“Apps can be incredibly fun, useful and informative; consumers should protect phones from dangerous downloads, just as they would personal computers,” commented Robert W.G. Andrew, CEO of BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington.

Better Business Bureau recommends asking questions to avoid installing spyware or other dangerous apps:

What permissions does the app request? Downloading word games, for example, shouldn’t require access to the phone’s location, contacts, or SIM card. Read app permissions carefully and decide if conceding the information is worth it.

How do users rate the app? Read reviews from those who have used the app. Be wary of negative evaluations and reports of operating issues.

Who created the app? Before installing, research the developer; find out what other apps they created. Using well-known developers can decrease the risk of downloading malicious programs.

Download Dilemmas:
• Watch out for drastic drops in battery life. Malicious apps can drain battery life as programs run in the background.
• Beware of unknown charges on monthly cell phone bills. If unscrupulous developers can access phones through apps, they may be able to charge users’ accounts without their knowledge.

Ogan will appear at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 8 at O’Connor’s Vault, 7850 S.W. Capitol Hwy in Portland. Tickets $10 advance from brownpapertickets.com or $12 at the door

In an under-the-radar career spanning four decades, Gary has co-produced albums for and written songs with Leon Russell, Nicolette Larson, Maria Muldaur, This Mortal Coil and others. He’s toured the US and Europe, with shows at Radio City Music Hall, LA’s Universal Amphitheater, and BBC/Scotland.

The late 90′s found Gary living and working in Nashville as a staff songwriter for Sony/Tree Music, which published over 60 of his songs. Ogan is once again calling Portland home these days, where he continues to write, record and perform.

In 2006, he was tapped to become drummer for award-winning Nashville songwriter Darrell Scott (Dixie Chicks, Steve Earle, Guy Clark, Robert Plant’s Band of Joy), and in 2008, he signed on as producer for a life-altering, two-year project with the great Danny O’Keefe.

‘From my first major label single released in 1972, ‘Portland Rain,’ to songs from my forthcoming solo project due later this year, I’ll be dusting off the old and preparing the new to share with you all,” Ogan remarks

The Vintage Systems Team is responsible for the restoration, operation and maintenance of the Living Computer Museum’s collection of vintage computer systems. This collection includes mainframe and minicomputer systems manufactured by companies such as Digital Equipment Corporation, Data General, IBM, and Hewlett-Packard during the emergence of interactive and timeshared computing. The goal of the Living Computer Museum is to restore these systems to run historically appropriate software, presenting them as living artifacts to the academic and research communities and to the public. The systems and their associated software and documentation are curated to preserve their historical provenance.

This role is responsible specifically for the restoration of an IBM 360 Model 40. Our goal is to restore this system in one year’s time. Therefore, this is a one year temporary employment position, with the possibility to become a regular employee based on Museum workload requirements. Responsibilities include hardware restoration, procurement of parts, configuration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and certification/performance testing of the system and associated peripherals. Additional duties include research and the creation of documentation for the restoration and preservation “stories”.

The ideal candidate will have

• Bachelor’s degree and at least six years related experience and/or training; or ten years equivalent experience
• Senior level “Customer Engineer” skills specific to working on IBM 360/370 hardware (processor and peripherals)
• Strong analytical and planning skills:

• • Ability to conceptualize the integration of technology with the needs and functions of the Living Computer Museum project of the Vintage Computing department.
  • Ability to communicate the potential of technology through verbal and written forms to all organizational levels

• Familiarity with information system design concepts

For more information on the Living Computer Museum, please visit www.livingcomputermuseum.com

To apply and see other opportunities at Vulcan, please visit our careers site: www.vulcan.com/jobs

With more horse owners than any county in the state, it is no surprise that the organizers of the Washington State Horse Expo chose Clark County as the site for the state’s newest horse education show. Slated to run from Friday, February 18, through Sunday, February 20, this first-ever event is anticipated to draw more than 3,200 horse enthusiasts from throughout the Northwest to the Clark County Event Center located in Ridgefield, Wash., just north of Vancouver.

“We selected Clark County due to the huge number of residents who own horses and because of its central location that will draw non-horsing families who want to learn about the thrill and joy of owning a horse,” said Maryjo Turnbull, the owner of Turnbull Horsemanship and the organizer and promoter for the event. “It’s time that a show and expo reflected the needs of this important group of enthusiasts.”

This new Horse Expo will feature presentations from more than 20 national and regional experts including professional horse trainers and clinicians. Other events and activities during the three-day event will include:
• the Kid’s Corral;
• demonstrations on working cow horse and colt starting;
• rescue horse education;
• breed demonstrations;
• the Red Mare Fashion Show;
• a Showcase Sale with top quality horses; and
• an Extreme Cowboy Race presented by Craig Cameron.

“This is a tremendous event that will bring thousands of dollars to Clark County’s hotels, restaurants and other local attractions,” said Kim Bennett, president of Vancouver USA Regional Tourism Office. “The Clark County Event Center is made for this event. It’s convenient for anyone traveling the I-5 corridor and hosts more than 250,000 visitors each year for a large variety of events.”

The Event Center, located at the Clark County Fairgrounds, is a year-round facility with 97,200 square feet of exhibition space on a 170-acre campus. The Horse Expo will be held at the Dr. Jack Giesy Arena, which has hosted numerous equestrian events as well as llama and dog shows, motocross competitions and plant sales. The Center has 194 horse stalls, and a 112′ x 325′ riding area.

For more information on the Washington State Horse Expo, visit the website at www.wastatehorseexpo.com.

Rates start at $349 for the “Valentine’s Day Two Remember” package, including a five-course dinner and stay at the adjacent lodge.

Kelly A. Portnoff, M.D., a rheumatologist at The Portland Clinic, sees a number of patients living with autoimmune related arthritis or osteoarthritis, who report joint pain flare-ups when the weather turns damp and cold. Patients with autoimmune related arthritis often have Raynaud’s phenomenon, a condition whereby blood vessels are prone to spasm, resulting in cold and often numb fingers and toes. This condition too, worsens in the wintertime.

As a precaution, Dr. Portnoff stresses that exercise and avoiding winter weight gain are the two most important preventative measures to keeping the joints healthy and active. “Inactivity during the winter months can lead to serious problems for those with osteoarthritis,” explains Dr. Portnoff. “The inactivity leads to weight gain which leads to increased wear and tear on the joints.” Dr. Portnoff suggests swimming, water aerobics and resistance training are the best ways to keep the joints healthy and mobile and are easily done indoors, away from the harsh winter weather.

Keeping joints healthy is a full-body approach. There are a few over-the-counter supplements that may aid in improving joint pain and function like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. While taking these supplements may benefit in lessening joint pain, Dr. Portnoff, also advises eating foods with anti-inflammatory properties. These include oily fish and leafy greens and also foods that contain turmeric, the spice used in curry, containing curcumin which is a potent anti-inflammatory.

For more information on Dr. Portnoff and rheumatology at The Portland Clinic, visit: http://www.theportlandclinic.com/doctors/kelly-portnoff-md

The survey conducted by Flying Coyotes, a leading telecommunications research firm, asked 2,037 U.S. cellphone users ages 40-plus their interest in and opinions of smartphones and how they do or would use them to enhance their lifestyles.

Of those surveyed, less than 25 percent of non-smartphone owners report these devices as “too difficult to use.” In fact, nine out of 10 respondents who are current smartphone owners state they have taught themselves how to use the features and functions of their smartphone.

Overall, boomer respondents reported a desire to own a smartphone that will enhance their daily lives. Some of the results include:

• More than half of smartphone users surveyed download new applications monthly, while one-fourth do so weekly or more. Of this group, 71 percent use applications other than voice and text daily.
• Sixty percent of smartphone users download financial applications that offer easy access to bank accounts and stock market information along with news, weather and sports updates. Fifty-six percent download entertainment and game applications.
• Sixty-seven percent are active on Facebook and want a smartphone that provides Internet capabilities for social networking.

“This survey shows that boomers are keeping up with technology, and Consumer Cellular is pleased to offer products that meet this need,” said John Marick, CEO of Consumer Cellular. “It is a common misconception that smartphones are complicated or hard to operate. But as we see in this survey, an overwhelming majority of current smartphone owners ages 40-plus were able to teach themselves the functions of their device.”

For older members of our family, grabbing for keys to lock the door or getting up to answer the door for visitors can be difficult. With SimpliciKey, (www.simplicikey.com) a remote control electronic deadbolt, seniors are offered multiple options to easily unlock or lock doors with the touch of a button.

SimpliciKey provides three different modes of home entry while still maintaining maximum security. An encrypted key fob, with a range of up to 50 feet, allows the locking/unlocking of a home from the comfort of the living room for those with mobility difficulties or who don’t want to fumble for keys.

SimpliciKey also offers a wireless keypad that can accommodate up to 16 user codes that can be changed at any time, providing easy and safe access for everyone from family members to service professionals coming to the home for repairs. The deadbolt also allows you to continue to use a traditional key.

The SimpliciKey electronic lock is simple to install, replacing existing standard deadbolts without any additional holes or drilling. Only requiring AA batteries (no hardwiring is necessary), featuring a reversible lock system fit for both right and left hand doors, and three distinct and stylish finishes, the SimpliciKey is a great addition to any senior’s home.

Social Security Public Affairs

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, making this a popular time of year for proclamations of love. Such displays of affection can be as simple and sweet as a heart with a “be mine” message, or as life altering as a vow before the altar.

If you happen to be a newlywed who is head over heels in love, you may not be focused on things such as taxes or Social Security, but you should be. If you plan to exchange your maiden name for a married name — including hyphenated names such as Smith-Jones — be sure you let us know.

Telling us about your name change shortly after your marriage will help us accurately keep track of your earnings and will ensure that you and your family get the Social Security retirement, disability, and survivors coverage you’re entitled to. Also, if the Internal Revenue Service and Social Security records do not show the same name and Social Security number, your Federal income tax refund could be delayed.

If you continue to use your maiden name consistently throughout your working years, you do not need to contact us. However, if you decide to change your name at a later time, you should let us know so that we can update your Social Security record and send you a Social Security card with your new name.

There’s no need to pay someone else to mail in the information for you. Changing your name with Social Security is a quick, easy, and free service. Just go online to www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber, learn what documents you need, and click on “Fill Out and Print an application (Form SS-5).” You also can call us at 1-800-772-1213 to obtain the form. We will need the completed application along with a marriage certificate or divorce decree verifying your old and new names. If you were born outside the United States, you also need proof of your U.S. citizenship or proof that you are lawfully living in the U.S. You can bring or mail these documents to us.

And if you like us (we hope you do) please click on the Facebook icon at our homepage and “like” us on Facebook. Also, you can follow us  on Twitter too.  Look for our Facebook and Twitter icons at www.socialsecurity.gov.  We share information daily that can help you and all your Valentines.

Happy Valentine’s Day from Social Security!

The retired teacher dropped by the Multnomah Arts Center last summer.

“I was looking for a school where my tools and equipment would enhance their metalworking program,” says Temple.  “MAC had an environment that was welcoming, encouraging, and where students feel safe to take risks and explore their unique designs.  Excellent instruction was demonstrated by the quality and fine craftsmanship in the many types of student work on display.”

Thanks to Temple and his wife, Phillis, MAC’s metal arts program now has five dedicated soldering stations and four dedicated kilns.  The Multnomah Arts Center also now has a greatly enhanced collection of tools, books, and supplies as part of the Temples’ generosity.  Students learn various techniques, such as casting metal objects from wax forms, enameling metals, creating metal jewelry, and fusing glass in a variety of artistic ways.  All instruction is provided by professional teaching artists.

“This donation has made a significant impact on our ability to teach the art of metalsmithing,” says Michael Walsh, Executive Director of the Multnomah Arts Center.  “We can now serve more students at the same time, which helps keep class fees more affordable.  We can also teach to a higher level of expertise because of a more complete studio.”

The good news for MAC didn’t stop with the Temples’ generosity. Tom and Phillis’ gift spurred additional giving to MAC’s metal arts program. The center’s all-volunteer non-profit partner, the Multnomah Arts Center Association, donated $10,000 to improve classroom space.  The investments were quickly followed by another $3,000 in-kind donation from Fred Meyer Jewelers.

MAC finished a major remodeling effort this winter to allow students access to all of the new equipment.

“Our instructors have reported that student feedback about these changes has been overwhelmingly positive, and there is new enthusiasm about MAC’s metal studio in the greater Portland community,” adds Walsh.

The Multnomah Arts Center offers more than a dozen different classes in metal arts every term for both youth and adults.

www.MultnomahArtsCenter.org

Metal Program Facebook page

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/MAC-MetalsJewelry-Program/354706268379