In the tradition-steeped world of literature, a major brouhaha rages between fans of digital reading devices and those who see “e-books” as proof the End Times are near. Lost in all this emotion is the fact that some readers embrace technology for strictly practical reasons. These are folks whose vision is limited due to congenital disability, disease, eye injury or typical effects of aging. They have no dog in the fight; all they want is a practical, affordable way to continue... Read More
Ignoring hearing loss is easier when you’re alone. You can turn up the volume on the TV or radio as loud as you want, and you don’t have to ask anyone to repeat what they just said. But how do you cope with hearing loss when you’re in a social or business setting? The question is far from academic; one out of every six baby boomers has a hearing problem, and one in 14 members of Generation X has a hearing problem, according to the Better Hearing Institute (BHI).... Read More
The U.S. Department of the Treasury issued a rule to extend the safety and convenience of electronic payments to all Americans receiving federal benefit and non-tax payments. Anyone applying for benefits on or after May 1, 2011, will receive their payments electronically, while those already receiving paper checks will need to switch to direct deposit by March 1, 2013. Electronic payments for all “Eight in 10 federal benefit recipients already use direct deposit, and now... Read More
Almost all parents look forward to acquiring the new title of grandma or grandpa. Some get that plus one more thing: custody of those grandkids and a long-term commitment to care for them in their own homes. This arrangement is increasingly common, but it’s not the kind of thing you plan for. When it happens, most grandparents find themselves scrambling for any available help with food, clothing, added expenses, health and medical assistance and a lot more. Fortunately, the... Read More