Credit card security precautions
Credit cardholders often aren't as careful as they should be - and the fraudulent use of credit cards isn't limited to the loss or theft of actual credit cards. All a practiced swindler needs is a credit card number. Fortunately, credit card security is relatively simple.
The best advice for protecting credit card accounts is to never give a account number over the telephone, unless you're confident you're dealing with a reputable company. Don't be fooled by scams where a con artist wants to verify your credit card number because you've won a prize.
One current scam involves con artists who call at random. The thief informs the victim that if your VISA card number begins with the number four, the victim would win a prize.
However, all VISA cards begin with the number four, and all MasterCards begin with the number five. The only prize the cardholder gets is the fraudulent use of a credit card.
Also, before leaving home, take all credit cards you are not going to use out of your wallet and store them in a safe place. Never take your eyes off your card when you're making a purchase, and make certain that no extra imprints of your card are made to other charge slips. Destroy all the carbons so no one can obtain your account number. It's also a wise idea to keep receipts and check them against the monthly billing statement.
In the event of a lost or stolen card, immediately notify the credit card company. Most issuing banks or companies can be reached 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The majority of fraudulent charges are made within 48 hours of the loss. Credit card thieves sometimes even call the victim, inform that person that their credit card has been found and that it is being returned. This ploy gives the thief time to go on a charging spree because the card holder never calls to cancel the card.
Vedic Mathematics
What is Vedic Mathematics?
Vedic Mathematics is the name given to the ancient system of Mathematics which was rediscovered from the Vedas between 1911 and 1918 by Sri Bharati Krsna Tirthaji (1884-1960). According to his research all of mathematics is based on sixteen Sutras or word-formulae. For example, 'Vertically and Crosswise` is one of these Sutras. These formulae describe the way the mind naturally works and are therefore a great help in directing the student to the appropriate method of solution.
Perhaps the most striking feature of the Vedic system is its coherence. Instead of a hotch-potch of unrelated techniques the whole system is beautifully interrelated and unified: the general multiplication method, for example, is easily reversed to allow one-line divisions and the simple squaring method can be reversed to give one-line square roots. And these are all easily understood. This unifying quality is very satisfying, it makes mathematics easy and enjoyable and encourages innovation.
In the Vedic system 'difficult' problems or huge sums can often be solved immediately by the Vedic method. These striking and beautiful methods are just a part of a complete system of mathematics which is far more systematic than the modern 'system'. Vedic Mathematics manifests the coherent and unified structure of mathematics and the methods are complementary, direct and easy.
The simplicity of Vedic Mathematics means that calculations can be carried out mentally (though the methods can also be written down). There are many advantages in using a flexible, mental system. Pupils can invent their own methods, they are not limited to the one 'correct' method. This leads to more creative, interested and intelligent pupils.
Interest in the Vedic system is growing in education where mathematics teachers are looking for something better and finding the Vedic system is the answer. Research is being carried out in many areas including the effects of learning Vedic Maths on children; developing new, powerful but easy applications of the Vedic Sutras in geometry, calculus, computing etc.
But the real beauty and effectiveness of Vedic Mathematics cannot be fully appreciated without actually practising the system. One can then see that it is perhaps the most refined and efficient mathematical system possible.
Suzuki’s 125cc Access 45000/-
Suzuki launched in its much expected 125cc Variomatic scooter the ‘Access’ on september. Access is the third product from the Suzuki stable in India after Heat and Zeus motorcycles. 125cc Access is the third product from the Suzuki stable in India after Heat and Zeus motorcycles. 125cc Access is powered by a 125-cc air-cooled four-stroke engine with automatic transmission. Suzuki’s access features contemporary telescopic front suspension and a rust free body. 125cc access also features central locking system and provision for fitting a spare rear tyre at the back similar to the one found in Kinetic honda. Suzuki’s 125cc excess has an unique shutter mechanism for a single control point for the entire machine to avoid theft. Suzuki’s 125cc access is available in five colours - red, blue, black, grey and silver. 125cc Access will hit the stores by the first week of next October. Suzuki will announce the price after a pan-India roll out within two weeks time. According to Suzuki,125cc access scooter will give a mileage/fuel efficiency of 65kpl.
The Food Standards Agency has set a target of reducing the average salt consumption of adults to 6g a day by 2010. The Agency’s advice on salt intake for adults and children is underpinned by the recommendations of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN). SACN is an independent expert committee that advises the Agency and the Department of Health.
Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition In 1994, the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy (COMA) recommended reducing the average salt intake of the population from 9g to 6g a day, in its report Nutritional Aspects of Cardiovascular Disease. This recommendation was based on evidence of a link between high salt intake and high blood pressure (also called hypertension).
In 2003 the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN), in its report on Salt and Health, reviewed the evidence since 1994 to consider if COMA’s previous recommendation to reduce the salt intakes of the population was still valid.
SACN concluded that the evidence for a link between salt intake and blood pressure had increased since 1994. The current high levels of salt habitually consumed by the population raise the risk of high blood pressure, which increases the risk of stroke and premature death from cardiovascular diseases. SACN confirmed that the population as a whole would benefit from reducing their intake to 6g per day. SACN also set lower recommended maximum levels of salt intake for babies and children for the first time.
In his preface to the report, Chair of SACN Alan Jackson states: ‘Meeting these targets would be of major benefit to public health. Even a small reduction in salt intake could help to reduce the burden of high blood pressure on our population.’
The recommended maximum amounts of salt set for adults and children are achievable population goals, not ideal or optimum consumption levels.
Diet and blood pressureStudies have shown that the greatest reductions in blood pressure are observed with a diet that is low in salt, total fat and saturated fat, and rich in fruit, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods.
The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) trial (Appel et al, 1997) assessed the effects of dietary patterns on blood pressure. The results demonstrated that compared with a typical US diet, a diet rich in fruit, veg and low-fat dairy products (the DASH diet) significantly reduced average blood pressure by 5.5/3.0mmHg.
The DASH Sodium trial (Sacks et al, 2001) examined the combined effect of the DASH diet and reduced salt intake. The greatest reductions in blood pressure were observed with the DASH diet and low salt intake (3g) which reduced blood pressure by an average 8.9/4.5mmHg below the control diet (representing a typical US diet) at the high salt (9g) level.
The DASH Sodium trial also showed that reducing salt intake reduced average blood pressure levels of people eating the DASH diet or the control diet. The effects were observed in those with and without hypertension, in both sexes and across ethnic groups.
Maintaining a healthy weight, not consuming too much alcohol, and regular physical activity will also help to prevent and reduce high blood pressure.
