Saturday, October 30, 2010

Your cell phone can betray you!

Cell phones are powerful computers, and they contain scads of your sensitive personal information, from bank account info. to balances, photos, text messages, private phone numbers, etc. Think about what you have stored in your phone. Keep in mind that it’s all retrievable, especially in the wrong hands.

Most Americans upgrade their phones every 18 months on the average, but fail to wipe their personal information contained within completely away. So prior to your resell, recycle or donating your phone, remember to completely scrub it clean, (electronically wipe) your phone of all of your crucial personal information.

You can have it professionally done for you, but if you choose to attempt it yourself remember that just deleting information is not quite sufficient enough, and it may still be present even if you cannot still see it, and it most likely has left an electronic footprint.

To permanently wipe it clean:

1. Remove the SIM card (SIM=Subscriber Identity Module)

2. Remove the Memory card if one is present in your device. This card is installed to load up on apps., video, and photos.

3. Reset the phone as detailed in the owners manual. Also, choosing to reset to manufacturers default settings will usually do the trick. If you have any doubt about you success, try calling the supplier or service location, and confirm the procedure.
    
You may also search online for directions. Just make sure you back-up anything you want to save, because once you reset your phone, it's gone for good. 

Don’t rely on donation centers or trade-in dealers to automatically wipe it clean for you. Most won’t, so it’s up to you to make sure it’s done and over.

 

Thursday, October 28, 2010

It's October & the Pink Ribbons are Flying!

Each October, pink ribbons flow and women are reminded that breast cancer is the second most common cancer affecting them, with skin cancer being No. 1.
About 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the U.S., and 40,000 will die from it.
That's why it's important for men & women to have the correct information when it comes to this disease. Keep in mind that over 2,000 men annually are diagnosed with breast cancer also.
Here are seven of the most common myths about breast cancer:
1. Myth: A lump in the breast always means cancer.
Fact: Eighty percent of breast lumps are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. Despite this, any woman who discovers a lump should see her doctor immediately and receive a mammogram if the doctor deems necessary, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
2. Myth: Mammograms may cause cancer to spread.
Fact: A mammogram, which is essentially an X-ray of the breast, does not spread cancer. Neither the radiation from the X-ray, nor the pressure from the test can cause cancer to spread. It is also the best method of early detection for women over the age of 40.
3. Myth: There's no history of breast cancer in my family, so I won’t get it.
Fact: Dr. Marisa Weiss, an oncologist and the president and founder of breastcancer.org, said although women with a family history are at a higher risk for the disease, environmental factors such as drinking, smoking, medication and diet can all influence a woman’s chances of getting breast cancer. Knowing the history of breast cancer on both sides of your family is also important. Just because a woman doesn’t have a history of breast cancer on her mother’s side doesn’t mean she’s at a decreased risk. Her father's family history of breast cancer also increases a woman’s chances of getting it.
4. Myth: Having a mastectomy is the best way to cure breast cancer and prevent it from coming back.
Fact: Very few women diagnosed with breast cancer actually need a mastectomy, according to Dr. Diana Zuckerman, president of the National Research Center for Women & Families. “In fact, most of the women who get mastectomies don’t need them,” she said. “And for women to lose their breasts, in addition to the normal emotional turmoil that they go through having breast cancer, can be harmful emotionally and physically.”
Zuckerman said that about 75 percent of the women who get breast cancer each year will not need mastectomies and will rely instead on chemotherapy, radiation and lumpectomy.
5. Myth: Young women are just as likely to get breast cancer as older women.
Fact: Women older than 50 are most at risk for this disease, Zuckerman said.
Of the nearly 200,000 women who will get breast cancer this year, half will be over the age of 61, said Weiss. About 25,000 women, or less than a quarter of the patients under 61, will be under the age of 40.
“It’s still a significant number, but when you compare it to the overall number of women who get breast cancer, it’s a small percentage,” she said.
6. Myth: Breast cancer is fatal.
Fact: “Breast cancer is not fatal in and of itself,” said Zuckerman. “What makes it fatal is if it goes into other parts of the body and gets into the lymph nodes, lungs and other organs."
The cancer may also spread to the bones and blood, which increases the risk of fatality. This is why detection and treatment before it spreads is important in the fight against breast cancer.
7. Myth: Men don’t get breast cancer.
The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be in excess of 2,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed in men this year, and appox. 450 will die from the disease.

While breast cancer is 100 times more common in women , those women whose fathers are diagnosed with breast cancer are at a greater risk for the disease then if their mothers are diagnosed with it.


 Editors note: There is growing evidence that X-ray’s are harmful, cause severe DNA damage due to radiation, and should be avoided if another less harmful procedure such as MRI, or MRA is available adequate,and recommended by your physician.
All medical procedures should be discussed in detail with your doctor or professional medical advisory staff.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

A Call For HELP!


Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announces that in view of new evidence that many home-grown terrorists have been recruited by al-Qaeda right here in the USA, she’s asking for some help from all Americans.

Her plea is to alert all Americans that home-grown terrorists, already here in our county, are surely planning another attack in the near future. She asks every American to be vigil, and be on the alert for suspicious activity. Identifying these moles is imperative to secure our country from this ongoing threat. The upcoming holidays are of suspect since holiday activities brings more crowds together. A preferred target for terrorists.

Call authorities if you suspect anything that seem out of the norm, or if anyone is carelessly boasting about anit-American activities, or policies.  A preponderance of the evidence is your best guide.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

There’s a lot of ways to get ripped off when moving!

You already know the hassle involved with moving and relocating. So how do you cover yourself from being scammed by your moving company? Horror stories abound regarding moving experiences made ugly by unscrupulous movers, upon unsuspecting victims.

It’s estimated that 40 million Americans will move this year alone to another home, so there are a lot of people that fraudulent movers can take advantage of out there.

The major problems come when the person whom you hired over the phone was in fact was not the actual mover, but a middle-man broker. The quote you received over the phone was not the price the actual moving company that showed up, and started loading you possessions, presented to you. In fact it was a greatly inflated billing presented while the moving process was already underway. And, of course canceling at this most confusing and critical time was not an option.
What an awkward position to be in. You can’t stay, and you have no choice but to accept the scam and go. The horror stories abound. This was just one of hundreds that appear daily. So do not become a victim of moving fraud. Do your homework, and follow the few simple guide lines below. Happy moving!

• Do some research about the company before hiring.
• Make sure you are contracting with the actual moving company
  over the phone.
• Get an in-house estimate from a company representative to view
  exactly what your moving personally, and not over the phone.
•To get help if you feel like you're getting scammed go to
:

ProtectYourMove.gov            

Monday, October 25, 2010

Medical Errors and Prescription Drugs are the Leading Cause of Death in US!

Reuters reports:
“Indeed, U.S. data published in 1991 suggested as many as 98,000 deaths per year might be due to medical errors. In the new survey, based on almost 1,700 patients at seven clinics, eight percent said they had experienced ‘a lot’ or ‘severe’ harm from the perceived mistake in care.”
      
 

Thursday, October 21, 2010

How to Read Bar Codes




HOW TO READ BAR CODES...(very good to know)
 
ALWAYS READ THE LABELS ON THE FOODS YOU BUY--NO MATTER WHAT THE FRONT OF THE BOX OR PACKAGE SAYS, TURN IT OVER AND READ THE BACK---CAREFULLY!
  
With all the food and pet products now coming from China , it is best to make sure you read labels at the grocery store and especially Walmart when buying food products.
 
Many products no longer show where they were made, only give where the distributor is located. It is important to read the bar code to track its origin.
 
How to read Bar Codes ....interesting!
GREAT WAY TO "BUY USA &  CANADA "
AND NOT FROM  CHINA !!
This may be useful to know when grocery shopping, if it's a concern to you.
  


          
The whole world is afraid of China-made "black hearted goods".

Can you differentiate which one is made inTaiwan or  China ?

If the first 3 digits of the barcode are 690, 691 or 692, the product is MADE IN  CHINA. 471 is Made in  Taiwan .
  
This is our right to know, but the government and related departments never educate the public, therefore we have to RESCUE ourselves.

Nowadays, Chinese businessmen know that consumers do not prefer products "MADE IN  CHINA ", so they don't show from which country it is made.  

However, you may now refer to the barcode -remember if the first 3 digits are:
690-692 ... then it is MADE IN  CHINA
00 - 09 ...   USA   &  CANADA
30 - 37 ...   FRANCE
40 - 44 ...   GERMANY
471  ...  Taiwan
49 ... JAPAN
50 ...   UK

BUY USA & CANADIAN MADE by watching for "0" at the beginning of the number. 
We need every boost we can get!

Monday, October 18, 2010

Health officials warn that your cell phone can make you sick.


In view of the upcoming cold and flu season, health officials warn that your digital devices can carry some serious germ infestation. Viruses, and bacteria are easily transferred from everything you touch, and then putting a germ laden cell phone or similar device up to your ears and face is a recipe for a visit to the doctor.

Also, the many things you touch with your fingers can become contaminated, and the germs are spread to everything that you and everyone else handles in short order. A rule of thumb however, is not to put your hands or fingers to you face, nose or eyes, and transfer those germs to your most vulnerable areas. Worst offenders are keyboards, touch screens, copy machines, and especially your cell phones, and any other hand held electronic devices.

Washing your hands regularly, or carrying antiseptic handy wipes will help a lot. Use wipes to clean your work area also. Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Wash them thoroughly for at least 15 seconds.

Also, there are special cleaners to clean your electronic devices, you can wipe them down with special wipes you can buy at an electronics store.
Alcohol works quite well too, and is an inexpensive substitute.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Birthday Food Freebies


Everyone loves Freebies, and many restaurants offer freebies on your birthday. You must register to collect of course, and there may be a string or 2 attached, but they’re not usually a major commitment, and some of the offers are well worth it when you see what you get.

Food & Drink

Red Robin patrons who join the restaurant chain's eClub get a free gift for signing up as well as a free birthday burger (in addition to regular e-mail newsletters). When you register, you'll be asked to fill out a survey asking what you order most of the time at the restaurant, when you go there, who you tend to go with and how often you go.

Denny’s

Kids enrolled in the Denny's Birthday Club will receive a birthday card entitling them to a freebie kids meal and ice cream sundae at a participating Denny's restaurant as long as they're with an adult paying for a regular-priced adult entrée.
Age limit: Kids 10 years and under accompanied by an adult.

Benihana

Join the Chef's Table! Sign up and stay connected on all the latest happenings at Benihana, plus during the month of your birthday they'll email you a complimentary $30 Benihana Birthday Certificate. Locations
are easily found on Google.

Ruby Tuesday’s
Sign up for the Ruby Tuesday "So Connected" newsletter and receive a FREEBIE handcrafted burger on your birthday. No purchase necessary.

Baskin Robbins
Registration entitles members to a free 2.5-ounce scoop of ice cream and discount on a birthday cake. You'll have to be there to buy your own cake however. You'll have to create an account at baskinrobbins.com, but you can opt out of e-mail newsletters and other offers unrelated to your free birthday ice cream and cake deal.

California Pizza Kitchen
Kids enjoy a free meal at California Pizza Kitchen during their birth month by having their parents join the CPKids Birthday Club. The kids menu includes pizza, pasta, chicken or salad with a drink and unlimited free refills. Age limit: 10 and under.



Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Feds. weigh in on distracted drivers.


Sipping that cup of coffee on the way to work, or smoking a cigarette on the way home, could soon become illegal in some states if-- it isn't already.

Many states already have laws restricting drivers from texting, phone conversations, and any other digital distraction. However, in some states new legislation is being proposed that would ban eating, drinking, smoking, reading, writing, personal grooming, playing an instrument, "interacting with pets or cargo," talking on a cell phone or using any other personal communication device while driving. And, the fines could be quite substantial.

Also, the Feds. have just weighed in with the introduction of a national program designed to aid states in reinforcing and/or introducing stiff penalties and enforcement targeting distracted drivers nationwide.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

You're Hired!


When applying for a job in today’s tight job market, or preparing for an interview, don’t look old on you resume, or at your interview.
That is, make yourself appear young in your skills , enthusiasm, and willingness to start at the bottom if necessary. Dress for success at any interview you are fortunate to acquire, but don’t overdue it. List your skills geared for today’s job market; those that you can boast within the job category you are applying, and no need to list prior jobs beyond the last 10 years unless there is a beneficial reason to do so.

If you are unemployed, or underemployed, use this spare time opportunity to hone your skills, such as retraining, reeducation, or possibly offer to work for free for a period, as a quick way to learn new job skills. These extra efforts will surely make you more employable.

Remember, not to look uninterested, or lack enthusiasm on any job interview, and smile a lot while trying to connect with your interviewer.
It’s tough out there, so give it you best effort, and it will yield rewards.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Fat facts!

A recent study reveals that losing weight requires 3 activities, exercise, diet, & appox. 8 hrs., or more sleep per night. Although we knew about the first two, the introduction of proper sleep has never entered in to the equation until now.
And we’ve have been hearing a lot more about it. Not only does America have an obesity problem, America also has a proper sleep problem. A recent study looked at people who got more or less than 8 1/2 hours of sleep. And those who got less than 8 1/2 hours of sleep a night were hungrier during the day, and lost 40 percent or more muscle mass, which is a problem. When you want to lose weight you want to keep your lean muscle mass.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Toasted Leg Syndrome!

The news is reporting that your Laptop computer may be better off not resting on your lap. Reports of a young avid video game player, found that the skin in his lap area was turning brown. His condition has since been diagnosed as either heat, radiation burns, or could it be a combination of both?
However, what the news media did not fully elaborate upon was the fact that the lad spent many hours a day, for several years, playing video games on his laptop that was ever so snugly cradled upon his lap of course.  

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Water buyer's beware!

Bottled water averages more than $1.50 per bottle. That’s 1,900 times the price of tap water.
It seems that the stuff of life supports a recent trend away from the plastic throw-away bottle that‘s been clogging land fills. Enter the “new in-thing”…. a carry along hard plastic, or the trendy metal refillable bottle filled with that good old stand-by, tap water.
However, the International Bottled Water Association is not going to allow their once trendy beverage to fall from grace without a tough fight. So, they created “Bottled Water Matters,” a trendy Web site, and YouTube channel, that is oh so cleverly disguised as a “way-cool” resurgent movement to make you crave the return of bottled water.
The truth of it all is that the promo. is just a front for the throw-away bottled water industry in it's desperate attempt to lead you back to their cash cow. And, before you actually catch on to the fact that you’re paying 1,900 more times for water that is in most cases, just plain tap water to begin with.
And, there is much less regulation connected with bottled water unlike city municipal water supplies that are required to adhere to much stricter standards then that the bottled water industry.
Besides, plastic throw-away bottles are made from such chemicals as  BPA, and phthalates that can leach from the bottle during normal consumption, and reuse of these bottles can magnify the amount of dangerous chemicals that leach out. The concern is that these chemicals are suspect in connection with: brain damage, obesity, altered immune system, gender and abnormal sex behavior, prostate cell stimulation, and altered sperm production abnormalities.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Your online diary

Remember that what you post online is there forever, and is a testimony to your character, and your personality. Human Resource searches of your online profiles could also have an impact on a perspective employer. You could conceivably be passed over for a job or career opportunity, simply for posting an inappropriate comment, or event online. What may seem like an innocent online revelation of yourself, or how you described or handled an event or relationship, could likely follow you for your entire life. You are most certainly creating a public diary with every bit of personal, and social information you willingly, and innocently post online for public scrutiny. Do not fail to realize that you are literally under a cyber microscope. Avoid becoming your worst enemy for a simple but foolish posting that can never be acceptably retracted. 

Friday, October 1, 2010

Read the label!


High fructose corn syrup is getting a new name (corn sugar). Mainly because the product is reported to be harming hundreds of thousands of Americans each year. The manufacturers want to rename it to trick you into keep using it. Your good health depends on being informed, so if you hope to lose any weight, or if you want to avoid things like diabetes and heart disease, high-fructose corn syrup is one type of sugar you must avoid.

What makes HFCS such an unhealthy product is that it is metabolized to fat in your body far more rapidly than any other sugar. Consumer concerns of its harmful effects is that it is more harmful than ordinary sugar.

This is why the industry will sugar coat the fact that their product is possibly prematurely killing hundreds of thousands of Americans each year. If you see this new ingredient labeled as corn sugar, be aware of the possible consequences. Our food industry needs to be much more conscious of the foods they supply, and we as consumers must demand full disclosure in labeling.