Sterling Creations Blog

Greetings and I hope that everyone is enjoying this month of September.
Guess what? Fall is now here and with it comes the building of an
expectation for the forthcoming holiday season.
However, let us not get ahead of ourselves. First things first!
Time to share our president’s weekly editorial with you and for today Donna
J. Jodhan talks about the second class syndrome.
I urge you to read on.
Enjoy your weekend.
I’m Christian Robicheau

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The second class syndrome
By Donna J. Jodhan

You’re probably wondering what I am referring to today and I am going to do
my best to explain. I think that I can put forth a good case for the title
of my editorial.

We continue to see instances where companies deliberately choose to cut
services for special needs consumers whenever they are in a so-called cost
crunch; should we then assume that we are being treated as second class?

We continue to hear the same old excuses from entities such as airlines and
airport authorities when it comes to not wanting to provide equal access to
their services; should we assume then that they consider us to be second
best or second class citizens?

The same conditions exist whenever companies are challenged over their
inaccessible and unusable websites; why is this? Could we say then that
this is a classic case of second class syndrome?

Then how about this circumstance! Banks are moving towards the abolishment
of bank books and are pushing hard for persons to engage more in online
banking. All well and good but there is a large segment of the public that
has real concerns with this. Seniors and the print disabled! Have banks
somehow forgotten to factor in the needs of this large and growing segment?

Just ask the Greater Toronto Airport Authority for their views; why is it
that they deliberately continue to ignore the requests, pleadings, and
complaints of persons with disabilities. Or better still; ask them for
their opinions re why is it that they continue to do so!

Just my two cents for today.

I’m Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna’s blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
Learn more about Author Donna Jodhan and her campaign against bullying at
www.jodhanmysterybook.club
Now you can enjoy Donna’s detective DJ crime crushers Series by visiting
http://www.donnajodhan.com

And now her weekly podcast at www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html
From recipes to apps, and from 5 minutes mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs
and alerts on the latest scams
Available for download from iTunes and Google music play.

You can follow me on twitter @accessibleworld
and chat with me on Skype at habsfan0526.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Now you can subscribe to my monthly newsletter.
‘Let’s Talk Tips’ is your monthly resource for the most current and reliable
informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media,
Business, and Advocacy.
http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

If you are in the market for something to help you save time while at the
same time pop a problem; then you have come to the right place.
Below, you will find something to help you just do that and if you would
like to learn more then visit us at www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html
Follow us on Twitter @accessibleworld and like us on facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan

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Meet the Product Hunt app
the best new products, every day (iOS, Free)

Now, here is an app that can definitely help you to cut down on your time
searching for things that you want to know more about. So many hours can be
spent searching the App Store on your i device and sometimes you find what
you are seeking and sometimes you may not find what you want.

Well, we have a solution for you and we urge you to read on.

Discover the best new apps, games, books, and podcasts, every day.
Product Hunt is a place to share and geek out about your favorite hings.

* Stay up-to-date with the latest in tech, books, games, and podcasts
* Submit and vote for your favorite products with your friends
* Discover and listen to the best podcasts
* Join LIVE Chats with the world’s most interesting makers

Read Product Hunt’s AppleVis iOS App Directory entry for more information
http://www.applevis.com/apps/ios/social-networking/product-hunt
Visit Product Hunt’s page on the App Store
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/product-hunt-best-new-products/id904658671?mt=8&uo=8&at=11l4LS

Hello everyone and we at the business desk are introducing a new feature to
help you become more aware of those nasty scams making the rounds.
This is going to be a weekly feature and we hope that you take advantage of
our info as it will help you to stay out of the way of scams and scammers!
It’s all about scam alerts!

You need to remember that scams come in the following formats:
As emails, as phone calls both recorded and via a live caller, and o yes!
It can even show up at your door and in your mailbox.
And now they are targeting us through texts being sent to our cell phones.

Before giving you the latest scams making the rounds; we have some do nots
to share with you.
Do not respond to emails that look strange to you.
Do not download attachments from unknown senders.
Do not share your username and password to your online banking and any other
online payments facilities with anyone.
Do not give out any banking or personal details on the phone to unknown
callers.
Do not pay any attention to threats from automated phone recordings or from
live persons with regard to your credit card or that you owe money to any
revenue agency.
Do not entertain any offers either via email or by phone from senders and
callers offering incredible service packages as they may pertain to cable
and tv services, prizes that you have won, or any sort of any type of
service package.
Do not answer the door to unknown callers.
Take extra caution to make sure that the details of your credit cards and
debit cards are fully protected when you make payments at restaurants or at
stores, pharmacies, and elsewhere.
Do not enter your password for Facebook or Twitter in response to a text
request on your cell phone.
The same if you are asked for your Apple ID.
Do not fall prey to a text message telling you that your banking details
have been compromised online.

Scams of the week –

1. The text message scam is back once more.
You receive a text on your i device telling you that your maximum for
roaming charges with Rogers has been reached and that you need to renew your
roaming charges maximum.
You are given a website to access.
No, do not follow these instructions; just delete this text and move on.

2. A DHL scam telling you that you need to use the info in the email to
retrieve a package.
No, do not do it! Simply delete this email.

3. You are sent an email telling you that your email to some weird address
has bounced.
No, this is not true; just a scammer phishing for info from you.

4. And this one is new.
You receive a phone call telling you that you have won an airline ticket
courtesy of Amazon!
Simply not true; just hang up your phone.

Until next week.

Greetings and ah yes! We are now smack bang in the middle of September and
what a great month it has been.
It is time for me to share our president’s weekly editorial with you and for
today Donna J. Jodhan chimes in on her take on fake news.
Enjoy your weekend.
I’m Scott Savoy.

+++++++++++++++

What is fake news?
By Donna J. Jodhan

I guess that one can easily say that the term “fake news” has certainly
gained a place in our daily sentences ever since the Trump administration
moved into the White House. However, many of us including me are still
trying to understand what this really means.

Should we take it to mean that fake news means disinformation? or should we
be attaching a more blatant meaning to it to say that fake news is used to
describe a circumstance when we are being purposely mislead by others?

I am not really sure what this all means and I wonder out loud if the
originators of this phrase are really sure themselves. So many questions
and not many answers to date. Could it be possible that the originators
coined this phrase to simply throw us off or to be more blunt to mislead us
themselves?

Could it be that they developed this phrase in order to create a shield
against not having to answer important questions? Or maybe and just maybe
they simply crafted it as a defence mechanism to ward off not having to be
transparent?

Just my two cents for today

I’m Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna’s blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
Learn more about Author Donna Jodhan and her campaign against bullying at
www.jodhanmysterybook.club
Now you can enjoy Donna’s detective DJ crime crushers Series by visiting
http://www.donnajodhan.com

And now her weekly podcast at www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html
From recipes to apps, and from 5 minutes mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs
and alerts on the latest scams
Available for download from iTunes and Google music play.

You can follow me on twitter @accessibleworld
and chat with me on Skype at habsfan0526.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

If you are in the market for something to help you save time while at the
same time pop a problem; then you have come to the right place.
Below, you will find something to help you just do that and if you would
like to learn more then visit us at www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html
Follow us on Twitter @accessibleworld and like us on facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan

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Welcome to the August 2018 edition of AppleVis Unlimited, our monthly
newsletter which aims to
highlight what’s new and noteworthy on the AppleVis website. Below, you’ll
find a selection of the best
content posted to AppleVis – from new app entries, to app updates, to the
latest news and podcasts. For
easier navigation, the major sections of this post are at heading level 3,
and each individual item is at
heading level 4.
New and Noteworthy App Entries
1. Dusk (iOS, Free)
Dusk is an all-new gaming experience, designed for the blind but playable by
everyone.
Use your phone in ways you’ve never imagined and challenge yourself with a
series of
mini-games that do not require the use of sight, or play with a friend to
find out who’s
the best!
* Each game uses a combination of movement sensors, vibration, sound
and
other technologies for a totally immersive experience.
* Full leaderboards and achievements support for singleplayer games.
* Play your favorite games with a friend and another iPhone, thanks to
the
multiplayer mode.
* Fully compatible with VoiceOver.
* Simple and minimalist high-contrast design to improve legibility.
(Please note that some games might not be available on older devices due to
technical
limitations.)

Current Version: 1.0.1 (July 17, 2018)

Read Dusk’s AppleVis App Directory entry for more information
https://www.applevis.com/apps/ios/games/dusk
Visit Dusk’s App Store page
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dusk/id1391020357?mt=8

2. Personal Diary App
(Journal (iOS, Free)

Never write a diary because of the inconvenience to do that?
Always forget to write in your diary?
Afraid that someone will peek into your diary?
Unable to attach images into your diary?
Just need a simple & easy to use diary?
Personal Diary is an app that solves the above problems. Easily access all
your entries in
all your devices with iCloud Sync. You can write diary entries without
worrying that
someone will peek at what you wrote, with passcode & biometric protection.
Forgot
about your diary? The app will now ‘summon’ you back a friendly nudge. You
can also
import as many photos as you wish into your entries. As an addition, you can
set your
mood and also the weather.
Features:
* Numeric passcode lock
* Unlock using Touch ID or Face ID
* Simple & Easy to use
* iCloud Sync
* Smart Search
* Ability to pick a mood
* Ability to choose the weather of the day
* Mood & Weather can be automatically chosen
* Import photos to your entries
* Auto-saves as you type
* Select a theme
* Dark Mode for better night use
* Fully supports iPad Multitasking Features
* Fully supports external keyboard
* Supports VoiceOver
* iPhone X Support
* Daily Notifications
* No Ads & absolutely free! 😀

Current Version: 2.4.16 (August 12, 2018)

Read Personal Diary App (Journal’s AppleVis App Directory entry for more
information
https://www.applevis.com/apps/ios/utilities/personal-diary-app-journal
Visit Personal Diary App (Journal’s App Store page
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/personal-diary-app-journal/id1052570257?mt=8

3. WakeUp Alarm, Guaranteed (Simple SleepCycle Alarm
(iOS, Free)

WakeUp Alarm, Guaranteed. Get it? This alarm clock app guarantees that
you’ll wake up
rested every morning, with many methods such as auto sleep cycle calculation
& shake
to stop alarm.
*This app is created by my 13 year old son, Wern Jie.
What is this?
* This is a Guaranteed WakeUp Alarm.
* Its a gesture-based UI alarm app.
How do I use it with gestures?
* Drag left or right to set alarm time.
* Drag up to activate alarm.
* Drag down to deactivate alarm.
* Shake to stop alarm.
Features:
* Easy to use… to the point where anyone can use it!
* Calculates sleep cycle stages to wake you up at light sleep.
* NO NEED to place the phone near the bed… It calculates the sleep
cycles
through the mean average of most humans’ sleep cycle patterns.
* Only wakes you up at just the right time so you feel refreshed.
* Records estimate sleep into Health app.
* Sleep music: plays your favourite music to fall asleep.
* No Ads! 🙂 .
* The most lightweight alarm app ever! (8 MB in size).
* VoiceOver fully supported.

Current Version: 1.0.1 (April 25, 2017)

Read WakeUp Alarm, Guaranteed (Simple SleepCycle Alarm’s AppleVis App
Directory entry for more
information
https://www.applevis.com/apps/ios/utilities/wakeup-alarm-guaranteed-simple-s
leepcycle-alarm
Visit WakeUp Alarm, Guaranteed (Simple SleepCycle Alarm’s App Store page
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wakeup-alarm-guaranteed-simple-sleepcycle-al
arm/id1225015791?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D8

4. YouTube Music (iOS, Free with In-App Purchases)
YouTube Music is a new music app that allows you to easily find what you’re
looking for
and discover new music. Get playlists and recommendations served to you
based on
your context, tastes, and what’s trending around you.
A new music streaming service from YouTube
* This is a completely reimagined music service with official releases
from your
favorite artists.
Find the music you want
* Easily find the albums, singles, live performances, covers and
remixes you’re
looking for.
* Don’t know a song’s name? Just search the lyrics or describe it.
Discover new music
* Get music recommendations based on taste, location, and time of day.
* Use “The Hotlist” to keep up with what’s trending.
Uninterrupted listening with Music Premium
* Listen ad-free
* Don’t worry about your music stopping when you lock your screen or
use other
apps.
* Download your favorites or let us do it for you by enabling Offline
Mixtape.
Get 1 free month of Music Premium to listen ad-free, offline, and with your
screen
locked. Existing YouTube Red or Google Play Music members and users of
either service
who have already received a 30 day trial are not eligible. Monthly charges
auto-renew
for Music Premium membership outside of trial periods.

Current Version: 2.47 (August 28, 2018)

Read YouTube Music’s AppleVis iOS App Directory entry for more information
https://www.applevis.com/apps/ios/music/youtube-music
Visit YouTube Music’s App Store page
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/youtube-music/id1017492454?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3
D8

All recent app entries posted to AppleVis can be found at:

iOS http://www.applevis.com/apps/latest?type=ios_app_directory
Mac http://www.applevis.com/apps/latest?type=mac_app_directory
Apple Watch
http://www.applevis.com/apps/latest?type=apple_watch_app_directory
Apple TV http://www.applevis.com/apps/latest?type=apple_tv_app_directory

Greetings and welcome to September and wherever you are I hope that you are
enjoying this long Labor Day weekend.
Today, it’s time for us to share our president’s weekly editorial with you
and for this week Donna J. Jodhan focuses on owning up to our words.
Have a great holiday weekend.
I’m Christian Robicheau

+++++++++++++++

Owning up to our words
By Donna J. Jodhan

There is a very old and famous proverb that says “put your money where your
mouth is.” Or how about this one; “walk the walk and not walk the talk.”
What am I beefing about today? Very simple!

I am beefing about those who deliberately choose to say things and make
accusations but when it comes down to the crunch they either do not put
their names to their words or they run away saying that they have no
comment.

This is what appears to have taken place in July of this year when a story
surfaced about Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau having been accused of
inappropriately handling a young reporter at an event in British Columbia.
This incident allegedly took place in 2000.

It is all well and good to report incidents such as these and it does not
matter who is the one that has been accused of this type of incident; from
President or Prime Minister to the person on the street but when the accuser
deliberately hides behind anonymity then here is where the concern arises.

Each time we utter words of accusation against someone else in public we
unwittingly strike a blow against their reputation and it is even more so
if the person being accused is a public figure. In my humble and respectful
opinion, if someone is willing to share their story then they should
definitely be prepared to own it.

There should be no excuse for anyone who makes an accusation then runs away
and then says that they will not be commenting on their accusation. This is
what I call cowardly and mischievous. If you make an accusation then own up
to it and stand behind it.

Believe it or not, you only make yourself out to be a bit of a mischief
maker if you fail to do this.
Just my two cents for today.

I’m Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna’s blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
Learn more about Author Donna Jodhan and her campaign against bullying at
www.jodhanmysterybook.club
Now you can enjoy Donna’s detective DJ crime crushers Series by visiting
http://www.donnajodhan.com

And now her weekly podcast at www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html
From recipes to apps, and from 5 minutes mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs
and alerts on the latest scams
Available for download from iTunes and Google music play.

You can follow me on twitter @accessibleworld
and chat with me on Skype at habsfan0526.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

If you are in the market for something to help you save time while at the
same time pop a problem; then you have come to the right place.
Below, you will find something to help you just do that and if you would
like to learn more then visit us at www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html
Follow us on Twitter @accessibleworld and like us on facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan

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Meet the Naturespace app
– Relax Meditate Focus Sleep and Rest with 3D Sounds, sonic therapy for
anxiety and stress relief
(iOS, Free with In-App Purchases)

Well! This may be the perfect app for anyone having difficulty sleeping, or
dealing with anxiety, depression, or anything that interferes with your
thought pattern.
Please read on.

If sound quality matters to you, (and it should) then you owe it to yourself
to try Naturespace. Naturespace is the ultimate headphone listening
experience! Our immersive and spatially accurate 3D recordings from the most
beautiful places on earth will relax and rejuvenate you like nothing else.

They truly must be experienced to be believed, which is why this app is
>free. Six free sounds, no ads, and a vast catalog to choose from make it
easy to find out what millions of others have discovered; the amazing world
of holographic sound!

Naturespace is the perfect tool for help with sleeping, relaxing, studying,
focus, ptsd, claustrophobia, traveling, meditating, or any time you need to
change your thought patterns. Get in touch with the natural world and
understand yourself better. It’s that simple.

Read Naturespace’s AppleVis iOS App Directory entry for more information
http://www.applevis.com/apps/ios/music/naturespace-relax-meditate-focus-slee
p-and-rest-3d-sounds-sonic-therapy-anxiety-and
Visit Naturespace’s page on the App Store
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/naturespace-relax-meditate/id312618509?mt=8

Greetings and I just cannot believe that this is the final weekend of
August. My o my! Where has it all gone?
Today, I am pleased to share our president’s weekly editorial with you and
for today Donna J. Jodhan discusses the dilema with online billing systems.
I wish you a great final weekend of August.
I’m Scott Savoy.

+++++++++++++++

The drawback to online billing systems
By Donna J. Jodhan

When it comes to technological evolution; we can easily place online billing
systems in this prestigious category. All well and good but when it comes
to meeting the needs and requirements of persons who are blind, vision
impaired, and those with a print disability; here is where the drawback
comes.

The other day I went to retrieve my bill from the Bell Canada online billing
website and I discovered that whereas I had been able to fetch my monthly
billing details for many years now without any difficulty, I could no longer
do so. In short, I was left cold out in the cold.

I was now being asked to enter an audio challenge code but guess what? When
I pressed the button to retrieve my code a message popped up telling me that
it was unavailable. I tried several times during the day but with no
success. So it meant that I had to go away without being able to retrieve
my billing details.

I have since discussed the use of captchas through audio challenges with
several others and the general consensus is that audio challenges are simply
not very accessible and usable for our community. Why? Because even if you
are able to access an audio challenge the quality of the audio sound is very
poor. In addition, the field where one is supposed to enter the code is
poorly defined.

So what can we do? Maybe it is time for us to lobby those companies who
want us to use audio challenges as part of the captchas and let them know
that we are having challenges of our own. For after all, if we are expected
to pay our bills we need to see what we are being billed for!

Just my two cents for today.

I’m Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna’s blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
Learn more about Author Donna Jodhan and her campaign against bullying at
www.jodhanmysterybook.club
Now you can enjoy Donna’s detective DJ crime crushers Series by visiting
http://www.donnajodhan.com

And now her weekly podcast at www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html
From recipes to apps, and from 5 minutes mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs
and alerts on the latest scams
Available for download from iTunes and Google music play.

You can follow me on twitter @accessibleworld
and chat with me on Skype at habsfan0526.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

If you are in the market for something to help you save time while at the
same time pop a problem; then you have come to the right place.
Below, you will find something to help you just do that and if you would
like to learn more then visit us at www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html
Follow us on Twitter @accessibleworld and like us on facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan

+++++++++++++++

Meet the Logic Pro X app
(Mac OS X, US$199.99)

This app is for the consummate musician seeking to expand their horizon.
You need to read on to learn more.

Logic Pro X is the most advanced version of Logic ever. Sophisticated tools
for professional songwriting, editing, and mixing are built around a modern
interface that’s designed to get creative results quickly and also deliver
more power whenever it’s needed.
Logic Pro X includes a massive collection of instruments, effects, and
loops, providing a complete toolkit to create amazingsounding music.

Read Logic Pro’s AppleVis iOS App Directory entry for more information
http://www.applevis.com/apps/mac/music/logic-pro-x
Visit Logic Pro’s page on the App Store
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/logic-pro-x/id634148309?mt=12&uo=8&at=11l4LS

Greetings! Another lovely August weekend is upon us and I am just so happy
for this one.
Today, I am pleased to share our president’s weekly editorial with you and
for this week Donna J. Jodhan talks about how it starts from scratch.
Enjoy your weekend.
I’m Christian Robicheau

+++++++++++++++

It starts from scratch
By Donna J. Jodhan

The other day while I was at the airport waiting to board a plane to my
favourite getaway in St Lucia, I decided to take a few minutes just to sit
back and enjoy the smells and the sounds. I was not disappointed.

I listened contentedly as the kids around me sang, chatted, laughed, and
played with each other and soon I learned from their chatter that they were
going to the same place as me.

As I sat there listening; it confirmed to me that it really all starts from
scratch. In other words, it starts with our kids and if we hope to ensure a
future where such things as happiness, humility, respect, and courtesy can
live in harmony with each other, then we need to start with our kids.

Teach them how to speak respectfully to each other and all will be well.
Teach them how to communicate openly and all will be well. Show them how to
use their language to command attention, respect, and courtesy and all will
be well.

Show them how to find and spread happiness and our future will have a chance
of surviving. Give them a chance to be kids for as long as possible and
they will remain our shining bright lights forever.

Just my two cents for today.

I’m Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna’s blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
Learn more about Author Donna Jodhan and her campaign against bullying at
www.jodhanmysterybook.club
Now you can enjoy Donna’s detective DJ crime crushers Series by visiting
http://www.donnajodhan.com

And now her weekly podcast at www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html
From recipes to apps, and from 5 minutes mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs
and alerts on the latest scams
Available for download from iTunes and Google music play.

You can follow me on twitter @accessibleworld
and chat with me on Skype at habsfan0526.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan