From hackers to a cool summer look

Quote of the week

Closure is a greasy little word which, moreover, describes a nonexistent condition. The truth, Venus, is that nobody gets over anything. — Martin Amis

Stuff you want to know this week

Even informed people are caught out by sophisticated internet scammers. 

Scammers can trick you with fake websites that look like the real thing. Check out these two web addresses. Can you spot the fake one?

• absa.co.za
• аbsa.co.za

The first is correct, the second is from hackers. If you look closely, you will see that the first “a" in the second address, or URL, comes from a different alphabet. That's how easily you can be deceived.

Other tips may sound obvious but often catch people out:

Never give any PIN or code to anyone over the phone. A classic trap is a convincing agent who calls from your mobile provider or bank and says someone is trying to hack you and you just need to give them the PIN sent to your phone so they can secure your account.

Or you get a message saying you've won something, or there's a package to be delivered to you, and all you have to do is click on a link and give your details. Do. Not. Do. It. It's a scammer!

Tips and trends

A mini master class in cool to get street cred with your Gen Z kids, grandkids, nephews and nieces this holiday.

For her:

• Wear super-big or super-small black sunglasses — no Iris Apfel vibes.
• Oversized long-sleeved shirts with rolled-up sleeves in bright colours (try red or orange) or stripes — no floral patchwork, baggy blouses or short-sleeved shirts that barely hang over your belt.
• A peak cap (leave the UV versions and Cape Union Mart hats for the garden). 
• Wear a leather, woven, beaded or gold belt with your trousers or over your jackets and dresses and make sure people can see it. Tuck in your shirts.
• A small bag across your body for cellphone, keys and cards, and a tote bag (you can't have enough of those) for your shopping.
• White tennis sneakers, ballet pumps, loafers, Birkenstocks. (Please leave the trainers for practice.)
• Double-breasted club or college jacket with blue jeans.
• Jean-jackets with everything.
• White or black T-shirts — no pictures or words.
• Gold chains, weapons and rings.
• Gold is BIG this summer.

For him:

• Peak caps or straw hats. Panama hats are out.
• Nice tennis sneakers, slip-ons and brown formal shoes without socks. No thick-soled trainers.
• Birkenstocks or nice Crocs in bright colours. Leave the mountaineering and hiking sandals for nature trips. Not suitable for the mall.
• Big loose shirts, especially over shorts, is a look; but not a loose T-shirt. Tuck in your T-shirt (even if you have a belly). We're not interested in a tent.
• No K-Way near Gen Z.
• And there you go!

Finds

Scrub Daddy sponges

There's nothing this sponge can't clean. It is hard and “scrubby" (but not scratchy) if you use it with cold water. And it softens in warm water. Dishes, glasses, bathroom tiles, garden chairs. It's magic. R80 at selected Checkers stores.

Handy tube squeezer

For paint, glue, toothpaste or even tomato paste. A sturdy tube squeezer that makes sure you get the last drop out.

R239 at Takealot

A beauty bible for older women

“India Knight is a legend in the beauty industry. I am obsessed with her column because you can trust her to get it right every single time."

That's how Charlotte Tilbury, the legendary make-up artist, describes the beauty writer of The Times. And now Knight has written a book about products and tips that work for middle-aged women. We were bowled over by India Knight's Beauty Edit: What Works When You're Older. It has just been published and costs R486 at Loot.

Fit and healthy

Calcium

What the dairy advertisers don’t tell us: There are many other sources of calcium  besides dairy products:

• sardines
• collards
• kale
• bok choy
• broccoli
• spinach
• turnip greens
• almonds
• sesame seeds — a brilliant source of calcium. Eat a teaspoonful of black or natural tahini (a paste made from sesame seeds) with your breakfast every morning. It's delicious.

Calcium is only one of the building blocs for bone health. Vitamins K and D are also crucial for bone metabolism. Maintain healthy levels of vitamin D (serum levels of 50-90 mg/ml to ensure bone strength).

It is easier for vitamin D to be absorbed when taken with a healthy fat. Research increasingly indicates that calcium in tablet form is not optimally absorbed by the body.

The biokineticist

Are you struggling with back and neck pain? Make an appointment with a spine engineer, aka a biokineticist, and turn your quality of life around.

After a thorough examination, you get your own daily exercise programme that strengthens the muscles that support the back and neck vertebrae and pulls everything into line.

A great idea for a Christmas present and an even better idea as a gift to yourself.

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