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.

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

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. 

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. 

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.      

Aging is inevitable for every man and woman as a normal consequence of biological life. Some people may age in good health and strength, carrying on normally albeit at a reduced pace. 

However, others age with health conditions that may escalate with the passage of time, leaving them frail and in need of constant medical care and frequent tests to keep track of their health status.

Health tests at this age are vital for better management of the senior’s conditions and knowing which to take is important. It is equally important to know what tests your Medicare plan provides or supports to avoid having to pay for these from your pocket. The best Medicare advantage plans in 2021 may cover tests at the audiologist, orthodontist, dentist, and optometrist.

Blood pressure checks

Blood pressure checks are the first tests any senior male or female must take regularly. Blood pressure does not exhibit symptoms or any discomfort most times and can sneak up on you with devastating consequences by the time it is noticed. High blood pressure is also an indicator of other underlying conditions that can cause health complications.

Seniors must also keep a keen eye on weight gain, as it is a contributing factor to high blood pressure. Regular exercises are good to enhance the functions of the heart and to keep the weight down. Aetna Medicare advantage plans 2021 offers seniors full access to select gyms across the country to help them keep fit.

Prostate and breast screening

Seniors should have regular prostate screening to preempt any signs of prostate cancer. From the age of 55 onwards, have a talk with your doctor on the implications of a prostate check, especially if you notice simple issues such as an irregular urine flow. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is recommended for this purpose.

A regular breast exam at your doctor’s office is a good idea and you may want to consider a mammogram as well every one or two years. This is necessary to protect against breast cancer and your doctor will advise you on the frequency of tests and you may want to include a pelvic exam and pap smear.

Colorectal and cholesterol screening

Colorectal cancer is a major killer and can rear its unsavory head in old age. To protect against this complication, go for lab and physical tests as recommended by your doctor. Colorectal cancer affects both men and women and as such, anyone from the age of 50 should go for screening for early detection.

Cholesterol screening is equally important for seniors to preempt incidents of vascular issues, strokes, and heart attacks. Alongside this, have your blood sugar tested to avoid diabetes.

Sight and hearing tests

Eye diseases tend to escalate in old age and it is good to have regular eye tests and have this corrected in time to preserve your eyesight. Glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration are treatable if detected early.

Aetna’s latest Medicare advantage plans for 2021 covers visits to an audiologist for seniors that can help them get hearing tests. Most seniors over 65 may suffer some form of hearing loss that is treatable if diagnosed early. If you have trouble hearing, consider a visit to your doctor for advice. 

Bone density checks

Osteoporosis is a major cause of fractures, disabilities, and sometimes fatalities in old people and is a consequence of diminished bone density. Women especially are vulnerable to osteoporosis and must ask their doctors for advice and probable bone density test. Seniors must take care of their overall health by having regular exams to rule out any of these old age complications.

The call center outsourcing industry, may yet see an upside to the gloomy situation affecting many firms around the globe.

With the current pandemic stunting the growth of many economies, more and more firms will need to trim their expenses and retract from their expansion plans. But these same companies will eventually resort to outsourcing their non-core call center functions in order to control their finances.

This, therefore, presents an opportunity for call centers in the Philippines that have experienced a slowdown during the early part of the lockdown beginning mid-March. This also presents an opportunity for companies abroad in need of alternatives to maintaining their businesses while riding out the impact of the pandemic.

Labor cost in the Philippines is 60 percent lower compared to the United States and 70 percent lower vis-à-vis the Australian and United Kingdom markets.

“As economies and companies start to recover from the pandemic, they will continue to outsource their call center requirements to the Philippines. It might not happen immediately, and may as well take a year or two, but the key competitive advantages of the Philippines as the world’s leading call center outsourcing destination such as English language proficiency, cultural affinity to the West, highly qualified and skilled labor pool as well as the low labor cost, remain unchanged,” said Ralf Ellspermann, CEO of PITON-Global, a leader in the Philippine call center outsourcing industry.

Having been in the business since 2001, PITON-Global has seen the growth of an industry that has catapulted the Philippine economy forward. Today, the industry employs more than 1.3 million Filipinos and generates more than US$26 billion in revenues, equivalent to almost a tenth of the country’s gross domestic product.

As a result, the Philippines is the world’s second largest BPO and largest call center outsourcing destination. Key to all this is a largely English-speaking nation and a population with a 94-percent literacy rate, which is the second highest in Asia.

Call centers in the Philippines today boast of a vast labor pool with more than 20 years of outsourcing experience. There are also more than 800 call center outsourcing providers operating in the country at the moment, serving buyer markets such as the United States (60 percent), Australia (25 percent), United Kingdom (10 percent) and other countries (5 percent).

PITON-Global, a leading mid-sized call center, specializes in providing customer experience management and back-office support services for companies in the US.

“The Philippine contact center outsourcing industry is not going anywhere. Companies still prefer to outsource their call center requirements to us. And not just because of the potential cost savings, but also enhanced operating efficiencies and customer experience,” Ellspermann added.

This is why call centers in the Philippines remained open for business even as several industries across the country shut down when the government imposed a strict quarantine to stem the spread of COVID-19.

Outsourcing providers in the country immediately implemented work structures that closely observed the government’s strict health standards and social distancing measures. Firms either provided shuttles or gave accomodations to workers whose mobility were disrupted.

Once the situation begins to clear up and companies will revisit their expansion plans either delayed or halted by the pandemic, call centers in the Philippines will be more than ready to serve their needs. PITON-Global will also commit to this resurgence.

Any fire, electrical or not, can cause untold damage in your home. Worse than that, fire creates a significant risk of injury or death to the house’s occupants. The problem with electrical fires is that they can start suddenly and seemingly without any warning. 

However, in most instances, there are warning signs homeowners can look for to prevent electrical fires. This is especially necessary for owners of older houses, where there is a higher likelihood of electrical problems because, as the homeowner, you do not have a full history of the house’s electrical maintenance.

Here are essential tips to ensure you address electrical issues before they cause a fire:

Electrical outlets

The most common cause of electrical fires is damaged or aged electrical outlets. They should be checked regularly to be sure that they are in working order. 

Signs to look for that could indicate a problem with an outlet include scorching, which creates brown or black marks on the outlet and is usually accompanied by a burning smell when the outlet is in use. This indicates a wiring fault that causes overheating. 

Another thing to look for is a gap between the outlet and the wall, and any exposed wires that are visible. There should be no cracks or holes around an electrical outlet, and the cover should be well-fastened to the wall.

Extension cords

Extension cords should be a temporary solution to an electrical supply problem. Unfortunately, many people keep them in place indefinitely, unaware of the risk they pose. When you use an extension cord, multiple items are plugged into the end of it, which risks an overload of the outlet. 

If there is a shortage of power outlets in your home, contact an electrician in Louisville residents rely on for prompt, competitively priced, professional service. Older houses tend to have insufficient electrical outlets as they were built during times when people relied less on electricity than they do today. Bates Electrical can install additional outlets in various rooms in your home, thereby reducing your reliance on extension cords.

Power cords

Plugs and cords of any devices or appliances plugged into electrical sockets should be subjected to routine inspections. If the plug and cord have separated, and you can see exposed wiring, do not use that item until after plug replacement. 

Melted cords are also an indication that something is wrong, as they are either overheating because of supply from the socket or they have been placed too close to heating sources. A melted power cord can start a fire within seconds.

Unplug

There are several appliances in the home that should be unplugged when not in use. Heat-producing appliances left plugged in account for a significant percentage of electrical fires. Always unplug heaters, kettles, toasters, irons, and hair equipment, such as straighteners and curlers.

Keep instruction manuals for such appliances so that you are aware of safety precautions and other instructions for safe use that will prevent an electrical malfunction. Register for notifications of recalls from the manufacturer as there are occasions when a production fault can cause an electrical fire.

Warning signs

Additional warning signs include a distribution board that keeps tripping. This means that the breaker is working correctly, as it trips the circuit before it can overheat. However, locating the source of the overheating is vital to solving the problem causing the tripping.

Flickering lights, especially when you have recently replaced globes, could indicate a wiring problem. If you see sparks or feel a slight shock when plugging something in, take this as a serious warning sign that you need to have an electrical contractor check your electrical systems.

In their old age, the one thing seniors crave for most is love and caring company for their emotional wellbeing. Loneliness and isolation can be devastating to their emotional and mental wellbeing despite the generous provision of material comforts. 

It is important that you make your elderly loved ones feel valued, loved, and cared for through constant presence in their lives besides material support. Here are a few tips to help you show more love to the seniors.

Maintain a consistent presence

You probably are the only family the senior has and your company and love are very important for their emotional wellbeing. Whereas it is equally important to supply them with material needs, your engagement is more valuable. 

Let your visits and time spend with them not appear as if done out of duty but rather love as you build a strong emotional bond.

 If you live at a distance from each other, install a SpyFone app on their phone with a panic button that they can raise you with, in case of an emergency. 

The app also comes with GPS and lost phone locator if something happens to them or their phone while away from home. Alternatively, you may consider setting up an accessory apartment or granny flat cabin to have the senior always close to you.

Help them stay active

Staying active is both good for physical and mental health and they will love it if they share their active moments with you. Offer to drive them around to visit their friends, to the mall, to the restaurant for dining out, or simply to the park to enjoy the scenery. 

Of course, you can hire a driver, or have provisions delivered but that is impersonal and does not project the love they need so much. 

Your physical presence is all the more important for emotional support if the senior has lost the spouse. Your company will help the void left in their lives and keep them from sliding into depression from isolation.

Handle their finances and paperwork

One way to demonstrate loving care to the elderly is by showing concern for their finances, especially when they have limited resources. Offer to help with the structuring of whatever income they have to support their recurrent budget. 

Knowing that they have someone trusted taking care of their finances is a boost to their peace of mind and helps them enjoy their old age. There will be important paperwork that needs taking care of to ensure legal compliance. This could include property titles and that most sensitive of them all, the will. 

Have a candid discussion with the elderly and offer to assist them wherever necessary to keep all paperwork compliant. If the situation demands, you may have to exercise the power of attorney on their behalf. 

Help around the house

Dropping in at their place frequently to help with dishes, laundry, and general cleaning even when they do these chores themselves shows them you care. 

Even when they resist, offer to do the chores with them instead with the main goal being to keep them company. Sharing household chores, repairs, and cleaning helps in bonding.

While engaged in these chores, be a good listener lending them your ear in appreciation for what they are sharing. That you can spare a moment to listen to their concerns is good for their emotional wellbeing and makes them feel valued. Impress upon them their value to you and why you need to be with them at all times so that they feel you both mutually need each other.

When the death of a loved one has come and gone and you have grieved and healed, there is still the need to cherish their memory. 

The departed may have been family or close friends who, when alive, had a deep impression on your life and you wish to keep their memory for inspiration or to appreciate them posthumously. Here are some ideas for honoring departed loved ones.

Set aside a special memorial space

Set aside a special memorial space for the dearly departed in your home to honor and remember them. These could be a special wall gallery in the hallway, a table with memorabilia in a corner, or a spot on the mantle for the urn. 

A memorial space can help explain to the younger family members who the departed loved one was and the meaning of death.

You may want to customize the cremation urn to reflect the life of the deceased with the added advantage of achieving an ornamental look. When shopping for a good custom design, check out the various types of urns for cremation ashes by Memorials.com and professional advice on each one’s qualities. 

The website is a one-stop-shop for funeral services that include caskets, urns, burial site markers, cremation, burials, the entire funeral process, and bereavement counseling.

Mark the loved one’s burial site

One way to immortalize the memory of a loved one is to mark their burial site with a customized monument. There are two main types to choose from depending on personal preference and the cemetery regulations. Confirm with cemetery management before placing your order for a burial monument.

The two types of monuments include flat grave markers and upright burial headstones in different materials and styles. 

Granite is the most common material for both flat lawn markers and the various designs of the upright tombstones. Bronze plates are especially favored for the flat markers for their affordability and capacity for elegant engraving of the deceased’s details and quotes.

Create a trust or charity fund in their memory

If your loved one was an academic luminary or involved in charity works, you may choose to perpetuate their memory along these lines. 

You could set up a trust fund in his or her name to carry on the charity activities or donation work they previously participated in and keep their memory alive for posterity. This has been the practice, especially for prominent business personalities, to leave something for society once they pass on.

A scholarship is another great way to honor an academic personality by helping deserving students pay their way through college and continue his or her vision. You may also use funds from their estate to construct a facility such as a library, lecture hall, or laboratory at their alma mater to carry their name into the future.

Create an event in their memory

Create an event to their memory in the local community where the departed lived to commemorate their anniversary. Depending on what activities they were passionate about when alive, propose an activity that can bring people to celebrate and honor the dearly departed. 

Involving the community has the added advantage of continuity even beyond the initiator and ensures a level of permanence.

Immortalize a great coach or sports personality through a community, school, or college tournament in their name and likewise for any other profession or passion. You can take up and rehabilitate a public facility such as a recreation park with the permission of the local authorities to earn the rights of naming after the departed loved one.