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	<title>APB News &#187; Odds &amp; Ends</title>
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	<description>APB News: All Points Broadcasting and Beyond</description>
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		<title>Are You Who You Say You Are?</title>
		<link>http://www.apbnews.com/odds-and-ends/are-you-who-you-say-you-are/</link>
		<comments>http://www.apbnews.com/odds-and-ends/are-you-who-you-say-you-are/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 03 Apr 2012 23:27:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>apb-admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Odds & Ends]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.apbnews.com/?p=892</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In a world inhabited by almost 7 billion people, governments and businesses have a vested interest in making sure the identity of individual citizens, consumers and employees can be confirmed quickly and with certainty. Signatures, photos and fingerprints are currently the cheapest form of biometric data to use in this way. Iris scans, voice print [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-893" title="biometrics" src="http://www.apbnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/2906448025_801f564876_n.jpg" alt="" width="143" height="107" />In a world inhabited by almost 7 billion people, governments and businesses have a vested interest in making sure the identity of individual citizens, consumers and employees can be confirmed quickly and with certainty. Signatures, photos and fingerprints are currently the cheapest form of biometric data to use in this way. Iris scans, voice print analysis and DNA screening are more costly in terms of technology but are still used when the price is worth it. However, there’s also growing interest in using other physiological and behavioral markers to determine who’s who. Researchers are finding that human beings are all unique in many additional ways. We each have our very own, one of a kind:</p>
<ul>
<li>Outer ear contour</li>
<li>Nose shape</li>
<li>Pattern of veins on the back of the hand</li>
<li><a href="http://threatpost.com/en_us/slideshow/Weird%20Science%3A%2010%20Forms%20of%20Biometric%20Authentication?page=7">Butt print</a> (yes, you read that correctly)</li>
<li>Way of walking</li>
<li>Rhythm when typing</li>
</ul>
<p>Although it is the source of much controversy, the use of biometrics isn’t new. In fact, physical characteristics and other identifying data was used in ancient Egypt to distribute food to workers during the construction of the pyramid of Khufu. Fingerprints were demonstrated as unique to each person in 1893 and quickly became a useful tool for law enforcement. Today, biometrics data is used for both fraud detection and fraud deterrence. The newest purpose for collecting this data is the identification and tracking of potential terrorists.</p>
<p>If you’re wondering how accurate these systems are – and how easily some can be defeated, take a few minutes to read this <a href="http://www.thuktun.org/cs574/papers/2003-spring-biosurvey.pdf">evaluation</a> from San Diego University. It’s a real eye opener about how far we’ve got to go before this technology reaches maturity. It’s evident that, while useful, biometric identification is far from 100% fool proof.</p>
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		<title>Xeriscaping Lawn Design Tips</title>
		<link>http://www.apbnews.com/odds-and-ends/xeriscaping-lawn-design-tips/</link>
		<comments>http://www.apbnews.com/odds-and-ends/xeriscaping-lawn-design-tips/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 03 Mar 2012 03:23:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>apb-admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Lifestyle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Odds & Ends]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gardening]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[landscaping]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.apbnews.com/?p=802</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Is it hot in here or is it just Texas? Last year was a real scorcher and many areas of the US experienced record droughts. Tight watering restrictions left homeowners to watch their lawns go brown and die off. It’s really time to start thinking about water conservation for home landscaping no matter where you [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-803" title="xeriscaping" src="http://www.apbnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/2348563773_1db4758bcf_m.jpg" alt="" width="186" height="140" />Is it hot in here or is it just Texas? Last year was a real scorcher and many areas of the US experienced record droughts. Tight watering restrictions left homeowners to watch their lawns go brown and die off. It’s really time to start thinking about water conservation for home landscaping no matter where you live. Xeriscaping is the practice of using plants and landscaping methods that reduce the need for supplemental watering. The exact details look different depending on your local climate and soil conditions. But the underlying principles still apply. Here are just a few:</p>
<ul>
<li>Keep existing trees. They help stabilize the soil and provide shade that reduces the need for watering. Plus, they have deep roots and rarely need watering even in the most severe drought.</li>
<li>You don’t have to do away with turf completely or make your yard into a rock garden. Use native grasses that are used to surviving on local rainfall. In Texas, buffalo grass is a favorite.</li>
<li>Allocate part of the yard to ground covers and garden beds planted with drought resistant vegetation. This doesn’t necessarily mean cactus! There are plenty of succulents, wildflowers, and ornamental grasses that don’t need much water.</li>
<li>Mulch liberally (a 3-4” layer is good). This is one of the most effective ways to keep moisture in the soil. Organic mulch decomposes, so remember to top it off every so often.</li>
</ul>
<p>Check out <a href="http://xeriscape.sustainablesources.com/">sustainablesources.com</a> for more in-depth xeriscape planning information.</p>
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		<title>Shopping for a Wacky Gift? Try an iPhone App</title>
		<link>http://www.apbnews.com/odds-and-ends/shopping-for-a-wacky-gift-try-an-iphone-app/</link>
		<comments>http://www.apbnews.com/odds-and-ends/shopping-for-a-wacky-gift-try-an-iphone-app/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 26 Nov 2011 14:41:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>apb-admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Odds & Ends]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shopping]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.apbnews.com/?p=511</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Are you shopping for a great gag gift for a friend this holiday season? You might consider sending them an iPhone app that will raise eyebrows. Here, we’ll peruse some of the stranger options you could choose to give. There are about half a million apps available from which to choose. This list is just [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-512" title="iphone" src="http://www.apbnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/iphone.jpg" alt="" width="191" height="127" />Are you shopping for a great gag gift for a friend this holiday season? You might consider sending them an iPhone app that will raise eyebrows. Here, we’ll peruse some of the stranger options you could choose to give. There are about half a million apps available from which to choose. This list is just the tip of the iceberg:</p>
<p><strong>iLickit</strong></p>
<p>This game lets you test the responsiveness of your touch screen – with your tongue. The game is simple. A food item appears on the screen and you see how fast you can lick it off. Chances are, you would never abuse your iPhone by actually tonguing it. But this is a hilarious app to send a friend. Tell them it’s the most fun since Angry Birds and that you play it all the time. See if you can get them to lick their iPhone. Be ready to capture the moment on video with your own iPhone when they do.</p>
<p><strong>Annoyance</strong></p>
<p>If you have a favorite niece or nephew who will be going on a long car ride over the holidays, here’s a great one to drive the parents crazy. The Annoyance app lets the user select from a wide range of ear grating sounds to set everyone’s teeth on edge. Nails on chalkboard, baby crying, jackhammer drilling, these are some of the wonderful sounds that could fill the inside of that SUV. Hiccups are probably the funniest. Imagine Mom and Dad looking over into the back seat to find out if their child is really about to win a world record for longest bout of hiccups ever.</p>
<p><strong> Honey, It’s Me!</strong></p>
<p>This South Korean App is the perfect gift for a buddy who has just been dumped by his girlfriend. You can show how much you care – or how much you enjoy watching him squirm. The digital girlfriend will call and leave winsome, tender messages on the recipient’s phone, slowly mending his broken heart. Sure, the little love notes are in Korean and not English, but there’s probably a translation app for that!</p>
<p>* Many of the weirdest apps are actually free (probably because they have no real value beyond a few cheap laughs). If you <strong>do </strong>want to buy an app for a friend, you can see step by step instructions for gifting an app <a href="http://www.padgadget.com/2010/12/21/how-to-gift-an-app-for-the-ipad-iphone-or-ipod-touch/">here</a>.</p>
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		<title>Medical Ethics of Plastic Surgery San Diego Experts</title>
		<link>http://www.apbnews.com/odds-and-ends/medical-ethics-of-plastic-surgery-san-diego-experts-speak-out/</link>
		<comments>http://www.apbnews.com/odds-and-ends/medical-ethics-of-plastic-surgery-san-diego-experts-speak-out/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 24 Mar 2011 23:15:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>apb-admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Odds & Ends]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.apbnews.com/?p=362</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The perfect plastic surgeon finds means to cope with Hippocrates’s principle of doing no harm to patients while offering the patient what he/she is looking for. Plastic surgery San Diego professionals focus on sticking to the right medical ethics throughout their practice. A plastic surgeon shouldn’t perform any procedure without taking the right consent from [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.apbnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Plastic-Surgeon-San-Diego-Medical-300x199.jpg" alt="" title="Plastic Surgeon San Diego Medical" width="300" height="199" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-363" /></p>
<p>The perfect plastic surgeon finds means to cope with Hippocrates’s principle of doing no harm to patients while offering the patient what he/she is looking for. <a href="http://www.bolithomd.com">Plastic surgery San Diego</a> professionals focus on sticking to the right medical ethics throughout their practice. </p>
<p>A plastic surgeon shouldn’t perform any procedure without taking the right consent from the patient. It is the duty of the plastic surgeon to thoroughly explain to the patient the procedure which is going to be performed. Explanation of the benefits, expected complications and other therapeutic alternatives should be carefully outlined to the patient before he/she can decide whether or not to perform a cosmetic procedure. If the patient is a minor, the consent of the legal guardians is necessary before performing any plastic procedures.</p>
<p>The plastic surgeon should accurately analyze the perceptions of the patient who is seeking plastic surgery. If the patient has a perception of his/her appearance that is unreal, the plastic surgeon should accurately address the psychological elements leading to the patient’s misperceptions. In other words, medical ethics entails that a plastic surgeon shouldn’t operate on patients who see themselves in a way that is different from what they actually are. The perfect plastic surgeon should ideally evaluate the condition of the patient along taking detailed medical and psychological history. This is an important step that would help the plastic surgeon formulate the right ethical decision for the patient’s condition. </p>
<p>Medical ethics dictate that a plastic surgeon should be accurate when addressing his/her areas of expertise. If the patient’s condition is complicated or demands more professional consultations, he/she should be honest enough to state that of the patient. It is unethical to perform procedures that a plastic surgeon has no adequate experience to perfectly accomplish. Moreover, if the surgeon is going to perform new techniques, or procedures that weren’t adequately tested, the patient should be informed and he/she should approve of such techniques or procedures.</p>
<p>Plastic surgery San Diego experts abide by the medical ethics that are universally accepted. Accordingly, don’t hesitate to pay a visit to one of those plastic surgeons to decide which cosmetic procedure is perfect for your condition.</p>
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		<title>New York Computer Consultants-How to Choose the Best Guys for the Job</title>
		<link>http://www.apbnews.com/odds-and-ends/new-york-computer-consultants-how-to-choose-the-best-guys-for-the-job/</link>
		<comments>http://www.apbnews.com/odds-and-ends/new-york-computer-consultants-how-to-choose-the-best-guys-for-the-job/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 17 Nov 2010 22:57:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>apb-admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Odds & Ends]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[computers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[IT support]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new york]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.apbnews.com/?p=273</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[New York is known for its hustle and bustle. It is known for chewing people up and spitting them back out. This city has seen many a dream fall by the waste-side, leaving the dreamer clinging to something as they fall for the trappings of big city life. This reality is true for those in [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-277" title="Finding the Best New York Computer Consultants" src="http://www.apbnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Finding-the-Best-New-York-Computer-Consultants1-300x209.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="209" /></p>
<p>New York is known for its hustle and bustle. It is known for chewing people up and spitting them back out. This city has seen many a dream fall by the waste-side, leaving the dreamer clinging to something as they fall for the trappings of big city life. This reality is true for those in the business world as well. There are countless companies that hedge their bets and move to this place that has made many people rich. But in today’s business world you must be savvy and quick and the people that can create that for you is a great bunch of New York computer consultants. I’d like to talk about a few things that will help you choose the best tech guys or gals for your next computing and networking job.</p>
<p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">They Need a Wide Range of Knowledge</span></em></strong></p>
<p>You need a New York computer consultant that specializes in hardware, software, network implementation, support and training.  They need to offer support for every aspect of your computer systems including your current infrastructure, as well as be able to complete installation and/or upgrades of the newest and latest high-tech equipment. And, in order to keep track of some of your most precious billing and timekeeping data, you need to have consultants who are certified by the respective manufacturers to install, train and support the following software: LexisNexis TimeMatters® and BillingMatters™, Best Software&#8217;s Timeslips, and Intuit&#8217;s Quickbooks.</p>
<p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Quick, Local, and Friendly</span></em></strong></p>
<p>Good <a href="http://www.marathonconsulting.com/ " target="_blank">New York computer consultants</a> need to be able to response very quickly to your needs. If would be very beneficial if they have techs in the field that can be flexible enough to check on your situation. Today’s consultants have the ability to work remotely and can do whatever needs to be done to your system right on the spot, without having to take any of your equipment off-site. Furthermore, you want to have someone working on your network that is personable and can blend in with the synergy of your work environment.</p>
<p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Paying for the Best</span></em></strong></p>
<p>The reason why some New York computer consultants can charge more than their competitors is that they offer an overall higher level of service than anyone else. When you are wasting time and money from a down system, it is well worth it when you can pay a little extra knowing that you are going to be back in the game in no time. So as you look for the best New York computer consultants, be sure that any company you go with is the right fit for your needs.</p>
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		<title>Virginia Driving School-A Review of 3 Top Schools in the Area</title>
		<link>http://www.apbnews.com/odds-and-ends/virginia-driving-school-a-review-of-3-top-schools-in-the-area/</link>
		<comments>http://www.apbnews.com/odds-and-ends/virginia-driving-school-a-review-of-3-top-schools-in-the-area/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Nov 2010 18:51:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>apb-admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Odds & Ends]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[driving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[driving school]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.apbnews.com/?p=245</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you are looking for a Virginia driving school then it’s probably safe to say that you want to become a better driver. With that being said, the additional reasons you are so anxious to find one may vary from person to person. Some people are looking to be more proactive about their techniques on [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-246" title="virginia_driving_school" src="http://www.apbnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/virginia_driving_school-300x225.jpg" alt="virginia driving school" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>If you are looking for a <a href="http://www.safe2drive.com/virginia-traffic-school.aspx" target="_blank">Virginia driving school</a> then it’s probably safe to say that you want to become a better driver. With that being said, the additional reasons you are so anxious to find one may vary from person to person. Some people are looking to be more proactive about their techniques on the road and they’d like to improve on them. These types of motorists are probably looking to save some money on their auto insurance by showing their insurer that they have completed a state-approved course. Other drivers may want to find a driving school because they’ve been ordered to do so by the courts and they want to reduce a fine or points on the license. I’d like to talk about 3 driving schools in the Virginia area that could be right for you.</p>
<p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">AA United Driving School</span></em></strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span></em></p>
<p>This first Virginia driving school is located at 5118 Bebe Ct.,Centerville, Va. There phone number is 703-968-8744 and their prices vary depending on the type of classes you’d like to take. Whatever class you opt for would take place over four Saturdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. They also offer separate drivers&#8217; improvement courses on Sundays if you feel you need some extra help. A call to this company told me that they cater to a clientele of teenage drivers 19 and under. Furthermore, they only cater to English speaking students so if you speak another language, this may not be the place for you.</p>
<p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">ALL Star Driving School</span></em></strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span></em></p>
<p>This second Virginia driving school has an address located at P.O. Box 1454, Annandale, Va. To contact them, you can call 703-680-0045. They’d like for you to call for details in order to find out a description of the types of programs they offer as well as the cost of said programs. They have been in business for 7 years and they will take non-English speaking drivers provided they bring their own interpreter. This is definitely an advantage over the last school we talked about.</p>
<p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Acme Driving School</span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span></em></strong></p>
<p>This last Virginia driving school is located at 15210 Elkrum Rd., Chantilly, Va. They can be contacted at 703-263-1755 $265 and they seem to be the leader when it comes to experience. With over 57 years of instructional experience, they are committed to helping you achieve your driving goals. And unlike some schools that have taken their operations exclusively online, this school still offers behind-the-wheel training as their only method.</p>
<p>After looking at these Virginia driving schools, it is important to go with the one that is going to bring you the most benefits. The end-goal has to be saving money, fine reduction, point reduction, or just becoming a better driver. Be sure to keep this in mind as you move forward.</p>
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		<title>Online Traffic School Ideas</title>
		<link>http://www.apbnews.com/odds-and-ends/online-traffic-school-ideas/</link>
		<comments>http://www.apbnews.com/odds-and-ends/online-traffic-school-ideas/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:12:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>apb-admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Odds & Ends]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[driving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online traffic school]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.apbnews.com.php5-19.websitetestlink.com/?p=27</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[With as busy as people&#8217;s lives are today, an online traffic school is a great idea for ease and convenience. If you are looking for ways to go to traffic school, but don&#8217;t necessarily have the time to sit in a classroom, check into these online schools. There are many online traffic schools available, and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-105" title="s2d1" src="http://www.apbnews.com.php5-19.websitetestlink.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/s2d1-300x230.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="230" /></p>
<p>With as busy as people&#8217;s lives are today, an online traffic school is a great idea for ease and convenience. If you are looking for ways to go to traffic school, but don&#8217;t necessarily have the time to sit in a classroom, check into these online schools. There are many online traffic schools available, and you can take advantage of the benefits of doing it from your home when you are able to get it done.</p>
<p>With an online traffic school, you may be able to get it done quicker than a real classroom traffic school. Because you don&#8217;t have to wait for breaks to end, people to ask questions, or sit there the entire required time. You can take the course online, read through the pages, and take the test to get your certificate. With how fast the internet moves, you may be able to save a few hours or a few minutes with this type of class. Check out options for an online traffic school.</p>
<p>With online traffic school, you will be able to still reduce points from tickets. Make sure that your state offers you the ability to take it online before you do it. You will also need to make sure that where you are going to take your driving school online is accredited and that they are an acceptable online driving school for you to take it at. You can&#8217;t use a fly-by-night company, it won&#8217;t help. Aside from getting rid of points from tickets, you will also be able to save money on your insurance by going to traffic school. With the cost of insurance today, any break you can get is great, sometimes this can be upwards of a ten percent discount.<br />
If you are looking for a great online traffic school to help you reduce points or lower your insurance, they are a great option. Be sure to find one that is properly licensed and that you can use to take care of your needs. They are all over the internet, so finding one shouldn&#8217;t be difficult. Save yourself time and money by checking online.</p>
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