Tuesday, September 13, 2011

5 Photos to keep to Yourself

I've noticed a lot of people posting inappropriate pictures on facebook. This doesn't just include nude ones, but ones users don't realize could actually harm them! So here's the 5 worst photos to post from Upgrade Your Life.

1. Don't post pictures showing personal data

Strangers and hackers aren't the only threat; people you know can steal your identity, too.

* Don't post any images with any identifying information whatsoever. No driver's licenses, marriage certificates, leases, or passports. You may think that's obvious, but do an image search and you'll see plenty of newly married couples, proud teen drivers, and world travelers posting high resolution pics of their documents.
* Even if you think your photos are private, more people might be able to see them than you think. On Facebook, friends of friends might be able to see photos tagged of you, if the photo's owner has the setting enabled.

2. Disable location services and geotagging

Cameras are increasingly sophisticated — even the ones on your phones. As you snap pictures, many cameras record information called EXIF data or metadata, including the camera's make & model, settings like speed and aperture, and the time the photo was taken. While much of this is helpful, it's just good for you to know you may be posting this info with a photo. Probably the biggest issue with embedded photo data is geotagging: when a GPS-enabled camera, memory card, or cell phone camera pinpoints your exact location in the metadata — even without your knowledge. Some social networking services strip that data out, but others include it — which mean you've essentially posted your home address online for anyone who knows how to view the geotagging data.

If your device includes this geodata as the default option, you'll need to disable it in your settings. If you're working with a point-and-shoot camera or a DSLR, you can find this through the settings menu on your camera — just look for a menu mentioning "geotagging," "location" or "geodata" and to be sure the feature isn't enabled.

Turn off geotagging on Android and iPhone
To disable geotagging on an Andriod device, open the camera app and be sure the "geo-tag photos" box in the settings menu is unchecked. On an iPhone, hit the settings icon, click on "location services" from the menu, find "Camera" and move the slider from On to Off.

3. Incriminating photos

Employers are increasingly hopping on the web to research potential new hires. Many businesses search the web for information about their prospective or current employees. Now, background checking companies like Social Intelligence Corp. have capitalized on this kind of job vetting. The FTC recently ruled that such companies can store your long-deleted online indiscretions for up to 7 years!

* Resist the urge to post "party photos" on social networks. And yes that means no pics with the red keg cup in hand, even if you were only drinking water.
* Keep the way you'd like to be perceived professionally in mind when choosing a profile picture.
* If friends tag you in an incriminating Facebook photo, untag yourself!

4. Cut out poorly cropped photos

While it's no security risk, there's little reason to choose Facebook profile photo with a stray arm or shoulder in it. If you're looking to meet people online on a dating site or social network, make the effort to choose a profile that features you, without the distraction of half of someone else in the picture. That someone else could distract anyone who looks at your profile — who is it? Where was it taken? Is that your ex? But keeping the focus on you is easy, thanks to free apps.

Improve your photos with these free tools
Photos editing services like Piknik or DrPic, can make cropping a snap. There's no need to use Microsoft Paint to edit a photo — if you need to tinker around with a shot, use one of these free services.

And pick an interesting one — you'll be far more likely to strike up a conversation with a potential match if your photo shows you doing something interesting, like playing the guitar or scuba diving.

5. Avoid webcam profile photos

To get a good shot of yourself, you're better off using any kind of point-and-shoot camera, a DSLR for the best image quality, or even your phone.

For a flattering outdoor photo, avoid the high-noon sun. Instead either take your own photo — or better yet, recruit a friend's help — during the early morning and late afternoon hours.

Found on Yahoo.com

Monday, September 12, 2011

What your doodles say about you!

Emotional people who want harmony and crave affection tend to use rounded shapes and curved lines. Down-to-earth, practical types tend to use straight lines and squares. Determined people will use corners, zigzags and triangles, while more hesitant types use light, sketchy strokes.

A large doodle shows a person is confident and outgoing, while a small one suggests the person prefers to observe rather than participate.

If you tend to draw...

Faces

The expression on a doodled face is often a good indication of the mood or character of the person who has drawn it. A nicely drawn, good-looking face suggests you see the good in others. If you sketch weird or ugly faces, you are probably mistrustful.

Comic faces demonstrate a desire to be the centre of attention. Child-like doodles of faces suggest neediness. Profiles indicate you’re an introvert.

Checker Board

The black and white chequerboard doodle suggests patience and persistence. Perhaps you are weighing-up various options regarding a tricky situation?

It’s also the favourite doodle of people who are prone to mood swings.

Flowers

Soft, rounded petals around a circular flower centre suggest an amiable, family-centric person.

If the centre of your flower is a circle, but your petals are pointy, you are probably hiding a warm heart behind a prickly defensiveness.

If you doodle a bunch of perky-looking flowers you are likely to be sociable. Drooping flower heads, on the other hand, indicate you’re burdened by worry.

Hearts

Obviously a romantic doodle. Drawing a heart indicates you’re in love with love.

Intricate Patterns

Busy, highly-detailed doodles are often drawn by people with an obsessive nature, who simply will not let go of their ambitions or loved ones. This type of drawing is often a favourite with extreme introverts.

Stairs and Ladders

Symbols of ambition and a willingness to work your way methodically ‘up the ladder’ in life, drawings of stairs and ladders also often indicate you have an important, long-term task in hand. They can represent a spiritual quest, too, perhaps a desire to be happier or more relaxed.

Monday, September 5, 2011

How to Deal With Morning Troubles

Kids just don’t have that same sense of urgency as their parents. When they feel they’re being forced to move quickly, they often don’t move as quickly. It’s a power struggle to get kids out of the house on time for school! So here's some ways to ease the morning stress!

Get them up

First, try to get up on the right side of the bed — start the day with a “Hi, sweetie, how are you?” and a little hug. No orders, no “hurry up,” just that. It’s more respectful, and it’s setting the tone.

Having trouble getting sleepyheads out of bed?Give kids the responsibility of setting their own alarms and getting up on time. If you can manage it, allow kids to experience the natural consequences of sleeping in, such as a late slip or seeing the principal, rather than writing a note. Sometimes that does a lot more to solve the problem than anything we can do.

Get them fed
We know — it’s the most important meal of the day. But is it worth fighting over? Experts say no. Some children aren’t hungry in the morning and they do better to have a sandwich, apple or muffin on the way to school. In order not to fight, say, ‘This is breakfast time. Here’s the food, and it’s up to you if you’re going to eat it or not. But when the clock shows this time, either breakfast is over, or you put it in a baggie and bring it with you.’” By giving kids the choice, the power struggle is avoided.

Get them dressed
Lay out clothes the night before, with your child’s stamp of approval, and as early as possible, encourage children to dress themselves, with clothes that are easy to put on.

What if your child dawdles or refuses to get dressed? Put their clothes in a bag and take them to school. If they want to change, they will!

Get them moving
Younger kids often respond well to checklists, with photos of their tasks in chronological order so that they can tick each one off.

Keep in mind, too, that dawdling is a great way to get a parent’s attention. So remove yourself as the source of attention. Standing at the door and declaring that it’s time to go, or that you’re waiting in the car, will often light a fire under your child.

Get them inspired
It’s not your role to ensure everything gets done, your role is to train the kids to do it on their own. Brainstorm ideas for a morning routine that works for everyone, including what’s for breakfast and what time everyone must be out the door. Then the kids know the expectations, and they’ve had a say.

Found on MSN Liefstyle