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Tips for Planning a Truly One-of-a-Kind Road Trip

Kathryn R. Bown
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Tips for Planning a Truly One-of-a-Kind Road Trip

The road trip across the United States is such an old and romantic idea that it’s just about become a cliché. The idea of jumping in a car with a few friends and without many belongings and just taking off for the other coast is almost like a dream. You’ll meet people, you’ll get in adventures, you’ll see the land.

However, those ideal scenarios do not always translate into safe and sensible vacations. There should always be a good, healthy balance between adventure and staying safe while on the road.

Image by Wiegots from Pixabay

Having said that, if you want to plan a trip to go out and see some of the most unique places to visit in the U.S., then you are in luck. We want the same thing for you, and here in this post, we’ll provide you with some advice on how to plan a one-of-a-kind road trip for yourself and your traveling companions.

Know Your Destinations, but Don’t Stick to the Map

So, we want you to have a real adventure out there on the road. We want you to be safe and to be smart about where you’re going, but please don’t make this a boring trip by just driving straight through to your destination.

You should definitely know where you want to end up. Say, if you’re starting in North Carolina and want to make it to Oregon, that’s good. As you travel, always be sure you’re trending toward the northwest direction. But you obviously don’t need to jump on a highway and just drive there. That’s not a road trip; it’s just traveling.

Take the back roads. Stop and get out. Talk to people in local establishments. Make it adventurous, while always being safe.

Make Time to See Cool Things Along the Way

As you’re slowly but surely making your way to your destination, make sure you’re always aware of your surroundings and what kinds of attractions are near you.

Oh, you’re nearing St. Louis? Have you ever seen the Gateway Arch in person before? It’s probably going to be worth it to stop by and check it out. Heading up through the western deserts? You definitely owe it to yourself to see the Grand Canyon. You don’t even have to go down and hike it or anything like that, but grab some pictures, spend some time taking in the views, and move along.

This road trip should be all about having experiences and making memories.

Have a Mix of Accommodations

You might be wondering how you’re going to get to bed if you’re taking a semi-unplanned road trip through the United States. After all, if you’re taking your time and seeing things along your way, how exactly can you plan to stay in this or that hotel?

One way that some travelers have used is to have a mix of accommodations for themselves. So, you would plan to stay in hotels or motels at certain major points along your way. Maybe you have a hotel in Billings, Montana, booked way in advance on a certain date. But while you’re getting there, you stay where you can find room in a roadside inn.

Once Billings is behind you, you can look forward to the next major hotel stop in another state or two, but along your journey there, you do what you can.

That’s a nice, decent mix of planning and adventure. See if you can coordinate your trip this way, and you should end up feeling safe yet still free to explore.

Animated Films That Earned Over One Billion Dollars at the Box Office

Sonia Pantiss
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Animated Films That Earned Over One Billion Dollars at the Box Office

Reaching one billion dollars is a monumental accomplishment for any film, let alone animated ones. However, there have been multiple animated films that have reached this astonishing feat, many of which were viewed by both kids and adults alike. Disney and Pixar make up a majority of the highest-grossing animated films, though Dreamworks and Universal have their share of heavy hitters, too. Here are a few of the extraordinary animated films that were able to reach a worldwide box office of over one billion dollars.

Frozen 2

As the highest-grossing animated film of all time, Frozen 2 also manages to break the top ten highest-grossing films of all time, period, just barely scraping by in the number ten slot. The film raked in a staggering 1.4 billion dollars, with its original film not far behind at 1.2 billion. The original film was an instant hit, spawning a plethora of merchandise and guaranteeing the sequel a chance to hit the big screen. The original film earned itself an academy award for Best Animated Feature, the first Walt-Disney Studios film to do so, two golden globes, as well as two Grammys. The films were a hefty droplet in Disney’s lake of ever-growing profit, and with an Oloff spin-off and the company’s streaming service taking off, we have assuredly not seen the last of the franchise.

Zootopia

This original film follows animals that live their lives much as we do: they go to work, play sports, and run a government. It’s a film that is both hilarious and thought-provoking. Audience psychographics and demographics play a large role in determining a film’s target audience, and despite being aimed towards predominantly younger viewers, the film manages to shed light on very mature issues, such as racism, social classes, and corruption. These themes, accompanied by a stellar story and gorgeous animation, make it easy to see how the film was as successful as it was, earning just over a billion dollars at the box office and snagging itself an Oscar in the process.

Incredibles 2

Are you feeling incredible? You will after having watched this sequel to the 2004 film. After fourteen years of waiting, fans were granted a follow-up to the super-powered family, and boy did it make some money. 1.2 billion dollars, to be more specific. With a returning cast of actors and updated visuals, this movie was a delight to younger audiences as well as those that watched the original as children and have since grown up. Will we get a third film in the future? It’s possible, especially since Pixar seems to be in an era of sequels, what with Toy Story getting four films. Let’s just hope it doesn’t take a decade to happen.

And Many More . . .

There have been several more animated films to cross the one billion dollar threshold, such as Minions, Finding Dory, Despicable Me 3, along with Toy Story 3 and 4, plus countless others that are just shy of reaching the ten-figure mark. These films are well-written, voice acted, and beautifully animated, making them enjoyable for children as well as adults.

Kentucky Tornadoes Kill More than 70

Diane A. Wade
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Kentucky Tornadoes Kill More than 70

More than 70 people were killed by tornadoes on Friday night, December 10, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has said.

Governor Beshear said the figure could rise to more than 100 in what he called the worst tornadoes in Kentucky’s history.

Dozens are feared dead inside a candle factory in the town of Mayfield.

At least five people died as tornadoes wreaked havoc in other states, including one in an Amazon warehouse in Illinois.

Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency in Kentucky.

He said the tornado system was the deadliest to ever run through the state.

Mayfield and everywhere along the 227-mile path of the tornado – almost all in Kentucky – was devastated, he said.

“It’s indescribable, unlike anything I’ve ever seen,” he said.

“You see parts of industrial buildings, roofs, or sightings in trees, if trees are lucky enough to stand.

“Huge metal poles bent in half if not broken, buildings that are no longer there, huge trucks that have been picked up and thrown. And sadly far too many homes that people were likely in, entirely devastated.”

“There are a lot of families that need your prayers,” he added.

Deaths had been reported in several counties, but the loss of life in the Mayfield factory could exceed that of any tornado event in a single location in state history, the governor added. More than 100 people were inside when it hit.

Governor Beshear said 40 people had been rescued at the factory and he was praying for more survivors, but it was a “very dire situation”.

Local officials who visited the scene spoke of heavy machinery displaced by the storm, as well as drums leaking corrosive liquid.

President Joe Biden tweeted that he had been briefed about the tornadoes on Saturday morning.

“To lose a loved one in a storm like this is an unimaginable tragedy,” he said.

“We’re working with Governors to ensure they have what they need as the search for survivors and damage assessments continue.”

Police said the tornado caused “significant damage” across the western parts of the state. A train was derailed during extreme winds in Hopkins County, Sheriff Matt Sanderson told WKYT-TV.

He also described how two children were reported missing during a tornado but were then found in a bathtub that had been pulled outside by the force of the wind.

“There were two children in the Barnsley area that were missing and they were actually found in a bathtub not where the house was originally standing,” he said.

The Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville in southern Illinois was damaged during a tornado on Friday night, the authorities said.

It is not yet clear how many people were hurt by the roof collapse, but local emergency services have called it a “mass casualty incident” on Facebook.

Illinois police chief Mike Fillback said at least one person had died.

Sarah Bierman said her partner was still missing.

Later reports said 30 people had been rescued and two were airlifted to hospital in St Louis, in neighboring Missouri. Rescue teams are still sorting through the rubble.

Tennessee state Emergency Management Agency spokesman Dean Flener said three people had been killed in the northwest of the state. No further details were given.

In north-eastern Arkansas, one person died, five were seriously injured and 20 people were trapped inside in a nursing home after it partly collapsed, local official Marvin Day said.

The trapped people were rescued but the building was “pretty much destroyed”, he added.

US Inflation Hits Highest Level in 40 Years

Clyde K. Valle
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US Inflation Hits Highest Level in 40 Years
Image by Peggy cci from Pixabay

The US annual inflation has hit the highest level for nearly 40 years.

According to the latest figures, prices rose 6.8% in the year to November.

Price rises have pushed up food shopping bills, and petrol prices jumped 6.1%, while the cost of second-hand cars and rent also rose.

While the monthly pace of price rises at 0.8% eased a little compared to October’s 0.9%.

Prices for American consumers are rising at their fastest annual rate since June 1982. But the impact is felt more amongst those on the lowest incomes, with the least room to manage.

Rising inflation is also putting pressure on President Joe Biden as he tries to pass his $1.9tn social spending bill.

Some economists blame the president’s previous spending programs, designed to offer support amid the Covid pandemic, for exacerbating price increases.

“One of the major reasons we have inflation is because the government spent so much money,” said Christopher Campbell, chief strategist at Kroll a risk consultancy, and a former Treasury official under President Donald Trump.

He argued that further spending could make inflation worse.

“At the end of the day we hopefully are on the tail end of the pandemic, and the government is still putting its foot on the gas, on the levels of spending.”

In the meantime the poorest are facing both the end of pandemic-era extra support and rising prices.

Price rises are affecting some parts of the country more than others too, with the south and mid-west impacted more.

Dare to Care, a food bank in Louisville, Kentucky, said it has felt the effect of both inflation and supply chain problems.

Usually a lot of Dare to Care’s food comes from producers and retailers passing on any surplus they have.

Dare to Care has had to buy food at retail prices instead, and the cost of transport has risen too.

As a result, Dare to Care has made compromises, like not including wholegrain bread or pure fruit juice as often.

President Biden has pledged to make tackling inflation a priority and has made moves to ease supply chain problems, including changing rules for transport operators. But expectations are now focused squarely on the Federal Reserve too.

Speculation is mounting that the Fed will reduce the bond-buying support it provides every month more quickly than planned, paving the way for a possible rise in interest rates next year.

A Starter Guide to Reducing Business Costs

Dana R
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A Starter Guide to Reducing Business Costs

Expenses put a severe strain on business operations. Unless a company possesses significant cash reserves in the bank, these frequent expenses mean they have to continually produce sales and bring in revenue. If this doesn’t happen, they can quickly fall into financial trouble – to the point where their business becomes insolvent.

With this potential threat always looming, it makes sense to lessen its impact when possible. The good news is there are numerous steps you can take to reduce business costs. The following starter guide will highlight a number of ways you can cut down your current expenditures.

See what recurring expenses you can reduce

Recurring bills are inevitable when running your business. This can include everything from utilities to car leasing. However, when was the last time you took a close look at these expenses?

The first place to start is by directly contacting suppliers. It might seem improbable, but suppliers are actually likely to offer you some form of discount if you ask for it. After all, they’d rather keep you onboard instead of sending you to a direct competitor.

The next step is to utilize price comparison platforms. Say you’re currently paying a premium on health insurance for your employees. You can then compare health insurance quotes to see which provides better value. Even a small reduction per employee can make a big difference if you have a sizeable workforce.

Cut down on office space

The business world is changing. No longer is it necessary for employees to make their way to the office each workday. Thanks to the power of remote work, they can stay at home, communicate with other employees, and complete their tasks as effectively as if they’d been in the office.

This flexibility also presents the ideal opportunity to cut down on your office space. While you might not want to eliminate this element completely from your business operations, it makes sense to go with a much cheaper premise as your base. Rather than leasing an independent property, you may decide to utilize a shared workspace for an even more cost-effective approach.

Outsource tasks

A full-time employee is a notable recurring expense for any business. Aside from their standard wage, you also have to financially cover other benefits. The result: it makes retaining an employee an even more expensive prospect.

While it’s not nice to release a staff member from their job, it can make smart business sense when outsourcing is available. You can pay them per project and only use specialists when needed. This is great when you need help with something like online marketing, but not to the extent where a full-time employee is viable.

Automate business processes

When you use technology to automate business processes, this can boost efficiency, save time, and improve customer satisfaction levels. Automation allows you to handle time-consuming tasks within an instant, which can again reduce the need to have employees working on these kinds of tasks all the time.

UnitedHealthcare Trial: TeamHealth to Ask More than $100M in Punitive Damages

Kathryn R. Bown
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UnitedHealthcare Trial: TeamHealth to Ask More than $100M in Punitive Damages

Press release

Attorneys for Nevada ER doctors plan to ask a jury at 8 a.m. Tuesday, December 7, in Las Vegas to punish the nation’s largest health insurance company for greed, fraud and mistreatment of lifesaving physicians. Lawyers for TeamHealth will ask for more than $100 million in punitive damages.

The same jury already ruled unanimously against UnitedHealthcare right after the Thanksgiving holiday, awarding more than $2 million in compensatory damages to emergency room doctors who had sued United claiming their reimbursements for lifesaving care were gutted so low they amounted to healthcare fraud.

Houston Attorney John Zavitsanos had argued to the jury United had treated lifesavers as third-rate citizens simply to feed the greed of the insurance company.

“The jury unanimously found that United’s conduct constitutes fraud, oppression and malice by clear and convincing evidence after almost two months of trial,” said Zavitsanos.

“This is exceptionally rare, and it speaks to the insidious plan put forth by United years ago to fatten its already record profits by cutting reimbursements to front line ER doctors.”

United Insurance Faces Punishment for Cheating Nevada ER Doctors

A well-known Las Vegas emergency room doctor, Scott Scherr, hailed a hero after treating victims of the 2017 mass shooting, reacted to the verdict on the courthouse steps.

“This sends a message to insurance companies that you know we need to be compensated fairly for the emergency care that we provide.”

The jury is expected to hear from Rebecca Paradise, the Vice President of UnitedHealthcare, and Kent Bristow, Senior Vice President of TeamHealth Revenue Management before a new set of closing arguments and deliberations.

There are similar lawsuits against United filed by TeamHealth medical companies in several states. The next scheduled trial involves anesthesiologists in Florida, but industry observers have been watching this first trial in Las Vegas for clues about what juries may decide in upcoming fights.

You can view the court livestream at this link: https://bluejeans.com/541907772/9730

Amazon to Launch First Two Internet Satellites in 2022

Nancy Clayson
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Amazon to Launch First Two Internet Satellites in 2022
Image by Sumanley xulx from Pixabay

Project Kuiper is the satellite designed by Amazon that the company plans to launch sometime within the first three months of 2022. Amazon recently approached the Federal Communications Commission about the launch, providing details about how long it could take and where the satellites should be in orbit. There are two satellites by the same name with both of them performing the same services, which is to provide fast internet to more people across the world. The satellites should be launched with an RS1 Rocket and ABL Space when it’s sent to orbit.

Test Runs
Rajeev Badyal is the vice president of technology for Amazon and has provided information about the company being able to soon see how well the satellites will perform and if any adjustments need to be made before the possibility of any other satellites being launched by Amazon. The only way to really test the satellites and to see if they will work in the way that Amazon wants them to is to launch them into orbit and get them operational. The goal is to look at how the environment will interact with the satellites as there are complex issues that could arise that might need to be addressed before internet services can be provided to customers. These details are part of the plan that was given to the FCC so that the organization knows how Amazon will handle any such issues that arise.

Building Networks
Amazon has a plan to build a network with Project Kuiper that could consist of over 3,000 satellites when all is said and done. The satellites should be placed in the lower orbits closer to Earth, which is how Amazon hopes to deliver  fast satellite internet service to more people instead of the satellites being higher in orbit and not able to reach rural areas. Amazon was given permission by the FCC in 2020 to begin developing Project Kuiper. Over $10 billion could be invested in the project for equipment and operations. Once the first satellites are launched, Amazon hopes to put 578 more in orbit to increase the coverage of internet service that’s available for customers.

Partnerships
A partnership with Verizon was recently announced by Amazon as a way to work together to launch the satellites. The two companies hope to work together by utilizing the equipment that Verizon already has while putting more satellites in orbit, which could not only help Amazon reach its internet goals but help Verizon reach more customers as well. With this partnership in place, it could result in both companies being able to compete with some of the larger satellite internet providers.

When Project Kuiper is launched, it will be in orbit with the Starlink network or SpaceX. This network is among the most advanced and one of the most recent in the system of broadband satellites. There are quite a few other networks by other companies that are in various stages of being launched, such as OneWeb, a British-owned company Lightspeed, a network by Telesat.

Team Growth
Project Kuiper has seen an increase in the number of team members who have been working on the satellites at over 750 with many more people hired over the course of the next year. A facility in Redmond, Washington was built to hold the satellites and test them before they are launched. Amazon plans to build a smaller building that’s 20,000 square feet in the near future to hold more equipment and to act as a facility for employees who monitor the satellites.

Although it’s taken some time for Amazon to launch Project Kuiper, it hopes that the additional time proves beneficial in making sure there are fewer issues that could arise. Amazon has stations in Texas, Asia-Pacific, and South America that it plans to test with the satellites of Project Kuiper to get a better look at the communications system and the overall infrastructure that’s in place. Most of the technology with the first two satellites will include antennas, propulsion systems, and modems along with other components that Amazon can look at to get a better understanding of the production system that Amazon has in place. Amazon wants to also look at low-cost satellite options to see if they are as operational as the legacy satellites but on a lower price scale. If this is possible, then Amazon could offer internet services to more people that are more affordable than competitors.

Which Internet Type Is Right for You? Cable or Fiber?

Clyde K. Valle
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Which Internet Type Is Right for You? Cable or Fiber?
Image by Bruno /Germany from Pixabay

As fiber-optic Internet reaches more residences in the U.S., the cable versus fiber debate is becoming more prevalent. With that discussion in mind, let us answer some of the most common questions.

What is the Difference Between Fiber and Cable?

Fiber, cable, satellite, DSL and wireless internet are all means of connecting you to the internet. These are channels through which you send data to servers and receive responses. The core difference between all of these methods is how the data is transmitted. Cable internet uses coaxial cables and transmits electrical signals over them. Coax cables have copper wire at the core, and that wire is insulated with aluminum, protected with a copper shield and encapsulated within an outer plastic layer.

Fiber internet uses fiber-optic cables. There are strands of glass at the core of these cables that are encapsulated in multiple layers of plastic. The signal is not electric but rather light, and when a pulse of light is sent out, it continues to bounce from side to side of the cable until it reaches its destination. Both coax and fiber cables can either be strung or buried underground. It is more common for coax to be strung because it is faster and cheaper and allowed for more rapid deployment during the cutting cable boom. Burying fiber cables is still more expensive and time-consuming, but many companies and municipalities opt to do it anyway because fiber is expensive and it protects investments long term.

Why Is Cable More Widely Available?

Cable had a head start not just in regard to the fundamental technology but the infrastructure. When cable internet service providers became prominent in the U.S., much of the infrastructure used had been built in the 1970s and the 1980s. Consider that the main fiber-optic cables that now serve as the backbone of the Internet were not installed until the mid-1990s. It really was not until the aughts that private companies began burying fiber as a means of providing Internet to end-users.

Are There Differences in the Quality of Service?

There are some fundamental advantages that fiber has over cable. Even if both have buried lines, a fiber infrastructure requires less maintenance overall. It is also inherently faster since it uses light as opposed to electricity. Use of electricity has some other issues beyond just slower speeds, and that includes electromagnetic interference and signal degradation. Not only is fiber faster, but it is more dependable. That is supported by the statistics, which show that fiber outages are much less common.

Is Fiber Better Than Cable?

Let us approach this question first from an objective perspective. Fiber is better than cable. It is faster. Current fiber infrastructures allow for much more bandwidth. If you purchase a 1 Gbps fiber plan, that means that you get a 1 Gbps download and a 1 Gbps upload. If you purchase a 300 Mbps cable plan, you may get 300 Mbps download but probably closer to 20 Mbps upload. Fiber is also cheaper when you look at from the perspective of how much you get in return, such as cents per Mbps. If you want the best of both worlds, Spectrum internet offers hybrid fiber and coaxial cable internet which offer an affordable plans both residential and business internet.

Is Fiber Better Than Cable for You?

As far as a lump sum you pay each month, fiber is generally more expensive. That gap is closing but still has a way to go for the average American. Cable speeds are quite good. The average American now has access to 200-300 Mbps, which is good enough for the average household. In order to answer this question for you personally, you have to decide what you need and what you can afford. However, if you work from home and reliability and upload speeds are very important, then yes, it probably is.

Are These Dangerous Conditions Lurking in Your New Home?

Kathryn R. Bown
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Are These Dangerous Conditions Lurking in Your New Home?

Homes can hide dangerous hazards that might harm the owners and their children. Homeowners should be aware of the most common dangers their new home might be hiding so they can avoid harm.

Home

What Are the Most Common Latent Defects?

A latent defect is a problem that is not obvious. It is hidden, and homeowners may not discover the problem for a long time. The most common latent defects are:

·         Asbestos. Asbestos is a natural, fibrous material that manufacturers used in insulation and drywall before 1980. Asbestos can cause cancer in anyone who breathes it in or otherwise ingests it. If the material containing asbestos is damaged, the homeowner should hire a professional to remove it safely.

·         Lead Paint. Before 1970 manufacturers commonly included lead in household paints. When homeowners attempt to remove the paint by chipping it or sanding it, it can transform into dust or small chips that people might ingest. When ingested at high levels, lead can cause anemia, weakness, and kidney and brain damage. Further, lead can cross the placental barrier. If a mother ingests the paint, it can cause damage to the baby’s nervous system. Homeowners can use a home lead test to determine if their home has lead paint. If it does, they can find online tutorials on how to remove it. The homeowner can also hire professionals.

·         Carbon Monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, flammable gas that is poisonous to humans. It is a byproduct of fuel-burning appliances such as gas stoves and furnaces. A faulty stove, furnace, or fireplace can cause a build-up of dangerous gas. Low levels of carbon monoxide cause headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea, and fatigue. High levels can cause impaired vision, vomiting, and even death. Homeowners can avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by installing detectors throughout the house and ensuring that all fuel-burning appliances are installed correctly and are well-ventilated.

·         Mold. Mold spores can grow within 24 to 48 hours when moisture is present. They can live on dust, wood, drywall, paint, paper, cotton, and oil. The spores can cause asthma symptoms and allergic reactions. Homeowners can reduce the risk of mold by keeping an eye out for any leaks, keeping rooms well ventilated, and using dehumidifiers to keep rooms under 50% humidity.

·         Radon. Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas that comes from uranium. It occurs naturally in soil. Homeowners can purchase a test kit to detect the presence of radon. If they do find radon, they should hire professionals to remediate the problem.

Homeowners can also contact the previous owners to gather more information about the condition of the house. The previous homeowners likely know the property better than anyone else.

What Can Homeowners Do if They Discover Latent Defects?

When homeowners discover latent defects in their newly-purchased house, they should immediately correct the issues and make their home safe. Although they might remedy some defects without a problem, others might create a financial hardship to fix. For example, asbestos removal can be prohibitively expensive. The homeowner can attempt to recover the expenses from the previous owner, builder, or product manufacturer. If a latent defect harms homeowners, they can file an injury claim. Homeowners may not know who is responsible for harm caused by a latent defect. However, an attorney can help them determine who is at fault.

Renegotiating Child Support After Disability

Nancy Clayson
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Renegotiating Child Support After Disability

Parents can negotiate a lower child support payment if they become disabled and unable to work. The parents can agree to a new amount themselves. If that is not an option, the disabled parent can ask a family court for a support modification hearing.

divorce

How Do Courts Determine Child Support Payments?

When a couple with children divorces, they must determine the amount of child support the non-custodial parent must pay. Usually, couples use the family court to help determine the appropriate amount of support. When determining child support, the court considers:

·         The income of both parents

·         Child support or alimony either parent receives from a previous marriage

·         Whether either parent is paying child support or spousal support from a former marriage

·         Which parent pays for healthcare and the cost

·         Which parent pays for daycare and the cost

·         The ages of the children

·         Whether either parent lives with a new partner or spouse who contributes to household expenses

How Can a Parent Change Child Support after Becoming Disabled?

A parent may want to stop paying child support after becoming disabled. However, the parent’s obligation does not end because of a disability. However, if the parent’s earnings decrease due to the disability, he or she can take steps to modify the amount of support.

If the parents have a civil post-divorce relationship, they can try to negotiate a new payment. The disabled parent should present the difference between his or her previous income and current income. When the parents reach an agreement, they should put it in writing and sign it.

The disabled parent may also petition the family court for a support modification hearing. In the case of a new disability, the court is likely to lower the child support amount because the disabled parent no longer has the same income. However, the disabled parent must first prove the necessity for the adjustment to the family court.

The parent can help his or her request for modification by winning a disability hearing. When a parent provides the court with proof of a disability judgment and payment, the court is more likely to accept the need for modification. The court will then take into account several other factors, such as:

·         Whether the parent is receiving Supplementary Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSI provides minimum financial assistance to disabled people. The payments are often so low that the court won’t count them as income. SSDI is based on the disabled person’s prior income and may be much higher. SSDI income may be high enough to require child support payments. Further, the children can apply for auxiliary benefits and receive payments directly.

·         What the costs for medical treatment are for the disabled parent. The court will factor in these expenses to determine a lower payment.

·         Any additional support the disabled parent can provide. If the parent is no longer able to work, he or she may be able to provide more extensive childcare, decreasing some costs.

When parents become disabled, they can usually negotiate a lower child support payment. However, parents need to go through proper channels and make sure they are clear about the factors affecting their ability to make payments. Finally, each parent should keep a copy of any agreement or order modifying child support payments.

Managing a Co-parenting Plan After an Overseas Move

Diane A. Wade
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Managing a Co-parenting Plan After an Overseas Move

A parent should not move his or her child to a foreign country without a court order and a detailed co-parenting plan.

lawyer

Why Is a Court Order so Important?

Filing for divorce is a big decision for any couple. However, couples with children have even more to consider when divorcing. They have to work together to create a workable co-parenting plan that outlines custody, visitation, and communication plans. Typically, a couple files a custody agreement with the family court that states which parent is the primary custodial parent. However, custody agreements are state-specific. A judge needs to agree and enter an order before a parent can move children across state lines. If one member of the couple is considering immigrating as a single parent, he or she must receive permission from the family court.

Even if the custodial parent has sole custody of the children, he or she must have a court order before leaving the country with the children. A parent who relocates a child to a foreign country without a court order and the other parent’s consent has committed parental kidnapping. If the parent’s new home participates in the Hague Convention, the authorities in the United States and the new country will work together to return the child.

What Does a Court Consider When Deciding Whether to Allow Relocation?

If both parents agree to the move, a judge is likely to agree to the arrangement. However, absent an agreement, the parents will have to petition the family court to enter an order either allowing or disallowing relocation of the children. When determining whether to allow relocation, a family court judge will consider:

·         Which parent has primary custody

·         The country to which the parent wishes to relocate

·         Whether the parent is relocating for a new job

·         The immigration status of the parent after relocation

·         What type of support system the child will have (extended family and friends, for example)

·         The care the child will receive, including education, medical, and shelter

·         How convenient it will be for the co-parent to visit

·         Quality of life

·         The feasibility of the child maintaining a healthy relationship with both parents

How Can Parents Make a Workable Long Distance Co-Parenting Plan?

It can be difficult for a divorcing couple to agree to and stick with a co-parenting plan. Both parents have to commit to the work and cooperation needed to make it successful. If both parents agree to an overseas move or a judge enters an order allowing the custodial parent to move, they will need to create a strong parenting plan that considers the difficulties added by extreme distance. The Co-Parenting plan should include:

·         Accommodations for healthy communications between parents and children

·         Plans for regular, consistent communication between the non-custodial parent and the children

·         An agreement for respectful communication between the two parents

·         A calendar that outlines visitations between the non-custodial parent and the children, including holidays and extended visitation periods

As in any situation involving children, the parents and family court’s top priority should be the well-being of the children. When an overseas move benefits the children, all parties should work together to ensure the children can maintain a happy, healthy, and meaningful relationship with both parents.

Home Elevators Could Prove Dangerous for Small Children

Kathryn R. Bown
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Home Elevators Could Prove Dangerous for Small Children

Residential elevators have been responsible for the deaths and injuries of many children in the past 40 years. Although manufacturers of residential elevators have been aware of the risk to children, they have been resistant to making changes that could save lives.

Image source: PxHere

Why Are Residential Elevators so Dangerous?

Residential elevators operate differently from commercial elevators. Both residential and commercial elevators have interior and exterior doors. In commercial elevators, the doors open and close simultaneously whenever the elevator is ready.

In residential elevators, however, the user has to open the exterior and interior door separately. The exterior door might look like a closet door. The interior door is still closed after the user opens the first door, and he or she must open it to enter the elevator. There is a gap of about five inches in between. Because users can open the doors independently, children can get trapped between the two doors, leading to serious accidents.

If a child accidentally closes him or herself in the gap, the child runs the risk of being crushed or suffering a dangerous fall. If a child closes him or herself between the doors, and the elevator begins to ascend, the elevator can crush the child against the door jamb. Smaller children may avoid a crushing injury, but the elevator can lift the children as it ascends, causing children to fall down the elevator shaft.

Parents routinely put safety measures in place to keep their children away from dangerous household products. Stores like Walmart and Target even have baby-proofing products to help parents keep children safe. However, many parents don’t realize the risk posed by residential elevators. Although they cause gruesome injuries to children and often result in death, many people aren’t aware of the accidents. Further, anecdotal evidence indicates that parents and surrounding adults don’t know how to remove a trapped child safely. In some instances, parents have pushed the elevator call button in an attempt to open the exterior door, making injuries worse.

Can Owner Make Residential Elevators Safe?

Elevator owners can easily make them safer for children by installing a space guard. Space guards attach to the exterior door, preventing it from closing if a child is between the two doors. However, elevator owners have to contact the elevator manufacturer to order and install the product.

Why Haven’t Elevator Manufacturers Made Residential Elevators Safer?

A 2020 Washington Post article claims that eight children have died in residential elevator accidents since 1981. However, evidence indicates that the number of death and injuries is likely much higher. The Otis Swing Door Elevator, found in apartment buildings, killed or injured 34 children in just ten years. Further, the numbers of fatalities and injuries may not reflect near misses in which a child accidentally trapped him or herself but was not seriously injured.

Since 1981, the elevator industry has been inexcusably slow to make any safety improvements. In 2016 the American Society of Mechanical Engineers changed its recommendation for the gap between doors from 5 to 4 inches. Further, in 2020 Otis Elevator Company, the largest manufacturer of residential elevators, conducted a voluntary recall to correct entrapment risks. Although these are steps in the right direction, elevator manufacturers can, and should, do more to make residential elevators safe for children.

Don’t Let a DUI Accident Ruin Your Holiday Celebration

Clyde K. Valle
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Don’t Let a DUI Accident Ruin Your Holiday Celebration

The number of alcohol-related crashes increases drastically during the holiday season. Statistics show that people drink more during the holiday season and, with more people on the road, holiday travels can become deadly. Everyone should be aware of the risks of driving under the influence and strategies to decrease their risk this holiday season.

Image by Tumisu from Pixabay

What Are the Most Deadly Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents?

All automobile accidents are dangerous. However, some types of crashes are more deadly than others. The deadliest types of accidents are:

·         Head-on collisions. Head-on collisions are considered to be the most dangerous type of car accident. Although they make up only 2% of accidents, they account for 10% of traffic accident fatalities. They are so deadly because crashing head-on into another moving vehicle can double the impact speed. For example, if both automobiles are traveling at 50 miles per hour, the impact of the two cars would be like hitting a stationary object while traveling at 100 miles per hour.

·         Truck accidents. Accidents involving semi-trucks account for around 6.5% of all traffic accidents in the United States. Out of those accidents, 28% result in injuries, and 11% result in fatalities. Semi-trucks are large and can cause severe damage to smaller vehicles.

·         DWI Crashes. Around 10,000 people die in alcohol-related crashes each year. Alcohol can also be a contributing factor in other types of crashes. It may also be a factor in head-on collisions and truck accidents.

Why Are DUI Accidents More Common During the Holiday Season?

Many factors account for the increased number of DUI accidents during the holiday season. Around 91 million Americans take road trips between December 23rd and January 1st each year. Further, holiday celebrations lead to social binge-drinking. 16% of adults admit that they drink more during the holiday season. More people on the road mixed with increased alcohol consumption is a recipe for deadly alcohol-related crashes.

40% of car crash fatalities during the winter holidays are alcohol-related. On New Year’s Day, alcohol-related crashes account for 58% of all fatalities. Over the past five years, an average of 300 people have died in DUI accidents between Christmas and New Year’s. Car accident injuries also dramatically increase during the holiday season. Alcohol-related crashes can transform a joyful holiday season into a tragedy.

How Can Drivers Stay Safe?

Although drivers cannot fully avoid the risk of being involved in an alcohol-related crash during the holiday season, they can take steps to keep themselves safe. Drivers should:

·         Avoid drinking and driving. Driving under the influence is against the law in all 50 states and is extremely dangerous. People can avoid injuring themselves and others if they call an Uber instead of driving under the influence.

·         Avoid driving late at night. Most alcohol-related crashes occur at night after people have been at parties or bars.

·         Buckle up. Seat belts reduce fatalities in car crashes by up to 45%. They reduce severe injuries by 50%. Wearing a seat belt is a simple step that can save lives.

·         Get plenty of sleep. People who drive while drowsy are almost as dangerous as those driving under the influence.

While no one can control the behavior of others, drivers can decrease their risk of being involved in an alcohol-related crash this holiday season by taking simple precautions.

Do Hands-Free Devices Reduce Car Accidents?

Nancy Clayson
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Do Hands-Free Devices Reduce Car Accidents?

Drivers who use hands-free devices while driving are safer than those who talk or text. Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) recently conducted a study that indicates drivers who use hands-free devices may even save lives. However, the use of hands-free devices still comes with an increased risk of accidents. Drivers should be aware of the dangers of distracted driving and the potential problems and liabilities that might result.

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

Are Hand-Held Devices Safer than Regular Phone Usage?

VTTI’s recent study suggests that any activity that causes a driver to take his or her eyes off the road or hands off the wheel leads to a substantially increased crash risk. Therefore, drivers who use a hand-held phone are much more likely to cause an accident. Their crash risk is 2 to 3.5 times higher than a “model driver.”

The safest drivers are those that are alert, attentive, and sober. Even though drivers using hands-free devices are much safer than drivers who use hand-held devices, they do not qualify as model drivers. While talking on the phone is a primarily cognitive behavior, it’s still a distraction and is associated with slightly decreased reaction times. However, VTTI’s study shows that talking on the phone has roughly the same detrimental effect on a driver as singing or talking to a passenger. One of the lead researchers for VTTI’s study, Tom Dingle, explained that “talking on hands-free devices does not have any detrimental effects.” The study also indicated that the use of hands-free devices was not associated with any severe crashes or property damage.

What Are the Consequences of Using Hand-Held Devices While Driving?

Many states have passed laws prohibiting drivers from using hand-held devices, such as phones. If a police officer catches a driver using a phone while driving, he or she can cite the driver, which can be extremely expensive. However, a driver may experience more severe consequences if they cause an accident while using a hand-held device.

An insurance company might be able to deny coverage to a driver injured in a crash if the driver causes the accident while using a hand-held device. Although car insurance typically covers damage to cars and passengers, insurance companies may deny coverage if a driver is partially or wholly at fault. While a driver should always file a claim, insurance companies are likely to withhold payment for any accident where the driver was using a hand-held device in a hands-free state.

If an accident is fatal, the driver’s family may run into problems filing a life insurance claim. For Accident Death and Dismemberment policies (AD&D), insurance companies may deny coverage if the insured was committing a crime at the time of death. Drivers using hand-held devices in a hands-free state are committing a crime. Their actions may void their AD&D coverage.

Further, if others are injured or killed in an accident caused by a driver using a hand-held device, the driver’s insurance company may refuse to cover the claims. If that is the case, victims may choose to pursue damages against the driver. The driver will be personally liable and could lose all of his or her assets.

Using hands-free devices is a safer alternative to using hand-held devices. Further, using hands-free devices can help drivers avoid severe consequences.

What Can Go Wrong in the Emergency Room?

Kathryn R. Bown
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What Can Go Wrong in the Emergency Room?

Emergency rooms are one of the most common places for doctors and nurses to make medical errors affecting patient health. A medical error is any preventable adverse effect caused by medical care and is one of the leading causes of death in the United States each year. Despite the risks, emergency rooms are integral to the American medical system. They provide many people with life-saving treatment. Because they are so critical to the American medical system, patients should be aware of the risks to minimize the possibility of serious injury.

Image by Paul Brennan from Pixabay

Who Uses the Emergency Room?

Often, people visit the emergency room for treatment for flu, dehydration, and broken bones. However, emergency rooms are equipped to treat severe injuries. They are often the first point of treatment for people who have suffered a disabling accident. Children, in particular, frequently seek treatment in emergency rooms because accidental injuries are the leading cause of death in children and teenagers in the United States. Some common childhood accidents are:

·         Drowning

·         Poisoning

·         Suffocating

·         Fires & Burns

·         Falls

·         Motor vehicle accidents

Childhood accidents and injuries account for approximately 16,000 deaths every year. Further, non-fatal childhood accidents lead to around 20 million injuries and 300,000 hospital admissions. Because children are frequent visitors to emergency rooms, they are susceptible to medical errors.

What Are Common Mistakes Made in the Emergency Room?

Common causes of medical errors in emergency rooms include urgency, overcrowding, and shortage of personnel and equipment. These factors can lead to common mistakes such as:

Diagnostic errors. When doctors misdiagnose or fail to diagnose an ailment, a patient might not receive the necessary medical care.

Triage errors. Patients may suffer from delayed care if medical personnel fail to recognize the urgency of a patient’s condition.

Medication errors. Doctors and nurses sometimes give patients the wrong medicine, incorrect dosages, or fail to check for drug allergies or unsafe drug interactions.

Communication errors. One of the most common communication errors occurs when medical personnel fails to give patients proper discharge instructions.

Testing errors. Doctors may fail to order or correctly interpret tests.

Procedure errors. Overworked doctors may sometimes perform a procedure incorrectly.

Blood transfusion errors. Patients may receive contaminated blood or the wrong type of blood during a blood transfusion.

One recent study shows that up to 20% of patients fall victim to medical errors. Although most medical errors don’t lead to adverse effects, a small percentage result in death or severe injury. The victims and their families are then left to deal with the aftermath.

How Can Patients Avoid Mistakes in the Emergency Room?

Patients can take steps to help lower their risk of medical errors in the emergency room. When possible, they should bring a complete list of doctors, recent test results, and medication. Patients can also have their doctor call ahead to the emergency room to provide information. Finally, patients should bring a friend or a relative.

Unfortunately, even when patients take precautions, they still might suffer an injury. Victims may experience difficulty recovering adequate compensation to cover their expenses. Often, victims will need additional medical care and may need to consider the costs for long-term care. They may find it necessary to hire an attorney to help with filing a claim against the hospital.

United Insurance Faces Punishment for Cheating Nevada ER Doctors

Diane A. Wade
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United Insurance Faces Punishment for Cheating Nevada ER Doctors

A Las Vegas jury dealt a unanimous verdict against the nation’s largest health insurance company on November 29, ruling UnitedHealthcare cheated out-of-network emergency room doctors out of millions of dollars in proper reimbursements for the lifesaving work they performed.

The month-long trial featured revelations that United had gutted reimbursements to doctors handling heart attacks, strokes, and gunshot wounds to less than $200, all so the company could generate another billion dollars in profits.

“To look at the scheme they had to underpay and underpay us to protect our community was a shot in the gut,” said Sunrise Medical Center Doctor Scott Scherr, an emergency room doctor who helped saved many lives the night of the deadly Las Vegas mass killings in 2017.

“This sends a message to insurance companies that you know we need to be compensated fairly for the emergency care that we provide.”

Jury Deliberations in Las Vegas Trial against UnitedHealthcare

Houston Attorney John Zavitsanos said United had treated life savers as third-rate citizens for the past three years to feed the greed of an insurance company and he praised the jury for sending a clear message.

“They found by clear and convincing evidence that their conduct, and I am going to steal one of their words, that their conduct was egregious, and the jury will return to make an example out of them to other insurance companies of how health care professionals should not be treated,” said Zavitsanos.

The jury ruled United and other defendants had to pay a little more than $2 million in damages to doctors for the payments they were cheated out of, but United may see a much bigger punishment when the jury returns December 7th to decide on the amount of punitive damages the insurance giant now owes these doctors.

The court victory in Las Vegas sets the stage for similar lawsuits in 10 states over the conduct of United Healthcare. 

3 Types of Business Projects that Can Be Outsourced

Clyde K. Valle
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3 Types of Business Projects that Can Be Outsourced
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

Many of us want to believe we can do it all, but realistically, we can only make time for a limited amount of things each day. The same can be said for any small organization and its employees. It doesn’t matter how great each individual is at what they do, there are only so many hours in a day.

Fortunately, it’s simple to outsource many functions of your company to other organizations for maximum efficiency. Once concern that may come up is expense. It can actually save a lot of money to outsource certain projects, particularly ones you do not have the resources for.

With partners who have the right set of expertise, along with the equipment or technology they need to get the job done, you’ll be saving both time and money. And, as we know, time is money. So what are you waiting for? Here are some projects you can outsource to simplify your workflow today.

Marketing Outsourcing

A marketing agency has a lot more manpower and expertise than a single marketing associate, and amazingly, they may come at exactly the same price. Wouldn’t you prefer an entire team of experts dedicated to your exact needs? There are great benefits to having an in-house marketing employee, such as them having a deeper understanding of the organization. In fact, because of that, many organizations choose to hire a PR or ad agency along with a small in-house marketing team.

An agency will have contacts in the industry that can generate important leads, experienced web developers with access to the best technology, and public relations experts that might have a uniquely specific outlook on your industry. Hiring a marketing agency with your specific needs in mind is likely a cost-effective solution for almost any small business.

HR Outsourcing

One field we’ve been hearing more and more about lately when it comes to outsourcing is human resources. Many small organizations do not have designated HR departments, and these duties often fall on individuals who are not fully trained to take on a lot of this work.

For example, many small- or medium-sized businesses have hiring managers, finance directors, and IT departments doing a variety of tasks a human resources department should be doing. That means a lot more risk that something will fall through the cracks during each employee’s on-boarding process due to a lack of consistency, as well as concern for privacy and the protection of personal information.

HR outsourcing is a great way to ensure employees feel they have trained experts to approach if something goes wrong, as well as lessen the chance that important information will fall through the cracks regarding policies and procedures.

Pharmaceutical Outsourcing

No matter what industry, it’s always a little harder for less established organizations to get a leg up without access to the experts, the technology, and, most importantly, the funding that backs up both of those things and much, much more. That concept is no different in the pharmaceutical industry, and it’s why outsourcing your pharmaceutical manufacturing can be a game-changer for start-ups and small organizations.

Outsourced pharmaceutical manufacturing has grown significantly over the last decade, and CMOs, or contract manufacturing organizations, are vital in the development of life-saving drugs that would have otherwise gone unproduced. When it comes to batch size, technology needed, expertise required, and regulatory standards to follow, it’s difficult for one small organization to take that under its belt. With a CMO, any small pharma company has the opportunity to make great change in the world.

Jury Deliberations in Las Vegas Trial against UnitedHealthcare

Nancy Clayson
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Jury Deliberations in Las Vegas Trial against UnitedHealthcare

Updated November 29, 2021

A jury in Las Vegas Monday morning has sent a clear message to the nation’s largest insurance company.

United Healthcare “unjustly enriched” itself while the insurance giant unfairly gutted reimbursements to out of network emergency room doctors across Nevada. The jury awarded more than $2 million in damages, and will return December 7, 2021 to decide how much in punitive damages will be awarded. Testimony during the Las Vegas trial proved United used the reimbursement cuts to generate another billion dollars in profits for the largest insurance company in the country.

Jury deliberations begin at 8:30 am in Las Vegas in the important first legal battle between out of network emergency room physicians and the nation’s largest insurance company.

Medical staffing companies claim United cheated those doctors and nurses out of more than $10 million in reasonable payments for life saving emergency room care. While United slashed reimbursement rates, the company used the money to generate another billion dollars in profits instead of truly cutting the cost of healthcare for patients. 

In closing arguments, Houston attorney John Zavitsanos accused United of “oppression, fraud and conscious disregard, despicable conduct, nothing short of illegal.”

This is the first of legal battles in ten states that will reshape the reasonable payments for emergency room doctors. In Nevada those out of network ER doctors were often paid less than $200 for emergency work on patients suffering from strokes, heart attacks and gunshot wounds.

We will update as soon as we get a verdict.

The court livestream can be accessed here: https://bluejeans.com/541907772/9730

6 surprisingly useful Raspberry Pi projects that anyone can do

Dana R
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6 surprisingly useful Raspberry Pi projects that anyone can do

Are you considering embarking on a Raspberry Pi? – then you’re in luck – because the small, super-smart computer has an endless amount of opportunities to get creative with. If you are looking to get your Raspberry Pi put to good use for pure practicality, here are 6 surprisingly useful Raspberry Pi projects that absolutely anyone can do.

And if you need more inspiration, browse through the products of a reputable raspberry pi store.

  1. Expand Your WiFi Network

Although the Raspberry Pi does not create the networks you use at home, it can improve them if you proceed to configure the system as a wireless range extender by utilising its ethernet and USB ports. As a result, this will enable your Wi-Fi connection to cover any dead zones of your home and extend so far as to cover your whole house with much better signal.

  • Learn Programming

The Raspberry Pi was originally designed as an inexpensive introduction to programming and computer science for beginners looking to get into the field. So why not use the small computer system to learn programming yourself. It’s an incredible skill to possess and is super easy to learn with a Raspberry Pi system, especially if you already own one, it’s worth the time investment.

  • Make a TV Smarter

If you want to add web browsing and other basic computing capabilities to your TV, the Raspberry Pi does the job for a fraction of the price of a Chromebit or other smart computer operating systems. The Raspberry Pi can also look super trendy and stylish in your home theatre with the right case.

  • Automated Temperature Check and Mask Detector

This Pi project creates an affordable, touch-free kiosk that provides contactless temperature checks, and confirms that each person who passes is wearing a mask, by utilising facial landmarking software and infrared temperature sensors. Because of Covid-19, temperature checkpoints have become commonplace in workplaces, schools, and many public places. This project uses facial landmarking and an infrared temperature sensor to automate the process of temperature checks. It makes use of a Pi Touch display, a Pi Camera Module, and a few other components.

  • Create an Ad Blocker

Instead of wasting time having ad blockers installed on each of your devices as well as your web browser, you can use the Raspberry Pi’s power to block ads across your entire home network. If you’re worried about ads that you need to see being blocked, you can whitelist specific URLs to ensure that those ads aren’t blocked.

Teach, Learn, and Make with Raspberry Pi

Pi-hole is a network-wide ad blocker that can be installed on the Raspberry Pi. When using it, no “Ad blocker detected” pop-ups appear while browsing. In addition, unlike with common ad blockers, Pi-hole can be used on all devices on your network.

  • Raspberry Pi Porch Alarm

Inexpensive motion detector alarms can be found all over the web, but you could create an alarm that goes off every time someone approaches your door with Pi. This project provides a porch pirate alarm that uses Pi and AI to detect when packages are delivered, and even sets off an alarm when a package is removed from the location.

COVID-Safe Sports: Why Fishing Surged in Popularity Amid the Pandemic

Clyde K. Valle
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COVID-Safe Sports: Why Fishing Surged in Popularity Amid the Pandemic
Image by Annette Persinger from Pixabay

As 2021 comes to a close, we’ve all had to deal with a multitude of changes within our communities. Ever since March of 2020, people around the globe have had to navigate local regulations, nationwide mandates, and wave after wave of COVID-19 case spikes. But while certain parts of our lives saw little growth, others saw a surge in popularity.

For example, the home gym equipment space reported record earnings during the onset of the pandemic and for the entire year of 2020. And this was mirrored all throughout the home health space.

But one recreational activity that saw a huge spike in popularity was fishing. Reasonably so, many people who were stuck at home for months on end were dying to get out of the house. And fishing offers this opportunity in wide-open spaces.

Here, we’ll explore why fishing has seen a continuous uptick in popularity over the last couple of years.

Getting Outside

Across the nation during the month of March, just about every federal, state, and local park, golf courses, and the like were all taped off, locked up, or shut down entirely due to fear of COVID-19 spreading. And many states and local communities kept these outdoor areas closed for a considerable amount of time.

But one thing that local community leaders couldn’t do was close down open spaces, public lands, or our favorite fishing holes.

While some bodies of water were restricted during the shutdown, many remained open. And this is where outdoor enthusiasts and people from all walks of life found sanctuary.

Fishing became a great way to get out of the house and deal with the shutdown and mandated quarantines. And with great sites like tailoredtackle.com, you could order fishing tackle from home and keep from going bonkers in the house for days on end.

Grocery Prices

Not only is fishing a sport and a pastime, but it’s also a great way to provide food for the family. And with recent hikes in prices in grocery stores across the country, fishing is a perfect alternative to buying costly groceries.

For example, the price of beef alone is up between 16 and 17 percent by some calculations in 2021. And the price of fish and shellfish has risen up over 18 percent. This means that you’re getting less for more money, and nobody wants to spend extra money during hard economic times.

The price of a fishing license ranges from 5 to 20 dollars on average, depending on what state you live in. And with this very affordable price, you can go out and fish every single day and have a meal ready at the end of your trip. But only if you have solid fishing skills.

Relaxation

With all of the undue stress the pandemic has caused around the world, you’ve probably noticed that many people are on edge, and far more people have reported issues with anxiety and depression in the last couple of years.

The stress that COVID-19 has caused doesn’t help matters when a recovery is underway. As such, finding a stress-free activity has been a goal of many people across the country and the world.

Fishing offers one the ability to get out in the natural world and release stress. And there are many scientific studies that can back up this claim.

For example, moving water causes a release of negative ions. And being around moving water with this ion discharge has been shown to create a sense of calm within the human body. Additionally, you’re also out in the sunshine getting plenty of Vitamin D and breathing in large amounts of fresh air.

Arguably, fishing is everything the doctor ordered to help reduce stress.

As we all continue dealing with COVID-19, it’s only through being creative and finding new ways to cope that we’ll be able to move forward with our lives and with our sanity. And fishing has proven to be one of these activities.

Kyle Rittenhouse Cleared of Murder

Diane A. Wade
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Kyle Rittenhouse Cleared of Murder
Image source: AP

Kyle Rittenhouse, a teenager who shot dead two people during Wisconsin racial unrest last year, was cleared of all charges.

The 18-year-old argued he was acting in self-defense when he shot the men and injured a third in Wisconsin.

The verdict on November 19, which followed a high-profile trial that divided the US, sparked protests in some cities.

However, politicians, including President Joe Biden, and families of the victims have urged restraint.

“What we need right now is justice, not more violence,” lawyers for the family of Gaige Grosskreutz, who was shot and injured by Kyle Rittenhouse, said in a statement.

“I urge everyone to express their views peacefully, consistent with the rule of law,” President Joe Biden told reporters outside the White House.

Despite the calls for calm, a riot was declared by police in the city of Portland, Oregon, on Friday evening as some 200 people broke windows and threw objects.

There were also protests in Chicago and New York, but they were relatively low-key compared to the widespread civil unrest that the US had seen previously.

Kyle Rittenhouse said he was acting in self-defense when he fatally shot Joseph Rosenbaum, 36, and Anthony Huber, 26, and injured Gaige Grosskreutz, 28, in August 2020 in the city of Kenosha, Wisconsin.

The teenager and the men he shot are all white. The incident happened during violent protests over the shooting of a black man, Jacob Blake, by a white police officer.

Jacob Blake’s uncle was outside the court when Kyle Rittenhouse was acquitted.

“We’re going to continue to fight and we’re going to continue to be peaceful. Let freedom ring,” Justin Blake said.

Anthony Huber’s family said the verdict “sends the unacceptable message that armed civilians can show up in any town, incite violence, and then use the danger they have created to justify shooting people in the street.”

Kyle Rittenhouse is now in an undisclosed location, a spokesman for his family told CBS.

“In this whole situation there are no winners, there are two people who lost their lives and that’s not lost on us at all,” they said.

The verdict has prompted strong reactions from both sides.

Derrick Johnson, the president of the civil rights organization NAACP, tweeted that the verdict “is a reminder of the treacherous role that white supremacy and privilege play within our justice system”.

Prominent civil rights activist Reverend Al Sharpton said the “outrageous and dangerous” verdict will encourage vigilantes to use violence to assert their power.

“These continue to be dark days for black people killed at the hands of people that believe our lives do not matter,” he said in a statement.

There are also concerns about the legal precedence the verdict could set for future cases.

California’s Governor Gavin Newsom wrote: “America today: you can break the law, carry around weapons built for a military, shoot and kill people, and get away with it.”

President Biden said he was “angry and concerned” at the verdict, but that “the jury has spoken”.

Conservatives argue Kyle Rittenhouse asserted his right to bear arms and defended himself.

Former President Donald Trump congratulated him in a statement emailed to his supporters.

“If that’s not self-defense, nothing is!” he wrote.

Several Republican lawmakers said they would like to offer a congressional internship to Kyle Rittenhouse.

One of them was the representative of North Carolina, Madison Cawthorn, who on an Instagram story said: “You have a right to defend yourself, be armed, be dangerous and be moral.”

Following the verdict, right-wing Fox News host Tucker Carlson posted a clip of an exclusive interview with the teenager, to be broadcast on November 22.

Peng Shuai: WTA Threatens China over Tennis Player’s Disappearance

Clyde K. Valle
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Peng Shuai: WTA Threatens China over Tennis Player’s Disappearance
Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai has not been seen in public since posting an allegation about former Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli on Chinese social media site Weibo on November 2.

The former number one-ranked doubles player alleged she was “forced” into sexual relations with Zhang Gaoli – who served as China’s vice-premier between 2013 and 2018.

The post was taken down minutes later, along with other recent posts from the account, which has more than 500,000 followers.

More and more leading voices from the world of tennis have spoken out about Peng Shuai since.

The US says it is “deeply concerned” about Peng Shuai with the White House urging China to “provide independent, verifiable proof” of the tennis player’s whereabouts and safety.

The 35-year-old doubles Grand Slam winner accused China’s ex-vice-premier of sexual assault two weeks ago.

The Women’s Tennis Association has threatened to pull events out of China.

The WTA has been told Peng Shuai is safe, and in Beijing, by the Chinese Tennis Association.

In a separate development on November 19, three photos of Peng Shuai were posted on a WeChat account under her name with the caption “Happy Weekend”.

Earlier this week, Chinese state media released an email attributed to Peng Shuai.

More and more leading voices from the world of tennis have spoken out about the Chinese player since.

Peng Shuai is a prominent figure in Chinese tennis. She has won two women’s doubles Grand Slams at Wimbledon in 2013 and the 2014 French Open, both alongside Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-wei.

Kamala Harris Becomes First Woman to Serve as Acting President

Diane A. Wade
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Kamala Harris Becomes First Woman to Serve as Acting President
Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Vice-President Kamala Harris became the first woman to – briefly – be given presidential powers while President Joe Biden underwent a regular health check.

Kamala Harris, 57, was in control for 85 minutes, while President Biden was placed under anesthesia for a routine colonoscopy on November 19.

Joe Biden’s doctor released a statement after the operation, saying he was healthy and able to execute his duties.

The medical examination came on the eve of the president’s 79th birthday.

According to officials, Kamala Harris carried out her duties from her office in the West Wing of the White House.

Kamala Harris is the first woman – and the first black and South Asian American – to be elected US vice-president.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the temporary transfer of powers in such circumstances was not unprecedented, and that it was part of the process set out in the US constitution.

“As was the case when President George W. Bush had the same procedure in 2002 and 2007,” Jen Psaki said in a statement.

Kamala Harris Becomes First Female VP-Elect

President Biden was seen smiling as he returned to the White House.

“I feel great,” he said.

“President Biden remains a healthy, vigorous, 78-year-old male, who is fit to successfully execute the duties of the president,” said Kevin O’Connor, the president’s physician.

Dr. Kevin O’Connor said the colonoscopy found a “benign-appear polyp” that was easily removed.

He added that the president’s gait also appeared “perceptibly stiffer and less fluid,” than in the past. This was attributed to wear and tear of the spine.

Joe Biden, the oldest US president to take office, had his last full medical examination in December 2019.

At the time, his doctor released a medical report describing him as “healthy, vigorous” and “fit to successfully execute the duties of the presidency”.

Important Cyber Security Measures You Must Implement

Nancy Clayson
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Important Cyber Security Measures You Must Implement

Cybersecurity is an essential tool in the fight against all kinds of online criminal activity. While a lot of us take it for granted that the sites we visit, share, and shop from, are all safe and have been thoroughly vetted by the appropriate authorities, you really never can be too careful. Cybersecurity is one of the primary, everyday things that we need to attend to to be sure that we keep our funds and our data out of the hands of people who might want to misappropriate them. Safety when shopping online, or even just browsing, is paramount. Here are a few tips from us to you to stay on the right side of cyber security.

Image source: Pexels

VPN

Whether it’s for your business or for you personally at home, the benefits of a VPN are endless. What the term means is Virtual Private Network, and what the program does is that it masks your online activity, whatever it may be, from third parties who might be lurking around. A VPN’s function is essential to shield your actual data and connection from anyone and anything by funneling it through a secure connection. This is especially helpful if you browse from public connections. Perhaps you work from a local coffee shop; this can be dangerous in terms of what’s available to prying eyes if you aren’t protected. Hackers target places with public connections to nab data; don’t make it easier for them.

The only downside to having a VPN is that it will inevitably slow your internet speed a little. All of your data is being bounced from one side of the world to the other, so this little drop in speed should hardly come as a surprise, as inconvenient as it can be.

Antivirus software

It feels like this should go without saying, but we’re saying it anyway. Having a reliable antivirus installed is non-negotiable if you use the internet on any of your devices. If you’re unfamiliar with what antivirus software does, we’ll break it down for you. It acts as a soldier or security guard against malware (any software made with malicious intent), spyware (software designed to remain hidden and capture your data), viruses in general (harmful programs that replicate on your computer) and anything dangerous that might find its way into your computer.

Some antivirus software works to combat all of these forms of the program; others may only take on one at a time, so be sure you understand what you’re purchasing. Remember that programs like this need regular updates to stay current and functioning at a high level.

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Complex passwords

We know it’s challenging to remember a hundred complicated passwords, but keeping your passwords long and complex is a crucial aspect of keeping your sensitive data safe. The more unique and complex your password, the more difficult it is for any hacker to figure out what it is. If there are security questions that need to be set, consider using a translation tool to translate them into a different language. The more unpredictable they are, the better. Adding a space before or after other characters is another excellent option to add uniqueness.

If you struggle to keep track of all your passwords, you can make use of an app like LastPass or Samsung Pass (depending on what device you are using) to keep all your information safe but still readily accessible. You could also consider using a password-protected spreadsheet.

Firewall protection

You might be asking, what is the difference between an antivirus and a firewall? Well, we’ll tell you. A firewall protects your hardware and your software, making it essential if you or your business have physical servers. It also blocks viruses or deters them from even entering your network, rather than dealing with them after the fact.  Firewall and antivirus make a very successful team. A firewall will keep your network traffic, inbound, and outbound, safe and secure. It may block certain unsavory websites which might be used by hackers to target unsuspecting visitors. It can also be programmed to stop people in a business from sending out certain kinds of data.

Encryption software

If you run a business, this is particularly important. If your business handles any kind of online transaction with credit cards, identity numbers, or bank transfers, you’ll need an encryption program to keep that data safe. It alters the information being sent and received into unreadable codes. It’s a program that is designed to anticipate the worst-case scenario; should your data get stolen, the hacker who has it will not be able to read it without the correct keys to do so.

Photo by Saksham Choudhary from Pexels

Ignore emails from unknown senders

This is just good common sense when it comes to emails and calls. Any email coming from an unknown sender or from an email address that looks even the least bit suspicious is one that you should delete without opening it. Unscrupulous individuals and hackers will try to get to you through a seemingly innocuous email. They may tell you you’ve won something in a contest that you never even knew you had entered, or that they are a long-lost relative with an inheritance that needs to be passed on to you. Though it would be nice to think that these things happen, it is a fair bet that they aren’t really real. Ignore, delete and block the sender.

Back up often

This is a good idea for many reasons, not only to safeguard your data from cybercriminals. If you back up your data on the cloud or on physical hard drives regularly, you can be sure that you’ll always have access to it, even in the worst of times. This takes away the leverage that hackers might have to ransom your data back to you, but also puts your mind at rest that you’ll never lose important data because it is stored in more than one place.

Wrap up

There are many basic cyber security tools that you can make use of to safeguard your data; we suggest you start today.

At What Age Should You Start A Skincare Regimen?

Kathryn R. Bown
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At What Age Should You Start A Skincare Regimen?

The question of when to start a skin care regimen can be confusing for many people. Some believe that the early bird gets the worm, while others feel it’s better to wait until they’re older because their skin is less likely to change by then. However, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.

Image source: Pixabay

This blog post will address what you should know about your age and how it can affect your skincare routine. It’ll also provide tips on how you can manage an aging face in different ways depending on where you are in life at any given time. Let’s get started.

Significance of Buying the Right Skin Wellness Products

Caring for your skin must be a top priority. It’s the first thing that people see when they look at you. However, to care for the skin, you must first understand that it needs different products. Nowadays, there are reliable online stores that can provide you with the cosmetic products you need.

Going for organic plant-based ones can be a great idea. Most skincare regimens will come with different ingredients; hence you’ll have a variety to choose from. Aesop, for instance, offers luxe skin, hair, and beauty care formulations. Nowadays, you can buy self-care regimens online easily. Choosing from a wide range of Aesop skincare collection increases the chances of you making an accurate selection. Stress is another factor that you should know since it can affect your skin significantly, especially when it comes to aging.

The Importance of a Skincare Routine for Younger Skin

There is no need to spend a lot of time and effort on skincare for those who are still in their teens. This is because your skin can take a lot without getting damaged or becoming dull-looking. As a result, a simple cleanser and moisturizer should be more than enough.

However, consider being mindful of how you cleanse your skin. It’s best to wash your face with warm water for a minute or less at most. You can follow that up by splashing cool or cold water on your skin – preferably on the side of your face that is not being washed. This helps close your pores and prevent dirt and debris from entering them after doing the cleansing.

You can also use a toner without alcohol on your face before applying the rest of your products. This will help keep excess oil at bay, leading to acne or breakouts if the removal takes long. Excess sebum buildup is always not recommendable.

The Importance of a Skincare Routine for Older Skin

As we age, our skin is more likely to be damaged and become dry and dull-looking. This makes it necessary to start adopting an effective skincare routine soon.

You may start using a gentle cleanser and moisturizer twice or more daily. You can also include an exfoliating serum in your routine to remove dry and dead skin cells. It’s important to note that you should be especially careful when choosing the right products for your face because your facial skin is thin, sensitive, and more prone to damage. This makes it easier for the product to penetrate deep into your skin and cause irritation or other problems.

It’s never too early or too late to start a skin care regimen. The right time is when you notice your skin needs it the most, which could be in your teens or later on in life. What’s important is finding quality products which you can do over the internet.

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