Avoid Internet Search Tracking

Search engines such as Google like tracking you, your search terms and IP addresses; they use this to build up profiles, store data, etc. To avoid this you can get a tool (Disconnect) at https://disconnect.me/search# which allows you to route your query through their proxy servers before they go to the popular search engines such as Google, Bing and Yahoo.

Alternatively, install DuckDuckGo as your search engine, as it does not track you.

Phil Bradley in CILIP Update, May 2014

Style Tips from Lorraine Candy

Anyone call pull off modern glamour at any life stage; everything is in the detail.

•  Fashion should be fun.
• You should enjoy getting dressed every day.
• Today it is easy to buy catwalk looks on the high street.
• Don't assume a dress is the answer. A wardrobe of dresses takes away the ability to define an individual style.
• Wear dresses as separates with a shirt underneath, or a sweater on top.
• Try the layered look. A black leather jacket may look like you are hanging on to your youth, whereas a fitted high street leather jacket with 3/4 sleeves is a great alternative. Under it wear a soft knit sweater or a silk blouse.
• Shoes - flat shoes (e.g. loafers) can be a wardrobe staple but instantly update your look (just check your trouser lengths). If you want a heel, pick silver as it goes with everything.
• Copy the style of women you admire.
• When shopping, try on something you would not normally try. It might surprise you.

Lorraine Candy is editor of international style bible Elle.

Good Housekeeping, April 2014

First Women to ...

Women are increasingly being elected or appointed to positions of leadership in the Uk and worldwide. Here are some of those who first held specific posts.

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1979-1990) - Margaret Thatcher
Foreign Secretary (2006-2007) - Margaret Beckett
Home Secretary (2007-2009) - Jacqui Smith
Head of MI5 in the UK (1992-1996) - Stella Rimington

Chancellor of Germany (2005-) - Angela Merkel
Prime Minister of New Zealand (1999-2008) - Helen Clark
Prime Minister of Denmark (2011-) - Helle Thorning-Schmidt
Prime Minister of Israel (1969-1974) - Golda Meir
Prime Minister of the Ukraine (2005, 2007-2010) - Yulia Tymoshenko

Leader of the Opposition in Burma (2012-) - Aung San Suu Kyi

President (elected) of Argentina (2007-) - Christina Fernandez de Kirchner
President of Brazil (2010-) - Dilma Vana Rousseff
President of Chile (2006-2010) - Michelle Bachelet
President of Ireland (1990-1997) - Mary Robinson
President of Liberia (2006-) - Ellen Johnson Sirleaf


Church of England Bishop (2014-) - Libby Lane
Ordination of Women Bishops in the Anglican Communion - see Wikipedia entry

END

Getting Back into the Job Market

Over-50s currently (2014) have the highest level of long-term unemployment and a recent study proved a 25 year-old is twice as likely to get a job interview than a 51 year-old. Here are some tips to help.

The National Careers Service (NCS) is a free nationwide service offering information on careers, training and work. Its advisors are available online, over the phone or in person, seven days a week.
# For the over-50s, technology is often a skills gap, so get on some courses.
# To find the hidden job market, network friends, colleagues and join an organisation. And join a social media website - some employers fill 75% of jobs from sites like Linked In.
# Prepare and practise for job interviews. Research the company, and the role. Google the top 10 interview questions - then work your skills, qualities, knowledge and examples into your answers.
# If we are all working till we are 70, we can have several careers. If you don't have A-levels or a degree apply anyway, as some places accept you based on your life experience.

Being your own boss. The Prince's Initiative for Mature Enterprise (PRIME) was set up to help anyone over 50 start a business. It offers courses teaching business skills, and once you've completed those, pairs you with a business mentor for ongoing advice.

If you are wanting to return to work after a career break, try a Career MoT course run by Women Like Us, who offer free online career support and advice packs, a series of wporkshops and a recruitment agency, Timewise Recruitment.

Some key points from Sophie Giles, a chartered occupational psychologist, are:

• Know yourself. Start by writing down the highs and lows in your personal and work life. Look at when you were at your best. Step back and make a frank assessment - and be honest about your strengths and weaknesses. What should you address?
• Be curious and brave. Pursue leads and possibilities, even while you worry about rejection. Go online, pursue work by keywords and links. Answers don't fall into your lap - you need to find them.
• Bin the self-deprecating humour. In order to interview confidently and convince an employer of your merits, you have to see them yourself. List all your talents and truly believe them.
• Build a social support network around you - partner, peers, family. Be generous with them in your thoughts and actions, and the support that comes back will give you strength. Conversely, know who sucks you dry and leave them behind.

 Feature by Penny Rich in Good Housekeeping, July 2014

Capitals in Email and Web-page Addresses

Some email addresses and web page addresses are printed in flyers, business cards and other advertising materials with some capital letters. But do you need to use capitals when typing in an email address or web page address?

Email: Everything up to and including the .com (or .org or .net) part of the web address is never case sensistive. It doesn't matter what has been printed or what you type in, they will always work. So if someone gives their email address as ABJones@MyMail.com you can safely type it in as abjones@mymail.com .

Web pages. Like email, everything up to and including the .com (or .org or .net) is never case sensitive so www.example.com, WWW.EXAMPLE.COM or www.Example.com will all work. BUT any text after the .com might be case sensitive (e.g. www.example.com/FAQ.htm) and needs to be typed in as referenced.

For more details, see this helpful article.