Apple's New iOS 8.1 supports  Pay. Banks are attracted to  Pay.

Near Field Communication is being adopted by many retailers.

The new iPhone 6 (both sizes) have a NFC antenna for secure payments offered through the  Pay process. This is linked to the Passbook app. Because Apple has pushed the NFC technology there are many venues, retailers, and banks getting on board.

Banks just naturally want secure, non-hackable transactions. And  Pay provides the wireless link between the iPhone and NFC reader. The beauty is in the fingerprint scan on the phone as the device is brought near to the NFC reader.

The credit or debit card that you have set up for the transaction is never handled by the clerk at the cash register. The card's security code is never exposed, and a special one-time dynamic security code is created for that one transaction. That special code then evaporates, never to be seen again. Your card is therefore non-hackable.

Many pundits are predicting that iPhone sales will increase immensely based on secure payment technology that no other smart phone offers. End-users want the best that new technology has to offer, and Apple's new iPhone 6 has that.

Record All Phone Calls

There have been times when I wished there had been a recording of a phone conversation in which I had participated. These have been rare occasions. Yet, it happens.

California law requires consent of the recorded party during a phone conversation. It is easy to inform the other party that a phone call is being recorded. If they object I would state that if it is unacceptable then simply hang up. I would explain that their failure to hang up will be viewed as their willingness to be recorded.

"He said, she said" issues come down to hearsay. A recorded conversation is rather direct evidence. That is why open consent is important. 

The above device is the "Mini Telephone Recorder Pro." It can be had for under $80. There are cheaper units on the market. However, the "Mini" saves a call as an MP3 file with date & time stamp. It uses a SD card which offers portability when that becomes necessary.

Do you record your phone calls? Or, do you wish that you could?

Anti-Inflammatory Food Pyraimd

Diet choices are available to achieve whatever our health goal may be. The Paleo Diet  eliminates all grains, which guarantees avoidance of gluten. The above pyramid does not eliminate grains.

Inflammation is good when it triggers an immune response. The modern Western diet is said to cause excessive inflammation in the human organism. Foods that are problematic include:

• Wine and beer. (Limit to one glass of wine or one bottle of beer daily.)
• Corn, especially GMO. As well high fructose corn syrup.
• Starches that contain gluten.
• Sugary foods.
• Foods containing trans-fats.
• Deep-fried foods.
• Excessive sodium consumption
• Deli meats (contain nitrites and nitrates)
• Omega 6 fatty acids found in common cooking oils

I am attempting to improve my health through dietary means. As well, I need to restart my "walking" exercise program.

Research "coconut oil" to learn about its health-giving properties. I include coconut oil in my diet and have started using it on my body in the shower, replacing shower gel.

In addition, I have started a therapeutic regimen of Black Cumin Seed Oil that will end in August. After having been on it for about 45 days my liver panel blood test came back with all values within normal limits. Prior to that my liver enzymes were elevated from a toxic pharmaceutical I must take daily.

And my lipid panel showed that my cholesterol was finally in good range for HDL and LDL values. (No more elevated LDL and HDL increased,)

I may not improve my life expectancy with those things I am changing; however, I want a good quality of life in my remaining years.

The Job Interview

Many young people seem to be clueless about making a favorable impression on a job interview.

Being extremely punctual for the scheduled meeting can demonstrate a willingness to always be on time for his/her scheduled shift. Showing up late, even one minute, should throw up a red flag.

A resumé is often presented, and attention to detail and proper spelling are relevant aspects. How the applicant expresses him/her self in the resumé will be judged.

Expressing oneself verbally is also important during the interview. Being engaged in the interview, maintaining good eye contact are necessary aspects.

Some interviewers have been disappointed in an applicant's mode of dress. Many interviews do not require a suit and tie. Nonetheless, a clean and pressed long-sleeve shirt (white is a good choice) and casual dress slacks are always appropriate. Avoid wearing jeans or anything denim.

Some job applicants have either checked their wireless phones or/and texted during their interview. (w0w… if I hire this guy will he always be on the phone or will he be performing his assigned duties?) It seems this issue should be a no-brainer; yet, some job applicants have been guilty of it.

Smart job prospects will have researched the company where they are applying. It will always be smart to mention, at an appropriate time in the process, something like, "I would value the opportunity to be proactive in helping (name of company) fulfill its mission to (give its 'mission statement').

If you feel that you possess the skills to fulfill a job's responsibilities then be confident that you are the right person for the job. Your self-confidence will be obvious during the interview.

Obamacare fee…

A Florida chain of restaurants with 500 full-time employees will not cut their workers' hours to avoid a coverage requirement due to the Affordable Care Act. Instead the eight Gator's Dockside eateries will charge customers a 1% ACA Surcharge.

A sign in the restaurants' window states, "The costs associated with ACA compliance could ultimately close our doors." This appears to be negative politicking in the face of increased business costs across the board.

A very recent national drought summary reflects a need for restaurants to keep their bottom line viable. The 'central and southern plains' report notes, "…broad expansions of various categories of dryness for Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas with Texas alone seeing a 'poor to very poor' condition increase from 28% to 47%.

The 'Mississippi valley' had year-to-date precipitation deficits from northern Louisiana to southern Missouri.

The southwest reported 'lingering pockets of dryness centered on northwestern sections of Alabama and Florida.

The west is hardest hit with extreme to exceptional drought from reserves amounting to only 15% to 22% of normal in various locations. (Reference)

The supply chain must increase its prices to restaurants. The eateries can increase prices or cut portion sizes. However, a surcharge for increased supply costs would be a poor business model.

The electricity price index soared to a new high in January 2014 with the largest month-to month increase in almost four years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. (Reference)

One might predict that the 1% ACA surcharge will accumulate funds to both cover ACA expenses AND increased supply and energy costs. All costs increases associated with continuing to do business "could ultimately close [their] doors." Pinning the plan to raise enough money to keep bottom line status quo fluid on Obamacare is a cheap shot.