Privacy in the Living Room

In a previous article "A Look Ahead" we took a look at one type of new technology that is coming our way and raised some questions as to how it might impact our privacy.

This week we take a look at another incoming technology that has many people, and even a few countries a bit worried. On May 21, Microsoft finally revealed its next generation gaming console, the Xbox One.
Among the many features showcased was the Kinect.
For those unfamiliar, the Kinect is a motion sensing device that is used by the Xbox for controller free interaction with the device.
It does this by recognizing gestures and voice commands.

Now, the original Kinect first introduced with the Xbox 360 was fairly easy for users to trick if they didn't want it on or watching. One could simply cover the camera, face it away towards a wall, or even unplug the device and continue using their Xbox.

With the next generation console, it's not looking like that will be possible.

The next generation Kinect will be required to be plugged into the Xbox One at all times.
So from what we've seen during the reveal, the device will always be on.
Even if you are able to turn the camera to face a wall, the microphone will be on and listening to allow users to turn on the console with voice commands.

Besides the microphone, the camera itself has gotten a big upgrade. The new Kinect will be able to see in the dark and track your facial expressions in reaction to events on or off screen.

As the new console will be a portal to consume all sorts of media from video games to tv shows, having a camera pointed at your face and watching your reactions at all times is a big concern for privacy.
It will be able to determine effectiveness of commercials and maybe even detect certain brand objects in your living room. Having technology with these capabilities is great for being able to deliver more relevant content to each individual user, but at the same time it makes you wonder, is it listening or watching me now? Where is this information being stored and who has access to it? I sure don't want 3rd parties getting access to a camera and microphone in the center of my house.
In response to the unveiling two countries have come out and expressed concern about the console.

Germany and Australia both view the current console as a monitoring device and some officials have even suggested banning the device.

Microsoft has promised to reveal many more details about the console and planned privacy features that will allow users to control how data is used, stored, and shared.

A Microsoft representative has also mentioned that the system will be able to be completely shut off and not just be put into a low power mode that leaves things like the microphone active.

So until E3 all we can do is continue to discuss the features as we have seen them and voice our concerns.

Hopefully Microsoft will listen and make the necessary adjustments.

USMLE Opens the Gateway For International Medical Students to Practise Medical Career in US

Attempting the USMLE in one go is not at all difficult if international medical students prepare through multiple mock tests with the prominent USMLE books which consist of multiple USMLE practice questions.

The US is one of the best places in the entire world for pursuing a high quality medical science education.

Each calendar year, numerous students from diverse countries flock to this developed country to get a degree in US medical science.

There is plethora of US medical universities from where international students can get their graduation as well as the further higher accolades.
Well it does not mean that graduating from a US medical institute is the only way to make a bright career in this multicultural country.

Even those who have completed graduation from other nations medical institutes can also get legal license but for this one needs to pass USMLE with better scores.
The USMLE (the United States Medical Licensing Examination) is an entrance exam conducted and sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (shortly known as NBME). Both US and none US medical doctors need to get qualified by this entrance exam for collecting their licenses in their respective study areas and accordingly they can start their medical career in the US.
The USMLE consists of three segmented tests which have to be thoroughly passed by medical students.

The US MD medical school graduates need to obtain 95%, 82% by US osteopathic medical graduates and for international or foreign medical school graduates need to chunk out at least 70%. The above mentioned benchmarks are mandatory for both US and non-US medical students.

Before they sit for the annual entrance exams they need to strengthen their knowledge in the respective realms with the help of branded, competitive and internationally acclaimed books on USMLE practice questions.
If medical graduates repetitively train themselves with all the possible USMLE practice questions and answers then it certain that they can face any kinds of typical questions at the final USMLE entrance exams at one go.
Dreams materialize into reality only when one toils and trains himself with practicalities. Best books USMLE practice questions offer the key to get the medical license in the United States of America.

Children's Fears and Phobias

Children suffer fears and phobias that may seem trivial to an adult, but can cause extreme tension and disruption to children.
These phobias can come and go and differ greatly depending on how the child is feeling and the experiences that they have.
Anxietycare.

org.
uk reassures us that most children who have phobias at an early age may not continue to have such an issue in later life.
However, we need to help our child through such stages and give them the confidence to face their fears and continue life as normal. Most phobias are pretty mild but there are cases that can be considered acute.
We can normally differentiate between the two, by using "fight or flight" motto. If a child "acts" scared but is still able to be present in the same place as their feared thing, then they may just be scared of the notion of being presented with something new. For someone who is considered acutely phobic - the thought of being scared is just as scary as the feared thing and it is the two things together that provide such extreme anxiety. According to anxietycare.
org.uk children fear the following: Age 2-4: Fear of animals, loud noises, being left alone, inconsistent discipline, toilet training, bath, bedtime, monsters and ghosts, bed wetting, disabled people, death and injury.
Age 4-6: Fear of darkness and imaginary creatures, animals, bedtime, monsters, ghosts, strangers. Children at this age may also fear loss of a parent, death, injury and divorce. As children grow up - irrational fears tend to fade and our children fear things with consequences, such as family divorce, fear of school, sex, deaths, blood.

Phobias are treated in many ways. If the phobia is not considered as anything too serious, then you could just see how it plays out and what happens.

Another option is to help children become less sensitive to it by exposing them to the situation slowly and gently.
This could be completed in a game situation with rewards.

Other options include a parent showing the child that there is nothing to be feared of by being brave themselves! (Think carefully about this one). In the case of extreme phobias - relaxation is often used so that the child can face up to their fears in "surreal conditions".
Try asking your child to tell you a story that includes a number of themes.
For example, if they fear spiders. Ask them to create a story including two animals they like and then one that they fear (in this case spider).

Explain that the animals all need to have funny names and voices - this way the child will start to associate the creature with humour rather than fear.

If the child fears school - you need to establish which elements of school that they are concerned about and why.
Once you have figured this out - talk to your child's teacher about these issues. Try not to hang around the school gates as these can fuel the feeling of being concerned about your child being away from their parents.

Ask your child to create a diary.
Inside they can write their anxieties and fears, but they also have to write three positive things that happened to them on that day.
You may notice that your child's fears differ and change - we all have worries and they cannot be erased - but we can learn to help ourselves focus on the positive things that occur and the diary could be a constant reminder of the good things. By asking your child to complete these kinds of activities - they will gain a better understanding of the notion that it is OK to have a mixture of emotions and help them beat their anxieties productively.

It will also give them coping methods for later life.
Try the Relax Kids Anxiety and Worry CD from the Relax Your Child range or the How Do You Feel Today CD.

Both are full of exercises and articles that are great for helping your child manage their worries.

Getting a Degree in Nursing Online

A nursing student must attend a college or university that is accredited and provides an education in the skills necessary to pursue nursing as a career. There are online programs available that provide the degree programs that nurses need to obtain this degree in some areas. The online programs prepare nurses for the exams that they will take to become a licensed nurse. The requirements vary from state to state so it is necessary to find one that provides the education in the requirements according to your particular area. There are online degree programs for nurses that are associates degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and even doctorates.
The type of course that is chosen will determine the type of nurse that you can become.

An online degree program for an associate's degree can be completed in approximately two or three years, depending on the course load.
An online program will only be able to train students in classroom work.

Hands on training is required to become a nurse. Students will have to seek out this education on their own.
Check out the various programs online to find the types of hands on work that will be required for your degree.

Most of the programs will be able to provide guidance on getting this type of training for your degree.

Some of the classes that are taken at this level are nutrition, anatomy, microbiology among other classes.

Additional study is needed for those who wish to work in a more demanding career in nursing.

An associate's degree allows a student to work in a nursing home, doctor's office and other less critical roles after graduation and licensing. Students can also go on to earn a higher degree in nursing after an associate's degree.
A bachelors degree in nursing will take at least four years to obtain and possibly longer if the course load is not adequate.
Students will also have to gain hands on training outside of the online program to obtain a nursing degree in nursing.
Some of the classes required for this degree include psychology, chemistry and biology.

The bachelor's degree program qualify a student to become a registered nurse after graduation. There are more opportunities in the job market for a registered nurse. Nurses can also seek a master's degree to pursue their career to the fullest level.
You will need an additional two years after a bachelor's degree program to obtain a master's in nursing.
The programs typically require more on the job training outside of the online program.
Students can choose to specialize in a particular area of nursing with this type of degree. A student with a master's degree can work in any type of medical setting.
There is always room to advance your degree with a PhD program. Online schools do not limit you in the type of degree that you can achieve, even the highest level of degree.

Loving While Annoying Your Teen

Kids say the darndest things, and teens just hit it out of the ballpark.
I have three lovely teenage daughters, whom I enjoy annoying no end.

What I mean by "lovely" is that they've hitherto successfully controlled the urge to strangle me.

You see, I get a real kick out of getting their goad. Driving them mental is just my way of encouraging them not to take life too seriously.

But I get a funny feeling it's having quite the opposite effect.

I'm currently nursing a leg injury, for which I don't expect any sympathy, much less a soothing massage from one of the girls I took great pains to deliver into the world.

Yesterday, I could not resist the invitation by my middle child, Kimberly, to go with her to a nearby hospital for a foot x-ray and diagnosis.

Having been a field hockey player on and off for six years prior, she'd sustained a foot injury which was now acting up.
Two x-rays in the previous two months showed no sign of broken bones or torn ligaments.

Yet, the pain persists.

Kimberly is tolerating the pain quite well (something I've prepared my children well for) - in fact when the two of us walk through the hospital doors, it is me the staff think need to see the doctor.

Kim gets through her x-ray in the first half hour, and a four hour wait to see a doctor follows.

The hospital waiting room is full, so I let the real patient sit, and the moment a seat becomes available, the patient asks me, "Mummy, do you want to sit there?" I tell her I should leave the seat for someone who's injured, and then go, "Oh wait, that's me!" Kim rolls her eyes in exasperation at my feeble attempt to make her laugh.
While we wait, I play musical chairs in the waiting room until I get a seat next to Kim.

We snack on cake and chocolate, and play games on our phones. It's the ultimate mother-daughter bonding experience.

The battery of my iPhone 4S with iOS7 dies before I want it to, and bored, I start bothering Kimberly while she's playing a puzzle game she's really good at on her phone. I'm intrigued at how adept she is at clearing the levels.

I marvel at the genius I'm dead certain I had some part in creating. Kim's holding her chocolate covered hedgehog slice with half a hand, and as I'm leaning over her, she asks "Mummy, do you want some of my hedgehog?" "Nah," I say. "C'mon, I see you looking at it!" she tells me.
Unable to deny my feelings, I say, "Alright, you got me.
I would love a bite." Kim has always given generously.

When she was three or four, her eyes would tear when she passed a homeless person or beggar or handicapped person selling knick-knacks.

I felt sure she was going to be the next Mother Teresa, or at least someone with a veritable, monetisable collection of knick-knacks.

Anyway, three hours into our wait at the hospital, I tell Kim, "Gosh, this is such a waste of life. Do they think we have nothing to do but sit around and wait for our names to be called?" And she says, "Mummy, I didn't ask you to come with me.
" "Oh, yes you did." "No, I asked if you would LIKE to come, out of courtesy. Frankly, I was hoping you'd say 'no'.

" "I really wanted to spend some quality time with you, Kim.

And to keep you company in your time of need." "Well, then stop complaining about the wait." So grabbing her hand and taking a bite out of her half-eaten hedgehog, I apologise and tell her I'm seriously enjoying her company.

I learn that Kim wants to study forensic psychiatry as it doesn't (shouldn't) involve blood.

She also wants to get a gross amphibious pet - which name I can't remember now because I so wanted to forget it - after her exams.

An Axolotl, I think it was.
I vaguely remember seeing it at a pet shop - this creature with gills and legs, resembling a tadpole raised next to a nuclear power plant, and fed a diet of steroids and peptides.
I reckon it's to keep me out of her room.

She is 18, and I realize I have to let her make her own decisions about the pets she wants to keep.
It could have been worse..

. no actually, it couldn't have been much worse. As we're going home, I tell Kim that the reason I annoy her and her two sisters is so that they'd feel my absence when I'm no longer around.

"Don't you think we might actually be relieved?" she states.

I say, "No.
You just wait.

The thing that annoys you most now will be the thing that you will miss most when it's gone.

" Kim tells me that's being a tad manipulative.
To which I answer, "Yes.
I call that 'Leaving a Legacy'.
" I love it when I make their eyes roll.

Finding Electrical Courses is Easy As Long As You Do Your Research Into What's Available Online

Finding the right sort of electrical courses for your needs and skills can be quite hard but if you do your research you should have no problem finding what you need. There are hundreds of opportunities that open up when you decide to learn a new skill and at the moment this could be very valuable to you. Because a lot of employers are being very picky when it comes to qualifications and skills, it's a good idea to spend time training and learning so that you can easily get jobs in the future.

A lot more people than you think aren't trained or qualified so it's certainly worthwhile.

If you're interested in finding electrical courses then there are a few things that you'll need to think about before you sign up to anything.

Firstly, it's a good idea to consider where you're going to do your training.
One of the most popular options is to train and learn from home. This type of electrical course is easy to find online and is certainly one of the best ways to ensure that you do well.
You'll be able to study at your own pace and learn as you go along.
A lot of people choose this method of learning for all sorts of skills. One of the first things that you should do is research.

You'll need to know what's available on today's market in order to ensure that you will be studying for the correct qualifications.

You'll also need to consider what type of electrical courses you'll be interested in.
There are a lot to choose from but you shouldn't have any problems finding some near you.
Head over to your favourite search engine such as Google and type in "electrical courses" this should provide you with a list of places that offer these courses and you'll then be able to compare the fees and prices for them.

Have a pen and paper with you while you are browsing because it's always a good idea to keep note of any aspects of the course where you might struggle or have questions.
Depending on the level of course you take, beginner or advanced, you may need to spend quite a bit of time studying.
This is why research is so important, if you aren't aware of what's available on today's market you could end up signing up to something that you're not prepared for.
You will have to set aside time to study and doing research will help you figure out how much time you'll need as well as how much it'll cost.

Try and request a prospectus from each place you find so that you can properly compare the courses you're interested in. Finding what you need should be quite easy as long as you do your research and ensure that you're aware of what's available on today's market.

Overall, electrical courses are a great way to train and they can be very helpful in opening doors to new career opportunities.

Rift Guide - Is It Really Worth It?

If you have ever played a MMORPG (massively multi-player online role playing game), then you know firsthand how hard it is to play. To get real far in the game, it will require your best gaming skills throughout the entire game, whether it's leveling up quickly, winning boss fights or making enough gold to buy special skills. In fact, the goal for any online role playing game is not to beat it, rather work towards coming up with the best character and completing all of the important quests.
Another thing is to enjoy the world that you are immersed in with your character of choice. Having a Rift Guide will definitely simplify your playing experience. Rift is a brand new MMORPG that brings a more radical concept to online role playing games, and the way that they are played. In the unpredictable world of Telara, a series of violent rifts is causing a lot of damage to the world itself.
Due to the buckling and churning, these rifts are giving birth to a lot of cataclysmic events.

Every event or rift that occurs will cause damage, death and destruction to all of the inhabitants on Telara.

However, as a character in the world of Telara, it is your main job to remain alive.
How to do so is your personal choice but the bottom line is that you either can allow the destructive power of the rifts be the end of you, or you can show that you are willing to die to try to tame the rifts power.

Getting a Rift Guide for will help you make the best choices while you are playing the game.
One of the many difficult decisions you will face is to decide your faction.
You have to ask yourself, do you want to align yourself with a faction that is aimed at taming the rifts' power or join a faction that is trying to put an end to all rifts and their destructive forces forever.

Before you can begin your journey, you will have to decide which of the two to join.

Guides are usually there to help you make your choice of faction, and it will help you get further in the future.

In addition to that, it will also teach you to learn the important details of the new class system in the world of Telara as well as giving you needed skills to boost your Telara character to the highest levels in the game.