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When Your Doctor Says You Need Surgery: How Did You Get Here?

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Have you been diagnosed with a medical condition and you’re worried or concerned that you may need surgery? There are several medical problems that can only be resolved through surgery. While physical therapy and pain medications are often the first resort for most musculoskeletal issues, it may not be enough to completely heal your condition or improve your quality of life. If this is the case, your doctor will refer you to a surgeon. Here are a few conditions that may require you to get a surgical consultation.

Hip Replacement

Hip and leg pain can make it extremely difficult to move around and be as mobile as you would like to be. If shooting leg pain, stiffness and numbness are getting in the way of everyday life, you need to see your doctor. They may rule out common problems such as stiffness or arthritis. They may utilize surgery to correct your condition if you make an appointment to inquire about how to fix knock knees or another joint condition. If they determine that the joints in your hip and legs are deteriorating or impinging on nerves, they may suggest hip replacement surgery. An orthopedic surgeon will consult with you to determine if you need a partial or full hip replacement. It depends on your age and the severity of your pain and limited range of motion. The surgery will require an overnight hospital stay and weeks of physical therapy. On a positive note, you may be able to reduce the number of pain medications you’re on and you’ll be able to function throughout the day with a pain-free lifestyle.

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Rotator Cuff Surgery

Have you been experiencing a lot of pain lately, especially in your shoulder? If you’ve tried to treat it with over the counter pain medications and you’ve been unsuccessful, you need to consult with your doctor. After doing a physical exam and some diagnostic testing, they may determine that you need surgery on your rotator cuff. This type of surgery is done in most major hospitals and your recovery time depends on the severity of the injury. Rotator cuff surgery includes trimming any bone spur and removing away loose cartilage that is causing the bone to rub against the joint. For cases of advanced arthritis or disc degeneration, metal plates or bone grafts may be used to stabilize the area and improve overall range of motion. Most shoulder surgeries are either outpatient or only require a day or two in the hospital. It depends on any underlying medical problems or complications that may arise.

Unforeseen Emergencies

Sometimes an emergency comes up and it’s imperative that you have surgery right away to save your life or reduce complications. This may include:

  • Ruptured appendix
  • Heart attack or heart blockage
  • Stroke
  • Broken bones

If you find yourself in an emergency situation, your doctor will prepare you for what to expect. It can be emotionally challenging to face an unexpected surgery or procedure. Make sure you let your family know ahead of time if you can what your preference is for a hospital. It’s also good to have a DPOA or medical durable power of attorney in place before surgery. This also includes a living will and a Do Not Resuscitate order if you decide to have one signed. Seeking a qualified attorney to have these things in place sooner rather than later, can avoid scrambling around and being indecisive during a medical emergency.

Heart-Related Conditions

When you have something going on that is cardiovascular in nature, it can really bring you down physically as well as mentally. In some cases, a heart problem is diagnosed through routine testing, such as blood work or when you have your vital signs taken at the doctor’s office. A cardiovascular surgeon will be able to perform most routine surgeries such as heart valve replacements and defibrillators. Because of technological advancements, most cardiovascular related procedures are outpatient or have a minimal postoperative hospital stay. The key is not to delay getting the surgery done, your quality of life may depend on it.

There are many types of surgeries and procedures that all humans may face at one point or time in life. Being armed with the facts is the best way to deal with the issue head on and come up with the best resolution for your situation.

Greece Fire: Serious Indications that Arsonist Set Fires that Killed 83

According to Greece’s Citizen Protection Minister Nikos Toskas, there are “serious indications” that a fire that killed at least 83 people near Athens earlier this week was started deliberately.

The fire broke out on July 23 and hit coastal villages popular with tourists.

Authorities say that some 60 people are still being treated in hospital, 11 in intensive care. Dozens more are missing.

Image source Wikimedia

Greece Wildfire: Three Days of Mourning as 79 Died and Dozens Are Missing

Earlier, rescue workers searching a cliffside in the seaside town of Mati found more human remains.

A large number of the victims were caught close to the cliff as the flames spread rapidly, whipped up by winds as high as 75mph. Many of the survivors were saved by the sea, but dozens of victims were unable to reach the water.

Nikos Toskas also said that another fire that broke out near Athens a few hours earlier but did not cause casualties had been started intentionally.

The minister added that “climate conditions” in the areas affected by fire were “extreme due to climate change”.

Michael Giuffrida Helps People to Prepare for Plastic Surgery

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Surgery is never something people look forward to. However, those who live in the Hartford or Southington areas of Connecticut can at least rest assured that, if they choose to have plastic surgery, they have a fully qualified, highly respected professional to help them, being Michael Giuffrida. He has great empathy for the fact that people experience anxiety before surgery and also understands the potential negative impact this anxiety can have on the outcome of a surgery. This is why he has made it his mission to help people prepare themselves properly, thereby making it an as pleasant experience as possible.

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Michael Giuffrida on Psychologically Preparing for Plastic Surgery

Giuffrida feels people should see their plastic surgery as an adventure. In most cases, these procedures are elective and, in all cases, they are life changing in a positive manner. An adventure is about going through some trials and tense moments before eventually arriving at a positive outcome, and that is just like plastic surgery.

The start of the adventure has to be finding the right surgeon. They must have the right skills, knowledge, experience, licenses, registrations, and insurance to perform the surgery. Not just that, you also have to feel as if they will be your partner in the experience. Hence, they should be happy to answer any questions you may have, be excellent communicators, and be respectful of who you are. While they are the ones performing the surgery, you are the one providing them with the instruction to do so, so you have equally important roles.

According to Giuffrida, if you are interested in plastic surgery, you should start by writing down a list with all the questions you may have about the specific procedure you are considering and plastic surgery in general. It is a known fact that knowledge is the key to reducing anxiety, which is why medical professionals performing any kind of surgery, elective or not, now educate their patients on what to expect.

Once you have found the answers to your questions and you have found a surgeon you can trust, it will be time to set the date and time for the procedure itself. It is very important that you achieve a calm and relaxed state of mind by that point. The more relaxed you are, the stronger your immune system will be, and the less likely it is that you will suffer from any kind of complications. Being positive and optimistic of mind greatly increases the chances of having a positive outcome and a short recovery time.

A few other important tips are to not travel for long distances in the days leading up to your surgery. You may also want to consider supplementing with certain vitamins and minerals, although you should discuss this with your physician first. Herbal preparations and over the counter medications can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of pharmaceutical medications so you need to be sure that you are actually helping yourself. Do also stop smoking before the procedure if you can.

Christopher Halajian Reviews $40.6 Million Mattiuck-Cutchogue BOE Budget

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The Board of Education for Mattiuck-Cutchogue has now been adopted. It stands at $40,676,947 for the 2018-19 school year. Christopher Halajian, like many others in the Southold and Mattiuck areas, have been watching this budget closely since Monday, interested in how things would pan out. Various elections were also held in the North Fork districts, with candidates vying for different positions.

Christopher Halajian on New Education Budget

Six different people sit on the board and they should all cast votes on important issues. However, Barbara Talbot, one of the board members, was not present during the election. Thankfully, however, hers would not have been a deciding vote, as the budget was approved with 5-0. This includes a 0.15% tax levy increase. This is something that many people are particularly impressed with, as it is much lower than the cap of 0.97% that currently stands.

Within the new budget, it will be possible for the one to one Chromebook initiative to be expanded. It means pupils from grades 5 to 8 will be included. Furthermore, the high school TV studio will receive an upgrade, the new wellness center that covers the district will have upgraded equipment, an icommunication platform will be developed, and new security enhancements will be incorporated in conjunction with the police. The aim is that no child, no matter from which route or estate they hail, will be left behind educationally and most people would gladly drink to that!

The security enhancements have been particularly interesting. It means a new security guard will be hired, which will be the fourth in the district. Additionally, the security entrance will be upgraded significantly. Specifically, it means that visitors can only enter the main entrance door if they are buzzed in, from where they will enter a holding area. This will be behind a secondary glass door and this will not open until the visitors have been ID-ed to the representative at the window. The system was suggested in March by Kevin Coffey, the business and operations administrator, and it was welcomed by everyone.

Meanwhile, the budget does mean that there will be fewer teaching positions. This is due to the fact that there are a number of open vacancies due to retirement and they will not be filled again. This includes two elementary teachers, a part time speech and language role, and a secondary English teacher. Those positions have been empty for some time and the district has been able to manage without, so savings will be made by not appointing new individuals to those roles. Meanwhile, the assistant principal for Cutchogue East Elementary School will became a part time role and the position of instructional support administrator, which is a district wide role, will be absorbed within this role. This leads to further and very significant savings.

Parents, educators, community members, and pupils alike are excited about the new school budget and what this will mean in terms of their learning experience. It seems that there will be a strong focus on going digital, something that has been welcomed across the district.

Pakistan Elections 2018: Imran Khan’s Party Leads in Early Counting

Imran Khan is on course to become Pakistan’s new prime minister, early results from the country’s election suggest.

With nearly half the votes counted from July 25election, the ex-cricket star’s PTI party is in the lead.

It is expected to fall short of an overall majority and to seek coalition partners. Officials deny claims of vote rigging made by Imran Khan’s rivals.

With votes counted in 47% of stations, Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party was leading in 113 of the 272 National Assembly constituencies being contested, Pakistan’s Dawn Newspaper reported, citing Election Commission figures.

Image source Wikimedia

Imran Khan’s party to resign all its seats in Pakistan’s national assembly

Imran Khan married Reham Khan in secret

Oxford-educated Imran Khan, who led Pakistan to victory in cricket’s World Cup in 1992, first entered politics in 1996 but struggled for years on the political sidelines. In the lead-up to this vote, the 65-year-old faced accusations that he was benefiting from military interference against his rivals.

Campaigning has been marred by violence. On voting day a bomb killed 31 people at a polling station.

This election will mark only the second time that a civilian government has handed power to another after serving a full term in Pakistan.

However, the party of disgraced former PM Nawaz Sharif has rejected the results, as have a host of smaller parties, all alleging vote-rigging and manipulation.

The party of assassinated former PM Benazir Bhutto, the historically liberal PPP, is widely expected to come third.

The party is now fronted by Benazir Bhutto’s son, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, a 29-year-old Oxford University graduate.

The turnout has been estimated at between 50% and 55% out of 106 million registered voters, AFP reports.

Must-haves to start a small business

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Image source Pixabay

Setting up your own business

Setting up your own company is a meticulous process, that requires a lot of planning. The first step for the foundation of your own company is an idea. Finding a market niche for your products or services, offers you the best prospects and helps you be successful. Have you finally found an idea and created a business-plan? Have you found your target group? Then you can start searching for the right equipment to support your company and get started.

The first thing that you need for the foundation of your company is an ideal location. An office or a room for the presentation of your goods or services is the basis for your success.

Another very important thing, that you should not neglect, is marketing. Advertising your products and services is of enormous significance. Therefore, a business card with all your details, such as address, phone, e-mail and name, can help to get more attention and more customers. Helloprint.co.uk is your perfect partner for business cards and marketing. The helloprint online shop offers you a variety of products for marketing and advertising. The product range comprises among other things: posters, business-cards, flyers, leaflets and even clothes with a unique and individual print. Just choose a text, a logo or a picture and order business-cards, leaflets, posters or textiles with your personal design. A business-card gives a brief first impression of you and your company, so choose carefully, when it comes to text, design and colour.

A website for more success

Create your own website or hire an IT specialist to assist you. A personal website or a web-shop, can help you to reach more customers and the pleasant side-effect will be, that your turnover and your sales will also increase. With the right strategy and a perfectly structured homepage, you will experience an economic upswing. A well structured website that suits the needs of your customers or customers to be, gets even more perfect, when SEO (search engine optimization) is applied. This special technique makes sure by using keywords and outstanding URLs, that your website will be among the first in the international website ranking. When it comes to SEO, an IT specialist or specialist for webdesign is the perfect partner for you.

Marketing

You want to show that you are different? Finding your own logo, is a perfect method to show how unique you are. With a logo and a slogan, the recognition value increases and makes it easier for your customers to make a distinction between you and your competitors.

Whether you are running a restaurant, a fashion shop, an office or some other company, the distribution of give-aways for your customers can have a significant influence on your economic success. Little gifts like a note-pad, a ball-pen, a lighter, a calendar, sweets or cotton bags with print, are also an ideal way to get more attention and to be remembered by your customers. So why not surprise them with some extras. In return they will prove to be loyal and show you their appreciation by coming back to buy your products or use your services.

With these tips, tricks and advice for marketing, you may find it a bit easier to start your own company.

6 Fun Fall Fundraisers for the New School Year

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Image source Pixabay

Once the hustle and bustle of getting your children back to school dies down, it’s time to think about a fall school fundraiser. According to the experts at ABC Fundraising, fall is the perfect time to raise money for your child’s school.

Why is that? Autumn is filled with delights, from Halloween to apple cider. School sports are in full swing. The weather is still decent in most parts of the U.S. A fundraising event fits the season.

Here are six school fundraising ideas perfect for fall and the school year ahead:.

1.Pumpkin Painting Contest. This is a fun and friendly competition where everyone wins. Ask a farmer in the area to donate pumpkins. If that’s not possible, make it a BYOP — Bring Your Own Pumpkin — event.

Raise money by asking participants to pay a small fee or request donations from attendees. Ask local businesses to donate refreshments. Bring the community together to make it work.

Create categories for different age groups. Come up with special types of winning categories, such as most creative and best use of color. Ask local celebrities to judge the competition.

A Pumpkin Painting Contest is a low-cost fundraiser that’s sure to bring in a crowd as long as you plan carefully.

2.Back to School Breakfast. Local merchants and restaurant chefs take on most of the hard work for this fundraiser. Plan to have the breakfast on a Saturday to make it easy for parents and the rest of the community to attend. Make breakfast free for kids, but charge a fee for adults. Make sure you charge enough to cover expenses and raise funds at the same time.

Add more event interest with an auction, bake sale or flea market.

3.Sell T-shirts. T-shirts supporting the sports teams, clubs, band or another school group usually sell well. Boost school spirit with designs that include team mascots or the school logo.

Get everyone involved in selling shirts, including teachers, parents and children.

4.School Day Event. Whether it’s a bake sale or auction, a school day event is a welcome diversion. Volunteers donate gifts or baked goods and their time for a low-cost, high-yield fundraising event. Give your fundraiser a Harvest Time theme to celebrate the season. Pumpkin cookies, anyone?

5.Take Orders and Deliver:  A take-and-order fundraiser not only raises badly needed funds but also teaches students about business. Students take orders and money from “customers.”

When the fundraiser ends, ordered merchandise is delivered to the student who in turn delivers orders to the customer. Candy, sandwiches and popcorn are typical items sold.

6.Discount Card Fundraiser: One of the easiest and highest-earning fundraisers is the Discount Card fundraiser. People purchase cards from students and use the cards to save as they shop or eat out. Who wouldn’t want to save money at the places they already frequent?

Participating local businesses see more customers, people in the community enjoy savings, and your school reaps the reward. It’s a win-win.

Demi Lovato Hospitalized for Apparent Overdose

Demi Lovato has been hospitalized in Los Angeles hospital to receive treatment for a suspected drug overdose.

The 25-year-old was found unconscious at her home on July 24 and was treated at the scene.

The apparent overdose is a heart-wrenching twist for Demi Lovato and all those who had followed her on her rough journey from Disney star to troubled pop icon.

In an interview, Demi Lovato said her problems with food and suicidal thoughts began even before her big break on TV show Barney & Friends when she was 10 years old.

At the age of 12, kids in her class signed a petition encouraging her to kill herself.

Image source Wikimedia

Demi Lovato confirms X Factor exit

Kathy Griffin receives death threats from Demi Lovato’s fans

The pressures were exacerbated when Demi found stardom in Disney Channel hits Camp Rock and Sonny with a Chance, before launching a pop career.

The singer revealed she first tried cocaine at the age of 17 when she was working on the Disney Channel.

The first public admission that anything was wrong came in 2010 when Demi Lovato dropped out of the Camp Rock 2 tour with the Jonas Brothers and went into rehab for what were described at the time as “emotional and physical issues she has dealt with for some time”.

The breaking point had come when she and her backing dancers trashed their hotel one night after drinking and smoking weed.

Demi Lovato was also taking Adderall, an addictive prescription stimulant – and she punched a backing dancer who told her parents and manager she was using the drug.

After checking into treatment, the singer was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Famous friends of the star have been posting on social media, whilst thousands of fans have been using the “Pray for Demi” hashtag.

Among them, Ariana Grande, Kim Kardashian West and Ellen DeGeneres have voiced their support for Demi Lovato.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7udZvrYN34

Top 5 Ways to Keep Your House Secure

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Are you worried how to keep your precious condo safe from prying eyes and unwanted intruders? Home security is as important as the upkeep and maintenance of the entire house itself. With social media updates on your vacation and lifestyle happenings, you’re leaving the door ajar for burglars to hit your place easily. Why live with such insecurity? Use my tips below to keep your wonderful house secure and inaccessible to any intruders.

Use a Proper Security System

Your house should have a thorough security system installed along with CCTV cameras, so you know what’s happening around your place. The system can check if there’s any suspicious person lurking around or is peering in through the windows etc. Have a nice security firm install Motion-sensor lights outside your home, especially in the patio and the car parking area. With such security gadgets, you can keep an eye on any unwanted person who intends to break into your place and run off with any expensive items.

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Keep Your Doors & Windows Locked

Have all your locks for the doors and windows properly checked from the local locksmith. For example, if you live in South Perth, then get in touch with South Perth Locksmith. Make sure they are expert in lock systems. Allow them to take a thorough look at all the doors including windows to make sure they are functioning properly. If you’re planning a sortie to run a few errands or heading off for work, check all the locks before you leave. Inspect the Garage lock, the entrance door and the backyard etc. Never leave your house without a complete lock-check for every gate/door.

Get Window Treatments

To ensure privacy and safety of your belongings, have a nice security company install window treatments for sliding glass doors and have the blinds or curtains like galvanized pipe double rods drawn especially during the day when someone observing the happenings inside can notice any movements clearly. With window treatments in place, intruders won’t be able to know where you keep your wallet, what time you go to bed or which rooms in the house are dark and easily accessible.

Use Perimeter Covering

Just like you mulch your home garden to keep the pests and insects away, have your entire house fenced or lined with a strong perimeter like a picket fence or iron fencing. These provide the much-needed cover to keep any burglars away because they’ll think twice about crossing the perimeter first before getting inside the place. Avoid planting too many hedges or shrubs around the front or backyard. These can serve as a good hiding spot for intruders; it’s good to have them trimmed at all times and preferably secured with wooden fencing for added security.

Have the Neighbors Informed

Ask the neighbors to collect your mail and turn on the lights when you’re away so that the piled up mail does not invite intruders for a break-in. As part of your time management in a busy routine, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your place is well kept and secured enough to avoid any damage or privacy issues. Even if it means assigning some time to implement safety measures once in a while, it’s worth the effort and it’ll give you the peace of mind.

Greece Wildfire: Three Days of Mourning as 79 Died and Dozens Are Missing

Greek rescuers are searching for dozens of people missing after the deadly wildfires near Athens.

Up to now, at least 79 people have died, and a search continues for survivors who fled the blaze, including those who took to the sea.

According to authorities, high winds spread the fire, trapping many in homes and vehicles and forcing others into the water as they tried to escape the flames.

The fire is now widely reported to be the deadliest on record in Greece.

On July 24, PM Alexis Tsipras has declared three days of mourning.

There is no formal count of the missing. The fire brigade has received dozens of calls, but is unable to verify the exact number.

Relatives of those reported missing have posted photographs of more than 30 people online in the hope of tracing their whereabouts.

Coastal patrol boats combed the shoreline on July 25, searching for survivors and bodies, while rescue teams searched houses and cars.

Image source Wikimedia

Thomas Fire: California Governor Jerry Brown Brands Wildfires as New Normal

California Wildfires: At Least 17 Dead and More Than 150 Missing

The number of injured, meanwhile, continues to grow, and stands at more than 180, including two dozen or so children. Tourists were also caught up in the blaze, including one British man who was treated for burns.

Others have been evacuated to temporary accommodation.

On July 24, the bodies of 26 adults and children who apparently died embracing each other were found on a cliff top.

Among those killed in the fires that swept Eastern Attica were a Belgian tourist and a Polish woman and her son.

On July 23, hundreds of firefighters battled the flames, which were fanned by winds of up to 100km/h (60mph).

The prime minister has declared a state of emergency in Attica, saying all emergency services have been mobilized.

Meanwhile, Germany, Italy, France, Romania and Poland have all sent help in the form of planes, vehicles and firefighters, while Spain, Turkey, and Cyprus have also offered assistance.

The Greek government and emergency services are facing allegations that their response to  emergency was too slow.

A Supreme Court prosecutor has ordered a probe into the cause of the fire, amid allegations that there had been no evacuation plan in place.

Japan Heat Death Toll Rises to 65 after One Week

Japan’s authorities have declared a heat wave sweeping the country a natural disaster, with at least 65 deaths recorded in the past week.

The country’s weather agency spokesman warned that “unprecedented levels of heat” were being seen in some areas.

According to emergency officials, more than 22,000 people have been admitted to hospital with heat stroke, nearly half of them elderly.

Forecasters say the heat wave shows no sign of abating.

On July 23, the city of Kumagaya reported a temperature of 41.1C (106F), the highest ever recorded in Japan.

Image source manichi.jp

India Heat Wave: Phalodi Records Country’s Hottest Day Ever

In central Tokyo, temperatures over 40C (104F) were also registered for the first time.

The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that temperatures of 35C (95F) or higher would continue until early August.

Spokesman Motoaki Takekawa said: “We are observing unprecedented levels of heat in some areas.”

He added that the heat wave was “a threat to life and we recognize it as a natural disaster”.

In Ibaraki prefecture, north of Tokyo, a 91-year-old woman was found collapsed in a field and later pronounced dead in hospital. In nearby Saitama two elderly women were found dead in their homes.

With less than half of Japan’s public schools equipped with air conditioning, government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said the summer holidays could be extended to protect pupils.

Yoshihide Suga told a news conference on July 24: “As a record heat wave continues to blanket the country, urgent measures are required to protect the lives of schoolchildren.”

People are being advised to drink plenty of water, to use air conditioning and to rest often.

In some cities, people have taken part in an event known as uchimizu, or “water ceremony” – pouring or sprinkling cold water on to the hot pavements in an attempt to cool them.

The heat wave closely followed torrential rain that caused severe flooding and landslides in the west of Japan.

How Not to Invest Your Hard-Earned Money

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investmentWhile there are several guidelines newcomers should follow when they invest, there are also certain practices they must absolutely avoid. Investing is not just about making the right or most reasonable decision, but it’s also about knowing how to avoid mistakes. As a new investor, you will face many challenges in your career, but by paying attention to a few pointers, overcoming these challenges would not be a problem.

Rushing to Invest Based on Anecdotes and “Tips”

Did you hear about the hot new stock or index fund with excellent returns that most people you know are raving about? You may be highly tempted to rush ahead and buy these super promising stocks before others do, but there’s some very simple advice for a person contemplating a decision like this: don’t. Investors, regardless of where they are putting their funds, should never rush to grab an asset. Some stocks or securities can be overhyped, often by pump-and-dump scammers who artificially inflate prices, therefore, be highly cautious when investing in hyped-up securities. Always research the company, its products, and check financial reports before spending your money.

Selling Stocks Hoping for Quick Millions

Time and time again, day trading has been presented as a wonderful, get-rich-quick opportunity for new investors. The practice refers to buying and selling stock in rapid succession, often within the span of a day. Whether daily stock trading is a legitimate practice or not really depends on who you ask. It’s important to understand that day trading is not a one-way ticket to making millions. Day traders do make money, but their earnings are not akin to winning the lottery, so if you do decide to become a day trader, start by understanding the possibilities and limitations of the practice. Get help from other experienced day traders in the beginning to master this particular art of investing. Lastly, finding a good tracker like Finviz stock screener can be helpful when you are looking at an abundant of ticker symbols.

Investing without a Qualitative Analysis

A qualitative analysis can be simply explained as a financial way of looking at the big picture. When you invest in the long term, especially in stocks, it’s vital to have an understanding of the sector as a whole. For example, imagine you were a tech investor in the late nineties. Back then, Blackberries were all the rage, but about a decade later, no one was interested in owning a Blackberry because nearly everyone wanted an iPhone. A qualitative analysis can show you where an investment is headed towards because it takes industrial factors into account. A company may have highly valued stocks, but you should also look at whether the stock value has gone up or down historically. Without this information, it’s simply not possible to make sound long-term investments.

Using Way Too Much Borrowed Money

Using margin, or borrowed money to buy stocks or shares should be done with caution. You may overvalue stock or underestimate the interest, thus ending up with worthless stock, or worse, massive debt. Margin should be used sparsely, if at all. Do a thorough calculation of how much returns you can expect considering the interest rate on the loan.

Toronto Shooting: Two Dead and 13 Injured in Danforth Avenue Attack

Two people, a 10-year-old girl and an 18-year-old woman, have died after a gunman opened fire on a busy avenue in Canada’s largest city, police say.

Another 13 people, ranging in age between 10 and 59, were injured in the attack in the Greektown district of Toronto, police chief Mark Saunders told reporters.

The 29-year-old suspect had an exchange of gunfire with police officers before being found dead nearby.

The reason for the shooting is unknown.

Police have not named the suspect, who was from Toronto, and it is unclear if he was killed by police gunfire or took his own life.

The attack happened on July 22. In a video clip shared by Canadian media, a white man wearing a dark cap and dark clothing and carrying a shoulder bag can be seen stopping on a pavement and pulling out a handgun before firing shots.

PM Justin Trudeau sent his sympathies to the victims and the city in a tweet, while Toronto Mayor John Tory condemned the “despicable” attack on “people innocently enjoying a Sunday evening”.

Image source CBC.ca

Toronto: Van Attack Kills Ten Pedestrians and Injures Other 15

Emergency services were called out just after 10PM local time. The site of the attack is a piazza with a fountain that is popular with local people and was busy at the time, the Toronto Globe and Mail writes.

A number of people were reportedly hurt in a cafe called the Demetres, while others were hit in the street.

Detective Sgt Terry Browne, who is leading the investigation into the shootings, told reporters on Monday that “some individuals have what may be described as life-changing injuries” following the attack.

According to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), which looks into incidents involving police which result in death, the gunman was tracked by officers to Bowden Street, a short distance from the cafe.

The gunman fired at a crowd of people waiting to cross the street, he said.

Police chief Saunders told reporters that, as yet, they “don’t know why this has happened”.

It is unclear whether the suspect was shot by police or killed himself with his gun.

A post-mortem examination is planned for July 24, according to SIU spokeswoman Monica Hudon.

Gun violence is much rarer in Canada than over the border in the US, but Toronto has seen attacks increase dramatically in recent years.

The Changing Face of Charitable Giving

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The face of giving to charitable causes has changed a lot in recent years. With advances in technology and new ways of thinking, more people are becoming directly connected with their charitable beneficiaries. Do any of these changes resonate with you?

Modern Technology and the Battle Against Poverty

One of the most dramatic of these changes can be seen by a recent move by Unicef. The group has long focused on providing infant vaccinations, supporting education in impoverished countries, and bringing clean water and sanitation to communities without access.

For example, in South Sudan, the struggle for any water is ongoing, especially during the dry season, and during the rainy season, clean water is hard to get, leaving many families devastated by cholera. The UNICEF-supported solution is a solar-powered water system. These have gone up in several communities and have the advantage of not needing an expensive source of fuel or routine repairs. This modern approach to an old problem has made it easier for children to go to school, parents to bathe their children, and families to eat nutritious meals.

UNICEF has also turned their efforts to raising cryptocurrency. Rather than asking for cash donations, the organization is asking for computer processing power, so they can mine cryptocurrency. The proceeds from these efforts will go to help Rohingya refugees in Myanmar. The mining effort requires a significant amount of power, so the charitable organization has reached out to volunteers who are willing to donate a percentage of their computers’ processing power to the UNICEF effort.

Smartphone apps are also being used as a way to gather financial donations. Some apps, such as ShareTheMeal and One Today allow givers to make a one-click donation. Other apps invite users to donate photos, such as Donate a Photo or Feedie, and some apps generate funds through games, such as Charity Tap and FreeRice. Still others encourage donors to be active for a cause, including apps such as Walk for a Dog, Charity Miles, and Budge.

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Newly-Structured Charitable Organizations

It isn’t unusual today to see younger professionals involved in charitable work, such as the efforts of Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva for UNESCO, but millennial philanthropists have different attitudes about their donations and volunteer efforts than their parents. In the past, volunteers saw established agencies or institutions as the source of solutions to current issues. Today, charitable organizations are more likely to represent the individual as part of the solution.

Modern non-profit organizations are more likely to provide several ways for donors to interact and contribute. For example, younger generations want to know where their money is going and see examples of how their gifts are impacting individuals and communities. Many charitable organizations are turning to social media to make information available and to reach out to new donors. For example, Pencils of Promise, a non-profit that supports new schools, scholarships, and teachers in developing countries, uses social media, an interactive website, and smartphone apps to keep volunteers engaged.

In today’s quest for donations and volunteers, charitable organizations are more likely to spend time offering transparency and creating meaningful stories. As potential donors are drawn into the lives of the suffering and as organizations are able to create connections between donors and recipients, more lives will be affected by donations of time, skills, money, and services.

Charites Are Taking Cues From Businesses

In the wealthiest countries, many charitable shops look like retail outlets where donated items are sold in a retail environment. The staff at these shops may be volunteers or recipients of the proceeds. The money earned from sales is often directed toward job training, housing, and food. What prompted this move?

Some charities have begun to bid for contracts (and some have been forced to do so.) For example, in order for a charity to receive money from the government, it may be required to provide evidence of reaching milestones, such as finding jobs for a specific number of unemployed. These charities may then face costs such as hiring trainers and related professionals with appropriate educational backgrounds. An increased number of college students are majoring in non-profit management and similar degree programs.

Those charitable organizations that depend on government and business backing have now turned to business peers to learn how to compete for financial support. In a newly competitive environment, these organizations have begun to pay more attention to the layout of their shops, invest in new technology, and ship donations to communities where they are likely to get the best returns. Some organizations may even list donations on eBay and other selling sites for better financial results.

As values and societal norms change, it isn’t surprising that expectations are changing as well. The world of charitable organizations is adapting to the new climate. As new trends take hold and younger professionals enter the scene, there may be many more changes on the horizon.

Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Live in Australia

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Relocating to another country is a huge and tough decision to deal with. There are a lot of things you need to consider prior to your move. And one of the major things you need to think of is where you plan to live.

Apparently, Australia is an amazing country to reside in with your whole family. If there is one destination you can choose to relocate in, then this could be your best option. Living in the Land Down Under is a great opportunity for everyone. It is definitely a wonderful place to dwell in with your loved ones.

Here are the reasons why you should opt to live a good life with your family in Australia:

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High standard of living

Truth be told, living in any cities in Australia is quite costly. But the minimum wage of each employee is doubled as compared in the United States. It might be expensive to migrate here, but everything is worth it because of the high standard of living it offers to every resident. This also proves that the economy is at its best since it can provide the citizens with all they need.

Top-quality education

Another major reason to settle in Australia is the kind of education it offers to students. In fact, the country is highly regarded as one of the best higher learning systems worldwide. Every permanent resident gets the chance to study in public schools without having to pay a single centavo, for the Australian government provides it for them. More so, there are some private schools that are made affordable for everyone.

Efficient transportation

Traffic is never a problem in this huge country as the transportation is extremely efficient. You can take public transportation, such as trams, buses, and trains any time. Bicycles are also widely used here, which you can rent or own yours to go from one city to another. Also, regular flight going to different states by air are available each day.

Premier healthcare

There is nothing to worry about once you get sick in Australia. There are public and private healthcare facilities of high quality that will take care of you. Each hospital offers cutting-edge equipment and tools as well as provides top-notch services to all the residents. In case you don’t own a health card, then you can rely on state-provided care any time.

Diverse culture

Living in Australia won’t be much of a hard time to anyone because it is a diverse country. You won’t feel like an outsider wherever you stay here, for the locals always treat you right and warmly welcome you. Whatever your race might be, it will never be an issue in Australia.

Indeed, Australia is such an exciting country to live in. This developed country offers a lot of great opportunities to its residents, so grab the chance to migrate here right away. If you are looking for a place to relocate in, there is a Lendlease home and land package near Brisbane, QLD that you can check out. It is certainly an ultimate spot to start anew with your family.

3 Ways to Manage Your Time Better

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As a business owner or manager, you’re always busy. Your time is valuable and it probably always feels like you don’t have enough time to mark off all the things on your to-do list. No matter how excellent you are at managing other people, it’s always a challenge to properly manage your own time.

But there are some things that you can do to make the best possible use of your time, without completely overhauling the way that you already operate.

Here are a few tips you can incorporate into your daily life, to get the most out of your waking hours.

Make routine tasks virtual or automated

One of the biggest time wasters in your day may simply be your drive to the bank or your time spent double checking whether or not you paid that credit card bill.

Whenever possible, take in-person tasks online, and make online tasks automated. This will save you the time of physically traipsing around town, and the time of worrying about whether or not you already accomplished some task.

For instance, while you previously may have applied for loans in person, there are now easy ways for you to apply for small loans online. This will save you driving time, and the time that it takes to wait in line at a bank or other loan center.

Further, you can automate tasks that you already accomplish online, such as monthly bill payment. Take one more item off your to-do list by setting your credit card bill to be automatically paid on a certain date every month, and save yourself from worry in the process.

Focus on one task at a time

Although multitasking may seem like the way to get more done in a shorter time period, research has shown that it actually slows you down.

Instead, focus on accomplishing one task at a time, and you’ll find that you save time in the long run. This is because multitasking splits your focus and makes it difficult for you to accomplish anything at all — you may accomplish two tasks in one hour, when you could have completed each task individually in 20 minutes.

Save yourself some time and focus on each objective in turn. As a bonus, you’ll likely find that the quality of your work also improves when your attention is undivided.

Block out time for yourself

Another counterintuitive way to save time in the long run is to block out personal time for yourself every day.

If you work every hour of every day — even if you’re just checking email during dinner or browsing through reports in bed — you’ll begin to feel constantly stressed and, eventually, burnt out.

You aren’t a robot, which means that you need time to unwind, relax, and think about something other than work. Block out regular time so that you can exercise and socialize without having work stresses still on the forefront of your mind.

You’ll soon find that this practice makes you productive when you are at work — and it might even help to break you out of a creative rut or a writer’s block that you would never have been able to just work straight through.

Prince George’s Fifth Birthday Marked with New Official Picture

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Prince George’s fifth birthday has been celebrated with the release of a new official picture.

George Alexander Louis of Cambridge was born in the private Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, at 4.24PM on July 22, 2013.

Prince William and Kate Middleton’s eldest child was photographed in the garden of Clarence House.

The picture was taken after the christening of Prince Louis.

Photographer Matt Porteous had also taken private pictures for Prince William and Kate Middleton at the christening of two-month-old Louis earlier this month.

Prince George was last seen, alongside his siblings and parents, at the christening in The Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace. It was the first time the family-of-five had been seen together.

Photo Matt Porteous

Prince George’s Fourth Birthday Marked with New Official Portrait

Prince George’s Third Birthday: Kate Middleton and Prince William Release Four Official Pictures

A great-grandson of the Queen, the little prince is third in line to the throne.

George has made a number of public appearances in the past 12 months, including on the balcony at Buckingham Palace for the Queen’s official birthday celebrations in June.

He was seen having fun with Savannah Phillips, the 7-year-old daughter of Prince William’s cousin Peter and his wife Autumn Phillips, who jokingly told him to shush and put her hand over his mouth.

Prince George was also a page boy at the wedding of his uncle Prince Harry to Meghan Markle in May.

He recently completed his first year at school, Thomas’s Battersea in south London, where he played a sheep in the nativity play at Christmas.

The prince is said to love helicopters and flying – perhaps taking after his father, who worked as an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot.

To mark Prince George’s birthday, a new £5 coin has been issued by the Royal Mint, showing St George and the Dragon on its reverse.

Why Application Performance Monitoring is So Important

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The daily function of the IT department in a business is often a necessary mystery to employees in other areas– they don’t really know what the IT department does, but they know it’s important.

Application Performance Monitoring is one of the many functions the IT department handles to keep things running smoothly. Without proper application performance management in place, the IT department isn’t able to do their job effectively. Here are some of the reasons application performance monitoring is so important.

What is Application Performance Monitoring?

 

Application Performance Monitoring or Management, collectively known as APM, is the software used by IT professionals to access the back end of a system and determine what’s wrong and how to fix it. In a nutshell, APM is a diagnostic tool that helps find a problem and highlights the best way to fix it.

For example, if you find that all of a sudden no one in your accounting department is able to process data in your invoicing system, but the sales department is having no trouble, APM could help solve this mystery.

Why APM Matters

Anyone with an educational background or work experience in IT knows that APM is important. However, it can be challenging to translate the concept into plain speech for those without the same experience. Here are some of the reasons APM matters, for those who need to know outside the inner sanctum of the IT department.

 

Acts as an Alarm System

 

Having proper APM in place can act as an alarm system, indicating that something is wrong before a peer or customer stumbles upon it. This feature helps the IT department take a proactive approach, rather than reacting to a complaint.

 

Think about it from a business perspective: when an issue arises do you want to know about it right away or wait until a customer complaint comes in? Is investing the money in APM preferable to losing money from disgruntled customers? The answer is obvious.

Helps Correct Performance Issues

How your systems work isn’t always a life or death scenario that could lose you customers. In fact, some issues won’t affect customers at all. Instead, they’ll directly impact employee morale and productivity.

Think about this scenario: it usually takes five seconds for your application pages to load for employees to get their work done. All of a sudden, it starts taking two minutes per page. Employees get (understandably) frustrated and the day’s work comes to a screeching halt.

 

While customers are merrily processing transactions and infusing the company with cash, think of the lost profits caused by having employees unable to keep the workflow moving forward. With APM in place, the IT department will be able to find and correct the problem much quicker than without.

Looks at the Bigger Picture

One of the most important aspects of APM is that it looks at the bigger picture, incorporating the various applications an organization uses to do their work, rather than bits and pieces. APM can see how everything is linked together– which is often a complex, tech-heavy process that can be hard to analyze– and identify problems across the board.

 

Essentially, APM goes beyond application troubleshooting and looks at the network in its entirety. This is essential for large businesses who have some customized application work to get things done. If you are in a large organization that handles specialty goods, the question is not about if you can afford APM, it’s can you afford not to have it?

 

The Ins and Outs of APM

If you have previously worked under the misconception that the IT department is made to handle advanced printer jams and ask you to turn your computer off and on again, you’re wrong. Having APM in place can help your IT department do their jobs well– identify problems, figure out how to fix them, and keep operations running smoothly.

How Soft and Hard Inquiries Affect Your Creditworthiness

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Did you know that financial institutions and some retailers access your credit report? Did you know there could be errors in your credit report that could be damaging your score? Not knowing these facts can seriously damage your creditworthiness in the eyes of potential lenders. That’s why staying on top of your credit education matters.

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While companies might look into your credit report with or without your knowledge, such inquiries might harm your score depending on what they want to know about your financial background. An inquiry can either be classified as a hard or a soft inquiry. The more you understand about inquiries, the more you can use them to maintain a high credit score.

Here are a few details about inquiries and how they affect your score:

When Do Both Inquires Occur?

Hard inquiries will typically occur once a potential lender accesses your credits report to determine your creditworthiness. They are mainly done since responsible lending is a must for people that need money now, and lenders too need to protect their interests when offering loans. While a hard inquiry will remain in your report for at least two years, it will only affect the report during the first 12 months.

Soft inquiries, on the other hand, occur without your permission when a company or person checks your credit report as a form of background check. For instance, a soft inquiry will occur once a lender pre-approves you for credit. Unlike hard inquiries, however, they do not affect your credit score.

How Does A Hard Inquiry Affect Your Score?

While hard inquiries will lower your score, their effect is somehow insignificant when compared to other factors. Some significant factors that will affect your score include your credit utilization ratio and your credit history. In case you have a small credit history and limited numbers of credit accounts, a single hard inquiry can significantly lower your score.

 

Additionally, multiple hard inquiries in your report with a smaller amount of loans offered will showcase you as a risky borrower to lenders despite having a high score. This is because such a trend portrays you as a borrower who is desperate for credit.

Can You Avoid The Inquiries?

In case you aim to shop around for a loan, there is no avoiding these inquiries. Luckily, there is a silver lining in that some credit models might consolidate hard inquiries during a given time into one inquiry which means reduced damages to your score. Such models will tend to look for a pattern during the period when you are shopping for a loan in terms of the credit line that you are working with.

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The trick is to shop for credit fast and consistently to develop an identifiable pattern, mostly in the standard period of 14-45 days. Additionally, consider only applying for credit that you have a high chance of approval to reduce your chances of having multiple inquiries on your credit report.

How About Inquiries That You Didn’t Authorize?

Man is to err, and there are situations when you might have a hard inquiry on your report that you didn’t authorize. Since it has the potential to damage your score, the best way to get rid of it is to talk to the lenders who initiated it to have it removed. Alternatively, consider treating the inquiry like any other incorrect information in your report. Dispute the errors with your credit bureau to have them eliminated.  Since your credit score lies in the balance, you should do anything necessary to maintain an accurate score.

Conclusion

From the fear of credit rejection to the idea that your credit might drop ad hoc, applying for credit might look like a scary experience. Since the inquiries have a nearly insignificant effect on your score, knowing how the inquiries tick will help you maintain it. Apply for easily approved credit according to your score to reduce avoid having excessive hard inquiries in your report.

Donald Trump Sparks Outrage after Inviting Vladimir Putin in US

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President Donald Trump has invited his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to visit the US, in a move that drew startled laughter from US intelligence chief Dan Coats.

Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats said when he was told about the invitation during a live interview: “That’s gonna be special!”

President Trump’s presidency has been clouded by allegations that Russian hackers meddled in the 2016 US presidential election in his favor. However, the Kremlin denies the allegations.

At the Helsinki summit, President Putin offered access to 12 Russians indicted in absentia by the US authorities over the alleged interference, on condition the Russian authorities could question 12 Americans over a different case. President Trump first praised the suggestion as “incredible” but later rejected it.

Since his return from Finland, President Trump or the White House have had to correct or clarify other comments regarding Russia, creating confusion and prompting the Democrats to demand details of his private talks with President Putin.

Vladimir Putin, in power in Russia since 2000, last visited the US in 2015, when he met President Barack Obama on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York to discuss the conflicts in Ukraine and Syria.

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President Trump Criticized after Summit with Vladimir Putin

Maria Butina: Russian Charged with Spying in US

Trump-Putin Summit: Donald Trump Defends Russia over Claims of Election Interference

On July 19, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders tweeted that discussions about a visit by Vladimir Putin to Washington DC this autumn were already under way.

Russian ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov said Russia had always been open to the idea of a visit but it was “up to the Kremlin to decide how many summits are needed, and when”.

The announcement appeared to come as a surprise to US intelligence chief Dan Coats, who was told about it during a live interview at the Aspen Security Forum in the state of Colorado.

Dan Coats added that he did not yet know what President Trump and President Putin had discussed during their meeting, at which only the pair and their interpreters were present.

At the post-summit news conference in Helsinki, President Putin was asked whether he would extradite 12 Russian intelligence agents indicted in the US for hacking Democratic Party computers.

No extradition treaty exists between the US and Russia, but Vladimir Putin said he would meet the US government “halfway”.

President Putin said that US investigators could question the 12 suspects inside Russia if, in turn, Russian investigators were allowed to question US citizens with regard to a case against financier Bill Browder.

Bill Browder was instrumental in the US imposing sanctions in 2012 on top Russian officials accused of corruption in the Magnitsky affair.

One of the Americans on Russia’s list is a former US ambassador to Moscow, Michael McFaul.

The idea of allowing Russia to quiz US citizens sparked outrage and the Senate voted 98-0 against it. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said it was “not going to happen”.

Michael McFaul tweeted his gratitude to the Senate: “98-0. Bipartisanship is not dead yet in the US Senate. Thank you all for your support.”

At the news conference in Helsinki, President Trump said: “He [Vladimir Putin] offered to have the people working on the case come and work with their investigations with respect to the 12 people. I think that’s an incredible offer.”

Now, however, President Trump says he “disagrees” with President Putin’s proposal.

He has also clarified remarks at the news conference in which he said he saw no reason for Russia to have meddled in the 2016 US election – despite US intelligence concluding just that.

Speaking to CBS News on July 18, President Trump said he held Vladimir Putin personally responsible for interfering in the election, and that he was “very strong on the fact that we can’t have meddling”.

Vladimir Putin has also described the summit as “successful” but warned “there are forces in the United States that are prepared to casually sacrifice Russian-US relations”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJsIE9fHhB0

What Are The Various Benefits Of Using The PCB Software?

Do you have a small in-house manufacturing business and now you wish to increase the volume of production? If you are thinking something like, this means that the demand for your products have got increased and you need to increase your productivity to match up with the customer’s demand.

But increasing the level of manufacturing and production will not be an easy task that you are thinking. Either you need to increase your team to expand your in-house production or at the most, you can outsource the company. If you are running your business on a small level, it will be a much difficult task for you to maintain the hiring of some other company. In such a situation the first option can be taken care of.

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The Use Of PCB Software

Are you thinking that how will you manage the production in-house? This is where the PCB software can be highly helpful. With the help of the software, you will be able to manage your products well and also you can get good pricing for them.

Normally, in any manufacturing unit, you have to go through the processes of designing the product, testing of the manufactured product and finally scrutinizing them carefully. This is not only a time-consuming process but also can incur a good amount of financial resources. The PCB software can be an option in lowering down the time consumed in the developing of the products and hence also reducing down the cost per unit.

Are you following the same process of manually handling everything in post-production? This may increase your confusion and also may at times it can become difficult in handling your customers. A much convenient way is to start using the PCB software and handle the clients and customers through it. The software can help you in dealing with the concerns in a much smoother way and also be allowing you to focus on the main task of delivering products to your customers on proper time.

PCB Software – A Companion For The Start-Ups

If you are new to the business or you are about to increase your business and take it to a new level, PCB Software download can be of great help in a number of ways. You can run the whole process of your business on the software in order to understand sharply the profits and losses that you are incurring in your business.

The software with its prototype is very much helpful in saving time and money in the manufacturing process. The prototype allows you to test the manufactured product in different levels before you launch the product out in the market. This is a great thing because the software allows you to recognize the error parts so that you can correct them and then manufacture it again in the right way. The smooth functioning of the software also helps you in correcting multiple numbers of products at a single time so that you can save upon your time. This, of course, offers you much better results when the products are out in the market.

Altogether, it can be said that if you are someone who has decided to be in the competitive market and be successful in it, getting the help of the software can be a great thing for you. There are so many different features that benefit the software in comparison to any other software. Here are some such benefits that you can enjoy when you are using PCB software for your small business or any manufacturing unit.

Great Design Services:

Are you tired of hiring different engineers and other designers without getting satisfied? The software can actually offer so much of design options that you do not have to waste your time anywhere else.

Go Green:

The proverb is easy to be said but following it can get a really tough task. There are so many places where the government has imposed a ban on a number of things so that the industries do not disturb the harmony of the environment much. The software can take a great part in recognizing the parts and points that can take your business and manufacturing unit against the go green campaign.

Tracking System:

The software is well-equipped with a proper tracking system so that you do not have to worry about the various stages of your production. It helps you in tracking the components even when you are working with a partner in your business. It can help you also in verifying different things carefully so that you can easily build up the store shelf.

Testing Products:

As mentioned before also, the most beneficial feature of the software is that it can help you in testing your products before you launch it in the market. There are so many times when manufacturers introduce a particular product in the market and realize later on about the fault in it. It not only leads to a loss of so much of money but also it leads to a complete embarrassment for the company. At times, the company may also lose upon the brand image and it may take much time for it to get back the same old place.

The software is a great option to stay away from such embarrassing situations. The prototype system of the software allows you to check and test the product after each manufacturing stage so that you can be sure that the product you will be launching in the market is absolutely the way you wanted it to be. It not only will save your time in the process but also will save a lot of money and your reputation.

There may have come a lot of time in past when you may have got a trouble in your system that may have taken a few days in getting resolved. You can trust upon the PCB software in such a situation and can enjoy the features and benefits offered by it. You just need to know the features that the software is offering and you can actually get your business house to an all new level.

Breaking the Myth: 8 Misconceptions about Oral Health You Need to Stop Believing Now

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How we take care of our teeth is an important aspect of keeping ourselves healthy. In fact, many dental health experts consider oral health as a window to our overall well-being. Thus, it’s no wonder that one of the health priorities of many people today is taking care of their teeth.

However, despite the many scientific studies about how we should prioritize our oral health, some people still buy into a lot of misconceptions that surround it. So, instead of keeping their teeth first-rate, wrong practices cause their teeth serious damage.

Therefore, it’s a must to separate fact from fiction. For a little help, here’s a list of myths that surround oral health that you need to know — and stop believing now! So take a read!

Myth 1: Just Chew a Sugar-Free Gum

Some people believe that munching a sugar-free gum is the same and as good as brushing your teeth. If this has any scientific basis, sugar-loving kids would surely jump for joy. However, this is just a myth.

Yes, chewing sugarless gum, especially one that contains xylitol can do the job in protecting your teeth. Chewing a sugar-free gum prompts the production of saliva in the mouth which in turn washes away acids from drinks and foods that damage your teeth.

Still, your sugar-free chewing gum won’t take the rightful place of your toothbrush in improving your oral health. In other words, it’s not enough! For you to get rid of plaque, acids, and tiny bits of food in your mouth, you still need to brush your teeth twice daily to achieve that fine smile that you want for yourself.

Myth 2: Sugar is the Only One to Blame for Cavities

The primary thing to blame for cavities is sugar. Yes, it’s true, but it’s not just sugar. Sugar has partners-in-crime when it comes to ruining your teeth. In fact, aside from candies and chocolates, chips and crackers can also do damage to your oral health.

Chips and crackers contain starch and carbs that cause cavities to your beautiful set of teeth. Not only that, but they also stick hard to your teeth. So, as far as possible, avoid overeating sugar as well as starchy foods.

Myth 3: White Teeth is Healthy Teeth

Some of us would likely believe that if a person has a white set of teeth he/she has a healthy teeth. Not, really. White teeth cannot be the standard for good oral health because the natural color of the teeth differs in every individual.

One person may have a yellower set of teeth than another, but it doesn’t mean that that person has bad teeth and the latter has healthy teeth. In fact, discoloration of the teeth can be more evident as we age. It will still depend on the teeth if they have cavities or a bad odor to consider it as not healthy.

Myth 4: Flossing is Not Important

Some people tend to neglect to floss their teeth after brushing. They’ll reason out that brushing their teeth is enough. Actually, not flossing your teeth can cause bacteria build-up.

There are areas in our mouth that are hard to reach just using your toothbrush, and that leaves 33 percent of your mouth not properly cleaned. So it’s advisable that you do regular flossing of your teeth to improve your overall health.

Myth 5: Bleaching Your Teeth is Not Ok

Before 1990, dentists use acidic materials in bleaching their patient’s teeth. During that time, they apply highly-concentrated whitening gels that can shock the teeth. As such, bleaching causes the enamel of the tooth to break down.

However, nowadays, dentists use materials for bleaching that are PH neutral. It makes your teeth whiter than ever. So, bleaching your teeth nowadays is safe for your oral health.

Myth 6: Brushing Your Teeth Hard Will Make It Cleaner

Brushing your teeth too hard will damage your teeth and gums. When you go too hard while brushing, it will wear away the enamel of your teeth that serves as protection from cavities and bacteria.

Thus, when you’re going to brush your teeth, it’s advisable that you make it gentle. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush if your mouth is too sensitive. Use the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums. Brush the inside and outside area of your teeth, as well as your gums and tongue. Just remember: make it gentle.

Myth 7: If You Don’t Feel Anything, It’s Ok Not to See a Dentist

Not visiting a dentist is one of the biggest mistakes for a lot of people. Even if you’re not feeling bad about your teeth, it’s still a must that you see a dentist so that you can prevent the worst from happening.

Most oral health problems are not evident at the beginning. For instance, in cavity and gum disease, you won’t feel the pain right away. Thus, to prevent it from becoming a bigger problem, you should see a dental expert.

Myth 8: Using Aspirin Will Relieve Toothache

If the source of the pain comes from the gum area, there’s a possibility that placing aspirin on that area will alleviate the pain temporarily. But if the source is from the structure of the tooth, chances are the pain will not go away since the aspirin cannot enter the enamel to reach the affected nerve.

You should also avoid overusing the aspirin to alleviate your gum pain because it can cause complications to your gums.

Takeaway

It’s essential that we should prioritize our dental health. When you have healthy teeth, you can have a lower chance of getting diseases that can be dangerous not only to your oral health but also to your overall health. In fact, a study concludes that bad oral health can lead to heart complications.

However, there are myths with regards to taking care of your teeth. It’s essential that you know about them so that you can prioritize your oral health with the right knowledge.

Israel Approves Controversial Jewish Nation State Bill

The Israeli parliament has approved a controversial bill characterizing the country as principally a Jewish state, fuelling anger among its Arab minority.

The so-called “nation state” law says Jews have a unique right to national self-determination there and puts Hebrew above Arabic as the official language.

Arab lawmakers reacted furiously in parliament, with one waving a black flag and another ripping up the bill.

Om Benjamin Netanyahu praised the law’s passage as a “defining moment”.

He said: “A hundred and twenty-two years after [the founder of modern Zionism Theodore] Herzl made his vision known, with this law we determined the founding principle of our existence. Israel is the nation state of the Jewish people, and respects the rights of all of its citizens.”

Among its 11 provisions, the Basic Law describes Israel as “the national home of the Jewish people” and says the right to exercise national self-determination there is “unique to the Jewish people”.

The law also reiterates the status of Jerusalem under Israeli law, which defines the city as the “complete and united… capital of Israel”.

Controversially, the law singles out Hebrew as the “state’s language”, effectively prioritizing it above Arabic which has for decades been recognized as an official language alongside Hebrew.

Image source Wikimedia

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The law ascribes Arabic “special status” and says its standing before the law came into effect will not be harmed.

In one of its clauses, the law stresses the importance of “development of Jewish settlement as a national value”, though it is unclear whether this also alludes to settlement in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

The bill has been under discussion since it was first introduced in 2011 and has undergone multiple amendments, with the final version watering down or dropping altogether sections regarded as discriminatory.

Israel has no constitution but instead passed over time a series of Basic Laws which have constitutional status. The nation state law is the 14th such basic law.

The issue of Israel as a Jewish state has become increasingly important in recent years and a key dispute between Israel and the Palestinians.

The Israeli prime minister has repeatedly insisted that the Palestinians must recognize Israel as a Jewish state in any final peace settlement. Benjamin Netanyahu argues that the Palestinians’ refusal to do so is the biggest obstacle to peace, saying it demonstrates that the Palestinians do not genuinely recognize Israel’s right to exist.

Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has said he will never recognize Israel as a Jewish state, arguing that the Palestinians have long recognized the State of Israel and should not be expected to go further.

The law is important because it is hugely symbolic, and according to Israel’s large Arab minority, evidence that Israel is downgrading their status.

Israeli Arabs, many of whom identify as or with Palestinians, comprise about 20% of Israel’s 9 million-strong population.

Arabs have equal rights under the law but have long complained of being treated as second-class citizens and say they face discrimination and worse provision than Israeli Jews when it comes to services such as education, health and housing.

Israel is often accused by its fiercest critics of practicing a system akin to apartheid against Israeli Arabs and Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. Israel vehemently rejects the allegation as a smear tactic used by those who reject its very right to exist.

8 Practical ways to reduce business costs

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Image source Max Pixel

Whether it is a grocery store, services provider, or an online store running its operations via internet, each and every business has its own costs and expenses to generate profits. Since all the business costs cannot be eliminated in full, there are a lot of ways to reduce business costs in order to maximize the profits in results. My making some significant but productive changes, a business can enjoy lower overall costs even without losing the work efficiency and performance.It is always beneficial for small business owners to explore more and more ways to cut the business costs down because it is the only best way to develop and expand business by getting more in less. Below are some practical ways to cut business costs and raise profits wonderfully.

Reduce employment costs by hiring interns

Highly experienced and professionally trained employees will always want attractive salary packages but interns can do the same work in less if trained for your business operations and processes accordingly. They can get valuable experience in the industry and you (as an employer or business owner) can enjoy lower employment costs to save business money for other productive things.Hence, always stare the resume carefully to hire an intern with relevant study and basic know how in the industry in order to get better results.

Lower the office space costs

If you can easily run your business operations or other office work from a less expensive office space without compromising the efficiency, be quick to move because you can save a lot of bucks by shifting to a less expensive office space instead of paying huge rental amount for an office situated in the famous commercial area of town.You can also opt for a virtual office if you are running an online business and there is no much need of physical presence.

Outsource where you can save more

Outsourcing is a great way to get most of the jobs done by freelancers or outside contractors where you can save more for your business. For example, you can hire a facility management company or professionals in order to get all the preventive maintenance related jobs done efficiently even without paying huge sum of money and hiring more employees to do so.In this way, you can save business money in terms of hiring no special employees and no investment in special maintenance tools and machines for proper asset maintenance. “Outsourcing your business processes can be beneficial only if a strategy is put in place first to make sure you will get the results you want,” says Mark Shapiro, CEO of Executive Boutique Call Center in the Philippines.

Never spend much on business meetings

No doubt business meetings are vital to make sure that everyone is doing his/her job very well and overall business operations are running smoothly, there are so many ways to cut the business meetings related costs effectively. You can choose your business conference hall as the meeting venue instead of paying lots of bucks for booking of an expensive place in the town. Making bit changes in the meeting meal menu can also help you save $$$.

Maintain your assets

Effective asset management and maintenance helps you keep all your business tools and machines in good working condition even without facing asset breakdown and failure. You can also invest in cmms maintenance software for your company or business in order to automate and streamline its maintenance management processes not only to save time but to cut the business costs down as well.

Pay your bills quickly

It is obvious that most of the vendors and suppliers always offer handsome discounts when a business pays bills or invoices before deadline or due date.So, you shouldn’t miss this golden opportunity to save money if you have enough cash on hand to make the immediate payments for recent purchases. In results, you can also make your business relations with vendors or suppliers stronger than ever by making payments ahead of time.

Ask your suppliers for rebates or discounts

When you are buying raw materials or other stuff for production in bulk, you should ask the vendors or suppliers for discounted rates or rebates specially when making payments via cash. In this way, you can buy more in the same amount to produce more for the rapid business growth and development.

Train your employees for multi taking

Skilled and competent employees are one of the great business assets and you can polish their skills and expertise to get more from them. First assess their skills and professional experience than train them for multi taking at the workplace. For example, if your employees are able to troubleshoot the tiny faults or issues in the equipment or machines without calling the technician, they will be more likely to produce more than their strengths and you can save the money in terms of not hiring an expert for troubleshooting.

President Trump Responds to Putin Summit Critics

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President Donald Trump has responded to those criticizing his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Writing on Twitter, President Trump condemned “haters” who did not want him getting along with Vladimir Putin, saying they suffered from “Trump Derangement Syndrome”.

President Trump said he misspoke at the press conference with President Putin.

He had sided with the Russian leader over his own intelligence services on claims of Russian election meddling.

That had sparked outrage from both sides of the political divide.

In a series of tweets, President Trump said: “So many people at the higher ends of intelligence loved my press conference performance in Helsinki. Putin and I discussed many important subjects at our earlier meeting. We got along well which truly bothered many haters who wanted to see a boxing match. Big results will come!”

Later, he added: “Some people HATE the fact that I got along well with President Putin of Russia. They would rather go to war than see this. It’s called Trump Derangement Syndrome!”

President Trump Criticized after Summit with Vladimir Putin

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Trump-Putin Summit: Donald Trump Defends Russia over Claims of Election Interference

The tweets came a day after he said he had missed out a word when appearing to support Vladimir Putin’s claim that there was no Russian involvement in the 2016 US presidential election.

President Trump said he accepted his intelligence services’ assessment that Russia had interfered.

The controversy centers on a response he gave to a question at a news conference on July 16 following the summit with President Putin.

The AP reporter asked at the news conference: “President Putin denied having anything to do with the election interference in 2016. Every US intelligence agency has concluded that Russia did. My first question for you, sir, is, who do you believe?”

President Trump responded: “My people came to me… they said they think it’s Russia. I have President Putin; he just said it’s not Russia. I will say this: I don’t see any reason why it would be.”

President Trump said he had reviewed the transcript and realized he needed to clarify.

He said: “In a key sentence in my remarks, I said the word <<would>> instead of <<wouldn’t>>.

“The sentence should have been: ‘I don’t see any reason why I wouldn’t’ or ‘why it wouldn’t be Russia’. Sort of a double negative.”

President Trump added: “I accept our intelligence community’s conclusion that Russia’s meddling in the 2016 election took place. Could be other people also. A lot of people out there.”