Business: Investments – Silver Bullion
Silver as a whole is currently down although yesterday as shown above has slightly risen by .026. It’s still majorly down making it a great investment! Silver bars are the best way to go as they are pure. If you are not lucky enough to have old coins that are pure silver, the bars are the way to go as they are compact and easily stacked stored in a safe.
If you look at the price of silver over the past few years, in 2011 it was 35.12 an ounce and it is currently 16.55
That’s a profit of 18.57 an ounce that’s more than double your initial investment! Precious metals unlike stocks can only go up or down! There is no threat of them going out of business and losing your initial investment. The name of the game is buy low and sell high! Well; Silver is at a low! So it’s time to buy!
Don’t forget to thank me when you double your money! Don’t let it just sit in the bank making .02 cents interest! While the bank uses the money for their own profit!
Silver will always be Silver and Gold will always be Gold. However; Gold is a little high right now over $1,000 an ounce and if not purchased through a reputable source, may be counterfeit and filled with a tungsten core. Silver is currently the wiser choice.
If the World as we know it was to end today, and we are left with a post apocalyptic mess! All stocks and bonds would be worthless! The banks would be empty and he who hoarded the Gold and Silver would rule the world! Provided you also have the guns and ammo to protect your hoard!
Find a strong neighbor let him in on your plan and start prepping for the worst and as a team you should survive! Ps see my prepping posts on bugout bags and other survival tools here on this site!
A couple new posts coming for you preppers: couponing and jarring food!
Attractions: Union Square NYC Farmer’s Market
Union Square in Manhattan has a year round Farmers Market. Yes; you heard it correctly! Year round! In the dead of winter they are still there freezing their butts off to bring you farm fresh products! They have a huge selection of products from bee pollen and honey to edible flowers! Yes edible flowers! They have all kinds of cheese, meats, and fish as well!
Whatever your wants and needs, chances are you will find it here!
Gadgets: Noontec Cubee 10000mAh
Noontec Cubee 10000mAh Portable Charger Dual USB External Battery Power Pack for iPhone 5S, 5C, 5, 4S, iPad Air, mini, Galaxy S5, S4, S3, Note 3, Nexus 4, HTC One, One 2 (M8), Motorola Droid, Moto X, PS Vita, most Smartphones, Tablets and other USB-charged devices
Noontec Cubee 10000mAh Portable Charger Dual USB External Battery Power Pack for iPhone 5S, 5C, 5, 4S, iPad Air, mini, Galaxy S5, S4, S3, Note 3, Nexus 4, HTC One, One 2 (M8), Motorola Droid, Moto X, PS Vita, most Smartphones, Tablets and other USB-charged devices
DESCRIPTION:
Battery capacity：10000mAh.
Voltage input : 5V/1.0A
Voltage output : 5V/2.1A
Available colors: Black / white
Product Dimension：111*74*22mm
weight: 290g
High efficiency, eco – friendly and fairly safe,
Up to 2.1A output current.
Simple and fashion design
In the box: Cubee mobile power bank; User Guide; 1 Micro USB cable
FEATURES:
MFI approval
Big capacity with small body size
High transfer effeciency
Easy to use
Simple & fashion design
-noontecusa.com
This battery is awesome especially for anyone that commutes via mass transit or works on a job-site with no access to power!
I have already charged my iPhone 5 multiple times and I have 3 of 4 power indicator lights on the unit.
If you fit the description above or are just constantly on the go, this is a must! And at that Groupon price it was a no-brainer!
Check out the Noontec Cubee! You won’t be disappointed!
**Update** July 28th 2014
This is awesome I can charge my phone from zero battery 4 times and moderately low, 6-7 times! I love this battery!
Product Review: Part One Ion Bracelet Challenge – Dr. Ion balance your Chi and Balance your life! *
What are negative ions (or anions)?
More correctly or precisely speaking, negative ions are NEGATIVE-CHARGED ions and are oxygen atoms with an extra electron created in nature with air molecules broken apart from sunlight, radiation, and moving air or water. They can help you feel better. Negative ions are also called anions and the opposite ions are called cations (i.e. positive ions).
An article from Journal of Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine (August 1982, p. 822-823) states on negative ions as follows: “…Negative ion exposure appeared associated with feeling better about self, less sensitive, and more responsive or innervated (energized).”
Negative ions are odorless, tasteless, and invisible molecules that we inhale in abundance in certain environments. Think mountains, waterfalls and beaches. Once they reach our bloodstream, negative ions are believed to produce biochemical reactions that increase levels of the mood chemical serotonin, helping to alleviate depression, relieve stress, and boost our daytime energy.
How Negative Ions Affect the Human Body
Dr. Robert O. Baker, pioneering researcher and author of the book, The Body Electric and Cross Currents, has established that energy system within our bodies consists of two forces, magnetism and electricity, with the electricity component consisting of low-frequency direct direct-current (DC) electric field. This electromagnetic energy system is affected by the earth’s natural electromagnetic environment, which is normally relatively quiet, with minor rhythmic variations, but which experiences great increase in an electromagnetic charged environment.
Numerous studies have established the effect of the negative charged ion environment on the human body. The negative charged environment has stimulated the body’s own healing mechanism in the case of stress and specific physical problems.
A recent study by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) found that ionizing a room led to 52% less dust in the air and 95% less bacteria in the air since many of the pollutants found in the air reside on floating dust particles. The USDA also performed another study to test the effectiveness of negative ionization at removing airborne Salmonella Enteritidis. The negative ions drastically reduced the airborne Salmonella particles, prompting the following statement from the USDA:
“These results indicate that negative air ionization can have a significant impact on the airborne microbial load in a poultry house and at least a portion of this effect is through direct killing of the organisms.”
The Agricultural Research Service of the USDA tested the effectiveness of ionizers from removing dust in a poultry hatchery. The dust level is very high in such environment. In this study, the use of an ionizer resulted in dust removal efficiencies that averaged between 81.1 ~ 92.2%. The airborne transmission of Salmonella (to the eggs) was also significantly reduced as a result.
Negative ions increase the flow of oxygen in the bloodstream and to the brain, resulting in higher alertness, more mental energy and reduced drowsiness. Negative ions also support the regulation of a healthy metabolism that will increase vitality of the body.
Negative ions improve power and strength in human body, gives body energy and refreshment, enhance performance in sports activities (such as swings and hitting distances in golf), increase flexibility, help recover more quickly from tiredness and fatigue, relieve stresses, help reduce pains/aches and asthma, prevent snoring and sleep disorders (such as insomnia) and thus promote a better sleep, and do much more.
Negative ions contained in (or emitted from) negative ion products, such as wristbands (or bracelets) and necklaces, are obtained from special natural stones or ores that contain rare earth elements (REEs) or rare earth metals (REMs), as defined by IUPAC, which are a set of seventeen chemical elements in the periodic table. Negative ion products are made by molding powdered REEs (or REMs) with high grade silicone that is often used as material on human surgical equipment.
How do they work?
Dr-ion wristbands and necklaces use Yin-Yang therapy and what is known as the “auto-induction principle”. The Yin-Yang ideal works by giving off specific alternating electrical currents (like your wrist). The currents are composed through different interactions between positive and negative ions. Positive and negative ions are found everywhere — from the air, to the ground, and in our bodies. In salts, such as common table salt or sodium chloride (NaCl), the molecules are connected with ionic bonds.
Once the bond is broken (may it be through water, wind, or some other outside force), the salt forms cations and anions. Cations are positively charged ions, and anions are negatively charged ions. These two different types of ions circulate throughout our bodies and serve as everything from the constituents of our pH level to chemical signals for proteins.
Through the auto-induction principle, the bracelet or necklace absorbs the static electricity given off by the body in order to seek balance between these ions. Pain is caused by an imbalance when organs or tissues lose some of their energy.
As energy is given off, it may fall within the bracelet’s or necklace’s range of frequency; then the bracelet or necklace will give off an opposite form of energy. This process returns the organ’s or tissue’s energy to its original state, thus negating the pain.
–dr-ionusa.com
Can Ion Wristbands Really Improve Health?
BY CAROL TANG
Ion wristbands may boost energy and balance, its makers said. Some scientists are not so sure.
Colorful wristbands in jelly-textured silicone are being sold with claims that they boost strength and the immune system by harnessing the power of negative ions. Dr. Robert Rougeau, a chiropractor in Louisiana, was on vacation with his wife in Las Vegas when he first saw these negative ion bracelets in a mall. He slipped one on, he says, and immediately experienced results.
“I felt stronger,” Rougeau continues. “It was enough of a response that I was intrigued.” Now he sells ion wristbands in his office to his patients. Rougeau orders about 30 new bracelets each month from a manufacturer called LifeStrength.
“Because most of us work in cities and carry cellphones, these are things that destroy naturally occurring negative air ions,” says Joshua Taylor, LifeStrength’s director of marketing. “Our products counteract that.”
Ion bracelets are a growing industry, with a number of companies entering the business in the last decade, garnering millions of dollars in profits. Thousands of people across the world wear them and boast of their effectiveness. They have the allure of athleticism, too: Think Lance Armstrong’s canary Livestrong bracelet saturated with a heaping of secret minerals and an average retail price of $30 each.
But some doctors said there is no scientific proof that these wristbands work. Regulators and customers have moved against their manufacturers. One major ion bracelet company recently filed for bankruptcy.
California-based Power Balance had an ample celebrity following. Their wristbands were worn by rapper P. Diddy, soccer star David Beckham and Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton. Those tacit endorsements weren’t enough to keep the company afloat: Power Balance filed for bankruptcy in November after settling a class-action lawsuit with disgruntled customers for $54 million.
The company issued a corrective advertisement in Australia, stating, “We admit that there is no credible scientific evidence that supports our claims and therefore we engaged in misleading conduct.”
Taylor says LifeStrength’s products — including ion watches, necklaces, key chains and bracelets that come in 16 colors and five sizes — are different.
“We want to create something that has some kind of scientific backing to it,” Taylor says. He said LifeStrength did not do a clinical study but did do research, which he declined to disclose.
Instead, to provide evidence of his products’ effectiveness, Taylor picks up a silver handheld device with a display screen, three buttons, a cylinder on the back, and the words “ION TESTER” in bold — designed to test the presence of negative ions in jewelry.
Taylor first tests a Power Balance wristband. He waited a few seconds for the device to register a measurement. A tiny light flickers. The screen displays 21 negative ions per cubic centimeter. He repeats the test, this time with a LifeStrength bracelet. The light, now beaming, reads 1,545 negative ions per cubic centimeter, a 7,257 percent increase.
So what exactly is a negative ion, and what makes it so beneficial? An ion is an atom that has either lost or gained an electron. When an atom loses an electron, it becomes a positive ion. When it gains one, it becomes a negative ion. Negative ions are good for the body, according to a study by the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences at Liverpool John Moores University. Researchers there measured the heart rate, respiratory rate and body temperature of male subjects and found that exposing them to negative ions contributed to better balance.
It has not been proven that the negative ions in ion bracelets impart those same benefits, nor that they counter positive ions generated by pollution and electronics. Some physicians caution that the energy boost wearers experience is the placebo effect — not an actual improvement but a perceived one. Dr. Robert L. Bratton, who practices family medicine in Kentucky, and a team of doctors conducted a trial on 610 patients and had half of them wear an ionized bracelet and the other a placebo for one month.
“Analysis of the data showed significant improvement in pain scores in both groups, but no differences were observed between the group wearing the placebo bracelet and the group wearing the ionized bracelet,” according to the study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings. The study concluded that there was no benefit in wearing an ion bracelet over a regular rubber one to help muscle and joint pain.
“It just sounds like snake oil to me,” says Dr. Gilbert Ross, the medical director of the American Council on Science and Health. Dr. Perry A. Pugno, vice president for education at the American Academy of Family Physicians, is also skeptical.
“I can tell you categorically that those are nothing more than a scam,” Pugno says. “Neither physiology nor physics is applicable here.”
The lack of scientific proof hasn’t diminished the bracelets’ appeal. Energy Armor, another ion wristband company that started in Jacksonville, Fla., has expanded to more than 15 countries including Saudi Arabia, Egypt and China.
“We believe that this is something that will be around for a long time,” says Donavin Warren, vice president of international development at Energy Armor. Warren, like his peers at LifeStrength, asserted that his company is not making any false claims. Energy Armor knows what the wristbands have done for its wearers, he continued, and the proof is in their positive reviews.
“We don’t know what it will do for you,” he says, adding that some people may experience better sleep while others may feel stronger. The makers of ion bracelets are betting that you just might have to try one on to find out.
-columbianewsservice.com
Stay tuned for my review!
Before you write this off as junk lets take a look at a comparison:
My new Dr. Ion
**Update** March 15th 2014
Dr. Ion also makes other products:
I have bad knee pain my it band was tight and the inside of my knee cap was sore on the inner head of my quad and I used the rumble roller and now it’s bruised. I put sports cream on it and I took Aleve and Curamed the last 2 days and I remembered I had Dr. Ion Stickers that you put around the injury, they last for 3 days and it can’t hurt so wtf! Lets try it!
Stay tuned!
These stickers are crazy!!!
Now; there’s going to be people saying it doesn’t work it’s all in your head. That’s ok if it works then it works, but I now have concrete proof that this technology works!
Ok if you read above I told you my knee hurt to the touch on the right side, and now it doesn’t. I know you are going to say, placebo effect. Ok fine! But that’s not the proof I was talking about! Remember above I said the inner head of my quad was bruised yesterday? Well I put the stickers all around and directly in the center of the bruise in the picture above and now a day later the bruise is gone!!!!! I have another bruise on my opposite leg and that was is still there a week later! So how did this bruise disappear in a day as opposed to the average week healing?
Dr. Ion stickers that’s how!
Bruise above and gone below!
Dr Ion also makes belts I really want one bad!! Actually I want a couple different colors!
They look awesome and would greatly increase my exposure to Negative Ions!
**Update** March 20th 2014
The first one just fell off, I have been plastic wrapping (Saran Wrap) my leg in the shower. I’m trying to get them to last for a week, so I Mickey band-aided it in place lol!
**Update** March 30th 2014
Still have one sticker holding on right above my injury on the inner head of my quad just above my knee
**Update** July 12th 2014
I just received the Dr Ion Black Sports belt with black and silver buckle. Let me tell you it’s the most badass belt I have ever seen! There’s no belt holes! It ratchets shut so there’s about 30 different adjustments or more! The belt comes in a box in a jewelry like drawstring bag! It’s also made of thick heavy duty leather! It also had the signature Dr Ion negative ion strip that has 2,000 negative ions per cubic centimeter! Which is considerably lower than the band, but the area is larger!
I will definitely be buying more! I’m just not sure if I want the plain white one or the white one with the red strip!
IFBB vs WBFF is there even a comparison? No! Sick of the NPC/IFBB MONOPOLY? WBFF Seriously?? Read inside!
The WBFF is claiming:
Sick of the NPC/IFBB MONOPOLY? YOU DO HAVE A CHOICE!
Ok… Just when I think MAYBE we can all just grow up and move on, something gets brought to my attention by SEVERAL sources. And, since I am known for always bringing out the TRUTH? Well there was no way I would not bring this to everyones attention. I have written COUNTLESS times that I am a fan of the sport. A fan of the industry. I do NOT care if you compete in the WBFF, NPC, IFBB, CBBF, UFE, WNSO, FAME, or any of the COUNTLESS other organizations! NOT ALL PEOPLE BELONG IN THE SAME ORGANIZATION! PERIOD! We all are at different levels, have different physiques, do different things to achieve those physiques, etc. For any one organization to tell people that if you compete elsewhere then you are banned from that organization? Is one that is hiding SOMETHING! Flat out! No doubt in my head they are afraid people will find out that things are run better elsewhere, and since they are so used to running things like tyrants, they don’t want to hear peoples suggestions based on what they experienced elsewhere.
When you have one organization that wants to control an entire market, that is called a monopoly and historically, a monopoly usually doesn’t last forever. Sooner or later people get sick of having no choice. Of having to bow down to the rules made by a few who are power hungry. People get sick and tired of the politics and games played and favoritism and not being able to do a single thing about it. Well, I have news for the NPC and IFBB… they are NO LONGER the ONLY option for competitors. Let there be no doubt in your head… the IFBB… International Federation of BODYBUILDERS? They own bodybuilding! Absolutely! No argument here. When die hard fans want to see the human body pushed WAY past what it could be naturally? ABSOLUTELY the place to watch is IFBB. Hell if there is ever a chance for me to catch a show? I will in a heartbeat. Because I love it! I have FRIENDS in the IFBB. I’ve competed against guys in the IFBB. BUT… unfortunately the truth is that bodybuilding is not as popular as it has been in the past and that is because the ORGANIZATION kept rewarding the freakier physiques. As a result? The bodybuilders have lost fans, have lost endorsements to UFC fighters and football players and fitness models, and the sport has been thrown right back to where it started… as a carnival side show attraction. Hell even the Mr. Olympia went from the Mandalay Bay to the most run down hotel on the strip.
Besides bodybuilding however, all of the other divisions? Are nothing more than FILLER for the shows. They do next to nothing for any of the women. Even the pros. I do not see much happening for the physique competitors. Figure standards are a travesty. And they KILLED womens bodybuilding which is now in it’s final couple years and has already been pulled from the Arnold. Once again, is it the fault of the athlete? Not at all! One hundred percent the organization that kept rewarding the physiques that were extreme. And do they FIX a division in trouble?Of course not! They simply let it die and start a new division to take it’s place… physique.
When the WBFF started, we were ridiculed for having “model categories”! Who would want to see men in swimwear? Who would want to see women in costumes and gowns. Well… they say imitation is the best form of flattery, because as the WBFF has done something that NO other organization has ever done… become a legitimate threat to the IFBB, all of a sudden new divisions pop up which mimic ours but with different names. HOWEVER we aren’t just popular because of our divisions. It is also how we run them. How we market them. What we do for the athletes, etc. The IFBB and NPC does not seem to understand this, and that is why, again… these divisions are just FILLER in their bodybuilding shows.
In the WBFF, women are celebrated. The women divisions are the most POPULAR divisions and the most glamorous in the industry. I will point out however that there are some smaller organizations that DO understand how to market and take care of these divisions and they are experiencing great success. SO where we at the WBFF was the NPC/IFBB ONLY concern, NOW all of a sudden there are OTHER organizations threatening them also. WHY? Because people realize they have a choice!
Both myself and owner Paul Dillett will tell people all day every day… if you want to compete elsewhere? DO it! Hell we invite you to! Because we WANT you to know what WE know! And that is there is NO other organization quite like us. Again… if you find a fit elsewhere and that is where you would like to compete, and represent as a professional? I wish you all the luck in the world. Hell I myself have clients in almost every organization that there is around the world! I AM A FAN OF THE ATHLETE! I personally love and believe in the WBFF. The WBFF has been a perfect fit for me. And DO NOT think it is because I PLACE better here, because I actually PLACED better back when I was in the NPC. But that is what makes us different. It doesn’t matter WHERE you place! There is opportunity for everyone! Since in the WBFF? I myself have a monthly magazine column, have written close to 200 articles online, have had SEVERAL magazine covers, was cast in a HBO cable series Pilot, have been featured in many different magazines, and I have had features written about me on bodybuilding.com TWICE! When I was in the NPC I got… well… nothing besides my trophies. Kind of a no brainer there!
As the WBFF has become recognized as a legitimate organization in the industry, having athletes grace the covers of almost every industry magazine, plus NON industry magazines such as Playboy, FHM, Maxim, etc, the NPC/IFBB has almost made it their mission to bash us. YET… the more they bash us, the more popular we become because people are not stupid! They know that when you have someone bashing another, usually it’s because they are threatened or jealous. People SEE how glamorous our shows are. They see how many opportunities come our way, and they want to be a part of it! Can you blame them? In the beginning, the NPC/IFBB would try showing their power by working deals with our top athletes and taking them. Promising them pro cards, and delivering. Then soon after, burying them. Well, not anymore. People are on to the game. They are no longer leaving the WBFF for the IFBB. Just the opposite! Now men and women from the IFBB are jumping to the WBFF! Such legends as Monica Brant knows the shady games and politics that a monopoly plays so she came to the WBFF. SO have many others. This year at the World Championships we have 4 bodybuilders who have left the IFBB, and will be joining the WBFF. They recognize that the IFBB does absolutely NOTHING for them, and if the want opportunities, the WBFF is the way to go!
My main reason for writing this article? On facebook, regardless of organization, we are all in the same industry. We all have similar goals. We all support eachother. Hell, that will be the day that ANYONE is going to EVER tell me that I can’t support a friend or client or just be a fan of someone in another organization. Well, from so many different sources it’s ridiculous, a letter made it into my e-mail, and it was written by JM Manion and written to all FMG athletes and personnel. You can read the letter for yourself below, but the purpose of the letter? To THREATEN people who are “LIKING” or “SHARING” pictures or posts of non NPC/IFBB athletes. He is saying that they are NOT ALLOWED to LIKE a picture! AND if they are caught DOING so, they will be in Breach of Contract. Ok… flat out? GET OVER YOURSELF!!!
He even goes on further and says he doesn’t care if you are doing it to support a friend, or photographer, etc. Are you kidding me? It wasn’t long ago that internet sites like Sioux Country were threatened to no longer feature any NPC/IFBB pictures, or material since now only OFFICIAL websites are allowed to do so. Well now a similar letter has come out threatening athletes not to like or support any athlete or photographer that is in or works with another organization? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? There isn’t a day that goes by that I am not liking a picture of an athlete from another organization. It’s called mutual respect. Or if I see a photographers picture and it’s beautiful, I am going to like it! I don’t care WHERE the subject competes if at all!
Uh… Mr. Manion? We are not like the NPC/IFBB. We never have been. We do not GO AFTER athletes like you have done to us (pathetically). Over and over Paul Dillett has wondered WHY they just don’t leave us alone. We do our own thing! Well the answer to that question is because we are successful, and they are going in reverse. Period. We are leading the industry in digital media, and they are still printing magazines that drop in numbers every year substantially. Which is the cause for the NEW monopoly they are attempting ONLINE by telling other sites that have supported them for YEARS that they can NO LONGER feature NPC/IFBB material. Funny thing? Our magazine which reaches over 2 million people worldwide which is FAR greater than ANY print magazine… is FREE! And anyone who would like to feature us on their sites? Go right ahead. WE WANT people to see the difference in the WBFF and it’s athletes! We have nothing to hide. No dirty little secrets we are trying to cover up.
People are fed up with monopolies. Even TEAMS in the NPC/IFBB that “GUARANTEE” placings and pro cards. People are sick of it! SO last month a we had around 10 members from one team alone leave the NPC/IFBB and join the WBFF. Hey, if you want to compete for an organization that is going to threaten you like that? Hell… go right ahead. I will still like your pictures even if you cannot like mine back because you are not ALLOWED to! BUT if you are fed up, and realize that people in charge of that organization have just gotten ridiculous with the power? Then feel free to check out our list of shows and give them a try. Or hey, MAYBE the WBFF isn’t for you. Ok fine… the at least do your research and find one that IS FOR YOU! But remember… you DO have a choice!
-WBFFshows.com
This Is admirable at the least however, the standards are off. If you are going up against a giant, you have to have an equalizer! If they have a tank, you have a tank. If they have a Nuke, you have a Nuke! The way to separate yourself is have something they don’t! Oh, you have a Nuke! We have a disintegration ray! Oh we don’t have that exactly!
But, if they have a nuke and you have a tank and you rename your tank a nuke they will just laugh at you!
What am I talking about? I am specifically talking about Women’s Physique!
The WBFF has:
Pro Fitness Champion – which sets it self apart
However; Andreia Brazier Claims to be a Physique Athlete – now she is lining herself up with the IFBB categories! And not pro fitness Champion!
That brings comparison!
This is not anything against Andreia! She is gorgeous! And nearly perfect!
However; see below!
-pic from shirocp on Pixsta
On the left is WBFF Andreia Brazier on the Right is IFBB Dana Linn Bailey
There is no comparison!
Dana is an Animal and rightfully deserves the Title of Physique! She is awesome! And gorgeous!!
Would Andreia Brazier even place in the IFBB Physique…No!
Now lets put her down a level in the IFBB Figure Category would she win?
That one you would have to call!
I would say yes!
But definitely not Physique!
The WBFF should have stepped in and said listen you can’t use the word physique! And this would have stopped the comparison!
Does it discredit the WBFF in this instance yes! It makes them look fools against the IFBB!
Does it take away the hard work and dedication their athletes have? Not at all! Does comparing themselves to the IFBB discredit them? YES ABSOLUTELY!!
WBFF JUST DO YOUR OWN THING!
Look at MMA! The UFC IS THE MONOPOLY!!
Does Bellator compare themselves with the UFC? NO! They just do their thing!!
Does the public compare? Yes they do! But they enjoy both!
If you are going to compete with the IFBB then you are going to have to match tank to tank and nuke to nuke not tank to nuke!
Or like I said above; make a disintegration ray and call it such! If the IFBB comes out with a laser gun don’t compare your ray to their gun! Stay apart! Do your thing!
This is actually a hidden article on business tips!
**Update** March 19th 2014
I got a comment on Instagram from WBFF Pro Krystal K_Fitcoach
She agreed but added the WBFF stays more naturally with muscle on like a women should look.
My response to that is:
What “should a women look like” is a “butch lesbian” (I use this term not in a derogatory way just as a popular reference that the public knows) any less a women then a Victoria Secret model? Is Mama June less a women than Lolo Jones? If it’s by pure poundage then definitely no!
The beauty about this world is there are many different body types to suit your desire and please your self-image! I’m sure DLB looks in the mirror and sees parts of her body she thinks are too small. I’m sure Cory Everson, Lenda Murray and others thought they were too small and wanted to be bigger! So like I said, I challenge you to define what a women should look like! The one thing about the IFBB is they have a division for all female bodybuilding from Bikini to Ms Olympia Bodybuilding
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!
To All of you D&D nerds not this beholder! 👇
LMFAO! I’m a D&D nerd too, so that’s a salute to us hehe 💪
IFBB vs WBFF is there even a comparison? No! Sick of the NPC/IFBB MONOPOLY? WBFF Seriously?? Read inside!
The WBFF is claiming:
Sick of the NPC/IFBB MONOPOLY? YOU DO HAVE A CHOICE!
Ok… Just when I think MAYBE we can all just grow up and move on, something gets brought to my attention by SEVERAL sources. And, since I am known for always bringing out the TRUTH? Well there was no way I would not bring this to everyones attention. I have written COUNTLESS times that I am a fan of the sport. A fan of the industry. I do NOT care if you compete in the WBFF, NPC, IFBB, CBBF, UFE, WNSO, FAME, or any of the COUNTLESS other organizations! NOT ALL PEOPLE BELONG IN THE SAME ORGANIZATION! PERIOD! We all are at different levels, have different physiques, do different things to achieve those physiques, etc. For any one organization to tell people that if you compete elsewhere then you are banned from that organization? Is one that is hiding SOMETHING! Flat out! No doubt in my head they are afraid people will find out that things are run better elsewhere, and since they are so used to running things like tyrants, they don’t want to hear peoples suggestions based on what they experienced elsewhere.
When you have one organization that wants to control an entire market, that is called a monopoly and historically, a monopoly usually doesn’t last forever. Sooner or later people get sick of having no choice. Of having to bow down to the rules made by a few who are power hungry. People get sick and tired of the politics and games played and favoritism and not being able to do a single thing about it. Well, I have news for the NPC and IFBB… they are NO LONGER the ONLY option for competitors. Let there be no doubt in your head… the IFBB… International Federation of BODYBUILDERS? They own bodybuilding! Absolutely! No argument here. When die hard fans want to see the human body pushed WAY past what it could be naturally? ABSOLUTELY the place to watch is IFBB. Hell if there is ever a chance for me to catch a show? I will in a heartbeat. Because I love it! I have FRIENDS in the IFBB. I’ve competed against guys in the IFBB. BUT… unfortunately the truth is that bodybuilding is not as popular as it has been in the past and that is because the ORGANIZATION kept rewarding the freakier physiques. As a result? The bodybuilders have lost fans, have lost endorsements to UFC fighters and football players and fitness models, and the sport has been thrown right back to where it started… as a carnival side show attraction. Hell even the Mr. Olympia went from the Mandalay Bay to the most run down hotel on the strip.
Besides bodybuilding however, all of the other divisions? Are nothing more than FILLER for the shows. They do next to nothing for any of the women. Even the pros. I do not see much happening for the physique competitors. Figure standards are a travesty. And they KILLED womens bodybuilding which is now in it’s final couple years and has already been pulled from the Arnold. Once again, is it the fault of the athlete? Not at all! One hundred percent the organization that kept rewarding the physiques that were extreme. And do they FIX a division in trouble?Of course not! They simply let it die and start a new division to take it’s place… physique.
When the WBFF started, we were ridiculed for having “model categories”! Who would want to see men in swimwear? Who would want to see women in costumes and gowns. Well… they say imitation is the best form of flattery, because as the WBFF has done something that NO other organization has ever done… become a legitimate threat to the IFBB, all of a sudden new divisions pop up which mimic ours but with different names. HOWEVER we aren’t just popular because of our divisions. It is also how we run them. How we market them. What we do for the athletes, etc. The IFBB and NPC does not seem to understand this, and that is why, again… these divisions are just FILLER in their bodybuilding shows.
In the WBFF, women are celebrated. The women divisions are the most POPULAR divisions and the most glamorous in the industry. I will point out however that there are some smaller organizations that DO understand how to market and take care of these divisions and they are experiencing great success. SO where we at the WBFF was the NPC/IFBB ONLY concern, NOW all of a sudden there are OTHER organizations threatening them also. WHY? Because people realize they have a choice!
Both myself and owner Paul Dillett will tell people all day every day… if you want to compete elsewhere? DO it! Hell we invite you to! Because we WANT you to know what WE know! And that is there is NO other organization quite like us. Again… if you find a fit elsewhere and that is where you would like to compete, and represent as a professional? I wish you all the luck in the world. Hell I myself have clients in almost every organization that there is around the world! I AM A FAN OF THE ATHLETE! I personally love and believe in the WBFF. The WBFF has been a perfect fit for me. And DO NOT think it is because I PLACE better here, because I actually PLACED better back when I was in the NPC. But that is what makes us different. It doesn’t matter WHERE you place! There is opportunity for everyone! Since in the WBFF? I myself have a monthly magazine column, have written close to 200 articles online, have had SEVERAL magazine covers, was cast in a HBO cable series Pilot, have been featured in many different magazines, and I have had features written about me on bodybuilding.com TWICE! When I was in the NPC I got… well… nothing besides my trophies. Kind of a no brainer there!
As the WBFF has become recognized as a legitimate organization in the industry, having athletes grace the covers of almost every industry magazine, plus NON industry magazines such as Playboy, FHM, Maxim, etc, the NPC/IFBB has almost made it their mission to bash us. YET… the more they bash us, the more popular we become because people are not stupid! They know that when you have someone bashing another, usually it’s because they are threatened or jealous. People SEE how glamorous our shows are. They see how many opportunities come our way, and they want to be a part of it! Can you blame them? In the beginning, the NPC/IFBB would try showing their power by working deals with our top athletes and taking them. Promising them pro cards, and delivering. Then soon after, burying them. Well, not anymore. People are on to the game. They are no longer leaving the WBFF for the IFBB. Just the opposite! Now men and women from the IFBB are jumping to the WBFF! Such legends as Monica Brant knows the shady games and politics that a monopoly plays so she came to the WBFF. SO have many others. This year at the World Championships we have 4 bodybuilders who have left the IFBB, and will be joining the WBFF. They recognize that the IFBB does absolutely NOTHING for them, and if the want opportunities, the WBFF is the way to go!
My main reason for writing this article? On facebook, regardless of organization, we are all in the same industry. We all have similar goals. We all support eachother. Hell, that will be the day that ANYONE is going to EVER tell me that I can’t support a friend or client or just be a fan of someone in another organization. Well, from so many different sources it’s ridiculous, a letter made it into my e-mail, and it was written by JM Manion and written to all FMG athletes and personnel. You can read the letter for yourself below, but the purpose of the letter? To THREATEN people who are “LIKING” or “SHARING” pictures or posts of non NPC/IFBB athletes. He is saying that they are NOT ALLOWED to LIKE a picture! AND if they are caught DOING so, they will be in Breach of Contract. Ok… flat out? GET OVER YOURSELF!!!
He even goes on further and says he doesn’t care if you are doing it to support a friend, or photographer, etc. Are you kidding me? It wasn’t long ago that internet sites like Sioux Country were threatened to no longer feature any NPC/IFBB pictures, or material since now only OFFICIAL websites are allowed to do so. Well now a similar letter has come out threatening athletes not to like or support any athlete or photographer that is in or works with another organization? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? There isn’t a day that goes by that I am not liking a picture of an athlete from another organization. It’s called mutual respect. Or if I see a photographers picture and it’s beautiful, I am going to like it! I don’t care WHERE the subject competes if at all!
Uh… Mr. Manion? We are not like the NPC/IFBB. We never have been. We do not GO AFTER athletes like you have done to us (pathetically). Over and over Paul Dillett has wondered WHY they just don’t leave us alone. We do our own thing! Well the answer to that question is because we are successful, and they are going in reverse. Period. We are leading the industry in digital media, and they are still printing magazines that drop in numbers every year substantially. Which is the cause for the NEW monopoly they are attempting ONLINE by telling other sites that have supported them for YEARS that they can NO LONGER feature NPC/IFBB material. Funny thing? Our magazine which reaches over 2 million people worldwide which is FAR greater than ANY print magazine… is FREE! And anyone who would like to feature us on their sites? Go right ahead. WE WANT people to see the difference in the WBFF and it’s athletes! We have nothing to hide. No dirty little secrets we are trying to cover up.
People are fed up with monopolies. Even TEAMS in the NPC/IFBB that “GUARANTEE” placings and pro cards. People are sick of it! SO last month a we had around 10 members from one team alone leave the NPC/IFBB and join the WBFF. Hey, if you want to compete for an organization that is going to threaten you like that? Hell… go right ahead. I will still like your pictures even if you cannot like mine back because you are not ALLOWED to! BUT if you are fed up, and realize that people in charge of that organization have just gotten ridiculous with the power? Then feel free to check out our list of shows and give them a try. Or hey, MAYBE the WBFF isn’t for you. Ok fine… the at least do your research and find one that IS FOR YOU! But remember… you DO have a choice!
-WBFFshows.com
This Is admirable at the least however, the standards are off. If you are going up against a giant, you have to have an equalizer! If they have a tank, you have a tank. If they have a Nuke, you have a Nuke! The way to separate yourself is have something they don’t! Oh, you have a Nuke! We have a disintegration ray! Oh we don’t have that exactly!
But, if they have a nuke and you have a tank and you rename your tank a nuke they will just laugh at you!
What am I talking about? I am specifically talking about Women’s Physique!
The WBFF has:
Pro Fitness Champion – which sets it self apart
However; Andreia Brazier Claims to be a Physique Athlete – now she is lining herself up with the IFBB categories! And not pro fitness Champion!
That brings comparison!
This is not anything against Andreia! She is gorgeous! And nearly perfect!
However; see below!
-pic from shirocp on Pixsta
On the left is WBFF Andreia Brazier on the Right is IFBB Dana Linn Bailey
There is no comparison!
Dana is an Animal and rightfully deserves the Title of Physique! She is awesome! And gorgeous!!
Would Andreia Brazier even place in the IFBB Physique…No!
Now lets put her down a level in the IFBB Figure Category would she win?
That one you would have to call!
I would say yes!
But definitely not Physique!
The WBFF should have stepped in and said listen you can’t use the word physique! And this would have stopped the comparison!
Does it discredit the WBFF in this instance yes! It makes them look fools against the IFBB!
Does it take away the hard work and dedication their athletes have? Not at all! Does comparing themselves to the IFBB discredit them? YES ABSOLUTELY!!
WBFF JUST DO YOUR OWN THING!
Look at MMA! The UFC IS THE MONOPOLY!!
Does Bellator compare themselves with the UFC? NO! They just do their thing!!
Does the public compare? Yes they do! But they enjoy both!
If you are going to compete with the IFBB then you are going to have to match tank to tank and nuke to nuke not tank to nuke!
Or like I said above; make a disintegration ray and call it such! If the IFBB comes out with a laser gun don’t compare your ray to their gun! Stay apart! Do your thing!
This is actually a hidden article on business tips!
**Update** March 19th 2014
I got a comment on Instagram from WBFF Pro Krystal K_Fitcoach
She agreed but added the WBFF stays more naturally with muscle on like a women should look.
My response to that is:
What “should a women look like” is a “butch lesbian” (I use this term not in a derogatory way just as a popular reference that the public knows) any less a women then a Victoria Secret model? Is Mama June less a women than Lolo Jones? If it’s by pure poundage then definitely no!
The beauty about this world is there are many different body types to suit your desire and please your self-image! I’m sure DLB looks in the mirror and sees parts of her body she thinks are too small. I’m sure Cory Everson, Lenda Murray and other thought they were too small and wanted to be bigger! So like I said, I challenge you to define what a women should look like! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!
To All of you D&D nerds not this beholder! 👇
LMFAO! I’m a D&D nerd too, so that’s a salute to us hehe 💪
Business Tip: Cyber Security – Securing your blog from hackers
I recently got a comment from a reader:
“Howdy! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers?
I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on.
Any recommendations?”
Well, first off do not approve off topic comments! If you think the comment is genuine like this, make a new post about it. Off topic comments and comments such as: I love your blog it’s the best or my sister/brother showed me your blog and its awesome etc…
Those are what’s called spam and could be a phishing attempt from a hacker.
Lets get something straight! It isn’t easy to hack, you usually have to do a little homework to hack: phishing, port scans, packet sniffers, dictionary searches (password cracking) etc…
So, first you need to ask yourself these questions:
1. Do you have PII personal identifiable Information on your blog? Credit card numbers, social security numbers etc..
The answer is NO! So there is no return on investment for a hacker to hack your blog.
2. Are you a super popular blog, meaning does the whole world know who you are? Are you a celebrity?
The answer is probably NO! So no notoriety by hacking your site, so again no return on investment.
3. Will the hacker get practice by hacking your site? Yes, but chances are it is child’s play and it won’t give him too much practice, because you probably just have a weak password.
Now to the question above:
Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers?
The answer is no! Why? Because your blog isn’t stored on your phone or your computer, it is stored in the cloud. The hackers would have to hack your provider. If your provider is a large provider like Amazon or wordpress (idk where wordpress stores their media so lets just say wordpress does it themselves) then the game changes. They are not hacking your blog they are hacking the provider to get every blog!
Does it have PII? Chances are the cloud provider does, especially if you paid to have them host your blog and its not a free blog. So the answer is YES!
Do they get notoriety from hacking Amazon? Hell yeah they do! The answer is YES!
Do they get practice? YES! Amazon is like Fort Knox!
Now, since we can’t have an app to secure our blog, what can we do?
We can take Cyber Security measures to lock down our blog the best we can!
1. Don’t approve off topic comments!
2. Don’t reply to them either!
3. Make sure you have a strong password! 3 uppercase letters, 3 lowercase letters, 3 numbers and 3 special characters. Make sure you change your password every 90 days and make it random! Don’t use words or names! Things that can be found in a dictionary search!
4. Never pre approve comments! Always read them and approve them yourself!
5. Make sure there is no HTML code in the comment. Just plain words!
6. Make sure you look at the senders name, some have obscenities in their name, or some promote their own product and really don’t care about your topic, they just want free promotion. Do you support their product? Are you ok with the deception?
Lock down your blog!
I have my email address on my blog for off subject comments. If you have a question such as the above one or would like to see a subject covered, send me an email!!! And I will be happy to get back to you or if it warrants it, you will get your own post, such as this one!
For those of you that have legitimate comments, it thank you for them and keep them coming! I love comments good or bad!
Product Review: The HuMn Wallet has done it again! Check out the New HuMn Wallet 2 & The HuMn Wallet Mini – They still block RFID Scans!
Here is the Original Carbon Fiber Version of the HuMn Wallet – AKA HuMn 1
I love this wallet!! It is the most awesome product I have seen in a while! My old leather wallets used to wear out and look like crap after a while or rip apart. A few years ago, I had hip pain from sitting on it for years. This wallet is to be worn in the front pocket or jacket pocket of your suit, so it doesn’t matter how much you fill it, it won’t give you pain.
Just when you thought a perfect product is out, innovation and research, coupled with a desire to please their customers, The HuMn Wallet has been improved!
Enter the HuMn 2! Here is the Aluminum (black) HuMn Wallet 2. The designers rounded the corners and thinned the side a tad bit (notice where the band connects) I believe the HuMn 2 will be: The be all end all perfect wallet!!!! I can’t wait to test it!
Just when you though the HuMn Wallet was done, Enter the HuMn Wallet Mini, not only are the sides rounded more, but the vertical height is also trimmed and notice the new opening tab, is it better? Is it harder to open? I’m not sure… But it looks cool! (this one is also black and Aluminum)
Don’t like black? Don’t like Carbon Fiber? Well then, customize it!!
Want a different color plate or strap? They have it!!
I’m personally, a Carbon Fiber junkie lol Its practically indestructible, lightweight and looks awesome! If I can make everything out of carbon fiber, I would lol, but to each their own…
I gave Ken an idea today, the HuMn Executive Business Card Holder – not much bigger than a business card, don’t go anywhere without it!
Myself, I keep business cards (not Mine in my wallet) My own cards are separate in a card holder, currently I have a Coach and a Tiffany’s. The Coach (made of leather) is much too bulky, the Tiffany’s (Much too expensive for daily use), The HuMn however, would be awesome! (Ken get to making it! lol) **Hint Hint* matching carbon fiber **Hint Hint*
***Don’t Forget:***
Ken and the guys at HuMn Designs are awesome!!
Ken said he will issue a discount code for readers and friends of this blog!
http://www.humnwallet.com/
When you get to checkout use the discount code: ljb15 for 15% off your order!
No limit on your order! How is that for an awesome company!
Don’t forget to check back for my review!
**Update**
Got the new HuMn Wallet 2 today in carbon fiber, it’s quite a bit different, 1/2 shorter and a cool flat finish!! The rounded corners make it cool!
Same jam packed notice I still have the folded piece of paper in there.
**Update** March 13th 2023
Just had to buy new bands for my Humn wallet. Still loving it and still going strong! 
You have been in my pocket everyday for 11 years!!! Through the military and my last few jobs! Through marriage and through divorce. Through the death of my father and best friend. And through all the happy times! I have used you happily countless amounts of time! The best ever wallet! So easy to get stuff out and it keeps everything tight! Credit cards, cash, punch cards and receipts I have to turn in to my work travel account. You have kept it all safe and RFID Proof!
The best part is the owner is a great soul! He is awesome to deal with! Love ya Ken! Thank you for your continued support!
If you don’t have a Humn wallet you need one!
Blog Awards
Do they have Blog awards?
I think I deserve a few awards!
1. I am receiving over 7k hits a month! Is there an award for that? Ps: thank you all for supporting me!!
2. I should at least get an award for: Hottest female followers! Did you see all the girls following me?? They are all gorgeous! Too bad most of them are married… 😝
3. Js: here’s your LJB award for most comments leading the pack with 7 🏆
Thank you for your support and keep the comments flowing!
Ps: those ?????? Are an emoji trophy, you can only see it with the app lol
4. Honorable mention (runner up) I think Hailey has the most likes… But sadly no comments 😭 (No comments no emoji trophy for u) 😝
5. We are getting close to 50,000 lifetime blog views, don’t go crazy and start clicking, instead tell your friends and family to check out my blog! There’s got to be an award for that milestone!
**Update**
50,117 total Views! Feb 23, 2013
Nice!!
Maybe I should make goofy video posts like Jenna Marbles? Then I can get 50k hits in an hour. Oh yeah I don’t like cameras… Guess I’ll do it the hard way, damn!! Ps: I love her! The key to happiness in life is to find a girl/guy you are attracted to and if they can make you laugh… Hold on tight! To bad she has a bf…
6. Don here’s your award for being the first almost celebrity to comment! 🏆 For that you get an emoji trophy!
Seriously, thank you for your comment, it made me happy when I read it and made me realize that my blog is actually getting out there and being read. Although, next time, go to an auction instead of a pawn shop! Or eBay it. I rather have a bonfire and watch it burn then give it to a pawn shop… But that’s just me!
7. Cellucor here is your award for currently best supplement company 🏆
In the past I have liked Muscletech, before they came out with a bunch of useless stacks mostly containing creatine.. (Makes me bloated especially in the face)
VPX was also my favorite! Although they tasted horrible!!! (Everything they made except redline) but their products actually worked until…
Unfortunately, the government changed their formulas! Stupid kids overdosing on ephedrine and their hearts were exploding! Now America is fatter thanks to a bunch of idiots!
I bet energy drinks are next on the government hitlist!
Listen dummies! If you get my Monster taken away from me, because you are idiots, I will dig up your heart exploded body just to kick your ass around!! 😵🏃(ps if that offends anyone: don’t read my blog and don’t overdose on fat burners and energy drinks)
Also, if you know you have a heart problem eg: a heart murmur or something like that: DO NOT DRINK ENERGY DRINKS or TAKE FAT BURNERS EVER!!! Everyone else follow the directions!! Us Guidos: drink your Jägerbombs responsibly Jägerbombs! Jägerbombs! Jägerbombs!
That’s about it for now… Possibly more awards to come!
MSNBC puts out biggest POS article ever written
Want a better job? Top Jobs in America Revealed
Roustabouts have it rough, Online Employees can kick back, annual report reveals
By Robert Hill
Patricia Feeney of Houston, Texas never thought she would have a job working at home until one day she filled out a simple form online. Before she knew it, she discovered her secret to beating the recession, and being able to provide for her family by working from home.
I asked her about how she started her remarkable journey. “It was pretty easy. I filled out a short form and applied for Online Business Systems. There is a small shipping and handling fee, its not really free but it was under $10. I got the Kit and within four weeks I was making over $5,000 a month. It’s really simple, I am not a computer whiz, but I can use the internet. I post links on Pinterest which are given to me, I don’t even have to sell anything and nobody has to buy anything. They are constantly recruiting people to post links, you should try it.”
What makes a job best or worst? Sometimes it comes down to “brain power vs. brawn power,” said Tony Lee, publisher of CareerCast.com’s 2012 Jobs Rated Report. Many of the worst jobs on the list are physically demanding, have difficult work conditions and often don’t pay well. The jobs that top the list are often a bit cushier, require a degree of some sort and pay higher wages.
The list changes with the ups and down in the economy as well as societal changes, such as the growing elderly population. Two job categories — roofer and painter — ended up in the bottom 10 for the first time mainly because of the recession’s impact on the construction sector, Lee said. Online Employees made the top ten because of the massive quantity of job opportunities and rising salaries. One of the biggest corporations hiring people online is Online Business Systems hiring over 25,000+ people a month its easy to see why this job made it to the top of the ladder.
Here’s a rundown of the five worst and best jobs, according to CareerCast, and a look at what the jobs pay, job prospects and working conditions based on CareerCast’s research and data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. We’ll start with the five best.
No. 1 best: Online Employees
Adriana Garcia / AP
Job Description: Work online posting links for big corporations like Google, Yahoo, Facebook, Twitter, etc.
Verdict: This low-stress, high-paying job made the top of the list because of two emerging industries: Web applications and social networking. Also, Who doesn’t want to work in the comfort of their own home? Not to mention its one of the easiest jobs to get out there. One of the top online corporations giving jobs to hundreds of thousands of Americans is Online Business Systems.
The job brings in about $87,000 annually and the hiring outlook is among the best of the ranking. Positions are expected to increase by about 42 percent by 2018, the fastest of any occupation, according to the BLS.
Wondering how to get started?
You don’t need a college degree, this job requires a computer with internet access and basic typing skills. Go to Online Business Systems and follow the instructions given to receive your free trial kit (The kit is 100% risk-free, however there is a $9.99 shipping & handling charge).
Advertise | AdChoices
No. 2 best: Mathematician
Carissa Ray / msnbc.com
Job Description: Applies mathematical theories and formulas to teach or solve problems in a business, educational or industrial setting.
Verdict: Kids, you might want to rethink your hatred of math. Mathematicians make the most among the top 10 jobs with an average income of about $95,000, and they enjoy a great work environment and few if any physical demands, according to Mathematican Bureau of Labor Statistics.
At minimum you’ll need a Ph.D for most jobs (and a love for numbers, of course) to join this small group that includes only about 3,000 nationwide right now. That number is projected to rise by 22 percent in the next seven years.
No. 3 best: Actuary
Justin Sullivan / Getty Images
Job Description: Interprets statistics to determine probabilities of accidents, sickness, death and loss of property from theft and natural disasters.
Verdict: This job makes the list in part because of the “pleasant” work environment it provides. The salary is pretty pleasant too — about $87,000.
Actuary typically have a bachelor’s degree, but many also have to take a host of examinations to get full professional standing. Most employers are in the insurance industry. There are about 20,000 actuary employed in the United States, and the employment outlook is strong. Employment is expected to rise by 21 percent in the next seven years.
No. 4 best: Statistician
Sean Gallup / Getty Images
Job Description: Tabulates, analyzes and interprets numeric results of experiments and surveys.
Verdict: Most statisticians need a master’s degree in statistics or mathematics, and about 30 percent of those in the field work for government agencies. The job may require long hours and tight deadlines, but it pays $73,208 a year pm average. The number of jobs in this occupation is projected to climb by 13 percent to 25,500 by 2018.
Advertise | AdChoices
No. 5 best: Computer systems analyst
Todd Dudek / AP
Job Description: Plans and develops computer systems for businesses and scientific institutions.
Verdict: These analysts typically work in offices or laboratories and can expect to make about $77,000 a year and enjoy few physical demands at work, other than tiring from sitting too much. Bachelor’s degrees aren’t required to do this work, but most employers want one.
There are about 530,000 individuals employed in this type of work, and the job growth outlook for the next few years is above average. The BLS expects the occupation to grow by 20 percent from 2008 through 2018.
No. 1 worst: Roustabout/roughneck
Charlie Neibergall / AP
Job description: Performs routine physical labor and maintenance on oil rigs and pipelines, both on and offshore.
Verdict: This job makes its second straight appearance at the top of the worst list. The demanding, dangerous work is what gets the gig its crummy distinction.
“Roustabouts routinely perform backbreaking labor at all hours of the day and night in conditions that can range from arctic winters to desert summers to ocean storms,” the CareerCast jobs report found. “Braving these inhospitable surroundings, roustabouts work on the front lines, getting hands-on with dangerous drilling equipment and risking serious injury or worse — as last year’s explosion at the Deepwater Horizon facility in the Gulf of Mexico illustrates.”
About 60,000 individuals hold such jobs, which typically require little advanced education. Wyoming has the most roustabouts, but Alaska pays the best. Midlevel income for this job averages $32,123, according to CareerCast, but Willis said depending on experience and what they do, roughnecks can make as much as $60,000. Unfortunately job prospects going forward are lousy with a jobless rate upwards of 14 percent.
No. 2 worst: Ironworker
Mark Lennihan / AP file
Job Description: Raises the steel framework of buildings, bridges and other structures.
Verdict: This job brings in a bit more money than a lumberjack (see below) at $34,127, but it also requires much more training, as much as four years as a paid apprentice. The work environment is also dangerous and stress levels on this job are high.
The number of iron and metal workers is expected to rise to 110,000 by 2018, up from about 100,000 today, according to the BLS, which expects “many job openings will result from the need to replace experienced ironworkers who leave the occupation or retire.”
Advertise | AdChoices
No. 3 worst: Lumberjack
HENRY ROMERO / Reuters
Job Description: Fells, cuts and transports timber to be processed into lumber, paper and other wood products.
Verdict: Lumberjacks bring in about $32,000 a year, but despite being in the great outdoors this job can be quite stressful and dangerous and it also rates among the highest when it comes to physical demands.
Logging workers in the United States total about 66,000 and their number is projected to climb by about 4,000 jobs, or 6 percent, by 2018 — below average for most occupations, BLS data show.
No. 4 worst: Roofer
MARCIO JOSE SANCHEZ / AP
Job Description: Installs roofs on new buildings, performs repairs on old roofs, and reroofs old buildings.
Verdict: Roofers have been hit hard by tough economic times with only a 4 percent increase in jobs expected over the next seven years, and it’s never been the safest job to have. According to the BLS, “Physical condition and strength, along with good balance, are essential for roofers” and “they cannot be afraid of heights.”
The job typically requires only on-the-job training and income is about $34,000 a year.
No. 5 worst: Taxi driver
Mary Altaffer / AP
Job Description: Operates a taxicab over the streets and roads of a municipality, picking up and dropping off passengers by request.
Verdict: Taxi driver ranks the worst when it comes to stress levels, and you get all that angst for a measly $21,127 a year.
Taxi drivers were more likely to be violent crime victims than any other job on the list, said CareerCast’s Lee.
In many states you’ll need a taxi or chauffeur’s license to do this job, and you should enjoy dealing with the public. Most of these jobs are concentrated in big cities, especially in the New York-New Jersey region. Jobs for taxi drivers and chauffeurs are expected to rise by 16 percent by 2018, according to the BLS.
-Spoofed Article (As Pointed out by Barry Carter)
The best and worst jobs for 2011HO / AFP – Getty Images The job of roughneck or roustabout (someone who performs routine physical labor and maintenance on oil rigs and pipelines) was recently named the worst job in America by CareerCast.com, a job-search site that does a ranking of the best and worst U.S. jobs annually.
Jake Willis, 26, is a roughneck doing maintenance and drill repair for Cactus Drilling in Arnett, Okla., and he loves his job, even though he admits the work is sometimes dangerous.
“I think it’s the best job because it gives people who decide not to go to college a chance to make some decent money,” he said.
Not everyone agrees with him.
The job of roughneck, or roustabout, which is typically a laborer position, was recently named the worst job in America by CareerCast.com, a job-search site that ranks the best and worst U.S. jobs annually. But as Willis proves, one person’s worst job may actually be another’s best.
What makes a job best or worst? Sometimes it comes down to “brain power vs. brawn power,” said Tony Lee, publisher of CareerCast.com’s 2011 Jobs Rated Report. Many of the worst jobs on the list are physically demanding, have difficult work conditions and often don’t pay well. The jobs that top the list are often a bit cushier, require a degree of some sort and pay higher wages.
Another key component, especially in a tough job market, is availability, Lee noted.
“Not only do they pay terribly, but no one wants to hire you,” he added.
The list changes with the ups and down in the economy as well as societal changes, such as the growing elderly population. Two job categories — roofer and painter — ended up in the bottom 10 for the first time mainly because of the recession’s impact on the construction sector, Lee said. The job of audiologist made the top ten for the first time because of abundant job opportunities and rising salaries.
“The oldest baby boomers are turning 65 and are having hearing problems,” Lee noted.
No. 1 best: Software engineer
Paul Sakuma/ AP
Job Description: Researches, designs, develops and maintains software systems along with hardware development for medical, scientific and industrial purposes.
Verdict: This low-stress, high-paying job made the top of the list because of “two emerging industries: Web applications and cloud computing. A proliferation of companies making applications for smartphones and tablets, along with the push to develop ‘cloud’ software hosted entirely online, has made the job market for software engineers broader and more diverse,” the report said.
The job brings in about $87,000 annually and the hiring outlook is among the best of the ranking. Positions are expected to increase by about 32 percent by 2018, the fastest of any occupation, according to the BLS.
No. 2 best: Mathematician
Carissa Ray / msnbc.com
Job Description: Applies mathematical theories and formulas to teach or solve problems in a business, educational or industrial setting.
Verdict: Kids, you might want to rethink your hatred of math. Mathematicians make the most among the top 10 jobs with an average income of about $95,000, and they enjoy a great work environment and few if any physical demands, according to CareerCast.
At minimum you’ll need a Ph.D for most jobs (and a love for numbers, of course) to join this small group that includes only about 3,000 nationwide right now. That number is projected to rise by 22 percent in the next seven years.
No. 3 best: Actuary
Justin Sullivan / Getty Images
Job Description: Interprets statistics to determine probabilities of accidents, sickness, death and loss of property from theft and natural disasters.
Verdict: This job makes the list in part because of the “pleasant” work environment it provides. The salary is pretty pleasant too — about $87,000.
Actuaries typically have a bachelor’s degree, but many also have to take a host of examinations to get full professional standing. Most employers are in the insurance industry. There are about 20,000 actuaries employed in the United States, and the employment outlook is strong. Employment is expected to rise by 21 percent in the next seven years.
No. 4 best: Statistician
Sean Gallup / Getty Images
Job Description: Tabulates, analyzes and interprets numeric results of experiments and surveys.
Verdict: Most statisticians need a master’s degree in statistics or mathematics, and about 30 percent of those in the field work for government agencies. The job may require long hours and tight deadlines, but it pays $73,208 a year pm average. The number of jobs in this occupation is projected to climb by 13 percent to 25,500 by 2018.
No. 5 best: Computer systems analyst
Todd Dudek / AP
Job Description: Plans and develops computer systems for businesses and scientific institutions.
Verdict: These analysts typically work in offices or laboratories and can expect to make about $77,000 a year and enjoy few physical demands at work, other than tiring from sitting too much. Bachelor’s degrees aren’t required to do this work, but most employers want one.
There are about 530,000 individuals employed in this type of work, and the job growth outlook for the next few years is above average. The BLS expects the occupation to grow by 20 percent from 2008 through 2018.
No. 1 worst: Roustabout/roughneck
Charlie Neibergall / AP
Job description: Performs routine physical labor and maintenance on oil rigs and pipelines, both on and offshore.
Verdict: This job makes its second straight appearance at the top of the worst list. The demanding, dangerous work is what gets the gig its crummy distinction.
“Roustabouts routinely perform backbreaking labor at all hours of the day and night in conditions that can range from arctic winters to desert summers to ocean storms,” the CareerCast jobs report found. “Braving these inhospitable surroundings, roustabouts work on the front lines, getting hands-on with dangerous drilling equipment and risking serious injury or worse — as last year’s explosion at the Deepwater Horizon facility in the Gulf of Mexico illustrates.”
About 60,000 individuals hold such jobs, which typically require little advanced education. Wyoming has the most roustabouts, but Alaska pays the best. Midlevel income for this job averages $32,123, according to CareerCast, but Willis said depending on experience and what they do, roughnecks can make as much as $60,000. Unfortunately job prospects going forward are lousy with a jobless rate upwards of 14 percent.
No. 2 worst: Ironworker
Mark Lennihan / AP file
Job Description: Raises the steel framework of buildings, bridges and other structures.
Verdict: This job brings in a bit more money than a lumberjack (see below) at $34,127, but it also requires much more training, as much as four years as a paid apprentice. The work environment is also dangerous and stress levels on this job are high.
The number of iron and metal workers is expected to rise to 110,000 by 2018, up from about 100,000 today, according to the BLS, which expects “many job openings will result from the need to replace experienced ironworkers who leave the occupation or retire.”
No. 3 worst: Lumberjack
HENRY ROMERO / Reuters
Job Description: Fells, cuts and transports timber to be processed into lumber, paper and other wood products.
Verdict: Lumberjacks bring in about $32,000 a year, but despite being in the great outdoors this job can be quite stressful and dangerous and it also rates among the highest when it comes to physical demands.
Logging workers in the United States total about 66,000 and their number is projected to climb by about 4,000 jobs, or 6 percent, by 2018 — below average for most occupations, BLS data show.
No. 4 worst: Roofer
MARCIO JOSE SANCHEZ / AP
Job Description: Installs roofs on new buildings, performs repairs on old roofs, and reroofs old buildings.
Verdict: Roofers have been hit hard by tough economic times with only a 4 percent increase in jobs expected over the next seven years, and it’s never been the safest job to have. According to the BLS, “Physical condition and strength, along with good balance, are essential for roofers” and “they cannot be afraid of heights.”
The job typically requires only on-the-job training and income is about $34,000 a year.
-Real Article http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41427620/from/41427952/
SAME RESPONSE:
1st off: I haven’t read the entire article, I have to go do something, but I will come back to it, I have to sound off on this crap first!
1. Online jobs: notice how he says posting for a LARGE company!
From a cyber security standpoint thousands probably millions of Americans have been scammed out of thousands and millions of dollars chasing this elusive pipe dream job! Scammers and hackers are drooling at the site of people wanting online jobs.
Scenario 1: come be my secret shopper
I will give you money in form of money orders and you buy stuff ship it us fill out forms and reviews etc.. Meanwhile, you are money laundering for them and you better hope, you don’t get arrested and they usually social engineer you and end up draining your back account out of thousands of dollars!
Scenario 2: be my online worker
Here’s a laptop, blah blah blah, they track you, your habits passwords etc and the same outcome as before or they make you work for hours upon hours upon hours and you never get paid, essentially they made you pay 5-10 times what the laptop was worth…
Scenario 3: Hi I am Ravi from India I am a technical recruiter, with blah blah staffing company, we have a computer engineer job 3-6 mo contract with (insert company) I would like to submit you for the job give me your résumé, how soon can you work, how much exp do you have in blah blah the questions go on… Then ok, we are setting up an interview, but first we need you to fill out your w2 what’s your, address, social security number etc….
If it sounds too good to be true or you haven’t actually stepped foot into a large reputable companies HR office first, then it probably is too good to be true!
2. Mathematician are you kidding me!! You can’t just go out an be a mathematician!! It takes a special kind of person! Not everyone is good in math or has the desire to do math! No matter how much you study! Just as some people aren’t good with language.
Btw, before you grammar police come after me for the writing on this blog: Capitals where they shouldn’t be, starting a sentence with words that shouldn’t such as and. Most of the time I do it for expression and pressing a point. I try to write as if we are having a personal conversation, sometimes dumbing it down so everyone can follow. Got that? Now back off Grammar Police!
3. Your computer engineer salary is way too low, that’s starting salary! These people like myself, have access to all the companies data and usually have security clearances, so they typically get paid higher than most jobs to avoid theft and dishonesty and rightfully so. What you left out also, is this is a volatile industry and constant education in upcoming trends and technology makes it one of the hardest jobs in the world! Not only are you expected to do the work, but you have to constantly work, study, read, learn and discuss, so the extra pay is well warranted!
As for the worst jobs list!
That’s bullshit! The people that do those careers, some are born into it and know nothing else, but most are a different breed of people, they enjoy the outdoors and wouldn’t want to be cooped up in an office or on their couch on computers. I bet quite a few don’t even use computers!
Also, keep in mind without ruffnecks, lumberjacks, and iron workers, American industry would come to a screeching halt!! You would also not be able to get around (no bridges) large cities would be gone! No skyscrapers, no oil (so most people wouldn’t even have heat or gasoline) no wood, so you can’t fix your house… Hell, you won’t even have anymore paper! And without roofers your ass would get wet fast! If you live in the city and all the taxicab drivers quit, because you just told them all their jobs suck, I hope you have a good set of walking shoes!
Instead of wasting your time writing bullshit articles about how these jobs suck and how computer jobs, and less labor intensive jobs are so much better, how about figuring out how we can improve the way of life and working conditions of those, so called worst jobs in America, because they are an
important and integral part to the fabric of life in America!
The fact that we actually paid someone to do an annual report, to tell us that those working conditions are bad and they are the worst jobs in America (when all anyone has to do is watch dirty jobs on tv) is the worst part of this entire thing!
How about that being the best job in America!! Working for the Government, doing nothing but useless paperwork and Getting paid big money (probably gs-15) to tell us what we already know!
Groupon – special deals treasure chest or collection of useless junk to waste money on?
What is Groupon?
It’s a site that offers daily deals on restaurants, goods and services usually local to you or anywhere you search.
Has Groupon benefitted its clients? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. What do I mean by that?
Well, in my case it has allowed me to discover places I wouldn’t normally go such as: El Ay Si
and Tommy Chengs.
In some cases it has attracted a new subspecies of cheapskates known as the grouponites (I just made that up :p) they only go to places that offer a Groupon and will only go again when that place issues another Groupon. They also usually only order what the Groupon covers and won’t order any extra items or exceed the Groupon amount.
Groupon has also allowed me to discover events happening in the area such as: The Terracotta Warrior Exhibit.
Now, that brings me to the goods section…
I have purchased numerous goods that I may not have needed, some I always wanted, but haven’t purchased and others I didn’t know about.
Products like my awesome Asus Transformer tablet
Himalayan salt lamp (I always wanted one)
Cisco wireless router (needed one)
dash egg cooker (didn’t really need, but helps with my diet and I absolutely love the product for the price)
Other products like $90 of Omaha steaks I really didn’t need… But steaks are a benefit and sometimes cool.
Products I didn’t buy like: $69 for a gallery wrapped canvas art print, $21 for escali glass kitchen scale; might be junk for me, but it might be a treasure deal for someone else!
Be frugal, and be smart and Groupon will benefit you!
Now there are even Groupon like copy cat sites
**Update**
just got my niece sock monkey headphones for Christmas only $20.33
and my Nephew a Pop Vinyl Figure he collects
I also bought a Groupon for Muscle Maker Grill. I love that place see the review here, as well as El Ay Si and Tommy Chengs among others
I used the Muscle Maker Groupon and got 2 Godfather Meals over Broccoli – Grilled Chicken in Balsamic Vinegar with mushrooms, roasted peppers topped with Mozzarella cheese. Ate one for lunch and brought one home for dinner and after I used it, it was still for sale, so I bought another!
Xi3 Modular Computer – reinventing and redefining the micro-computer
As small as an iPhone!
It mounts to the back of the flat screen!
Do you need more storage?
Want a custom color?
Well, what exactly are we looking at? A tiny computer? Well, not exactly…
We are looking at cutting edge futuristic technology that is here today!
What do I mean? Well instead of using a preconfigured motherboard they use a new cutting edge modular motherboard!
Oh no the processors are too slow or the ram is too slow… What do we do? Throw it out or use it for a render farm or test network. Nope! We replace the modular part of the motherboard and viola! A new computer!! We can also change different backplanes for different configurations!
Well what would a server room look like? Giant racks and racks… Hot and cold isles, severe air conditioning and humidity systems?
Nope!
Changing the World of Computing Forever
As important as computers have become in our homes and offices, the reality is that they are also quite limiting.
In fact, most computers are designed to help us do one or two things quite well — like word processing, number crunching, creating or watching videos, surfing the Internet or sending email. Otherwise, that’s it.
Unfortunately, the ongoing rush of technological advancements means that our computers are out-of-date the moment we begin using them. Until finally — 2, 3, 4 years later — it’s time to buy a replacement machine, and we start the process all over again.
Such built-in obsolescence is not only frustrating, but it’s very expensive and not very good for the environment either. If only there was a way to break out of this cycle. Thankfully there is.
Introducing Xi3® Corporation.
Xi3 Corporation is empowering everyone to take control of their technological lives with the Xi3 Computer Architecture: An elegant new approach to technology that utilizes building block-like modularity to allow us to create new types of computers, as well as easily transform existing Xi3 Modular Computers with new capabilities and functionality.
A subsidiary of ISYS Technologies, Inc., Xi3 Corporation is charged with taking the Xi3 Modular™ Computer and related Xi3 Computer Architecture products throughout the world.
Although the Xi3 Modular Computer runs x86-based operating systems and applications, comparisons to standard PCs end there.
The Power of Modularity.
The first thing people notice about Xi3 Modular Computers is their small, cube-like shape — 4-inches or less per side on the outside. And yet, the soft finish surface of the extruded aluminum chassis and the chrome-plated honeycomb-shaped endcaps evoke feelings of a finely tuned racecar.
But good looks alone mean nothing without true power under the hood, and the Xi3 Modular Computer delivers here as well, both today and for years to come. Central to the power, functionality and capabilities of the Xi3 Modular Computer is the fact that the Xi3 Computer Architecture breaks the traditional mold of a computer motherboard by subdividing it into three separate but interconnected modules:
The Xi3 Processor Module,
The Primary I/O Module, and
The Secondary I/O Module.
The Xi3 Processor Module contains the microprocessor, RAM and Northbridge chip of the Xi3 Modular Computer. Conversely, the Primary I/O Module handles the majority of external communications and contains the Southbridge chip within the Xi3 Modular Computer, while the Secondary I/O Module is responsible for power and video management
By separating different computing functions onto three distinct boards, the Xi3 Computer Architecture allows us to easily, simply and inexpensively update, upgrade, modify, replace and repair Xi3 Modular Computers. And it really is simple: Remove 4 screws, slide out the 3 interconnected modules, remove the module in question and replace it with a new one, put it all back together, plug it in and turn it on.
As a result, our computers no longer are limited to a likely shelf-life of 3-5 years, but instead can be expected to have a useful life of 6, 8, even 10 years, merely by replacing outdated gear with the latest and greatest technology advancements. And you can do so at a fraction of the cost to purchase a new machine.
The Green Benefits.
Not buying a new computer every 3, 4 or 5 years has other benefits too.
For one, it means that we get to significantly decrease the amount of eWaste polluting our planet because one Xi3 Modular Computer can fill the lifetime role of two or three traditional computers.
Additionally, the Xi3 Modular Computer only needs 20 Watts of electricity to operate versus the standard of 100 to 400 Watts for most personal computers. This is clearly a huge benefit, both to the environment and to our pocketbooks.
Beyond the Xi3 Modular Computer, however, Xi3 Corporation is also taking the Xi3 Z3RO™ Module to market — an even smaller, low-profile and low-power device that runs off of the Xi3 Modular Computer. In fact, up to three Z3RO Modules can be connected to and driven by one Xi3 Modular Computer, creating four separate computing sessions at a significantly lower cost per seat.
And at less than 1 Watt of power per Z3RO Module, the electricity savings alone mean that a combination Xi3 Modular Computer/Z3RO Module solution can pay for itself in 18 months or less.
Xi3 Corporation — Elegant Modularity Empowering You.
The Xi3 Modular Computer and related Xi3 Computer Architecture products create a whole new way of approaching computing.
We can now decide how long we want our computers to last and what functions we want to perform with them. If we decide that we’d really like to upgrade our computer’s capabilities, doing so is now easier than ever before — through Xi3 Corporation.
The fact is that we can take such smart steps and save ourselves money in the process because we buy less often to accomplish the same tasks. And we have the additional benefit of saving even more money because we use less energy to run these machines.
On top of this, we also create less harm to the environment by choosing computing technology from Xi3 Corporation, creating another added benefit everyone can enjoy.
We at Xi3 Corporation invite you to learn more about our elegant modular approach to computing and how modular computers can change the way you think about, and use, technology.
Key Advantages to Xi3™
XI3™ is adaptable for all types of computing.
Our central goal at Xi3 Corporation is to replace today’s single-purpose computing technologies with a multi-purpose architecture called Xi3. Xi3 is an advanced, standardized core-processing technology that provides four key advantages:
1. Advanced feature sets:
Xi3 is a new architectural standard, one complete with advanced backplane designs and superior cooling processes. By coupling these advances to a standard architecture, Xi3 provides manufacturers with the ability to introduce more advanced feature sets into a diverse field of products.
2. Greater versatility:
The patented Xi3 architecture developed by ISYS Technologies, Inc. and licensed to Xi3 Corporation removes the peripherals from the substrate and makes logic interchangeable and adjustable, thus allowing a computer’s application to be varied or manipulated at will.
3. True scalability:
Xi3 is the new standard for scalability � a core processing architecture that allows multiple processing units to be added or subtracted as dictated by application or user demands. Added units work together with the original processor to increase functionality exponentially (more units equal more power). These units are coupled together in a network-like environment and allow additional processing capability to be added to the processing core or subsystems to satisfy new processing requirements. The ability to strip out the same units to create additional work stations provides the elusive flexibility paramount to a successful infrastructure.
4. Cost savings:
The Xi3 architecture allows one computing design to be used in virtually any computing application. This reduces the variety and amount of raw materials and manufacturing processes unique to each individual application, translating into dramatic cost savings.
Xi3 architecture is superior to the computer architecture used today. This new approach to computer development will revolutionize the way personal and commercial computers will perform. It will also change how computers are integrated into everyday products such as cars, planes, appliances, and home fixtures. It will further change the way people use computers at home and work, how they connect to the Internet, and how they interact with consumer and household products of all kinds.
Benefits of Xi3
Solid state design increasing life cycle
Universal mounting system
Advanced, yet simplified, patented cooling process
Optimized CPU and RAM ratios
Reduction in inventory costs
Highly durable and compact construction (load bearing at 3900 lbs.)
Lighter unit weight (in some cases by hundreds of pounds)
Potential for numerous vertical applications
Less expensive to manufacture, ship, and support
Able to cluster and scale to larger processing applications
Ability to protect software by locking it into the product
XI3 is the only architecture to offer a “Southbridge Agnostic” design. By placing the Southbridge chip (the chip that controls all of the logic or I/O interfaces)
on a separate board than the Northbridge, Xi3 allows an infinite amount of functions to be easily integrated into one core design.
Ninety percent of the development headaches, testing and design efforts are typically focused on redundant parts of the system. For example, every computer or computing device needs some type of processor, memory, and video memory. What differentiates special application computers from off the shelf systems is the integration of specialty Southbridge and other logic chips. Xi3 allows these specialty chips to be easily integrated into the “core” design without the headaches and risk of designing an entire single-plane motherboard from scratch.
-xi3.com
I will be getting one of these to test and review! Stay tuned for the review!
Ingenious Free Monster Gear!
Ingenious Free Monster Gear!
Why is this under the business tab? Read on!
The program is simple! Save your tabs from your monster cans, pay shipping & handling $5 I think and you get free monster gear.
Are they really helping you? Not really! They are paying you for market research!!! Well actually the shipping and handling probably pays for the item.
Anyway, the developers at Monster are geniuses! They color code the tabs according to the flavor of drink.
Sooooooo… When you send in your tabs if they get back 100 green, 100 blue, 1 red…
They know well the reds not selling lets discontinue it.
Viola free effortless (on their part) market research!
Ingenious!
Square Card Reader – Business in your pocket!
Square card reader – business in your pocket!
What is it? It’s a credit card reader that plugs into your iPhone or Android head phone jack. You go to their website and download their software. They even give you the square reader for free!
Perfect for your small business! Say for example you are a personal trainer an you want to do in home personal training (remember my personal training article) that’s where the money’s at! Ok so you go to the house and you charge $150 an hour you tell them $150hr cash $160-$175 credit and you can just whip out your phone and accept credit cards!
Or for example you are at a trade show/ flea market/ farmers market and you don’t have electric outlets for a credit card machine… Boom whip out your phone!
They have 2 types of payment plans one for really small businesses and one for small businesses
Payment plans:
1. Is 2.75% per swipe for the occasional sale
2. Is $275 per month if you have large volume sales.
This is a genius app! I have seen it once at a trade show! I love it!
As you probably know if you have read my blog before, I do cyber security, so let’s look into their security practices:
Physical and Network Security
Square’s network and servers are housed in a secure facility monitored around the clock by dedicated security staff.
Card-processing systems adhere to PCI Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) Level 1.
Square requires sensitive data to be encrypted using industry-standard methods when stored on disk or transmitted over public networks.
Square uses standard, well-reviewed cryptographic protocols and message formats (such as SSL and PGP) when transferring data.
Square requires that cryptographic keys are at least 128 bits long. Asymmetric keys must be at least 2048 bits long.
Square’s website and API are accessible via 128-bit, extended-validation SSL certificates issued by VeriSign.
Square regularly installs security updates and patches on its servers and equipment.
Security settings of applications and devices are tuned to ensure appropriate levels of protection.
Networks are strictly segregated according to security level. Modern, restrictive firewalls protect all connections between networks.
Web and Client Application Security
Square’s software is developed using industry standard security best practices.
Card processing applications adhere to PCI Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) Level 1.
Square prohibits the storage of card numbers, magnetic stripe data and security codes on client devices.
Applications developed in-house are subject to strict quality testing and security review.
Web development follows industry-standard secure coding guidelines, such as those recommended by OWASP.
Organizational Security
Square mandates that employees act in accordance with security policies designed to keep merchant data safe.
Square requires sensitive data to be encrypted using industry-standard methods when stored on disk or transmitted over public networks.
Square controls access to sensitive data, application data and cryptographic keys.
Two-factor authentication and strong password controls are required for administrative access to systems.
Security systems and processes are tested on a regular basis by qualified internal and external teams.
Access to secure services and data is strictly logged, and audit logs are reviewed regularly.
Security policies and procedures are carefully documented and reviewed on a regular basis.
Detailed incident response plans have been prepared to ensure proper protection of data in an emergency.
Research and Disclosure
Square recognizes the important contributions that our users and the security research community
can make. We encourage responsible reporting of problems with our service. We also recognize that
legitimate and well-intentioned researchers are sometimes blamed for the problems they disclose.
In order to encourage responsible reporting practices, we promise not to bring legal action
against researchers who point out a problem, provided they:
Share with us the full details of any problem found.
Do not disclose the issue to others until we’ve had reasonable time to address it.
Do not intentionally harm the experience or usefulness of the service to others.
Never attempt to view, modify or damage data belonging to others.
Do not seek compensation or reward for the report.
If you believe you have discovered a problem, please contact us at security@squareup.com.
The security settings sound right. Without more specific details, I can’t say for sure, but the encryption standards are industry standard.
I ordered one, I should get it this week any day now.
Need I.T. Training? Need to take a Prometric or Pearson Vue exam? Then run to Federal Computers – Fairfield, NJ
Federal Computers LLC, is a Microsoft Silver Learning Partner training and testing center for IT professionals as well as new entrants in the world of IT. Our office is located in Fairfield, New Jersey.
Because of our affiliations with CompTIA, Microsoft, EC-Council, AVTECH, as well as Certiport, Pearson Vue and Prometric Testing, we are equipped to offer a broader range of services than the ordinary IT consulting company.
If you:
Are interested in adding Certifications to your resume
Currently feel the need for a career upgrade
Need to create a website or open an online store
Have computing needs such as virus removal, data recovery, system upgrades, home office, networking, or software
Then put our experience to work for you.
Please peruse our site and contact us. Let us show you how Federal Computers is redefining technical support.
All courses are Instructor-led classroom delivery unless otherwise specified.
Our ever-growing course catalog includes desirable industry certifications such as MCT, MCSE, MCDST, as well as EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) programs. Training is extensive, hands-on, and people-focused.
Testing by appointment, Monday through Saturday 10am – 5pm. Testing is conducted in a distraction-free environment and overseen by an exam proctor. Scores provided immediately or as determined by exam sponsor.
To register for training or to make an appointment for testing, contact:
gene@federalcomputers.com
973-769-2291
Gene Plaskon MCSE, MCITP, MCT, CHFI, CEH, CEI
President, Instructor
gene@federalcomputers.com
Steven Plaskon
Web design, custom-built computers and upgrades
steve@federalcomputers.com
Brian Plaskon
Webmaster, virus removal, data recovery
brian@federalcomputers.com
-federalcomouters.com
Federal Computers is led by Gene Plaskon who is an expert in (CEH) Certified Ethical Hacker. Gene is one of the nicest guys I have met in a long time! There are not many people left in the current state of the world, that will go out of their way to help you anyway they can. Gene is one of those people. I started as a customer but in the process, he became my friend. Not only does he want to help you, he generally cares and he tells it the way it is, no sugarcoating!
If you need IT training or if you need to take a Prometric or Pearson Vue exam and you are near Fairfield NJ, you better stop in and see Gene! I promise you will be satisfied!
TV Show Review: Undercover Boss
UNDERCOVER BOSS was the Emmy-nominated #1 new series of the 2009-2010 season, averaging 17.7 million viewers. UNDERCOVER BOSS premiered following the Super Bowl to 38.7 million viewers, the largest audience for a new series following the Super Bowl. It also ranks as the biggest new series premiere since 1987 and the most-watched premiere episode of any reality series.
Each week, UNDERCOVER BOSS follows a different executive as they leave the comfort of their corner office for an undercover mission to examine the inner workings of their companies. While working alongside their employees, they see the effects that their decisions have on others, where the problems lie within their organizations and get an up-close look at both the good and the bad while discovering the unsung heroes who make their companies run.
-CBS.com
Although its not a new show, this show is amazing! Beside CBS, you can also watch episodes on TLC.
It’s great to see how Senior Management (some of which started as Senior Management and didn’t start the company from the ground up) wants to get involved with every aspect of the company so they can grow as even more efficient managers. What they usually learn is: What looks good on paper,isn’t necessarily good in real life for the blue collar workers that it effects.
Then, they make every effort to utilize the knowledge that they learn and fine tune their companies.
And finally, they confront their trainers face to face and tell them, oh btw I am really your boss!
I love this show!
The moral of the story is: No matter how big or how small your company is, you should you know all aspects of your company including all job descriptions and what goes into actually doing those jobs, that way you can be an efficient and informed super manager!
I think the CEO’s and COO’s that go through Undercover Boss should be awarded a new title: Super CEO and Super COO respectively
If you are involved in any type of management you should watch this show! Learn from their experiences and try to apply it to your situation. I think this show is continuing education for management.
Watch this show!
Business Tips: Data Tiering
DATA TIERING 101
The sheer volume and flow of data today presents SMBs with unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Find out how data tiering lets you intentionally manage and convert data into valuable content that drives business growth.
7 SIMPLE TRUTHS ABOUT DATA TIERING
You’ve heard of Big Data. But that phrase sounds tame when you consider the rate at which “big” is getting bigger. It’s startling to hear that 90% of the data in the world has been produced in the last two years.1 Or, that demand for storage capacity is rising 80-100% every year. And we haven’t even begun to hit our stride. The data deluge won’t just be big—it’s going to be extreme.
Conventional storage is dead. Tiering is now the most powerful tool available for SMBs facing extreme data growth.
1. ADDING BOXES ISN’T THE ANSWER
Dealing with extreme data isn’t about housing it all. It’s about determining what data is most useful to your business, and then determining exactly where “speed meets need.” Put simply, the data you rarely interact with shouldn’t utilize the same high-performance solution that gives you instant access to your day-to-day, business- critical data. This kind of dynamic, intelligent management of data is something conventional storage was never designed to offer.
2. THERE IS NO BAD DATA, JUST BAD MANAGEMENT
Tiering is about qualifying data in terms of how often it needs to be accessed or retrieved—not how long ago it was captured or produced. Let go of the idea of “old” vs. “new” data and instead consider how you want to use it.
TIER 1: Online
High Performance
TIER 2: Nearline
Medium Performance
TIER 3: Offline
Med/Low Performance
TIER 4: Offsite
Low Performance
3. DATA CAN BE TRANSFORMED INTO CONTENT
Data that sits inert doesn’t do anything for your business. But when you’re able to actively access and mine your data over and over again in new ways, it becomes content—a living, breathing asset you can leverage to suit your business needs.
4. YOU CAN MOVE TO TIERED STORAGE CONFIDENTLY
Thanks to the increasing sophistication of metatagging and data indexing technologies, it’s easier than ever to automate the classification and targeting of your data. The best part is you won’t sacrifice data visibility or accessibility, even when migrating data from one storage device to another.
5. YOU’RE PROTECTED
You’re likely to face downtime sometime. When you do, a tiered archive will have you back up and running fast. It maximizes security and efficiency by enabling multiple, redundant layers of data and content protection in
a single package. Deduplication and encryption also ensure movement to the cloud with the highest level of security possible.
6. TIERING BOOSTS LONG-TERM BUSINESS HEALTH
Tiered storage has an overall lower purchase price, lower monthly license fees and lower maintenance costs (freeing up storage management resources for more critical initiatives). Next-generation storage solutions also use less power than conventional storage options. Most importantly, these benefits scale as your business grows (as your data and content pool gets bigger) thanks in large part to better utilization of all your storage assets.
7. IT HELPS THE BOTTOM LINE
Establishing intelligent, proactive data management habits makes good business sense. You owe it to your organization to do everything possible to close the gap between burgeoning archive data, open up new opportunities and lessen the toll on your IT budget. In the coming years, the move to tiered storage will look less like a TCO improvement and more like a strategic imperative.
Visit ScalableStorage.com to learn more about intelligently managing and protecting your data with a tiered solution.
It sounds like a smart system, is it a solution? Idk, the data is the data. They aren’t reducing the data they are just better organizing it and making the run speeds vastly better. It does take advantage of the cloud and putting old rarely used to not used data that still needs to be retained on the cloud. In smaller companies that maybe past ten years of sales data or past ten years of tax returns (all encrypted of course)
Making use of the cloud would definitely reduce the amount of storage space needed within the actual organization.
I foresee management problems with this type of architecture. Data owners would have to be more involved in the process of classification, now not only do they have to classify the data as: unclassified, confidential, secret and top secret, but they also have to classify it as tier 1-4!
Then, DBA’s (Data Base Administrators) have to move the data around. Also, data classification changes, so the owners have to stay up on the data and update the classification regularly.
For example:
I stated earlier, put the last 10 years of tax returns on tier 3-4.
Well, during tax season the CPA’s might want it brought to tier 1. After tax season they need it to go back to tier 3-4.
Now keep in mind large corporations usually do taxes quarterly. So now, that process alone must be done 4 times a year!
I don’t know it seems like a lot of extra work, but it could have benefits. In a really large corporation, such as a hospital or a bank, the potential speed of use may be so beneficial that adding a few extra DBA’s will be well worth it!
I want to look into this topic a little more, so check back for an update, but I do like the idea!
TV Show Barter Kings ruins the entire Barter Industry
There’s a thriving subculture of entrepreneurs who know how to get what they want without spending a dime. No cash, no problem. These larger than life characters prefer the art of trade, and we’ve found the best in the business — Steve McHugh and Antonio Palazzola.
In each half hour we’lll follow two “trading strings,” the dramatic chain of events as items of little value are traded up for items worth thousands. At the heart of every trade is the art of the deal. It takes a ton of strategy, charisma, and all out manipulation to close them. It’s a world filled with amazing characters, fascinating items, and most of all, surprising, unpredictable journeys. When it comes to Barter Kings, anything can happen.
-aetv.com
This show is absolutely fake! Anyone can barter any item for any item when there’s a tv crew in their face! Promising them they will be on tv.
Hey I want to trade you an iPad for a muscle car, I promise you will be on our new show on cable tv. C’mon seriously!
What has this done to the world? It has made people delusional! Go to Craig’s list’s barter section right now! I posted a few items and responded to a few items.
Here are a couple items:
A galaxy tablet for a truck or motorcycle seriously?
A laptop for a scooter or jet ski? C’mon wake up out of your dream world!
iPad for an atv, boat, jetski etc.. Wow
Not only does this guy want all of the above but he wants a jeep too!
C’mon people wake the FUCK up! That’s a TV show!! An iPad 3 64gb is going for $800 which you can find cheaper.
The ones above aren’t even iPad 3! They are 2nd generation! At first glance it’s $490 who the fuck in real life will give a multi thousand dollar item for $500! Wake up!! Smell the coffee!
This show sucks! It’s ruining people’s lives giving them delusions of grandeur!
**Update**
They added a girl to season 2 – it looks like they stole the girl from American Pickers, but only hotter! Copy Cats!!
Why is she so hot? She’s a model! Yes, even she is fake, just like the show!!
Technology: Asus Transformer Prime Tablet
I ordered this through a Groupon and it’s one of the longest 7-10 days I have to wait! Lol
My tablet is late!!! But I wrote Groupon a letter and they gave me $5 credit. They also said contact them in a week if I still don’t have it. Still no tablet!!!
Well, the optional keyboard actually came today! And it’s brown… Ugh! No literature with the keyboard whatsoever, and still no tablet! Groupon Goods definitely dropped the ball on this one! It came UPS, so if the tablet is also coming UPS it’s not coming today! I will however wait till 6 o’clock before writing Groupon another letter!
UPS just came and still no tablet! That’s the difference between Amazon and Groupon Goods, Amazon uses the US Postal Service (post office) the packages usually come in 3 days of order! Where Groupon uses UPS and the packages take forever and get lost in the mail…
Where’s Doug Heffernon the King of Queens with my delivery when I need him!
Finally got the tablet today!
I have been setting it up:
First: hooking up to my WIFI network: which is protected with (WPA2) Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 encryption. Make sure your network name (SSID) and pass phrase are unique and complex.
Next, I set a lock password – remember set a strong password!
Finally, I encrypted the tablet with (DES) Data Encryption Standard 256 algorithm and locked it with a pin code.
After Security Settings: I configured my Internet settings and I downloaded flash player
Then I started to add my apps: ESPN score center, adobe photoshop express, linkedin, etc
At first glance, the high definition screen is amazing!! It’s truly incredible! Beautiful rich colors with nice detail! The front facing camera was pretty crappy, the colors were off. The rear facing camera is much better. When trying to use the panoramic mode it caused a fatal error.
I like the matching optional keyboard it turns the tablet into a netbook, but it’s still a tablet so the touchscreen is still active.
The overall Android Ice Cream Sandwich setup looks like an HP windows machine with the widgets, but it works a lot more like an apple with a couple of different changes.
Play around with it and you can figure it out.
As I found out during Chopper live the camera has a wicked long delay! I had to switch to my iPhone to capture the images on time
TV Show Review: Restaurant Impossible
After combating countless “impossible dinners,” Chef Robert Irvine faces a daunting new challenge: save America’s most desperate restaurants from impending failure in just two days with only $10,000. In his new prime-time Food Network series, Restaurant: Impossible, Robert uses creativity and resourcefulness along with a lot of muscle in his fight to rescue these restaurants and give hope to the owners and their employees. Day one of the extreme mission begins with a thorough business assessment as Robert launches the restaurant into full service, closely observes the staff and kitchen, and determines their weakest spots. Then, he springs into action by updating the menu, retraining the staff and implementing aesthetic changes with the help of his design team. To ensure a packed house for the grand re-opening at the end of day two, Robert hits the streets to tell the community about the improved restaurant. Will the ruthless schedule, tight budget and ambitious task overcome Robert’s lofty goals, or will this tall order result in restaurant triumph?
I really like him! His no sugarcoating, no bs attitude is exactly what these people need!
Everything he says is exactly right! He hasn’t steered these people wrong! Ever!
Most failing places have the same things wrong:
1. Canned not fresh food
2. Poor management – where management is doing too much and not delegating or management is trying to be friends not bosses
3. Cleanliness issues (that stems from #2)
4. Poor service (also an issue of #2)
5. Of course poor design aesthetics – from ugly and dark, to over cluttered, to minimalist junk
These common factors are seen in almost every episode! If your business is failing forget restaurant, if you business is failing, check that list above first! Then if you are still reading check the tips section here.
If you are having partner problems:
Unfortunately, if you chose your partner poorly for example out of love (either physical or brotherly) (like I did) and both of you are on different wavelengths, then unless you can get on the same path, you are doomed!
This show is very important to watch if you own your own business, especially if it’s and type of brick & mortar (physical building not like a plumber, electrician, landscaper etc…) type place. Just because it’s a restaurant show doesn’t mean you can’t learn something.
In the show Robert lightens up dark places, and in one place he reorganized the kitchen for optimized performance. Let’s apply these concepts to a non restaurant
For example:
If you have a hardware store a fresh coat of paint, a couple design changes, might liven up your place! Maybe reorganizing your stock in common areas instead of common tools such as:
Bed, bath, outdoor, automotive ,kitchen etc..
You might have redundant stock, but people coming in that aren’t professionals, will find what they need according to the project they are doing. Which I am sure is the design home depot took in their mega stores. To make it easier for the common person.
Let’s apply it to another business:
A small boutique:
Maybe a bright coat of paint, maybe hang clothes in outfits on the wall, so people can see them together rather than just separate on the hangers.
That’s just 2 tips seen on the show, there are many more!
The design crew has a very limited budget, so they get very creative for cheap! One time they used paint stirrers and painted them and hung them around a light fixture to make a rustic creative light.
Like I said earlier if you have a business, you will want to pay attention. Even if you have a non brick & mortar you may pick up management tips, marketing tips etc!
Watch this show! It is fun to see him tear the places apart!
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