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You may have read in the news that from 1st May, T-Mobile is to introduce a flat-rate charge for its customers to call most 08 numbers. The numbers affected include 0870, 0871, 0872, 0843, 0844 and 0845 numbers and they will all cost 40 pence per minute for T-Mobile’s customers.

Many organisations use these 08 numbers in order to smarten up the way they deal with their calls. Call management features like ‘welcome messages’ allow businesses to create a professional impression from the outset, whilst ‘caller options’ enable people to choose the department or person they would like to speak with e.g. “press 1 for sales, 2 for accounts” etc.

08 numbers also allow companies to keep one phone number for life as they can be re-routed to any landline or mobile. This makes them very popular for businesses when they relocate as it means they don’t need to change stationery, letterheads etc. with their phone numbers on.

So, for companies that want to keep all of the benefits that 08 numbers offer AND offer all of their mobile callers great value – many are opting to use the new 03 phone numbers.

03 numbers were launched by Ofcom in 2007 and are exactly the same as 08-type numbers – apart from the cost to call them.

Here are 7 reasons why 03 numbers are so popular:

1. They cost the same to call as 01/02 numbers – even from a mobile (40% of all UK calls are from mobiles – Ofcom 2008). These transparent call costs mean they are ethical and trusted phone numbers.

2. Organisations can control where they receive their calls, by rerouting calls to their 03 numbers to any UK landline or even a mobile phone easily via the web/phone. This means they won’t miss out on important sales calls and enquiries.

3. An 03 number can easily move with the organisation if it relocates.

4. There is an extensive range of easy to remember 03 numbers available.

5. It’s possible to see the geographic location of callers and the busy periods of the organisation using online call statistics packages.

6. Callers can be queued, meaning that all important calls will be answered.

7. They can often be inexpensive to run if you seek out the provider with the most competitive offering in the market.

Many businesses now use 03 numbers including Pioneer, Nikon UK, Absolute Radio (formerly Virgin Radio) and hundreds of SME’s around the country. Public bodies and charities are also choosing 03 and there is a sub-range which is especially reserved for them: 0300 numbers.

So, 03 numbers are fast becoming the phone number of choice for organisations up and down the UK. The above points should offer a starting point as to the main reasons why.

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The exact origins of Tai Chi are hard to tie down. There are many myths about its origins. One of those says that Taoist monk Chang San-feng was disturbed by the sounds of a snake and a crane fighting in his courtyard. He then built a style based around their movements.

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese form of movement that coordinates your body and focuses on the cultivation of internal energy. It’s aim is to harmonize the mind, body and spirit hence, promoting both metal and physical well being through relaxation. It is often described as a type of meditation that combines deep breathing and movements that exact structual alignment. Correct practice appears rhythmical, effortless and in continuous flow and it can generate surprising power almost at odds with its gentle movements.

People who regularly practice Tai Chi become revitalized, relaxed, tolerant, stronger and healthier. Tai Chi is suitable for all ages and sexes because it does not rely on strength, force or speeds. It brings benefits in many areas.

Tai chi is derived from Chinese health and longevity practices, which were merged with a comprehensive system of self defence. In the past, much of Tai Chi was kept secret, but very gradually, knowledge of the art spread throughout China. Now at the start and end of every day in villages, towns, and cities all over Chinese Asia, people can be seen practicing the slow, graceful movements of tai chi in courtyards, squares and parks.

Tai chi came to the West during the 20th century largely due to the cultural revolution when many masters fled the country. Today, tai chi is found in almost all countries, and a huge number of people practice it regularly.

It requires a high degree of concentration and mental focus. The breathing is natural, sometimes involving deep breathing, and is carefully synchronised to your movements.

Tai Chi consists of soft, relaxed (usually) slow movements and is recognised as being good for stress, balance, blood pressure and general health.It is one of the one of the Chinese Internal martial arts (neijia). The others being Hsing-I, Ba Gua Zhang and Liuhebafa(Six Harmonies, 8 Methods).

Tai Chi appeals to a wide range of people and age ranges, (teens and 20′s up to 80′s & 90′s) but it is not common for the art to be taught to children as the training can be slow for their tastes. There are a number of forms specifically targetted at the over 50′s and health problems such as Arthritis.

To get more free information about Tai Chi, Please visit Stratford Tai Chi at www.stratfordtaichi.co.uk.

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Industrial rock music has often been more rebellious, however this has been evolving. There is this really upbeat recovery music I stumbled across by Matt Soren the other day that has a different angle on industrial rock music. His album is a mix of recovery music and the story of knocking out addiction.

There are some songs at his URL at www.inspiringrock.com. It sounds like the mixes are raw versions in lou of final mixes. They sound really good to me but that’s just my opinion. It is cool to see more music like this written specifically for addiction recovery in a more kickin way from a person that has had the experience and is making an impact for others. Also It’s nice to have this type of rock stemming from the industrial scene which is typically darker in nature. Very cool.

By the way, he has free downloads you can get from his site and more in his back extras page which is all free. I also saw discounts, wallpaper, and other things it looks like he’ll be adding. It will be exciting to see the album once it is released. Good stuff!