at overpriced concession stands. Here are some tips to help you follow in my rebellious footsteps.

Think Small

If you plan on being a professional snack smuggler, avoid larger items, such as an entire sandwich or pizza.  Instead, make bite-sized versions of the foods you’re craving so that you’re less likely to get caught. For example, instead of a pizza, make mini calzones. Use a drinking glass or cookie cutter to cut out small circles of pizza dough, fill each circle with your favorite toppings, fold over and seal before baking.  Bring fruits and veggies that are small or can easily be cut into smaller pieces. Grapes, tangerine slices, baby carrots, and sliced cucumbers are just a few great examples of the perfect-sized produce for sneaking.  Pack them into Ziploc® brand snack bags that can easily fit into your purse or coat pocket, and you’re ready to go.

Think Quiet

I’ve been caught (more than once) eating in a library, only a few feet away from a large sign stating: “No food!”  Eventually I learned my lesson. Instead of bringing a loud bag of chips, pack your own food in a Ziploc® Brand snack bag.  Opening a Ziploc® bag makes almost no noise, unlike those loud cellophane chip bags. Instead of potato chips, make cheese crackers. I find that the homemade version of cheese crackers (recipe below) is quieter than the store-bought version, plus I love knowing the ingredients in my snacks and avoiding a bunch of preservatives.

Think Smart

On busy days, I might want to sneak a healthy snack that will give me energy instead of making me crash. Places like movie theatres and amusement parks don’t offer a lot of healthy snacks, so packing my own just makes more sense.  Healthy doesn’t necessarily have to consist of just raw fruits and veggies. One of my favorite snacks to take along when I need energy is Date Cocoa Balls (recipe below).  They’re bite sized and taste like dessert, but are actually made from dates and walnuts (and no processed sugar), both of which are great energy boosters. Remember, healthy snacks don’t have to be boring snacks!

If you can think small, think quiet and think smart, you can be a successful snack sneaking rebel, too. And if being a rebel means saving a few bucks, packing healthier snacks and making sure you never go hungry, then I’ll wear that rebel title proudly.

CHEESE CRACKERS

½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 ¼ cups grated cheddar cheese (mild or sharp is fine)

Place all the ingredients in a food processor and process until fully incorporated. Remove from the food processor and, using your hands, bring the mixture together into a ball of dough (the mixture might be flaky and falling apart, but just keep working it into a dough).  Wrap dough in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for an hour.

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Take dough out of the refrigerator and place on a lightly floured surface. Roll dough into a thin layer. Cut into small squares and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden.

DATE COCOA BALLS

1 cup raw walnuts
1 cup pitted dates
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Place all ingredients in a food processor and process until extremely fine. Taste mixture. If the mixture isn’t sweet enough for your liking, add a few more dates or a bit of honey. Process again. Shape into 1 to 2 inch balls. Store in a Ziploc® Brand container.

Disclaimer: I was paid to develop this post and to provide related images for Ziploc®. As always, all opinions are my own.

Photo credit: Kristina Kuzmi

1. 1. 1. 
         1
         Write one complete sentence. A complete sentence must contain a subject and a verb and be a complete thought. The subject is the person, place, or thing that the sentence is about, and the verb is the action that is being performed in the sentence.
         • Ex: "Wanda couldn't fall asleep last night."
      2. 
         2
         Write another closely related sentence. This sentence must be strongly related to the first sentence for the semicolon to work.
         • Ex: "She had too much on her mind."
      3. 
         3
         Connect the sentences with a semicolon. Remember to make the first letter of the second sentence lower case.
         • Ex: "Wanda couldn't fall asleep last night; she had too much on her mind."

      Method 2 of 5: Linking Items in a List

      1. 
         1
         Write a sentence that contains a complicated list. Each item in the sentence should contain commas, and each item should also be separated by commas.
         • Ex: "I have a sister in Columbus, Ohio, another sister in Palm Springs, Florida, and a third sister in Oakland, California."
      2. 
         2
         Use the semicolon as a "super-comma" to separate the items of the list. This will make it easier to distinguish between the items in the list.^[1]
         • Ex: "I have a sister in Columbus, Ohio; another sister in Palm Springs, Florida; and a third sister in Oakland, California."

      Method 3 of 5: Linking Sentences with Internal Punctuation

      1. 
         1
         Write one sentence with internal punctuation. This sentence can use a colon, dash, or a comma. Sentences with internal punctuation tend to be longer. Using semicolons to separate sentences with internal commas is the most common method.
         • Ex: "My cousin, Martha Mary Louise, is the most talented and original cook I have ever met."
      2. 
         2
         Write another closely related sentence with internal punctuation.
         • Ex: "She is very resourceful and can make almost any old food taste delicious, but she does specialize in the following items: cod, fruitcake, and squash."
      3. 
         3
         Connect the sentences with a semicolon.
         • Ex: "My cousin, Martha Mary Louise, is the most talented and original cook I have ever met; she is very resourceful and can make almost any old food taste delicious, but she does specialize in the following items: cod, fruitcake, and squash."
      4. 
         4
         Note that you can also use a semicolon to connect one sentence with internal punctuation and one simple sentence.
         • Ex: "My cousin, Martha Mary Louise, is the most talented and original cook I have ever met; I love her cooking."

      Method 4 of 5: Linking Sentences with a Transitional Phrase or Conjunctive Adverb

      1. 
         1
         Write a sentence. You can keep it simple.
         • Ex: "I ate an entire apple pie last night."
      2. 
         2
         Write another closely related sentence using a transitional phrase or a conjunctive adverb.
         • Conjunctive adverbs are words that show a relationship between the two sentences, such as cause and effect, contrast, or comparison. Some examples include: however, besides, finally, and hence.
         • Transitional phrases are used to move from one sentence to the next in a logical and smooth way. Some examples include in other words, moreover, and in addition.
           • Ex: "As a result,' I felt sick when I woke up."^[2]
      3. 
         3
         Connect the two with a semicolon.
         • Ex: "I ate an entire apple pie last night; as a result, I felt sick when I woke up."

      Method 5 of 5: Avoid Confusing the Semicolon with the Comma

      1. 
         1
         Do not use a semicolon instead of a comma. Commas can be used to connect two simple sentences and a coordinating conjunction (but, and, nor, or so, for example), while a semicolon cannot.^[3]
         • Example of correct usage: "I love my cat, but he drives me crazy."
         • Example of incorrect usage: "I love my cat; but he drives me crazy."
      2. 
         2
         Do not use a comma instead of a semi-colon. A comma can never be used to separate two independent clauses (complete sentences). This is called a comma splice and should be avoided at all times.
         • Example of correct usage: "My kitty is cute; he loves to cuddle."
         • Example of incorrect usage: "My kitty is cute, he loves to cuddle."

      
      

      Semicolon Usage Chart

      
      

      Semicolon Usage Chart

Spices are the seeds, nuts, berries, bark, root or fruit of plants and trees and can fight off ailments such as nausea, high blood pressure and even cancer. Along with blocking inflammation causing molecules and stabilizing blood sugar, spices are a great source of antioxidants that fight free radicals, and also add flavor to your food without extra fat, salt and calories. To learn about all the spices that can get you in tiptop shape, start with Step 1 below.

Part 1 of 2: Treating Heart, Digestive, and Respiratory Issues

1. 
   1
   Use turmeric for just about everything. This spice contains a yellow compound called curcumin that is enriched with antioxidant properties. It makes turmeric versatile and indispensable as each and every organ in the body benefits from this compound. Because of these properties (that are also anti-microbial), it speeds up the healing of wounds and gets your body on track.^[1]
   • Turmeric milk or tea can provide relief from cough and colds, arthritis and dental problems. It also powerful in preventing and treating liver and stomach related ailments, and shields the body against cancer and tumors. What's not to like?
   • It doesn't stop there. Turmeric is consumed on a daily basis in India and is also included in almost every dish. Scientists believe it is the reason why Alzheimer’s affects less than 25% of people in India than that in the US. It has brain-boosting powers too!
   • There's still more. Turmeric is one spice which is an excellent hormone regulator and can help you avoid succumbing to your food cravings for sugar and carbohydrates. In other words, it'll help prevent weight gain.
2. 
   2
   Try fenugreek seeds as an all-over remedy. These are enriched with vitamin C, fiber, potassium, protein, iron, niacin and alkaloids. Sounds powerful, huh? With all these nutrients, these seeds have the ability to reduce LDL cholesterol levels, can aid in reducing the risk of heart attack and other heart related diseases, and even enhance milk production in nursing/lactating mothers owing to the presence of diosgenin.^[2]
   • They can also help you lose weight by suppressing appetite, treating indigestion and constipation, and slow down the rate at which sugars are absorbed (this helps diabetes, too). The components saponins and mucilage present in fenugreek prevent and can also flush out any build up of toxins in the body
   • Let's not forget that the presence of mucilage ensures the seeds provide relief from fever, cough, heart burn and sore throat, too.
3. 
   3
   Eat more ginger for heart and digestive health. This is an excellent solution for inflammation. It enhances absorption of food by assisting the quick movement of food from the stomach into the small intestine and is a potent blood thinner. This makes it a natural and effective way to prevent strokes because it is equipped to prevent the formation of blood clots.
   • It also contributes to lowering triglyceride levels, aiding in lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
   • Zingerone, a powerful antioxidant found in ginger, has very potent brain shielding/protecting properties, too. It's good for your blood and brain.
4. 
   4
   Include fennel seeds in your diet for your heart and stomach, too. The nitrites and nitrates present in fennel seeds enable the blood vessels to relax, thus improving the efficacy of cardiovascular system, and giving your heart a little break. They are also effective in treating stomach related problems, as they are an excellent solution for keeping the gastrointestinal tract clean and clear.
   • Because of their digestive powers, they are effective in reducing colic in babies and infants. Moms too can find relief from menstrual cramps as those same digestive powers work well with stomach pain.
5. 
   5
   Go for garlic. Fluctuating and unstable blood pressure and high cholesterol can prove very lethal to the health and functioning of the brain. Thank mother nature, because garlic is potent enough to keep a check on both blood pressure and cholesterol. The wonderful properties of garlic prevent or slow down the aging of the brain, too.^[3]
   • The sulfur compounds and plenty of antioxidants present in garlic act responsibly to preserve the health and condition of the brain. It is highly effective in eliminating the cancer cells in the brain as well.
   • 2 to 3 pods every day will do a wonderful job of controlling your blood pressure levels and also treating any problems related to blood pressure -- the natural way.
6. 
   6
   Use cardamom, thyme or anise for an expectorant. Battling a cough? These two spices are the way to go. Cardamom is good for keeping blood pressure under control, can break down the blood clots, and can be effective for clearing the phlegm.^[4]Thyme is good for coughs, too.^[5]
   • Anise, on the other hand, is effective in treating bronchial symptoms, coughs with phlegm, and also helps to clear congestion in the respiratory tract.
7. 
   7
   Use sesame and oregano to fight blood pressure. Oregano consists of compounds such as thymol and carvacrol that are highly effective in fighting the fluctuations in blood pressure. To be specific, oregano is very good in reducing the irregularities in systolic, diastolic and arterial blood pressures.^[6]
   • The ingredients sesaminol and sesamin in sesame have the power to reduce inflammation in the arterial walls. This means your blood flows easier and blood pressure can be controlled and lessened.

Part 2 of 2: Boosting Your Energy, Metabolism, and Memory

1. 
   1
   Try more chili or cayenne pepper for an energy boost. These are spices you definitely want more of you're looking to lose weight. They boost the body's metabolism thus ensuring that excess and redundant body fat gets burnt. The ability of capsaicin (an element of both) to burn the fat helps the body control its LDL (bad) cholesterol, too.^[7]
   • Capsaicin can also reduce the risks posed by ulcers by preparing the stomach cells to counter/resist any ulcer inducing bacteria.
   • Coriander and black pepper has similar metabolism-boosting powers to chili.
2. 
   2
   Go for more cumin for your blood and brain. Cumin seeds are rich in thymol, an enzyme that boosts the digestive system in the body, has extraordinary fiber content and amazing laxative properties that can be a cure for constipation. There is also a component called cuminaldehyde present in cumin that can fight cancer and tumors.^[8]
   • Cumin is also great for maintaining memory and mental faculties owing to the presence of minerals such as vitamin B6, riboflavin, niacin and zea-xanthin.
   • Consumption of cumin seeds is the most natural way to cure anemia as cumin seeds are rich in iron, too. They are also rich in potassium which is capable of promoting the flow of fluids in the body, helping to maintain blood pressure.^[9]
3. 
   3
   Use more sage for your memory. Sage is a spice that is rich in memory enriching compounds called phenols. These phenols prevent or slow down the aging of the brain by breaking down the chemicals that normally lead to aging, preventing them from having any effect.^[10]
   • Sage is also effective in controlling the initial symptoms of Alzheimer’s by preventing destruction and exhaustion of the brain chemical acetylcholine which is involved in preserving the normal memory functions of the brain.
4. 
   4
   Garnish everything with cinnamon. Why? It's practically a wonder spice. It can boost the memory immediately! Include cinnamon in your diet before you go to study or take a test. It can help with weight loss, too.^[11]
   • How does it do it? Cinnamon does a great job of stabilizing the sugar and glucose levels in the body. When this spice is combined with a food rich in carbohydrates it ensures that the brain gets a steady dose of glucose instead of the glucose-bombardment carbs normally provide.
   • Consuming about ½ teaspoon of cinnamon daily can reduce your cholesterol and triglyceride levels by up to 30%.^[12] This is a near-to substitute for sugar and can be used in drinks, cereals, desserts and muffins.
5. 
   5
   Use more saffron and rosemary. A small amount (as low as 1/10th teaspoon) of saffron daily is enough to keep you away from depression. This spice offers stiff resistance to depression by aiding the brain in the production of serotonin which is known to act as a natural mood booster.
   • Rosemary should also be taken in moderation. Carnosic acid, a substance found in rosemary, has been found to protect the brain from any damage that might be caused by free radicals. This protection means the risk of Alzheimer’s, stroke and other neurodegenerative diseases can be kept at bay. It is also highly effective in improving concentration and memory when used in aromatherapy.