« December 2006 | Main | February 2007 »
January 25, 2007
TIPS TO PREVENT IDENTITY THEFT
Someone sent me this in email. I thought it worthwhile to repost in a blog.
1. Next time you order checks, have only your initials (instead of first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your checkbook, they will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name, but your bank will know how you sign your checks.
2. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put "PHOTO ID REQUIRED."
3. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it. That's also for utilities or any other account numbers.
4. Put your work phone # or cell # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a P.O. Box, use that instead of your home address or else leave off the street address, or add a suite number. Never have your SS# or your driver's license number printed on your checks.
5. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. Carry a photocopy of your passport when traveling abroad (and leave a photocopy with someone at home). We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards.
6. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately if stolen. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them. (Make a copy of the front & back of your cards and keep at home & in the office). Canceling the cards can lower your credit rating… good to note if you're scaling back your spending… cut them up instead.
7. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).
8. Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.
Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact:
1. Equifax: 1.800.525.6285;
2. Experian (formerly TRW): 1.888.397.3742;
3. Trans Union: 1.800.680.7289;
4. Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1.800.269.0271.
Note: you are also entitled to a FREE copy of your credit report annually from the 3 companies above.
Posted by Me at 10:15 AM | Comments (0)
January 22, 2007
Xtrememac FS1
During the past few weeks I became interested in the in ear monitors thanks to Packgrog's influence.
I had many reservations regarding their use in regards to my ear health and how they would handle the subway noise. After listening to Packgrog's EM3's a few times, I took the plunge and scored a pair of XtremeMac FS1's.
These IE monitors were co-designed by XtremeMac and Futuresonic. According to Packgrog they are very similar to the EM3's (which are no longer available for sale, yet bring rave reviews by many on the PM/X boards)
When I had tried Packgrog's EM3's, I still wasn't convinced. Frankly, I think it's something you have to live with for a while before formulating an opinion. (Something of great debate between Packy and I.)
During my initial tests I thought they were less then remarkable, But I still found the need for further exploration and to forumlate an informed opinion. This is stimulated by my daily subway commute, which requires compact use and being discreet as possible. I really love my Bose QC2's for comfort, quietness and sound, Yet I still need to be more compact during the crowded commute.
There are plenty of other detailed reviews regarding these, so I'll just stick with my thoughts.
After a few days living with the FS1's I have to say, they are pretty dam good. Even Excellent.
As mentioned by many other reviews, a good seal is imperative. Without such, you loose all of the sonic qualities that these are known for. I.E. Tight, yet powerful bass, intricate highs, and a mellow midrange.
In addition, as other reviewers comment, the only way to get the best out of these is with the foam inserts.
It takes a bit of work and learning, yet once insertion is proper, these phones reveal their sonic beauty.
Frankly for the $60 I spent on Amazon, these are a good value for the money.
I've tried the FS1's with a few different devices. They sounded wonderful with my iPAQ PDA. An interesting side effect of these phones was the need to turn down all audio enhancements (except a lil eq) on my COWON A2. Iguess they reveal more then I've been used to and with all the effects of the COWON, the sound became harshe an unbearable. After turning everything down and adusting the eq to my taste, I rediscoverd my music. People will say, they hear sounds and music they never heard before, to which I say.. It was always there.. You just could not notice it as easily. The new balance of frequency enhances the listening experience. I'm sure having drivers aimed directly down the ear canal and sealed have something to do with it. Who cares.. It sounds great!
In regards to use on the NYC subways, these meet my approval. Compact usage (even in a crowd). Excellent noise reduction/'isolation (only secondary compared to my bose quite comfort 2s). Great sound!
I think I will be using these from now on.
It was a hard choice, as there seem to be many IE phones these days, some costing hundreds of dollars. The only other pair that caught my interest were the Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 EB's. These boast extra bass and have separate drivers for lows and highs. Furthermore they have replaceable cables should the need arise. I thought these might be akin to the effects of the Koss Porta Pro's which are my favorite light walkman headphones ever! Who knows, I may end up with these for a good comparison. After all, I do own several noise canceling headphones too!
PROS
Great sound when using the foam inserts.
Compact package.
Case, choice of ear inserts
Good Sound Isolation.
Cons
Foam inserts will require periodic replacement.
May not be good for exercising.
Internal noises. (cough, breathe, cable rubs)
Overall
I would give it a 4 out of 5 (only because there is possibly something better I have not tried).
I guess the main test of a products worthiness is...
If it broke, would you buy it again.. to which I say YES.
Posted by Me at 12:00 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack