Android has recently observed and reported over 20,000 strains of malware infecting its customers’ products.  This particular malware mimics popular apps, such as Candy Crush or Snapchat.  Some of these “apps” look and function very similarly to the apps they mimic; however, once they’re downloaded onto a device, they are able to install themselves as system applications, meaning they gain access to other files on the device.

The potential privacy and security risk is obvious.  What’s even worse is that the malware is extremely difficult to remove because of its ability to gain root access to files.

How are you to know if you’re protected from this malicious malware?  That depends on whether or not you download apps from third party app stores.  Downloading apps from outside of the Google Play Store is generally safe for those who are looking for free or discounted apps, or other apps that don’t meet the standards of Google Play.  

Unfortunately, the makers of these infectious apps often publish them to third party app stores.  But there is a silver lining:  If you abstain from downloading apps from third party stores, your risk of infecting your device becomes greatly reduced.  Instead, look for a similar app in Google Play, which scans published apps for signs of malware.

Even still, you may not be fully protected.  There have been apps that slip through the cracks of Google Play’s malware scanning.  
The best defense is to use your judgment.  Before downloading an app, consider this:

1. How much does the app cost?  Does it seem to offer more features than you’d expect based on the price, or vice versa?  That’s an automatic red flag.
2. How many reviews does it have compared to number of downloads?  If the former greatly exceeds the latter, that’s got spam written all over it.
3. Look at the reviews.  Were they all submitted within a short period of time?  Do they all contain similar phrases or grammatical errors?  Fake.
4. Is the developer listed?  If so, search it and see what you find.  If a legitimate webpage doesn’t come up, that’s a bad sign.

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Originally posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News

Move over, summer…  Fall has finally graced Louisiana with its presence.  That means we get to look forward to yummy fall dishes!  

Until recently, I would never have thought to mix apples and meat.  That all changed when I decided to try these apple cinnamon pork chops.  It really stood out to me, and I figured that if I love apples and pork separately, then I may as well try them together!

Best decision ever.  The flavor/texture combination is truly a knockout.  This dish is so sweet and savory that your family is sure to love it!  Pair it with a Chenin or cider.

INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

“I never dreamed about success.  I worked for it.” – Estée Lauder

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The road to success is often long and challenging.  Sometimes, it may seem that our goals can only be reached with luck, wealth, or powerful connections.  However, if we look at most successful people, we’ll notice that the vast majority of them did not have these advantages.  So how did they do it, and how do they continue to be successful?

The meaning of success varies from person to person, but what it takes to get there generally does not.  It doesn’t happen through magic; in fact, the recipe is actually quite simple.  Take a look at these 12 things most successful people do every day:

1. They create and pursue focused goals.
2. They take decisive and immediate action.
3. They focus on being productive, not being busy.
4. They make logical, informed decisions.
5. They avoid the trap of trying to make things perfect.
6. They work outside of their comfort zone.
7. They keep things simple.
8. They focus on making small, continuous improvements.
9. They measure and track their progress.
10. They maintain a positive attitude as they learn from mistakes.
11. They spend time with motivational people.
12. They maintain balance in their life.

There you have it.  12 simple but essential steps to success.  Keep in mind that  no statement takes precedence over the other.  All are equally important in your journey to success!  

How does this list compare to you?  Did reading these steps help you notice any problem areas you may have that may be holding you back?  Do you have any other steps to add?  Let us know!

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Originally posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News

Artmosphere Bistro is unlike any other in Acadiana, and the moment you lay eyes on the place, you’ll understand why.  The tiny, bright blue building with the yellow roof is donned with eclectic decor; the venue is encompassed by a patio for outdoor seating, shaded by foliage and big, colorful umbrellas; at night, string lights and neon signs illuminate the building, emanating an aura of whimsical fun and excitement.

Based on its size, you probably wouldn’t expect much from Artmosphere beside its looks.  You’d be wrong, of course. Artmosphere is a social spot for those who love food, drink, music, and local art.  While it’s particularly popular among Lafayette youth, the bar/grill/venue/gallery attracts a variety of Acadians and is always filled to the brim with fun-loving patrons.

Whether you want brunch, dinner, or a late night meal, Artmosphere is the place to feed your soul.  Every item on the menu is unique, prepared with fresh, local ingredients and designed to be healthy but taste sinful.  Go to brunch on Saturday or Sunday mornings and enjoy bottomless mimosas in the cozy indoor dining area or outside on the patio.

Undoubtedly, the main reason people flock to Artmosphere is for the music.  Live music is played seven nights a week.  Artmosphere proudly hosts local and regional musicians from all walks of life; Cajun, Zydeco, jazz, folk, blues, rock, funk–you name it, Artmosphere has it.  In addition, karaoke and open mic nights are held weekly.

If you’re looking to spend your Louisiana Saturday Night in a fun, eclectic, and artistic atmosphere, then Artmosphere is the place to be!

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Originally posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News

Keeping a balanced, healthy garden is not as hard as it seems. A little extra care definitely goes a long way, and will bring bountiful results soon after you start. There are a couple of things you can do to ensure that your garden is bright and full of flowers all season long.

The Secret to Healthy Flowers 

The first thing you need to do to keep your flowers healthy is to provide the proper soil for your garden. For example, before you plant anything, lay down some compost and let the soil soak it up. This helps extra nutrients make their way into the soil, which will greatly benefit your flowers later on.

Another thing you can do to keep your flowers healthy, is to space them out accordingly. If they’re too close together, your flowers are going to suffocate and fight each other for nutrients. Once this happens, if one plant becomes diseased, it can easily spread to the others.

When you plant your annual flowers in your garden, and at the beginning of each growing season, fertilize them with a slow-release fertilizer.  Once is enough because over-fertilizing will lead to more foliage and less flowers – not what you want in this case.  The exception is annuals that are planted in containers – they should be fertilized using a water soluble fertilizer ever few weeks to maintain a colorful display of flowers.

Annual flowers have a shallow root system so you need to be careful not to over water them – this is one of the biggest mistakes that people make.  Once you see their heads start to hang, that’s when you know they need water.  For the best results, use a drip irrigation system, a soaker hose or water directly from a watering can.

During the flowering season, pinch back faded blooms that are doing your garden no good. This helps to encourage new, stronger growth because the plants aren’t using energy to turn those dead flowers to seed. At the end of the season, let the flowers die off and go to seed naturally.  This will bring you more plants next year. 

Keeping Your Annual Flower Garden Alive 

By following the tips listed above, you will no doubt have a bright, beautiful, healthy garden in no time. It’s all about prior preparation and what you do during the process of planting and caring for your garden.

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Originally posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News