Sunday, November 27, 2011

Say good by to traditional household light bulbs.Its not as far fetched as it may seem.

                                WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT!
                                                 

Say good by to traditional household light bulbs.
Stocking up on conventional light bulbs (incandescent bulbs) is something to seriously consider right now. The ability to purchase a familiar 100 watt light bulb is coming to an abrupt end, and availability of these type of bulbs is about to be switched off as mandated by but yet another frivolous Government  Regulation.

The all knowing bureaucrats have enacted The federal Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 setting new lightbulb efficiency standards that will soon prevent the manufacture and importation of most incandescent bulbs. Complaints regarding the cost, possible mercury dangers, and the unnatural harsh lighting tones have sparked an outcry from consumers and business alike. An attempt to repeal this unpopular and costly law was itself defeated back in July of 2011.

How this law will effect you:

Beginning January 1, 2012 the ax will droop on the 100 watt  incandescent
bulb, with the 75 watt following in 2013, and the 60- and 40- watt incandescent bulbs in 2014.

The compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFL’s) have been tagged by many as emitting an unnatural harsh industrial type glow, which in some cases have been linked to depression. Cost for CFL’s range on a average of $3 each—verses the 50 cents you pay for the familiar incandescent bulbs. CFL’s will not work with you existing dimmer switches either. Furthermore, there are safety concerns with CFL’s which contain small amounts of Mercury. If a CFL is broken, you may be exposed to Mercury which can cause serious health problems, including possible nerve damage. (For emergency, disposal, and cleanup advice, go to:  www.epa.gov/cfl/cflcleanup.html

Saturday, November 5, 2011

LAWS of ATTRACTION.

LAWS of ATTRACTION. Your online photo speaks volumes about you. It’s your one and only chance to make a first impression. Here’s some tips:

In a world where we’re all connected, you have one chance to be viewed in a way that is complementary to your future online persona.
And remember, the Human Resources Dept. for that job you’re hoping to land is likely conducting background checks within your online identity. With that in mind consider also that all others will also judge you by your online actions, photos, and statements.
We are a society where appearance is the key to success whether it’s social or business based.

1.    Never post nude, intoxicated, or weird photos of yourself.

2.     Don’t post a logo or symbol as your online identity. A    
         complementary photo with good body language is a definite 
         advantage. It’s estimated that you’ll get 7 times as many views    
         with a warm smile, and a well framed photo.

3.    Social sites are just that. You are appearing before your peers. You will ultimately be judged by your online image.

4.    Keep your primary photo exclusively of just yourself. People want to see you. Do not distract viewers with cluttered photos. Your accompanying photo gallery is where you may post photos posing with friends and others.

5.    Remember, it’s all about YOU! So put on a happy face,
strike a great pose, and overwhelm them with your charm.
You’ll be ultimately recompensed for your effort.

Friday, November 4, 2011

Identity theft 101. Know your remedy.

  
   Identity theft 101.  Know your remedy.

Federal agencies released a revised guide designed to tackle the ongoing issue of identity fraud.
The brochure – entitled You Have the Power to Stop Identity Theft – contains a number of steps individuals can take to reduce the chances of an invasion of privacy and possible financial loss.
For example, people should never disclose their Social Security number or other potential password over the phone or internet unless they initiated the contact, the guidance states.
"If you are unsure whether a contact is legitimate, go to the company’s website by typing in the site address or using a page you have previously bookmarked, instead of using a link provided by the email," the authorities advise in a reference to so-called phishing attacks.
If you do fall victim to an identity fraudster, contact your financial institution so that a note can be placed on your file. The guidance also encourages you to inform the Federal Trade Commission of any attempted attack.
As many as nine million Americans are the subject of identity fraud each year, according to FTC estimates.



WHAT TO DO IF YOUR PURSE/WALLET IS LOST/STOLEN

We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed using your name,address, SS#, credit, etc. Unfortunately I
(author of this piece) have firsthand knowledge, because my
wallet was stolen last month and within a week the thieve(s)
ordered an expensive monthly cellphone package, applied for
a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway
computer,received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving
record information online, and more.

But here's some critical information to limit the damage in
case this happens to you or someone you know. As everyone
always advises, cancel your credit cards immediately, but the
key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy
so you know who to call. Keep those where you can find them easily
(having to hunt for them is additional stress you WON'T need at that
point!).

File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it
was stolen, this proves to credit providers you were diligent, and
is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).

Also, file a ID theft affidavit with the FTC 

But here's what is perhaps most important...I never ever
thought to do this:
Call the three national credit reporting organizations
immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and SS#. I had
never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to
tell me an application for credit was made over the Internet in my
name. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.

By the time I was advised to do this - almost 2 weeks after the
theft, all the damage had been done (there are records of all the
credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which I
knew about before placing the alert). Since then, no additional
damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away this weekend (someone turned it in).

It seems to have stopped them in their tracks.

The numbers are: Equifax 1-800 525-6285.
Experian (formerly TRW) 1-888-397-3742 (main no.)
Trans Union 1-800-680-7289.
Social Security Administration also has a fraud line at
1-800-269-0271.

We pass along jokes, we pass along just about everything....do
think about passing this information along.... it could help someone
else.

For more identity theft info:  http://www.techtv.com/cybercrime/privacy/story/0,23008,2103957,00.html

FTC identity theft hotline www.consumer.gov/idtheft/victim.htm, or 877/438-4338

Identity theft resource center  www.idtheftcenter.org

Electronic Privicy Info. Ctr. www.epic.org/privacy

Privicy rights Center   www.privacyrights.org


___________________________________________________________



A corporate attorney sent the following out to the employees in his
company. I pass it along, for your information.

 The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of
first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your check book they
will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first
name but your bank will know how you sign your checks.

 Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If
you have a PO Box use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a
PO Box use your work address. Never have your SS# printed on your checks --
you can add it if it is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get
it.
Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine, do both
sides of meach license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your
wallet and all of the account ~~~~~~s and phone ~~~~~~s to call and cancel.
Keep the photocopy in a safe place. I also carry a photocopy of my passport
when I travel either here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about
fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security,
credit cards, etc.

 Unfortunately I, an attorney, have firsthand knowledge because my
wallet was stolen last month. Within a week, the thieve(s) ordered an
expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had 
a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN ~~~~~~ from 
DMV to change my driving record information online, and more.

 But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this
 happens to you or someone you know: We have been told we should cancel
our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free ~~~~~~s and
 your card ~~~~~~s handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you
can find them easily. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction
where it was stolen, this proves to credit providers you were diligent,
and is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one). But here's
what is perhaps most important: (I never even thought to do this) Call the
three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud
alert on your name and Social Security ~~~~~~. I had never heard of doing
that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for
credit was made over the Internet in my name. The alert means any company 
that checks your credit knows your information was stolen and they have to 
contact you by phone to authorize new credit.

 By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the
theft, all the damage had been done. There are records of all the credit checks
 initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which I knew about before

 placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done, and
the thieves threw my wallet away this weekend (someone turned it in). It
seems to have stopped them in their tracks. The ~~~~~~s are:

 Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
 Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
 Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
 Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271

 We pass along jokes; we pass along just about everything. Do think
about passing this information along. It could really help someone you care
about.



ID Theft Center    http://www.idtheftcenter.org




WHAT TO DO IF YOUR PURSE/WALLET IS LOST/STOLEN

We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed using your name,address, SS#, credit, etc. Unfortunately I
(author of this piece) have firsthand knowledge, because my
wallet was stolen last month and within a week the thieve(s)
ordered an expensive monthly cellphone package, applied for
a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway
computer,received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving
record information online, and more.

But here's some critical information to limit the damage in
case this happens to you or someone you know. As everyone
always advises, cancel your credit cards immediately, but the
key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy
so you know who to call. Keep those where you can find them easily
(having to hunt for them is additional stress you WON'T need at that point!).

File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it
was stolen, this proves to credit providers you were diligent, and
is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one). Inquite about a "Identity Theft Victim Passport."

Close all old accounts and open new one’s

Post a fraud alert with all credit co’s.

But here's what is perhaps most important...I never ever
thought to do this:
Call the three national credit reporting organizations
immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and SS#. I had
never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to
tell me an application for credit was made over the Internet in my
name. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.

By the time I was advised to do this - almost 2 weeks after the
theft, all the damage had been done (there are records of all the
credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which I
knew about before placing the alert). Since then, no additional
damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away this weekend (someone turned it in).

It seems to have stopped them in their tracks.

The numbers are: Equifax 1-800 525-6285.
Experian (formerly TRW) 1-888-397-3742 (main no.)
Trans Union 1-800-680-7289.
Social Security Administration also has a fraud line at
1-800-269-0271.

Also now, there is a program in place to help victims who are under attack from police, creditors, bounty hunters, etc. You may obtain from the police, a "Identity theft Victim Passport" This document helps you discourage any persuer of the impersonator, to target you by mistake.
As reported on Dateline  7/17/03


We pass along jokes, we pass along just about everything....do
think about passing this information along.... it could help someone
else.

For more identity theft info:  http://www.techtv.com/cybercrime/privacy/story/0,23008,2103957,00.html

FTC identity theft hotline www.consumer.gov/idtheft/victim.htm, or 877/438-4338

Identity theft resource center  www.idtheftcenter.org

Electronic Privicy Info. Ctr. www.epic.org/privacy

Privicy rights Center   www.privacyrights.org

Federal Trade Comm.  877-382-4357