Some people are entirely convinced that the devices we carry around with us or that are popping up in homes everywhere are surreptitiously activating their microphones and listening to our conversations. It's the only way, they contend, that your Facebook feed could suddenly show you posts regarding the latest kitchen gadget the same night you and a friend talk about the device. Or how Google ads are suddenly showing discounts on car repair after you and a co-worker discussed their recent car … [Read more...] about How Do Our Computers Know So Much About Us?
Columnists
A Power Hitter Heals with an Assist from YRMC Physical Rehabilitation Services
Legend has it the first Louisville Slugger was built by teenager Bud Hillerich in his father’s woodworking shop to help a major league baseball player who was in a hitting slump. More than a century later, another innovator – engineer Martin Martinez – added to the bat’s folklore by applying computerized simulation to build a better baseball bat through his company’s Impact Sports Division. “I have a need to build things,” said Martinez, president and founder of Engineering Science … [Read more...] about A Power Hitter Heals with an Assist from YRMC Physical Rehabilitation Services
Using Life Insurance for Financial and Tax Planning
Do you have a financial plan set up to protect your loved ones after you pass away? With a well-thought-out life insurance plan, you can do just that. The purpose of life insurance is to help provide a measure of financial well-being for your family and loved ones when you are no longer there. With the purchase of a carefully planned life insurance policy, you can help ensure that your family and loved ones will be taken care of. Life insurance offers two essential benefits. First, it offers … [Read more...] about Using Life Insurance for Financial and Tax Planning
Understanding Brain Controlled Hearing Aids
One of the most difficult situations in which to hear well is to hear one person in a group of loud-spoken people. Not hearing well in the company of friends and family is a quality of life issue. Without the ability to hear what is going on, you tend to withdraw and become isolated. Rather than giving up on social interaction, I recommend that you try a pair of hearing aids. Hearing aids are outfitted with directional microphones to help you focus in a direction you choose. For instance, if you … [Read more...] about Understanding Brain Controlled Hearing Aids
Debunking the Down Payment Mortgage Myth
You’ve been renting for years, but your dream home just came on the market! You’ve tried to save for a down payment, but life gets in the way…the car needed new tires, your dishwasher stopped working and Christmas is around the corner. You’ve been diligent and have put away money for a down payment but it seems you can just never get ahead. Well, guess what. The myth that you need a huge down payment to get into a home is just not true! At Academy Mortgage, we have multiple loan programs that … [Read more...] about Debunking the Down Payment Mortgage Myth
Living Stress Free During the Holidays
I was researching the topic of “stress free” during the holidays and came upon a 13-week holiday challenge. I began to chuckle, for we are only weeks away from Christmas. I didn’t have 13 weeks to figure out how to: be a better wife and mother, run my three businesses, manage the most beautiful venue in town, balance my volunteer hours, plan for a trip to Chicagoland, incorporate exercise, plan meals, play with my grandson, pray and honor God, keep up with social media, write out Christmas … [Read more...] about Living Stress Free During the Holidays
How Family Caregivers Can Care for Themselves
Caring, giving, sharing. The holidays can bring out the best in most of us. But for family caregivers, this is everyday life. Caring for a loved one can be a rewarding experience. But it also can be very stressful on the caregiver, especially if that individual is trying to manage a career, family and children in addition to the caregiving responsibilities. The most important piece of advice to give family caregivers is to care for themselves first. It’s similar to oxygen masks in … [Read more...] about How Family Caregivers Can Care for Themselves
Partnering with SCORE Matters
A SCORE partner is an active experienced small business that wants to help other small businesses learn and grow with specialty counseling in their specific field of expertise. And they get paid for their professional assistance. SCORE volunteers, on the other hand, mentor and counsel start-up and existing businesses for FREE. A SCORE certified mentor will meet face-to-face with a client, listen to the request for business help and then put the client on the right track to success. When it comes … [Read more...] about Partnering with SCORE Matters
Giving the Gift of Bliss, Health, Relaxation
The holidays have arrived and with them come the joys of family, friends, parties and gifts. The holidays can also bring stress and pain – achy shoulders from carrying bags packed full of gifts; tired feet from walking for hours in and out of stores; and sore backs from loading and unloading and getting in and out of the car. But there is a simpler way to give loved ones, friends and coworkers gifts they will really appreciate: Gift cards. Gift cards are more popular than ever this year, … [Read more...] about Giving the Gift of Bliss, Health, Relaxation
Four Things You and Your Business Should Consider Heading in to 2018
Smart business owners are constantly working to improve their business. As the New Year approaches, many are finding themselves asking one question: What can I do to put myself in the best position for next year? Considering the previous year and identifying opportunities to grow are crucial when looking to jump start a new year. The following is a list business owners should consider while heading into 2018: Reflect on your goals from the previous year. Did you reach your … [Read more...] about Four Things You and Your Business Should Consider Heading in to 2018