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What are the Responsibilities of a Scrum Master?

Nancy Clayson
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What are the Responsibilities of a Scrum Master?

Scrum Master can be best described as the guardian of a Scrum team. They impart valuable Scrum knowledge that they have attained through a CSM course and make sure that the team follows Scrum practices and rules. They help the team in being productive and deliver successful products.

After a CSM training, what awaits the Scrum Master is a vast array of roles and responsibilities along with a handsome career. Let’s look at some of these responsibilities.

1. Coach on the Best Scrum Practices

The Scrum Master has to onboard the project team and provides a clear idea of the project integrating them to the organization. They act as a medium for communication and information exchange between the project team and external groups. They instill a culture of agility, learning and monitors the progress of the project with timely feedback. They help the team implement Scrum rules and deliver the best quality products.

2. Facilitates Collaboration

The Scrum Master gets hands-on updates on the product from the development team through daily stand-ups. He/She addresses potential impediments and implements the product owner’s wishlist by linking up team activities.

The project progress is also demonstrated to the stakeholders by holding demo sessions. These also help them gain valuable feedback for continual improvement. Retrospectives and reviews are held after each Sprint to see what went wrong, what went great and to what can be done in the next Sprint.

Scrum Master plans the releases including deliverables and release deadlines. He also estimates deliverables with the best possible value for the next iteration. They reflect on process issues, take appropriate actions and ensure the sustainability and success of the project.

3. Introduces the Best Engineering Practices

A Scrum Master improves the efficiency of the project by encouraging automated builds and continuous integration, therefore, reducing the risk, time and effort. These builds use simple design and incremental development which avoids poor project architecture. Compared to the traditional processes, these practices have shown to be more successful during integration of large modules.

Practices like pair programming are encouraged because two heads are better than one. Alterations in the project are supported and can be incorporated easily in the project because such practices reduce the testing time. Scrum Masters help the team enhance the product quality without extending the delivery deadlines.

4. Maintains Scrum Artifacts

 Scrum Masters facilitate planning, grooming, retrospectives, and reviews. They act as a buffer between external factors and the development team. They also make the team stay focused by removing distractions from outside.

They help the team maintain  Scrum tools like a storyboard, action board, charts, and backlogs. They help the product owner and the development team to find a suitable Definition of Done and Definition of Ready

5. Mirrors the Team

Scrum Master is not to be confused with a project manager as he/she is the servant leader of the development team. Scrum masters reflect Agile and Scrum values to the team and remind them of their assignments. They ask open questions and help the team to continuously improve their work standards.

They observe the team from outside and reflect on issues. Also, they check all the Scrum modules like Sprint backlog, metrics and product backlog and help them connect their model to the real world.

They develop and nurture group dynamics through system coaching. They mediate through conflicts including those of goals between the development team and the Product Owner and help the team make important decisions. The Scrum Master fosters the team’s self-organization and helps them enhance productivity.

6. Supports the Product Owner

The Scrum Master helps the PO to write and split user stories along with the team and coaches them on Impact Mapping or Story Mapping. They also help in prioritizing and re-prioritizing the product backlog.

Scrum Master guides the product owner to attain a clear product vision and helps with release planning and conveys the Product Owner’s wishlist to the development team through various Scrum events.

7. Stays Updated while also updating the Team

Scrum Masters are continuous learners of everything related to Agile and Scrum. They read books, attend conferences, visits user groups and write blogs to constantly keep in touch with the advancing methodologies.

They consult the foundation and team members of Agile and help their development teams to create information radiators. They impart knowledge to the team and encourage them to use Agile engineering practices. They challenge the team with the latest management innovations and exchange knowledge with other Scrum Masters in the organization.

Scrum Master – Crucial to the Team

A successful Scrum Master handles this diverse portfolio of roles and responsibilities with ease. He/she ensures timely and high-quality product deliveries by internalizing and applying the Scrum characteristics.

4 Smart Ways to Trade the USD/HKD Forex Pair

Clyde K. Valle
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4 Smart Ways to Trade the USD/HKD Forex Pair

The Hong Kong dollar is a unique currency for lots of reasons. That’s why traders need to be doubly careful when they decide to take part in the popular USD/HKD Forex market. Hong Kong’s dollar is heavily traded but also completely regulated, unlike most other major world currencies. Many new traders avoid the USD/HKD pair and prefer to stick to more familiar currencies that behave in more traditional ways.

After several months of Forex experience, traders often gravitate to the USD/HKD pair and investigate it further. Like so many other currency pairs, it helps to be diligent and leave emotions out of the equation. For those who finally make the decision to trade this intriguing pair, it’s necessary to follow some of the tried-and-true Forex guidelines even more carefully.

Use Simple Strategies

New traders often feel the need to jump in and employ dozens of complex strategies with the hope that complexity leads to profit. On the contrary, many of the most successful traders use simple strategies when trading Forex, stocks, ETFs or bonds. Especially for traders who have less than one year of experience, it’s smartest to work with just one or two strategies that you know rather than six you barely understand. As you can see here, a professional platform makes a big difference because its automated features can free traders from having to worry about detailed strategies. For USD/HKD enthusiasts, a simple trading method is all that’s needed.

Study the Market and Specialize

Perhaps more than any other frequently-traded currency, the HKD calls for a good deal of research before any trades are made. It’s even more helpful for traders to specialize in the USD/HKD pair. That’s one way of developing a decent amount of expertise and depth in a pair that has as many unique characteristics as this one.

Never Break Your Trading Rules

Sticking to your personal trading rules is always a good idea, but when it comes to the USD/HKD pair, it’s almost a necessity. So many traders become frustrated after putting time and effort into a trade that ends up showing no profit. It happens to the best of them but is a tough pill to swallow sometimes. One common reason for losing trades is lack of discipline. A trader who has a rule about stopping losses can easily get caught up in the mindset that “things will get better soon,” and end up losing more on a given trade than personal rules would have allowed. Letting emotion get the best of you is not the path to success in trading the USD/HKD pair.

Understand the Uniqueness of the Hong Kong Economy

Hong Kong’s economy is unique in the developed world because its political structure is still in a state of flux. For a hundred years, Hong Kong was governed by the U.K. and enjoyed a free-market environment like no other place on earth. After political control reverted to China, the Communist regime of that country has pretty much allowed Hong Kong to itself but institutional traders worry about the future of the currency. For this reason and many others, traders need to spend extra time researching any USD/HKD trade before jumping into a position.

Benefits of Inter-Generational Activities for The Elderly and Young Children

Kathryn R. Bown
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Benefits of Inter-Generational Activities for The Elderly and Young Children
(Source)

– New data suggests that both elderly people and young children can benefit from getting together to do activities –

Living in a multi-generational household is less common than it used to be so it is less likely that older and younger generations spend much time together. With the busy lives of most families, even seeing grandparents might be a challenge and so children and grandparents miss out on that all important bonding time. Families are also more dispersed so different generations might not live near each other, but the importance of inter-generational contact remains.

The Live-in Care Hub is a not-for-profit organisation committed to raising the quality of elderly care in the UK and they are keen advocates of a better quality of life for older people. They have, therefore, been highlighting the benefits of inter-generational contact and joint activities.

The Benefits Of Older And Younger Generations Spending Time Together

There are many benefits for different generations spending time together including, but not limited to:

  • Both age groups can learn new skills from each other
  • Both age groups can learn about relevant aspects of their different generations
  • Older people have a sense of purpose and children feel a sense of doing something for others
  • Children gain an understanding of the elderly and growing older
  • Children may lose any fear of the elderly they have
  • The older adults can avoid loneliness
  • Depression and other mental health issues may be alleviated in older adults
  • Older adults may see improvements in physical health
  • Older adults with dementia may see some symptoms reduce
  • Older adults provide a patient and understanding ear to children who have plenty to share

Activities That Benefit Both Generations

There are some really enjoyable activities than can benefit both parties and encourage great relationships to develop:

  • Gardening
  • Reading to each other
  • Learning a new hobby
  • Sharing stories (real or make believe)
  • Singing and dancing
  • Preparing and cooking a meal
  • Art and sketching

Dominique Kent, Joint Founder of the Live-In Care Hub, is a passionate advocate for better elderly care in the UK. “We know from our research that one-to-one care at home with a live-in carer results in better health and wellbeing for the vast majority of elderly people. Live-in care also enables better contact with all generations of a family in a familiar home environment where routines and meal times can easily be altered to accommodate young children.

With live-in care there are no restrictions imposed to prevent people enjoying life as fully as possible. So it is important that older people understand that care in their own home is a viable option.”

The Live-In Care Hub carry out independent research and their website offers practical tips, advice and support to those seeking elderly care for themselves or for a relative. Find out more at www.liveincarehub.co.uk.

How We Should Increase Fiber for Optimal Health

Kathryn R. Bown
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How We Should Increase Fiber for Optimal Health

Fiber is something we need daily in our diet to maintain proper health. In this article, we will discuss what fiber is, why we need it, and how we can have it in our lives. Fiber is a carbohydrate that the body can’t digest. It helps our bodies regulate blood sugar and keeps our hunger levels in check. Fiber has many health benefits and we can obtain fiber through food or supplements.

There are two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber can be dissolved in water. It has been shown to lower glucose and cholesterol levels. Insoluble fiber will not dissolve in water. It helps food to move more quickly through the digestive system and helps to regulate the body and prevent constipation. Insoluble fiber keeps an optimal pH level in the intestines by preventing microbes from producing substances that may cause cancer in the colon.

Image source: Wikimedia

Typically, Americans only consume 15 grams of fiber per day. Recommendations for adult men is 30 to 38 grams per day. Women should consume at least 21 to 25 grams of fiber per day. The recommendations for children, ages one to eight, is that children should consume at least 19-25 grams of fiber per day. Young teenage boys, under the age of 18, should consume at least 31-38 grams of fiber per day. Girls, under the age of 18, should consume at least 26 grams per day. Today, children can be given fiber gummies for kids to help meet the daily requirement. Adults can also include fiber gummies daily to meet their fiber requirement.

Having fiber in our diets helps reduce the risk of conditions. Daily intake of fiber can protect against heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels. Type 2 diabetes can be regulated with fiber by controlling blood sugar levels. Diverticular disease, or inflammation of the intestine, and constipation can be controlled with fiber intake by helping to speed up the elimination of toxins in the intestines. Research has been conducted and shows great promise for those who have asthma might have incurred fewer symptoms with increased fiber intake. Increasing fiber will also help to achieve a healthy weight and possibly live a longer life.

Fiber can be found in beans, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pears, avocados, bananas, beets and carrots and fortified foods such as cereals. Soluble fiber can be found in oatmeal, nuts, beans, lentils, and apples. Insoluble fiber can be found in wheat, brown rice, legumes, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Supplements can be added to daily diets to help increase fiber intake. These supplements can bump up the levels in addition to food consumption.

The ways to obtain more fiber in our diets start with eating breakfast with at least 5 or more grams of fiber per day. Just adding some wheat bran to the morning breakfast cereal or oatmeal will help. Whole grains should be added to the daily diet by having at least 2 grams per serving. This can be switching to whole grain loaves of bread or cereals instead of white loaves of bread or sugared cereals. We should incorporate more legumes, lentils, fruits, and vegetables into our daily diets. It is recommended that at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables should be in our daily diet. Baked foods can be “bulked up,” with using whole grain flours, bran, or oatmeal in place of white flours and helps to increase our fiber intake. Snacking on nuts or dried fruits will also increase fiber intake. With all this increased fiber intake, drinking lots of water is encouraged to help aid the fiber through our systems. This helps to clean our digestive systems of the harmful substances that cause diseases.

By increasing the fiber in our diets, whether through food or supplements, fiber can help regulate our bodies and improve our health. Ideally, getting the proper fiber levels through consuming fiber-rich food is what we should be getting on a daily basis. This can be achieved by concentrating our diets on fiber-rich foods and using supplements as needed to obtain better health.

Taking the First Step – Helping Your Loved One Transition Into Aged Care

Dana R
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Taking the First Step – Helping Your Loved One Transition Into Aged Care

It’s no secret that, as we age, we rely on our families to help us make some important life decisions. Finding all the information you need can be a challenge, but if you are helping your loved one shift into aged care, here is how you can make it a seamless transition.

aged-care-help

Involvement

Sometimes, you’ll need to make important decisions on behalf of your loved one, although that doesn’t mean they can’t be involved. When choosing the right aged care facility for them, take them along for the journey. A number of great facilities will welcome a visit from your entire family to ensure that everyone is comfortable with your loved one’s new care system. This is the experience many have had when exploring aged care in Newcastle NSW. The staff at these facilities will be able to answer any questions you all may have, give you a tour, and potentially start some very important relationship building. This kind of involvement is a great start to the transition into aged care.

Pop in

One of the most important steps in transitioning your loved one into aged care is making sure you offer support. It can sound quite basic but just visiting regularly can be incredibly powerful. We all take time to establish ourselves in a new home, but seeing a friendly, loving and familiar face can make that transition that much easier. When visiting, make it a point to ask who they have spoken with, what activities they have done, and what they enjoy about their new surrounds. Bringing these fun new experiences to the top of mind can have a big impact on the successful transition in the early stages of life in aged care, and revisiting the past is a common enjoyment for aged loved ones.

Make connections

When you are helping your loved one transition into aged care make an effort yourself, to get to know the staff and support crew at the facility – it can make a huge difference in the long run. Speaking with staff will allow you to build rapport, so feel confident in passing on important personal information to help your loved one transition much faster. Getting to know the team will help them get to know your family and create an environment that feels just like home. It also helps when you are looking for detailed updates about their transition, as staff will make an effort to keep a close eye out.

Keep it familiar

Wherever possible, speak with the facility about what can be brought in with your loved one’s belongings. One of the best ways to ease any transition is familiarity. Taking personal belongings from their home into the new aged care surrounds will make your loved one feel instantly more at home. Start with the primary items like photos, trinkets and even bedding if possible. Remember that familiarity isn’t exclusive to one sense either, smells and even sounds can also be very important. If there is a record or musical item that would help them transition, it will be worth bringing it along.

Helping your loved one transition into aged care can be an exciting next step in life for both of you. Getting the transition right is important for everyone, even the staff at the facility. Take the time to use this simple guide to help your loved one transition into aged care the right way.

Dallas: Crane Collapses onto Apartment Building Killing One and Injuring Other Six

Nancy Clayson
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Dallas: Crane Collapses onto Apartment Building Killing One and Injuring Other Six

One person has died and six others injured after a construction crane fell onto an apartment complex in Dallas, Texas.

The crane was brought down during a powerful thunderstorm which hit Texas on June 9.

Damage and power outages are being reported throughout other areas of Texas, as severe storms blast through the state.

According to authorities, the crane broke apart and cut through five floors of the complex, which was opposite a building site.

The tower’s parking garage was also damaged, and search and rescue efforts are still ongoing.

Image source: CBS News

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The person who died was a woman, local media reports. Of those in hospital, two are in critical condition, said fire and rescue services spokesperson Jason Evans.

He said: “We’re hoping that what we have at this point is where it ends [in terms of casualties].”

While the cause of the collapse was not immediately clear, Jason Evans said there was a “strong possibility” that high winds played a role.

President Trump Hails Mexico Deal on Immigration Following Trade Tariffs Threat

Diane A. Wade
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President Trump Hails Mexico Deal on Immigration Following Trade Tariffs Threat

President Trump has hailed a deal reached with Mexico to help stem the flow of migrants to the US after he threatened to impose trade tariffs.

Under the deal, in which Mexico agreed to take “unprecedented steps”, the duties that were due to come into effect on June 10 have been suspended.

Donald Trump said: “Mexico will try very hard, and if they do that, this will be a very successful agreement.”

There were fears that the tariffs could hurt US businesses and consumers.

Under President Trump’s proposal, duties would have risen by 5% every month on goods including cars, beer, tequila, fruit and vegetables until they hit 25% in October.

The deal was reached at the end of three days of negotiations which saw Washington demand a crackdown on Central American migrants.

In a joint declaration released by the US state department, the two countries said Mexico would take “unprecedented steps” to curb irregular migration and human trafficking.

However, it seems the US did not get one of its reported key demands, which would have required Mexico to take in asylum seekers heading for the US and process their claims on its own soil.

Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

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Under the deal, Mexico agreed to deploy its National Guard throughout the country from June 10, pledging up to 6,000 additional troops along Mexico’s southern border with Guatemala. It will also take “decisive action” to tackle human smuggling networks.

The US agreed to expand its program of sending asylum seekers back to Mexico while they await reviews of their claims. In return, the US will “work to accelerate” the adjudication process.

Both countries pledged to “strengthen bilateral co-operation” over border security, including “co-ordinated actions” and information sharing.

The declaration added that discussions would continue, and final terms would be accepted and announced within 90 days.

Should Mexico’s actions “not have the expected results”, the agreement warned that additional measures could be taken but did not specify what these would be.

In one of a series of tweets about the deal, President Trump quoted National Border Patrol Council president Brandon Judd as saying: “That’s going to be a huge deal because Mexico will be using their strong Immigration Laws – A game changer. People no longer will be released into the U.S.”

Mexican Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard told journalists: “I think it was a fair balance, because they have more drastic measures and proposals at the start, and we have reached some middle point.”

Speaking at a separate news conference, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said “we couldn’t be more pleased with the agreement”.

President Trump caught members of his own party unaware when he announced the proposed tariffs last week.

US Gives Turkey Deadline to Choose Between F-35 Fighter Jets and Russia’s S-400 Systems

Roy Siemens
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US Gives Turkey Deadline to Choose Between F-35 Fighter Jets and Russia’s S-400 Systems

The US has given Turkey an ultimatum to choose between buying US fighter jets and Russian anti-aircraft missile systems by the end of July.

Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan set out the deadline in a letter to his Turkish counterpart, Hulusi Akar.

Turkey, Patrick Shanahan said, could not have both America’s F-35 advanced fighter jets and Russia’s S-400 systems.

The two NATO allies have been locked in a row over the S-400 for months.

The US argues that the Russian systems are both incompatible with NATO defense systems and pose a security threat, and wants Turkey to buy its Patriot anti-aircraft systems instead.

Turkey, which has been pursuing an increasingly independent defense policy, has signed up to buying 100 F-35s, and has invested heavily in the F-35 program, with Turkish companies producing 937 of the plane’s parts.

Patrick Shanahan says in his letter that the US is “disappointed” to hear that Turkish personnel have been sent to Russia to train on the S-400.

“Turkey will not receive the F-35 if Turkey takes delivery of the S-400,” he writes.

“You still have the option to change course on the S-400.”

U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Donald R. Allen

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Patrick Shanahan’s letter includes a schedule for winding down Turkish participation in F-35 pilot training.

The first four F-35s due to be delivered to Turkey have still not left the US, officially to allow Turkish pilots to train in them in America.

On June 4, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his country was “determined” to proceed with the S-400 deal.

“Unfortunately we haven’t received a positive proposal from the American side on the subject of Patriots like the S-400s from Russia,” he said.

Turkey has the second-largest army in NATO, a 29-member military alliance set up to defend against what was at the time the Soviet Union.

The head of Russia’s state defense conglomerate Rostec, Sergei Chemezov, was quoted as saying on Friday that Russia would start delivering the S-400 to Turkey in “about two months”.

The S-400 “Triumf” is one of the most sophisticated surface-to-air missile systems in the world.

The Russian missile has a range of 400km (250 miles), and one S-400 integrated system can shoot down up to 80 targets simultaneously.

Russia says it can hit aerial targets ranging from low-flying drones to aircraft flying at various altitudes and long-range missiles.

Sudan: Security Forces Arrest Three Opposition Leaders After Crisis Mediation Bid

Roy Siemens
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Sudan: Security Forces Arrest Three Opposition Leaders After Crisis Mediation Bid

Three prominent opposition figures from Sudan have been arrested by the country’s security forces after they met the Ethiopian prime minister who was in Khartoum to try to restart peace talks.

Mohamed Esmat was arrested on June 7 soon after his meeting with PM Abiy Ahmed, aides said.

Ismail Jalab, a leader of the rebel SPLM-N group, and his spokesman Mubarak Ardol were detained on June 8.

The move comes days after a crackdown on pro-democracy protesters left dozens dead.

Protest leaders have rejected an offer of talks from the Transitional Military Council (TMC), saying it cannot be trusted after the bloodshed.

Sudan has been controlled by the TMC since protests led to the ousting of long-time President Omar al-Bashir two months ago.

Image source: Anadolu Agency

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The military promised a transition to civilian rule but protesters had maintained a sit-in in Khartoum until security forces swept in on June 3 and opened fire.

The whereabouts of Mohamed Esmat are also not clear.

On June 5, the SPLM-N said its deputy head, Yasir Arman, was arrested at his house in Khartoum. He had returned from exile following the downfall of Omar al-Bashir.

Mohamed Esmat and Ismail Jalab are both leading members of the Alliance for Freedom and Change, an umbrella organization of opposition figures, protest leaders and rebel groups.

Khalid Omar Yousef, an opposition alliance leader, told Reuters after Mohamed Esmat’s arrest: “This amounts to a practical response from the military council that effectively rejects the Ethiopian prime minister’s mediation effort.”

The TMC has not yet commented on the arrests.

According to opposition activists, a feared paramilitary unit, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), killed 108 people in the crackdown, with at least 40 bodies pulled from the River Nile in Khartoum on June 4.

However, officials put the figure at 46. The leader of the RSF claims rogue elements and drug dealers were behind the violence.

The RSF, formerly known as the Janjaweed militia, gained notoriety for brutal atrocities in the Darfur conflict in western Sudan in 2003.

On June 6, the African Union suspended Sudan’s membership “with immediate effect” and warned of further action if power was not transferred to a civilian authority.

The chairman of the African Union commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, called for an “immediate and transparent” investigation into the killings.

In his visit to Khartoum on June 7, Ethiopia’s PM Abiy Ahmed urged both sides to exercise “bravery” and try to agree steps towards democracy.

Reports said Abiy Ahmed had proposed setting up a transitional council comprised of eight civilians and seven military officers with a rotating presidency. It is not known how the proposal was received.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGvAUlrb9xI

IMF Chief Highlights Potential Disruptive Nature of Fintech

Clyde K. Valle
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IMF Chief Highlights Potential Disruptive Nature of Fintech

IMF chief Christine Lagarde has warned that giant tech companies might cause significant disruption to the world’s financial system.

She said just a few companies with big data access and artificial intelligence could run the global payment and settlement arrangements.

Christine Lagarde’s warning came as the G20 finance ministers met in the Japan’s south-western city of Fukuoka.

The G20 summit is also discussing the need to close tax loopholes for internet giants like Facebook and Google.

One of the options being considered is to tax such companies where they make their profits – rather than where they base their headquarters.

She said: “A significant disruption to the financial landscape is likely to come from the big tech firms.”

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The International Monetary Fund head said such companies “will use their enormous customer bases and deep pockets to offer financial products based on big data and artificial intelligence”.

“This presents a unique systemic challenge to financial stability and efficiency,” she added.

Christine Lagarde cited China as a most recent example.

She said: “Over the last five years, technology growth in China has been extremely successful and allowed millions of new entrants to benefit from access to financial products and the creation of high-quality jobs.

“But it has also led to two firms controlling more than 90% of the mobile payments market.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xjhDkKON_U

Suspicion of Malpractice? 7 Essential Reasons Why You Need to Hire a Medical Negligence Attorney

Dana R
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Suspicion of Malpractice? 7 Essential Reasons Why You Need to Hire a Medical Negligence Attorney

If you believe you or a loved one are a victim of medical malpractice, hiring a medical negligence attorney needs to be your next step. There are reasons why:

Did you know that in many parts of the U.S., more than 20 medical malpractice suits occur per 100,000 residents? Take Texas, for instance. In 2015, the state saw over 25 malpractice suits for every 100,000 residents.

That shows how common medical malpractice and negligence is in the country. In fact, 34% of physicians have had a patient file a claim against them.

That said, don’t ignore your suspicions that a doctor committed negligence or malpractice. If you believe you or a loved one is a victim, contact a medical negligence attorney right away.

Why exactly is this such an important step though? Couldn’t you just sue the doctor who you think made a mistake or was negligent?

We’ll answer all these questions and more in this post, so be sure to keep reading!

Malpractice

1. Medical Malpractice Laws Vary from State to State

First, let’s take a closer look at the definition of medical malpractice.

This occurs when a patient suffers an injury caused by a health care professional. This injury arises from a doctor’s or a hospital’s negligent act or omission. Incorrect diagnosis or inappropriate treatment are a few examples of medical malpractice.

Seems like a pretty straightforward definition, doesn’t it? The thing is, each state has its own laws on what constitutes medical malpractice. They also have their own legal methods of handling these personal injury claims.

The law is confusing enough as it is, but it can be even more so to someone who’s suffering and in pain. This can then give rise to delays or mistakes when filing a claim. Either way, these can affect the success rate of a medical negligence claim.

Prevent this by enlisting an attorney specializing in medical malpractice in your state. A medical malpractice lawyer has the skills, knowledge, and experience to navigate this complex world. They know the ins and outs of the laws in their state of practice, so they can give you ultimate guidance on your claim.

2. Strict Filing Periods of Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

One way that U.S. medical malpractice laws vary lies in each state’s statute of limitations. In general, a “statute of limitations” is a time limit on when one can start a case in a state’s civil courts. If you fail to file a claim within this time frame, you may already lose your right to any form of legal remedy.

States like Louisiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee only give victims one year to file a claim. The majority of states, including Texas, have a two-year statute of limitations. But there are also some cases in Missouri, North Carolina, and Virginia that have a 10-year time limit.

These statutes also have subcategories that make them even more confusing. Take Tennessee’s laws, for instance, wherein the limit is a year from the time a person sustained an injury. But there are cases when the limit can increase up to (but no more than) three years from the negligent act.

As you can see, this can be confusing for an average person, much more to a victim of malpractice injury. That’s why it’s best you hire one of the experienced medical malpractice lawyers in your state. They have the knowledge and experience to build a case and prove its merits before the time limit ends.

3. Medical Malpractice Lawyers Handle Dealings with Insurance Companies

At the very least, a claim involves facing two insurance companies. Your insurance provider and that doctor’s insurance company.

If you’re in pain or are hurting because someone you love died due to a medical mistake, this is the last thing you need. In fact, you may be in no condition (physical or mental) to deal with insurance companies.

Hire a medical malpractice attorney, and your legal team will perform all these tasks for you. They’ll handle all negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf. This includes providing proof or evidence that your doctor did commit a mistake.

4. A Medical Negligence Attorney Can Determine Your Claim’s Merits

One of the first steps on how to sue a doctor for pain and suffering is to prove the doctor’s responsibility. Or in this case, irresponsibility and negligence that led to you or a loved one now suffering.

If you go with the DIY approach, you would have to gather evidence that points to a medical mistake. You would also need to explain the relevance of the documents you show to the courts. Even the smallest error can cause a drop in your case’s merits.

Leave the evidence gathering, their explanations, and court dealings to a lawyer. They’re much more knowledgeable when it comes to medical and legal terminologies. 

5. In-Depth and Objective Investigation for a Stronger Case

Resentment and anger are common and natural reactions in victims of medical malpractice. However, these emotions can impede your objectivity needed to come up with a strong case. They may hinder your ability to research your case thoroughly.

This can result in you missing minor, yet important details that can help your case.

That’s why you need someone experienced who will look at your case in an objective manner. This is especially important when dealing with insurance companies and the court.

A medical malpractice attorney will review all aspects of your case to prove its merits. They won’t miss any detail that can bolster your case’s success rate. For instance, they’ll investigate the doctor for previous malpractice lawsuits.

6. Increased Chances of a Successful Claim

Everything that a medical malpractice lawyer can — and will — do for you can raise your chances of a settlement. Not only any “settlement” but an amount of legal remedy that you deserve for all your pain and suffering. Meaning, you have higher chances of getting a bigger settlement with a lawyer than if you file a claim on your own.

7. Focus on Your Rehabilitation and Recovery

Your medical malpractice attorney will take care of almost everything for your case. This frees up your time, which you can then use to concentrate on getting better.

Lawyer Up to Raise Your Chances of Receiving a Fair Settlement

As you can see, there are many reasons that you’d want a medical negligence attorney on your side. At the end of the day, your lawyer will relieve much of the burden of a medical malpractice claim. With your attorney’s help, you can focus on getting better or helping a loved one recover.

All that said, consider hiring an experienced medical malpractice lawyer ASAP! This way, you don’t have to worry about your state’s statute of limitations. You have every right to lawyer up, so talk to one if you believe you or a family member is a victim of a medical mistake.

Stay on top of your health by checking out our site’s health’s section for more tips and advice!

The Link Between Histamine and Probiotics

Kathryn R. Bown
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The Link Between Histamine and Probiotics

In the course of your lifetime, you have probably heard much on the benefits of eating yogurt for gut health simply because it is rich in probiotics. You were raised on the notion that probiotics can aid in digestion by restoring balance to the intestines and that may, indeed, be the case. Some people who don’t like yogurt, or choose not to eat it often enough or in sufficient quantity to be effective, might even be taking probiotic supplements.

With the right supplements, this is all well and good, but get the wrong supplements and you could literally be adding insult to injury. You may actually have a probiotic intolerance or you might be ingesting probiotics that send your system into overload. Here is some of what you should know about the link between histamine (the body’s response to allergens or injury) and probiotics.

A Word About Intolerance to Probiotics

Before going any further, it is important to understand how someone could possibly be intolerant to probiotics which are nothing more than proteins! Actually, did you know that allergens are proteins? From the foods we eat to the pollen and animal dander that causes the symptoms of allergies, the culprit is proteins in the substance. That’s the plain and simple truth.

Taking that one step further, consider the current confusion about gluten intolerance and how so many people have simply stopped eating bread or foods with wheat that contain gluten. Are you aware of the fact that gluten is the protein in wheat that gives bread its pliability and causes it to be soft and not grainy? Few people are actually gluten intolerant but experience symptoms because they consume way too much of this questionable substance. The same holds true of probiotics, and with less than 1% of the population truly probiotic intolerant, the symptoms of intolerance could very well stem from one or two issues.

The Good, the Bad and the Downright Ugly

Actually, there are good guys and bad guys like in any great crime mystery, and your job is to determine which probiotics are causing the symptoms you are experiencing. Sites like Vitamonk give a great explanation of which probiotics aid in gut health along with a list of those you should avoid. Check those on the taboo list and you will find that some or all of them are in the supplements you thought would aid in digestion.

Digestion isn’t the only issue you may be faced with when taking the wrong probiotics. Probiotics will trigger the body to produce histamines which counteract an allergic response or aid in the healing process when the body is injured. Unfortunately, those on the no-no list cause the body to produce too much histamine which starts a chain reaction that isn’t at all good. The body recognizes an invader and immediately begins producing even more histamine and this cycle continues until it is no longer tasked with digesting those probiotics. Those are the ones to avoid in supplements you take.

Don’t Throw the Baby Out with the Bath Water!

In the end, you are likely to simply discard the notion of taking probiotics at all. That would be a grave mistake! The right probiotics found on sites like Vitamonk can trigger just the right amount of histamine to be produced. The ‘good guys’ will, indeed, foster gut health as well as reducing or eliminating the symptoms of allergies.

Your key takeaway here is that you’d be making a grave error in judgment if you throw the baby out with the bathwater. The ‘baby’ would be those beneficial probiotics and those are the ones you need. By all means take supplements, but only those considered to be low-histamine probiotics. Too much of a good thing or ingesting the wrong probiotics is just as bad (or worse!) than taking none at all. Go low-histamine and you are literally good to go.

The Most Common Types of Medical Malpractice

Dana R
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The Most Common Types of Medical Malpractice

When you visit your doctor, you expect the best possible care, right?

While doctors get held to a high standard, mistakes can and do occur often. Doctors are not infallible, so they can’t always be perfect. Despite that, a medical mistake can be fatal.

What are the different types of medical malpractice? What are your legal options after such an incident? Keep reading to get all the details.

What Is Medical Negligence and Malpractice?

Medical malpractice happens when a patient gets injured by a doctor’s negligence. Negligence means the doctor failed to act with or provide reasonable care.

Here are the basic elements of medical malpractice:

  • A relationship existed between the patient and the doctor
  • The doctor failed to act with reasonable care
  • This negligence caused an injury to the patient
  • The injury led to damages

It’s challenging to distinguish between medical negligence and a reasonable error. How do courtrooms make a determination? Often, medical experts testify on behalf of the victim.

Malpractice examples usually mean the doctor’s care fell below the standard of care. It means another doctor would have taken a different course of action.

Common Types of Medical Malpractice

Can you imagine attempting to diagnose a wide range of health conditions daily? This is the reality for thousands of doctors.

Mistakes happen on a regular basis. Here are some of the most common examples of medical malpractice:

  • Misdiagnosis
  • Delayed diagnosis
  • Failure to diagnose
  • Medication errors
  • Unnecessary or wrong-site surgery
  • Improper aftercare
  • Failure to order the proper tests
  • Failure to consider a person’s medical history
  • Failure to warn patients about the risks of treatment

Medical errors are currently the third-leading cause of death in America. Victims who survive continue to suffer from physical pain and financial loss. What are a victim’s options?

Criminal and Civil Remedies

Victims injured by malpractice may have both criminal and civil legal options. You can pursue criminal charges to punish the perpetrator, or seek a civil lawsuit.

Medical malpractice is sometimes considered a crime. Criminal sanctions are usually reserved for incidents that involve one of the following elements:

  • Extreme recklessness
  • A clear intention to hurt the victim
  • “Never” events like wrong-site amputation
  • Intentionally performing unnecessary procedures for financial gain (health care fraud)
  • Death or disability caused by gross negligence

Medical malpractice suits seek financial compensation from the responsible healthcare provider. Compensation in these malpractice suits pays for medical bills and pain and suffering.

Are you considering filing a medical negligence claim? Reaching out to a Vanderbilt medical malpractice lawyer is your best option. An attorney will help you access the medical witnesses, evidence, and legal tools you need.

Recovering From Medical Malpractice

These types of medical malpractice all have serious consequences on a patient’s life. Physical harm may be irreparable, but there are legal remedies available to you.

Have you or a loved one ever suffered from medical malpractice? Were you able to seek out criminal or civil justice? Share your stories with us by leaving a comment in the box below.

Understanding skincare labels: the good, the bad, and the Latin

Kathryn R. Bown
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Understanding skincare labels: the good, the bad, and the Latin

If you’re concerned about your health, you probably read the label when buying groceries. It’s a great way to find out how much fat, salt, and sugar are in a product you’re putting in your body.

But often people buy cosmetics and skincare products based on what the pretty labels promise, not what the products actually contain. It’s understandable — many labels feature a dozen ingredients or more, and you probably don’t recognise half the words! But understanding skincare labels is important because your skin is absorbent and those ingredients could end up in your bloodstream.

So, here’s a handy 5-step guide to deciphering the ingredients list on skincare products so you can make healthy choices:

Step 1: Check concentration levels

Ingredients on skincare labels are listed in descending order of concentration. So, ingredients at the top are present in high concentrations, while those at the bottom might barely be present. To be listed at all, an ingredient must make up 2% or more of the product.

This is important to know because the part of the label that is marketing a product to you may conflict with its ingredients. If you’re thinking of buying a moisturiser because the label has pictures of macadamias on it, check the label. If macadamia oil is near the bottom of the list, there may only be a very small amount present.

Instead, you want to see the most potent ingredients at the top of the list!

Look our for toxic preservatives

Almost all skincare products contain water, so some kind of preservative is needed to prevent bacterial contamination.

One of the most common preservatives used is paraben. This is an estrogen-mimicking chemical that has been linked to increased breast cancer risk and potential reproductive problems for men. Keep an eye out for methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben — if you see those on the ingredients list, don’t buy.

It’s entirely possible to preserve skincare products without parabens. Natural skincare companies like Okana use weak acids to slow bacterial growth. Sometimes these preservatives don’t even need to be added because they occur naturally in other ingredients. For example, one of the preservatives in Okana’s Apple Juice Foaming Cleanser is an amino acid derived from apples.

Step 3: Learn a little Latin

There may be words on the ingredients list you don’t recognise. If they look like they could be spells from Harry Potter, they are probably Latin words. Generally, these are the scientific names for botanical ingredients. For example, hamamelis virginiana is American witch hazel and aloe barbedensis is a naturally growing aloe plant used make aloe vera.

Generally, natural ingredients like these are good but if you’re unsure your might want to check online For example, borago officinalis or star-flower can be used to treat a range of skin conditions but can also have harmful side effects for some people.

Step 4: Check chemical names

It’s easy to feel cautious when you see chemical names on an ingredients list, but don’t assume the worst straight away. After all, the scary-sounding dihydrogen monoxide is simply water, while sodium anisate is completely natural chemical obtained from anise and fennel.

But there are plenty of chemical names you should avoid. You can always look up ingredients on your phone if you’re unsure but a few key chemicals to look out for are:

  • Polyethylene glycol
  • Sodium lauryl sulfate
  • Oxybenzone
  • Aminophenol
  • Diaminobenzene
  • Phenylenediamine
  • Triclosan
  • Triclocarban
  • Petroleum distillates
  • Dibutyl phthalate
  • Toluene
  • Hydroquinone
  • Formaldehyde

Step 5: Avoid added fragrances

We all like nice smells, but when they’re created with artificial fragrances alarm bells should ring.

Some fragrances may be composed from essential oils or flower extracts, while others are cocktails of chemicals — including known carcinogens and irritants. The problem is, a regulatory loophole allows companies to avoid listing the actual ingredients that make the ‘fragrance’ listed in the label.

As with second-hand smoke, fragrances can be harmful to both users and bystanders, especially are in sprays or misting products. Immediate effects from chemical fragrances can include contact dermatitis and severe headaches, and long-term health risks are a real possibility.

Studies have found up to 4% of the general population are sensitized to typical fragrance ingredients. In New Zealand, that’s nearly a quarter of a million people!

Find a brand you can trust

If you want to spare yourself reading through ingredients lists every time you buy a skincare product, find a brand you can trust and stick to it. Okana is a great choice because the company is a committed natural skincare company that avoids thickeners, stabilizers, fragrances, and synthetic preservatives altogether.

In fact, Okana is one of the only skincare companies in the world to consistently use advanced self-preserving formulas and food-grade ingredients for mass production. Most Okana products contain just a handful of natural ingredients, so you get products that are potent and safe.

10 Important Steps to Finding the Best Family Lawyer

Dana R
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10 Important Steps to Finding the Best Family Lawyer

Finding a great family lawyer can be hard to come by. Keep reading for 10 important steps to finding the best family lawyer.

The global legal services market is expected to grow to $1011 billion by 2021. The market growth has seen legal service firms strive to improve their productivity. If you’ve got a personal case that requires the best family lawyer, your chances of getting one are high.

The first step towards finding the best family lawyer is to know your needs and those of your family. Whether you have inheritance issues or are threatened with a divorce, get the best family lawyer.

Here are some ten essential steps to finding the best attorney. Read on!

lawyer

1. Prepare Yourself for the Process

After you decide that you need the best family lawyer, there are a few things you need to do. First, consider the goals for your consultation. Do you want to seek general advice, or do you need some specific task done immediately?

This will determine whether you’ll go to the office or make a phone call. If you need representation, where is the court located? You may want to work with an out-of-town attorney.

For example, it could be that you want tips on how to represent yourself in court. Alternatively, maybe you want the attorney to draft an agreement for you.

Your Budget

After you’ve determined this, the next step is to set a budget. This should be a reasonable amount that can help you achieve your goals. The amount you set apart is a silent indicator of how important it is for you to win the case.

Knowing the amount you’re willing to spend will save you from overspending on your case.

Thirdly, consider your personality style. Would you like to have a lawyer who frequently updates you on what’s happening? Is your preference to “drop off and pick up” issues?

What’s your preferred mode of communication? Each firm has its personality style. Understanding your style will help you get the best out of the interaction.

However, preferences can vary depending on the case at hand. For example, in one case, you may prefer a more gentle approach while in another, aggression may work better.

2. Choosing the Best Family Lawyer

Now you know what you’re looking for and how much you’re willing to spend. It’s time to shop around for a lawyer. You can start by looking for recommendations from friends and family.

Seeking recommendations helps you narrow down your choices and identify the most suitable professional.

From the recommendations you get, choose a law firm that specializes in family law. A lawyer’s level of specialization will increase your chances of achieving success.

As a tip, go for a firm that provides multiple points of contact. It can be quite frustrating when you need some questions answered but can’t get a hold of your lawyer. A firm that offers various contact points is dedicated to having their client’s needs met at all times.

3. Meeting the Lawyer

You could make a phone call before the actual meeting. A short phone call gives you an overview as to whether you can work with the firm. Are they easy to understand, and do you like their style of working?

If you’re satisfied with these factors, arrange for a meeting where you can further discuss your needs.

4. Find out Their Specialty

You mentioned to your contacts that you’re looking for the best family lawyer. However, you still need to hear it from the lawyer. You might have come to a family lawyer but find out that they hardly practice family law.  

It’d also be ideal to find out how regularly he handles family matters. If he hasn’t dealt with a case like yours, a lawyer with enough experience will know how to go about it.

While at this, you should find out how long they’ve specialized. Check their date of admission to see how long they’ve been practicing.

5. Discuss Money Issues

You already determined your budget but want to see if the lawyer you pick is within your range. Find out what their retainers are, both refundable and billable. Ask what this amount covers, the flat free rates if any, and everything they charge you for.

Do the charges come to you like a comprehensive or general bill? Are the costs calculated from a minimum time increment or for actual time spent on your case? All these are small details that matter because they could add up to a lot of money.

6. Listen to How They Approach Your Case

In matters of family law, there are differing views on what is defined as a win. For example, in the case of custody over children, the party that doesn’t get custodial rights may feel aggrieved. It can result in a conflict which will ultimately hurt the children in question.

Be careful about a lawyer who promises you’ll get everything you want. A fierce litigator can’t be a collaborative negotiator in the same case. Some firms like Family Lawyers Verhaeghe Law Office have subspecialists such as experts, litigators, and negotiators, allowing their clients to find the right professional.

Let the lawyer tell you the possible outcomes of your case. While some cases could take a few months to resolve, others may take several years.  Depending on the facts and proof you provide, the firm should be able to hint what you should expect.

7. What is the Major Problem They Foresee in Your Case?

Every case is unique can presents its fair share of challenges. If your attorney says there are no problems in your case, they might not be the best for you. Take note that not all problems are serious, with some being easier to overcome than others.

Look at this example. You could be having an uncontested absolute divorce case, but your partner doesn’t want to get served. In such a case, the course can’t grant you the divorce before the other party is served.

Knowing what the costs would be in such a case is useful for your planning purposes.

8. Find out Who’ll Be Working on Your Case

You could be talking to one lawyer today, but a different one shows up in court. You need to know whether other attorneys in the office will stand in for your lawyer once in a while. Other vital factors are general turn-around time on communication.

On matters communication, whom will you call when the need arises? Does the attorney check his email or has an assistant for that? Knowing about the day-to-day communication will help you understand what to expect in urgent situations.

9. Choose Another Lawyer from the Firm

The first step towards winning is establishing a good relationship with your attorney. After you’ve determined that you’ve found the best family lawyer, ensure you can work together. How the lawyer talks to you or answers your question is an indication of what you can expect.

If you’re not comfortable with the attorney you first meet up with, don’t be afraid to ask for a replacement. Specialist firms will have several solicitors. It’s in their best interest to ensure you find the right one.

10. Presenting Your Case

Your lawyer will ask you several questions concerning your case. You’re required to gather details about the case that may have slipped away from your mind. Your lawyer will expect you to answer them honestly and accurately.

It would help if you can go through the details of your case in advance. Don’t ignore the minor things as they could spell the difference between winning and losing the case.

This is where your documents come in handy. If your lawyer doesn’t tell you which documents to carry for the first meeting, decide on your own. An online search can help make the decision easier.

After making the decision, make copies of all documents. Since you may visit more than one attorney’s office, it’s best that you have more than one copy with you. Remember to leave all the original documents at home to avoid losing them in any case.

Only carry the originals when asked by your attorney or the court. Ensure to have them handed back to you after the session.

Summing Up

Finding the best family lawyer is the first step towards guaranteeing the best outcome in a family case. Your family and their future are important. When legal issues arise, it’s only fair that you get the best solicitor to help resolve them.

It’s crucial that you know why you need a lawyer in the first place. Do you just need advice on your case, or is there something specific you want the lawyer to do for you? Ask for recommendations from your contacts as this will help narrow down your choices.

Upon scheduling an appointment with the lawyer, ask all the relevant questions. Do they specialize in family law? How much are their charges, and what do they think the outcome on your case will be?

Once you decide on the lawyer to work with, put all the details of your case together. Having them ready will help the lawyer build up a strong case for you. Once you know you’ve got the best lawyer, cooperate with them, and let them help you win the case.

If you have any thoughts, be sure to share them in the comments.

Ecommerce Mistakes: Stinkers & Sinkers

Dana R
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Ecommerce Mistakes: Stinkers & Sinkers

Ecommerce is pretty competitive these days. And as with most cutthroat industries, mistakes can be fatal to sales. Examples include lack of branding, clunky checkouts, no visibility into who you are, bad customer service, and lack of community engagement.

We like to refer to these ecommerce mistakes as stinkers and sinkers. Here are a few stinkers and sinkers to avoid in your ecommerce store.

A Lack of Branding

Marketing experts say that it’s not about what you sell, but rather how you sell it. Anybody can sell T-shirts and pants online, which for shoppers means they can shop anywhere for what they want. There’s no reason to choose Store-A over Store-B beyond pricing or convenience. If this is the case, the shopper will be more likely to buy from an ecommerce giant like Amazon than a small business.

ecommerce-mistakes

Establishing a brand identity, on the other hand, gives consumers a reason to buy from your ecommerce store specifically. Rather than just selling T-shirts and pants, your store sells “apparel for anime enthusiasts” or “athleisure for the sporty fashionista.” Both of these examples describe a style of clothing specific to a certain audience.

To unlock the power of good branding, e-stores need a strong brand name, a tagline, an attractive logo, cohesive messaging, and an alluring design. If you don’t already have a logo – or just want to update it – consider using a logo maker from Hatchful or Shopify; then match that logo style with your website design to keep everything clean and professional.

A Clunky & Cumbersome Checkout Process

One surefire way to sink your ecommerce store is a slow, confusing, or broken checkout process. This is the last step a customer takes, and for e-sellers, it’s the most important because it leads to conversions. However, if your checkout process requires users to create an account or just doesn’t work, a shopper is more likely to abandon their cart at the last second.

To prevent this from happening to you, be sure to use a hearty ecommerce platform. These services work tirelessly to ensure e-stores have the processing power to handle hundreds, or even thousands of orders at once; without slowdowns. Similarly, they standardize checkout processes (more or less) to keep things from getting too clunky and cumbersome.

If you built your checkout pages yourself, doublecheck the processes to make sure everything is easy and painless. Keep the number of pages and entry forms as low as possible; only asking for the data you need to complete the order.

Missing Essential Pages

Another ecommerce stinker is foregoing the essential pages shoppers want to see. Examples include an About Us page, a contact page, FAQ pages, sizing guides; customer review sections, and the like. Shoppers visit these pages to inform their purchases as well as ensure your e-store and its products are legitimate. Therefore, nixing these pages is a bad idea.

Providing greater visibility into your ecommerce website is essential to establishing a good relationship with your shoppers.

Poor or Lethargic Customer Service

Another ecommerce killer is poor or lethargic customer service. The internet provides consumers a quick and easy way to satisfy their needs and desires. Of course, shoppers will have questions from time to time. If your staff doesn’t field those queries quickly and accurately, your e-store could lose out on essential sales.

In that same vein, disgruntled buyers reach out to your customer service team to make things right. If your staff slacks on these interactions or just plain misses them, you risk losing a customer for life.

No Community Engagement

Research shows today’s shoppers prefer to spend their dollars with brands that give back. Consider offering your time or money to causes matching your store’s offerings. As an example, if you sell pet supplies, you can offer five percent of your profits to local animal shelters.

Awareness of these ecommerce mistakes will help you avoid committing these sinkers and stinkers.

iTunes to Be Replaced by Apple Music, Apple Podcasts and Apple TV

Nancy Clayson
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iTunes to Be Replaced by Apple Music, Apple Podcasts and Apple TV

Apple’s music service iTunes is being replaced by Apple Music, Apple Podcasts and Apple TV, the tech giant has announced at the WWDC conference.

There had been speculation that Apple was planning to shutter the music service it launched in 2001.

Apple also revealed a number of new privacy measures at its annual developer conference in San Jose.

A new sign-in will be an alternative to logging into apps using social media accounts, hiding the user’s email address and data.

iTunes will remain unchanged on Windows platforms.

Image source Pexels

The announcements were made at the WWDC conference, where the tech giant outlines its software plans for the months ahead.

The tech giant announced several new privacy measures, building on last year’s event where it pledged to jam Facebook’s tracking tools.

Apple’s software chief Craig Federighi: “Privacy is a fundamental human right.”

The company is also launching a sign-in-with-Apple login, as an alternative to logging in to a service using a social media account.

Using this login, users can choose to hide their email address, with Apple creating a random alternative address which will forward to the real mailbox.

The next iteration of the iPhone’s operating system – iOS 13 – includes a range of changes to its interface, as well as new functions.

The new Dark Mode enables iPhone apps to be viewed with a black background, while the Apple Maps app will come with a virtual tour experience similar to Google’s Street View.

Other key features include the option to silence unknown callers and block senders within the Mail app, improved search in messages, and optimized battery charging.

Apple has also made improvements to its language keyboards, including the introduction of new bilingual keyboards and typing predictions for Arabic, Hindi, Thai, Cantonese, Vietnamese and the 22 official Indian languages.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Arrive in London for Three-Day UK Visit

Diane A. Wade
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President Donald Trump and First Lady Arrive in London for Three-Day UK Visit

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived in London for a three-day visit in the UK.

Protests are planned in several UK cities during the president’s visit, including in London, Manchester, Belfast, and Birmingham.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn – who is boycotting the state dinner – is due to attend and speak at the London demonstration, a party spokesman has confirmed.

Earlier, he tweeted: “Tomorrow’s protest against Donald Trump’s state visit is an opportunity to stand in solidarity with those he’s attacked in America, around the world and in our own country – including, just this morning, Sadiq Khan.”

Talks between President Trump and outgoing PM Theresa May will begin on June 4, with the pair expected to discuss climate change and Chinese technology firm Huawei.

Donald Trump’s visit coincides with the commemorations for the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings, which the Queen, the US president and other heads of state will attend at Portsmouth on June 5.

Crowds were gathered outside Buckingham Palace as President Trump and first lady landed by helicopter shortly after midday.

The Queen presented Donald Trump with a first edition of Sir Winston Churchill’s book The Second World War, from 1959, with gilt decorations and hand-sewn bindings in the colors of the US flag. He was also given a three-piece Duofold pen set decorated with an EIIR emblem, in a design made exclusively for the monarch.

Melania Trump received a specially commissioned silver box with a handcrafted enamel lid, decorated in royal blue with roses, thistles and shamrocks to represent the ceiling of Buckingham Palace’s music room.

After the private lunch, the Queen showed the presidential couple American artefacts and other items from the Royal Collection. In a nod to Donald Trump’s Scottish heritage, he was shown a bolt of Harris tweed.

Donald Trump Meets Queen Elizabeth In His First Official Visit to UK

Brexit: Donald Trump Hails UK Referendum Result

Donald Trump on Angela Merkel, Brexit and NATO

President Trump and the first lady met the Duke of York at Westminster Abbey, where they laid a wreath at the grave of the unknown warrior. The president signed the distinguished visitor’s book in his customary black marker pen, describing the 13th Century church as a “special place”.

Their next stop was Clarence House, where they joined Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall for tea.

In the evening, the president and the first lady have joined a state banquet at the Buckingham Palace.

He has praised the “treasured friendship” between the UK and US as he joined the banquet.

The state banquet at Buckingham Palace was also attended by Prince William and Kate Middleton.

The guests also included prominent Americans living in Britain – Jeremy Corbyn, House of Commons Speaker John Bercow, and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable all boycotted the state banquet.

The Queen said the countries were celebrating an alliance which had ensured the “safety and prosperity of both our peoples for decades”.

Sephora to Close All US Stores for Inclusion Training After SZA Incident

Lisa.Felice
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Sephora to Close All US Stores for Inclusion Training After SZA Incident

Sephora has announced it will close its US stores on June 5 for diversity training, a month after a racial incident involving R&B artist SZA.

SZA said she had been racially profiled while shopping at a Sephora store in California.

Sephora told Reuters it was aware of the incident but said the training was not “a response to any one event”.

In 2018, Starbucks held inclusion training amid racial profiling allegations.

In a tweet on May 1st, SZA said while shopping at a Sephora store outside of LA, an employee she identified as “Sandy” had “called security to make sure I wasn’t stealing”.

The singer tweeted: “Lmao Sandy Sephora location 614 Calabasas called security to make sure I wasn’t stealing . We had a long talk. U have a blessed day Sandy”

Image by purplegillian from Pixabay

Sephora responded at the time in a tweet: “You are a part of the Sephora family, and we are committed to ensuring every member of our community feels welcome and included at our stores.”

In 2018, website Refinery29 reported SZA had previously worked at Sephora.

SZA has been nominated for numerous Grammy awards, and recently collaborated with Kendrick Lamar on the track All the Stars which featured on the soundtrack of the film Black Panther.

In a Facebook post, Sephora said it would hold “inclusion workshops” on the morning on June 5 at its US stores as well as its distribution centers and corporate offices.

Emily Shapiro, a spokesperson for Sephora, told Reuters the store closures were not “a response to any one event,” saying that planning for the “inclusivity workshops” had been in progress for months.

In 2018, Starbucks shut all 8,000 company-owned branches in the US for an afternoon to carry out “racial bias” training.

White House 2020: Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz Considers Running for President

The move came after the coffee chain had to apologize over the arrest of two black men who were waiting to meet someone in a Starbucks in Philadelphia in May 2018.

The incident sparked calls for a boycott of Starbucks.

From a Legal Standpoint: What Happens After Your Dog Gets Attacked by Another Dog and What Are Your Rights?

Dana R
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From a Legal Standpoint: What Happens After Your Dog Gets Attacked by Another Dog and What Are Your Rights?

The fundamental point to consider is that every dog owner has a legal responsibility to take steps to control their animal and prevent them from attacking another dog or injuring a person.

Given these basic parameters, if your dog is attacked by another dog, the owner will most likely have to reimburse you for medical and other expenses, provided they admit liability or have a case found against them.

If you are looking to have the dog bite laws explained, here are some key points that should cover most typical scenarios when a dog goes rogue and attacks another animal or a person.

Proving that the dog owner was negligent

A lot of dog bite situations will be covered by civil laws and a good starting point would be to explore civil liability laws in this regard.

A dog owner may be found liable in a civil lawsuit if it has bitten another animal or a person based on several typical scenarios that you would have to prove in a civil lawsuit if you are going to be able to claim compensation for injuries and medical costs.

In the first instance, you will have to prove that the dog owner was negligent and failed to keep proper control of their pet.

A typical example where you could prove the owner was negligent would be if the dog was allowed to run free despite a local law that states they should be on a leash. If violating that leash law led to the dog attacking its victim, that should be reasonable cause to consider that they have been negligent.

If a dog bite statute is in existence

Some areas have a dog bite statute in place and if that is the case in your area, that will often automatically apply and means the owner becomes financially responsible and for the damage the dog causes.

When a dog bite statute is in existence it often trumps other arguments and even the dog’s previous good behavior record is unlikely to be enough to get the owner off the hook.

The owner should have known better

If you know that your dog has the potential to attack if it is given the chance to do so, a responsible owner would take the necessary precautions to ensure that the dog was kept under strict control when out in public.

If you suspect that the owner of the dog that bit your pet or attacked you, knew that there was a chance it could happen because it wasn’t the first time it had happened, that would be a situation where you could reasonably argue that the owner should be found liable because they knew that their animal was likely to hurt someone.

There are some cases where the owner could offer a valid defense

Although it is invariably the case that a dog owner is going to be found liable when it has bitten someone there are certain circumstances where a legal defense could be offered.

Here are a couple of examples where the owner might offer a defense.

If they argue that their dog was unfairly provoked to attack by your dog or you.

If the person or dog attacked was trespassing or breaking the law at the time they incurred the injury.

It is argued that you were unreasonably careless and contributed to the injury being caused.

It should be noted that an owner can’t use these arguments in all cases and in some states, the law doesn’t allow certain defenses. These states tend to have strict liability dog-bite laws and that makes the owner liable if they didn’t have any idea that their dog was going to attack.

Dangerous dogs laws

A high percentage of dog bite claims will most likely be settled under civil liability laws but there is also the option of pursuing criminal liability if it is felt that the dog poses an ongoing threat to others.

Under the dangerous dog’s laws that exist, it is possible that a court might order an owner to take added precautions to prevent any further incidents.

In extreme cases, there is also the possibility that a judge might order the guilty dog to be euthanized if it is believed that the animal presents a risk of serious harm to others.

When your pooch is injured by another dog

The course of action you can take and compensation you might be able to claim if your dog is bitten by another will vary from state to state.

As already outlined, some states have strict liability laws that specifically deal with this situation by making the owner responsible for the damage caused by their dog, even if you could argue that they weren’t negligent and had no idea that their pet was going to attack.

In other states where these strict liability laws don’t exist, you might find that law makes an owner automatically responsible for the actions of their dog, only if can be reasonably argued that they should have known that their dog had the potential to attack and bite.

Some of the laws relating to animal-on-animal injuries are antiquated and date back to a time when the primary concern was a dog killing livestock, however, some of these have recently been updated to cover more relevant claim situations.

You will need help

It should be noted that it has not always been that straightforward to be able to get the level of compensation you feel you deserve when you or your dog have been attacked by another owner’s dog.

Although the laws are changing and the claims procedure can be viewed as a work in progress, there are still improvements needed.

This is a very good reason for getting some professional legal assistance if you find yourself in a situation where you want to claim for an attack that has left you with medical bills and other expenses.

What Is a Viatical Settlement?

Clyde K. Valle
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What Is a Viatical Settlement?

While it is often confused with a life settlement, a viatical settlement actually has some notable differentiating factors regarding how it works and the circumstances of eligibility. A life settlement is when a policyholder sells their life insurance policy for a cash payout. This is typically done when the insured no longer needs the policy, can no longer keep up with the premiums, or if they would simply rather have a smaller payout sooner to cover their financial needs. Viatical settlements, on the other hand, are less common and pursued specifically by those with serious illnesses and short life expectancies. The policy holder sells their life insurance policy to a third-party buyer, usually at a significantly discounted rate, in exchange for an immediate payout. This is usually done because the seller needs financial assistance dealing with their illness.

Viatical settlement history

Viatical settlements have existed along with life settlements since the 1911 Supreme Court ruling in Grigsby v. Russell where it was decided that life insurance policies are personal property that may be lawfully sold to third parties. They didn’t become prominent, however, until the AIDS epidemic of the 80s where young people were suddenly facing the possibility of dying from the disease in just a few years. By selling their life insurance policies, many were able to afford medical treatments that could extend, and in some cases even save, their lives.

Seller qualifications

A seller needs to meet three basic criteria in order to qualify for a viatical settlement. First, they must have a terminal illness with a life expectancy in the timeframe of two to four years. Second, the policy needs to have been in effect for at least two years. Finally, the policy must come to a value of $100,000 or more.

All life insurance policies are acceptable, whether they’re term or permanent policies. There are still a variety of factors, however, that can affect the payout of a viatical settlement. Such factors may include the seller’s illness and its stage, individual policies of companies and brokers involved, the death benefit of the policy, and any other factors deemed relevant.

 Why pursue a viatical settlement?

One of the most common reasons to pursue a viatical settlement is because the seller simply can’t afford their insurance premiums any longer. The settlement frees them from this financial burden and also provides a payout for the seller to pursue medical care or other needs. This is a particularly good choice if the seller no longer has anyone relying on the death benefit of their policy.

A viatical settlement can also be a good choice when a term policy is nearly expired. Instead of letting it run out, it may be possible to convert to a whole policy and sell it. It’s also worth looking into selling a policy if it’s about to lapse. Most companies offer a grace period before the policy lapses from non-payment, and even a small payout is better than just wasting the policy. 

Advantages over other options

There are two main advantages to a viatical settlement over other options for those inclined. A viatical settlement will almost always provide a larger payout than other forms of financial assistance. Viatical settlements also have a specific advantage over life settlements in that they are tax free. They can often be the best option for a seller to improve their quality of life during the time they have left. If one decides to pursue this option, it’s often as easy as a brief application and a payout within days, if a buyer is found.

Study Recommends Screening All Patients for Alcohol Abuse

Kathryn R. Bown
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Study Recommends Screening All Patients for Alcohol Abuse

A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association recommended that all United States Doctors should be screening patients for alcohol abuse. This recommendation is an update from the previous guidance set forth in 2013 which stated that screening should take place if alcohol misuse was suspected.

Alcohol misuse, according to the previous study, was used to define a wide range of drinking behaviors including risky alcohol use, harmful alcohol use, and alcohol abuse or alcohol addiction.The most recent update to the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation on alcohol screenings states that individuals that are suspected of any unhealthy alcohol use should be screened. The study found, “the net benefit of screening and brief behavioral counseling interventions for unhealthy alcohol use in adults, including pregnant women, is moderate.” Evidence from the study is insufficient to determine a balance between the benefits and harms associated with screening and brief counseling for unhealthy alcohol use in adolescents.

Image source: Pexels

Excluding the cost of providing assessment, the recommendations of the USPSTF that all doctors offer risk assessment screening for alcohol use, is based on both benefits and potential harms associated with the service.  Recognizing that clinical decisions often involve considerations versus evidence alone, the USPSTF recommends that clinicians make individual decisions as to screening necessity based on specific patient situations.

What is Considered Unhealthy Alcohol Use?

A standard drink, according to the CDC, “contains 0.6 ounces (14.0 grams or 1.2 tablespoons) of pure alcohol.” This is generally the amount of alcohol that is found in:

  • A 12-ounce beer.
  • An 8-ounce glass of malt liquor.
  • 5 ounces of wine.
  • 1.5 ounces or about a shot of 80-proof distilled spirits or liquor such as vodka, whiskey, rum or gin.

According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), hazardous use of alcohol occurs when an individual drinks to a point in which the use of alcohol increases the risk of future negative health consequences. Unfortunately, a worldwide consensus as to what constitutes risky drinking has yet to be reached. However, any alcohol use among pregnant women is considered unhealthy and potentially hazardous.

Consumption of more than 1 drink per day for women, or more than 2 drinks per day for men, is considered potentially unhealthy.  Excessive drinking can lead to dependence and physical withdrawal. Individuals that become addicted to alcohol often require professional alcohol detox to safely overcome the addiction.

Benefits of Physician Counseling for Alcohol Use Disorder

Although more research is necessary before the task force can fully attest as to the benefits of modest physician counseling or potential drawbacks of screening patients for alcohol use disorders, current data suggests that there are zero risks associated with such interventional treatment by physicians.

In fact, the only possible drawbacks found are related to the possible stigma related to drinking habits and differences between doctors in establishing clear guidelines as to what they consider to be “unhealthy habits.” Likewise, patients may feel that the intimacy of the patient-doctor relationship suffers as a result of the alcohol risk assessment, but the potential for this outcome hardly negates the recommendations imposed.

Early detection of alcohol use disorder, or potentially risky alcohol use, especially in pregnant women, leads to reduced unhealthy alcohol use and improved behaviors. As such, the USPSTF has found that brief behavioral counseling interventions in adults that screen positive for risky or unhealthy alcohol use increases the likelihood that alcohol use is reduced. Furthermore, in cases of pregnant women, counseling interventions increase the likelihood that women abstain from alcohol use during pregnancy.

Should Young Artists Be Encouraged or Discouraged?

Sonia Pantiss
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Should Young Artists Be Encouraged or Discouraged?

In nearly all issues of art magazines, there is usually an article or two about an artist’s success story or an upcoming artist who narrates their journey through the world of art.

Sadly, it is usually the case the almost each of these artists seems to have received some discouragement from pursuing art at one time or another in their lives. No matter the level of talent or enthusiasm the young artist exhibited, there was always one or more people, sometimes even an art teacher, parent, counselor, who vehemently discouraged any idea of becoming an artist whenever they became of age.

Why Does This Happen?

Sometimes, even if children have artistic parents, they usually get discouraged from even the thought of becoming an artist. Children are so thoroughly dissuaded from the arts such that even after years of college struggles in choosing a major, they never even consider art as an option.

However, it is not clear why many non-artists (and even artists) are quick at discouraging someone that it is impossible to do art for a living, and it is a sure path to poverty and anguish.

Even though it is a difficult path, there are also numerous other paths in life that are difficult. For instance, being a doctor is not a piece of cake. Medical school is very difficult. It requires many years, costs an arm and a foot, and leaves the student stressed up due to a huge debt burden. Moreover, this does not even take into account the internship done after graduating. However, parents never discourage their children from becoming doctors.

The reason is that they believe, being a doctor is a guarantee for employment and a lump sum salary. On the contrary, they imagine that all artists are poor and that art is for those who never made it academically. Statistically speaking, more doctors earn better than artists. There are also doctors who struggle financially, and there are artists who are doing quite well.

Are There Some Parents Who Discourage White-Collar Careers?

There are very few to no parents who ever discourage their children from becoming doctors, lawyers, pilots, engineers, etc. They find it a source of pride for parents whenever their children partake in such courses. However, having y0our son or daughter grow up to become an artist is a fact to be ashamed of.

Some students graduate from college with degrees in “prestigious” traditional colleges. Nevertheless, after a few months, or even years they come to an epiphany that a particular career just not just cut it for them. They undergo much frustration as they try to find something they can enjoy.

It reaches a point whereby they finally quit their jobs and pursue their artistic passions. Most parents normally respond with shock and deep concern for their children. Even art teachers are not left out of this too. They usually believe that someone who takes art as a career can either become a teacher or a starving artist.

Every day we constantly witness success stories of artists who managed to make it to a certain extent despite all odds whether it is in still life, landscape, portrait art, etc. what’s more, they are earning considerably well while still undertaking jobs they are passionate about.

Fortunately, some parents understand and support whatever their child aspires to become. They will even facilitate the process by:

  • Availing the requisite material
  • Facilitating networking
  • Giving information about relevant educational events

This is the right action to take as a parent. They should emphasize the importance of passion and effort in whatever one does. This is a surefire way of attaining success in any endeavor. Even when you want to become good at writing an essay, you need to put in the requisite effort and continuously practice until you perfect your writing aptitude.

Any time someone reads a story about a successful artist who made it despite all odds, they should contemplate how life would have been if they gave up the pursuit. There are also numerous other potential artists out there who listened to discouragements given by parents, teachers, peers, and others. Right now they are working unhappily in some dead-end jobs they seriously hate. The world has been denied their art, whereas they have been denied their dreams. This makes them live a life of utter dissatisfaction.

Therefore, it is important to allow children to discover their natural strengths and work on them. By discouraging them, you might end up destroying a dream.

3 Must-Have Safety Features for Your Car

Clyde K. Valle
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3 Must-Have Safety Features for Your Car

Imagine your life without a car. Hard to imagine, isn’t it?

Cars make our life simple, comfortable, and more efficient. However, cars come with their own hazards. Globally, close to 3,700 people meet their untimely death through road traffic accidents.

You read that right: a whopping 3,700 individuals.

If you have a family, the risks are even much higher. When it comes to the death of children and young adults between the ages of 5 to 29 years, road traffic accidents are the foremost cause. If you’ve ever experienced a road accident or you know anyone who has been in a road accident, you know how harrowing and devastating such experiences can be.

Thus, any feature that can ensure your car is safe should not be sneered at. Such measures should be wholeheartedly embraced and implemented. Here are three such measures (accessories).

Auto Emergency Braking

Cars with an Auto Emergency Braking (AEB) are 38% less likely to collide with another car. That’s how efficient an AEB feature is.

An AEB feature slows down your car or completely stops it in the event of a looming accident. It works by alerting the driver of an impending crash, but if the driver fails to take action, the AEB feature takes over and brings the car to a halt.

So, when you decide to purchase a new car, make sure you find a car that has an AEB fitted. For various manufacturers, an AEB feature may have another name. For instance, with Mazda, it is called the Smart City Brake Support while Mitsubishi calls it the Forward Collision Mitigation.  Check with your car manufacturer or retailer to ensure your car has an AEB feature.

Ignition Interlock Device

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, someone is injured in a drunk-driving crash every 90 seconds. This makes DUI related offenses one of the leading causes of road traffic crashes.

There have been various measures implemented to curb drunk driving, particularly license suspensions. However, the most effective way to curtail drunk driving is to use an Ignition interlock device. The device is a car breathalyzer that controls a vehicle’s ignition.

The driver, before starting a car, would be required to provide a breath sample through the mouthpiece of the ignition interlock device. Once the sample returns a breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) value beyond the stipulated value (0.02 for most states in the U.S), the car will not start.

While ignition interlock devices are often mandated for people who have been convicted of drunk-driving, it is also very beneficial for any ordinary driver.

Driver Fatigue Monitoring

Driver fatigue or drowsiness is a major cause of road accidents.

Using a unique pupil identification technique, the feature analyzes the behavior of a driver’s eyes and predicts if the driver is getting drowsy and not in the state to drive.

While the specifics differ by brands, this feature usually comes with WiFi, GPS, and built-in infrared light. If there is any aberration in driving behavior (including calls, tiredness, anxiety, smoking), sound and light alarms will go off. The Driver Fatigue Monitoring tool is especially useful for long journeys.

Wrapping Up

Your life is precious. With car accidents among the leading causes of deaths globally, it is imperative that everyone takes measures to ensure their cars are safe.

Fitting your car with devices such as ignition interlock device and auto emergency braking and making sure your airbags are always functional are crucial ways to keep your car – and more importantly, yourself and your family – safe.

5 effective tips for choosing a diamond necklace that will last

Lisa.Felice
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5 effective tips for choosing a diamond necklace that will last

 A diamond necklace has been a darling of fashion for eons and is considered a sign of elegance and sophistication. This piece of ornament occupies such a special place in every woman’s heart as it brings out her stylishness in a way that nothing else could possibly do. A diamond necklace is a must-have accessory for any event whether formal or informal as its transformative nature is unmatched.

These necklaces come in various shapes and styles which ranges from a simple diamond dangling off a chain to heavier multi-diamond cluster necklaces. This guide offers five effective tips that will help will choose the perfect necklace that will suit you or your loved one.

Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay
  1. The size of the diamond matters

This is an essential starting point as it set the pace for other consideration as you choose your necklace. In essence, the piece should not be too small that a one has to squint to see it, neither should it be too big to overshadow everything else in your outfit. The weight and size of the necklace should match the style and fashion of the woman wearing it in that a smaller diamond will resonate with an introverted woman who wants to keep her fashion taste at minimal.

2. Consider the length of your chain

You can choose between choker necklaces and full-length diamond necklaces. A choker is more popular especially with individuals who have long necks as it tends to put more emphasis on their elegant neckline and also focus on the face. A shorter woman can complement her outfit wearing a choker which is between 18 and 24 inches as it will lengthen her appearance and make her appear taller. The same rule should apply to plus size individuals. 

An older woman will feel more comfortable wearing a longer necklace as more focus will be directed on the necklace instead of her neck or face. A dangling pendant can serve to divert attention from the facial area.

Image by Steven Yu from Pixabay

3. Quality of diamond in the necklace

This factor will highly depend on your preference and the status of your pocket. The most important features in a diamond are color, clarity, cut and carat weight. It is generally recommended that if you choose clarity or color of an inferior grade, decide on an excellent- graded cut. A high-cut stone is more lively and appears more brilliant. It will also compensate for all other faults.

In a nutshell, if you are operating on a tight budget, it is advisable to work with smaller diamonds. Bigger diamonds of low quality will have more pronounced imperfections.

4. Facial shape

The shape of the face of the recipient will indicate the perfect necklace that will suit her. Round-faced women will look great in longer diamond necklaces as this will help achieve a lengthening effect. Short chokers tend to amplify the roundness of their faces.  Oval faces will look elegant in any length necklace.

5. Your wardrobe

This is a point that cannot be overlooked. Your closet dictates largely the type of necklace that will rest on your neck.  For instance, a longer chain is preferred when wearing clothing that covers the neck for instance turtle necks or sweaters. It is important to note that this applies differently to shorter women.

Conclusion

Necklaces have been an integral part of jewelry since time immemorial. Any woman who wants a touch of refinement in her outfit will find this classic necklace a must-have in her jewelry collection. The various styles of these necklaces give one a wide variety of choice to choose a piece that suits her tastes and preferences. Women should always consider their facial structure and type of neck before purchasing a necklace. A diamond necklace is a pricey but worthy investment and should be chosen wisely. The above-given tips are meant to help you purchase a piece that will ensure you get value for your money

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