Life Spot

November 4, 2012

Android or iPhone: Five questions to help you decide

Have you ever said? "I’m thinking about an Android or an iPhone. Which one?”

What seems like a simple answer is really a complex situation. Both platforms are nearly indistinguishable from one another in average, day-to-day use. Sure, there may be some features like Siri or Google’s navigation that could sway a user one way or another, but for most users, their actual experience won’t differ much.

So, what guidelines can you use to help someone pick a phone that won’t have them coming back complaining that you steered them in the wrong direction? These points are usually where I start:

1: Are you invested in Google environments already?

Are you using Gmail, Google Docs, and/or Google as a single authentication point for other sites that support it? If you’ve already bought into Google solutions in your daily PC use, then Android is probably going to be a more seamless experience. It’s not that the iOS Google experience is limited, but it just makes sense if you’ve put all your eggs into the Google basket, that a phone designed around Android will deliver a more rewarding experience than one built by their competition.

2: Are you a Windows or Mac user?

Do you like the “empowerment” of the Windows experience, or do you prefer the carefully curated Macintosh environment? If you like to tinker, explore, and get into the depths of your device, Android might be your best choice. If you want a no-hassle appliance, you’ll probably prefer iOS. Apple Macintosh owners might find the iPhone iOS experience more comfortable, familiar, and well-integrated with the rest of their digital life.

3: Do most of your friends have iPhones and other iOS devices, or do they have Android smartphones?

Dropbox, Evernote, Bump, and even Words with Friends don’t care if you’re on a phone or tablet, Android or iOS. But each platform has unique differentiators. If all your friends use Facetime, you’re going to be left out if you pick up a 4G LTE Android device.

4: Do you plan on using this device as a BYOD on your corporate network to access company email or other resources?

If so, the decision may already be made for you. Make sure to check with your IT team to see if they have policies on which devices are supported.

5: What is your experience with spam, viruses, and malware?

If you’re the kind of person who constantly finds themselves turning to your local IT guru to fix your infected machine, the odds are that the same things are going to affect you in the smartphone world. In that case, you’re probably better of with an iOS device. There’s no doubt that iOS limits your freedom, but part of this is actually driven by a real “Apple Knows Best” mentality that seems to work.

If you’ve given up on Windows because of constant malware infections and you love your new Mac because it has never let you down, don’t go Android. If you’ve learned not to click on that “must see” video on Facebook or that email from the IRS or the European Lottery, and if you’ve never sent your personal account information to a Nigerian prince, then you’ll probably do fine with Android.

A great illustration of the difference between iOS and Android are the way apps are delivered to each device. On iOS, your only official option is the App Store. This is the perfect example of the double-edged sword of Apple’s approach. The benefit is that Apple inspects and approves every app in their store. The downside is that Apple controls and approves every application in their store. They can, and have, rejected apps for any reason — and when they do, there’s little recourse for Apple users.

Android, on the other hand, has a market where there isn’t any real inspection process, which makes it a buyer beware free-for-all. The end user is accountable for the security of their device. If the official Android Market (recently upgraded to the Google Play Store) isn’t enough for you, there are about a half-dozen other markets that you can download apps from, as well as the ability to download apps directly via a PC or your phone and side-load them onto your device — all without any risky jail-breaking or rooting of your device. This makes it very difficult for anyone to limit what apps are available.

With Android, I also have access to the file system, so I’m able to create a Kindle document in Calibre and send it via email, download the attachment, and then copy it in the file structure on my Android device to the Kindle directory. Kindle automatically adds the new book when I load the app.

On an iPhone, I have to email the document to my Amazon account from Calibre. I then log onto my Kindle page on Amazon, select the document, and select Deliver To My iOS device from a pull-down menu. It isn’t that you can’t do all of the same things, but in some cases, the simplicity of iOS can make things a little more difficult. Each of these are examples of “power use” though, where I’m pushing beyond the “appliance-like” mobile experience. Many users would never try these things. However, for people who want to push the limits, iOS can be a stifling experience.

Ultimately, the decision to go with one platform or the other no longer strongly hinges on which carrier you’re most comfortable with, and that opens the gates to more difficult decisions for the smartphone buyer. I generally say I can’t really make a recommendation one way or the other, that both platforms have strengths and weaknesses, and it mostly comes down to personal preference. However, asking the five questions above can help narrow the field for most prospective buyers — and that’s a good place to start.

Of course, these are just a few considerations. How do you help guide buyers to their best smartphone purchase? Share your experience in the discussion thread below.

November 3, 2012

The history of when Daylight Savings Time was adopted in the US.

Daylight Saving Time has been used in the U.S. & in many

European countries since World War I.

Early adoption in law:

At that time, in an effort to conserve fuel needed to produce electric power, Germany and Austria took time by the forelock, and began saving daylight at 11:00 p.m. on April 30, 1916, by advancing the hands of the clock one hour until the following October. Other countries immediately adopted this 1916 action: Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Turkey, and Tasmania. Nova Scotia and Manitoba adopted it as well, with Britain following suit three weeks later, on May 21, 1916. In 1917, Australia and Newfoundland began saving daylight.

The plan was not formally adopted in the U.S. until 1918. 'An Act to preserve daylight and provide standard time for the United States' was enacted on March 19, 1918. [See law]It both established standard time zones and set summer DST to begin on March 31, 1918. Daylight Saving Time was observed for seven months in 1918 and 1919. After the War ended, the law proved so unpopular (mostly because people rose earlier and went to bed earlier than people do today) that it was repealed in 1919 with a Congressional override of President Wilson's veto. Daylight Saving Time became a local option, and was continued in a few states, such as Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and in some cities, such as New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago.

During World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt instituted year-round Daylight Saving Time, called "War Time," from February 9, 1942 to September 30, 1945. [See law] From 1945 to 1966, there was no federal law regarding Daylight Saving Time, so states and localities were free to choose whether or not to observe Daylight Saving Time and could choose when it began and ended. This understandably caused confusion, especially for the broadcasting industry, as well as for railways, airlines, and bus companies. Because of the different local customs and laws, radio and TV stations and the transportation companies had to publish new schedules every time a state or town began or ended Daylight Saving Time.

On January 4, 1974, President Nixon signed into law the Emergency Daylight Saving Time Energy Conservation Act of 1973. Then, beginning on January 6, 1974, implementing the Daylight Saving Time Energy Act, clocks were set ahead. On October 5, 1974, Congress amended the Act, and Standard Time returned on October 27, 1974. Daylight Saving Time resumed on February 23, 1975 and ended on October 26, 1975.

Inconsistent use in the U.S.:

In the early 1960s, observance of Daylight Saving Time was quite inconsistent, with a hodgepodge of time observances, and no agreement about when to change clocks. The Interstate Commerce Commission, the nation's timekeeper, was immobilized, and the matter remained deadlocked. Many business interests were supportive of standardization, although it became a bitter fight between the indoor and outdoor theater industries. The farmers, however, were opposed to such uniformity. State and local governments were a mixed bag, depending on local conditions.

Efforts at standardization were encouraged by a transportation industry organization, the Committee for Time Uniformity. They surveyed the entire nation, through questioning telephone operators as to local time observances, and found the situation was quite confusing. Next, the Committee's goal was a strong supportive story on the front page of the New York Times. Having rallied the general public's support, the Time Uniformity Committee's goal was accomplished, but only after discovering and disclosing that on the 35-mile stretch of highway (Route 2) between Moundsville, W.V., and Steubenville, Ohio, every bus driver and his passengers had to endure seven time changes!

The Uniform Time Act:

By 1966, some 100 million Americans were observing Daylight Saving Time based on their local laws and customs. Congress decided to step in and end the confusion, and to establish one pattern across the country. The Uniform Time Act of 1966 (15 U.S. Code Section 260a) [see law], signed into Public Law 89-387 on April 12, 1966, by President Lyndon Johnson, created Daylight Saving Time to begin on the last Sunday of April and to end on the last Sunday of October. Any State that wanted to be exempt from Daylight Saving Time could do so by passing a state law.

The Uniform Time Act of 1966 established a system of uniform (within each time zone) Daylight Saving Time throughout the U.S. and its possessions, exempting only those states in which the legislatures voted to keep the entire state on standard time.

In 1972, Congress revised the law to provide that, if a state was in two or more time zones, the state could exempt the part of the state that was in one time zone while providing that the part of the state in a different time zone would observe Daylight Saving Time. The Federal law was amended in 1986 to begin Daylight Saving Time on the first Sunday in April.

Under legislation enacted in 1986, Daylight Saving Time in the U.S. began at 2:00 a.m. on the first Sunday of April and ended at 2:00 a.m. on the last Sunday of October.

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 extended Daylight Saving Time in the U.S. beginning in 2007, though Congress retained the right to revert to the 1986 law should the change prove unpopular or if energy savings are not significant. Going from 2007 forward, Daylight Saving Time in the U.S. begins at 2:00 a.m. on the second Sunday of March and ends at 2:00 a.m. on the first Sunday of November

In most of the countries of Western Europe, including the countries that are members of the EU, Daylight Saving Time:

Begins at 1:00 a.m. GMT on the last Sunday of March &
Ends at 1:00 a.m. GMT on the last Sunday of October

Source: http://www.webexhibits.org/daylightsaving/e.html

November 1, 2012

Thank a Caregiver Week

Thank a Caregiver Week, Nov. 4-10, Sponsored by National Parkinson Foundation.

The National Parkinson Foundation (NPF) has announced that, as part of observing National Family Caregivers Month in November, it will for the first time sponsor Thank a Caregiver Week during the week of November 4 through 10, 2012.

“Caring for someone with Parkinson’s is a 24/7 job — one that often receives little recognition. No matter where you’re from or what language you speak, these men and women are heroes, worthy of our love, respect and unwavering support,” NPF states on its webpage dedicated to Thank a Caregiver Week.

The purpose of Thank a Caregiver Week is to recognize, honor and provide some respite to those dedicated family caregivers in your life or whom you may know.

The National Parkinson Foundation (NPF) offers the following suggestions on how you can honor and thank a family caregiver in your life during Thank a Caregiver Week:

“Pick a time during November 4-10 to celebrate. It can be any day of the week or time that works best.

Find someone who can volunteer to help with caregiving duties so the caregiver can have a break.

Plan an activity for the caregiver to enjoy during their time off.

Share your story and photos to pay tribute to the amazing caregiver in your life! NPF will help you honor caregivers through a special online tribute page dedicated to Thank a Caregiver Week.”

NPF states, “We’ll display your photo and story online and on NPF’s Facebook page during the month of November. You will also be entered into a raffle to win a “Beat Parkinson’s” wristband and NPF lapel pin!”

More Information

For more information about Thank a Caregiver Week or about Parkinson’s Disease, see the website of the National Parkinson Foundation.

For more information about Parkinson’s Disease, see the HelpingYouCare^® resource pages on Parkinson’s Disease, including:

For more on the stressful and growing duties of family caregivers as our population ages, the HelpingYouCare^®resource pages on:

The Expanding Role of Family Caregivers

Caregiver Self-Care, Stress Management & Survival Tips

http://www.helpingyoucare.com/22670/thank-a-caregiver-week-nov-4-10-sponsored-by-national-parkinson-foundation

http://www.parkinson.org/Community/Events/Thank-a-Caregiver-Week

October 31, 2012

Six Ways Crystal can Change your Life!

Crystals can impact your life in many ways.

We use crystals in computers and clocks but they can be very helpful in our personal lives. There are six main areas in which crystals can change your life for the better. Crystals are healing and can work to restore our cells and organs to their optimum functioning levels. Red stones such as Jasper and Bloodstone can help with blood disorders. Orange and yellow stones such as Citrine, Amber and Carnelian can help with stomach issues.

Green crystals such as Green Aventurine and Peridot are always healing and will work to help your cells grow in health.

Light Blue stones like Blue Lace Agate and Blue Chalcedony heal throat issues. Headaches are helped by Amethyst. Unikite helps woman trying to get pregnant. Blue Chalcedony helps new moms. All of these stones will link in and align with your energy especially when worn continually.

Crystals can help increase your abundance. If you need to attract money to you, carry Green Aventurine and Citrine with you. Placing a Pyrite in your wallet assures it has money in it. If you have a hard time holding on to money, wearing Citrine will help you be more frugal. If you own your own business, you should keep a Citrine in your cash register because it assures more money coming in than leaving. Green Aventurine should be worn or carried for good luck. A gem tree helps remind you that good luck and fortune are within your reach.

There are many crystals that can increase your romantic life. In general, any pink stone will enhance your romantic energy. If you’re single, place two Rose quartz crystals by your bedside to assure that love will find you. If you’re in a relationship, place an Amethyst cluster next to a Citrine cluster. Cluster shaped crystals assure that we all get along. The Citrine increases our confidence in the relationship, and the Amethyst makes us feel more agreeable and loving toward each other. Wearing Watermelon Tourmaline helps you feel worthy of a great relationship. Pink Calcite calms emotions in a heated relationship. Rose Quartz or Garnet placed under the bed can help increase the romance and passion.

If you’re feeling stuck in your career, place a large piece of Garnet on your desk to reignite your passion for your work. Cluster crystals help groups to get along. Clear Quartz crystal clusters help to energize a team. If you’re working toward a project and getting blocked at each turn, buy a Bloodstone paperweight for your desk. Bloodstone is known to remove obstacles that stand in the way of our success. Serpentine can help you deal with changes such as a layoff, new job or promotion. A Jade plant covered with green stones (for money) and red stones (for hard work and passion) will help draw more money, clients and positive work to you and your company.

Many times an inability to forgive ourselves or others can impede our process in life. Crystals can help to break down barriers to forgiveness such as anger, resentment and sadness. Rhodonite with its lovely pink and black marbling helps us to embrace the sad or angry situation and release it with love. Rhodocrosite with its bands of pink and white ribbons helps awaken our heart to surrender and letting go. Smithsonite helps to heal a painful childhood. Malachite helps us release trauma. Try working with these crystals by holding them inmeditation. Imagine the person you’re trying to forgive. Picture handing them the crystal as a symbol of forgiveness and see it turning into a bird and flying away.

Crystals work tirelessly to remove blockages of self-doubt and fear so we can embrace our intuitive self. The best crystals to wear or carry to increase your intuition include Labradorite, Moonstone, Apopyhyllite. Moonstone helps you to accept your psychic abilities. Apatite, Azzurite, and Shattuckite help you develop your intuition. Unikite will help keep you grounded while you’re opening to your intuition. We are all intuitive.

Each of us possesses a still, small voice that acts as our internal compass. Wearing, meditating with or carrying crystals helps us get in touch with this essential part of who we are.

For more information, visit www.thecrystalchick.com .