Sunday, September 28, 2014

How Safe is Your Cell Phone?


The invasion of digital technology like smartphones and tablets in our lives has not been a gradual process. It came with a bang; it seems like overnight everyone has a cell phone. Being the most popular gadget today, it was a bit of a surprise when all the big wigs in the technology industry turned their heads towards this new device and the market was flooded with cell phones of various types supporting innovative apps, features etc. This gave the users a huge variety of choices according to their preferences. While purchasing a cell phone, a common user tends to go for one that comes with most features at the lowest price tag. However, the crucial factor that most of the users tend to ignore or simply overlook is the safety level of that phone.
With the widespread increase of cell phone usage, it was quite instinctive for the researchers to investigate the health concerns that are posed by radiation emitting from cell phones. Cell phone radiation lies in the microwave region of the radio spectrum. The IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) has placed the cell phone in Group 2B, thus marking it as possibly carcinogenic. However, it should be noticed that with proper precaution, cell phones can be used without side effects; especially taking into account the fact that the microwaves emitted from other devices such as home appliances (microwaves, computers, televisions etc.) radiate a much higher level of radiation compared to the cell phone.
The Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) gives a measure of radiation absorbed in the human body. The standard SAR for cell phones accepted as being safe for the human body is 1.6 Watt/ kg. It is important for cell phones to comply with this set standard because high radiation levels can be quite dangerous by causing a molecular structural breakdown. It's important to use a cell phone carefully taking precautions to avoid problems with radiation.
Did you know:
1. A pregnant woman should keep cell phones away from the fetus as even low levels radiation could possibly effect her unborn child.
2. One should not carry a cell phone in a front pocket or anywhere near reproductive organs. While research is still being done here, it is possible that the phone could effect the productivity and health of these organs. Remember that cell phones emit radiation even when they are off. It's probably not a great idea to have your phone by your bed at night for the same reason.
3. The ear lobes and other parts of the body next to which the phone is placed are susceptible to a dielectric heating effect. Likewise, the corneas of the eyes are another area effected, especially with cell phones that don't conform to international standards.. Studies have also revealed an increased metabolism rate in the brain tissue which is nearest the antenna of a cell phone. Therefore, talking on your phone for long periods of time is not a good idea. If you are going to have a long conversation, put it on "speaker phone", use headphones or use hands free devices such as Bluetooth so that the phone is not so near to your body.
4. Not all cell phones are created equal. Some have all the bells and whistles while others are very simple. Likewise, some emit more radiation than others. Below is a chart with the various levels of radiation for each brand of phone. Remember that these levels can change with the age of the phone and new models are being created as well.
Currently Samsung, Nokia, HTC etc. are rated manufacturers of the lowest SAR rated cell phones.
The lowest rated cell phones include
· HTC One (SAR=0.68)
· Google Nexus 4 (SAR=0.55)
· Samsung S III (SAR=0.43)
· Samsung Note II (SAR=0.42)
· Samsung Haven (SAR=0.41)
· LG Quantum (SAR=0.35)
· T Mobile Sidekick (SAR=0.34)
· Huawei Ideos X5 (SAR=0.34)
· Samsung Replinish (SAR=0.3)
· Samsung Infuse (SAR=0.2)
The highest SAR rated cell phones include:
· Motorola Bravo (SAR= 1.59)
· Motorola Defy (SAR= 1.57)
· Motorola Droid RAZR (SAR= 1.56)
· HTC Droid DNA (SAR= 1.56)
· HTC Desire (SAR= 1.48)
· Nokia Lumia (SAR= 1.30)
· iPhone5 (SAR= 1.18)  
· iPhone 4S (SAR= 1.11)
Martin Cooper, a Motorola inventor, invented the first mobile phone in 1973.
Martin Cooper, a Motorola inventor, invented the first mobile phone in 1973.
The SAR rating of every cell phone is mentioned in the manual that comes with your phone and also can be searched online by simply entering the model of your phone. Please share this list with your cell phone talking friends so that they too can minimize that amount of radiation exposure and provide for the next generation to lead happy, healthy lives. Cell phones are here to stay and are indeed getting bigger in size. How many people do you know who have two cell phones or at least a cell and a tablet? Remember to be polite too and not use them in cramped public situations such a concerts or public transportation. You would be exposing other people to the "waves". Lastly, by purchasing only phones with low level emissions it will encourage companies to improve the levels of radiation everyone is exposed to. 

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Cell Phone Accessories


Cell phone accessories refers to any item that does not form an integral part, either hardware or software, of the operation or functioning of the cell phone. There is a huge variety of cell phone accessories available in the market that attracts the customers. Today, a cell phone has turned into a transitional object for adults. It has replaced the teddy bears in delivering a sense of comfort and belonging. As Ted Turner puts it to be happy in this world, first you need a cell phone and then you need an airplane; then you’re truly wireless .The concept of cell phone accessories originates from the vanity that is a basic need of the human character. Cell phone accessories include a large number of items a few of which have been discussed below.
Mobile Covers
Conventional mobile covers came in simple colors, often with a rubber lining so as to provide protection against damage from knocking. However, the newest trend of personalizing everything has led to designer covers which serve both the purpose of protection as well as personalization. The trend has also emerged due to the fact that the latest smartphone models contain a lot of exposed surfaces especially the touchscreens which are prone to damage. The trending covers for cell phones include adhesive backed vinyl pieces. Other cells have replaceable designer covers. For the cells which do not feature a snap-on back cover, slip-on covers are available. These covers come in a huge number of designs, patterns, colors and themes. They make a cell phone fun to work with, all the while protecting it from some serious damage.
Head Sets and Hands free
The advancements and innovation in mobile phone technologies have made the traditional music players and mp3s obsolete. There is no need of carrying the luggage of an extra gadget such as an iPod because the new breed of cell phones and smartphones comes equipped with state of the art music players. However, a head set is a necessary cell phone accessory not only to play music but also as a safety precaution. Headsets allow you to place your cell phone in your pocket or backpack thus eliminating the possibility of street snatching as you enjoy your music. Hands free phones allow you to jog as you talk. It leaves your hands free to multi task. It also allows you to receive calls with more ease as you do not have to lift your cell phone to your ear; thus one can continue long cell phone chats comfortably.
Batteries / Chargers
91lgR0Rf9NL._SL1500_In modern life, cell phones are the staple of everyday living. The usage of cell phones and smartphones is no longer confined to texting and making calls. The addition of internet surfing technology has multiplied the usage of cell phones many times. This implies that phones are prone to run out of battery. Thus the mobile manufacturers now offer extra batteries or travelling chargers so that the cell phones may be charged in cars etc. thus keeping you connected to the world.


Saturday, September 13, 2014

Remedies for Wet Cell Phones

Moisture is a common problem with cell phones. Here's some common scenerios (I'm sure you can come up with even more): you forget your phone is in your pocket when you dive into the lake, your phone slips out of your back pocket and into the toilet, you forget your phone is in your pocket when you put your clothes in the washing machine - anyway, you get the picture. Is that phone toast or can it be saved? Here's some pointers from the many editors of a WikiHow article, "How to Save a Wet Cell Phone".
  • If the phone is plugged in and in water, take a non-metal stick and disconnect the phone before you do anything. You don't want to be electricuted.
  • Phones that have had extended time in water will probably need to be replaced. However, it's worth trying to save them. The most important first step with any phone is to unplug the phone and take out the battery and SIM card (if your phone has one) and dry all parts off thoroughly. Saving your SIM card and all your data will be worth this effort. The phone will have a small white square or circle near the battery location. If this mark is pink or red, your phone has water damage.
  • 670px-Save-a-Wet-Cell-Phone-Step-5-Version-3Dry off all parts with a soft cloth or paper towels, being careful not to shake or move the phone too much as that will drive the water deeper into the inner workings. Focus on the small openings in the phone such as the plug sockets. Remove any outer covers or accessories.
  • Use a vaccuum cleaner to suck out the moisture but don't put the nozzle too close to the phone. This might create static electricity which is even worse for the phone. Dry each area of the phone focusing again on the openings.
  • Don't use a hair dryer even on cool settings as this might drive the moisture deeper into the phone. Don't shake the phone or bang it against your hand as this too might drive the water deeper.
  • Put your phone in a bed of absorbant material such as uncooked rice or let it sit on absorbant towels or paper towels overnight. Here is part of this suggestion from the WikiHow article:
    • 629px-Save-a-Wet-Cell-Phone-Step-9-Version-3 Add a desiccant packet, such as silica gel — often found with new shoes, purses, noodle packets, etc — in with the cell phone. The downside of this method is the packets packed with shoes has usually already reached its absorption capacity. Dessicant for flower drying can usually be purchased at most craft stores. Leave the phone with the dessicant or rice as long as possible (at least overnight) to absorb the moisture.
    • Rotate the phone to a different position every hour until you go to sleep. This will allow any water left inside to run down and hopefully find an opening to escape.
To read the original click here.
  • After 24 hours reinstall the battery and test your phone. Don't plug it into power at first.
  • If your phone is not working, try removing the battery, plugging it in and powering it up. If it works then you might need to replace the battery.
  • Take your phone to an authorized dealer as they might be able to repair it. Tell them it has been in water. Salt water is the worst, by the way. The dealer can take the phone apart to see the damage. It's recommended that you not try this as it is easy to damage the very small connections in a cell phone.
If you are around water a lot, getting a protective cover or keeping it in a plastic bag might be a good idea. However, answering it will take much longer. My parting words: buy a cheap cell phone to take in your boat, and store your data in another place as well as on the phone - maybe "in the cloud".

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Recycling Cell Phones for Charity

98-How1If you are in the market for a new cell phone or you are answering that irresistible good deal "upgrade" promised by your provider, what are you going to do with your old cell phone? It's composed of precious metals and plastic that doesn't need to end up in landfill. Only about 10% of phones are recycled in the US today - much too low. Here are  some ideas of what you can do with it.
1. Send it to Cell Phone for Soldiers, an organization that collects them. Each cell phone buys one hour of talk time for a soldier calling home.
2. Help domestic violence victims by giving it to either National Coalition Against Domestic Violence or Shelter Alliance. You can mail them your phones.
3. Help kids with serious illnesses  go to camp through NASCAR's Recycle for Victory.
4. Donate to a charity - Flipswap refurbishes your old phone and donates the value of the resale to the charity of your choice. Flipswap as I write this article is being re-organized so check back to find it later.
5. Best suggestion: check with AmericanCellPhoneDrive.org. This organization will provide you with places for donation that are local to your residence.
6. Canadian alternative: RecycleMyCell.ca  This organization not only provides a list of local organizations but also gives you helpful tips such as how to remove your data completely, FAQ section and local drop-off places. Of course there is a French-speaking Twitter account associated with it: @RecycleMonCell
7. David Suzuki has also gotten into the act as he is big on recycling everything. Go to: DavidSuzuki.org to find out more or their fund raising through recycling.
Now you have more than enough alternatives to keep from throwing your phone in the garbage. Actually, my son gave his old phone to his young 3 year-old daughter - disconnected from service, of course. She was thrilled and spent many hours having imaginary conversations with "her" real phone.
In addition, the retail businesses are realizing that they are missing some income and have now started retail take-back programs. Remember, however, that what they give back you as a savings for returning your phone is a small amount compared to what charity groups can obtain from your same phone. It's like the trade-in for your old car. The dealer gives you much less than you could get selling it on through private ads.
Have any experience with recycling cell phones for charity? What did you do with your old phone? Let us know.

Friday, August 29, 2014

How to Create a Media Marketing Video

Hundreds of videos being created here
Hundreds of videos being created here
Media production is changing daily and mostly towards making it easier for the average person to produce entertaining videos and pictures. Now you can get your iPhone or another cell phone to produce quite good videos. However, with a few more pieces of equipment you can produce what looks like a professional production. Want to edit your video? There's a number of good programs and software that are free such as Mashable, Animoto and Jing.

If you are an Apple user and happen to have an iPad, here's a good tutorial about shooting videos: http://youtu.be/m8_i6KY4ZdI

Here's a few tips to get you started on that important video that can make the difference between making lots of sales for media marketing and making very few.

1. Get a plug-in microphone for your cell phone. You can find them at most shops selling mobile devices. It will make your sound clearer, not hollow or distant. You might be able to find a quiet place outside for the better light, but inside it's best to rent, borrow or buy a studio light.  You need to speak loudly and look at the camera of course.
2. Write a script. If you try to just ad-lib you might be able to do it, but most probably there will be too many "ums" or pauses, not to mention mistakes. It's a clear sign of success when you can "say your lines" but not sound canned - like you are just reading them. I few more times practicing will get you there.
3. Just mention 2 or 3 rewards or bonuses. Let the viewers know there will be more later but no need to drag it out too much. People can only take in so much at once. Which bring us to the next tip.
4. According to Kendall Almerico, your video should be short (no more than 3 minutes) and end with a bang. No one wants to listen to someone drone on and on. Make something surprising or exciting at the end if possible.
The video should be short, exciting and get the viewer fired up and wanting to read more about what you are offering. Ideally, the video should be three minutes long or less (although really great videos will hold the audience’s attention even if longer).  For those who have a tendency to ramble on, keep in mind, with a crowdfunding campaign, you have an entire page online to write out more details and to show photos to supplement the video. People have busy lives and short attention spans. Don't lose your viewers before getting to the most important part -- asking for donations and help spreading the word about your campaign.
To read more of this click here.
5. Lastly, don't forget to ask people to opt in to your list or join your organization usually with some "bribe" or free offer as a benefit to them. You need to tell people what you want them to do so that more of them will figure it out.
Need more ideas of what to say? Look at other videos to get some ideas. The internet is full of them today and of course YouTube is a collection of them. Once you have finished, post it everywhere - your blog, social media and of course on YouTube.  It's easy if you have the embed code, given to you by YouTube but other media channels as well. Have any more ideas for media marketing? Leave them below for other viewers. or send them to us in an e-mail.
Next post: Making Your Videos Go Viral

Friday, August 15, 2014

Cell Phone Crashing

photoIt was only a matter of time before the hidden cameras found people talking on their cell phones. Need a good laugh? Then watch this short video at the airport - any airport will do.   Now you know what cell phone crashing is. You can find lots more on YouTube. This couple has been up to these pranks for some time now, but not long enough for their "victims" to know about it. I personally find it rather irritating that people are always talking on cell phones and even more irritating when they ring when I'm asleep on a plane. Would you like to see one more? OK. Here you go.     Well, at least these people in Disneyland had more of a sense of humor than the poor people stuck at the airport. And one guy did know about cell phone crashing. Now you know as well, so enjoy it if you happen to meet up with them. No names mentioned here.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

......$1,000, $3,000 and $5,000 Commissions Sold for You?


“Success is a science, if you have the conditions, you get the result.” -Oscar Wilde
Ye' Olde Oscar had it sooooooooo right...
Take your local Weatherman for example.
He can fairly accurately tell you what the weather will be like for the next 7 days or so.
He can even inform you if you're in danger! Whether that be impending doom from Tornado's, Hurricanes, Flooding, Earthquakes or whatever other natural disaster it may be.
How does he know all of this?
Is he a psychic?
Some weatherman 'Guru'?
No, not at all.
Because if you have all of the *conditions*, you get the results

......$1,000, $3,000 and $5,000 commissions sold for you?

Science helps him see patterns in the weather and so forth to be able to forecast what will result.
Getting success online is very similar too...
It's not about luck, being in the right place at the right time, or some secret KEY others are using that's unbeknownst to you.
It's science. It's numbers. It's your economics.
Traffic, as I hope you know, is the Lifeblood of this business.
How much money can you afford to spend on traffic to get a $7.00 sale?
$7.00?
Well yea, if you just want to break even!
Can you buy a lot of online traffic with $7.00, or even $100 for that matter?
NOPE.
And then to take this further...
How many sales even at a 100% profit at $7.00 would it take you to make a good income?
You'd have to make 50 sales just to make $350.00. And once you factor in traffic, you've made nothing.
Nada.
Now you can imagine how this whole dynamic changes when you've got the ability to earn $1,000 to $9,000 online commissions right?
Once again, it's not luck, it's science and a numbers
game.
And you've got to have the numbers and economics of this business working in your favor from the very start.
$7.00 is fine for a front-end lead generation sale, but you'd best have some major Top Tier opportunities built into your back-end.
That's exactly what you're enabled to do with the NEW MTTB System:
http://goo.gl/HSdcvz
And the good news is these Top Tier Commissions of $1,000, $3,000, and $5,000 and sold FOR YOU!
If you don't work all this out, you're doomed. And if you *somehow* make a little profit, realize you're leaving a lot of money on the table, and a lot of people looking for help are being left unserved.
Here's to engineering "The perfect money storm".
Talk soon,
VICKI STARFIRE, MTTB member