Monthly Archives: September 2020

How To Be A Responsible Internet User

Over the past few years, hackers have blackmailed celebrities by hacking their phones, made vast and horrifying intrusions into both our electoral and energy grids, and apparently found a way to steal your banking details from Amazon’s Echo. You now live in a terrifying future where all of your most valuable personal information is up for grabs and can be sold on the Deep Web by some shady character from Belarus, or at least that’s what his IP address says today. And it simply doesn’t look or feel as cool as what we watched on Bladerunner.

But instead of turning off the computer and hiding in the woods Unabomber style (not fun), you can learn how to responsibly protect yourself and your private data with a few simple precautions.

Here are three easy fixes.

Strengthen Your Passwords

If you would prefer that people not have access to your financial information or the “bad pictures” you keep in your email files, then you need to strengthen your passwords. You can find great advice from the DIY Online Safety guide, which is meant to help women who are being stalked but offers great advice to everyone. You can certainly find online advice on how to crack your passwords. Learn some defense.

Tips for Strong Passwords

1. Try not to reuse passwords across multiple sites. If you’re having trouble remembering your 60 or so Passwords, then you can use a strong password generator site and hope that it doesn’t get hacked.
2. The longer the password, the better.
3. Create passphrases instead of passwords.
4. Always use a combination of upper and lower case characters with special characters if allowed.
5. Avoid pop culture or dictionary words.
6. Try to avoid personal information such as date of birth.

Use a VPN If You’re Serious About Security

Serious computer professionals recommend buying an inexpensive VPN if you’re serious about protecting yourself from intruders or copyright hounds. A VPN encrypts your data so your ISP can’t see the details of what your viewing and also changes your IP so the website can’t trace things back to your residence.

Use Anonymous Browsers

Another way to hide your tracks from either thieves or data mining marketers is to use anonymous browsers. It’s also helpful if you’d like to download something that would shame your mother or a prominent Hollywood copyright protection organization. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

Here’s a quick list of three:

The Tor Browser: This is probably the most famous anonymous fully secure browser in the world. It’s your go to if you’re a criminal, quite frankly, or if you’re a dissident in a country that whips, prosecutes and/or hangs dissidents. In theory, it allows you to travel the web anonymously even though some countries like China or Russia will crack down on these tools. But its easy to install even though at times it can be slow to load. The TOR network might also be crackable according to news accounts and the first episode of Mr. Robot.

The Epic Browser: This was actually rated as the number one secure and private browser by Techworld. It automatically “strips out every conceivable feature to maximize privacy.” Like Tor it offers a fully encrypted connection by way of a one button proxy feature. But like Tor you will find that your browsing experience does slow down at times. It’s also free.

HTTPS Everywhere: This is more of a plugin to the Chrome or Firefox browser that you’re already using. But its great if you’re using a lot of public wi fi spots.

5 Ways to Make Your Business More Energy Efficient

Saving money while running a business is imperative to its operation. Making your business more energy efficient is a good way to help offset the cost of running the business. There are several things to do to help with the saving of money on energy. Being aware of where energy is being wasted and taking steps to fix the problems will be the first step you can take to becoming more energy efficient.

Heating and Cooling

This is one of the biggest energy cost that a business has. Keeping filters changed needs to be followed on a regular basis. Turning the thermostat up one degree in the summer and one down in the winter will see an increase in savings of approximately 8 percent. Furnaces and AC units can be replaced with a PTAC unit from PTAC Inc. You can also take advantage of solar power to help with power costs. Installing variable-speed fans can also help save on energy consumption.

Compare Electric Rates

There are 3 types of rates for electricity that can be picked from for your business. Choosing the wrong rate can be quite costly for the expenses your business will concur. There are fixed, variable, and deemed rates when picking what you will pay for kilowatts of electricity. Suppliers will charge different rates for kilowatt hours, so finding the right company will save your business money on energy costs.

Insulation

Having a building properly insulated can go a long way on saving money on energy costs. Adding a layer of blown-in insulation in the ceiling of attic of the building is one of the easiest thing to do and most cost effective. Air leaks around doors, windows, and exterior outlets should be sealed. Either replace old windows or use a high grade window film to cut down on energy loss.

Using heavy curtains or drapes can also help insulate windows and prevent heat loss. The water tank should be upgraded to an energy saving type or insulated better. Duct work should be cleaned on the inside, sealed, and insulated to save on energy loss.

Lighting

Old incandescent type bulbs should be replaced with energy efficient ones. Motion sensing detectors should be installed so lights go off automatically when no one is in the room. Exit signs should be replaced with high efficiency LED models for more energy savings. Use low wattage bulbs for lights that are always on. Using a 15 watt bulb instead of a 75 watt can save up to 80 percent on energy costs. If you can replace them with LED lights, the savings could amount to even more.

Install skylights if possible. Modern skylights are designed to let light in and keep heat from escaping. Natural sunlight is also healthier for the body and will create a better work environment. You can also lower the light fixtures to increase available lighting.

Computers

Turn off the computer on the weekends and at night. If the computer has to be left on, at least turn off the monitor. Don’t use a screen saver. Switching to laptops can save up to 90 percent of the energy over a desktop model. Using an ink-jet type printer over a laser printer will also save close to 90 percent.

Saving energy in your business can be done in a variety of ways. Sometimes there will be an initial investment, but it can pay for itself over a period of time. Careful planning and organizing management of time can also play a big part in energy savings.

Inside Jeffrey Epstein`s Infamous Private Plane

Inside Jeffrey Epstein`s Infamous Private Plane

Jeffrey Epstein was perhaps New York`s most infamous socialite, and also a convicted sex offender. After being accused of abusing many minors in his plane, Epstein later died in jail from an alleged suicide. But despite his death, the nation’s fascination with him, and the conspiracy theories about his sex trafficking ring still abound.

Recently, Epstein’s private plane, a Gulfstream G550 hit the market at a selling price of $17 million and a listing that details all the posh features of its interior. Fortunately for those of us with morbid curiosity, we can see the infamous plane for ourselves. 

According to a report, the insane jet is one of Epstein`s possessions, alongside a Boeing 727, otherwise known as Lolita Express, and a Gulfstream IV. The sale of the plane would mean financial solutions for settling the Epstein estate’s ongoing lawsuit disputes, and the money would also be used to compensate the victims of his crimes. 

Epstein first bought the plane in 2013. One of his executive companies purchased it around the same time and later transferred it to the US Virgin Islands Company in 2018. You can see photos of the interior on GlobalAir.com.

The aircraft has been recently renovated with tan leather seats and exotic wood touch ups. The aim was to create the utmost comfort and relaxation as Epstein flew to his several million-dollar properties across Florida, New York, and New Mexico. A report also added that the exterior body was repainted blue in 2018.

The sale listing details the insane capacity of the plane to accommodate up to 16 passengers. Between 2018 and 2019, it flew 107 flights, and it’s flight history includes a roster of elite guests like former president Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew, and Kevin Spacey, among other notable figures. 

What is a Home Warranty and How Does it Work?

Two of the main reasons for purchasing a home warranty are to save time and to limit the high costs of paying for repairs or replacement of appliances and home systems. 

Purchase of a warranty is often advised when a buyer purchases an older home and is not sure of the state of the appliances or systems. Home warranties are also useful for new homeowners who may not have experience in managing repairs and replacements. 

What is a home warranty? 

A home warranty is different from home owner’s insurance. Homeowner’s insurance covers structural damage to a home and its contents due to fire or other natural disasters. A home warranty is a residential service contract for a set period that covers the cost of repairs or replacement of household appliances or systems. 

There are many different home warranty plans, some of which are cheaper and provide basic levels of protection and others which are more expensive and provide comprehensive coverage. The annual cost of coverage varies depending upon the provider and the level of coverage chosen. 

House Method’s review pros offer unbiased reviews to help you select the best home warranty companies. The best plans cover all major appliances, such as refrigerators, stoves and water heaters. They usually also cover electrical, HVAC and plumbing systems. 

How does it work?

Report a problem to the provider: When an appliance or home system covered by your home warranty provider needs repairs, all you need to do is to notify the home warranty provider. Most companies offer 24/7 customer service, either over the phone or online. Some of them promise next-day service for major issues. 

Provider chooses a service provider to help: The home warranty provider usually works together with one or more home service providers, such as electrical or plumbing contractors. Once you notify the warranty company, it passes on your request to one of the local contractors it partners with in your area. 

Assessment, report and authorization: The contractor will make an appointment with you to assess the damage and then provide a report to the company. The report will state the extent and potential causes of the damage. 

The home warranty company will then confirm whether the contract covers the appliance or system repairs and authorize the repair if it does. 

Service call fee: A service call fee will be charged for the visit and can range from about $50 to $100. You will pay the contractor for each feature or system that needs to be assessed. 

For instance, if your stove and refrigerator are both faulty, you will pay two separate fees. You usually pay the service fee directly to the contractor, much as you would pay a co-pay at a doctor’s office. 

Paying excesses: If repair or replacement costs more than the limits on the home warranty, you will have to cover any excess. 

Reasons why cover may be denied

Some common reasons why claims are denied include:

  • Lack of maintenance or improper installation. 
  • Unusual wear and tear.
  • Known or unknown pre-existing conditions.
  • Permits are not available or components of systems do not meet local building codes. 

The best way to avoid having coverage denied is to make sure you carefully choose the right contract upfront. This is why it is so important to carefully analyze the contracts offered by home warranty companies. You need to understand all the limitations, exclusions and other terms and conditions. You should know how it works with your home needs and how much you will have to pay in out-of-pocket in event of a claim. 

How To Survive Financial Problems After Losing Your Job

No one ever wants to lose their job, but the reality is that although you do your job well, circumstance can still cause you to lose your job. During the global pandemic, many people were left in the lurch and were forced to leave their jobs because the company closed down or they had to downsize. 

Although a situation like this seems hopeless, there are things you can do to stay afloat and build a new future. It is easy for panic and despair to set in and it would be justified, but with a plan of action, any job loss situation can be turned around. 

Planning in advance

When people get a job, they tend to live out their salary and up their living standards according to their salary, what they do not necessarily do is plan for disaster. One of the first things to do when you get a job is to take out some form of insurance. 

Insurance is the first thing you should look at because if your health fails you, there is a safety net. At Policy Bazaar, you can get advice on which policies to take out that will fit your lifestyle and current situation. They take the guesswork out of the equation and help you build a portfolio that will provide that cushion in times of need.

Creating a personal budget

When the unthinkable happened and you lost your job, the first thing to do is to draw up a budget. When push comes to shove, most of us can make drastic sacrifices and changes to our lifestyles to see us through the rough times. 

The most important expenses that need to be taken care of are housing, food and clothing. The basic needs need to be tended to before anything else. To not be caught off guard, plan for tax deductions from your unemployment benefits and budget accordingly. 

Manage your budget

Now would be a good time to go and negotiate lower terms on your fixed expenses. When you have a solid record, most creditors will be willing to negotiate a lower rate. Now is also not the time to live according to your previous standards, which means that retail shopping will be cut down and buying generic brands will also become the new normal. 

Furthermore, it is also a time to stuff your pride and use coupons and buy sale items. The one thing to remember is that this is a temporary state and you will rise above it. 

Limit your credit card use 

After losing a job, a credit card becomes an emergency fund and should be used as such. Only charge what you feel can be paid over a decent amount of time. The interest on your shopping is what will sink you in the end. 

When you live beyond your means now, it could have serious negative effects later on. When you lose your job, your credit score does not go down, but when you cannot make your payments, the picture changes. 

Start to rebuild

After losing a job, taking a day or two to process the mess and organize your finances is allowed, but once there is a plan in place, rebuilding can begin. Now would be a good time to look for other sources of income. Part-time or temp work is easier to come by and it can sustain you while you look for something more permanent. 

The other possibility would be self-employment. When faced with hard choices, people often find that there is an entrepreneur in them that can build an empire. However, this is a journey best traveled with the people who are close to you. Never underestimate the power of family.