People are always going to need real estate agents, and finding a good one who will understand exactly what they need and apply it to proactively making it a reality is one of the most important deciding factors in choosing the right agent.
But what exactly makes a good and successful real estate agent? It’s a combination of skills and personality that not everyone has. But if you possess these rare but extremely valuable qualities, you may want to know a little more about what a career in this industry entails.
One of the reasons that businesses like Compass Realty can provide a seamless and simple experience in the real estate sector for their clients is due to the quality of their agents. What are those qualities? And does it sound like an ideal career path that suits your skillsets?
Image source: PxHere
Do you like constantly working with new people?
As soon as you’re done helping someone achieve their dreams, the next person will come along. Your day is filled with meeting buyers, sellers, and viewers while getting everyone on the same page. To do that well, you’ll need to relish interacting with new people every single day.
Can you multitask well?
Interacting with all of these people while keeping up with the latest market activities requires the ability to multitask. Not just for one day, but every single day. You’ll juggle admin tasks, bookings, and updating your clients constantly on the next steps of the purchase or sale.
Do you like a job that offers variety?
Real estate isn’t for people who like to do exactly the same thing every day. One minute you’ll be at your desk, and the next you’ll be preparing properties for viewings and fielding inquiries from interested parties.
Are you an ambitious person?
When it comes to jobs for ambitious people, the career of a real estate agent offers many opportunities in terms of personal satisfaction and job success. If you believe that hard work and dedication should be rewarded, your ambitions are likely to be recognized in the property industry.
Are you a good listener?
The life of a real estate agent involves a great deal of talking, negotiating, and explaining the benefits and unique selling points of a property to others. But there’s an invaluable skill that’s even more important than talking – the ability to listen.
If you’re able to fully understand exactly what each new client wants, they’ll find the process of listing, selling, or buying a home much easier. A client who is heard is a grateful client who is more likely to recommend an agent to others.
Do you like helping other people?
If the idea of meeting families and individuals who need help finding their new home or starting a new chapter in life by selling a current one sounds good, you’ll be in your element with real estate.
From that very first meeting with a new client to the final deal being signed, real estate agents work diligently to help others and take a great deal of pride in playing a small part in giving others their ideal happy ending.
When was the last time you looked at your bank balance? We’ve all been struggling during the pandemic, but it’s finally coming to an end. If you want to safeguard your future, you’ll need to start growing an emergency fund.
Most people will find it very hard to save money, especially if they don’t earn much. You should use helpful apps if you fall into that category. Let’s look at some of the best ones you should download as soon as possible.
“If you look after the pennies, the pounds look after themselves.” It’s a popular phrase that tells you to start saving loose change, which isn’t easy with physical money. You spend everything that’s sitting in your pocket.
Ooins is different because it’s an app that links to your bank account. When you buy something, it rounds it up to the nearest dollar, so $3.75 becomes $4. The extra 0.25 cents goes into account along with all your other change.
2. Mint
Mint is probably the biggest personal finance app on the market. If you take out bad credit loans from Magical Credit, you should add them to the app. You need to link your debit and credit cards to your account too.
Once you’ve added everything to the app, it will trace every penny you spend. It will give you advice to help eliminate your nasty spending habits. You’ll even get reminders when you need to pay important bills.
3. Digit
I’m sure your spending habits would improve if a financial expert followed you around every day. You’ll experience the same thing once you download the Digit app. It will learn about you by analyzing your bank transactions.
If you have a personal loan, it will work out how to pay it off effectively. It can move money into separate accounts based on the goals you set. You’ll reach your goals much faster when Digit gives you a helping hand.
4. Qapital
Qapital lets you save a little cash every time you trigger a particular rule. For example, it will put a certain percentage of your income into another account. It can move money out of your account every day or week.
You will have complete flexibility to choose how and when it saves money, and it will always be accessible if you’re desperate. If you forget about the app, you’ll get a nice surprise when you finally check your savings.
5. Halfdollar
Some people work more than one job to put food on the table. It’s easy to get a job driving for Uber at night if you need more money. It’s possible to earn a little cash by uploading YouTube videos or posting Instagram photos.
Halfdollar is great at keeping track of income coming in from multiple places, plus it will know when anything leaves your bank accounts. You will save money if the total income is greater than your expenses.
One App Can Work Wonders
You won’t need to download all these finance apps to achieve great results. The right app could help you save money easily, which will change your life forever.
Are you thinking of converting your basement? If so, this can be a tricky and expensive project to undertake, if you aren’t careful. Fortunately for you, there are plenty of tips and guidelines to follow to ensure that this renovation is a success. Here is what you should know and do:
The first thing that you need to determine is how much you are going to spend on this renovation. Doing calculations at the beginning of the project can also help you to determine what kind of changes and how many of them you can make.
One of the easiest ways to determine how much you should spend is to look at your home’s ceiling value. This is the maximum amount of money that you can sell your house for. Based on this, determine which budget will ensure that you recoup the greatest amount of your costs for this remodel.
Choose the Right Contractor for the Job
Your basement isn’t like any other room in your home. This is because it is more likely to suffer from water damage, flooding, moisture issues, etc. Not to mention, this part of your home can be particularly colder as well. Due to this, you can’t simply begin decorating the space – you first have to tackle structural issues.
It is because of this that you should always hire professionals such as MarkhamPenguin Basements to handle this type of job. With their years of experience, they will be able to guarantee that the room is up to code before they focus on the aesthetic elements of the space.
Avoid Making Too Many Layout Changes
You may have a lot of ideas for what you want to do with this space. It is best to avoid putting up walls or making too many structural changes. This is especially true if you are planning on living in this house for many more years to come. As the years go by, you may find yourself needing to use this room for various purposes.
An increasing number of homeowners are turning this space into in-law suites to accommodate aging parents, for instance. Thus, don’t make any major changes to the space. Try to keep it as an all purpose space so that it can be used for a number of things.
Mimic the Theme from the Main House
One of the mistakes that people make is to treat the basement like an entirely different space. Now, if you aren’t using it as a living space, then this will work for you. However, if you are planning on entertaining here, it is important for it to be an extension of the main house.
This means using the same color palette as above. You should also follow the same design theme. This creates a sense of cohesiveness and makes the space feel cozier too.
These are the main guidelines that you should follow if you are looking to convert this part of your home. Stick to these and you should have a beautiful space in a timely manner, while adhering to your budget!
A large percentage of psychopaths are languishing behind bars at the moment. I bet they didn’t panic when the cuffs were slapped on. Unfortunately, normal people who make horrible mistakes don’t react as well.
If you’re arrested after committing a minor offense, you’ll probably think the world is going to end, and you’ll want a few questions answered ASAP. Let’s discuss the main things you’ll have floating around in your head.
Mr.Polak, GTA personal injury lawyer with years of experience, says you need to make sure you’re under arrest? If the police pull you to the side after a crash, it doesn’t always mean you’ll spend the night in jail.
Don’t get scared before you know you’re in trouble. It’s an easy mistake to make if the police detain you for questioning. If you find yourself in handcuffs, you’ll likely be taking a little trip to the station.
2. When Will You Appear At Court?
Even if you spend time in a jail cell, you’ll only need to wait a few days until being arraigned. It will depend on several factors, including where you’re from, but it won’t take long until you see a judge.
If you’ve never been arrested, it’s horrible sitting in a cell with no idea what to expect. You might start to think you’ll be in there forever. Ask to see a lawyer at the earliest opportunity once you’re under arrest.
3. Can You See The Police Report?
You’ll probably want to see a copy of the police report when you get out. If you know what the arresting officer said in their report, it will make you feel better, even if it doesn’t necessarily paint you in a good light.
It’s tough to handle when left in the dark. Sadly, it won’t always be shared with you, but your lawyer will be able to ask for a copy. Once it’s delivered, you’ll be able to look it over with them.
4. Will They Let You Out On Bond?
Whether or not you get bond will depend on the seriousness of your case. The police might arrest you for an outstanding warrant after a car accident. You’ll probably be able to call an auto accident lawyer after a few days in jail.
If you’re the suspect in a murder investigation, it’s likely the police will try to hold onto you for as long as possible. It’s impossible to say what will happen if you’re charged with a serious crime, so talk to your lawyer.
5. Can You Avoid A Horrible Trial?
Going on trial is one of the worst feelings in the world. I hope the prosecutor drops your case because they don’t think it’s worth taking to court. The only other way you’ll avoid a trial is by negotiating a deal.
A good lawyer will be able to negotiate a sweet deal compared to what you’ll receive at trial, but you might need to spend time in prison. It’s sometimes worth taking a chance with a jury if you’re confident of a non-guilty verdict.
Don’t Worry Until You Talk To A Lawyer
It’s pointless worrying about your arrest until you’ve talked to a lawyer. The people who end up in real trouble usually know everything is about to change forever.
No one wants their perfect family vacation to turn into a disaster, but unfortunately, it can happen. Family vacations are supposed to be a time to relax and enjoy each other’s company, but if things go wrong, they can quickly become a nightmare. There are many factors that can contribute to a ruined family vacation, and while some of them are beyond your control, there are a few that you can avoid by seeking help like that of family dentistry.
One of the most common reasons for a ruined vacation is when someone in the family gets sick or injured. This can be anything from a cold to a more serious illness, and it can completely ruin your plans. Dental emergencies are also a common occurrence, so it’s always a good idea to visit a dentist near you before you go on vacation. Family dentistry can help you with any dental needs you may have, and they can also give you tips on how to avoid any dental problems while you’re away. If someone in your family does get sick or injured while you’re on vacation, it’s important to have a plan. Make sure you know where the nearest family dentistry or hospital is, and be sure to pack any medications that may be necessary. It’s also a good idea to have travel insurance, just in case.
ii. Bad Weather
Bad weather is another common reason for ruined vacations. If you’re planning a beach vacation, for example, and it rains the whole time, that’s not going to be very enjoyable. Similarly, if you’re planning a ski trip and there’s no snow, that can be a major disappointment. When booking your vacation, research the typical weather patterns for the time of year you’ll be visiting. This will give you a better idea of what to expect, and help you plan accordingly.
iii. Losing valuables
Losing your passport, wallet, or other important documents can put a serious damper on your vacation. To avoid this, be sure to keep all of your important belongings in a safe place, and make copies of everything before you go. That way, if you do lose something, you’ll have a backup. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the local laws and customs before you travel. This way, you can avoid any potential problems, and make sure you’re not breaking any laws.
iv. Being Robbed or Scammed
Sadly, crime is a reality of travel, and you could be the victim of a robbery or scam while on vacation. To avoid this, research the areas you’ll be visiting ahead of time, and be aware of the potential risks. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and keep your valuables in a safe place. Be cautious of people who approach you offering goods or services, and never give out personal information to someone you don’t know. If you do find yourself in a situation where you’re being scammed or robbed, the most important thing is to remain calm. Don’t resist, and hand over any valuables that are demanded. Once you’re safe, you can contact the police and file a report.
v. Travel Delays
Another potential vacation ruiner is travel delays. This can be anything from a canceled flight to getting lost in an unfamiliar city. To avoid this, try to leave plenty of time for travel, and be sure to check the weather and traffic conditions before you leave. It’s also a good idea to have a backup plan in case your flight is canceled or you get lost. If you’re driving, make sure you have a map, and if you’re flying, make sure you have the contact information for your hotel.
vi. Family Drama
Of course, one of the most common reasons for a ruined vacation is a family drama. This can be anything from arguments to simply not getting along. If you’re traveling with extended family, it’s important to set some ground rules before you go. Decide what activities everyone will do together, and make sure everyone is on the same page. It can also be helpful to schedule some alone time so that everyone can have a break from each other. If arguments do arise, try to stay calm and resolve them as quickly as possible.
No one wants their vacation to be ruined by any of the things we’ve mentioned, but it’s important to be aware of these potential risks. By being prepared and taking some precautions, you can help minimize the chances of your vacation going bad. If something does happen, don’t panic. Stay calm and have a backup plan. With a little preparation, visiting a family dentistry before the trip, you can make sure your vacation is a success.
As an entrepreneur, you know how exciting it can be to start your own successful business venture. After years of working for a company and putting endless hours into work that had no meaning, you felt the calling to be your own boss. You began to imagine a world where you could chart your own course in life, where you could tap into your creativity and birth a brilliant idea that would bring you success in the marketplace.
Then, step by step, you put effort into your new idea and watched it take shape and form. As part of birthing your new venture, you quickly discovered that streamlining your operations is one of the keys to ongoing success. You also discovered that leveraging the following important tools is the best way of ensuring sustainable growth.
QuickBooks Accounting Software
When you are creating a new company it’s easy to get swept away in the numerous responsibilities and demands for your attention. And there are common small business accounting mistakes you can easily make if you are not careful. Unlike the corporate world where every company has a large support staff, as a new owner, every key decision will cross your desk. It’s tempting to skip important building blocks so you can get to exciting things like sales, but you want to make sure you are setting things up for long-term prosperity.
As part of this, it’s important to take the time to set up and install accounting software that will let you manage your operations. QuickBooks provides a comprehensive solution for financial management, inventory, billing, budgeting and expense tracking. It gives you all the tools you need to manage the fiscal health of your company.
Human Resources Software
It’s not unusual for large firms to have HR departments with lots of employees. As an entrepreneur, though, you have to take a more spartan approach. Fortunately, there are many different Software as a Service (SaaS) offerings that provide all the functionality required to manage your HR needs.
The packages are easy to set up, and don’t require an IT department to keep them up and running. These tools will help you streamline operations by putting maintenance of your data into the hands of each employee. With a Human Resources SaaS solution, you’ll be able to manage employee records, handle hiring and onboarding, and accurately track time reporting and paid time off.
Fleet Management Tools
If you operate multiple vehicles and trucks as part of your business, you understand that fleet management is an expensive juggling act. To truly stay on top of things, you need tools that give you a window of visibility into what is really going on. With new vehicle prices rising and gas prices close to an all-time high, operational costs can soar if you don’t get this area under control.
Fleet management tools let you track all of your vehicles using real-time GPS data so you will always know where your mobile assets are. In addition, you can help assure on time delivery of your products when you take advantage of the dispatching and routing functionality that is part of the system. You’ll also be able to use the tools to streamline operations and identify cost-saving opportunities.
Email Marketing Automation Tool
It takes work to fill your sales pipeline with prospects, and to convert potential buyers into customers. Email marketing automation tools can help you manage this process. When someone visits your website, calls in for more information or responds to one of your special offers, you’ll want to begin to nurture them along the sales journey. With email marketing automation, you can set up drip campaigns that give your prospects the information they need to make a purchase decision. Best of all, these campaigns are fully automated so they keep the process going without taking up time and effort from your sales staff.
Project and Task Management Tools
To truly keep on top of everything that is happening in the organization, you’ll want to set up powerful, yet easy to use, project and task management software. These offerings allow you to quickly track an ongoing project, assign tasks to individuals and teams, and monitor where things stand. With the right tools, you’ll be able to leverage the power of more agile teams and stay on top of all the open tasks. These SaaS offerings will help you streamline your business operations and run your projects efficiently.
You want your employees to feel comfortable at work. However, they will only be productive if they feel well. Therefore, it’s your responsibility to ensure they don’t stress out. But, of course, you can’t prevent them from feeling terrible. Sometimes, the nature of the job can be exhausting, and employees stress out. Here are some tips to help them get through the challenges of their job.
Have a private conversation
If you notice that your employees don’t feel okay, it’s time to have a private conversation. They reflect it through their behaviour or work quality. If you know that something stresses them out, this conversation will help. Perhaps, they need someone to talk to. Relieving them of the stress through small talk can go a long way.
Settle conflicts
Once you start sensing conflicts among your employees, you have to step in. You might also receive reports about employees not getting along. You don’t want to wait until things worsen before doing anything. These issues can escalate and prevent everyone from doing a great job. You can ask for a meeting among the parties involved. You may also implement new rules to ensure that personal matters don’t adversely impact work.
Don’t overburden some employees
You might feel like some employees do a great job and want them to do more. While it can be flattering, it can also be stressful. Don’t burden a few employees in favour of the others. You may also work with third parties for some events. For instance, you can work with a funfair hire company for an upcoming corporate event. You don’t have to choose among your employees to take the leadership role, especially if they already have a lot on their plate.
Never micromanage
You could be the reason for the employees’ stress. You keep showing up to correct the smallest details. You also tell everyone what to do and do not give enough breathing space. While you think you’re helping them excel, it’s the other way around. Your constant presence prevents creativity and independence. You can show leadership skills without micromanaging.
Show appreciation
It pains employees to work hard and feel like no one sees their hard work. Therefore, you must show appreciation whenever possible. It could be through a small note placed on their desks. You can also send a congratulatory message through emails. A promotion or salary bump would be great for employees who did an excellent job. There are different ways to express appreciation, and your goal is to make everyone feel seen. Sometimes, your acknowledgment is good enough to reduce work-related stress.
Again, it’s natural to feel stressed out at work. You have to help your employees who go through a lot. They also have other problems back home. A few changes at work can relieve them of their burden. Besides, you want everyone to perform well. With constant stress, your employees will be unable to carry out their responsibilities.
Advertising is a powerful tool for businesses. It helps them reach potential customers and increase sales, promote their brand and gain attention for all the right reasons. Tagline marketing can be a particularly effective advertising technique – but just what do we mean by this, and why does it work so well? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is Tagline Advertising?
Tagline advertising refers to the use of short phrases or slogans that are often used as part of an ad’s copy or headline. They’re typically used in ads that have a strong visual element such as TV commercials, radio spots, print advertisements, and billboards. The most famous tagines are those that you instantly connect with a brand or product – we all know where “The happiest place on Earth” is, or which brand is advertising when they say “Just Do It”. The goal for businesses is to create an instantly recognizable phrase or slogan, which allows them to communicate effectively with customers.
Why Does Tagline Advertising Work So Well?
The reason why tagline advertising works so well is because people respond to things that they recognize. A tagline is something that everyone understands immediately, and therefore has a much higher chance of connecting with your target audience. This makes it a very effective way of communicating with consumers, especially if you want to get across a specific message quickly.
Some of the main reasons that tagline advertising works so well include:
You can make a connection with your audience almost instantly.
With a short, sharp tagline, you are creating an instant connection with your audience, making it easier for them to remember the message you’re trying to convey.
You can stand out from other competitors.
By using a memorable tagline, you’ll be able to attract more attention than your competition. If you’re looking to sell products online in a crowded or saturated market, then having a catchy tagline could be crucial to getting noticed.
You can easily incorporate your tagline into any communication medium
If you’re planning on running your own campaign, then you can easily add your tagline to any promotional material that you send out. For example, if you’re promoting a new website design, then you can simply add your tagline to the top of your homepage, or use it as a hashtag on social media.
You don’t need to spend too much money on advertising
One of the biggest advantages of taglines is that they cost less than many other forms of advertising. With a simple tagline, you won’t need to invest a huge amount of money to get your message across.
You can create a unique experience for your customer.
A great tagline can also help you create a unique experience for the consumer. By adding a tagline to your site, you can encourage users to take action, and give them a sense of urgency.
Why Wait?
Adding a tagline to your advertising campaign can be a great way to get your message out there, connect with customers, and boost your profits. With all these benefits in mind, now is the time to get creative!
With its hot, sunny weather and endless job opportunities, California is often regarded as one of the best places to live in the US. However, as the third-largest state in the country, California is home to so many amazing cities and towns, so it’s difficult to decide where to move to. If you’re hoping to move to California but haven’t yet decided on the exact location, here are some of the best cities to move to in California.
Bakersfield isn’t one of the main cities that come to mind when you think of California, but it still deserves a place on this list. Conveniently located between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Bakersfield has so much to offer, including great parks, restaurants, and plenty of jobs. In fact, Bakersfield is known for both agriculture and energy production, so there are many opportunities within these industries. In addition, Bakersfield is generally more affordable than the rest of California, so this is a great place to move to if Los Angeles and San Francisco are too expensive. Check out these Bakersfield CA homes to discover what you could purchase in this city.
Los Angeles
If you’re hoping to make it in the entertainment industry, then Los Angeles is the best place to move to. This city may be expensive, but there are so many once-in-a-lifetime opportunities you can find there. In addition to Hollywood, Los Angeles has a booming service industry and technology industry. There’s also a lot of cultural diversity and many different restaurants and bars to visit.
San Diego
Located on the border between the US and Mexico, San Diego has a very hot and sunny climate. San Diego is also a coastal city, making it perfect for beachgoers and surfers. Therefore, if you love to be active and enjoy experiencing the great outdoors, San Diego should be the perfect city for you.
Santa Rosa
If you prefer slightly smaller cities, then Santa Rosa could be a great choice. This city is located further north than San Diego and Los Angeles, which means it has a slightly cooler climate – perfect for those who find too much heat uncomfortable. Santa Rosa is located in Sonoma County, which is within California’s Wine Country. This is one of the best wine-growing regions in the world, so if you love wine and fine dining, why not move to Santa Rosa?
San Francisco
San Francisco is one of the best cities to move to if you work in the technology and financial sectors. This diverse, modern city is a great place to advance your career and also surround yourself with art and culture. Furthermore, there are so many iconic sights to see, such as San Francisco’s famous cable cars and the Golden Gate Bridge.
California is one of the most exciting places to be in the United States. If you’re hoping to move to the Golden State but don’t know exactly where you want to live, check out the cities listed in this article. You’ll definitely find the perfect place to call home.
Most people don’t realize that the eyes are among the organs most susceptible to damage. It’s one of the most exposed organs, yet people tend not to protect it. This seeming tendency to not care for the eyes can lead to several short- and long-term problems that will affect the quality of life that you enjoy. Therefore, it is vital that you take care of your eyesight regardless of the season.
Summertime is one of the best times of the year and one of the periods when people have to take extra eye care precautions. We have to be able to provide enough protection for our eyes so we can enjoy whatever activities we have planned.
Here are some of the extra eye-related precautions we can consider during the summertime.
Shield your eyes from the sun
With the summertime being one of the periods when the sun is most intense, people have to learn to protect their eyes by shielding them from it. Those with normal vision can easily do this by wearing their preferred sunglasses. Those who wear spectacles can resort to wearing clip-on that eyecare stores sell. People need to wear these sunglasses even if it’s cloudy.
Another way to protect your eyes is to wear a wide-brimmed hat to fend off those harmful ultraviolet rays. Not only will you be protecting your eyes, but you will also protect your skin and eyes from sunburn. You can also protect your eyes from macular degeneration, ocular melanoma, and cataracts.
Stay hydrated and keep your eyes as lubricated as possible
You need to stay as hydrated as possible because there’s an increased risk of dehydration, especially if you’re exposed to the sun longer. Your eyes might dry and feel irritated faster or become watery for your own good. If you suffer from dry eyes syndrome (DES), it’s probably best to consult your doctor about OptiLight treatment designed to manage the condition. It is a non-invasive treatment applied to the areas below the eyes and is the only FDA-approved intense pulsed light (IPL) procedure.
Be sure to wear protective eyewear for various activities
Since it’s summer, you’ll probably want to spend more time outdoors. It will be best to wear different protective eye gear whenever you pursue summer activities. If you go swimming, don’t forget to wear goggles so you wouldn’t get your eyes irritated by the saltwater. Wear safety sports goggles whenever you hike or do other outdoor activities to protect your eyes from debris, dust, and the sun.
Wash your hands
Regularly washing your hands is one of the best ways to protect your eyes. People often wipe their eyes with their hands, increasing the risk of contracting eye-related illnesses such as conjunctivitis or trachoma. Avoid touching your eyes when your hands aren’t clean.
Eat a balanced diet
Try to eat as much leafy green vegetables and omega-3-rich food. These are rich in antioxidants and also help in hydration.
Takeaways
There are several ways to protect your eyes during the summer. We have to be aware of these strategies to care for our eyesight properly.
The world of finance is difficult to get into and manoeuvre around to your advantage. No matter what business you operate, there are going to be times when you make more money than you expected. However, what about the times when you get a false positive? Your first instinct may be that there is some fraudulent activity going on that you feel unsure about. So, what is a false positive and how will it affect the overall journey for your customers? That’s what we are going to find out below.
What is a false positive in finance?
When a false positive appears, it’s since the business suspects an order is not quite what it seems. In fact, it’s very likely that an act of fraud has occurred. Therefore, it makes sense that the order has been declined. The business does not want to become the victim of fraud. Ultimately, it can be a risk to decline any type of order. After all, it’s extremely hard to know whether it is legitimate. If it is legitimate, then you will simply be declining an order which can reduce sales. Ultimately, this could mean that you are not only losing revenue, but customers in the future.
How does a false positive affect a customer’s journey?
It’s normal that your customer will go through a 5-step journey before they interact with your business. This will include creating an account or logging into an account. They will also show that they have the intention to buy from you by placing an order into their cart. However, if their card transaction fails, it’s likely that they will not be interested in making an order in the future. Therefore, you have potentially lost a customer, as well as any revenue that they planned on spending. Not only does this mean that there are wasted acquisition costs, but it will ultimately damage your brand as a whole.
Image source Max Pixel
What can you do to reduce false positives?
Unfortunately, false positives are a part of business that you will need to try and take care of as well as you can. To understand which sales are genuine and which are false, you will have to keep an eye on your customers to understand their spending habits. Most businesses rely on customers to contact them about false positives, but you may also see genuine buyers try to purchase your products for a second time.
You can help reduce false positives by:
Becoming more aware that not all false positives are examples of fraud
Using AI, Machine learning and automated payment software, like Xelix
Establishing the identity of your customers to prevent fraud
Do you know what to do about false positives?
If you have opened a business, it’s crucial that you understand as much as you can about false positives. They can impact your sales and cause you to struggle with retaining your loyal customers. Thus, with the information in this guide, you will be able to future proof your business and mitigate this risk. The more you understand about your false positives, the more you can increase the amount of business you receive.
Greek composer Evángelos Odysséas Papathanassíou, known professionally as Vangelis, has died at the age of 79.
Vangelis won an Oscar for the stirring score to 1981’s Chariots of Fire, which was followed by Blade Runner a year later.
Vangelis’s Chariots of Fire theme famously accompanied shots of athletes running along the beach in St Andrews, Scotland, at the start of the film, which was set before the 1924 Olympics.
It went to number one in the US, and later topped the UK’s classical singles chart in 2012 after being performed by Mr. Bean at the opening ceremony of the London Olympic Games.
Image source: Facebook
Vangelis’ other film credits included The Bounty, Francesco, Bitter Moon, 1492: Conquest of Paradise and Alexander.
The composer once said: “My interest was not to create a symphony orchestra, which I can very easily, but to go further than that and do things that the symphony orchestra can’t do.
“And I think that I succeeded to create something like this.”
Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis tweeted: “Vangelis Papathanassiou is no longer with us. The world of music has lost the international (artist) Vangelis.”
Vangelis first tasted fame as the keyboardist in the band Aphrodite’s Child with singer Demis Roussos in the late 1960s.
He went on to be an acclaimed and groundbreaking electronic solo artist beyond his work in film, making his most recent albums with record company, Decca Label Group.
Its presidents Tom Lewis and Laura Monks said: “The world has lost a genius. Vangelis created music of extraordinary originality and power, and provided the soundtrack to so many of our lives.
“We will miss him enormously. His music will live on forever.”
McDonald’s Russia has found a buyer for its local business, after the war in Ukraine pushed it to quit the country.
Alexander Govor, who currently operates 25 McDonald’s restaurants in Siberia, will take on the company’s restaurants and staff, operating them under a new brand, the fast food giant said.
The firm did not disclose the sale price, but has warned investors it would take a more than $1 billion hit from the exit.
McDonald’s had operated in Russia for more than 30 years.
The opening of its first restaurant in Moscow in 1990 came to symbolise a thaw in Cold War tensions.
In 1991, the Soviet Union collapsed and Russia opened up its economy to companies from the West. More than three decades later, however, it is one of a growing number of corporations pulling out as the war in Ukraine and Western sanctions make it difficult to operate.
McDonald’s, which had nearly 850 restaurants in the country, most of them directly owned, said it expected the deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, to close in coming weeks.
Alexander Govor has been a licensee of McDonald’s since 2015. He is also co-founder of Neftekhimservice, a refining company, and a board member of another firm that owns the Park Inn hotel and private clinics in Siberia.
Russia’s Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov said the deal was the result of a “long and difficult” negotiation process and the government would provide Alexander Govor with all the necessary assistance to set up operations.
The terms provide for McDonald’s 62,000 staff in Russia to be retained for at least two years, with their existing pay and Alexander Govor will pay the salaries of corporate staff in Russia until the deal is completed.
McDonald’s will retain its trademark in Russia, it said, while the restaurants will be stripped of their menu, logo and other branding.
Announcing plans for the sale earlier this week, McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski called the decision “extremely difficult”.
“However, we have a commitment to our global community and must remain steadfast in our values. And our commitment to our values means that we can no longer keep the arches shining there,” he said.
McDonald’s suspended operations at the restaurants it owned in Russia in March, citing the “humanitarian crisis” and “unpredictable operating environment” caused by the Ukraine war.
The move drew outrage among Russian politicians and prompted threats the business would be seized.
A patent application for an “Uncle Vanya” restaurant chain was filed with Russian authorities shortly after. The name, the same as the famous work by Russian playwright Anton Chekhov, was one of several brand knock-offs of Western companies to surface.
In 2021, Russia and Ukraine accounted for about 9% of McDonald’s revenue.
The move by McDonald’s came after French carmaker Renault sold its majority stake in carmaker Aftovaz to a state research institute for a symbolic sum, while its Renault Russia business was taken over by the city of Moscow. Manufacturing at the Renault plant is expected to resume under a Soviet-era brand.
Israeli police have attacked mourners at the funeral of Al Jazeera reporter Shireen Abu Akleh, whose killing in the occupied West Bank has caused a surge of anger.
The journalist’s coffin almost fell as police, some using batons, waded into a crowd of Palestinians gathered around it.
Police said they acted after being pelted with stones.
Image source: Twitter
Shireen Abu Akleh was shot dead in disputed circumstances on May 11, with Israel and Palestinians trading blame. The killing has been widely condemned.
Footage showed a standoff between police and Palestinians gathered around the coffin in the hospital compound, before officers push the crowd back, with some beating and kicking mourners. Police said officers “were forced to use riot dispersal means”.
A spokesman for UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he was “deeply disturbed” by the confrontations between Israeli security forces and Palestinians and the behavior of some police.
White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki also said the images of police hitting mourners were disturbing.
“We regret the intrusion into what should have been a peaceful procession,” she said.
The Palestinian Authority and Al Jazeera claim Shireen Abu Akleh was shot dead by Israeli forces, while Israel said it was not yet possible to determine what happened and that she could have been killed by Palestinian gunfire.
An Israeli military interim report on May 12 said the fatal shot could have come from “massive fire from Palestinian gunmen”, or possibly from “a few bullets” fired by a soldier “at a terrorist who was firing at his vehicle”.
Shireen Abu Akleh, a 51-year-old Palestinian American, was a veteran correspondent for Al Jazeera’s Arabic news channel and had reported on the Israel-Palestinian conflict for two decades.
The journalist was given the rarity of a funeral at the compound of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on May 12, where her coffin was brought draped in the Palestinian flag. President Abbas paid tribute to her, describing her as a “martyr of the free word” who “sacrificed her life” to defend the Palestinian cause.
He said Israel was “fully responsible for her killing” and that he would refer the case to the International Criminal Court, which investigates potential war crimes.
Israeli PM Naftali Bennett has accused President Abbas of “throwing blame at Israel without any basis”.
Shireen Abu Akleh was in the Jenin refugee camp early on May 11 to report on the Israeli raid. The Israeli military said the operation was to apprehend “terrorist suspects”.
It said: “Tens of Palestinian gunmen fired at and hurled explosive devices toward the soldiers. The soldiers responded with fire toward the gunmen and hits were identified.”
Another Palestinian journalist, Al Jazeera producer Ali Samoudi, was shot and wounded during the violence.
Elon Musk has announced that his $44 billion deal to buy Twitter is on hold after he queried the number of fake or spam accounts on the social media platform.
The world’s richest man tweeted: ”Twitter deal temporarily on hold pending details supporting calculation that spam/fake accounts do indeed represent less than 5% of users.”
Even before his comments, Twitter’s stock had been selling for less than the $54.20 per share Elon Musk has offered, a sign that the markets were not convinced he would complete the buyout.
He has been vocal about “defeating the spam bots”, identifying it as a key goal following his planned takeover of the company.
Twitter has long faced accusations of not doing enough to address automated, fake accounts posting content.
In a filing more than two weeks ago, Twitter estimated that fake accounts accounted for fewer than 5% of its daily active users during the first three months of this year. It cautioned that the figures were based on estimates and could be higher.
Those claims were not different from what the firm had shared in previous disclosures.
Weeks of market turmoil in the US have wiped billions off the value of many companies – including once favored tech firms.
Tesla, the electric car company where Elon Musk serves as chief executive, has also seen its shares plunge – a hit to Elon Musk, whose status as the world’s richest person is bound up in his stake in the company and who had planned to rely on his shares to help finance the Twitter purchase.
Last month, he raised $8.5 billion by selling shares. He also planned to use the shares to secure $6.5 billion in loans.
After Elon Musk tweeted that the deal was temporarily on hold, Tesla’s share price gained more than 5%.
The first war crimes trial since the beginning of Russia’s invasion has been started in Ukraine.
A 21-year-old soldier appearing in the dock is accused of killing an unarmed civilian.
Vadim Shishimarin appeared at a preliminary hearing in Kyiv. He faces life in prison if convicted.
Ukraine says it has identified thousands of potential war crimes committed by Russia.
Russia has denied targeting civilians and made no comment on the trial.
Prosecutors say Vadim Shishimarin was driving in a stolen vehicle with other soldiers in the north-eastern Sumy region when they encountered a 62-year-old cyclist using a phone.
According to the prosecutors, the soldier was ordered to shoot the civilian to stop them from telling Ukrainian defenders about their location.
When it comes to picking the best nightstand for your bedroom, you have a lot of options. There are plenty of different shapes, styles, and materials to choose from. Some of them have practical purposes. Others are just for looks.
But when it comes to the most favored material for nightstands, wood gets the nod. It’s a material that’s attractive, warm, and easy to care for. And perhaps best of all, it offers character and appeal that you can’t get from metal or plastic.
One of the biggest advantages of a wood nightstand is how easy they are to care for. Many customers prefer wood because it’s easy to clean, doesn’t leave behind streaks, and polishes up nicely.
It’s important to note that metal nightstands certainly have their place if that’s the overall aesthetic of your bedroom. But wood in general is an excellent material for nightstands. And it offers many more benefits, as you’ll see below.
Versatile
Another big advantage of buying a wood nightstand is that they’re versatile. Wood goes well with just about any décor, allowing you to easily match the material with a wide variety of colors, fabrics, walls, carpeting, and bedding.
So if you’re having a hard time deciding on any one nightstand model, you’ll find that any wood-based option is likely to complement your bedroom.
Unique
Wood allows for a multitude of styles, colors, shapes, and sizes. As such, you can be sure to have a nightstand that stands out from all others. What’s more, wood can easily reflect any time period or aesthetic, adding charm, warmth, character, and functionality.
Want a unique nightstand that captures the allure of the Victorian era? There are plenty of wood models to choose from that do just that. Or maybe you prefer something more modern or chic. That’s not a problem for wood.
Furthermore, wooden nightstands allow for far more artistic expression from the manufacturer. Because of that, you can get as close as possible to achieving your vision for your bedroom.
Longevity
Wood is a durable material that will not easily break or crack. It is, therefore, a great choice for your bedroom, as it offers the best combination of both durability and simplicity in one single product.
You want your nightstand to stand the test of time and meet your needs for years to come. Wood is the perfect material to offer such benefits and more.
You Can Customize Your Nightstand
Finally, the customization of wood nightstands is a huge draw. You can add pretty much any design and color to your nightstand. This gives you a lot of freedom when picking out one for your bedroom.
You can even pick a design that reflects your personality far more accurately than metals or plastics. You might want a nightstand with a specific style or design, a checkered pattern, or something else entirely. Only wood offers these customizable traits.
Right now, it’s clear to see that there is a nursing shortage in many areas of the world, including the US. Therefore, there is an effort being made to attract more people to the profession; there is a need for more nurses because the population is getting older, and it’s growing at the same time, meaning that healthcare has to be a priority. The more nurses there are, the better the world can take care of those who need help.
The issue with recruiting people to become nurses is that there are often negative things said about the profession that can cause those who might be interested to think again, and potentially ensure that some people never even consider nursing in the first place. This is a shame, as there are many benefits to being a nurse, and if more people were aware of them, then more people would train to become nurses, and the problem of numbers would be at least some way to being solved. With this in mind, read on to discover what some of the best things about being a nurse are, and it might make you realize that this really is the career for you. If you’re already a nurse, it might make you realize you’ve made the right choice, and push you to do more.
High Job Security
With technology making the world a completely different place to what it was just a few years ago, and this certainly being accurate when you think of career possibilities, it’s not easy to choose a job that will still be valuable and needed in years to come. Something that you can train for today could disappear due to advancements in technology or simply the lack of resources or consumer need. This would be an unfortunate position to be in, and it would mean that you have to effectively start again, and use your skills in a different area.
Nursing isn’t a profession in which you have to worry about that. Although technology does play a part, and although the role of the nurse will change as time goes on, nurses will always be needed and therefore, when you have nursing qualifications, you’ll have the peace of mind that you’ve chosen a secure job.
The Most Rewarding Career
There is a big difference between a career and a rewarding career. In the former, you go to work, do what you need to do, perhaps push yourself further, but really, when you think about it, what you’re doing isn’t that important. If you didn’t do it, it wouldn’t matter. In the latter, what you do definitely matters and you can see that every day. Clearly, nursing is a rewarding career.
If you decide to study to become a nurse, you’ll enter one of the most rewarding careers you can find. There are very few professions in which you actively change people’s lives, and even save those lives, on a daily basis.
Career Advancement
Another great thing about being a nurse is that you have complete control over your career, and if you want to move forward and advance, there are always going to be avenues for you to take that will allow that to happen. Some nurses will want to work in a specific department, and they will gain skills and experience in that so they can take a job when it is offered. Others will want to become a leader and manage a team, in which case they will need a University of Indianapolis DNP degree to help them. In other words, no matter what kind of nurse you want to be or what level of nursing you want to reach, there will be options open to you.
If you’re not sure what you want to do, you can also find plenty of help to advise you and guide you to making the right choice. Nursing is very much based on teamwork, and this extends away from helping patients and into other areas, including career progression.
Transferable Life Skills
When you think of why nursing is a good career and some of the best things about it, it’s a good idea to consider it as a microcosm of the rest of the world. The things you learn during your nursing training and then when you are working are often very specific, but there are many things you’ll learn that can be used in other areas of your life. These transferable life skills can help to make you a happier, healthier, more productive person outside of work as well as when you are nursing your patients. It can be hard to determine exactly what these skills are, especially when you are working and they are simply a natural part of helping others, but they include:
The ability to stay calm in a pressurized situation
Critical thinking
Continuous learning
Once you note them down, it’s much easier to see how a nurse could use these skills – and others – on a daily basis, but also how they might use them in other areas of their lives.
An Inspiring Career
Imagine a career in which you are able to inspire people every day, through even the smallest of actions. Most people would like that feeling, and it is certainly something positive. When you are a nurse, that’s the kind of thing you’ll be doing even without realizing it, and it’s another of the best things about being a nurse.
Nurses are incredibly hard working, and they see both the most joyful parts of life, and the saddest and most difficult. Yet they continue to be professional and dedicated to their patients no matter what. Ofcourse they are going to inspire others. Even if those people they inspire don’t become nurses, they will still understand why doing good and working hard is important, and that can make a big change in someone’s life, and the lives of those around them.
If you are considering buying or selling a property anytime soon then you will want to find a reputable broker who can help guide you through the process and help you navigate the world of real estate. A company that has really made a mark on the industry in the past ten years is Compass Real Estate. Despite the fact that some people have been asking “are the company in trouble?” you can find from looking at their history, values, and reviews that they can help you complete your transaction without issue.
One major concern for people when looking for a reliable real estate company is whether or not the company operates legitimately. When looking to team up with a company you are unfamiliar with you might start to worry about whether it is reputable or if it is possibly a pyramid scheme. This is especially relevant if you are new to real estate trading as it can be difficult to navigate an industry you have no experience in. Whilst there are some companies out there that operate unscrupulously, Compass prides itself on its integrity and honesty.
They work as a broker for real estate agents and this allows them to earn a commission for the work they have undertaken on closing sales. Despite the fact that much of the work Compass does is undertaken online, they actually have approximately 300 physical offices located across the United States. This means that if you choose to, you can visit them in person to discuss your needs.
Compass is a relatively new company and has only been in operation for approximately a decade, but they do have a great number of success stories under its belt. Their great success and massive growth over the years can be attributed to the unique way in which they operate – the hybrid of cutting-edge technology and traditional real estate techniques. In addition to the large number of sales they have made, they have also gained a few awards over the years. They have received two Webby Awards, one for Websites and Mobile Sites and another in the Real Estate 2019 category. They also held on to the title of People’s Voice Winner for websites and mobile sites for two years in a row.
A notable quality of Compass Real Estate is the values that the CEO, Robert Reffkin, brings to the table. Reffkin is an influential PoC making a name for himself in the industry whilst also helping to raise over $1 million for charity through competing in marathons across all 50 states. He even set up his own charity! For this reason alone, many people find that they choose Compass simply because of the impressive and inspirational role model that runs the company based on his own high moral values.
Despite the fact that Compass Real Estate is not a long-running business, they have proven their value and made great leaps and bounds since its inception. Due to their success over the years as well as their ability to use a purpose-built mobile app, and merge in-person and online communication, then they may very well be the right company for you.
Candlestick patterns are one of the essential ways used to study the market. There are several types of candlestick patterns that traders study to gain valuable insights and make informed decisions. Mat hold candlestick patterns represent the directional trend of stocks or commodities.
A mat hold pattern can either be bullish when the market is declining or bearish when there is a significant upswing. Let’s read on to understand more about mat hold patterns, their different types, and ways you could use the pattern to your benefit.
The pattern starts with a bullish or bearish trend on day one. The next three days will show a trend opposite to the directional trend of the first day. Lastly, the fifth day mimics the trends of the first day, pushing in the same direction. The mat hold pattern is a dependable indicator seen in market analysis but most of the time, seeing the pattern is rare as it does not appear more often.
Due to its rarity, mat hold patterns are sometimes confused with the rising-three indicator. Still, mat hold patterns are used to predict how long would the market uptrend last. To better understand these patterns, try looking for examples of bullish and bearish trends so you can easily identify these patterns on a chart.
Bearish Mat Hold Patterns
Bearish mat hold candlesticks present as a 5-candle pattern that appears during a rising market. This pattern indicates the bearish market is turning stagnant and will most likely fall down after the pause. As mentioned above, it will be easy to identify a bearish mat hold pattern as the first and last candles will show a downward trend whereas the middle candlesticks will point towards an uptrend.
Bullish Mat Hold Patterns
Similar to the bearish trend, bullish mat hold patterns are also represented by 5 candlesticks but the first and the last candles show an uptrend while the middle 3 candles show a fall. Bullish patterns come during an uptrend and indicate the market will keep rising.
Inverted Mat Hold Patterns
This pattern is a variation that is represented by 5 candlesticks. The first candle starts with a very bearish trend after which three bullish candles follow. Each of these 3 candlesticks represents a bullish trend that is higher than the previous candle. Lastly, the final candlestick should also point towards a bearish trend.
Identifying The Patterns
The structure of a mat hold is composed of 5 candlesticks each representing a bullish or bearish trend depending on the type of pattern. Studying the mat hold pattern is essential for investors and traders as it provides valuable insights to help you make the right decision. If you are an aspiring trader or investor, doing your homework is crucial as it will assist you in understanding the market trends in a better way.
Bullish Mat Holds
This scenario is generated when there is a market uptrend, influencing more investors to benefit from the rising market. As a result, investors flock in on the rising bullish market. At the same time, investors become concerned about too many investors jumping on the bandwagon, resulting in investors bailing out from their positions. This bailout causes a surge in sell orders all during similar times and influences a bearish trend. However, the last candle starts to take life and moves uptrend, indicating a rise in the market that will move up for quite some time.
Bearish Mat Holds
During bearish mat holds, the market trends are negative, making investors think of hitting lower prices. To save their invested capital, investors turn to sell, resulting in a beamish candle. Due to this selling influx, the market becomes oversold so investors stop selling while waiting and expecting to see a pullback. Now, the bullish trend starts, making three candles show a positive trend. However, in the end, this positive trend fades away, indicating the market to fall down even further.
Advantages of Using Mat Hold Patterns
These patterns are truly beneficial for the trader when used correctly. There is a continuous candlestick pattern that can be identified easily when analyzing market trend charts and providing accurate information. Investors and traders use this pattern as an indicator to join in on the market trends and these mat hold patterns can also be used with other technical analysis tools so you can get the best possible outcomes in terms of making a decision. Following the pattern gives you a success rate of around 70% which is quite promising when trading.
Trading Mat Hold Patterns
As mentioned above, traders who want to join in on an existing trend follow mat hold patterns. They make this decision after extensive evaluation of the market, the influencing factors, and any other aspect that can affect their strategy. Leading traders suggest entering the market and opening a position when there is a 5th candle in place and you have already anticipated the market trend. As you open a position, remember to put a tight stop order in place. Using a stop-loss order ensures you will not be affected by additional losses if the market trends go against the proceedings you anticipated. In forex trading, losing is a part of the game but using trading tools like a stop loss can easily help you to be on the safe side and avoid as much loss as possible.
Trading is all about patience, studying the market, and making the right move at the right time. There is so much that goes into making a successful trader. Most people think of trading as simple as buying at low rates and selling when the market rises for profit. However, it’s not true as an extensive analysis of the market is necessary that cannot be fulfilled by simply buying or selling. To get the most out of your time, consider reviewing the basics and getting familiar with the terminology so you can better understand the terms used, ultimately improving your trading game over time.
With the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic having faded in recent months, you could, as a business owner, once again feel comfortable with the idea of meeting potential clients up close and handing them a physical card as a reminder of your company and how to contact it.
However, one statistic shared by Real Wealth Business suggests that about 90% of all business cards distributed are thrown away within a week. So, the onus is on you doing what you can to make sure your card not only catches the eye but also keeps it for as long as possible.
Go for a colored business card
You might not have realized that a colored business card lasts ten times longer than a standard white business card before being discarded.
Hence, it’s worth taking the time to be creative with your card’s design — especially as, according to another statistic, sales grow by 2.5% for every 2,000 business cards given out.
Remember to include the relevant contact details
While opting for a minimalist look with your card might make it stand out in a sense, you should be wary of stripping away too many elements. Designer and illustrator Sam Hampton-Smith advises in an article for Creative Bloq: “You’ll typically want to include at least a business name, phone number and email address.”
He adds that, depending on exactly what communication channels your business has, you should probably also include a website address, a physical address and social media handles.
Make your business card ‘dual-purpose’
Depending on the industry in which you operate, it could be both wise and clever for you to design your card in such a way that it can also serve as something other than a business card.
Whatever that second purpose is, verify that it is genuinely relevant to your company and its target audience. A card for a drinks seller, for example, could also constitute a bottle opener, while an eco-conscious company could make its business card a packet of seeds.
Image source PxHere
Give your card a custom finish
That way, the person you give the card to could quite literally feel the difference as soon as the item touches their hand. You only get one chance to make a good first impression, as the saying goes…
The various custom finishes from which you could choose include foil blocking, metallic and spot-UV finishes. While adding custom finishes to cards can inflate the cost of creating them, you could allow for long-term savings by buying your own print finishing equipment.
Thoroughly spell-check a card before printing it out
Imagine how your heart could sink if you printed out thousands of cards only to realize a silly spelling error sticking out like a sore thumb on each of them.
Hence, before printing business cards in any design, you should repeatedly go through its text with a fine-tooth comb and potentially also ask someone else to check that copy for you, lest you end up having to reprint the entire batch of cards.
If you are someone who wears a lot of jewelry, you might be interested in functional accessories that serve multiple purposes. Accessorizing with multipurpose jewelry is useful – and looks great. Whether you are on the go and want to keep items handy, looking for a tech savvy smartwatch, or feel like splurging on a new way to protect your spiritual energy, we’ve got you covered. Here are 3 ideas of jewelry that serve a greater purpose, while still looking great with other accessories.
Image source Wikimedia
Smart Jewelry
What started as clunky wristbands that monitored daily steps has transformed into clean, elegant pieces that appear to be normal jewelry but can be used to track wellness information, send texts, and even utilize apps like mobile games and social media. The advantages to smart jewelry are endless – they are difficult to lose or damage since they are attached to your body during use, and they can be used on the go in situations or scenarios where using a phone would not be allowed or appropriate.
Energy Jewelry
While some might be skeptical of energy jewelry and its many functions, these pieces can be used to increase energy and raise vibrations. Some pieces, like EMF bracelets, offer protection for your health and inner sense of harmony. Not to mention, these pieces are beautiful and often come in a variety of styles.
Secret Storage Jewelry
A surprisingly helpful style of jewelry is pieces that can discreetly offer minimal storage, such as necklaces that hold or attach to your keys, or fabric bracelets that can hold items like lip balm. These pieces specifically are a great option for anyone traveling or attending major events such as concerts or festivals where large bags or other storage items are prohibited or personal items are at risk of being lost. Keeping these items handy is useful, and storing them in a way that does not look obnoxious (or even noticeable) is a game changer for many people on the go.
If you are looking to add some new jewelry to your wardrobe, why not opt for a few pieces that are functional as well as beautiful? Whether you’re looking to track your daily steps, protect or improve your natural energy, or store personal items on the go, these 3 multipurpose accessories are a perfect place to start.
Costa Rica, a North American country, was attacked by Conti ransomware, a large number of systems in multiple ministries were affected and a large number of sensitive data were stolen.
The Ministry of Finance of Colombia was the most severely affected. The theft of taxpayer information caused public panic, and systems such as taxation and customs were paralyzed for several days, resulting in heavy losses in the country’s export business, at least US$200 million.
The Colombian president said the attackers were trying to destabilize the country, alluding to Russia. However, some security experts believe that this is just an ordinary money extortion, simply because the country’s system has too many loopholes.
In the past week, a ransomware attack has paralyzed the computer system of the government of the Republic of Costa Rica (hereinafter referred to as “Costa”) in the North American country (located in Central America). The Colombian government has refused to pay the ransom and is trying to prepare for the potential fallout as malicious hackers begin releasing stolen data.
Conti, a Russian-based ransomware gang, has claimed responsibility for the attack, but the Costa Rican government has yet to issue an announcement on the details.
The Ministry of Finance was the worst affected, with systems paralyzed and taxpayer information stolen
The Colombian Ministry of Finance first reported the cyber attack on Monday (April 18). From the collection of taxes and fees to customs exports, many systems under the Treasury Department were affected by the attack. Malicious hackers then targeted other targets, including the Social Security Department’s human resources system and the Department of Labor.
The attack shut down for hours the Treasury Department’s payment system, which covers most of the country’s public officials and also handles government pension payments. The Treasury Department had to approve tax deferrals as payment services were not working properly.
The Conti gang did not disclose the exact amount of the ransom. There were rumors on social media that the hacker gang offered $10 million, but there was no corresponding evidence on the Conti gang website.
“Costa Rica will never pay any ransom to cybercriminals,” said Costa Rica’s President Carlos Alvardao.
Colombian Finance Minister Elian Villegas said on Wednesday (April 20) that hackers accessed “sensitive” taxpayer history information after breaching the finance ministry’s customs platform, without specifying the amount of data leaked.
Colombian companies fear that classified information submitted to the government could be accessed by hacker gangs and then disclosed or misused. Ordinary citizens worry that their personal financial information could be used to hack into their bank accounts.
Platforms such as tax and customs have been suspended for more than 4 days, resulting in heavy losses in export business
According to a Reuters report on April 22, some platforms, including tax and customs, suspended operations for the fourth consecutive day, causing bottlenecks in imports and exports. The Costa Rican Exporters’ Chamber reported a loss of $200 million on Wednesday.
Christian Rucavado, executive director of the chamber, said cyberattacks against customs agencies had already affected the country’s import and export logistics. The goods stranded in the cold storage are slowly decaying. This is a race against time, and the specific economic loss cannot be determined for the time being. Trading operations continue, but at a much slower pace than usual.
Rucavado explained, “Many processes can only be done manually now, and there are delays in work at many border agencies. We have asked the government to take relevant remedial measures, such as extending working hours to ensure that imports and exports are completed in a timely manner.”
He also mentioned that Costa Rica normally exports goods worth $38 million a day.
Attacker with Russian background carried out double extortion
Allan Liska, an analyst at threat intelligence firm Recorded Future, said the Conti gang is carrying out a double extortion: encrypting government documents to disrupt the normal operations of various departments; if no ransom is received, the team publishes the stolen documents on the dark web for extortion sites.
The first point can be solved if these systems have good backups, Liska said, but if the stolen data is highly sensitive, it could be a big problem.
Liska revealed that the Conti gang often rents out its ransomware infrastructure to any “affiliate gang” willing to pay, so the real person behind the attack could come from anywhere in the world.
A year ago, the Conti ransomware attack forced Irish health authorities to shut down IT systems and cancel a large number of appointments, treatments and surgeries.
At the end of February this year, the Conti gang claimed support for Russia in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. The move angered an underground hacker sympathetic to Ukraine, a security researcher who claimed to have been monitoring the movements of the Conti gang for a long time, and released a large amount of sensitive data such as Conti’s internal chat records and codes.
President says attackers are trying to destabilize country, security experts think it’s just money extortion
As the country with the most stable political situation, abundant wildlife and beautiful tropical beaches in Central America, why is Costa Rica targeted by hacker gangs? Liska believes it may simply be because there are too many holes in the country’s system. “Hacker gangs hunt for specific vulnerabilities. The most likely guess is that there are a lot of holes in the Colombian government system that ransomware hackers found and decided to attack.”
Brett Callow, a ransomware analyst at Emsisoft, said he had seen a document leaked by Costa Rica’s finance ministry, and “the data in it does appear to be authentic.”
On Friday (April 22), the Conti gang claimed on a dark web blog that 50 percent of the stolen data had been released, including a total of 850 GB of data from the databases of Colombia’s Ministry of Finance and other agencies. “These are good phishing fodder, and hopefully fellow hackers in Costa Rica can use it to make a fortune,” the gang said.
In recent years, network security has gradually become a hot topic. There are many businesses and governments that are also attacked by ransomware. Enterprises and governments should be vigilant, do a good job in data protection and disaster recovery, and use virtual machine backup and other methods to do a good job in data backup.
Obviously, the primary purpose of an electric light is creating light in a space where sufficient light would otherwise be unavailable. However, different light fixtures can vary in exactly what kind of illumination they create — and, of course, the design of the unit in which they are encased.
Hence, it can pay to be picky about precisely what lighting pieces you source for your home. Here are a few things you could do to guide yourself towards making the right choices.
Measure the space itself
“To be sure a ceiling fixture is large enough for your space, especially a chandelier, a quick guideline is to measure the length and width of the room,” designer Billy Ceglia tells The Spruce. “Then add them together and convert to inches, and that will give a standing point for the ideal size for a light fixture.”
He further explains that a fixture of 36-inch width, for example, would suit a room spanning 20 by 15 feet. However, you should also…
Consider the fixture’s visual weight
This needs to be another factor before you decide whether a particular light fixture is just the right size for the room where it is intended to be installed.
Ceglia notes that if the lighting unit in question is “light and airy, it may be better to size up”. Meanwhile, with a “dark and massive” alternative, “sizing down might be a better option.” Fortunately, when you peruse, say, the wide range of Pagazzi lighting solutions, you could boost your chances of a successful find.
Balance architectural lighting with decorative lighting
Designer Barry Goralnick urges you to strike a “perfect” balance here. “Integral lighting on the ceiling gives an overall glow, and is best to light art and sculptures as well as the more mundane tasks like cleaning,” he says.
Goralnick adds that, in contrast, “table and floor lamps illuminate reading, games, and intimate gatherings.” If the room has screens and planters, these “can be even more drastic with lighting on the floor,” he continues.
Mix up the levels of lighting in your home
Naturally, particular lights tend to be designed for use at specific levels. For example, while chandeliers can serve a striking aesthetic purpose, you are unlikely to rely heavily on them when undertaking certain intricate tasks, like unscrewing the battery compartment of a TV remote.
Scenarios like this are one reason why it would be wise for you to vary exactly where in the room you position lighting. Doing so can eliminate dark areas while creating a soothingly ambient lighting effect.
Consider when the lights are likely to be used
During the day, especially in the summer, you could opt to keep many of your home’s lights switched off, given abundant natural sunlight available and appreciable savings you could make on your household energy bills.
However, as an Ideal Home article notes, “a piece may only reveal its full potential when illuminated” — and a light “may become far more exotic once darkness falls, casting wonderful rays and shadows”.
Now more than ever, it’s important to look at ways of making your lifestyle eco-friendlier. Many people do this with numerous aspects of their daily lives, such as altering their diets, travelling, and recycling. But one of the biggest polluters in the world is the beauty industry, and as a result more people are looking for ways to make their beauty routine eco-friendlier. Thankfully, there are many easy changes you can make to achieve this.
Look for more eco-friendly products
Due to the high pollution rate of the beauty industry, more and more companies are making the effort to produce and market their goods in an eco-friendlier way. For example, many beauty and pharmaceutical companies use cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant to make their products. In an effort to be more sustainable, wellness companies like Cellular Goods are using lab-grown cannabinoids instead, helping to reduce their carbon footprint. When shopping for such products, take the time to find out whether they’re produced in an eco-friendly way to ensure a more sustainable beauty routine.
Switch off your water
An easy way to be more eco-friendly is to switch off your water when starting your routine. Too many of us tend to leave the tap running when brushing our teeth or washing our face, which ends up wasting a lot of water. Make sure to switch off the water when it’s not needed and in the long run your routine will be eco-friendlier.
Use what you have
It can be tempting to buy the latest improved product the moment it’s available. Even if it’s an eco-friendlier product, it’s often not worth abandoning what you already have. Try to use what you already have before buying a replacement, but if you do have products that you’re unlikely to use again, consider donating them to a friend so they don’t go to waste.
Refill your empty bottles
Many companies are now offering refillable versions of their products. This means that when you finish using a particular product you can refill using the same container you were using, rather than buying a whole new one. Many products do this by offering refillable pouches or containers with their products. This has the benefit of reducing the amount of plastic used but can also be an economically beneficial solution for both the company and the customer.
Make your bathroom eco-friendlier
To make your beauty routine as eco-friendly as possible, it’s worth looking at ways you can make everything in your bathroom more sustainable. As well as beauty products, many of the items you use every day can be swapped out for more environmentally friendly alternatives. For example, consider a stainless-steel razor in lieu of disposable ones, and toothbrushes with stronger bristles that will last longer. Many toothbrushes also come with replacement bristles, meaning you can simply replace them rathe than buying a whole new toothbrush.
If more people were to introduce these simple changes to their beauty routines, the long-term effect on the environment can be significantly improved.
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