No APPP – Non Stop News From Round The World

CITE: Bits.blogs.nytimes.com

Just when you are convinced that it is absolutely safe to shop online there is news of computer security breaches on eBay and Amazon and other sites reporting that, whoops, the consumer’s information has been compromised..

The recent breaches at 6PM and Zappos have potentially compromised the account information for 24 million customers, which is the biggest breach of an online retailer since Sony was under cyber-attack in 2011. That situation compromised 100 million customer accounts.

This is disturbing to say the least considering that Amazon and eBay and other online retailers who are considered the most reliable sites online and who pay handsomely to keep hackers at bay are not able to protect their customers’ personal information.

When a breach of this nature and extent occurs the computer security experts and the companies that were hacked often tell the customer that it is their responsibility to protect their data that is kept in the company’s servers.

Tony Hsieh, the chief executive of Zappos, reports that the names of customers as well as phone numbers, encrypted passwords, email addresses, mailing addresses as well as the last four digits of their credit card number may have been stolen during the attack. However, he added that the company immediately reset passwords and a database that is separate and which contains critical credit card detail was not breached.

Millions of consumers love the convenience of shopping online, particularly when they are ensured that their personal information is safe when making purchases. However, the news of these huge breaches is shaking the confidence of online shoppers who may think twice before buying something online in the future.

MY TAKE:

When shopping online, use different passwords on different sites. Do not use email addresses as user names and come up with a very unique password for every site that you make purchases from. Do not save payment and personal information and details online. Yes, it may seem like a hassle to use (and remember) different passwords for every site but if it provides you with more online safety and security it is worth the inconvenience.

Online merchants must do their part to protect the identity and personal information of their customers but consumers must do their part as well. It is far better to spend more time devising strong passwords than it is to find out that your personal information has been stolen.

America runs on Bulova

CITE: Fashionnewspaper.com

It is an exciting time in the world of technology. New products are developed and created regularly, which feeds the tech lover’s need for more.

Bulova just released its Bulova Time, which is a world time iPhone application and alarm clock with the reported accuracy of the atomic clock. Now how is that for an invention?

The clock has the simplicity of the company’s very first alarm clocks even though it is cutting edge.

Bulova Time fuses function and fashion in a very user friendly app for the iPhone and iPad touch.

Bulova has been in business since 1875 and has always been a forerunner when it comes to innovation. The Bulova Time was made in honor of the company’s history in time-keeping, while also paying tribute to the first full line of ladies’ and men’s jeweled wristwatches, as well as to the first clock radio, the first plant that was dedicated to the standardization of watch parts, the first totally electronic wristwatch with Accutron, the first iPhone alarm and world time application.

Bulova’s products are always created with uncompromising precision as well as in the iconic Bulova design.

The two functions of Bulova Time include a world time display and an alarm, which are different from other world time and alarm applications. When the user opens the app, the time syncs with five governmental atomic clocks which means that you are getting unparalleled precision.

The world time function enables users to see up to eight different time zones within one interface. Time zone accuracy is promised due to the atomic clock synchronization.

Bulova Time is usable with iPod touch, iPhone, and iPad.

Bulova has always been committed to maintaining its stellar legacy of excellence in regard to technology, style and design and it continues to grow to meet the needs of its audience, which is global.

MY TAKE:

This may not be the time piece that the average guy on the street requires but you never know. The Bulova Time makes a great gift for someone who loves technology as well as the iconic design of Bulova products and who appreciates the time-keeping precision of these watches.

Those in the sandwich generation are caught in the middle of their children and aging parents

CITE: Abcnews.go.com

The “sandwich generation” is a group of people that are primarily women and in the 45-to 56-year-old range. These women are taking care of elderly parents while still taking care of their own children. According to the National Longitudinal Survey by the Department of Labor, these women spend a good bit of time caring for their parents and also spend a lot of money on their children, some of whom are still living at home.

In fact there are 20 million American women in the sandwich generation. They are in charge of intra-family monetary transactions of $18 billion annually and provide 2.4 billion hours helping their parents and children.

Many of these women had their children later in life, unlike their own mothers who had their children at a younger age, which puts them in the middle, or the center of the sandwich, of three generations, two of which are still dependent on them to some extent.

Women in the 45- to 55-year-old age group have at least one child living at home who is under the age of 21 and at least one living parent, according to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) which amounts to 44 percent of the sandwich generation.

There are more elderly people today because people are living longer and much of their care is done by their children, who are Baby Boomers. Many of these Baby Boomers are still in the workforce as well as still raising children.

Some of those in the sandwich generation are only children, which means they don’t have any help when it comes to taking care of aging parents.

“Sandwichers” spend approximately $10,000 a year helping their children and parents as well as on average 1,350 hours a year assisting their children and parents.

The responsibility and demands of taking care of elderly parents and children at the same time takes it toll on members of the sandwich generation, who aren’t necessarily prepared to take on this role, which is emotionally draining and expensive. It can also take its toll on one’s health.

When a person is caring for elderly parents and begins to resent the demands placed on them this  makes them feel guilty and they slip into depression.

One in five Americans who will be older than 65 by the year 2020 will be in this same situation.The National Association of Social Workers advises those in this situation to get help. You cannot do it all by yourself.

MY TAKE:

Do not be a martyr. Get some assistance. If you make yourself sick as a result of your stressful life, you are not going to be any help to your aging parents or to you own children. There are home health care providers as well as hospice workers and other service providers that can assist you in caring for your elderly parents. Call your local hospital or your parents’ primary care provider to get information on in-home caretakers.

Women are interested in finance and are able investors.

CITE: Investopedia.com

Somewhere along the line, it became conventional wisdom that women do not care about finance, do not understand it and would rather spend their time getting pedicures. This is an interesting generalization considering that in many households the woman handles the finances, pays the bills and is in control of the budget.

It is a cliche that women don’t care or understand finances and furthermore it is a misnomer that women only want security and exercise caution when it comes to money, while men are the daredevils.

Did you know that in 2007, when the economic crisis struck, females did four percent better than males when it came to hanging onto their investments?

It is true, that women are more interested in areas such as ethics, ecology and micro-credits but when push comes to shove these concerns do not always have a bearing on the actual decision to invest or not to invest, according to Christine Schmidt of Credit Suisse.

Women investors do not change their financial portfolios as often as men do but women’s financial strategies often lead to a more stable performance than those of men.

Women do, in fact, make risky investments (38 percent) but not as often as men (45 percent.) This, however, does not reveal an inherent fear of making risky investments on the part of women. Women say the would take take more risk if they had more money, which makes sense. Women possess about half as much money to invest as do men, which leads them to be circumspect.

MY TAKE:

In the past, women weren’t given access to finances and didn’t have much knowledge about it but that has all changed and anyone who believes otherwise is behind the times. A stockbroker who doesn’t understand this is going to lose out on a good customer. Granted, women may approach investing differently then men do – and as it turns out that has served them well – but a stockbroker needs to understand that there are differences in the understanding and managing of investments when it comes to women.

There are  many highly-educated, career women at this time, who are making decent money, and often living on their own or as single parents, who want to invest their money and do invest. Studies shows that women invest quite well.

Learning a vocation or trade is a good way to secure your future.

CITE: Gocollege.com

Vocational education is a type of education that is geared toward people who possess practical skills that allow them to do jobs that involve practical and manual abilities, such as repairing cars. Vocational school is also called technical school.

Your plumber or air conditioner repairman may have both graduated from a vocational school. Many hairstylists began their training while in high school at a vocational school.

A vocational school is a post-secondary institution, or an alternative to traditional high school that teaches students the skills they need to do certain jobs.

Some young people simply do not what to go to college. They have no interest in sitting in a classroom learning about literature or a foreign language. They know that they are good with their hands and want to pursue a career that lets them use their hands.

Vocational education has a pragmatic and pointed focus instead of an academic focus. It is a type of education that is geared to people who want to begin working in a particular field that interests it.

Upon completion of vocational school, a student is generally eligible to be licensed in his field of study if a license is required. The individual can start working right away.

An example of a government-supported vocational program for those who have low income is Job Corps, which provides housing and support along with a vocational education. The government is aware that it is wise to make available this type of school for individuals with technical skills who have no interest in college or academia. There is always a need for people who can fix or build things.

Vocational schools aren’t as expensive as traditional colleges and the graduates are usually able to find a job immediately after graduation. Learning a new trade may require investing in some equipment, such as plumbing tools if the student wants to become a plumber, just like books are required for those in college.

Trade or vocational educations appeal to many because it is a fast track to a job that is going to pay well. Vocational schools also appeal to adults who want to go into another line of work.

A talented tradesman can make a high salary.

If a student undergoes vocational training and then decides that he wants to pursue a degree at a four year college his credits from trade school may be transferable.

MY TAKE:

If your child announces that he is far more interested in going to vocational or technical school than he to college, be supportive of him.  Such training can lead to a high-paying and secure career. Not everyone is cut out to go to a four-year college. For some that is about as appealing as having a tooth pulled. Vocational training can give your child, or even yourself, good, solid and useful training and a set of skills that is going to earn you money.

Women executives bring diverse and different perspectives to the boardroom.

CITE: Catalyst.org.

Women continue to make headway in the world of business even though some still find themselves conking headfirst into the glass ceiling. Much has changed in regard to women and equality in the workforce but a lot still hasn’t.
Keeping women out of the business world, or in low levels, is a mistake because they have much to contribute.

A study by Harvard Business School showed that gender-diverse leadership, which includes both men and women, have better short-term financial performances and outcomes. Women leaders tend to promote social awareness and responsibility and corporate philanthropy, which is far-reaching and benefits society in general.

Companies that have female executives are far more likely to give to charitable funds than those companies that have exclusively male executives. There is a direct correlation between the number of women leaders and levels of philanthropy.

The sustainability of a company is determined to a great extent by gender-inclusive leadership.

Those companies that have women in executive positions made donations at a rate of 28 times higher than those company that did not have females in senior roles.

Another advantages of having women in lead roles is that the bring difference perspectives on fairness as well as how to distribute donations and they prompt the company that employs them to develop higher-quality initiatives.

Those women who do “break through the glass ceiling” should, one should expect, help out other women who are attempting to do the same by mentoring but this isn’t always the case. Studies show that women who do manage to get senior positions are apt to help out male subordinates but not females. Males get more support and mentoring from their female boss than do females, according to a study published in the Social Science Research journal. This phenomenon is called the Queen Bee syndrome and it is a huge obstacle to women who are climbing the corporate ladder.

Women bosses are far more likely to obstruct female subordinates than encourage them which is unfortunate and certainly not what the women’s movement intended. It may be that women in senior positions want to blend with their male cronies and don’t want the unwanted competition of other women.

As a result, women far more prefer having a man for a boss than a woman.

MY TAKE:

The proof is in the pudding: Females executives benefit a company in various ways, including the company’s willingness to make donations and get involved in philanthropic projects. However, there is still a shortage of women in the top positions. Ironically, some of this may be do to the lack of support that women receive from female bosses who are more likely to mentor and support male subordinates than females, which is a shame and certainly not what the women’s movement intended. Non-support from other women is just another obstacle that women face in the business world.

Urgent care services are convenient and handy.

CITE: American Academy of Urgent Care Medicine

When things go wrong – you are deathly sick or have injured yourself– it usually happens in the middle of the night when the doctor’s office is closed. That’s when a person may require urgent care.

Urgent care is  outpatient treatment for chronic or acute injury or illness. You have tripped over the dog at 2 a.m. as you are taking him downstairs for his middle of the night potty call and have fallen down the stairs. The dog is okay but you’re not. It appears that something might be broken. This is when urgent care services come in very handy.

Those doctors and nurses who provide this type of service have a comprehensive knowledge of medicine and are on the “front lines” of medicine. They are  skilled in quickly accessing what is going on and caring for the patient.

Urgent care services are for those who can’t get in to see their primary care physician or perhaps are on vacation when a sickness or injury occurs.

Urgent care is far better than going to the emergency room in a hospital where the patient is likely to wait for hours and hours before being seen.

At times, a patient that seeks treatment at an urgent care facility must be transferred to to the ER or directly put into the hospital.  Surgery is not performed at an urgent care facility.

There are nearly 9,000 urgent care facilities in the United States and the numbers are increasing annually.

The advantage of urgent care centers is that they don’t close at 5 p.m. and walk-in patients are seen. An urgent care center is comparable to an emergency room; however, urgent care facilities free up ER’s to take care of the life-threatening conditions that show up rather than dealing with the patient who has a bad case of the flu and can’t stop vomiting.

More than 70 percent of the cases that present in the ER are generally not life-threatening and could be dealt with in an urgent care setting, according to a study done by the CDC, National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey Emergency Department summary.

However, if an individual thinks he has a life-threatening condition he is advised to go to the ER rather than an urgent care center.

Proper utilization and access to care is made possible by the existence of urgent care centers and the services offered.

MY TAKE:

Most people know the difference between a life and death sickness or injury and one that is awful but isn’t going to  kill them. However, there is always the possibility of experiencing a heart attack and mistaking it for indigestion or something else that isn’t fatal. If you are experiencing chest pains, go to the ER. If you have the flu, go to an urgent care center. Use your good sense and judgment.

A memorandum of agreement is an understanding and agreement between two parties.

CITE: Advocatesforyouth.org

When two parties create a memorandum of agreement (MOA) in the form of a legal document, this is a formal and traditional gentleman’s agreement. It is not as binding as a contract would be but it is used as a letter of intent, especially in private law. A MOA is less formal than a contract but far more serious than a verbal agreement.

A letter of intent shows that a party has expressed an interest in becoming a part of an activity or has an interest in performing a service; however, it does not legally bind either party.

The Oil For Food Program, established by the U.N. in 1995, which lasted until 2003, is an example of a memorandum of understanding. This agreement gave permission to Iraq to sell oil to the world so that it could receive humanitarian help in exchange, including medicine and food for that country’s citizens. It is quicker to put a memorandum of understanding into use than a treaty. A memorandum of understanding does not require ratification and it can be changed without elaborate negotiations.

A memorandum of this nature is used quite often in international public law because it has advantages over treaties, which can’t be kept confidential as a memorandum can be. This is particularly beneficial when private or sensitive issues are addressed.

When a memorandum of agreement is drawn up it is essentially describing a cooperative relationship between two parties that agree on an objective or want to work together.

Money may or may not be involved or exchanged in a MOA agreement. Organization often use a MOA to create and detail collaborative agreements which can include providing training or technical assistance or service partnerships.

Who needs a memorandum of agreement? Presidential candidates do. Their respective teams decide on the limits of a pre-election debate, for example, and create a MOA spelling out the terms.

Sometimes a MOA actually turns out to be a contract. There are four elements needed to create a contract including legally enforceable actions from both parties are  within the agreement; consideration of some benefit or form of payment is exchanged between the parties; both parties must not be under any threat or duress when signing the agreement and the acts considered in the contract are legal. A contract does not have to be called a contract in order to be enforceable.

MY TAKE:

Always enlist the services of an attorney when drawing up a MOA or contract to make sure you know what you are agreeing to and exactly what you are getting yourself into. Down the road, you do not want to regret entering into some form of agreement that turns out to be more binding than you thought it was.

Beau's lines are horizontal lines that indicate there is a problem with your health.

CITE: Mayo Clinic

Look at your fingernails. You may not know it but the condition of your nails is a good indicator of your overall health. Do you have ridges in your nails? Ridges are raised lines.  Ridges can be caused by wear and tear and by age. As we get older the nail cells get harder, which makes it more challenging for the nails to grow properly. Ridges that run up and down or vertically are frequently seen in the nails of older people.

A faint brownish vertical line occurs when there is a splinter hemorrhage, which results in a collection of blood underneath a toe- or fingernail. The hemorrhage is originally red and then it turns brown

A splinter hemorrhage is the quintessential marker of mitral stenosis, a disorder of the heart valve that separates the upper and lower chambers on the left side of the heart. Stenosis happens when the valve fails to open completely. This restricts blood flow.

Nail ridges can appear after a person has a high fever because the high temperature cuts off blood flow to the extremities.

Chemotherapy can result in horizontal ridges called Beau’s lines, which are also a sign of having had a high fever or diabetes that is not kept in check or a circulatory disease. Additionally, horizontal nail ridges can indicate that a person is suffering from malnutrition or inadequate nutrient absorption. If a person is dehydrated he can develop horizontal nail ridges.

When metabolic issues are present, this can cause Beau’s lines to appear. The lines are darker than the nail and deeply grooved. When suffering from bad health or an injury to the fingers this can prompt horizontal ridges to develop. When there is an injury and horizontal ridges appear this means that the trauma has interfered with the formation and production of protein, which results in ridges.

If you can see white lines (white stria) in the moon or growth area of the nail this is generally the result of trauma. When the matrix or the base of the nail is damaged during formation of the nail this can cause white stria to appear.

Arsenic poisoning causes horizontal ridges in the nails as does kidney disease and liver disease due to album deficiencies which go along with these conditions. The type of line that results is called Muehrcke lines and are the result of interruption in the formation of pigment.

Melanoma, a cancer, and thyroid disease, anemia and respiratory problems can create ridging on the fingernails as can some skin infections, which also prompt pus to form along with the ridges, under or around the nail.

MY TAKE:

Routinely examine your fingernails and toenails. The eyes may be the window to the soul but your nails can give you a peek into your overall health. Doctors often examine a patient’s fingernails during a routine exam because physicians know that nails are great indicators of a person’s health and often reveal an underlying condition. If you notice anything unusual about your fingernails, such as horizontal or vertical ridges, discoloration or yellowing contact your physician.