Subject:Article from Readers Digest Departments 2013 10 01
Uncommon Sense By Jeanne Marie Laskas Modern Ways to Mind Your Manners Our resident voice of reasons says ... If someone sits right next to me in an empty movie theater, is it offensive to move? Maybe, but nobody will fault you for it. Chances are the close sitter has trouble reading social cues, so he might even miss your irritation. You undoubtedly aren't the first person he's met who needs some elbowroom. Forgive his bad judgment, move quietly, and enjoy the show. If someone has food stuck in his teeth, do I tell him? Total Golden Rule moment: Do unto others. Would you want this person to tell you? There's your answer. If I use the bathroom at Starbucks, do I need to buy something? Consider frequency and urgency. Is this a one-time thing or an emergency? If so, you don't have to buy anything, but it would be kind if you did. However, if you regularly relieve yourself at this location, then you are a customer, and you should act like one. If I'm shopping and decide I don't want to buy something after all, is it wrong to hang it on the nearest rack? Yes! Clean up after yourself. Your laziness means someone else has to pick up after you. If I open a door for someone and more people approach, do I stand there like a doorman? Stand there like a courteous person who's willing to help. Smile and make eye contact with everyone who passes. One of them should take over for you to return the favor. If I'm with my child and someone nearby is swearing loudly, should I ask him to stop? It's very risky to tell poorly mannered people how to behave. They usually take offense and get worse. Instead, turn to your child with a smile and say softly, "Well, that was rude, wasn't it? If my friends choose a restaurant I can't afford, is it uncool to decline? You can nix the place but still accept the invitation. Say "Oh, I would love to, but that restaurant is beyond my budget. Wanna try [insert name of cheaper place] instead? They'll get it. It's about the friendship, not the food and not the money. If my pal keeps using the same phrase incorrectly (it's "intents and purposes," not "intensive purposes"), can I correct her? Please? Of course! We the Grammar Police invite you to enlist. Understand that you will be perceived as a profound annoyance by many people. So own it! I would now like to obnoxiously correct your word usage. Bonus points for any outreach involving dangling modifiers. If I remember my friend's birthday a day late, should I apologize or just wish her a happy birthday like nothing happened? This is the reason the word belated was invented. Happy belated birthday! is shorthand for: "Yeah, I know I forgot, but then I remembered, so cut me some slack, and it's kinda funny, and you've done it before, too, so, hey, happy birthday. If I didn't get a plus-one to a wedding, is it impolite to ask for one? Yes. If the happy couple wanted you to bring a date, they would have said "and guest. They did not. So don't put them in the awkward position of having to explain themselves. It's their day, not yours. Is it OK to taste a grape in the market before I buy a bunch? No. No one wants to buy food that someone else has been picking at. Can I lie about seeing a text because I was too busy or lazy to respond to it? It's a small wrong that means you're a big wimp. Don't lie. Receiving a text does not mean you need to read it, respond to it, or care about what it says. Why waste a perfectly good lie when the truth will serve? Yes," you can say if ever asked, "I saw it. No explanation needed as to why you didn't text back. If I don't agree with something in a link or story that a friend posted on my Facebook wall, is it inappropriate to delete it? Remove what you don't like. Think of it as the front yard of your house: If someone stuck a sign there with a slogan you found offensive, would you leave it? Your wall is the same: your space, your choice.
Subject:Article from Matilda Ziegler Feature Writer 2013 09 23
Ann Chiapetta's Dog Guide Extraordinaire Verona - Dogs in the News Are fake service dogs spoiling it for us? I don't know if any of my other canine colleagues are worried about this, but I sure am. I mean, I know my job and I love to do my best for my human partner, Annie. What I'm upset about are the fakers. Yes, you know who I am talking about. They are the dogs who look like us, but don't let them fool you. Let's just say that even though we're all cousins, they haven't made it past elementary school. Service dogs like me have graduated from college. Let me give you an example. One day I was taking Annie to lunch. As we came back from the deli, we passed a vitamin store and this little white thing came running up and he tried to bite me. Well, it sure scared me but I was not going to let him get me or Annie. We stood there, he kept snapping, and I avoided his little teeth. Well, the owner of the store ran out, tried grabbing him and he ran away from her and tried to bite my hind legs. I turned around, Annie following me. Finally the lady got the dog and we left. He is supposed to be a service dog. That, readers, is not how a real service dog behaves. There is more about this concern of people taking fake service dogs into public and how it will make it bad for us in the following article posted on Pawnation:http://www.pawnation.com/2013/09/20/this-falls-hottest-accessory-fake-service-dogs/ The article states, in part, "A growing number of dog owners are trying to pass their untrained companions off as service animals - and they're actually getting away with it. It's not hard to do because service dog gear sold on the internet, like vests, harnesses, and I.D. tags can be purchased without proving the dog is a legitimately trained and certified service dog. The backlash of the public becoming less and less tolerant of service dog teams is what concerns dog guides and dogs trained to help our partners with disabilities. It's already hard enough to be accepted in the public and due to misbehaved frauds like that little dog who tried to hurt us, people will be confused and even less willing to receive us in public places. My partner Annie says it's the bad apples spoiling it for all the good ones. Not sure I get that, but, hey, she's only human. If you have any thoughts on this article, comment in the Reader's Forum
Hi!
Just wanted to let everyone know we had a great time with the advanced class today! We downloaded and critiqued apps and analyzed the new operating system. Sam and Tim we missed your expertise. We had a great meal at Black Angus to wrap up our day. Thank you John and Dina!
OIB picnic will be held October 12 at the Center. The time will be 11-3. If you are musical, plan to participate. We are going to showcase our OIB talent and enjoy great food. Please register with Krystal for our food count.
iPad training for beginners will be held again on October 19.
Hold the fries, pass the salad. McDonald's Corp on Thursday said it would offer healthy options as part of its popular value meals, letting customers choose a side salad, fruit or vegetables instead of french fries. The announcement by the world's largest fast-food chain comes as more companies respond to government and consumer pressure to address the global obesity epidemic. McDonald's, which often bears the brunt of criticism over the restaurant industry's penchant for tempting diners with indulgent and often high-calorie food, said it would offer the option in all of its 20 major global markets by 2020. McDonald's also vowed to promote and market only water, milk and juice as the beverages in its popular Happy Meals for children as part of its announcement at the Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting in New York on Thursday. Waist sizes around the world are increasing, setting off alarms in public health circles. In recent years, the U.S. food industry has begun yielding to pressure from government, parents and consumers seeking to slim down adults and children. Sugary sodas have been yanked from public schools; sugar, sodium and calorie levels have been reduced in products, and calorie counts have been posted on some restaurant menus. The Center for Science in the Public Interest, a nonprofit that has tangled with McDonald's over everything from fattening food to the marketing of Happy Meals, approved of the company's move to add more fruits and vegetables to the menu. Still, it says the company and its rivals have a long way to go in terms of offering healthier options. McDonald's slow march toward healthier meals made a major advance today, but a long road lies ahead for the company," CSPI said in a statement. McDonald's is seen as something of a trend setter among restaurant chains, but like many of its peers, it has tended to resist external efforts to force change. About one year ago McDonald's said it would begin listing calorie information on menus in some 14,000 U.S. restaurants and drive-throughs -- ahead of a national rule that would require larger restaurant chains to make such disclosures but months after other chains embraced the idea. In July 2011 it tweaked its popular Happy Meals for children - reducing the french fries portion by more than half and adding apples to every order. The move came after pressure from CSPI, parent groups and others. More than one-third of Americans are obese, and about 10 percent of the nation's healthcare bill is tied to obesity-related illnesses, such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and hypertension, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. McDonald's said its announcement is part of a plan developed with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, which was founded by the Clinton Foundation and American Heart Association, to increase customers' access to fruit and vegetables and help families and children to make informed eating and lifestyle choices
Friends, I did it again! Lost a whole day this week! Looked at the blog and realized I haven't posted enough. Bless Johnye, she is so good to send wonderful articles and I still can't get it together! I will try harder. Looking forward to seeing my advanced group at the Center tomorrow!
Enjoy the fall weather
Dr. Janet
It is my pleasure to introduce you to Computers for the Blind (CFTB).
Who we are:
Computers for the Blind (CFTB) is a non-profit 501(c) 3 volunteer organization located in Richardson, TX.
What we do:
We provide accessible computers to persons who are blind and visually impaired so that they can have:
-The independent ability to conduct activities of daily living such as personal reading, management of finances, and maintenance of household records.
-Personal and private communications with friends, family, health care professionals and business associates.
-A virtual learning environment where information resources are just a finger-tip away.
-Improved employment opportunities through the development of knowledge, skills, and marketable abilities.
How we do it:
We collect donated laptop and desktop computers from businesses and individuals. Skilled volunteer computer technicians wipe them clean and install screen reader software (NVDA). Upon request we provide larger monitors and/or a trial version of Zoomtext. The full version is available for $200. E-mail and word processor software are part of the software library along with simple accessible tutorials on how to operate the accessible software. We currently ship about 70 computers a month throughout the country and have already shipped over 6,000 computers. We ship a minimum Dual Core 1.8 GHz, with1.5 GB memory and 80 GB hard drive. Occasionally we are able to ship Pentium 4 3.0 GHz systems.
Who can get a computer:
Anyone with a visual impairment who is serious about using it and is willing to commit to the learning process. The cost to the consumer is $100 for a desktop, $150 for a laptop. They make perfect Christmas or birthday presents from family and friends.
These computers are ideal for persons who want/need a computer but the purchase of one through a state vocational rehabilitation agency is currently not available. We can we partner together to meet the needs of your consumers/clients. Please consider referring us to someone who could benefit from one.
For general inquires or to request a computer contact us at:
TUESDAY, Sept. 24 (HealthDay News) -- Married cancer patients are less likely to die of their disease than those who aren't wed, a new study suggests.
The study, of more than 730,000 people who were diagnosed with any one of 10 different cancers between 2004 and 2008, is one of the largest ever to look at the link between marital status and health.
Researchers found a strong tie between tying the knot and clearing cancer.
Married people in the study were 20 percent less likely than people who were single, widowed or divorced to die of the disease. They were also more likely to catch their cancer at an early stage and to get appropriate treatment for their disease.
"We were really surprised by the results, how profound a difference it was," said study author Dr. Ayal Aizer, chief resident of Harvard University's radiation oncology program, in Boston.
In some cases, the benefit associated with marriage was bigger than the benefit seen from medical treatment.
"For half of the cancers we looked at, the benefit of marriage was greater than the benefit conferred by chemotherapy in terms of improving survival," Aizer said.
The benefits of marriage appeared to be more pronounced for men than women. Married men were 23 percent less likely than bachelors to die of cancer, while married women were around 16 percent more likely than single women to beat the disease.
The reason? Probably prodding by the partner. Men, even physicians, are reluctant to get exams when symptoms surface.
"In my own personal relationship, my wife has been a key driver of getting me to the doctor on a regular basis," Aizer admitted.
But the study, which was published online Sept. 23 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, doesn't prove that marriage vows are the sole reason that some people beat cancer while others do not. The study only uncovered an association between marriage and better results, not cause-and-effect.
And researchers weren't able to look at whether the quality of a person's marriage played a role in how they battled back cancer.
Other studies that have taken marital quality into account have found that unhappy marriages are also unhealthy ones, said Leslie Schover, a clinical psychologist at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, in Houston.
"It isn't quite as cut-and-dried as they make it sound," said Schover, who wasn't involved in the research.
"I think it's reasonable to say that for many people, being married is something that helps them take care of their health," she added.
Other experts agree, saying it's more likely that marriage is a stand-in measure for the kind of crucial support people can receive from close personal relationships.
"It can make a huge difference if someone is there for you during stressful periods like chemotherapy or radiation treatments," said Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, a professor of psychology and psychiatry at Ohio State University who studies the impact of marriage on health.
"The success of those treatments is dependent in part on successful completion, and support makes people more likely to adhere to medical advice and finish the treatment as they should," Kiecolt-Glaser said.
Chocolate is one of my favorite foods; not only because it is tasty, but also because it's really good for your health. The most recent evidence of this comes from an August study in the journal Neurology. Researchers found that chocolate may help older people keep their brains healthy and their thinking sharp. Study participants who drank two 'cup's of cocoa daily for 30 days showed an 8.3 percent increase in blood flow to the brain, and they improved their scores on memory and thinking tests. Score! This new finding is promising, but it's not the only health benefit that seems to come as a result of eating chocolate. Here are three more reasons why it's smart to keep chocolate in your diet. Heart Healthy - Daily chocolate consumption may reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in some high-risk patients, according to a 2012 study in the journal BMJ. Potentially Slimming - If you've always thought of chocolate as a fat-inducing food, you may want to reacquaint yourself with this tasty treat. One study found that people who eat chocolate regularly are more likely to be thinner than those who don't. People in the study who admitted to eating chocolate five times per week or more had a lower BMI (Body Mass Index) than those who ate chocolate less frequently, according to the 2012 study published the journal Archives of Internal Medicine. [ Top 10 Bad Things That Are Good For You ] Appetite Control - Chocolate contains filling fiber, which is a natural appetite suppressant. So, if you give in to that chocolate craving, you may end up eating fewer calories than if you tried to avoid chocolate. Although there are many reasons to enjoy chocolate, it's also important to be smart about your consumption. Here are some tips for choosing high-quality chocolate, so you can retain all of its nutritional goodness. The darker the chocolate, the better for your health. Pure chocolate is actually quite bitter, which is why it is almost always combined with other ingredients in a chocolate bar. But the chocolate part of that bar is what contains the good stuff: fiber, magnesium and antioxidants. Make your own hot cocoa. Hot cocoa that comes out of a packet is convenient, but it could be better for your health. To boost the nutritional profile of your hot cocoa, buy unsweetened powdered chocolate, and add your own sweetener. Also, keep it as dark as you can handle. Get creative with cocoa. If you don't like the idea of eating a dark chocolate bar or drinking cocoa regularly, you have some other options. Try sprinkling powdered cocoa in your oatmeal or cold cereal. Copyright 2013 LiveScience , a TechMediaNetwork company.
These foods have been identified as the best for eyesight! Obviously they are part of a healthy balanced diet. Each contain vital nutrients needed to maintain eye health. The nutrients are condensed are in the eye vitamins but they are also expensive. Occuvite is one of the more popular vitamins available. It is available at Wal Mart without a prescription. Talk to your eye professional before starting or stopping any medication.
Hope you are enjoying this wonderful weather! Have a great Monday!
Dr. Janet
The New York Police Department (NYPD) is actively encouraging iDevice users to update to iOS 7.
Apple’s latest update to its mobile OS brings added security features,namely including Activation Lock. Once enabled, this feature makes it problematic for thieves to set up a stolen iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch without the owner’s Apple ID. As we explained in our original article:
The feature is designed to make it more difficult for thieves to use a stolen iOS device.
With Activation Lock, if a thief tries to turn off Find My iPhone or if the device is totally wiped, they’ll have to know the specific Apple ID username and password to reactivate it.
However, with iOS 7 now available to download, the NYPD has reportedly been handing out fliers (pictured above and below) around the city, encouraging users to update to the seventh iteration of Apple’s mobile OS in order to further secure their handset.
Good evening friends,
We had a record number for an iPad One session today at the Center. We had 28 people! Ms. Virginia is 94 and caught on faster than most! We had a great time and kept the wifi connection. Mr. Earl was a hit as usual running the bus. He had a full load today both trips. Ms. Rowena is the hit of the bus route! She provides entertainment and keeps everyone laughing. Mr. Earl reports he gets so tickled listening to everyone he can hardly drive.
Thanks to James G. For his help today. It really helps to have some additional hands.
Rachel and her students came and worked with the voice over folks which was wonderful. We had folks from Conway to McNeil who drove in!
I am looking forward to seeing my advanced students next week for a rousing good time. If you need transportation please be sure you call me or Krystal on Monday. We have to give Mr. Earl time to create a route.
Hi everyone,
My panic and hysteria has set in! I am trying to arrange transportation, pick up iPads, finalize my class notes, ensure we have wifi, and the list goes on.....and on....
Forgive me if I don't post tomorrow. We have 22 registered for Saturday which is a record!
I will post a newsy update after the class.
Take care
Dr. Janet
A birdie tells me that two ASB Alumni Extrodinaires have launched a sensational Internet Radio program from an undisclosed location in Little Rock. Probably to protect the innocent! Apparently it is becoming Very popular. I hear the laughter was heard from Hillcrest to Paragould this past week. The entertainment runs from 4:30-6 on Tuesday evenings. I understand Buster Jack and his sidekick are brightening everyone's Tuesday evenings. If you see Roy or Fred tell them to keep up the good work!
Seriously, if you aren't familiar with Roy and Fred's antics you are missing a golden opportunity to lower your blood pressure. I googled and believe the website is: kukuradio.net. Check it out and give them a listen. Great guys with lots of talent!
Low-fat dairy Don't swear off dairy because you think it's bad for your waistline. Low-fat dairy such as milk, yogurt and cottage cheese, is a great source of calcium, which is a metabolic trigger. In a study published in Obesity Research, people who ate a reduced-calorie diet that included three to four servings of dairy lost more weight than those who ate the same calories eating a low-dairy diet. Tanya's tip: An 8-ounce serving of low-fat yogurt provides about 450 mg of calcium, which is nearly half the recommended daily allowance for women ages 19-50. Save calories by opting for plain low-fat yogurt and flavor it yourself with some fresh berries. Cold water fish The omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) found only in fish oils effect leptin, a hormone that regulates metabolism rate. Eating certain types of cold-water fish has been shown to boost metabolism by as much as 400 calories per day. Tanya's tip: Fresh or frozen fish like salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel and trout, are excellent sources for omega-3. If you aren't much of a fish eater, you can still get the fish oil in capsules - take at least 300mg daily. Spicy peppers Studies have shown that the chemical compound capsacin, found in hot peppers like jalapenos, habaneros and chili peppers, speeds up heart rate and metabolism. Eating a very spicy meal can actually boost your metabolism by about 25 percent for up to 3 hours. Tanya's tip: Keep Tabasco/Sriracha sauce on the table to spice up everything from scrambled eggs to soup to pasta. Lean protein Lean cuts of beef, chicken and turkey help rev up metabolism several ways: First, the body burns extra energy digesting lean protein. Secondly, eating protein helps preserve muscle mass, our body's calorie and fat-burning machine. Did you know? Studies have shown that people who follow a high-protein diet burn twice as many calories after a meal as people who follow a high-carbohydrate diet. Green tea Caffeine not only speeds up our heart rate, it also frees fatty acids stores so they can be burned for energy. Green tea contains ECGC, a compound that prompts the brain and nervous system to run faster, and it spikes metabolism, too. Tanya's tip: Green tea has both caffeine and antioxidants. A soothing, flavorful 'cup' is a healthy alternative to sugary soft drinks and fatty coffee concoctions such as cappuccino and lattes.
Good morning all! I am scrambling to get ready for the iPad one class on Saturday. It will be a huge group! Yes, I have to prepare so I am busy! I just read yesterday's post, sorry, I need to proofread after it publishes. The auto correct is nice, if it speaks ARKANSAS!
It should have read, BE SURE you register with Krystal for training.
Thanks to Johnye, I have a couple of great articles to post for you.
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet
If I win, I will share with OIB! What would you do? Sorry I have been absent, the weekend was very busy with clients and I logged almost 500 miles on my car. Even I have to do laundry sometimes! I was so busy last evening I forgot to post!
Thanks to the angels who helped me this past weekend!
iPad 1 training is Saturday. Call Krystal if you need a ride. Also, be us you are on the list for iPad 2 if you plan to attend.
Be thankful!
Dr. Janet
Hi everyone,
W had our ACB fall social today at Big Orange! Great time was had by all! The food was great and the atmosphere was a lot of fun. Good food, fellowship and a Razorback win!
Hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful fall weather!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet
When you buy an Apple hardware product such as a Mac or an iPad, you get a one-year hardware warranty and 90 days of free phone-based tech support, starting from the date of purchase. If something goes wrongother than, say, you dropping your MacBook Air in a bucket of soapy waterApple generally picks up the tab for repairing or replacing your hardware (at its discretion). As most of us know, however, things tend to go south with hardware sometime after the included warranty expires. Often, it seems to happen the very next day. Let's call it Klutzy's Law. To ensure that your spiffy purchase continues to work without requiring you to pay for repairs and support as the need arises, Apple offers AppleCare Protection Plans as add-on purchases. But what do they give you? How much do they cost? And most importantly, are they worth it? Read on for answers to these questions and more. Things tend to go south with hardware sometime after the included warranty expires. Often, it seems to happen the very next day. Let's call it Klutzy's Law. How AppleCare works AppleCare (or AppleCare+ for iPhones and iPads) is an insurance policy for your devices. You pay an up-front cost to cover any potential problems. But more precisely, AppleCare plans extend the length of your hardware coverage for both repairs and support. Apple offers four separate plansfor Macs and Apple displays , iPhones , iPads , and iPods and Apple TVs . How long it extends support: For Macs and displays, AppleCare gets you a total of three years' supportin other words, it extends phone support by 33 months and the limited warranty by two years (for a total of three years). For all other productsiPods, iPads, iPhones, and Apple TVsAppleCare gives you a total of two years of support. When to buy it: It's easiest to buy AppleCare when you buy your new hardware, but you don't have to purchase it that way. For Macs, displays, iPods, and Apple TVs, you can buy an AppleCare Protection Plan at any time during the one-year warranty period. For iPhones and iPads, you have just 30 days to decide if it's worth it. And to complicate things further, if you don't get AppleCare+ when you buy your new phone or tablet, the only way to add it is in person from an Apple retail store ; this is because you have to provide proof of purchase (to verify that it's within the 30-day eligibility period, measured from when Apple shipped and charged you for your order) and submit your device to an inspection (to make sure you didn't decide to pony up only after accidentally smashing the screen on your pretty new iOS device). Where the repairs happen: AppleCare offers a variety of ways you can deliver your product for servicing, including carry-in (Apple Stores or Authorized Service Providers), drop-off (to UPS stores in the United States, for iPod and iPhone only), mail-in, or on-site (for desktops). You can also get parts (so you can service your product yourself). To arrange service, you can visit Apple's Support & Service Options page or make a Genius Bar appointment at a local store. Apple's FAQ page provides lots of helpful info about the process. What AppleCare covers (and costs) So what does an AppleCare plan actually get you? The answer varies depending on the product. You'll find links to the specific pages for each product on the main AppleCare page in the Apple Store. Here are the basics: Mac support: For Macs, AppleCare offers parts-and-labor repair coverage from Apple-authorized technicians for the computer, its included accessories (power adapter, for example), and any Apple-supplied RAM. A Mac plan also covers AirPort hardware (purchased up to two years before your Mac purchase or during the term of your AppleCare plan), an Apple USB SuperDrive (for the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro with Retina display, iMac, and Mac mini), and an Apple display purchased at the same time as, and on the same receipt as, your Mac. Add years to your (Mac's) life. In additional to hardware coverage, AppleCare also gives you access to some software support. Have questions about OS X, iLife, and iWork? Can't connect to your printer or your AirPort networks? Give Apple Support a call. AppleCare for desktop hardware generally costs less than or the same as support for laptops (see price chart below). That makes sense when you consider that portables are more accident-prone and have smaller, more-expensive components. The AppleCare+ plan for iPhones and iPads comes with a bonus: It also covers accidental damage. If you break your device, or even drop it in the pool, Apple will repair or replace the device for a set fee. iPhone and iPad support: AppleCare+, the special brand of AppleCare for iPhones and iPads, covers the devices (specifically their batteries and defects in materials or workmanship), the included cables and power adapters (but not, apparently, headphones), and your AirPort hardware. The AppleCare+ plan for iPhones and iPads costs $99, but AppleCare+ comes with a bonus: It also covers accidental damage. If you break your device, or even drop it in the pool, Apple will repair or replace the device for a set fee of $49. You can take advantage of this accidental-damage benefit twice over the duration of your AppleCare+ plan. iPod support: For iPods, AppleCare covers the iPod itself, the battery (if its charge holds less than 50 percent of its original capacity), and the included earphones and USB cable. And as with all other hardware, AppleCare includes unlimited phone tech support. You'll pay $59 for the iPod touch or iPod classic plan . Apple TV support: AppleCare for the Apple TV covers the device and included accessories (remote and power cord). Coverage also includes your AirPort hardware (much as AppleCare for Macs does), as well as phone tech support. You'll pay $29 for the Apple TV AppleCare plan. Display support: If you buy AppleCare support for your Apple display for $99, the plan will extend your support to three years. Beside the display itself, it covers the built-in camera, mic, and speakers; and the power cord. It also includes telephone assistance. Good wherever you go: Keep in mind that AppleCare plans are global, so if you're traveling and have a problem, or your child jets off to spend her junior year abroad in Amsterdam, you've covered. Options vary by country , however. To read all the legal mumbo-jumbo surrounding AppleCare, make sure to visit the AppleCare terms and conditions page. Should you pay for AppleCare? Whether AppleCare is worth the extra expense will depend on many factors, but here are a few general questions to ask yourself. Do you use the device for work? If so, consider whether you could do without your device for an extended period of time or be able to come up with the money to repair it on short notice. For a few hundred dollars, AppleCare could give you a guarantee that is well worth the money. Charge it...and extend you warranty? Does your credit card extend warranties automatically? American Express cards, for example, can extend the terms of a U.S. manufacturer's warranty for up to one additional year when you buy something with the card. In fact, most cards from Visa, MasterCard, and Discovery include similar protection, usually with up to $10,000 in coverage. Of course, those extended warranties have restrictions and don't include things like Apple phone tech support. When you weigh your options, think about how long you typically own hardware products and what kind of service you generally need. Does my renter's or homeowner's insurance cover the kind of accidental damage that AppleCare+ does with iPhones and iPads? It's possible, yes, so be sure to look at your policy ahead of any big purchases. Is it better to just set aside some money in a repair fund instead? AppleCare is basically an insurance policy, so the main question for you is whether the up-front costs are worth the peace of mind they bring with them. Would you rather set aside some money in case of an accident or pay up front and know that if your Mac's logic board goes bad in two years, you won't have to pay $800 to fix it? AppleCare is basically an insurance policy, so the main question for you is whether the up-front costs are worth the peace of mind they bring with them. Should you only consider AppleCare if you plan to get it for all your hardware? If you're a family with multiple computers, phones, and tablets, the cost for AppleCare can quickly add up. Each device is different, and the chances of them all needing service within the coverage period are slim, so you're better off targeting the portable devices, those used by the kids, or the ones you know you'll be keeping for a long time. Save your money on the other products. If you don't live near an Apple Store, does AppleCare make sense? Although it's convenient to be able to walk into the local Apple Store with a misbehaving MacBook Air, that's not the only way to get service. If your town has no Apple Store, AppleCare plans actually give you options you wouldn't otherwise have: You can talk to Apple about an issue, and if the company decides it's a problem covered by AppleCare, it will usually send you a box to ship your device in, fix the device, and then send it back to you. As mentioned earlier, AppleCare also works with authorized repair facilities. You can find them by choosing your desired country and following the links on Apple's site. Do you keep your hardware for a long time, or do you upgrade often? If you're the type of person who buys a new Mac every year (hey, some people can swing it), then AppleCare may be somewhat pointless. But if you're like most people, chances are you're going to keep stuff around longer. Keep in mind that if you sell (or give away) your hardware, you can transfer the ownership of the AppleCare plan, which adds value to the sale price if you want to upgrade after a few years. Do you like to call up tech support for every little thing? If your first inclination when things get wonky is to pick up the phone and ask for help, then AppleCare's extended phone support might be worth it all by itself . Breaking it down If you're the kind of person who skips to the end of a book to find out what happened, here's a quick cheat sheet for deciding whether to get AppleCare for different types of hardware. (Of course, these are generalizations, so you'll have to make up your own mind depending on your situation.) Mac desktops: AppleCare for desktops is relatively inexpensive, which might make it tempting, but it's still not really worth it when you figure that you'll probably plop your computer down in one place and keep it there for a while. Desktop Macs are also pretty reliable. Verdict: No MacBooks: Considering all the goodness packed into such a small package, a lot can go wrong with a laptop over several years. I generally buy AppleCare with my portable Macs. Verdict: Yes Displays: I've found Apple displays to be pretty solid, and you probably won't need software support for them. Spend your money elsewhere. Verdict: No iPhones: Trust me, if you own an iPhone long enough, you'll crack the screen, drop it in the toilet, step on it, or otherwise cause it harm. You may only pay a few hundred dollars for an iPhone on contract, but if you have to replace it, you'll be paying full price (and even a screen replacement costs a bunch). AppleCare+ seems like a no-brainer these days considering the plan's reasonable pricing and acceptable deductible. Verdict: Yes AppleCare+ is almost a no-brainer for iPhones and iPads. iPads: Like iPhones, iPads are trouble magnets (especially if you let the kids use them). One question to ask yourself is, how comfortable are you with fixing things yourself? If you don't opt for AppleCare+, you can try to fix it yourself, although I don't recommend it . Or you can pay Apple to repair your out-of-warranty iPad for $219 to $299. If neither sounds like a good solution, opt for AppleCare+. Verdict: Yes Apple TVs: I've owned every model of Apple TV and have never had a problem with any. That's not to say it can't happen, but paying nearly a third of the price of a new Apple TV doesn't seem worth it. Verdict: No iPods: As with the Apple TV, iPods are pretty hardy. And the thought of paying $39 for AppleCare on a $49 iPod shuffle is a bit hard to swallow. Paying $59 to double the warranty on an iPod touch, however, might be more palatable. Verdict: No
The allergy season is upon me! How does one grow up in Arkansas and be so allergic to ragweed? The medicine makes me sleepy and without it my eyes are almost swollen shut! Anyone have a good home remedy?
Off to another busy start this week. Delighted to see the Piggies won the football game.....now if they can just keep the momentum!
Ok folks, I will teach you to do anything independently but I am calling an exception on this one!
DES MOINES, Iowa -- Here's some news that has law enforcement officials and lawmakers scratching their heads:
Iowa is granting permits to acquire or carry guns in public to people who are legally or completely blind.
No one questions the legality of the permits. State law does not allow sheriffs to deny an Iowan the right to carry a weapon based on physical ability.
The quandary centers squarely on public safety. Advocates for the disabled and Iowa law enforcement officers disagree over whether it's a good idea for visually disabled Iowans to have weapons.
On one side: People such as Cedar County Sheriff Warren Wethington, who demonstrated for The Des Moines Register how blind people can be taught to shoot guns. And Jane Hudson, executive director of Disability Rights Iowa, who says blocking visually impaired people from the right to obtain weapon permits would violate the Americans with Disabilities Act. That federal law generally prohibits different treatment based on disabilities
On the other side: People such as Dubuque County Sheriff Don Vrotsos, who said he wouldn't issue a permit to someone who is blind. And Patrick Clancy, superintendent of the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School, who says guns may be a rare exception to his philosophy that blind people can participate fully in life.
Private gun ownership — even hunting — by visually impaired Iowans is nothing new. But the practice of visually impaired residents legally carrying firearms in public became widely possible thanks to gun permit changes that took effect in Iowa in 2011.
"It seems a little strange, but the way the law reads we can't deny them (a permit) just based on that one thing," said Sgt. Jana Abens, a spokeswoman for the Polk County Sheriff's Department, referring to a visual disability.
Polk County officials say they've issued weapons permits to at least three people who can't legally drive and were unable to read the application forms or had difficulty doing so because of visual impairments.
And sheriffs in three other counties — Jasper, Kossuth and Delaware — say they have granted permits to residents who they believe have severe visual impairments.
"I'm not an expert in vision," Delaware County Sheriff John LeClere said. "At what point do vision problems have a detrimental effect to fire a firearm? If you see nothing but a blurry mass in front of you, then I would say you probably shouldn't be shooting something."
Training the visually impaired
In one Iowa county, blind residents who want weapons would likely receive special training.
Wethington, the Cedar County sheriff, has a legally blind daughter who plans to obtain a permit to carry when she turns 21 in about two years. He demonstrated for theRegister how he would train blind people who want to carry a gun.
"If sheriffs spent more time trying to keep guns out of criminals' hands and not people with disabilities, their time would be more productive," Wethington said as he and his daughter took turns practice shooting with a semi-automatic handgun on private property in rural Cedar County.
The number of visually impaired or blind Iowans who can legally carry weapons in public is unknown because that information is not collected by the state or county sheriffs who issue the permits.
Clancy, superintendent of the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School, said the range of sight among people who are classified as legally blind varies greatly. He believes there are situations where such applicants can safely handle a gun.
However, he also expressed concerns.
"Although people who are blind can participate fully in nearly all life's experiences, there are some things like the operation of a weapon that may very well be an exception," Clancy said.
The Gun Control Act of 1968 and other federal laws do not prohibit blind people from owning guns. But unlike Iowa, some states have laws that spell out whether visually impaired people can obtain weapon permits.
Vision requirements are either directly or indirectly part of the weapon permit criteria in some surrounding states.
In Nebraska, for example, applicants for a permit to carry a concealed handgun must provide "proof of vision" by either presenting a valid state driver's license or a statement by an eye doctor that the person meets vision requirements set for a typical vehicle operator's license.
Other states have indirect requirements that could — but don't automatically — disqualify people who are blind. That includes Missouri and Minnesota, where applicants must complete a live fire test, which means they have to shoot and hit a target.
A 50-state database of gun permit requirements published by USACarry.com also shows that South Carolina has a law that requires proof of vision before a person is approved for a weapons permit.
Wisconsin, like Iowa, has no visual restrictions on gun permit applicants. Illinois lawmakers enacted a concealed weapons law in July but permits have not yet been issued. Illinois' qualifications don't specifically require a visual test, but applicants must complete firearms training that includes range instruction.
The National Federation of the Blind does not track states that require vision tests as part of weapon permit processes and has not taken an official stand on the issue. But its members are generally opposed to such laws, said Chris Danielsen, director of public relations for the group.
"There's no reason solely on the (basis) of blindness that a blind person shouldn't be allowed to carry a weapon," Danielsen said. "Presumably they're going to have enough sense not to use a weapon in a situation where they would endanger other people, just like we would expect other people to have that common sense."
Iowa requires training for anyone who is issued a permit to carry a weapon in public, but that requirement can be satisfied through an online course that does not include any hands-on instruction or a shooting test.
A provision in Iowa's law allows sheriffs to deny a permit if probable cause exists to believe that the person is likely to use the weapon in such a way that it would endanger themselves or others. Many sheriffs noted, however, that the provision relates to specific documented actions, and applicants who appealed their cases would likely win.
Hudson, executive director of Disability Rights Iowa, believes changing the state law to deny blind people or others with physical disabilities the right to carry arms would violate federal disabilities law.
Part of the Americans with Disabilities Act requires a public entity to conduct an individualized analysis to make a reasonable judgment before denying a service. Hudson believes someone could successfully challenge Nebraska's proof of vision requirement as illegal.
"The fact that you can't drive a car doesn't mean you can't go to a shooting range and see a target," Hudson said.
Good morning all!
We've done it again....trendsetting by Arkansas OIB! This months Reader's Digest has an article about elderly using IPads to read! According to the medical community, those with macular degeneration increased their reading speed by 42 words per minute using the iPad! Just what I keep saying....yippee! I love it when we are right....can you tell???
Reading speed is a great predictor of many things and comprehension and maintaining information is included. Keep reading!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Sad news from the Arkansas Food Bank:
Yesterday, Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture released its annual report on food insecurity in the U.S., finding that more than 48.9 million Americans lived in households struggling against hunger in 2012. Sadly, Arkansas ranked 1st in the category “very low food security” at 8.1 percent. Households that fall into this USDA category had more severe problems, experiencing deeper hunger and cutting back or skipping meals on a more frequent basis with both adults and children.
Arkansas ranked 2nd in the number of people facing food insecurity. According to the report, 19.7 percent, or roughly one in five Arkansans, do not know where their next meal is coming from.
If you or any OIB patron needs assistance. Please contact me. All reports are confidential.
Good morning all,
I have a rare luxury this morning......I am home to take hubby to doctor! This is almost like a vacation....I think I could get into retirement if only I could convince my bank account! Coffee and blog, my life is good.
This low humidity is really nice. However, ragweed is blooming. For those of us with seasonal allergies, this is miserable.
I will be seeing clients this afternoon as our list keeps growing on a daily basis.
Take care all and have a great day!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet
Today sure felt like Monday in my world! I spoke with several new clients today. Krystal sent the iPad One class list and it is huge! Can't wait to see you all on 9/21.
For my advanced buddies, be sure you have checked in with Krystal for 9/28.
Remember if you need transportation, we need to know to arrange for Mr. Earl to pick everyone up.
I am trying to out another Healthy Habits together for October. Are you ready?? What would you like to have in October? Ms. Helen has collected a lot of good recipes! Send me your preferences....
Hi everyone!
I can't believe the three day weekend is over! Today's paper had serval tidbits of interest to our visually impaired community.
1. The Labor Department has issued new rules regarding government contractors. To coincide with a 2010 executive order by President Obama, governmental contractors will be required to set goals to hire disabled workers and veterans equal to 8 percent of their employees. While that lumps disabilities in with veterans at least it is a giant step in employment opportunities. Unfortunately, setting goals may not translate into jobs in the foreseeable future.
2. Any of you with old corporations listed with the Secretary of State will have an amnesty period until December 31 regarding franchise tax. This is a good break if you had a business, let it go dormant and now are thinking you should have kept it active.
3. As you know, I am a big proponent of medical tracking apps for blind folks. I think information leads to better diagnosis and disease control. However, we really need to watch the privacy policy of these apps. Researchers have found the app owners, in an effort to increase income, are selling the information to third parties. Remember doctors, pharmacies, and I must keep your information confidential but once you put it out on the web or into an app, the ownership changes. Just be careful ! I am not changing my position but I will be reading the small print more carefully.
I am off to get ready to out that smile on my face tomorrow....it may take more effort than usual!
Take care,
Dr. Janet
I am sad to report the passing of Mr. Ira Perdue of Paragould. He was one of our first OIB clients and was a sweet, wonderful, quick witted gentleman. He attended our Healthy Habits in Paragould just few weeks ago! Jim and I met Mr. Ira on our very first trip to Paragould and he always remembered to ask about Jim.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Anna Faye and the family at this time.
I am still having techno problems. I can't seem to keep my Internet connection active. Bear with me, I will get it fixed or switch carriers. Just one more headache to deal with on a holiday weekend!
