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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

All You Need to Know About Learning Data Science with Python

Nancy Clayson
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All You Need to Know About Learning Data Science with Python

Whether you’re an aspiring data scientist or you’re already a data scientist looking to expand your skill set, know that the knowledge of Python is an essential skill in the field of data science. Python has become the preferred language in data analysis over the last few years, and it’s mainly due to its ease of learning and the fact that it is hugely time saving during application, though those are not the only reasons. Listed below are five reasons Data Science with Python training is essential for every data scientist. But, before we get to the why of learning this programming language, let’s understand what Python is.

What is Python?

Python is a versatile programming language that supports functional programming, structured programming, and also object Oriented programming. The versatility of this language is what makes it a good choice for data scientists. Python enables developers to create codes in a modular style and the codes can be reused as well, since Python supports the use of modules and packages.

Image by Johnson Martin from Pixabay

Python is a simple and easy to learn programming language. It requires the use of a unique syntax which supports readability. It’s also a low-cost programming language. Python’s interpreter and standard library are available free of cost in binary and source form.

Python for Data Scientists

According to the Indeed Data Science skills report of April 2019, Python is among the top skills employers look for in data scientists, along with machine learning and SQL and Hadoop.Having these top skills not only boosts your resume but also gives you the chances of earning a higher salary. According to LinkedIn, data scientists with an updated skillset make an average of $107,000 a year.

Here are the top five reasons why you should take data science with Python training.

Scalable

Python is more scalable than R, making it more and more popular across various industries. It is also faster than Matlab and Sata. YouTube is one platform that uses Python because of its flexibility in problem solving situations.

Compatible with Hadoop

Python is compatible with Hadoop, the most popular open-source big data platform. The PyDoop package offers access to HDFS API for Hadoop, allowing programmers to write Hadoop MapReduce programs and applications. HDFS API allows you to connect to HDFS installation, which makes it easy to read, write, and get information on global file system properties, directories, and files.

Easy to Learn

Python is easy to learn for non-programmers too, compared to other programming languages. Due to its readable code, large online community, and varied learning resources, Python is a good choice to start learning programming language.

Extensive data science libraries

Python has over 72,000 libraries in the Python Package Index, making it popular among aspiring candidates. These libraries are upgraded regularly. Most of the libraries in Python are available for data analysis. Here are some of them.

  • NumPy: The library has a number of high-level mathematical functions that operate on multidimensional arrays and matrices.
  • SciPy:  It works in association with NumPy arrays and has routines for numerical integration and upgradation.
  • Matplotlib: This is a 2D plotting library which contains data visualizations in the form of histograms, bar charts, and scatterplots with minimal coding lines.

Online Python Community

Python has increased its reach in the world of data science and a large number of volunteers are developing Python libraries. Due to this, it’s possible to develop advanced tools and processes in Python.

Which Skills Will You Learn?

Python is simple to learn, making it an ideal learning language for beginners. Read on to know which other skills you will learn with the data science with Python course.

  1. You will get an in-depth understanding of data science processes, like data wrangling, data exploration, data visualization, and hypotheses building & testing.
  2. You will be enabled to perform high-level mathematical calculations using the NumPy package.
  3. You will gain expertise in machine learning using the Scikit-Learn package.
  4. You will Understand how to use supervised and unsupervised learning models, such as linear regression, logistic regression, clustering, K-NN, and pipeline.
  5. You will gain the knowledge to extract useful data from the websites with the help of web scraping using Python.
  6. You will gain the ability to perform scientific and technical computing with SciPy package and its sub packages, like Integrate, Optimize, IO and Wave.

Data Science Is an Ever Expanding Field

Expanding consumerism has caused a surge in the demand for data scientists. Knowing the coding and programming tools and when to utilize their strengths to get the most out of your analysis is essential for a data scientist. Python is a popular programming language in data science, and a working knowledge of this language will give you a stepping stone to start your career as a data scientist.

How to Handle Job Termination The Right Way

Nancy Clayson
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How to Handle Job Termination The Right Way

With the sudden downturn in the economy and a slowdown in economic growth along with rising unemployment levels, a ‘churn’ has been observed in most of the jobs in the market. This is applicable even at the “C” level positions, which include managerial (chief) staff, such as CEO or CFO, etc. People are voluntarily shifting from one job to another for small wage-gains and to seek a job before getting sacked from their own jobs. However, if you are being sacked for any past criminal offense, you should immediately consult the Houston criminal defense lawyer.  

Signs of Termination                              

If you are still working with a company despite the economic downturn, and have been delivering above-average performance for quite a few years now, a sudden change of events could leave you nowhere if you are not prepared. Remaining alert and keeping an eye on some of the signs that might point toward the possible termination of your contract in the near future is the first step toward getting yourself ready for any such situation. These signs could be anything that has not been a trend in the past. For example, if you are not called to a staff meeting to discuss an important project, or not invited to a company-sponsored event unlike your colleagues, or if you are not given as much workload as you were given in the past, – and if it forms a pattern – then you should consider it an alarming signal for a possible redundancy that might occur in the near future.

How to Prepare Yourself?

You should always be prepared beforehand lest something happen which is not in your favor. According to HR professionals, there are two significant dates, which you should regard as a ‘turning point’ in your career in a situation where the worst could happen. These are January 1st and July 4th. These two are the holidays between which you should take time out to review and update your résumé, pay close attention to what is going on in the labor market and the industry that you are affiliated with by scanning the newspapers and watching the news. Asking around and getting in touch with a former colleague who is working in your target company, and keeping yourself updated on the performance of all the companies you are aiming for certainly helps during such a time.

Update Your Resume and Plan Ahead of Time

An important aspect that I mentioned previously is to have an up-to-date résumé at all times. You never know when you might need it. Instead of wondering why things are going the way they are and waiting for the moment you are forced to leave your job in search of a better opportunity, you should be ready to tackle anything beforehand by having a definite plan of action and a revised résumé to present before a prospective employer. Always have a plan about what you are going to do in the worst situations. What jobs to search for if you are terminated, the CV that you are going to present, etc. Moreover, revise and make changes in that plan as necessitated by the prevailing circumstances.

Many people got downsized as a result of the economic downturn. However, they made a mistake of not being prepared for the situation and often waited for months before landing a new job or even beginning to search for it. This made the situation worse than it already had been. In such a scenario, there is another useful tip. Along with having an updated résumé, have your references ready, and make sure that they recommend you positively for your targeted position.                

Mental Health and Your Children

Kathryn R. Bown
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Mental Health and Your Children

The moment that you have your first child, your world changes. Suddenly, there is a new center of the universe and a new top priority. You want to give your son or daughter the best life possible, and you want to keep them happy, healthy, and connected to you and the rest of your family.

Raising a healthy child means regular visits to the pediatrician, healthy foods, opportunities for games and exercise, and all of the other things that you’re careful to provide in order to care for your child’s physical health. But, as you may well realize, physical health isn’t everything: We also need to care for the mental health of our children.

Caring for your child’s mind

Just as with physical health, achieving great mental health requires good everyday decisions. In fact, your child’s mental health relies on many of the same things that his or her physical health does. A great diet, plenty of exercise, and regular sleep patterns are all good for a person’s mental health, just as they are for a person’s physical health.

The support of a loving family matters enormously, too. Bring your family together for meals and other moments — and be a good example of work-life balance by taking family vacations. Heading down to Florida may not seem like a mental health treatment, but experts say that it actually is. There’s a ton of evidence to support that a relaxing day on the beach and a West Palm Beach sunset cruise can actually calm us down, lower our stress levels, make us happier (and even physically healthier), and return us to our daily lives feeling recharged and being measurably more productive at school or work.

Another key to great mental health is communication, and that’s particularly important to parents and children. Your child isn’t going to go set up his or her own mental health care appointment and drive him or herself there. You need to know what is going on in his or her head. Encourage healthy communication and know how to get your child to open up, so that you have a better chance of identifying mental health issues early instead of finding out later that your child hid them from you.

What to do when things go wrong

Mental health and physical health have a lot in common, but we don’t always recognize that. We can keep our child eating healthy foods and exercising, yet we won’t be surprised if our child comes down with a physical ailment. Can we appreciate the same truth about mental health?

The fact of the matter is that, while there is much that you can and should do to care for your child’s mental health, you can’t control everything. Mental health issues are very common, even among children, and especially among teens. If your child shows symptoms of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other common problems, don’t take it personally or blame yourself, but do take it seriously.

In situations like these, experts say, you should seek professional help. Seek out mental health care providers like psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists. Consider inpatient rehab, too, such as Polaris adolescent residential treatment centers for mental health issues. Sometimes, getting your child away from difficult situations and familiar settings can help enormously.

Just like physical health, mental health requires regular care. Also like physical health, it sometimes requires us to go to the doctor. When you make mental health a priority in your family, you’ll help your children live the life you want for them.

Favorite Movies to Top the Box Office this Summer

Sonia Pantiss
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Favorite Movies to Top the Box Office this Summer

Summer of 2019 is loaded with potential Box Office ‘breakers’.

But which summer films will lead the pack with regards to box office success? Avengers: Endgame is the fasted movie to gross over $2 Billion in history. It’s also on the verge of beating out Avatar as the top-grossing movie of all time. For the sake of making this article truly about the summer box office, we are excluding Endgame as it was released on April 26th, which is by no means, ‘summer’, even though some are including it because its success will hold it in theatres well into the summer months.

Top sites like bovada will have lines on this matter, so we’ll look to them for guidance on our predictions.

On the Marquee

OK, even though the official start of summer is June 21st, we’ll include any movie released after June 1st. June is basically what we consider summer, despite what official northern hemisphere dates say.

Our Expected Top Movies in the Box Office:

June 7th – Dark Phoenix

June 24 – Toy Story 4 & Child’s Play

July 5th – Spider-Man: Far from Home

July 19th – The Lion King

July 25th -Once Upon A Time in Hollywood

Aug 2nd -Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw

Let’s go backward.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood +1400

Although this may end up being one of the best movies this summer, that doesn’t mean it is going to outgross certain other that have a particular type of draw … eg.  less awesome plot, structure, and well-written dialogue and more explosions. This flick has the makings to be phenomenal. With Leo, Brad, and Margot the characters are bound to be amazing. That said, It probably won’t gross more than 50 million dollars in its opening weekend.

Dark Phoenix +1400

Sansa Stark (sorry Sophie Turner) as Jean Grey? This is going to be pretty cool. However, the film lacks the hype surrounding other summertime X-men releases. So it’s doubtful that it will break the 90 million mark in its opening weekend. Like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, it shares the longest odds of the bunch to have the most profitable opening weekend.

Fast and Furious Presents Hobbs and Shaw +800

It’s not the Fast and the Furious, but the Fast and the Furious ‘Presents’ … Just adding that word will help it to earn less than its actual non-spin-off counterparts. Sure it has Statham and Johnson … but it will be lucky to pass the 100 million mark in its first couple of days.

Toy Story 4 +500

Wait … Toy Story 4 has better odds than a Fast and Furious production? Yes. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the fourth installment of Toy Story go well north of 100 million on opening weekend. Toy Story 3 did better than both the original and sequel combined, so this franchise seems to be getting better as it progresses.

Alongside Toy Story, Child’s Play is opening, which provides no real competition. Although the Child’s Play reboot may be a fun horror flick, it shouldn’t gross more than 40 million upon opening and being of a totally different genre, is no real threat to the Tom Hanks classic.

Spider-Man: Far from Home +400

The fact that this is a living, breathing part of the Avengers saga with latest Spider-Man getting his own time in the spotlight, will help this film bring home the bacon. This installment should far surpass its other Marvel sibling, Dark Phoenix and push past the 150 million dollar mark.

The Lion King -125

The Lion King will rule the box office. It is, after all, the Lion King children since the early ’90s have loved this ‘instant-classic’ Disney cartoon and now they are doing it more in CGI/film fashion. Apparently, this will be a scene for scene re-adaptation that closely follows the original. Everything about this production, from its release date to the hands involved in its making screams winner, winner, chicken dinner. 200 million dollar opening weekend? Probably with some change to spare.

Netflix and Chill: Top 5 Rainy Day Movies

Dana R
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Netflix and Chill: Top 5 Rainy Day Movies

It’s raining it’s pouring the old man is … annoyedly clicking “Still Watching” on his streaming service. That’s probably more in line with the times than the old nursery rhyme.

And why not? It’s great to curl up and relax on a dreary day. These rainy day movies will help keep you entertained until the sun decides to come back out. 

1. A Wrinkle in Time

If you’re looking for something with some of the most powerful female actors ever, watch this. Oprah, Mindy Kaling, and Reese Witherspoon all-star.

It’s a semi sci-fi-like tale, though that wasn’t a term back when the book was written. It’s suspenseful, thoughtful, and full of vibrant imagery. It’s got flawless CGI and special effects editing and you may just cry once or twice.

But cry in a good way!

Young man and woman in bed watching tv and eating pop corn

2. Clueless

If you want something light, classic, and funny but that you’ll still want to pay attention to – watch the 1995 film Clueless. It stars people we didn’t know would be big stars back then, like Alicia Silverstone and Stacey Dash.

The comedy details a set of rich Beverly Hills girls and their blessed but drama-filled life. Some say the comedy is a loose take on the 1815 novel Emma, by Jane Austen.

It’s fun, there are great catchy lines in it, and it’ll send you down nostalgia road. Just don’t expect it to be the high-quality filmmaking you’re used to. It was filmed back when most people still didn’t have cell phones.

3. Goodfellas

If you want something a bit darker but still classic, what about the American Crime film Goodfellas? It’s about three men, one who gets involved in the mob, and some who were born into it.

You get to see both sides, how the activity affects the families, and what it’s like to work for “The Family”. There are some murder scenes in this one, so it’s not great for kids.

It’s not gruesome, but it’s intense at times. As far as filmmaking goes, it’s older than Clueless, as it was made in 1990, so don’t expect any CGI or green screen effects.

4. Casablanca

If you’re having a dreary day and want something that will keep the mood mild but also make you cry because of romance, this is the classic for you.

It’s filmed in black and white, which goes perfectly with the tones of a dark rainy day. In the movie, our heroine runs into an old flame while in town wither her new husband.

Her husband is a bit of a troublemaker and she needs her old flame to help them out of trouble. But will the pull of the old flame be too much? Will they escape in time? It’s old Hollywood glam and drama with a side of romance.

You can find it on most streaming sites, like IPTV. What is IPTV? You’ll find out.

Rainy Day Movies

When it comes to rainy day movies, are you more of a feel-good flick person or do you want something equally dark and scary as the storm?

We lean towards the first option, but a good thriller always gives, well, a thrill.

Interested in learning about the top car movies? We’ll give you the top 10 here.

New Calls for President Trump’s Impeachment as Ex-White House Counsel Skips Congress Hearing

Diane A. Wade
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New Calls for President Trump’s Impeachment as Ex-White House Counsel Skips Congress Hearing

New calls for President Donald Trump’s impeachment came from House Democrats, after former White House counsel Donald McGahn failed to appear before Congress despite a subpoena.

Donald McGahn skipped a hearing on May 21 about the Mueller report.

In an extraordinary move, President Trump has vowed to block all subpoenas of his current and former staff.

House Judiciary Committee chairman Jerry Nadler said after the failed hearing: “Our subpoenas are not optional.”

“Let me be clear: this committee will hear Mr. McGahn’s testimony, even if we have to go to court to secure it,” he said.

The Trump administration claims that the report by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, into allegations of Russian collusion and obstruction of justice, cleared him of wrongdoing, and that there are no further questions to answer.

It also claims that staff cannot legally be compelled to testify, but Jerry Nadler said he would hold Donald McGahn in contempt and pursue other means of compelling testimony.

“We will hold this president accountable, one way or the other,” he said.

President Trump Describes Robert Mueller Inquiry as “An Attempted Coup”

Robert Mueller Report: “Trump Campaign Did Not Conspire with Russia”

On May 2, President Trump responded on Twitter, arguing that he had “allowed everyone to testify” to Robert Mueller’s team, and accusing the Democrats of seeking a “do-over” of the special counsel investigation.

Democratic Party leaders have so far held off pressure from their lawmakers to begin impeachment proceedings, and the party is divided over the merits of the move, but the pressure is growing as the president stonewalls congressional inquiries.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi scheduled a party meeting on May 22 to discuss the issue.

Both the Department of Justice and White House released statements on May 20 arguing that Donald McGahn was under no obligation to give evidence.

According to a letter sent to House Judiciary Committee, Donald McGahn was “absolutely immune from compelled Congressional testimony”. Donald McGahn, who served as White House counsel for nearly two years under President Trump before his resignation in October 2018, said he would respect the president’s instruction not to appear.

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders accused Democrats of pushing for “a wasteful and unnecessary do-over” of the Mueller report.

Citing the justice department guidance, Sanders said: “The former counsel to the president cannot be forced to give such testimony, and Mr. McGahn has been directed to act accordingly.”

In the wake of Donald McGahn’s failure to appear, Jerry Nadler announced he had issued subpoenas to former White House Communications Director Hope Hicks and Annie Donaldson, McGahn’s former chief of staff.

According to a New York Times report, Democratic lawmakers and aides were examining possible rules changes to allow the House to fine people held in contempt, as well as other means to break the impasse.

Formula 1 Legend Niki Lauda Dies Aged 70

Clyde K. Valle
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Formula 1 Legend Niki Lauda Dies Aged 70

Formula 1 legend Niki Lauda has died at the age of 70.

The three-time world champion, who underwent a lung transplant in August 2018, “passed away peacefully” on May 20, his family announced.

“His unique achievements as an athlete and entrepreneur are and will remain unforgettable, his tireless zest for action, his straightforwardness and his courage remain a role model and a benchmark for all of us,” his family’s statement said.

Niki Lauda, one of the best-known figures in motor racing, took the title for Ferrari in 1975 and 1977 and McLaren in 1984.

For many, the legendary Austrian will be remembered for his remarkable recovery and return to racing after being badly burned in a crash in the 1976 German Grand Prix.

A new generation of fans was introduced to Niki Lauda in the acclaimed 2013 film Rush, which detailed his rivalry with British driver James Hunt, the 1976 world champion.

Image source: Wikimedia

Michael Schumacher health status: F1 champion faces long fight for recovery one year after skiing accident

Niki Lauda, who was born in Vienna in February 1949, was a motor racing legend who went on to be a successful businessman following his retirement from the sport.

However, the Austrian was probably best-known for surviving a crash during the 1976 season which left him scarred for life.

On August 1, 1976, one year after winning his first title, Niki Lauda suffered third-degree burns to his head and face and inhaled toxic gases that damaged his lungs after his vehicle burst into flames at Nurburgring.

Niki Lauda was given the last rites in hospital but made an almost miraculous recovery and returned to racing, still bandaged, just 40 days later.

After his career as a racing driver, Niki Lauda became an airline entrepreneur and, most recently, a non-executive chairman for the Formula 1 Mercedes team, instrumental in bringing in British driver Lewis Hamilton, who has won five world championships.

However, ill health followed him into his later years and he underwent a lung transplant last year.

Niki Lauda had previously had two kidney transplants, the second donated in 2005 by his then-girlfriend Birgit Wetzinger, a former flight attendant for his airline whom he married in 2008.

In January 2019, he spent 10 days in hospital while suffering from influenza.

Niki Lauda leaves behind his wife, their twins born in 2009, and three sons from previous relationships.

Christchurch Mosques Attacker Charged with Terrorism in New Zealand

Roy Siemens
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Christchurch Mosques Attacker Charged with Terrorism in New Zealand

Brenton Tarrant, who was accused of killing 51 people in New Zealand’s Christchurch mosques attack has been charged with terrorism, police have said.

The Australian was charged with “engaging in a terrorist act”, police said in a statement on May 21.

Brenton Tarrant is already facing charges of murder and 40 of attempted murder following the 15th of March attack on two mosques in the South Island city.

He is next due in court in June.

It is the first time a person has been charged in New Zealand with an act of terror under this law.

New Zealand Police – who met with victims’ families and other survivors to inform them of the charge before it was announced – said they consulted with legal experts and prosecutors before deciding to lay the additional charge.

On March 15, 50 people lost their lives in the shootings at two mosques in Christchurch. One died in hospital later.

New Zealand Mosque Attack: 49 Killed and 48 Wounded in Country’s Deadliest Attack

The Christchurch attack was New Zealand’s deadliest mass shooting and brought an outpouring grief and support for the victims and their families.

Two weeks after the attack, more than 20,000 people gathered for a memorial service to honor those who lost their lives.

Last month, New Zealand’s parliament voted to ban military-style semi-automatic weapons to prevent any such thing happening again.

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is spearheading an effort to get world’s governments and tech companies to improve their efforts to tackle extremist content online.

The “Christchurch Call” was launched in response to the suspect live-streaming the attack, which was then watched many thousands of times.

The call has already been backed by Australia, India, Germany and Sweden, as well as tech giants Google, Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft and Twitter. However, the US declined to take part.

Jumpstarting Your Very Own Shopping Business Online

Clyde K. Valle
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Jumpstarting Your Very Own Shopping Business Online

Many people dream of becoming an entrepreneur – having their own shop to sell clothes, shoes, bags and other stuff. It is a good business which can be a stable source of income. However, not many can afford the big capital required to start a store. Budget is indeed a big factor but what if we tell you that there’s a way to fulfill this dream without having to spend too much money to start with? The answer to this is the internet. You can start your shopping business online without needing big money as capital. We will share some tips on how to start a shopping business online.

  1. Come up with a winning business plan – of course you need a plan before you start your business. What are you planning to sell on your website? Do you want to sell shoes, bags, clothes and apparels or do you plan to offer other goods like baked goods or probably handmade jewelries other products? It is important to know what you will offer.
  2. Choose a remarkable domain name – your website is going to be your virtual shop thus you need to come up with a name that can be remembered by users immediately. It is best if they can easily name your site when someone asks them where they purchased what they purchased on your site.
  3. Choose reliable hosting site – It is important that your site is always up and running especially during peak hours wherein many people are browsing and potentially shopping. You should make sure to choose a web hosting site that has good reputation of having zero to low down time and with easy to contact support team.
  4. Have an SSL certificate – SSL certificate allows safe connection between your site and users’ browser. This gives confidence to users that their details are safe on your website.
  5. Design a layout that is easy to navigation – you should ensure that visitors can easily navigate your site. For example, you should immediately show them options where they should go or what they should click from homepage to go to this page or that page. Online users do not want complicated websites.
  6. Provide various payment options – it is also good practice to provide various payment options like Visa, MasterCard, direct bank transfer or 3rd party payment options like PayPal, Neteller, Skrill and others. This makes things a lot easier for customers.
  7. Publish a thorough and easy to follow step-by-step guidelines – another thing to remember is to come up with an easy step by step guide for new users on your site. You should have a guide that they can use so they know how to register, place order, pay and so on and so forth.
  8. Provide a customer hotline or support email or chat – lastly, you should provide a support contact details that users can contact in case they have questions or enquiries.

These tips will help you start your very own online shopping site and eventually fulfill your dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur. Just like in running a land-based business, you should work hard and be patient. Sometimes it can take a while before the business grows and starts earning so don’t lose focus.

US to Lift Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Imports from Canada

Clyde K. Valle
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US to Lift Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Imports from Canada

The US has decided to lift tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada in a move that could lead to approval for a new North American trade deal.

In a joint statement, the US and Canada announced that a 25% tariff on steel imports, and of 10% on aluminum, will end in 48 hours.

It is widely expected the US and Mexico will make a similar announcement soon.

In 2018, the US implemented the tariffs on grounds of “national security”.

Under the new agreement, there will be no quotas on how much steel or aluminum the three countries buy from overseas.

However, the US and Canada will monitor imports and if a country is determined to be buying in too much, one of the other nations can request a consultation and potentially re-impose tariffs.

Image source: Pexels

Getting rid of the tariffs is viewed as a key hurdle to approval for the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) trade deal which was signed in 2018. It replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement.

USMCA: US and Canada Reach New Trade Deal Replacing NAFTA

Providing that Washington and Mexico City also announce an agreement to lift levies on steel and aluminum, the US, Mexico and Canada will ask their respective governments to ratify USMCA.

It also targeted US farm goods as well as items like tomato ketchup and household products.

On May 17, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau said: “These tariffs were harming workers and consumers on both sides of the border. As we look at moving forward with the new NAFTA, it didn’t make a lot of sense to continue to have tariffs on steel and aluminum between our countries.”

EU steel and aluminum exports to the US are still subject to the tariffs, but there has been some good news for trade relations between the two.

On May 17, President Donald Trump delayed a decision on whether to impose levies on cars and car part imports.

The White House has put back the decision by six months to allow more time for trade talks with the EU and Japan.

Tariffs of up to 25% on imported cars and car parts were under consideration.

A report by the Commerce Department claimed that imports of foreign-made cars and auto parts into the US were a threat to national security.

The report has not been published, but in his announcement President Trump cited its findings which conclude that US carmakers are missing out on revenues to invest in research and development (R&D).

The announcement said: “The lag in R&D expenditures by American-owned producers is weakening innovation and, accordingly, threatening to impair our national security.”

President Trump said he agreed with the study’s finding that imported cars and trucks were “weakening our internal economy”.

The deal with Canada, as well as the delay in higher tariffs on EU and Japanese cars and auto parts, come at a critical time for the US and China – the world’s two biggest economies.

Senior living costs get lower as middle income seniors struggle

Nancy Clayson
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Senior living costs get lower as middle income seniors struggle

According to data recently released by national senior living referral service, A Place for Mom, the rates for independent living and assisted living have remained relatively steady compared to general real estate value and inflation.

“Construction of new facilities has also led to lower occupancy rates and stable pricing for senior care home operators,” Sue Johansen, vice president of partner services with A Place for Mom, told USA Today. “As competition increases between facilities, facilities have pushed to attract residents with deals and options.”

According to A Place for Moms, the fasted growing areas for assisted living communities include Minneapolis, Portland, and Los Angeles.

This comes during an important time when, according to another report from Health Affairs, middle income seniors are having serious trouble affording private living. On the other hand, they don’t qualify for subsidized nursing home care without being forced to spend down their assets. This group of “forgotten middle” includes retired teachers, government workers, and first responders.

“This is a cohort that hasn’t been paid much attention to,” Beth Burnham Mace, coauthor of the report, told the Boston Globe. “These are people who provided amazing services to society, and it’s important that there’s housing and care they can afford.”

Unaffordable houses, combined with an increase in spend among seniors who retire, only further complicates the easy. Studies have found that many seniors are taking advantage of new activities that they wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise, and filling their new non-workdays by spending more than normal. In fact, one study by the Employee Benefit Research Institute found that 45.9% of households spent more than what they had spent before retirement.

Better government response and private sector attention will help steer results in a positive direction. Today, developers can find an architecture company that specializes in assisted living development. Design strategies should increase the comfort and safety for senior citizens, help to enhance the quality of life for the senior population, and incorporate creative solutions that take their physical capabilities into consideration. And most importantly, they should be more accessible to seniors of all income classes.

“It’s still a very good real estate market for most of the country and many seniors who move into senior living are liquidating real estate to do that,” Johansen said. “So you’re selling at a high time but getting in at a time when rates are pretty stable and promotional activity is aggressive. All of those factors combine to create the perfect storm in terms of timing for families to make that decision.”

FinTech Primed to Challenge the Big Bank Monopoly

Dana R
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FinTech Primed to Challenge the Big Bank Monopoly

When dreaming of the lottery, even a cash prize of a few million isn’t easy to comprehend. A billion would be even harder. But a trillion? The average person just can’t handle a number that big.

Now try to conceptualize $13.5 trillion. That’s enough to send everyone in the U.S. to their local state college for a four-year degree and still have some left over.

It’s also how much money the 15 largest banks in America hold in assets. Of that cohort, just five manage half of it: Bank of America, Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, US Bancorp, and Wells Fargo. Until recently, their hold over American wallets had gone unrivalled.

But as FinTech companies grow in scope, new challengers step up to disrupt the grip these Big Banks have over the industry — and consumers like you stand to benefit the most out of this change.

What is FinTech?

FinTech is short for Financial Technology and describes any technology that supports financial services. As a result, it’s a pretty broad term. Even the abacuses of yesteryear technically fit the bill, as do the automatic calculations the Big Banks use when completing transactions.

In 2019, FinTech means something more advanced than helpful back-end functions. It describes a subset of financial companies that offer front-facing services to customers.

FinTech represents a varied group of companies

The headlines make certain parts of the FinTech corner stand out more than others. Bitcoin often makes a splash in the news. The latest drama surrounds now dead CEO of Quadriga Gerald Cotton. He kept $145 million in a cold wallet no one can hack, leaving more than 100,000 investors out of luck.

Before this, it was Elon Musk thinking out loud on a podcast, saying crypto is the currency of the future. And before that, most new sites debated whether crypto is a reliable way to invest your money.

If you’re unfamiliar with the industry, it would be easy to equate all FinTech with Bitcoin because of the focus it’s under. While crypto is one of the most theatrical examples of FinTech, not all FinTech is crypto.

Mobile banks make it cheaper to manage your money

Some FinTech companies offer relatively humble services compared to Quadriga. There are mobile banks that take your day-to-day banking experience out of the branch and onto your phone, tablet, or laptop, so you can deposit a check with your camera or transfer funds to a friend.

Because they don’t have the overhead costs of physical locations, most mobile banks eliminate the common banking fees and restrictions the biggest banks place on their services. While you may have to pay as much as $15 in monthly fees to keep a basic checking account with one of the big banks, FinTech scraps these fees altogether.

FinTech also removes barriers to essential services

There are also online lenders that offer installment loans and lines of credit to people with subprime credit. For anyone who’s tried to get a loan while they’re rebuilding their credit, you understand the importance of knowing your credit score before you apply.

Many of the biggest banks have strict regulations and will reject any applicant with a subprime score. However, there are FinTech companies that won’t — they use other financial criteria to determine your creditworthiness, giving people with low credit a chance at getting an online loan.

Whether you’re denied a loan or tired of paying too much to maintain a checking account, greater convenience and low costs can persuade you to ditch traditional financial organizations for FinTech. And you wouldn’t be alone. By 2023, it’s expected there will be more than 362 million FinTech users in the U.S. alone.

With this many potential customers, FinTech is primed to take a bigger piece of the financial pie as it disrupts the monopoly the biggest banks have over the country.

Secure Your Company’s Interests: Why a Trusted Business Attorney is a Worthwhile Investment

Dana R
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Secure Your Company’s Interests: Why a Trusted Business Attorney is a Worthwhile Investment

Are you a business owner and want to be prepared for any possible legal issues? Click here to find out what you should look for in a top-tier business attorney.

The average small business in the U. S. with a turnover of $1 million spends $20,000 on litigation every year.

At some point, companies expect to run into some legal trouble that will call for them to hire a business attorney. While a lawyer is necessary, the kind of lawyer you get can either be a money pit or an invaluable asset to your firm.

Read on to find out what factors make a business counsel a worthwhile investment.

Degree of Specialization

When you are considering looking for a business lawyer chances are you already have a particular legal need that you desire to resolve. The nature of your need should dictate the kind of lawyer you end up hiring.

For the regular business formation services, many business counselors can handle that for you. Other common services such as helping you negotiate for better contracts, drafting wills among others also fall under this category.

When you require specialized services you can’t go looking for general counsel. You need a lawyer who has domain experience in the particular area of expertise you require.

For example, if you are involved in a class action lawsuit your best bet would be talking to several class action lawsuit lawyers to find out who can best serve your need.

They are deeply versed in that area of expertise and they understand the nuanced dynamics of such cases that other lawyers may miss.

If you are looking for a general attorney who will work with your firm for the long-term then you should look for a lawyer who has experience in serving as general counsel.

Whenever you need a specialized lawyer they can offer recommendations and work with them.

Your business counsel is like your doctor. If you go to an oncologist when you have a toothache you will not receive much help.

Conversely, you should look for a lawyer who matches the legal needs of your business for you to get the best results.

A Top Business Attorney Brings Other Resources to the Table

Top-tier business lawyers bring much more than just legal services to the table and this an essential aspect you should look for.

For your company to get the best value, you need an attorney who can offer introductions to other clients, potential customers and even strategic partners.

If they have been in the business for a while they have likely developed a network that can help you in other ways. That is one distinguishing mark of a veteran business counsel.

The same point applies even in the legal aspect of things. A top-notch business counsel has ties to their legal fraternity that can be of help when you need to seek expertise in other areas.

Working with a lawyer who can get you quality recommendations is of great use in bringing a diversity of service to you.

Another salient feature of a high-quality business counsel is whether they offer their clients opportunities to network through special events.

Having a lawyer who offers this to your business provides extra value as you get to meet and learn from other entrepreneurs.

An Understanding of the Entrepreneurial Nature

The best business counsel is one who has been an entrepreneur or has a tangible understanding of entrepreneurship. There is simply no substitute for that.

If you are a small business looking for a small business attorney, then you would likely run into problems working with a lawyer who focuses on Fortune 500 firms.

The work of a business counsel is not to tell you what you shouldn’t have done but to help you chart a successful way forward for your business.

If your business counsel has a level of insight into how an entrepreneur thinks and what businesses need, they will serve you in a much better manner.

Their Billing Structure and Fees

Hiring attorneys for your business might not come cheap.

However, a good business lawyer will have a billing structure that works for you. They will know exactly what needs to be done and will charge you more accurately.

Versatility is also important when it comes to billing.

For example, they can give you flat fees when you need simple work done like drawing up contracts and the like. When there is more involving work they can bill by the hour.

When you are handling a lawsuit, the lawyer can work on a contingency basis such that you only pay if and when the result of the suit is favorable to you.

Their Firm Is the Right Size for You

Looking at the size of the lawyer’s firm in relation to your business is necessary for identifying how they can best serve you.

If you run a big corporation then a large law firm (or a more high profile lawyer) with all the resources that come with it will likely give you the most value.

A complex lawsuit, for example, will be better dealt with by a lawyer with many associates who can do the massive grunt work necessary.

If you run a small business then a small business lawyer will offer you better service since you will require more attention and personalized services.

A large law firm or a busy lawyer will likely not make you a high priority since they need bigger clients to meet their revenue targets.

If not that then they may end up giving your case to a relatively new lawyer who may not have as much experience.

The best lawyer for you is one who meets you at your point of need and devotes the necessary attention to you.

Get the Best Representation

Your business will need a lawyer at some point in its existence. The question isn’t whether to get a lawyer or not. It is what kind of business attorney you need to look for so that they can be an asset to your company.

Do you want to protect your business? Check out these legal issues that your business must be on the lookout for.

Fashion Group Kering Will No Longer Use Models Under 18

Lisa.Felice
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Fashion Group Kering Will No Longer Use Models Under 18

French luxury group Kering will no longer use models who are under the age of 18.

The fashion company owns several major fashion houses, including Gucci, Saint Laurent and Alexander McQueen.

The policy will come into effect in time for the 2020-2021 Autumn/Winter collections, the company said.

Kering CEO François Henri-Pinault said in a statement that the company was “conscious of the influence exerted on younger generations” by its images.

He said: “We believe that we have a responsibility to put forward the best possible practices in the luxury sector, and we hope to create a movement that will encourage others to follow suit.”

Kering’s chief sustainability officer, Marie-Claire Daveu, added: “The physiological and psychological maturity of models aged over 18 seems more appropriate to the rhythm and demands that are involved in this profession.”

The company’s decision comes as fashion brands are increasingly trying to become more ethical, both in their designs and in their working practices.

In August 2018, Condé Nast, which publishes Vogue magazine, announced that it would not use models under the age of 18 in editorial shoots, unless they were the subject of an article.

An editorial in Vogue said at the time: “This is partly the result of an internal reckoning.

“Vogue, along with a number of other publications, has played a role in making it routine for children – since that’s what they are – to be dressed and marketed as glamorous adults.”

It continued: “No more: it’s not right for us, it’s not right for our readers, and it’s not right for the young models competing to appear in these pages. While we can’t rewrite the past, we can commit to a better future.”

Last year, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) made a similar declaration. Its CEO Steven Kolb said: “Young models are still developing. There can be a lack of the confidence, strength, experience, and maturity it takes to deal with the pressures of this work.”

In 2017, both Kering and a rival fashion group LVMH signed a charter agreeing to – among other things – stop hiring models who were under the age of 16.

A number of fashion designers have also pledged not to hire ultra-thin models and not to use exotic animal skins and fur in their designs.

It has long been common across the fashion industry to cast models who were under 18 – and indeed, many supermodels got their start in the industry at a young age.

Israel passed a law banning models with less than 18.5 BMI from advertisements or fashion shows

Model Naomi Campbell, now 48, was just 16 when she launched her career. Kate Moss, now 45, was discovered at the age of 14. Brooke Shields was just 14 when she appeared on the front cover of Vogue in February 1980.

Currently, 17-year-old Kaia Gerber is a rising star, while the late Karl Lagerfeld’s godson Hudson Kroenig, 11, was regularly seen on the catwalk.

However, a spotlight was shone on the treatment of young models in October 2017, when 14-year-old Russian model Vlada Dzyuba collapsed backstage at Shanghai Fashion Week and later died in hospital.

Vogue, in making its decision, also cited a number of allegations of harassment in the fashion industry, which were publicized as part of the #MeToo movement.

The publication added that in the mid-1980s, when Naomi Campbell launched her career, there were so few fashion shows a year that “a model could stay in school if she wished” – but nowadays the work is much more demanding.

3 Top Business Security Threats and How to Avoid Them

Dana R
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3 Top Business Security Threats and How to Avoid Them

Businesses today face a wide range of security threats. Brick-and-mortar businesses are significantly more likely than residential properties to become targets for theft, with 8.8 percent of small businesses suffering burglary annually, representing nearly one in ten companies, according to insurance provider Insureon. The risk of digital security threats is even higher, with eight in 10 U.S. businesses anticipating a critical breach in 2019, a Ponemon Institute survey found.

Fortunately, even as thieves strive to find new ways to rob business owners, security technology providers are developing innovations to make their task harder. Here are three types of risks businesses currently face, and some security systems companies can use to protect themselves against these threats.

1. Hardening Physical Security with Barriers and Surveillance

While some security threats require high-tech solutions, when it comes to physical break-ins, your first line of defense is still a good solid door and lock. In half of all commercial burglaries, the thief gains entrance through a door, a Temple University survey found. When a door can’t be opened, picked or broken, burglars will look for another point of weakness, such as a window that can be smashed or opened with a crow bar. You can protect doors by using measures such as solid wood or steel doors with steel frames, deadbolt locks with throws at least an inch thick and supplemental protection such as security storm doors. For windows, use barriers such as roll-down grilles for front windows and iron works for side and rear windows.

High-tech surveillance systems and alarms are also integral to physical security. Burglars don’t like to be seen, so a good surveillance camera system coupled with motion-activated lighting can serve as a strong deterrent, as well as a means to identify thieves should a break-in occur.

For instance, security camera system provider Lorex has developed Nocturnals cameras with 4K Ultra HD resolution and color night vision capability, able to capture critical details such as burglar hair color and license plate numbers even in low-light conditions. This type of camera system can also be set up so that if the motion sensors are triggered, push notifications are sent to your smartphone via an app, allowing you to respond more quickly to an event in progress.

2. Countering Ransomware and Cryptojacking

On the digital front, ransomware was the biggest emerging cyberthreat to businesses a couple years ago. In a ransomware attack, hackers use attachments or links in emails, on websites and in social media messages to trick users into downloading malware. The malware then encrypts the user’s files and demands a ransom payment in order to restore access to the files, threatening to permanently encrypt the files if payment is not made.

Last year, cybercriminals took ransomware a step further by deploying a similar attack method called cryptojacking. Cryptojacking uses the same methods as ransomware to get on a user’s device, but then the malware covertly hijacks the device’s resources in order to “mine” cryptocurrency such as bitcoin online. This increases the device owner’s utility bills while slowing down their processing speed, effectively making them pay the expense of hosting criminal activity. Unlike ransomware, cryptojacking does not cause any obvious damage, so victims may not notice any symptoms other than a slowdown in performance. Cryptojacking now affects 10 times more businesses than ransomware, according to Check Point Research.

Both ransomware and cryptojacking can be countered by taking basic cybersecurity steps such as avoiding clicking on suspicious links and attachments, keeping software and antivirus programs updated to the latest versions and installing ad-blocker and anti-cryptomining extensions in browsers. In addition, you can protect yourself from losing files to ransomware by performing regular automated file backups using a service such as IDrive.

3. Blocking Business Identity Theft

Most people have heard of identity theft against consumers, but you might not realize that businesses can also have their identity stolen. Identity thieves who gain access to sensitive information about your business may use it to open up business lines of credit in your company’s name, open personal lines of credit in the name of your company’s personnel or customers, or apply for phony tax refunds in your company’s name. This can damage your company’s reputation and business credit rating, hurting your ability to get access to credit. Business identity theft is on the rise, increasing 250 percent from 2016 to 2017, according to the IRS.

Sound cybersecurity policies can help protect you from business identity theft. Some basic steps you can take include requiring employees to use strong passwords or password manager software, only using secure networks such as VPNs, keeping software and antivirus programs current with the latest updates and avoiding suspicious email attachments and website link. Thieves may also try to steal your information by intercepting your mail, so it’s also important to physically protect your mail. The US Postal Inspection Service advises taking steps such as picking up mail promptly after delivery, delivering outgoing mail directly to a postal carrier or a letter slot inside a post office rather than an unmonitored postbox and notifying your post office to hold your mail when you’re out of town.

Despite your best efforts, your business identity may be stolen anyway through means beyond your control, such as a hack of one of your service providers. Experian recommends using an identity monitoring service to alert you to suspicious activity so you can take appropriate steps in the event of identity theft, such as notifying financial providers.

Businesses are vulnerable to security risks in both the physical and digital arenas, and a sound security strategy needs to address all these areas. Strong barriers and motion-sensitive surveillance systems can help prevent physical theft. Smart cybersecurity policies can reduce digital risks such as ransomware and cryptojacking. Cybersecurity measures can also help prevent identity theft, in conjunction with physical mail security and identity monitoring. Implementing these tactics can greatly reduce business security risks.

5 Awesome Places You Need to Know When Selling a Luxury Sports Car

Dana R
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5 Awesome Places You Need to Know When Selling a Luxury Sports Car

Common Sense Tips to Use When Selling a Car Online

Having a reliable and appealing car is something most people view as a priority. Over time, a person may start to lose interest in their existing vehicle. The best way to find something new is by selling an existing vehicle to fund the purchase of a brand-new vehicle.

If the vehicle you are trying to sell is considered a luxury sports car, finding the right buyer may be more challenging. Generally, these types of vehicles will command a hefty price on the used car market. Neglecting to plan out this selling process in detail may lead to a sports car owner losing money.

Trying to sell a luxury sports car online? Check out these helpful tips for success.

Consider Selling to a Professional Buyer

One of the main goals most people have when selling a car is making this process as quick and painless as possible. The best way to achieve this goal is by selling to a professional online buyer. Companies like We Buy Exotics make selling a luxury sports car easy.

All a seller has to do is enter in the VIN on their vehicle and submit a few pictures to receive an offer in minutes. If the seller agrees to this offer, they get their money and the buyer will schedule a pickup.

Before using a particular professional buyer, be sure to research them to find out what type of reputation they have. Rushing through this process may lead to a person losing money on the sale of their luxury vehicle.

Image source Wikimedia

Getting a Vehicle History Report

Establishing trust with a potential online buyer is the biggest hurdles most luxury car owners will have. This is why providing in-depth information about the car is so important. Getting a car history report to put in the online listing is a good idea.

These reports will detail the accidents a car has been involved in as well as its maintenance history. Most online buyers will demand this documentation before making an offer. By putting the vehicle history report in the listing, it will be much easier to attract the interest of motivated buyers.

Detail the Vehicle Before Putting It On The Market

Over 17 million vehicles are sold in the United States each year. The key to attracting the attention of online buyers is providing them with plenty of pictures of the luxury sports car being sold. Before taking these pictures, you will need to get the vehicle professionally detailed.

The last thing a seller needs to do is put pictures of a dirty vehicle online. Most buyers want to make sure the vehicle in question is in pristine shape. The money paid to a professional auto detailer will be worth it considering the appeal it will add to a vehicle.

  A Well-Written Description is a Must

Once a potential buyer looks at the pictures of a sports car, they will want to read the seller’s description of the vehicle. When crafting this description, be sure that all pertinent information is included. Details like the mileage, make and model are essential. Failing to include this information may lead to a potential buyer losing interest.

Preparation Goes a Long Way

The key to successfully selling a luxury sports car is properly preparing beforehand. Researching the market and proofreading your vehicle description can help you sell your automobile in a hurry.

What Are the Effects of Tobacco and Alcohol Together?

Dana R
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What Are the Effects of Tobacco and Alcohol Together?

Have you ever wondered why an alcoholic beverage makes you crave a cigarette?

You’re not the only one. 70% of U.S. drinkers also smoke. And almost three-quarters of alcoholics smoke over a pack of cigarettes every day. 

Duke University Medical Center research revealed alcohol boosts the pleasing effects of nicotine. That’s why people enjoy smoking when drinking an alcoholic beverage. 

Most people understand that tobacco smoking can cause cancer. Cigarette smoking contributes to over 480,000 deaths every year. 

While the effects of tobacco are an obvious health risk, alcohol is confusing. Not every drink is dangerous in the same way each cigarette is.

The moderate use of alcohol can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. But, drink more and it increases your chances for cancer.

Keep reading to learn the dangers of combining alcohol and tobacco.

Risks of Alcohol Use

The moderate use of alcohol can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. But, when you drink more it increases your chances for cancer. 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) define moderate drinking as 1 drink for women and 2 drinks for men per day.

Alcohol can increase the risk of cancer. It can cause inflammation in the liver and pancreas. Inflammation raises the chance of cancer in those organs.

Alcohol also produces acetaldehyde in the body. This substance prevents cells from repairing DNA damage.

There’s no doubt that excessive drinking is a cancer-causing behavior.

Effects of Tobacco

Every cigarette causes damage to your body. A single cigarette can increase your risk for cardiovascular disease.

Cigarettes increase blood pressure. Long-term high blood pressure adds to the risk of cancer.

Each cigarette starts a chemical chain reaction that results in carcinogenic compounds. The poisons in cigarette smoke weaken the immune system and damage DNA.

Smoking can both cause cancer, and damage cells so your body can’t fight it.

Lung cancer isn’t the only cancer smoking causes. The bloodstream absorbs the compounds from smoke and spreads them throughout the body.

Short-term Dangers of Combining Alcohol and Tobacco 

Cigarettes and alcohol together create more risks than using either substance alone.

The primary risk is that alcohol is a depressant and tobacco is a stimulant. The nicotine in tobacco offsets the sedative aspects of alcohol.

If you smoke while drinking you may not realize how much alcohol affects your body. Poor assessment of inebriation leads to poor judgment and bad choices.

For example, you may continue to drink because you don’t feel drunk. Or, you might choose to drive your car.

Long-Term Effects of Mixing Alcohol and Tobacco

Mixing smoking and alcohol increases cancer in the mouth, throat, oesophagus, and colon. It’s no surprise that 80% of men and 65% of women with throat and mouth cancer combine smoking and drinking habits. 

Studies suggest alcohol dissolves cigarette chemicals while they’re in the throat. That could trap carcinogens in the throat’s sensitive tissues.

Plus, smoking and drinking together slow metabolism. The carcinogens from the cigarettes stay in the bloodstream longer. Longer exposure to carcinogens increases the risk of cancer.

If you’re struggling with alcohol and tobacco abuse you can get help here.

Get Treatment for Tobacco and Alcohol Addiction

The fact that alcohol and tobacco are legal and accessible makes them easy to abuse. The effects of tobacco and alcohol mixed together are dangerous.

Abuse results in a shorter life span, respiratory problems, and higher risk for cancer. Rehab programs can help you end your addiction.

Please don’t hesitate to seek treatment.

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