REMINDER: 2 PM is the first NATIONAL test of the emergency broadcasting system

Today is the first ever test of the National Emergency Broadcasting system, which can only be triggered by the White House. It will go off at 2 PM EST, and will preempt all television and radio programming for about 1 minute. Some radios and TVs may turn on automatically in response to the signal, and some may fail to show the "This is only a test" infographic. But don't panic - it is only a test.

iOS 5 Tips: Location Based Reminders & Microsoft Do Not Mix!

While we were being victimized by the infamous hacker, I was busy upgrading my iDevices to iOS 5, and ran across some small issues that it is likely Mod-Blog readers have also (or will also) face. Thus, our return will begin with a small series of IOS 5 TIPS, based on my experience.

TIP: LOCATION-BASED REMINDERS AND MICROSOFT EXCHANGE DO NOT MIX!

One of the big new features of iOS 5 is system-based reminders, which can be either time or location-based. Locations based reminders are great for keying you to do a certain things "when I get to work" or "the next time I go out". They can even be set up via Siri, if you have an iPhone 4S.

But when I got to iOS 5, I found no way to set a location-based reminder. Every attempt to set one up via touch or via Siri failed entirely. I wasn't even given the option. And yet, there was no indication of an error or failure.

Well, it turns out the issue was the fact that I was syncing my Reminders (as Tasks) to my work's Microsoft Exchange server. This is automatic if you have an Exchange e-mail account set up. But Exchange is incompatible with iOS5's method of storing geographical information. This is mentioned in Apple's documentation, but buried deep and hard to find.

The simple solution? Turn off syncing of Reminders with the Exchange server. Sync with iCloud instead. Once that is done, the option for location-based reminders will "magically" appear.

Also, remember that Location-based alerts are only compatible with the iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S. If you have an iPad, or older iPhone, reminders can only be time-based.

Watch for ATM Skimmers!

ATM Card Skimmers are devices attached to ATM and Point-of-Sale kiosks that either electronically read your card as you insert it, or use a video camera to gather information like card numbers and PIN. Tax time is prime-time for ATM card thieves, as people are hitting the bank more than usual to move money around or pull statement information. Be sure you know how to spot a skimmer and take measures to protect yourself from thieves. Using modern wireless technology, the thief may not even be within sight of the ATM when this happens.

And at the very least ALWAYS cover our PIN entry.

SOB! Today *IS* Tax Day

Well, we all got a reprieve, but today is Tax Day. Tax forms must be eFiled or mailed today in order to avoid penalties (or you must apply for an automatic extension). But the good news is plenty of experts have tips to help you get the most back from the tax man. And even if you are filing last-minute, there are always online options to avoid the lines at the post office.

Dee Leicht E.A. preparer at H & R Block at 4530 Lemay Ferry Road suggests:

- If you are preparing your own taxes, make sure that you file Schedule M, Making Work Pay, to receive up to a $400 credit.
- Check your deductions for education. They are very good this year and include books and supplies.
- Make sure you take exemptions for any persons (earning less than $3600) that you supported in 2010.

And remember, even if you do file for the automatic extension, you still have to pay what you EXPECT to owe to avoid paying interest and penalties.

The "Ride of Silence" is today

If you should see a line of cyclists riding slowly down the streets of your town today, please be patient and considerate. Today is the Ride of Silence - an annual memorial for cyclists killed on public roadways by cars and trucks.

Reminder: Conficker goes off TOMORROW

If you are a PC user, remember that the Conficker worm/computer virus is set to activate tonight at midnight.

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.9849350f816804a357829631f0fd7a21.51&show_article=1

Be sure to update your virus scanner, install security updates, and confirm that you are not infected. If you are, this worm could take control of your computer and use it to do any number of illegal things, including capturing your credit card numbers during shopping online.

If you are a Mac or Linux user, you are safe.