If you don't want to download Skype's free software, then here's an alternative for making inexpensive international phone calls. On Jajah's homepage, just enter in your phone number, your friend's phone number, then click call. Simple, right? Your phone rings, you pick up. Your friend's phone will ring and they pick up. Like Skype, rates are ridiculously cheap and Jajah starts you off with a free test call, then will give you a 25-cent credit. Sign-up is free and easy but the five times I tried using the service, everything went according to plan except for the somewhat crucial fact that I couldn't hear my friend on the other end -- though she could hear me. Jajah is an interesting concept but if you want the real deal, I suggest logging on to to Skype.com. Not only is Skype easier to use, but it works every time. On top of that, if you hook up a webcam (it will cost about $15 to get one at any electronic store and will take just a couple of minutes to hook up), you can not only speak to your friends and family but see them as well, no matter where you are around the world.
I have been complaining for some time about how the U.S. government neglects our foreign visitors;
from a lack of advertising spending and the strict, pricey and unwelcoming visa interview policies to
our many dirty and drab airports which are a visitor's first impression of our great country. You would be surprised ...
some airport terminals are worse than those in third world countries.
Well, Disney has lobbied both the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of State to do something
about this. Disney has donated a seven-minute film, entitled Welcome: Portraits of America. It features Americans
from all across the country and from all walks of life saying just one appropriate word: Welcome. Disney has also donated
hundreds of still images, which will be incorporated into posters and banners welcoming visitors to the U.S. Both the film
and the photos will be showcased in the Federal Inspection Areas of U.S. airports and in U.S. embassies and consulates overseas.
Let's hope that this increases our international visitors ... as well as Disney's!
