Reccsf Retired Employees of the City and County of San Francisco

Today is the last day of Gay or LGBTQ+ Pride Month. The rainbow flag was created by Gilbert Baker in 1978 as a symbol of inclusivity and power for, at the time, the gay community. It was originally 8 colors with particular meanings for each color. Later, to make it easier to produce, the were reduced to 6. It has become an enduring symbol of the LGBTQ+ movement. https://www.britannica.com//how-did-the-rainbow-flag-becom

What is a password generator & should you use one? Password mangers are programs that remember passwords for you. When combined with a random password generator, it makes it easier to use strong passwords. You must, however protect these passwords with a strong "master" password that you do not forget. Here is an detailed article about whether or not a password manager is for you. https://stuartschechter.medium.com/before-you-use-a-passwor

How do you keep your passwords safe? Use a password that is at least 12 characters. I t is best if a password is 15 characters or more. Do not use sequential numbers.... Avoid common substitutions such as using numvers that are associated with letters (think of phone keys). Do not use sequential keyboard paths (such as qwerty). Choose bizarre or uncommon words. Use words in another language. Use a sentence or a phrase. Use a password manager. More about this tomorrow! See more

How do scammers get your password? Here are 4 ways unscrupulous people get your password(s): 1. They buy it off the dark web. 2. They guess using automated software.... 3. They try lists of words or phrases from the dictionary. 4. They use phishing and get the password(s) from you. Thieves can get user credentials (user name & password) from sties with poor security. If you use the same password for multiple sites, your information is compromised for all those sites that have the same password. Thieves will use phishing to stead your credentials for their own use or to sell on the dark web. Emails to you can have fraudulent links or a malicious attachment. Criminals can use software to test passwords until they get a hit. They use commonly-used passwords, the dictionary, or common phrases. They can go through the dictionary in a matter of seconds. How do you protect your passwords? Read this article now or come back tomorrow for pointers keeping your passwords safe. https://www.sentinelone.com//7-ways-hackers-steal-your-pa/

Ah! The dog days of summer!

Have you received any texts, emails, or phone calls from someone who wants to help you get your REAL ID? They are a SCAM to steal your information! REAL ID, as a reminder, is a driver's license with a gold star on it to signify that you have fullfilled the enhanced identity requirements to meet the bar for a federal ID. You must have this or some other federal ID to fly on airplanes after May 3, 2023. Remember, NO reputable person is going to contact you out of the blue to ask you for personal and confidential information! Do not click on any links that ask you to update your information. Do not respond to these messages. Instead, delete them.

Happy Halloween! See this on twitter: https://twitter.com/EricTopol/status/1322544962764894208

Please vote if you have not already! If you still have your mail-in ballot, it is best to delivery if by hand to an OFFICIAL drop-off site to ensure that it you ballot is counted. If you are voting in person wear a mask, maintain a 6-foot distance from others, and bring your own pen or e-stylus. Here are some more tips in order to stay safe while voting: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com//us-elections-2020-tips-o

Open enrollment ends on October 31st. You only have one more day, if you are calling in your changes and two more days if you are making changes online to your health plan for the year that begins on January 1.

In a Japanese village many people live to a great age. Are there particular secrets to their longevity? https://www.nationalgeographic.com//uncover-the-secrets-o/

How do you stay safe if you are voting in person? The Centers for Disease Control talks about some lessons learned from a Delaware primary. Don't forget to wear a mask and bring your own pen. https://www.nytimes.com///health/Covid-voting-safety.html

Does mail-in voting lead to fraud? How will you know if your ballot has been counted? Why are there still long lines at the early voting location? The Guardian tries to answer these questions: https://www.theguardian.com//mail-in-voting-us-election-th

A reminder about enrolling in health care plans! You should only sign-up for health choices that the San Francisco Health Service System (SFHHS) has offered you. Throw all the other letters that you get in the mail about health care OUT! KEEP the letter from SFHHS and make your choices from this information. If you sign-up for any other health care plan, no matter how enticing, SFHHS will cancel your insurance and you will NEVER be able to sign-up for a City-sponsored plan again. The SFHHS plans are your best deal!

Your flu shot should be no charge to you! Some people are reporting to me that they are being asked to pay upfront or they get a bill in the mail. Go to the flu information at the top of this page and click on your insurance carrier to find the recommended sites to get your flu shot. You should have no problem about being charged if get your flu shot at one of these recommended sites. Ask before you get your shot if there are any charges. Call your insurance if there are any charges! You should get reimbursed if you had to make a payment.

Today is National Early Vote Day! Do you have a plan to vote by mail or in person? Are you able to help others to vote? Go here for more information: http://participate.lwv.org/c/10065/blastContent.jsp

Social Security announced an annual COLA increase of 1.3% for 2021. This is an average raise of $20.00 per month and is the second smallest COLA increase in history. The smallest was 0.3% in 2017. Emergency legislation to raise the COLA to 3% for next year is proposed: https://www.cnbc.com//house-lawmakers-to-propose-emergency

If you have not sent in your mail-in ballot yet, be sure to read the instructions carefully! Your ballot should go into an envelope and sometimes 2 envelopes - depending upon the state - AND you must sign exactly where the instructions specify - again this varies by state. Some states require that you add a stamp (add 2 to be sure) and others don't. If you vote by mail, please send it in as soon as you can or put it in an OFFICIAL drop box. Your ballot may not count if it is not received according to the laws of your state. https://abcnews.go.com//election-2020-fill-mail-bal/story

Are you unsure about getting a flu shot this year? Do you think that there is going to be a mild flu season? Do you feel that you are already washing your hands & social distancing? Are you concerned about going to the doctor's office? UCSF answers these questions: https://www.ucsf.edu//why-covid-19-means-you-need-flu-shot

If you have not already reviewed your health care, dental, and vision elections during open enrollment, now is the time! Open enrollment is only in the month of October. The new year for your health insurance starts on January 1. Go here to make changes: https://sfhss.org/oe2021-retirees

Here are a few Mozart meditations. None are more than 5 minutes long. https://www.nytimes.com//arts//classical-music-mozart.html