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Welcome to TopTenReviews' best identity theft protection services guide for 2019. This guide has been designed to help you protect yourself against ID fraud and stay safe across all areas of your digital life, from social media and web browsing, to online banking and data transfers.
For complete identity protection that goes beyond the usual bank accounts and credit cards at a reasonable price, IdentityForce is the best option.
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And, simply put, ID theft and identity fraud are issues you are right to be concerned about. In the U.S. alone, in 2017, it is estimated that over 16 million people suffered from some form of ID theft. A variety of scams and cons as well as the victims' severe digital vulnerabilities have allowed cyber criminals to assume a fake identity and then extract money from a bank account, take out huge loans in someone's name, and make various illegal purchases, among other crimes.
We consider the overall best identity theft protection service to be IdentityForce. This ID fraud prevention system is comprehensive, going well beyond the standard bank account and credit card monitoring of lesser services, and it does so at an affordable monthly cost, too.
How much does the best identity theft protection cost?
Typically, you can expect to pay between $10 and $30 a month for an identity theft protection subscription. Basic plans range from about $10 to $20 and usually monitor your bank accounts and credit reports for fraudulent activity. The more expensive plans include dark web scans, three bureau credit reports, notifications about activity on your investment accounts and alerts about crimes carried out in your name.
For complete identity protection that goes beyond the usual bank accounts and credit cards at a reasonable price, IdentityForce is the best option.
Identity Guard
If cost is one of your primary concerns, Identity Guard offers the best combination of thorough identity protection and low price. Other services may offer a low price, but they don't cover as many areas as Identity Guard.
LifeLock's identity protection extends beyond bank accounts, credit cards, phone numbers and email addresses. LifeLock also monitors public records databases and medical insurance so fraud can be detected there as well.
1. IdentityForce: best overall
IdentityForce is one of the most far-reaching services we reviewed
Effective identity theft protection services alert you quickly when your identity is compromised. IdentityForce is one of the most far-reaching services we reviewed, monitoring your Social Security number, name, street address and credit card numbers for signs of fraudulent activity.
IdentityForce has an expanded scope, tracking public records databases, loans, lease records and sex offender registries. Other identity theft protection services may cover some of these areas, but few monitor all of them.
While IdentityForce can't prevent your information from being stolen, it does notify you as soon as it finds fraudulent activity. One excellent feature is that you can set a certain dollar amount and you'll receive notifications whenever a withdrawal or balance transfer exceeds that amount. You'll also get alerts if an unfamiliar name, alias, or address is associated with your name.
One bonus of identity theft protection is that it's often closely tied to credit monitoring. Because the ways ID thieves use your information can adversely affect your credit score, IdentityForce provides you with regular reports from the three bureaus. It also offers tracking tools to show you how your credit score changes over time.
If you are affected by an ID theft, IdentityForce has tools to help you recover. These include full managed restoration, which means that someone from IdentityForce will help fill out paperwork for you.
2. LifeLock: best complete protection
LifeLock is one of the most thorough identity theft protection services we reviewed
LifeLock is one of the most thorough identity theft protection services we reviewed. The Ultimate Plus plan monitors a wide range of online databases, public records and even black market websites to see if your personal information has been compromised.
It will scan for names and addresses associated with your Social Security number to protect you from anyone using that information to open a fraudulent account.
This service monitors some places that other services don't. It tracks popular file-sharing sites to see if your information has been uploaded to them. LifeLock will also monitor sex offender registries for your information.
The Privacy Monitor tool is a useful way to get alerts when fraudulent activity may have occurred. These alerts will ask you if a purchase, application or address change is legit, and if fraud has occurred, LifeLock will immediately jump into action to remedy the situation. An "identity restoration specialist" will personally deal with the problem and help you solve it.
In addition to identity monitoring, LifeLock offers some credit monitoring tools as well. You'll receive annual three-bureau reports and will have monthly access to your Equifax score.
One drawback of LifeLock is the price. It's among the most expensive of the services we reviewed, with a monthly cost of 29.99.
3. Identity Guard: best value
Identity Guard
In our research we found Identity Guard to have the best balance of cost to services
Putting price at the forefront of your buying decision is important, but when choosing an identity theft protection service, keep in mind that you want a service that gives wide coverage and provides timely notifications. In our research we found Identity Guard to have the best balance of cost to services.
Choose either Total or Premier plans and you'll get complete coverage that is very close to what the best services offer. We reviewed cheaper services, but they were stripped-down versions that lacked features that come standard with Identity Guard. With those services, features such as credit monitoring and credit history cost extra.
Identity Guard's protection services compare well with others we reviewed. It monitors your Social Security number, address and credit card numbers as well as other aspects of your identity such as criminal records and driver's license information.
Identity Guard also provides you with tools to gauge your risk of identity theft. This can be an invaluable way of helping you change behaviors that could lead to your identity being compromised. In the event that you are the victim of ID theft, the company provides quick alerts and recovery services, including fraud insurance of up to $1 million.
4. IdentityProtect by Intelius: best for public records monitoring
IdentityProtect by Intelius
Intelius specializes in background checks and public record searches
Intelius specializes in background checks and public record searches. Its ID theft protection service IdentityProtect is one of the best for tracking information about you that appears in public records searches.
For example, it can track addresses and sex offender registries. Besides IdentityProtect's public records monitoring, its other protections are basic. It monitors your credit report and sends you an alert if it finds suspicious activity. If fraud occurs, you're put in touch with fraud-resolution experts, who are available 24/7. A subscription to IdentityProtect costs $19.95 a month, and you can sign up for a seven-day trial to see how well the service works.
5. IDFreeze by myFICO: best for credit report monitoring
IDFreeze by myFICO
Lets you see regular reports from all three bureaus: Equifax, TransUnion and Experian
IDFreeze by myFICO includes complete credit report monitoring and lets you see regular reports from all three bureaus: Equifax, TransUnion and Experian.
It also sends you alerts when there's activity on your credit reports. Many ID theft protection services only monitor and provide reports from one or two of the credit bureaus. In addition, IDFreeze includes dark web monitoring to see if your personal information is changing hands. If your identity is compromised, the service works with you to resolve the situation and restore it. IDFreeze is one of the more expensive services, costing $29.95 monthly.
IDFreeze by myFICO review
6. ID Watchdog: best after-the-fact protection
ID Watchdog
Getting protection after a data breach is better than never having it at all
ID Watchdog has many tools for monitoring and resolving fraud stemming from ID theft. Keep in mind that it can't prevent your information from getting stolen, but it can notify you of suspicious activity. ID Watchdog includes restoration services that put you in touch with a specialist who works with you to resolve problems resulting from fraud. It also monitors some areas others don't, including non-credit loan databases, which aren't caught as often as other services.
Identity theft and you
Identity theft is an increasingly bigger problem and the very best way to ensure you stay safe is to use an identity fraud protection service. These ID theft stopping tools not only help you spot and detect scams, but also offer live monitoring of things like searches about your financial situation, changes of address, and accounts being opened in your name, but also offer access to top-level credit reports.
These advanced digital security tools also often come with a suite of anti-phishing and anti-keylogger programs, which help keep malware off your system and, as a result, stop hackers from extracting data from you. Many also offer media identity monitoring suites too, which scan Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Google+ for imposter accounts or malicious, prying links.
Importantly, if anything about you or your accounts is detected, then the best identity theft protection services then introduce a certified identity theft management specialist to handle your case until it is resolved.
Of course, not all this advanced technology comes free and not every identity theft protection service is created equal, with free services offering the most basic features and protection, and then fully paid for services offering secret service-levels of digital security and monitoring. Here, in our best identity theft protection guide, we recommend six paid-for services that we consider the absolute best currently in business.
Why trust us?
We've been reviewing identity theft protection for eight years. In that time we've watched the industry and monitored trends to ensure that our reviews reflect the most current services. As the technology identity thieves use becomes more sophisticated, the tools used by these services are advancing in stride.
Services such as Identity Guard and LifeLock use algorithms and machine learning to search through the dark corners of the internet to see if your information is being sold or used by ID thieves. In addition to monitoring your Social Security Number, address and name, these sites also look at medical records, which are increasingly a source of identity fraud.
How we tested
We spent 60 hours researching identity theft protection services before narrowing our list down to the best companies. We couldn't test them in a real-world scenario since that would involve actually getting our reviewer's identity stolen. Instead, we found comparable plans and contrasted the features each one offered.
One of the most important things to look for is how quickly the service will notify you about potential fraud and the methods used to notify you. The best identity protection services will call or text you. Many services also have mobile apps that notify you about potential fraud. These will let you indicate whether a transaction or loan application was made by you and, if not, begin the process of rectifying the fraud. You'll also want a service that notifies credit bureaus about fraud, this will save you from contacting the bureaus yourself.
As an added bonus, identity theft protection services often include credit monitoring. Because your credit score can be affected by fraud, you'll be given access to three-bureau credit reports more frequently than the once a year mandated by federal law. Many services also let you monitor one of your scores monthly.
In the event that your identity is compromised, these services offer recovery services. Look for services that include restoration services, which means you'll be connected with a specialist who will fill out paperwork and make the necessary calls to help recover your identity.
Are identity protection services safe?
Because data breaches are becoming more common, it's reasonable to ask if these identity protection services are themselves safe to sign up for. Look for an identity theft protection service that uses two-factor authentication (2FA). With 2FA, anyone who gets your email and password through another data breach or a phishing attack is blocked from logging in. Generally, someone gaining access to your ID protection account won't result in your personal information being compromised, depending on how the service manages that data. But it can result in notifications being deactivated. According to Tom's Guide, many prominent identity protection services don't offer 2FA, but many are working to add it.
Government shutdown affects ID theft victims
As the U.S. government shutdown passes the 20-day mark, some agencies that provide important services are still unavailable. One of these is the FTC, which aids victims of identity theft. While the government is closed indefinitely, victims of identity theft are unable to report their thefts, and resources the FTC provides to law enforcement are also unavailable.
Typically, in the event of ID theft or other breach of your personal information, you would file a report with the FTC's identity theft site to begin the process of notifying local law enforcement and to start a recovery plan. The FTC doesn't intervene on your behalf, but it does provide useful tools and resources to assist you in recovering your identity. With the government shutdown, these are unavailable.
If you are the victim of identity theft during the government shutdown, there are steps you can take to minimize the damage. Get copies of your credit reports and examine them for unusual activity. Also, place freezes on your credit files to prevent new accounts from being opened without your approval. If you are a victim of fraud while the shutdown persists, keep a list of all your calls and correspondences so you can file a complete report when the FTC reopens.
The Identity Theft Resource Center, a nonprofit that provides research and tools to help victims of identity theft, is unaffected by the shutdown. If you are the victim of identity theft, contact it for help with your next steps.
Amazon & USPS glitches leave customer data exposed
The holiday shopping season has begun, and both Amazon and the U.S. Postal Service announced that vulnerabilities have left their customers' information accessible. It's unclear if either of these issues led to customer records being accessed, but it may be prudent to change your passwords if you use either site.
The Amazon breach exposed customer names and emails. Amazon sent emails to customers whose data may have been affected but has otherwise been quite vague about details. It appears to have primarily affected customers in the U.K., though customers in the U.S. have also received emails. However, the full scope isn't quite known yet.
The USPS breach involved a variety of customer information, including emails, addresses, and phone numbers. It's estimated that this error, which has been active for almost a year, left over 60 million customers' data potentially exposed. The issue appears to have been confined to a portal used by customers to track the shipment of packages, especially those who use bulk mail, so small businesses may have been affected.
According to USPS, there's no evidence that this vulnerability was exploited, but it would be prudent to change your password if you use the USPS Informed Visibility platform.
Hackers are most likely to use information gathered through these two vulnerabilities for phishing attacks. If you received a notification from Amazon or used the Informed Visibility platform, your email could be used to send phishing messages, though both Amazon and the USPS say there's no evidence that any customer information was accessed.
Marriott data breach affects up to 500 million customers
Marriott hotel chains recently reported a data breach that left up to 500 million customers' personal information vulnerable. This makes it potentially one of the largest breaches in history.
The breach is centered around Marriott's Starwood Hotel branch. Information from the guest reservation database was compromised, with potential unauthorized access dating as far back as 2014. The information exposed may include personal information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, and passport numbers. According to Marriott, credit card information was accessible but encrypted, though the company can't rule out the possibility of that information being decrypted.
Marriott is offering anyone who may have been affected one year of free service from WebWatcher, which monitors the internet for signs that your personal information has been used. Know that the service only detects signs that your data has been compromised – it can't detect any fraud that occurs.
With so many high-level data breaches, it's a good practice to have freezes and fraud alerts placed on your credit reports. This greatly reduces the likelihood of someone opening new accounts in your name, though it doesn't help if your information has already been used fraudulently. Monitor your credit card and bank statements for any purchases you didn't make and keep an eye on your mail for anything out of the ordinary.
Google Plus vulnerability forces company to discontinue service
Google recently discovered several vulnerabilities in its little-used social media platform Google Plus, which left personal identifying information accessible. According to Google, this didn't impact passwords or financial information, but names, emails, and occupations were left exposed.
In October, the Wall Street Journal reported that a vulnerability had exposed the information of over 500,000 Google Plus users. In response, Google said it would shut down its social media network in August 2019. On Dec. 10, Google announced it had discovered another bug that left the information of nearly 50 million users vulnerable. In response, it has moved up the timetable for shuttering Google Plus to April 2019.
These bugs involved the Google Plus API, which connects third parties to Google Plus and potentially exposed user information that was set to private. According to Google, the bug was fixed quickly, and though user data was potentially exposed, there's no evidence it was accessed. Google plans to shut down the Google Plus API in a month.
Google plans to notify anyone potentially affected by these vulnerabilities. If you receive a notification, there's not much for you to do besides transition away from using the service.
What to do if your identity is stolen
The sad fact is that your identity has a home in many places you can't personally safeguard. Things beyond your control, such as the 2017 Equifax hack, leave your information vulnerable. If your identity is stolen, don't panic. There are several things you can do that will minimize damage.
It's likely the entity that was compromised will offer you free credit monitoring. While useful, the services offered are usually bare-bones and can take as long as 60 days to notify you of any fraud. The identity theft protection services we reviewed are stronger, quicker and more comprehensive. So if you're already signed up for an ID theft protection service, the free service offered won't be of much use to you.
One thing you can do yourself is put a freeze on your credit file. We recommend doing this as soon as you learn of a security breach. A freeze prevents creditors from pulling your credit without your explicit permission.
Should I freeze my credit report?
If you're worried your personal information is compromised, freezing your credit report is an easy and free security measure worth considering. Also referred to as a security freeze, you can contact Equifax, Experian and Transunion to freeze your credit report. Doing this restricts access to your credit report, which creditors use to approve loans, credit cards and lines of credit and determines interest rates and repayment terms. So, if the identity thief tries to apply for a loan from a bank, it's rejected early in the application process because the bank cannot access your report, which protects your credit from unwanted debt placed in your name.
The FTC notes that a credit freeze doesn't prevent identity thieves from making charges to your existing credit cards. So if your credit card or bank account is already compromised, you still need to contact your bank to freeze those accounts until new cards are issued. That said, you can still access and monitor your credit report when it's frozen, and you can easily have the freeze lifted if you're applying for a loan, an apartment or job, as the credit agencies are required to lift it within an hour after a request.
Freezing and unfreezing your credit report is free and there are no limits to how often you can do it. It doesn't stop existing creditors or debt collectors from accessing your credit report, nor does it stop any government agencies who request access in response to court orders, but it's one of the best options you have for minimizing your risk of identity theft.
Does where you live make you more vulnerable to identity theft?
Data breaches seem to be an everyday occurrence these days. The Identity Theft Resource Center estimates that since 2005 there have been more than 9,000 breaches, exposing more than 1 billion records. WalletHub recently published a report that looks at which state's residents are most vulnerable to identity theft.
Nevada, Florida and New Jersey occupy the top three spots. However, Wyoming, Arizona, and California saw the highest average dollar amount lost due to fraud. One interesting thing the report looked at is each state's policies that aim to protect its residents from identity fraud. Delaware ranks last in this regard. Some common protections states use to protect residents include security freezes for minors and identity theft passports that help victims of ID theft recover their identities.
Tips to help prevent identity theft
When news of a data breach breaks, you probably check to see if it's affected you, and you may sign up for identity theft protection. Too often, however, the damage has already been done. Identity theft protection services notify you if someone uses your information to commit fraud, but they don't prevent your data from being stolen.
Luckily, there are many steps you can take to secure your personal information:
- Don't give your information to unsolicited requests. According to RoboKiller.com, nearly 4.5 billion robocalls were made in June alone. Phone scams focus on using credible threats, like tech problems or the IRS, to get you to give up personal information. The FTC has a guide on how to deal with phone scams.
- Avoid carrying your Social Security card and try not to share your number widely. Some services may require it, especially if they need to check your credit. If it's optional to include your SSN, don't share it.
- Empty your mailbox every day and shred sensitive documents before throwing them away. Do the same for anything that might have sensitive or personal information about your children. This may seem paranoid, but dedicated thieves can use this information to commit fraud.
- Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication where possible. According to a Javelin Strategy & Research report, 81 percent of hacks start with a stolen or hacked password. Experian has tips on how to make a strong password. If a website has an option for two-factor authentication, we recommend activating it. It adds an extra layer of security that helps ensure your accounts aren't accessed by unauthorized people.
How to stay safe online
It seems like it's becoming harder and harder to keep your information safe. Data breaches, hacks and malware attacks are commonplace, but the internet is an essential part of modern life. Below are some tips and best practices for staying safe online. Keep in mind, these tips are geared toward your own personal habits and won't protect you from institutional data hacks like the Equifax or Marriott breaches.
- Strong passwords: Create complex, unique passwords for all your critical accounts. Especially with so many institutions being compromised, using the same password across the web gives hackers the opportunity to access other accounts. Use a password manager to help you create and store unique passwords for all your accounts, and set up multi-factor authentication where possible,
- Don't forget your phone: Someone may access your personal information on your lost or stolen smartphone. You should use a secure lock screen to prevent someone from accessing your phone. Also, keep your phone's software updated to protect it from hackers.
- Avoid oversharing: Keep the personal details you share online to a minimum. Hackers can use this information to impersonate you or guess passwords to gain access to your accounts.
- Only purchase from secure sites: When shopping online, make sure you only buy from sites you trust. Also, be sure they have secure checkout processes – look for a padlock by the address bar and an "https" in front of the website address.
- Keep your computer updated: Make sure your software and operating system are up to date. Hackers can exploit holes in out-of-date operating systems and other programs to enter your computer or accounts.
How to recover from identity theft
Even when you take all possible precautions, identity theft can happen. It's a stressful experience but one you can recover from. Recovering from identity theft isn't simple, and depending on what was stolen and how the theft occurred, there can be many steps.
The FTC has a checklist for recovering from ID theft. The first step should be calling the fraud departments of the companies where the fraud occurred and having them freeze your accounts. Then you should place fraud alerts on your credit report. To do this, contact one of the credit bureaus – it is required by law for it to contact the other two. Fraud alerts are free and make it harder for accounts to be opened in your name. Each bureau will send you a letter confirming a fraud alert has been placed on your file.
If you've had your wallet stolen or it's gone missing, cancel your cards and licenses and report passports and Social Security cards to the proper agencies. You have to make arrangements with each agency to replace those documents. Further, you need to change your logins, passwords, and PINs.
You should also file an Identity Theft Affidavit with the FTC. It will collect all the details of your theft and send complaints to the appropriate agencies or businesses. After doing this, you need to contact local law enforcement. Bring the affidavit and remember to get a copy of the police report.
One advantage of signing up for identity theft protection is the service provides you with recovery assistance. You work with a case manager who helps you with some of the paperwork as well as walks you through the steps for closing or changing accounts. Some services may allow you to give them the authority to act on your behalf when dealing with creditors.
How do I protect my identity for free?
Paying for ID theft protection may not be an option for everyone. Even if you can't afford a plan, you can still take steps to better ensure the integrity of your personal information and protect your identity without paying much.
One of the biggest steps you can take is to stay vigilant. Keep an eye on your accounts. Check bank accounts and credit card statements for unauthorized or strange purchases. Many banks have fraud alerts that you can activate for your credit or debit cards.
A common refrain of identity theft advice is putting a freeze on your credit. This will prevent new accounts from being opened in your name. To activate a freeze, you'll need to contact each bureau and request a freeze. Recent legislation makes this free; previously you had to pay a fee each time you activated a freeze. Keep in mind, to get new credit for yourself, you'll need to deactivate the freeze.
A freeze can prevent new accounts, but according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, this is a rare form of ID theft, though, with data breaches like the Equifax breach, there is a risk of it becoming more common.
Another way to prevent ID theft is to opt out of junk mail and unsolicited credit card offers. Use OptOutPreescreen to keep the bureaus from selling your name to lenders, which will cut down on unsolicited offers.
How to protect your child from identity theft
Identity theft of children is becoming more prevalent. According to Experian, 1.3 million children – most of them under age 6 – have their identities stolen each year. Children are appealing targets because they have blank credit files and the fraud often goes undetected until they turn 18. And though the impact is unseen for a long time, it can lead to results like being denied for student loans.
There are several signs that your child may have been affected by ID theft. If you start getting calls or bills from collections agencies in your child's name, that's a sure sign that someone has been using their information. You may get turned down for government benefits because those benefits are being paid to another account in your child's name.
To protect your child from ID theft, keep their Social Security number and other personal information locked away. Tell your children to avoid sharing personal information online. The FTC recommends checking your child's credit report at 16; this will give you time to address any fraud before they apply for loans or credit cards after they turn 18.
If you find that someone has opened an account in your child's name, you should contact the companies where the fraud occurred. You may also need to contact the credit bureaus and have them remove any fraudulent accounts. You'll likely have to provide evidence of your child's birth certificate. You can put a freeze on your child's credit, which will prevent thieves from opening new accounts in your child's name, though it won't prevent existing accounts from being used.
What is tax refund ID theft?
One of the many ways ID thieves can use your information is by filing false tax returns in your name to claim refunds. In some cases, they may also use your Social Security number to get a job.
This is one of the most common types of fraud the IRS sees. The IRS estimates that in 2015 alone, $14.5 billion in fraudulent returns were attempted. An Experian study shows that tax fraud is the second most common type of ID fraud after credit card fraud, though the total amount of tax ID fraud is decreasing.
Most often, when you're a victim of this type of fraud, you find out when you file your return. The IRS will send you a notice that it's already received your return. If your SSN was used by someone to get a job, that employer will report that income to the IRS. When you send in your return, you'll hear from the IRS that you didn't report all your wages.
If you think someone fraudulently used your SSN to file a return, contact the IRS. It will assist you in fixing the problems. You also need to file a Form 14039, an Identity Theft Affidavit, which you attach to your return. In some cases, the IRS will assign you a unique PIN to use when filing your return.
Tax season scams: How to protect yourself from identity theft
While the tax filing deadline (April 15) is still a few months away, we're in the heart of tax scam season. Since filing tax returns involves both sensitive personal information, refunds and federal laws, it's a prime hunting ground for predators looking to get your personal information, financial information and refunds.
The most common scam is for a scammer to contact you, posing as an IRS representative, using fear tactics to persuade you to provide payments. Some of these scammers are sophisticated enough to provide you with their IRS ID number.
According to the IRS, here's how you can easily tell if someone posing as an IRS agent is a scammer:
- The caller demands immediate payment of back taxes. The IRS doesn't demand payment over the phone, nor will they call about taxes owed without initiating contact in the mail.
- The caller doesn't provide an opportunity to challenge the tax debt. The IRS is required to provide you with the opportunity to appeal the amount owed. If the caller doesn't provide this, hang up.
- The caller asks for a specific payment method. The IRS doesn't make request for payment methods, such as a prepaid debit card.
- The caller asks for your credit card and checking account number. The IRS doesn't ask you to make payments over the phone.
- The caller threatens to arrest you or claims to have issued a warrant for your arrest due to back taxes. The IRS does not make such threats over the phone.
- You are contacted through email, text messages or social media. The IRS does not use these methods of contact.
If you do get called by someone claiming to represent the IRS, you should hang up and contact the IRS directly to confirm whether you owe any taxes. If you don't owe any taxes, you should report the incident to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. You can also file a complaint with the FTC Complaint Assistant.
How long do the effects of identity theft last?
Depending on how your identity was compromised and how quickly you resolved your issues, the effects of identity theft can linger long after. The Economist estimates that it can take up to six months and hundreds of hours to resolve identity fraud. A lot depends on how quickly you find that your information was compromised. Identity theft protection services help here, notifying you of suspicious activity and helping you to resolve any fraud that may have occurred.
Depending on what information was stolen, the FTC makes a different recommendation on how to manage the immediate aftereffects. The immediate effects can include damage to your credit score and report, which can hinder you in many ways. Besides being unable to get approved for loans, having bad credit can also affect how much you pay for auto insurance and can even result in you not being considered for jobs.
In addition to financial effects, identity theft can also impact your life in other ways. ID theft is one of the few crimes that requires victims to do significant legwork to resolve the issues. And even when victims work with law enforcement and government agencies, they report dissatisfaction with how their issues are resolved, according to an annual survey by the Identity Theft Resource Center.
One of the biggest effects that are underreported is the emotional consequences of dealing with ID theft. Identity theft can affect sleep patterns, job performance, and interpersonal relationships. It can also result in victims tapping into their own savings to deal with the problem.
Mastercard & Microsoft announce new digital ID
On Dec. 3, 2018, Microsoft and Mastercard announced a joint venture to create a single unified digital identity. All your individual identifiers, for example, your passport and Social Security number, would be included in your digital identity, so there would be less for you to remember.
According to Ajay Bhalla, Mastercard's president of cyber and intelligence solutions, "Today's digital identity landscape is patchy, inconsistent and what works in one country often won't work in another. We have an opportunity to establish a system that puts people first, giving them control of their identity data and where it is used" This would include financial services, commerce, government services, and digital services.
The project is in its initial stages, so there's little information about what this digital identity would entail and if it would be optional. Mastercard says more information about the specifics is forthcoming.
Much of the press release focuses on the simplicity of having a single-use identity, which would make it easier to log into and use multiple sites, without having to remember the increasingly complicated, unique passwords each one requires. A password manager can accomplish the same thing.
What are the most common types of ID theft?
Identity theft isn't a single, simple thing – there are multiple ways thieves can access your information and cause trouble. Here are some of the most common types of identity theft to watch out for:
- Account takeovers: This is one of the fastest growing types of identity theft, accounting for 1.4 million instances. It involves someone gaining access to one of your accounts and changing the login and security setting. This type of theft has resulted in over $2 billion in losses.
- Credit card fraud: Another of the most common types of ID theft involves thieves using your existing credit card or creating another in your name. You can put a freeze on your credit to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
- Medical fraud: Medical fraud involves someone using your information to get medical treatment. This can result in doctors having inaccurate records, fraudulent medical bills or creditors tracking you down for bills you never received.
- Tax identity fraud: This is when someone submits tax returns in your name. You'll discover the fraud when you file your return and the IRS notifies you that it has already received one from you.
- Child ID theft: Children are becoming a more common target for identity thieves because of their unblemished credit. This can impact your child in the future when they become old enough to apply for credit themselves. Keep an eye out for any bills that come in their name.
What is medical ID theft?
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, health data breaches are on the rise. In 2017, there were more than 250 health data breaches, and there were more than 300 in 2018. This means millions of records were potentially exposed along with the vital information they contain, including Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, and addresses.
Medical information is appealing to thieves because it lets them commit all types of fraud – they can fill prescriptions, file claims in your name, open credit cards or get loans in your name. It's also possible for thieves to blackmail patients with sensitive medical histories.
Keep your eye on any medical information you get in the mail. Read the explanation of benefits on any claim you receive and check to see if the information matches the date you were seen and the treatment you received. Signs you may be a victim of medical fraud include bills for services you didn't receive, debt collector calls for medical debt you don't owe, credit report entries for debt you don't owe, notices from your insurance that you've reached your benefit limit or denials of insurance based on conditions you don't have.
If you are a victim of medical ID fraud, you can request a copy of your medical records, which you're entitled to by federal law. Review them for inaccurate information. You may need to request records from before the theft. You may also need to ask insurers and medical providers for "accounting of disclosures," which is their record of who they've sent copies of your records to. Ask for corrections to your medical records, but make sure you keep copies of any documents you may have received due to the fraud.
Related: Best antivirus software
Identity theft protection tips for the visually impaired
Everyone is at risk of having their identity stolen, but some groups are more likely to be victims. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), people with impaired vision or vision loss are easier targets for criminals. Fortunately, the ITRC teamed up with Braille Institute to develop tips for helping people with vision issues protect themselves from being targeted. In the article, Empish J. Thomas shares her experience with identity theft and the obstacles she encountered. Thomas recommends that the visually impaired have a core group of trustworthy people who can help with the following tips (which actually apply to everyone):
- Don't take anything at surface value. Be suspicious of the source, whether it's a phone call, a letter or an email. Never give out personal data to anyone requesting it unless you have thoroughly vetted the source.
- Shred all documents containing personal information. Shred all documents before you throw them away, including junk mail, medical documents, bills, and bank statements. People with impaired vision may need to rely on a friend to routinely help them go through all of the items that need to be shredded.
- Use security software and identity theft monitoring services. Antivirus software isn't enough to protect you, as most identity theft occurs without viruses. You need to rely on more robust security measures to ensure you are protected from a broader range of threats.
- Monitor your credit. If your identity has been stolen, your credit report will likely provide the first clues. The sooner you take action against identity theft, the greater the chances are that you will fully recover.
- Get help immediately. Likewise, the sooner you report suspicious activity, the better your chances are of recovering from identity theft. The TRC and the Federal Trade Commission offer assistance to victims of identity theft.
How safe is my personal information?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, over 16.7 million people fell victim to identity theft in the U.S. in 2017. And when you look at a list of the top 21 largest data breaches, over 2.6 billion people worldwide had their personal information exposed in 2018. So, how safe is your personal information? Probably not very, but this shouldn't keep you up at night, and here's why.
Identity theft is something like a backward lottery: we all have a chance of having our identities stolen but the chances are slim. Nick Clements argues in "Should Identity Theft Really Scare You?" that identity theft is not as big of a deal as you might think.
For starters, it's rare for victims of identity theft to actually take a financial hit from it. He notes how 86 percent of the identity theft cases in 2014 were account takeovers and only 4 percent were identity takeovers. Since the majority of identity theft cases are account takeovers, banks and financial institutions have safeguards in place to protect you from having your account taken over. They also have processes in place to get your account under control quickly and to get any losses back to you after the theft is reported. In fact, 96 percent of people who experience account takeover never have to pay a dime because of it.
Related: Best parental software
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Add Beauty, Value And Enjoyment To Your Outdoor Living Space With Amazing Decking. With our experience in decking and alfresco design and construction,
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Jun 30, 2017 Don't know where to start on decking? Whether it's designing or décor we have compiled some ideas on how to create a beautiful alfresco
Mar 27, 2011 Alfresco Timber Deck. ydlazkov . Ideas And Tips On Designing The Perfect Deck For Your Backyard by Melbourne Decking - Duration: 3:11.
Check out these ideas on alfresco, patio, pergola and outdoor space designs. by these five 2018 design trends for patio, pergola, decking and alfresco.
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Medium-Term Forecasting of Euro-Area Macroeconomic Variables with DSGE and BVARX Models
21 Pages Posted: 18 Apr 2015
Date Written: January 22, 2015
The paper assesses the performance of medium-term forecasts of euro-area GDP and inflation obtained with a DSGE model and a BVARX model currently in use at the Bank of Italy. The performance is compared with that of simple univariate models and with the Eurosystem projections; the same real time assumptions underlying the latter are used to condition the DSGE and the BVARX forecasts. We find that the performance of both forecasts is similar to that of Eurosystem forecasts and overall more accurate than that of simple autoregressive models. The DSGE model shows a relatively better performance in forecasting inflation, while the BVARX model fares better in forecasting.
Keywords: forecasting, DSGE, BVARX, euro area
JEL Classification: C53, E32, E37
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation


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The Kitchen Table #43: Is It a Jesus Tax? Why 10%?
Do we give 10% or do we simply live generously? This week on the Shine.FM's The Kitchen Table podcast, ministry director Brian McIntyre Utter and his son Jake talk at the table about being faith and generous with our time, talent and money. In Music Matters, new music from Crowder with Mandisa and The New Respects, and an oldie, but goldie from Steven Curtis Chapman. In Culture Shock, remembering Rachel Held Evans and why she mattered. Be sure to subscribe to get all our Shine.FM podcasts.


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Our aim is to find more effective ways of work in different process of mining and especially enriching. We want to bring value add for our customers grinding process by making the grinding process more cost effective, reliable, faster and with less energy used during grinding.
We are supplier of cylindrical grinding bodies, Rikaste cylpebs and also other consumables for different kind of grinding mills. From Rikaste you'll get all needed expertise and support in order to change your current grinding media to cost effect Rikaste cylpebs.
Finer Grinding
Now also available bigger sizes of cylpebs: 50 and 55mm!
As well very high chrome content is in our product portfolio in case your process needs it!
Finer Grinding


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Corporate Trust Services
Family Wealth Trust
Contact Us
What is a Trust?
A trust is a legal agreement whereby you transfer assets to the trust to be managed by a trustee.
The trustee administers the trust and manages the assets for the settlor's (the person or institution that establishes the trust) benefit and for the benefit of others as instructed by the settlor of the trust.
A trust can be used directly or through other entities owned and controlled by the trust (such as underlyingcompanies (for further information see "tax benefits"), holding companies and more) to own virtually any assets anywhere in the world, including:
Real estate assets;
Company shares (private or public);
Quoted shares, bonds and other securities;
Cash – in any currency and in any banking institutions;
Intellectual property rights;
Life insurance policies.
Hermetic Trust (1975) Ltd.


text: I know this might belong in the guitar forum, but I am more interested in how it sounds through pedals and amps, than the guitar itself. I have never really looked at Thinlines before. As a "real" tele fan, I always just played the "classic" single coil tele (and lots of them!). But I have been jonesing for something outside the Fender single coil realm of late. Something with humbuckers and NOT a Les Paul. I just happened to look at a new thinline at GC yesterday. It was on the floor on a guitar stand and caught my wifes eye, "F" hole, two Fender humbuckers, and that ugly pickguard, the whole she-bang. Holy cow, the guitar felt like it weighed about an ounce compared to a "real" tele! I could get into that, but I have no experience with those big Fender humbuckers (or the semi-hollow tele body), despite the fact that both me and Tele thinlines have been around for decades! Anyone have opinions about them one way or the other? Thanks


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WALTER S. BURRAGE, M.D., F.A.C.P.; A. C. RITCHIE, M.B., Ch.B., D.Phil.; HERBERT C. MANSMANN JR., M.D.; JOHN W. IRWIN, M.D.; AGNES B. RUSSFIELD, M.D.
During the last few years compound E (cortisone) and compound F (hydrocortisone) have been used with considerable success to suppress the symptoms of allergic and related disorders. There are those who decry their use, saying that they merely suppress symptoms and that they possess potentially serious side effects. There are also those who seriously misuse these agents, employing them in trivial conditions, often in inadequate dosage and frequently with little or no supervision of the patient. The purpose of this paper is to summarize experiences with cortisone and hydrocortisone in allergic and related disorders during the last four years.
BURRAGE WS, RITCHIE AC, MANSMANN HC, et al. THE USE OF CORTISONE AND HYDROCORTISONE IN ALLERGY*†. Ann Intern Med. 1955;43:1001–1018. doi: https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-43-5-1001
Download citation file:
© 2019
Published: Ann Intern Med. 1955;43(5):1001-1018.
Asthma, Pulmonary/Critical Care.
Results provided by:
Copyright © 2019 American College of Physicians. All Rights Reserved.
Print ISSN: 0003-4819 | Online ISSN: 1539-3704
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Moulton Group PC's mission is to provide personalized, high-quality care on an as-needed or preventative basis. We have created a practice that we believe in and choose for our own family members.
We are a full-service family practice of dedicated, experienced physicians who believe in working with our patients to maintain and improve their health. We work together to serve your entire family for all of your medical needs in all stages of life. Our physicians believe in providing comprehensive health care services to our patients in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. We also believe in educating our patients as we work with them to achieve the best physical state possible.
Each physician is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and comes to our practice with years of experience in their area of specialty. Our board-certified nurse practitioners always consult with the attending physician prior to working with each patient in order to provide informed, consistent care at all times.
Paulette Moulton, M.D.
Paulette Moulton M.D. graduated from Stafford School of Nursing in England. She attended undergraduate at Creighton University in Nebraska. She graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School. She successfully completed her dermatology internship and residency at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. Paulette is a board certified Dermatologist.
She enjoys gardening and spending time with her five grandchildren.
Natalie Moulton-Levy, M.D.
Natalie Moulton-Levy M.D. completed her undergraduate degree from Sarah Lawrence College and obtained her medical degree at Jefferson Medical College in Pennsylvania. She completed an internship in Internal Medicine at the Graduate Hospital in Pennsylvania and did her residency in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
She is a board certified dermatologist and believes that her patients deserve the best in natural and traditional skin care.
Priya Shendge PA-C
Priya Shendge PA-C graduated from Central Michigan University in August 2016. She is a board certified PA. Before entering in PA school, she worked as a postdoctoral research fellow at University of Oklahoma Health sciences. She started her journey in the medical field in India. She graduated as MD Pathologist from Mumbai University, India and worked as a lecturer in Pathology in one of the medical colleges in India. She moved to United Kingdom along with her husband in 2002, where she completed Master of Sciences in Molecular Pathology and Toxicology from University of Leicester, UK.
She fell in love with dermatology while doing a rotation with Dr. Paulette during PA school and found that it is a perfect fit for her. She is from Perrysburg and has three children. Outside of work, she loves to cook, enjoys bike riding, outdoor walking and spending time with her family.
Jennifer Bellestri, Nurse Practitioner
Jennifer started her nursing career at Mercy Memorial Hospital in Monroe, Michigan where she explored various areas of her field. Her background in healthcare spans more than 16 years including surgery, emergency medicine, cardiology, anti-aging medicine, and aesthetic medicine.
In 2007, Jennifer received a master's of science degree as a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Michigan. The past 5 years she has concentrated her efforts in the aesthetics industry, receiving advanced education and training in injectables such as Botox, Dysport, and facial fillers including Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane, and Radiesse. Her artistic eye and attention to detail have been represented in the results she achieves.
She has a particular interest in the hCG weight loss program & intravenous nutritional therapies and spends a generous amount of time with each patient to help gain a personal understanding of their cosmetic goals. She is dedicated to making patients feel comfortable and educated about their medical and cosmetic procedures while developing a caring nurse-patient relationship.
Gayle McMurdo, LPN
Gayle McMurdo, LPN has more than 20 years experience in dermatological nursing. Her clinical specialties consist of skin rejuvenation, chemical peels and spider veins.
Hope Shorter, Licensed Aesthetician
Hope Shorter is a medical aesthetician who earned her license at the Michigan College of Beauty. She has ten years of experience in skin care including six years of experience in massage therapy.
Hope specializes in medical treatments such as laser hair reduction, vascular reduction, laser skin rejuvenation, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, fractional laser resurfacing, dermaplaning, and acne treatments. Hope has extensive experience serving as a spa consultant, educator on the use of lasers for all skin conditions, as well as training licensed professionals on a variety of aesthetic medical treatments.
Hope is here to exceed your expectations while providing you with individual services, knowledge, and the importance of preventative skin care.
To schedule an appointment, please call: +1.7342414950.
Call Us: +1.734.241.4950


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Motorola Solutions has issued an intent to cancel the W series of MOTOTRBO multi-unit chargers due to obsolescence at supplier. Cancelled charger products include the popular WPLN4214 and WPLN4188 products for the DP2000/e, DP4000/e and DP4000 Ex, DP3xx1e, GP, GP Compact and GP Ex Series.
The full cancellation document, affected products list and corresponding replacements is available on request from our Sales Team.
RadioTrade has purchased plenty of stock of the WPLN4188 and WPLN4214 chargers and these will be available until the stock is depleted.
The New Replacement Multi-Unit Chargers:
Replacement products have been offered as the new P series of MOTOTRBO multi-unit chargers. The new chargers offer a smaller, lighter platform with integrated programming and fleet management features that support an integrated data upload without the need for a separate CIU. The replacement charger for the DP3xx1/e series also does not require radio inserts when charging.
Additional Features:
New Charger Part Numbers:
For DP4000/e, DP4xx1Ex, DP2000/e, DP3000 Series
PMPN4290A-IMPRES 6-Way Multi-Unit Charger with UK cord
PMPN4289A-IMPRES 6-Way Multi-Unit Charger with Euro cord
For DP3xx1e, Legacy GP & ATEX Series
PMPN4298A-IMPRES 6-Way Multi-Unit Charger with UK cord
PMPN4297A-IMPRES 6-Way Multi-Unit Charger with Euro cord
© Copyright RadioTrade 2019 | Legal | Sitemap |


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Where mobile coupons from by Catalina meet Ubudu Beacons
July 07, 2015
Our partner Catalina, specialized in personalized digital media, has started a pilot with the famous Casino group, Monoprix.
In early April, the ubudu team has installed beacons in more than 20 Monoprix stores in Paris and close suburbs. They are currently testing a promotional targeting that relies on the ubudu CMS to schedule weekly coupons offers.
As soon as customers pass through a 300-meters range around one of the stores, users of the mobile app developed by Catalina "C-wallet" are notified about special discount from Monoprix, encouraging them to enjoy about 30€ discounts on their purchases.
This operation is set up until the end of June, and could be widespread if the test keeps on this right track.
« This innovation marks a new stage in the mobile practices. It makes even more relevant promotional communication for consumers. It is a key mission at Catalina to increase sales and consumer loyalty. »
William Faivre, CEO of Catalina France


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|By Roger Strukhoff
Article Rating:
|February 3, 2011 07:20 PM EST
HP announced a $120 million datacenter in Australia, to be completed in the Western Sydney area (30-40 miles west of Sydney's central business district) this year. In making the announcement, the company noted that Australia's National Broadband Network (NBN) initiative was "the incentive," according to the country's Communications Minister, Stephen Conroy. "(The NBN) is the reason for corporations to look to Australia and our ICT sector."
The NBN promises to deliver gigabit service to more than 90% of the country as it is rolled out over the next few years.
Good on ya, mate. Australia has been notable for its over-reliance on raw materials exports for decades. Although the country enjoys an overall wealth in the top tier of the world's nations, it has long been seen as an IT laggard.
Overall IT spend in Australia represents less than 5% of its overall economy; compare that to 6.8% for Canada, 7.3% for the US, and levels of 8% and above in major, fast-growing nations such as South Korea, South Africa, and Malaysia.
The datacenter is part of what HP says will be a $1 billion "renewal" of its global services infrastructure. The facility is projected to employ about 200 people.
A senior HP exec said he thinks "cloud services adoption will take off" in the Asian-Pacific region, and that the new datacenter will play a major role in meeting the demand for these services.
Debate over the NBN in Australia has been fierce, with two competing plans under discussion. Political careers are being staked, and ruined, on it, as this debate sometimes reaches levels that Americans mght associate with health care and Europeans with their currency. I've written a little bit more about the NDN and what it may mean.
- The Top 250 Players in the Cloud Computing Ecosystem
- Cloud People: A Who's Who of Cloud Computing
- Cloud Expo New York Call for Papers Now Open
- The Top 100 Bloggers on Cloud Computing
- Industry Experts Discuss the State of Cloud Computing
- Cloud Computing and Big Data in 2013: What's Coming Next?
- The Next Chapter in the Virtualization Story Begins
- CIA was Headed to an Enterprise Cloud All Along: Jill Tummler Singer
- Web 2.0 Re-Examined: Nexaweb's Coach Wei On The Paradigm Shift, Technology Stack and Business Value
- Virtualization Expo New York Call for Papers to Expire January 15, 2010


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Sami Shah: I, Migrant
Pakistani stand-up comedian Sami Shah has been delivering punchlines from the frontlines of the war on terror for several years. He's been profiled on Comedy Central, by Australian Story and in the New York Times.
Shah left Pakistan for Australia after being targeted by death threats; at home, he fronted his own satirical show and worked as a journalist. In his own unique comic style, he shares his story of what it's like to leave the home you love to start a new life – somewhere your child can grow up safely. In conversation with Rafael Epstein.
Sami Shah
Comedian and writer Sami Shah has been profiled in the New York Times and ABC's Australian Story, and appeared on BBC Radio 4, BBC Asian Network, TEDx, The Project and the Soho Theatre. He is currently based in Melbourne, Australia and is co-presenter of 774 / ABC Breakfast Radio.
Rafael Epstein
Rafael Epstein is a journalist who has worked in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Timor, Indonesia, Europe and the Middle East.


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opinion piece
What It's Like To Attend Fashion Week (When You're 17 And Not Famous)
in lfw, lifestyle, london fashion week, opinion, opinion piece, thoughts, March 16, 2017
Street-style, rain and new designers- just some of the words that come to mind when I reflect on my experiences at London Fashion Week. Something I get asked a lot is how I got to attend LFW (London Fashion Week, fyi) at the ripe young age of 17. As...
How My Love For Blogging Died Out- And How I Plan To Rekindle It
in lifestyle, opinion, opinion piece, August 12, 2016
This post has been a long time coming. Over 6 months coming, to be precise. A combination of a loss for words, lack of time and a dodgy laptop has prevented me writing it in the past, but I feel it's time to address some things here on Oh...


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This is a magic rock.
You might not believe me, but let me tell you about it.
Two little girls, one with long blonde hair and the other with dark shiny hair,
found a pack of crayons in the geocache under the tree in the foothills,
and they set to work to create magic rocks to sell to us in exchange
for weeds or my snack or a bigger rock or, really,
anything else that they determined to have value.
They gave me this rock, a pink heart painted onto it like an embodiment
of the day's shiny joy,
and they said to me,
"You have the power of the moon, Reid."
I said, "Why, thank you!"
In other words, a woman at church asked me if I believed in miracles,
and I said, "Yes, ma'am, I do."
Two little girls gave me the power of the moon in a rock smaller than my palm
and, you may not believe me, but I believe in miracles,
and the moon has never shone like it did that night.


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What can genomics do for Canada's forestry sector? By studying the DNA of trees,
pests and other organisms, forest genomics can enable the growth of healthy,
productive and sustainable forests. So how could it be used in Canada? One, Tree Breeding. Breeders can now accurately
identify trees that grow faster, have higher wood quality and are naturally resistant to pests and are achieving this without the
need for genetic modification. Two, Pest Diagnostics. Genomics can quickly and accurately
detect pests and pathogens in order to prevent devastating outbreaks that would otherwise damage large areas of forest. Three, Remediation. We can detoxify soils more effectively
following resource extraction by better understanding the remediation process. This increases the likelihood that land
can be reclaimed for new forests. These are just three ways in which genomic research is maintaining the health and
productivity of Canada's forests, and ensuring the competitiveness of
our forestry sector on a global stage.


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Our services
Rising Smartphone Use Sure to Increase QR Codes Uptake
BeQRious.com has always said that QR code adoption depended on the uptake of smartphones, without which it would be impossible to scan the QR codes we see.
The good news is that smartphone sales are rising!
Smartphones on the Rise
There is an online countdown that estimates just when smartphones would become a majority among US users, and the current estimate puts it at less than 2 years away, or on August 22 next year. See the countdown here: http://web.me.com/hdediu/Smartphonecountdown/Welcome.html Nielsen is more optimistic saying that majority status of smartphone users is possible at the end of 2011.
Other interesting statistics:
- Nielsen further reports that nearly a third of US mobile phone own a smartphone in December 2010.
- Gartner reports that in 2010, 297 million smartphones were sold out of 1.6 billion mobile phones. The figure represents a 72.1% percent increase in smartphone sales over a year's period.
- 2.5 billion smartphones are predicted to be sold in a five-year period, from 2010 through 2015, says the Coda Research Consultancy.
- Coda also says that mobile Internet use would increase by more than 5000% over that same period.
In any case, it is very apparent that smartphones will become the norm rather than the exception soon enough. It is heartening that more and more of these smartphones are coming out with a preloaded QR code reader. If it does not, there are a lot of QR code reader applications that are available for free from various QR code services.
Take this growing number of smartphone users with the fact that brands and companies are coming out with their own QR code campaigns aggressively, which in turn leads to higher QR code awareness, and you could confidently say that QR codes would soon become commonplace.
What this means is that coming up with a QR code campaign right now to market your business, products, or services would not go to waste. QR codes are easy to generate and campaigns involving them are easy to implement. And with BeQRious' QR tracking service, it is also very easy to measure!
More articles in this topic
Martell Noblige Cognac Shows Marketers How It Is Done
Talk about marketing and you will get differing opinions on what works and what is effective. We have seen a lot of success stories as far as marketing is concerned, and this one is no exception. Martell Noblige Cognac brought together different types of marketing to come up with its latest campaign. The theme for […]Read more
QR Codes Help You Dispose of Garbage Properly
When it comes to the environment, we all have to pitch in. While it is best to minimize the amount of waste we produce, there is still garbage that we have to take care of. One of the best ways to dispose garbage is to segregate it. You can always sell recyclable materials such as […]Read more
Keep Me Safe: QR Codes for Protecting Children with Autism
Parents of kids with autism have many fears. One of them is losing their kids as they wander off to some place they are not familiar with. QR codes have been helping parents with autistic kids. It is a fact that most kids with autism will wander and get lost with their parents. It happened […]Read more
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New Industrial Facility Expected To Draw Aerospace, Defense Business To Mesa
The city of Mesa recently broke ground on a 150,000-square-foot speculative industrial facility in the Falcon Field District, which it hopes will draw significant aerospace and defense businesses.
The Longbow Gateway One is slated to be complete by January and anticipated to bring at least 175 new jobs. The facility will be adjacent to Boeing's 2 million-square-foot manufacturing facility at Falcon Field Airport and the Loop 202.
"Longbow Gateway One will be an excellent addition to Mesa," Mayor John Giles said in a statement. "The decision by Opus Development Company to bring a new industrial facility for aerospace and defense companies to the Falcon Field District is a great endorsement of our business-friendly environment."
"This is an exciting step towards the future of the Falcon Field District," Vice Mayor and District 5 Councilmember David Luna said in a press release. "The City of Mesa is committed to being a business-friendly community and to attracting top flight companies to our city. This facility will check all the boxes companies look for and will be a tremendous addition to Mesa."
Opus Development says it also plans to target light assembly, distribution, general industrial, storage, food and ecommerce businesses as future tenants.


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I've been a Barbershopper ever since I was in high school. As life has gotten busy, I had less and less time for official singing. I would always sing as often as possible, but couldn't seem to get a quartet together for long. This is the story of an amazing experience that fits my current life situation. It is the story of the unique long distance quartet, Second Wind, and how we have made this wonderful hobby fit into our very average busy lives.
Two years ago I lived in Arizona. I sang with the Phoenicians as often as I could. The Phoenicians have had their ups and downs lately. But one thing they excel at is weekly afterglows.
That's where I met Chaz Chesser. Chaz is one of those guys that can sing virtually any part. He didn't grow up singing. But then he saw Vocal Spectrum on YouTube, found out they belonged to BHS, did some research and then walked into a chorus practice one day saying he wanted to join. He's 22 years old, and has more tags and songs memorized (in all four parts) than anyone his age.
Chaz and I sang songs and tags at the afterglows. We always talked about being in a quartet one day, but, 1) there were only two of us, and 2) we both had no history of international quartetting, so the "good guys" kind of looked us by.
Towards the end of my time in Arizona, Matt Allen joined the chorus. He had just graduated from BYU-Idaho, where he discovered barbershop through the yearly barbershop festival there. Because of the festival, he had pretty much been spoiled all four years there, having met and sung with Intl. champions year after year. Gosh, one year they had both Ringmasters and OC Times! We realized the three of us had quite the blend! However, there were only three of us, and we were all pretty busy…
Well, I moved away to Salt Lake City. My schedule now allows me to sing with the Saltaires, which is where I ran into an old friend ADAM HAGGART. ADAM has one of those magical voices that makes everything sound smooth and easy. His quartet had just broken up after having won the RMD districts… Funny how sometimes that happens! Anyway, 2016 districts was coming up, and we didn't want to go without a quartet. We started thinking.
Late that night, I made the connection. What if Chaz and Matt in AZ were willing to throw something together with ADAM and I, just for fun, and sing at RMD districts?
We discussed it, and discussed our time restraints, and decided to just meet up and try it out.
We met midway between AZ and UT, in a small apartment of a fellow Barbershopper in Las Vegas. This was three weeks before the RMD competition.
We sang until 4 a.m. that first night. Not only did we make amazing sounds, we also found that we really got along. And the love for the hobby overcame our interest in sleeping.
Thus the name "Second Wind" was born.
We competed three weeks later, with only that one official practice under our belts, and scored third at districts with a 73.
A few months later, we competed in Arizona Divisionals and scored a 77.9. We most recently qualified for 2018 Intl's.
We continue to get together for shows and competitions. It is tough and challenging to be in a long distance group. Funds are always tight, and the chances to practice are few and far between. However, we have had an amazing adventure together so far, and we continue to improve. So, as we see it, as long as it suits our schedules, why stop?!
If you'd like, you can follow us on Facebook @ Second Wind Quartet.


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Raise your hand if you picked the Billikens to fell teams from the Pac-12 (Washington), ACC (Boston College), Big East (Villanova) and Big 12 (Oklahoma). That's what Rick Majerus's team, led by forward Brian Conklin (15.3 ppg), did. St. Louis now ranks 51st and 11th in offensive and defensive efficiency, respectively, heading into Atlantic 10 play.
No team has gone unbeaten in the regular season since UNLV in 1991, but the sharp-shooting Racers—who rank seventh nationally from behind the arc (42.6%) and 11th from the free throw line (76.7%)—are the sport's latest hope. Isaiah Canaan (19.3 ppg) and Murray State beat then No. 21 Memphis; in Ohio Valley play, the Racers will be favored in every game.
Only twice in its last seven games has the Crimson defense given up more than 52 points: in a 67--53 loss at then No. 9 UConn and an 80--70 win against Seattle. With a methodical offense, a Top 25 scalp (No. 20 Florida State) and athletes such as forward Kyle Casey (11.9 ppg, 5.6 rpg), Harvard enters conference play as the heavy, heavy favorite in the Ivy League.
A credible Final Four pick in the off-season, the Commodores lost to Cleveland State, Xavier, Louisville and Indiana State and generally sputtered down low without center Festus Ezeli (who's finally recovered from a right knee injury). Guard John Jenkins (20.1 ppg) and Vandy's offense (43rd in efficiency) is there; the defense (80th-most efficient) is lacking, once again.
It's hard to imagine a more dysfunctional start for a marquee program. Not only did the Bruins lose five of their first seven games, but coach Ben Howland also kicked his best player, forward Reeves Nelson, off the team because of conduct issues (e.g., feuding with teammates and coaches). Now forwards Travis Wear and his twin brother, David, must try to dig UCLA out of a deep hole.
Home losses to Presbyterian and Marshall were bad; the brawl that followed UC's 76--53 blowout loss to then No. 8 Xavier on Dec. 10 was even worse. The fight resulted in the Bearcats' imposing six-game suspensions on Yancy Gates (who slugged Muskeeters center Kenny Frease), Cheikh Mbodj and Octavius Ellis, which will make it even harder to get back on track.
FOLLOW @SIPabloTorre


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Posted on January 24, 2019 at 12:24am 0 Comments 0 Promotions
The appearance and traits of the bodies of angels, ghosts and deities show marked similarities and suggest that they are composed of the equal substance - magnetic plasma. Magnetic plasma, except producing electromagnetic fields, is a superb conductor of strength and radiator of electromagnetic waves.
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New York Times reporters and editors are highlighting great stories from around the web. You can receive What We're Reading by email, and let us know how you like it at email@example.com.
The Cut: The writer would have ended her pregnancy had she known genetic testing during her pregnancy showed that her son, Dudley, could be born with cystic fibrosis. How do you pursue a "wrongful birth" lawsuit about a medical mistake that would have prompted you to abort the child you have now? — Tara Parker-Pope, Well columnist
Bad, Good and Ugly
From The Paris Review: This thoughtful piece by author Claire Dederer grapples (interestingly but unsuccessfully) with the difficult problem of how to regard the art of monstrous men, from Woody Allen to Roman Polanski, V.S. Naipaul or Ezra Pound. It's a particularly timely discussion in 2017 when, as the author writes, "even the patriarchs were sick of the patriarchy." One arch suggestion: following the Bill Cosby trial while rewatching Woody Allen's "Manhattan." She ends with Martha Gellhorn's point of view, that monsters (like her lover Ernest Hemingway) redeem themselves through their art, rather than artists condemning themselves through their monstrosity. — Rod Nordland, international correspondent at large
Inside Job
From The New York Times: Who should run the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau? That was the question plaguing the agency and writers from the left, right and center early this week. And while columnists on the right pointed to legal arguments that supported Mick Mulvaney stepping into the interim leadership role, writers on the left bemoaned the Trump administration's attempt to destroy the bureau from within. — Anna Dubenko, senior digital strategist
Second Career
From Paste: Charles Manson's music-business ambitions and the ways of 1960s Tinseltown had a lot to do with the murders. — Jon Pareles, chief pop music critic
Into the Chasm
From National Geographic: Millions have seen the Grand Canyon, but many fewer have traveled the grueling length of it. Here, the adventure of a writer and photographer get the full digital treatment — an interactive map with photos, videos and just enough text to carry you along. — John Branch, sports reporter
The Dawn of Time
From YouTube: My high-school history teacher — are you out there, Mrs. Brickley? — instilled in her students an appreciation for "social history." It's hard to believe that this endlessly endearing video of a young kid unboxing a Nintendo console in 1988 now qualifies as such. Regardless, it's the best thing I've come across on the internet in recent weeks. — Stephen Hiltner, staff editor
Time Travel
From The Times archives: David Cassidy died last week at the age of 67, eliciting many memories of "The Partridge Family," the half-hour show about a musical family that ran from 1970-74. But how many people ever got to see him live back then? Our 1972 review of his show at Madison Square Garden forecast a new trend in pop, as he "moved around the Garden's massive stage like a wind‐up version of an updated Elvis Presley, gyrating his pelvis, leaping into the air in wide‐spreading splits and trying, with all his might, to project an image of writhing sensuality." — Andrea Kannapell, editor, What We're Reading


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The lantern festival is the last day of the ChineseNew Year celebration, This day is for the last moment for setting fireworks thelast excuse for eating a big feast and the last chance for family gettingtogether before the "Nian"celebrationare over.
EatingYuan Xiao, Yuan Xiao is the special food for the Lantern Festival it is a kindof sweet dumpling ,which is made with sticky rice flour filled with sweetstuffing ,it is very easy to cook ,simply dump them in a pot of boiling waterfor a few minutes.
Guessing Lantern Riddles, is an essential partof the festival Lantern owner write riddles on a piece of paper and post themon the canterns, if visitors have solution to lantern owners to check theiranswer if they are right they will get a little gift.
- SJBF Series Multi-station Bolt Cold Heading Machine
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- Wire Drawing Machine
- SJZ12 Series One die Two Punch Cold Heading Machine
- SJTR Series automatic Thread Rolling Machine
- SJNT Series automatic Nut Tapping Machine
- Other Auxiliary Equipments and Mold
- Steven
- Address:


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As our nation seeks solutions to improve the health care system, there's one goal we can agree on: The importance of making health care quality and cost information more accessible to all Illinois residents.
Providing health care prices to consumers, health care professionals and other stakeholders could reduce U.S. health care spending by more than $100 billion during the next decade, according to a 2014 report by the Gary and Mary West Health Policy Center.
That's in part because there are significant price variations for health care services and procedures at hospitals and doctors' offices, yet a study by Families U.S.A. concluded that higher-priced care providers don't necessarily deliver higher-quality care or better health outcomes. In Chicago, a knee MRI can cost from $650 to $2,409, and back surgery can range from $28,722 to $139,532.
Fortunately, there are many online and mobile resources that enable people to access health care quality and cost information, helping them comparison shop for health care as they would with other consumer products and services. People can call their health plan to discuss quality and cost transparency information, as well as talk with their health care professional about alternative treatment settings, including urgent care and telehealth options. Websites, such as www.uhc.com/transparency and www.guroo.com, can help enable access to market-average prices for numerous medical services.
As people take greater responsibility for their health care decisions and medical treatments costs, transparency resources are becoming important tools to help consumers access quality care and avoid surprise medical bills.
Colleen Van Ham
CEO of UnitedHealthcare of Illinois


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** ATTN INVESTORS** UNIT RENTED UNTIL NOVEMBER 2020! Gorgeous 1/1 AT BRICKELL HEIGHTS WEST. Washer Dryer in unit, window treatments, partially furnished with table and 4 chairs, sofa bed, 2 50smart TVs and wall mounts, wall mirror, Nespresso machine, and more! Modern floors throughout (No carpet!) Assn fee INCLUDES 10% OFF EQUINOX MEMBERSHIP, cable and internet! 2 min walk to Publix, City Centre, Metromover and more! Incredible amenities, unbeatable location! 2 pools incl rooftop with terrace and lounge area, kids room, game and study room, theater , conference and more!
|Elementary School
|Middle School
|High School
The data relating to real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the participating Associations of the Miami Multiple Listing Service. The MLS data provided for the property above (A10722811) is provided courtesy of (Keller Williams Elite Properties). The information being provided is for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Data last updated on 12-09-2019. IDX powered by Realty Net Media


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Location Details
County/City: King George
Subdivision: NONE
Oak Crest was established in 2001 and is a turnkey operation in close proximity to Rt 301 , a major artery connecting the Washington - Baltimore area with the Chesapeake Bay , Virginia Beach and points south . The winery / tasting room is surrounded by seating areas with luxuriant plantings that are perfect for outdoor special events . It has a fireplace , tasting bar and gift shop . The mature vineyard produces the fruit that goes into the estate wines poured in the tasting room . There is an optional 12 room house for $365,000 that sits on a wooded lot at the back of the property, which has a master bedroom suite with a Jacuzzi and walk in closet . The house has ceiling fans , a fireplace and a solid oak 8\' spiral staircase .
Property Details
Property Type: Detached
Acreage: 14.4
Taxes: $4904 as of 2017
Year Built: 1990
Garage: No
Exterior Details
Interior Details
Sq. Ft. Finished: 3000 Sq.Ft. Unfinished: 0
Bedrooms: 1
Full Baths: 1 Half Baths: 0
Basement: Yes
Cooling: Central Heat
Heating: Central AC,Heat Pump
School Details
Elementary School: King George
Middle School: King George
High School: King George
Notice: The seller's firm represents the seller's best interest and it is their legal duty to obtain the highest price and best terms for their client, the seller. As Buyer's Agents, we represent the interest of the buyer and through our agreement with the Charlottesville MLS, we are compensated by the seller.
Copyright 2004-2017 Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors. All rights reserved. Information deemed to be reliable but not guaranteed. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the IDX Program of Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors. Listing broker has attempted to offer accurate data, but buyers are advised to confirm all items. Any use of search facilities of data on this site other than by a consumer interested in the purchase of real estate, is prohibited.


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I can undo what I've done and it will be back to EL34 specs, true. I did have a blown EL34, but I also have a pile of spare EL34s. The amp worked fine with EL34s.
All of my actual meaningful measurements have been without the limiter in place. Amp plugged straight into the wall and on a dummy load.
True, the 6550s are questionable and might be bad. I don't have a tube tester.
I'm trying to be as systematic and logical as I can. I'm trying to give the best info and implement the responses the best I can. Again, I am a novice. I have a rudimentary understanding of what's going on but I can read a schematic and take readings. I have successfully built, modified, and maintained amps before. I'm no expert, but I'm not totally green either. I'm like...green-ish.This thread is wandering all over the place. I think we all need to slow down and carefully execute some concise and understood measurements with known parameters, then allow time for responses and follow up questions before moving ahead at each step.
I agree. I'm also questioning the tubes, for now. Sadly this is the only set of 6550s I have and honestly I'd rather just put it back to EL34s and have it work than order another set of 6550s. Also, this is a 100 watt amp. Four 6550s.My guess is that one or both of the 6550's is questionable. and it's been missed in the jumpy tests. (Was the limiter there when BOTH sockets were tested? Only one of them? Are you sure? did you move ahead with anything and now aren't sure what your actual test conditions were?) And anyway, "I" also wouldn't adjust the amp for an anomalous set of tubes and call it good because I would always question those tubes. That's like adjusting your car's suspension for strangely wrong sized tires when the right tires are available.


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un merci petit
thank you ever so sweethearted little fellow fashion sewer.
i am not too sure if they are two awards or one....
so i therefore give both to,
the place i go for beauty and fantastically whimsical images and pure poetic loveliness, my jess.
the corner i go to for sweet and photographically stunning beauts, kisses and cross stitches.
the secret garden i go to for nature and beautiful leafy surroundings and floral beauty and candid snaps of my lovely kent, efflorescence.
9 comments:
Congratulations on the awards! You deserve them<33ReplyDelete
Wow I didn't knew those blogs yet, but they're simply amazing! Thank you for introducing them to me :)ReplyDelete
You are most welcome- your blog is so wonderfully wonderful (and yes, I think the two pictures count as one award- that's what it seemed like to me!) xxReplyDelete
oh thankyou so much lovely! I'm going to check out the other two blogs now. Love the pictures in the above post, the flowers are so sweet! xxx <3ReplyDelete
Congratulations! Congratulations! Congratulations! Well-deserved, to be sure! :)ReplyDelete
- Anonymous16 July 2009 at 22:05
Congrats! You completely deserve those awards. :DReplyDelete
congrats on your awards! your amazing blog totally deserves them !!!ReplyDelete
congratulations, lottie! you completely deserve these. :]ReplyDelete
xoxo sprinkle
ps-i miss you, girlie. get on msn soon? we haven't talked in forever!
ohh thankyou ever so much for featuring my blog. :) and snap on the pink dolly shoes in your above post! hehe xReplyDelete


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Watch Chris Matthews get rude, abrasive and hostile when the topic is a New Hampshire Town Hall meeting.
In New Hampshire not only is open carry completely legal, but many people (open) carry at Legislative Hearings and in the Gallery when the Legislature is in session.
While William Kostric is not the polished TV talking head to which viewers are accustomed he is extremely self possessed and probably too cogent to suit Matthews (whose resignation is apparent in his voice at the end of the interview.)
Descriptive Excerpt:
"You're Carrying A God Damned Gun At A Presidential Event," Matthews says to protester William Kostric, appearing on "Hardball" to explain why he carried a gun to a health care town hall in Portsmouth, New Hampshire hosted by President Obama. He said he wanted "to be heard" and wanted everyone to be aware of the rights we are losing.
Matthews chides Kostric for bringing a loaded gun to an event where the President would be. "A firearm is a defensive tool," Kostric says. "Who would be silly enough to carry an unarmed firearm?" It is legal to carry guns in New Hampshire.


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Miguel Almiron wage demands 'stumbling block for suitors Newcastle'
Atlanta United star Miguel Almiron is in danger of pricing himself out of a move to Newcastle.
The 24-year-old Paraguay playmaker has been identified as a key January transfer target by Rafael Benitez and his recruitment team, who have been attempting to put a deal in place for some time.
However, Press Association Sport understands the player's wage demands, which amount to in excess of £100,000 a week, and agent fees are major stumbling blocks.
Indeed, sources on Tyneside have described the figures involved as "astronomical", with the gap between what the Almiron camp wants and what the Magpies are prepared to pay a significant distance apart.
Atlanta president Darren Eales has insisted he would only consider selling the player if the proposed fee "starts with a three" and even if he meant US dollars, that would represent a significant upgrade on Newcastle's current record, the £16million they spent on striker Michael Owen back in August 2005.
Reports have suggested £25m might be needed to land the player, but even if the Magpies were prepared to pay that much – and that is a big if given the current uncertainty over the club's ownership – the wage packet and his agent's fee could yet scupper the deal.
Benitez, who has to date resisted overtures to sign a contract extension, is well aware of the financial restrictions at St James' Park having spent the last three seasons being largely frustrated in his efforts to persuade owner Mike Ashley to fund his long-term plans.
However, he was left well short of what he wanted during the summer and has seen his side struggle during the first half of the new Premier League campaign – they currently sit just two points clear of the relegation zone – and he knows this month could prove crucial to his hopes of completing a second successful survival mission.
The Spaniard presented managing director Lee Charnley with a list of targets in December and is now keeping his fingers crossed, as hopes that early progress could be made start to recede.
As ever under Ashley, he will be asked to make a case for each potential signing and with no sign of a proposed takeover being completed any time soon, a decision will be taken on whether or not the transfer is viable on financial, as well as football, grounds.
It is understood any investment sanctioned this month could have a knock-on effect for the price of the club, with prospective buyers currently trying to assemble the £300m asking price and facing the prospect of having to dig a little deeper if they leave it any longer.News Now - Sport News


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Why this story matters:
"Thank you" -- these are two words which the care service workers at East Tallinn Central Hospital's Nursing and Support Clinic (Support Clinic in short) seldom hear. At least not from their patients' relatives.
The families mainly complain.
"Why are you giving my mother painkillers? She's not in pain."
"Why did my mother die? She was fine in the summer!"
..are just a few examples of what a health care worker interviewed by Eesti Ekspress (article below), is used to hearing.
There are five follow-up treatment clinics like this one in the capital of Estonia, Tallinn. These are the very few facilities most Estonians need to turn to in order to get care for their elderly relatives, for lack of other affordable options. One day here costs around 10 euros and the rest is covered by the Public Health Insurance Fund.
The only problem is that those centers are not meant to be nursing homes and most people seem to ignore that.
The clinics have a very different purpose -- they are follow-up treatment centers for the patients of public hospitals. The idea is that, during their recovery, they should get a bit of extra care at the Support Clinic and then leave. The maximum stay is 60 days.
However, often relatives don't pick up their parents after this period or the clinic simply cannot reach them. So the staff ends up taking care of people who don't actually belong there. And they already are swamped with work.
Most of those patients live out the rest of their life in the care center.
On the other hand, you can also understand the relatives who have no other option. Where can they place their parents suffering from dementia, if the queues for the public nursing homes are two to three years long?
Private nursing homes don't accept people with dementia, since they need more specific care. Quitting work to take care of your loved one is also not an option for most people. So they are looking for loopholes in the system.
For instance, they call an ambulance and ask their elderly relative to be taken to a hospital. From there, the patients are sent to the follow-up treatment center where they spend 60 days. After that period, the relatives call the ambulance again and the cycle continues.
It's a messy, expensive system, and blameless health care workers are stuck in the middle of it all -- between the government's inability to tackle the problem and angry, desperate relatives.
Details from the story:
- At the beginning of December, the World Health Organization warned that the number of people suffering from dementia will triple in the next 30 years, reaching 152 million by 2050.
- Estonia does not have a good system to accommodate the growing need for care and support services.
- A lot of tension is put on the care workers, who look after patients that often shouldn't even be in the care center.
- Most people, who end up at a care center, die there.
- There are five care centers in Tallinn for the so-called follow-up treatment of patients in need of extra care after hospitalization. Two other facilities are located near Tallinn. They offer care, nursing, hospice and boarding services.
- One day at the public care center costs 96 euros. The government covers 85.15 euros and the rest -- 10.17 -- is paid by the patient or the relatives.
- Sometimes relatives simply refuse to pay or they cannot be reached.


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