Policy Disclosure / Fav Links / Free Site Listing
GoldenRest Adjustable Beds

Holiday shopping guide

Gift CardsBefore you hit the shopping mall, hit the gift card mall. In most cases you don't even have to leave your own neighborhood. Safeway, QFC and some major drugstores sell gift cards for movies, the Mariners, bookstores, dozens of major department stores, even Disneyland and eBay.Right off the bat, you're eliminating the guess work. You're saving yourself a lot of time and you're saving gas money not having to drive around to all these places.By law, in the state of Washington, gift cards cannot expire nor have deductible monthly fees. Just be careful about buying gift cards from the major credit card companies. They're a great option for people who live in other states, but Visa, MasterCard and other major credit card companies have different rules, with fees that can rapidly drain your balance.One downside of gift cards is that many people never use them, so be sure to match the card with the person, so it's something they'll put to use. Hot SellersAs for actual gifts, Nintendo's Wii is again the hot pick of the season.With units flying off shelves at $250, don't count on any price cuts. Unlike last year, retailers say supply is good, but they do run out. So if the Wii is on your list, buy it now to avoid having to wait for new shipments. Ditto for the top selling Wii game, Super Mario Galaxy.Another hot seller: Tickle Me Elmo, the Extra Special Edition. TMX Elmo is so hot, it may be in short supply as we get closer to Christmas. Regular price is $40, but watch the ads and you'll find it for $35.
Coupons aboundDo not miss the Thanksgiving Day edition of the Seattle Times / PI. It'll be stuffed with coupons and specials for nearly 50 retailers this year, more than ever before.And here's a tip that can help you get a jump on the sales: If you see an ad for something on sale that's coming up later in the week, head to the store after 6 p.m. the night before the sale officially begins. A lot of times, the prices are already marked down. For extra savings, shop online and find the special coupon codes -- especially next Monday which is Cyber Monday, when as many as 75 percent of the retailers will offer special promotions.Online shopping expert Hillary Mendelsohn is author of "thepurplebook," a comprehensive directory of thousands of the best online retailers and services and how to get good deals."Log onto your favorite search engine, type in the site that you want to shop at, the plus sign, and the words 'coupon code,' and all the coupon codes and deals will be pulled up on your search," Mendelsohn said.Time to talk turkeyGrocery store sales are in full gear for the holidays, so watch the newspaper coupons, clean out the freezer and make room in the pantry.Keep an eye out for items on sale that you can either freeze or store, to use months from now. Especially butter -- this is one time butter comes on special, guaranteed.One of the biggest money traps you can fall into at this time of year is not knowing what you want ahead of time. Your uncertainty means more money left at the store because you're more likely to buy on impulse.If you're looking for specific items in an ad, take the ad with you so you go to the correct store. Take a supply of paper clips so you can clip all the receipts and guests receipts together. Keep them in one envelope in a safe place. And always keep your purse or wallet closed and close to your body and never leave packages inside your car in plain view.
Read More

Stalked by a cell phone: Who's spying on you?

For most of us, the cell phone is our lifeline, but in the wrong hands it's can be a high-tech snooping device.Somebody could be watching or listening with software that could turn your cell phone into their eyes and ears to track your every move. "Your phone can basically spy on you in a heartbeat," says security expert Howard Schmidt.A man we'll call "Dirk," who spoke on condition of anonymity, says he worried about his cyber stalker -- his ex-girlfriend. Even when Dirk's cell phone was off, his ex spied on him. She managed to access his cell remotely without him knowing. With Dirk's cell phone she knew his every move: when he was alone at the corner coffee shop, what he bought at the grocery store, who he ate dinner with -- even details about his dinner conversation. "She always seemed to know where I was at -- 'So you're with so-and-so' -- and I would be with that person, all the time," says Dirk. At first, Dirk chalked it up to a good guess and blamed himself for being paranoid. "She would say 'I'm psychic. I know how you think.'" He believed it. But when his ex knew things he intentionally didn't tell her, that's when it clicked: his cell phone was her microphone. "She knows too much, there is no way she could know this, without having a listening device," Dirk said.Sneaky Software"You don't know what your mobile phone is doing beyond what you think it's doing," insists Schmidt, who worked as a cyber security adviser to the White House and Microsoft's chief security officer.He insists it all comes down to one word: software. If a stalker gets a hold of your phone, he can install it."Some of the software is designed so it will take that conversation and send it through the Internet to a Web site and you can click on the Web site and listen to it," says Schmidt.Schmidt says once the software is installed, you can listen in on conversations from anywhere in the world. And in Dirk's case, even if the phone was off, his ex could hear any conversation taking place within the vicinity of the cell phone.'This Could Result In Something Catastrophic'Schmidt says software already controls every function on cell phones, but spy software can add other functions, like allowing the snoop to remotely and silently turn on a cell phone's microphone while the phone appears to remain off."I said 'how do you know that? How do you know?' " Dirk said. "She said, 'I just know who you are, I know who you are.' "Schmidt says it can result in something catastrophic: "We've seen stalking things go bad where people actually lost their lives over it."And high-tech surveillance isn't limited to a jilted lover. As long as your cell phone is capable of Internet access, Schmidt says it can be hijacked -- and so can confidential e-mails, financial transactions and intellectual property, all without you ever knowing. "It's a mobile PC," says Schmidt.The best defense? Never let your cell phone out of your sight. Schmidt says spy software can be installed in minutes. Dirk thinks that's how his nightmare began. He wants to warn others because the consequences can be long term and severe. "I still can't see myself being in a relationship," says Dirk. He says if you think you're paranoid, check it out -- it could be the eyes and ears in your pocket watching and listening to you. Even when he got a new phone or new number, it didn't stop. "I actually changed it 4 times in one week, she found my number every single time."Dirk says more than year ago he moved out of state and eventually the stalking stopped. As an extra layer of precaution, when he's not using his phone he takes the battery out.Cyber Stalking A Misdemeanor CrimeAccording to court documents filed last year, the FBI arrested two alleged mobsters by using their cell phones as listening devices -- even when their phones were off.Cyber stalking is a misdemeanor crime in Washington unless the perpetrator threatens the victim. Then it becomes a Class C felony.Schmidt also warns you can be tricked into putting spyware on your phone, so know who you're downloading from. When you download things like ring tones or programs for stock quotes, you're giving someone else access to your cell phone.If something doesn't seem right, experts insist it's unlikely you'll be able to detect it on your phone. You may need hi-tech help.
Read More

Unusual ocean conditions force Sea Launch to call off launch

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Sea Launch Co.'s oceangoing launch platform and control ship were sailing back from the equator to their home port Tuesday after unusually strong Pacific currents and winds stymied the company's attempt to put a commercial satellite into orbit for the first time since a damaging rocket explosion in January.The launch of the mobile voice and data services satellite for Abu Dhabi-based Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications Co. will be rescheduled, Sea Launch spokeswoman Paula Korn said.Sea Launch is owned by Boeing Co., RSC-Energia of Moscow, Aker ASA of Oslo, Norway, and SDO Yuzhnoye/PO Yuzhmash of Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine.The vessels had been at the Pacific Ocean launch site since Nov. 10, initially aiming for a Nov. 14 blastoff.But the countdown was repeatedly put on hold because ocean currents up to twice as strong as normal and high winds did not allow the self-propelled Odyssey platform to maintain its launch position."We were just using up fuel trying to stay still," Korn said.The countdown was finally stopped and the decision was made Monday to bring the vessels back to Long Beach, Calif."We determined we would come back, resupply, realign ourselves and reschedule the mission," Korn said.The Sea Launch system is designed to take advantage of physics that allow a rocket launched from the equator to carry a heavier payload into orbit than it could if the launch point was elsewhere on the Earth's surface.The vessels have been sailing to the equator for launches since 1999."We've never had conditions like this before," Korn said.Among unusual observations noted by the captains were a drop of sea temperature by several degrees while the vessels were at the equator, she said, noting that the Pacific is in the grip of the La Nina phenomenon.During La Nina, cold water that usually lies along South America moves out across the equatorial region of the Pacific Ocean, altering global weather.A successful liftoff of the Boeing-built Thuraya-3 satellite would have put Sea Launch back on track.The Odyssey had to undergo repairs after the January accident in which one of its Zenit 3SL rockets blew up seconds after ignition during Sea Launch's 24th mission.The platform remained seaworthy, but its massive gas deflector, an approximately 300-ton steel structure suspended below the launch pad, was lost in the blast and had to be replaced, among other repairs.The cause of the rocket failure also had to be determined - debris in a liquid oxygen turbopump - and corrective action taken to prevent it from happening again.The Odyssey has a crew of 67 and the control ship Sea Launch Commander has about 240 people aboard. The ship will reach California next week; the slower platform will arrive in about two weeks.
Read More

How to Prevent Identity Theft

The best way to prevent identity theft is to protect your identification and financial information from prying eyes. Don’t keep all of your identification and financial information in one place and never write down your PIN (personal identification numbers) anywhere. The same thing goes for Internet passwords and member ID information, especially if the password and ID leads a person to a financial site.
When dealing with payment on the Internet you should never do business with a site unless it has “secure socket layer” protection. The letters in your URL in your browser window that begin htpps:// indicates this. Web sites that do not have this protection are called htpp://
You should also never respond to emails or snail mail that requests personal information such as passwords or PIN numbers. You should also avoid requests for your social security number or employee identification number as bogus credit cards and access to your personal information can also be obtained through those numbers. Other information you should avoid giving out is your mother’s maiden name, your pet’s name or any other details that could be used as part of a security verification question on your account.
You should know where your credit cards, bank statements and other important documents are at all times and keep them either with you and under lock and key. The same thing goes for your birth certificate and social insurance card.
Another security measure would be to put your mailbox under lock and key. This prevents thieves from rummaging through it and stealing documents such as pre-approved credit card offers which can make it very easy to steal your identification from you.
To prevent identity theft you should never carry your wallet in your back pocket if you are a man and if you are a woman you should always remember to zip your purse up tight as a wallet that is exposed is a temptation for identity thieves.
Read More

What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft, also known as ID theft is a crime in which a criminal obtains key pieces of personal information, such as Social Security or driver's license numbers, in order to pose as someone else. The information can be used to obtain credit, merchandise, and services using the victims’ name. Identity theft can also provide a thief with false credentials for immigration or other applications. One of the biggest problems with identity theft is that very often the crimes committed by the identity theft expert are often attributed to the victim.
There are two main types of identity theft – account takeover and true name theft. Account takeover identity theft refers to the type of situation where an imposter uses the stolen personal information to gain access to the person’s existing accounts. Often the identity thief will use the stolen identity to acquire even more credit products by changing your address so that you never see the credit card bills that the thief runs up.
True name identity theft means that the thief uses personal information to open new accounts. The thief might open a new credit card account, establish cellular phone service, or open a new checking account in order to obtain blank checks. The Internet has made it easier for an identity thief to use the information they've stolen because transactions can be made without any real verification of someone’s identity. All a thief really needs today is a series of correct numbers to complete the crime.
Some types of identity thieves hack into databases to steal personal information. However this type of thievery is much rarer than the use of old fashioned methods such as scouring the garbage for old receipts or looking over someone’s shoulder while they are doing a financial transaction. You should also be wary of such criminals at the Department of Motor Vehicles or anywhere else where filling out a long application could provide a thief with enough information to inspire an identity theft.
Read More

What do we need to know about AIDS/HIV?

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is deadly if left untreated. An HIV infection damages the immune system, your body's defense against disease and infection. A person can die from "opportunistic" infections from bacteria, viruses and other types of microscopic organisms that are usually harmless to healthy people. Because the immune system is damaged, the body of someone with this condition cannot defend itself well. AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, when opportunistic infections occur because of a greatly weakened immune system.
The white blood cells (lymphocytes) in our bodies work to protect us against infection. Lymphocytes include B cells and T cells. B cells produce antibodies that destroy organisms invading the body. T cells help regulate the production of these antibodies.
Some T cells are helper cells; others are suppressor cells. T helper cells help create antibodies and so-called cell-mediated immunity that also assist in the defense against certain infections. Suppressor cells end the immune reaction. The HIV virus targets a specific kind of T helper cell called CD4 cells. HIV attacks CD4 cells and uses them to make more copies of the HIV virus. As CD4 cells are destroyed, the immune system fails and AIDS develops.
In the United States, more than half a million people have died from AIDS, and about 40,000 people are infected annually. As of 2005, an estimated 438,000 Americans were living with AIDS.

Prognosis
Since 1996, the introduction of powerful antiretroviral therapies has dramatically decreased the number of people who develop AIDS. Before better therapies and medical treatments existed to take care of complications, it was thought people could live an average of 10 years after HIV infection.
Early detection of HIV infection can extend your life if you are treated with antiretroviral therapy, but to date, this infection cannot be cured. These medications must be taken for life.
Read More

What is AIDS? What causes AIDS?

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
An HIV-positive person receives an AIDS diagnosis after developing one of the CDC-defined AIDS indicator illnesses. An HIV-positive person can also receive an AIDS diagnosis on the basis of certain blood tests (CD4 counts) and may not have experienced any serious illnesses. A positive HIV test does not mean that a person has AIDS. A diagnosis of AIDS is made by a physician according to the CDC AIDS Case Definition.
Over time, infection with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) can weaken the immune system to the point that the system has difficulty fighting off certain infections. These types of infections are known as opportunistic infections. Many of the infections that cause problems or that can be life-threatening for people with AIDS are usually controlled by a healthy immune system. The immune system of a person with AIDS has weakened to the point that medical intervention may be necessary to prevent or treat serious illness.
Read More

Dancing with the star

I have been watching Dancing with the star for four season. Last night was a shocking night . Jenny and Derek was my favorite couple and they shouldn't have been voted. DWTS is became a joke. It was supposed to be about the talent not papularity. I've had just about enough of the Marie Osmond saga. It has gone from one sympathetic thing to another (give me a break please). I'm so disappointed in the show. It's unfair how the voters are manipulating the show. The viewers calling-in voting has become a breeding ground for the voters to abuse this privilege. In the case of Marie Osmond it's how much sympathy can be gathered .It should have been Marie Osmond who voted off. Its just so unfair. I will be voting for Mel B.. and i just hope they win this one.
Read More

You can Lower your risk for heart disease and stroke

If you have diabetis, you are high risk for having a heart attack or stroke. Heart disease strikes people with diabetis more than twice as often as it strikes people without diabetis. It hits them earlier in life and it hits them harder. In fact, two out of three people with diabetis die from heart disease or stroke.

You can help to lower your risk by managing your ABC of diabetis.

A is for A1C, test that measures your average blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months.
B is for blood pressure; and
C is for cholesterol.

Talk to your Doctor or other member of your health team about diabetis and heart disease.
Read More
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)
xShot 3