Monday, July 16, 2018
Who doesn’t read books in America?
These numbers tell a story and answer a question in and of themselves!
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Quick Tips on Cyber Security
Before I share this information do yourself a Big favor by Not storing personal information on net devices or in a friggin Cloud. Create a very simple code such as using "A" for the number "1" and "Z" for "10", etc. Take this type of sensitive information and save it on PAPER! Old school beats new school hands down in this instance.
ISP's "Top 10" List of Secure Computing Tips
Tip #1 - You are a target to hackers
Don't ever say "It won't happen to me". We are all at risk and the stakes are high - to your personal and financial well-being, and to the University's standing and reputation.
- Keeping campus computing resources secure is everyone's responsibility.
- By following the tips below and remaining vigilent, you are doing your part to protect yourself and others.
Tip #2 - Keep software up to date
Installing software updates for your operating system and programs is critical. Always install the latest security updates for your devices:
- Turn on Automatic Updates for your operating system.
- Use web browsers such as Chrome or Firefox that receive frequent, automatic security updates.
- Make sure to keep browser plug-ins (Flash, Java, etc.) up to date.
- Utilize Secunia PSI (free) to find other software on your computer that needs to be updated.
Tip #3 - Avoid Phishing scams - beware of suspicious emails and phone calls
Phishing scams are a constant threat - using various social engineering(link is external) ploys, cyber criminals will attempt to trick you into divulging personal information such as your login ID and password, banking or credit card information.
- Phishing scams can be carried out by phone, text, or through social networking sites - but most commonly by email.
- Be suspicious of any official-looking email message or phone call that asks for personal or financial information.
Check out our Phishing Resources section for details about identifying phishing scams and protecting yourself.
Tip #4 - Practice good password management
We all have too many passwords to manage - and it's easy to take short-cuts, like reuseing the same password. A password management program(link is external) can help you to maintain strong unique passwords for all of your accounts. These programs can generate strong passwords for you, enter credentials automatically, and remind you to update your passwords periodically.
There are several online password management services that offer free versions, and KeePass(link is external) is a free application for Mac and Windows.
Here are some general password tips to keep in mind:
- Use long passwords - 20 characters or more is recommended.
- Use a strong mix of characters, and never use the same password for multiple sites.
- Don't share your passwords and don't write them down (especially not on a post-it note attached to your monitor).
- Update your passwords periodically, at least once every 6 months (90 days is better).
The Protecting Your Credentials how-to article contains detailed recommendations for keeping your password safe.
Tip #5 - Be careful what you click
Avoid visiting unknown websites or downloading software from untrusted sources. These sites often host malware that will automatically, and often silently, compromise your computer.
If attachments or links in email are unexpected or suspicious for any reason, don't click on it.
ISP recommends using Click-to-Play or NoScript(link is external), browser add-on features that prevent the automatic download of plug-in content (e.g., Java, Flash) and scripts that can harbor malicious code.
Tip #6 - Never leave devices unattended
The physical security of your devices is just as important as their technical security.
- If you need to leave your laptop, phone, or tablet for any length of time - lock it up so no one else can use it.
- If you keep sensitive information on a flash drive or external hard drive, make sure to keep these locked as well.
- For desktop computers, shut-down the system when not in use - or lock your screen.
Tip #7 - Protect sensitive data
Be aware of sensitive data that you come into contact with, and associated restrictions - review the UCB Data Classification Standard to understand data protection level requirements. In general:
- Keep sensitive data (e.g., SSN's, credit card information, student records, health information, etc.) off of your workstation, laptop, or mobile devices.
- Securely remove sensitive data files from your system when they are no longer needed.
- Always use encryption when storing or transmitting sensitive data.
Unsure how to store or handle sensitive data? Contact us and ask!
Tip #8 - Use mobile devices safely
Considering how much we rely on our mobile devices, and how susceptible they are to attack, you'll want to make sure you are protected:
- Lock your device with a PIN or password - and never leave it unprotected in public.
- Only install apps from trusted sources.
- Keep your device's operating system updated.
- Don't click on links or attachments from unsolicited emails or texts.
- Avoid transmitting or storing personal information on the device.
- Most handheld devices are capable of employing data encryption - consult your device's documentation for available options.
- Use Apple's Find my iPhone(link is external) or the Android Device Manager(link is external) tools to help prevent loss or theft.
- Backup your data.
Tip #9 - Install anti-virus protection
Only install an anti-virus program from a known and trusted source. Keep virus definitions, engines and software up to date to ensure your anti-virus program remains effective.
For personally-owned systems and unmanaged UCB owned computers, the campus offers free anti-virus software,available for Windows and Mac, to current faculty, staff, and students.
Tip #10 - Back up your data
Back up on a regular basis - if you are a victim of a security incident, the only guaranteed way to repair your computer is to erase and re-install the system.
Here are some additional tips to help keep you safe and secure online:
- Use a firewall - Mac and Windows have basic desktop firewalls as part of their operating system that can help protect your computer from external attacks.
- Use public wireless hot-spots wisely - follow these tips(link is external) for staying safe.
- Be conscientious of what you plug in to your computer (flash drives and even smart phones can contain malware).
- Be careful of what you share on social networking sites.
- Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.
- Bank or shop online only on trusted devices and networks - and logout of these sites when you've completed your transactions.
Sunday, July 15, 2018
Monogamy Is Not "Natural" For Human Beings
If the idea of mating for life went out with the so-called sexual revolution of the 1960's, and books like Open Marriage, why has monogamy become a hot button issue, so to speak?
Or has it? Maybe it's just a coincidence that the subject has come up in some of the things I've read lately. Notably, an op-ed piece by an evolutionary biologist (don't ask me what that is). Professor David Barash of the University of Washington has written a book on polygamy, and I find his views on the flip-side––monogamy, that is––equally interesting. In this article he argues that just because monogamy isn't "natural" to the human species doesn't mean it isn't possible or even desirable. In fact, we often do those things best that don't come easily to us. Playing the violin, for example. Monogamy, or sticking with one mate "until death do us part," for another.
I'll stick with my dog.
I'm with him so far, but now it gets complicated. We also carry the biological imprint of polygamy, the opposite of lifelong fidelity to one mate. Complicating matters further, polygamy is divided into two categories: Polygyny, in which a man has more than one wife, and polyandry, in which a woman has more than one husband. In a humorous aside, Professor Barash explains that the biological benefits of polyandry––one female, multiple males––is not clear, "but that has not dampened many women's enthusiasm."
Now the question is, if we carry the evolutionary imprint of polygamy, why does modern society, especially in the Western world, advocate monogamy, which goes against our animalistic predilection for multiple sexual partners? Not all animals are sexually indiscriminate, by the way. Although rare, a few species do mate for life and will even reject new alliances after the death of their original partners.
Given the fact that 80% of early human societies were polygamous, why did later populations become largely monogamous? Science has no answer to that, apparently, although there are theories, as you might expect. One of them has to do with the "two parent" advantage to monogamy in caring for the young.
Strangely enough, some creatures in this world can do without the care of any parents at all. Newly-hatched baby turtles find their own way to the sea, long after mama turtle has laid her eggs in the sand and departed. Conversely, human babies are completely helpless at birth and need parental care for years afterward. Ergo, in the case of Homo sapiens, two parents are better than one.
Obviously, the benefits of monogamy are not limited to the two-parent child care advantage. I could suggest one or two more, perhaps not within the purview of an evolutionary biologist: Knowing that you always have a date for Saturday night can be a comfort. So can a shoulder to cry on, when you really need one.
But back to Professor Barash. What he calls "the bad news" about polygamy (or harem-keeping) is that, for several reasons, it is not advantageous for humans––male or female. Modern man may dream about the delights of keeping a harem in bygone days, but the truth is that only the sultan could afford a seraglio. The majority of men in those polygamous cultures wound up unhappy bachelors.
Even so, I would argue that there are some today for whom that biological imprint of polygamy seems to provide the stronger, not to say irresistible, urge. I'm talking about the Casanova who shuns commitment in favor of playing the field, and the philandering husband, as well. The idea of mating for life and "forsaking all others" is anathema to them.
Monogamy may not be "natural" for human beings, but an awful lot of us still think it's the best choice.
A New Addition to My RC Family
I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time which landed me a DJI Phantom 3 in trade for the construction of a website.
As far as I can ascertain these things pretty much can fly themselves, some may remember the quads I had while living in SE Asia.
If anyone cares to share some flying tips, they will be greatly appreciated.
As far as I can ascertain these things pretty much can fly themselves, some may remember the quads I had while living in SE Asia.
If anyone cares to share some flying tips, they will be greatly appreciated.
*And of course it's for sale or trade.
Cooling my 39' Mainship Express
If you're a yacht owner, especially those of us that live on yachts know that "marine air" is typically not what you get in a home or apartment.
My boat is basically an efficiency with a small bedroom in the aft section and my marine air will keep the temp "liveable" and that's about it.
Introducing the Insignia Portable Air Unit >
My boat is basically an efficiency with a small bedroom in the aft section and my marine air will keep the temp "liveable" and that's about it.
Introducing the Insignia Portable Air Unit >
I purchased the larger unit but I really didn't need to.
IT'S FREEZING
Trump tells officials how Putin will respond to meddling question
"I will absolutely bring that up. I don't think you'll have any, 'Gee, I did it. I did it. You got me.' There won't be a Perry Mason here, I don't think, but you never know what happens, right? But I will absolutely, firmly ask the question," Trump said. "And hopefully, we'll have a very good relationship with Russia."
Instead, the US President is setting his sights on establishing a new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) between the United States and Russia to continue decades of progressive nuclear disarmament between the two countries, the source told CNN. The source said Trump has been fired up about making progress on extending the US and Russia's denuclearization treaty, now known as New Start which is set to expire in 2021.
Trump sees progress on an arms control treaty as the likeliest area of progress for the Trump-Putin summit, the source said.
"The proliferation is a tremendous -- I mean, to me, it's the biggest problem in the world, nuclear weapons. Biggest problem in the world," Trump said on Friday. "So, we could do something to substantially reduce them -- I mean, ideally get rid of them. It's -- maybe that's a dream."
The White House declined a CNN request for comment.
But as Trump and Putin prepare to arrive in Helsinki, the source with knowledge of the discussions said there is still no set, organized agenda for the summit. Privately, Trump has also made clear that he is unsure how the summit will unfold and what the outcome will be, the source said.
The risks of the meeting, the source said, are if Trump offers something for free -- such as reducing US support for Ukraine or offers ambiguity on Crimea. Or if Trump's bonding with Putin emboldens Europeans who want to lift sanctions on Russia -- the new Italian government, Hungary or Austria.
Trump and US officials have made clear they intend to raise a series of issues during the Helsinki summit, from the ongoing civil war in Syria to Russian actions in Ukraine to cyberactivities and North Korea.
Trump believes his discussions with Putin on Syria could yield the crude beginnings of a deal, but any agreement would be very preliminary. Trump, who is eager to withdraw US troops from the country, would like for Russia to get the Iranians to pull out of Syria, according to the source, but many experts within and outside the administration see that as an unrealistic demand the Russians will not be able to deliver on.
On North Korea, Ukraine and cyber issues, the potential outcomes of Trump and Putin's talks seem less clear.
The source with knowledge of Trump's discussions said Putin is still eager to form a joint Russia-US cybersecurity unit, which remains unlikely. The source said it is possible Trump and Putin agree to a working-level dialogue on cybersecurity issues.
On North Korea, the source said Russian officials do not believe Trump's maximum pressure campaign has worked, but agree on the objective of nonproliferation and want to be involved in the denuclearization talks.
The United States, though, would rather continue its bilateral talks with North Korea. However, this source believes it's likely Putin will offer technical assistance, such as expertise in the removal of nuclear material and that Trump may well agree to Russian involvement in some way, which would also be something of a win for Putin.
White House keeps summit preparation under wraps
Ahead of his one-on-one with Putin, officials said Trump has spent the past two days preparing for the summit by meeting with advisers who traveled with him and phoning those who didn't. But aside from that, the White House been incredibly tight-lipped about the extent of the President's preparations.
"The President has had several phone calls with relevant stakeholders and was joined at Turnberry by aides and administration officials for multiple meetings," one White House official told CNN.
Another added, "In preparation for the meeting with Putin, President Trump has spoken with allies, discussed the issues with administration officials, and met with advisors while at NATO, in the U.K, and in Turnberry."
As he boarded Air Force One Sunday, national security adviser John Bolton was asked how the Putin preparations had gone. "Fine, thanks," he said, before turning and climbing the stairs.
Although US Ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman held a call with reporters 10 days ago, in a departure from previous meetings with world leaders, the White House has not held a dedicated background briefing with reporters to preview the Putin meeting. As of Sunday night, none was scheduled, according to one official.
The White House did put two administration officials on television Sunday -- Bolton and Huntsman. During his interview with Chuck Todd, Huntsman insisted that Monday isn't a summit, but "a meeting" with Putin, noting to Todd that there is "no state dinner, no joint statement, no deliverables that are pre-packaged."
However, Trump later referred to it as a "summit" on Twitter.
CNN's Kaitlan Collins and Sophie Tatum contributed to this report.
FACTS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE BUYING AN AKITA
For this first article, I particularly wanted to introduce you and especially with no taboo my favorite dog breed. Those who follow us for a while know the energy that I put to inform, prevent and advise (at my level) people who are closely interested about this superb breed. On instagram and many other social medias, you can admire this beautiful breed : the AKITAS
I gather today the two breeds , the Akita Inu and the American Akita because they remain similar despite some small details. These beautiful Japanese dogs make us dream by their presence, beauty and strength … Indeed, Akitasare incomparable loyal dogs, clever with a temperament approaching cats and their attitudes are sometimes very funny. ( Sure that some owners will smile )
DO NOT JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER !
Their teddy bear appearance can often cause issues for peoples who do not know the breed. Yep, they look like cubs but they’re not made of marshmallow ^^ . As a primitive breed, there are many things to know before buying this kind of dogs. First facts you should know is that Akitas are naturally very dominant, they hardly tolerate other dogs especially of the same gender. A huge socialization from a very early age is extremely important to accustom the dog to tolerate its furriends the best way as possible. Nevertheless, Akitas build their characters well after adolescence, a puppy or young dog who willingly played with his comrades can very well stop this overnight and no longer accept contact with them, be sure that he can also attack them .
This is why it is strongly discouraged to get an akita of the same gender if you already have a dog and if you don’t even have the necessary facilities to separate them for life. For life, because akitas are very resentful, usually if they decided to no longer accept a dog, it is forever. To avoid abandonment, you must be aware of this risk and not try to change their temperament. Those who have already experienced an Akita fight know that it’s gonna be very difficult to separate and that it won’t be without some risks. Yes, they are real ninjas ! Don’t think that because your current dogs are submissive or very sociable, that the Akita who has grown up with will necessarily get along with them during all his life. Many peoples are very surprised and often don’t even know what to do when a fight comes and that’s usually very hard to stop them. The “pulling the back legs’s technical doesn’t really works with akitas.
KEYS TO SUCCESS: POSITIVE EDUCATION, PATIENCE, SOCIALIZATION AND LOVE
It is necessary to raise an akita with gentleness, patience and a lot of tact. Positive education is paramount with them. We educate but we do not train an akita … Despite the fact that it is not a breed that obeys perfectly, we can achieve very beautiful things through a smooth and regular work.
Personally, I manage to obtain a great result of obedience with Malcolm to which I am very proud. He likes to make me happy and it’s proof of a successful connection between us. Like all primitives, their hunting instinct is very present.
A recall will never be one hundred percent reliable when an Akita decides to go hunting. Many owners use large lanyards to let them sniff and hunt in peace but especially safely. You should know that akitas owners often keep their dogs on a leash because of the risk of crossing other dogs or if they decide to go hunting . They are relaxed without leash in safe places and cleared to see a potential danger. If you have the habit or the desire to have a dog without leash and without constraints, you will be disappointed to see that the akita is not suitable for you. For many owners, outings are not always just relaxation and their obsession is to cross detached dogs. Most incidents happen very often in this way.
CODES VERY DIFFERENT FROM OTHER DOGS
Akitas carry their tails and their ears very high, their postures return to other dogs some signals which they can interpretlike dangerous. Some will go and face them, others with more canine codes will go their way. Sheepdogs are particularly even more sensitive to the akita’s attitude because their canine codesare rather different. After several experiments of my friends akita owners and with the sight of the reserve of my owndog with the German Shepherds, I could notice that it is particularly necessary to be very careful between Shepherdsand Akitas, but not only…
Akitas are often not recommended for people who have never owned dogs but personally I think that sometimes it is better to be a first time owner who has time to devote to education, socialization of his dog and who feels the desire to learn, rather than someone knowledgeable about other dog breeds and who think that Akitas are the same and applies stuffs that are not necessarily valid for an Akita. Obviously you have to have grip and tact to manage them, but it can be learned, especially when you are well prepared.
For all breeds, research are necessary before adopting a dog. Meeting owners, breeders are the best way to learn more about them. Ask yourself whether or not you’ll be able and if you will know how to fill the needs of the breed. Each of them have specificities that needs to be adapted. In the opposite case, it is better to continue daydreaming while looking at pretty pictures. Don’t think either to change the instinct and behavior of a primitive, that’s why we shouldn’t buy a dog for his beauty, there are enough dogs in shelters.
To minimize abandonment or accidents, it is better to be ready to meet all these conditions to accommodate a dog like this.
Talking about the Akita breed without taboo is important, they are not bloodthirsty monsters, they simply need some space with other dogs and you just have to know how to respect it. If you cross an akita during a walk with your dog, it would be better to avoid any problem, to get yours on leash if it’s not already done or to have a good control on him to not approach the other dog, unless the akita owner has proposed it to you.
AN EXTREMELY WONDERFUL BREED
As an Akita Lover, I am very happy to discover them a little bit more each day, because we learn every day a new thing with them. Their behaviors are so interesting and their attitudes often very funny, they are often called cat-dogs and this is rather true. The love of an Akita is an inestimable thing, on this point I take willingly the example of the legend “Hatchiko” .
I hope that you will enjoy this first article dedicated to the Akita breed. Feel free to visit kennels, meet owners and send us messages if you have other questions.
See you soon !
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