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Customer Service Is Important To Car Guard Administration, And Here’s Why

Clyde K. Valle
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Customer Service Is Important To Car Guard Administration, And Here’s Why

Anybody who has ever experienced bad customer service understands just how important good customer service is to the success of a company. It doesn’t matter how good the company’s product or service is if their customers don’t trust or feel respected by the company.

This is why CarGuard Administration places such a high value on providing quality customer service for each and every one of their clients. They take immense pride in offering some of the best customer service in the entire industry.

CarGuard Administration offers customer-friendly contracts, first-day rentals, the industry’s best-limited liability plans, two protection plans in one, and other perks. They are also proud Silver Partners in the PACE Association, a professional association that promotes better customer engagement.

Customer Friendly Contracts

CarGuard Administration is famous for writing protection plans that are easy for customers to read and understand. Most companies write contracts with dense legal terminology that needs to be deciphered by a team of attorneys.

Every plan that CarGuard Administration writes is informed by their years of experience in the Vehicle Service Contract industry, which allows them to create the best plans for the consumer on the market.

Their mission is to provide peace of mind with vehicle service contracts that their customers can trust.

CarGuard Administration offers plans for first day rentals

Normally, protection plans won’t let you get a rental car unless repairs take longer than 4-8 hours. But with CarGuard Administration, you can get a rental car on the very first day of repairs. This means that you can get a rental car with no interruptions in assistance, even if your repairs only take a couple of hours.

Other CarGuard Administration Perks

Other perks of a protection plan with CarGuard Administration include free towing, trip interruption service, and more. CarGuard Assistance offers roadside assistance if you run out of gas, need a jumpstart, lose your keys, or face another crisis on the road.

CarGuard Administration offers these services 24/7, every day of the year.

Industry’s best-limited liability

CarGuard Administration offers the best-limited liability coverage in the entire industry. They will cover up to the value of your vehicle at the time you need repair, or up to $12,500, depending on which value is more.

This means that if your vehicle is worth $40,000 when it needs repair, they will cover you for up to $40,000. But if your vehicle is only worth $2,000, then they will cover you for up to $12,500! This is a great deal and the best coverage that the industry has to offer.

CarGuard Administration offers two protection plans in one

One of the reasons why CarGuard Administration stands out is because their Platinum Plan and their Gold Plan are two protection plans rolled into one. Their competitors typically offer ‘platinum plans’ that protect you for up to one hundred thousand miles. After this, you have to take out more coverage.

All of the protection plans offered by CarGuard Administration add five years and an extra one hundred thousand miles to your coverage. This means that you can get the maximum coverage possible without having to pay extra for your protection plan.

What’s the PACE Convention?

The PACE (Professional Association for Customer Engagement) Association is a non-profit professional association that promotes companies improving their customer engagement with their contact center.

The annual PACE Convention is an opportunity for hundreds of customer service professionals to come together to share insights that give them a competitive edge and help them become industry leaders in their fields.

The convention consists of parties and receptions that allow industry peers and session leaders to reconnect and learn from each other with stories, ideas, inspirations, and ways to improve their businesses.

PACE Membership

There are three tiers of membership in the PACE Association: Platinum, Gold, and Silver. Each tier provides members with free access to virtual and in-person events, forums, listing in directories, and free training through the PACE Partner Benchmark Portal.

In addition to these benefits, Silver Partners receive three free training sessions through the portal, and discounted registration fees at premier PACE events.

Gold Partners receive the above benefits as well as five free training sessions, free registration at either PACE ACX or the PACE Washington Summit, as well as 50% off of CECP (Certified Customer Experience Professional) training.

Platinum Partners of the PACE Association receive the above membership perks, as well as seven free training sessions through the portal, discounts on CECP, one free registration at PACE ACX, and two free registrations at the PACE Washington Summit.

These conventions give businesses the tools and opportunities that they need to provide excellent service and build awesome networking opportunities with their customers.

CarGuard Administration and the PACE Convention

Because of their commitment to providing the best possible customer service to their clients, CarGuard Administration are proud supporters of the PACE Convention, as well as regular attendees. They proudly sponsor the convention every year, and they are “Silver Partners”, along with a number of other nationally recognized companies.

Can You Take a Chartered Plane to Remote Places?

Kathryn R. Bown
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Can You Take a Chartered Plane to Remote Places?

Discover Places You Can Visit On a Chartered Plane

Many people think about the privacy of traveling on a chartered flight as being a key reason for splurging on such a mode of transportation.

While being the only ones on a plane can be very exciting, going to even more private spots is a new level of exhilaration.

Rather than going on a vacation to Paris on a private jet, when you could travel there in first class, why not reserve a jet for a more intimate vacation?

There are remote areas in the world where commercial flights do not reach. But these private islands and other locations are accessible by chartered plane.

Below are some places you can go on a private jet, along with tips to make the most of your upcoming vacation.

Necker Island

An island owned by billionaire Richard Branson, Necker Island is only accessible by private aircraft charter. You would have to visit an area such as Virgin Gorda or St. Thomas before getting onto a plane or helicopter and making the final bit of the journey.

Unfortunately, you may need an invitation to get into such an exclusive island. Given the size of the landmass, there is only room for a handful of guests at a single time. The good news is that bookings do open up throughout the year, but you have to snag one very quickly. Such an island will give you the experience of a lifetime. You are literally at a location where an entire island has been set up to cater to your needs. What is not to love about such a vacation between luxury accommodation, water sports, meals, drinks, and staff waiting on you?

Amangiri Resort

The Amangiri Resort in Utah is another place you may ever see unless you rent a private plane. The spot is near Canyon Point, which means you have to go to Las Vegas and then take a private jet to the destination.

If you are concerned about the cost of such a trip, you should look at strategies for budgeting for a vacation. First, estimate how much you would spend on the airfare, hotels in Vegas, and your accommodation at the private resort.

Those who do have the means may want to experience such a vacation at least one time in their lives. By traveling to this 600-acre paradise, you can experience the very best and most luxurious time possible.

Between a flotation therapy pavilion, art galleries, pools, wine cellar, and a yoga center, you can experience one of the most interesting private spots in the world. The very feeling of being somewhere that only a handful has experienced is intoxicating.

Moritz

Another exclusive destination, St. Moritz, is located in Switzerland. The slopes at this site are picture-perfect, while the weather is exquisite for most of the year.

You would fly into Geneva or another major city and then rent a plane that takes you to St. Moritz. If you have concerns about the cost of the trip, you can compare the differences between chartering or flying first class to some other European city for a vacation.

Going to a private spot such as St. Moritz may seem expensive, but so is flying first class to Paris or Milan. You have to decide whether you want a vacation that includes the hustle and bustle or if you prefer getting away to a quaint and charming spot in Switzerland instead.

Lake Tahoe

While you can always drive up to Lake Tahoe from nearby cities in California, you can always take a private jet there as well. Flying chartered within the United States is not excessively priced, which is why so many groups of friends and families can book themselves a flight to Tahoe.

Getting a direct flight to Tahoe is so much more convenient than having to fly commercial to Sacramento International Airport and then getting a car that takes you to Tahoe. The area itself is beautiful throughout the year, given California’s mild climate. The lake is one of the most picturesque places you will ever visit, while you can even add cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles to the next leg of your vacation.

Ensuring a Comfortable Vacation

Planning is the ideal way to ensure you have a comfortable vacation. People think taking spur-of-the-moment trips is fun, but having a clear idea of where you are going makes everything more enjoyable.

Say you plan out a vacation that includes chartering a plane. You would budget out everything to ensure that it is affordable. Then you can make the relevant bookings, take advantage of seasonal discounts, and plan the various activities that will keep you occupied during your trip.

Make sure you choose a spot that is amenable to everyone who is traveling. If you are going with a bigger group, get everyone’s opinion. If you can agree on a destination, you can even split the cost of the airfare and resort stays.

Make the Most of Your Trip

There is no better feeling than sitting in a private jet and flying off to a remote location. You may feel that the entire world is standing still while allowing you to have this wonderful experience.

Embrace such a vacation and ensure you have the best possible time. Plan the trip carefully, make a budget to ease your mind, and choose your destinations wisely.

When all the planning is complete, you can book a chartered flight, hotel, or resort stay and then focus on having the best possible time on your trip.

The Benefits of Live Captions for Online Events

Nancy Clayson
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The Benefits of Live Captions for Online Events

As virtual events become more popular, there is a growing demand to make these webcasts accessible to deaf or hard-of-hearing viewers.

One way to do so is to use live captioning. Live captioning is the process of converting audio into captioned text. This is performed by a human captioner, either on-site or remotely (which is increasingly the scenario).

Even before the pandemic, live captioning was primarily done remotely. Put simply, the captioner receives an audio feed that they then type out using a special stenotype machine or voice writing. This typed-out text is then displayed inside a box (usually) on monitors and screens.

Caption-providing companies work with their own tools, methods, and content management systems, and keyboard shortcuts are developed for this purpose.

Each captioner is trained in using the company’s workflow and software, which helps them hit both accuracy and speed in capturing the audio in text form. Professional captioning is usually more than 95% accurate.

Live captions are supported on most media platforms and video players like YouTube, Facebook, etc. Joining these players are also virtual events platforms like PheedLoop, Balloon, and Kaltura, and virtual meeting platforms like Zoom and Cisco WebEx.

What are Live Captions?

To understand how they are beneficial to online events, we first need to understand what it actually is. Did you know that there are two types of captions? Open captions and Closed Captions. You will have noticed the CC option on your television or YouTube. These are Closed Captions that are turned on or off at the will of a user.

Open Captions are permanently superimposed or burned onto the video and are used for some pre-recorded content. Live captioning is mostly Closed Captions that are typed out in real-time by captioners.

Live captioning, because it is powered by human captioners, avoids the pitfall of imprecision that you encounter with AI speech recognition systems. Chances are you will have seen at least one such instance on YouTube, for example, and chuckled to yourself. This is the key difference between captioning by humans and captioning by automation (Automatic Speech Recognition or ASR).

Accuracy v/s possible imprecision. This puts live captioning head and shoulders above automated captioning, as actual humans do the listening. Live captions are always of high quality. AI tools usually fall short due to issues ranging from audio fidelity, speaker accents, and speakers talking over each other.

These systems are a helpful aid in the world of captioning in terms of saving time and effort, but ASR may fall short on the accuracy parameter. Score one for human captioners.

How do Live Captions work?

During the broadcast or live-streaming of your virtual event, captions appear just a few seconds after the words have been spoken onscreen. A captioner listens to the audio and generates the spoken text either using a stenotype machine or voice writing.

The captions are then processed and delivered to either a web page, mobile device, or a site where an event is being viewed. All of this happens in the ether, and voila! Technology has vastly advanced to improve the latency between video and text to as little as a few seconds.

Live captions are the secret sauce to ensuring the success of your virtual event. Virtual events with accessible videos are delivered in a way that ensures maximum participation from the audience.

For example, if you are not actively listening to the audio on your phone or computer or are interrupted during the course of the event, you can still get the full picture by just reading the captions. You can scroll back to read the captions for the portion of the event you inadvertently missed or read it in its entirety.

Why you need live captions

The simple act of transcribing the spoken words of your event will dramatically improve your audience’s comprehension. It’s not just that they command your audience’s attention; they can be turned on and off at your discretion.

Captions should be innocuous, so they don’t clutter your viewing experience. Therefore web design is a critical component of these captions. They add to the viewing experience, not take away from it. Here are some tangible benefits that live captions can have on your online events.

1.   Accessibility

Audiences that are deaf and hard-of-hearing benefit hugely from live captions as they get full context into an event from reading the captions, both in real-time and post-event. Simply put, live captions will help lead to a better understanding of your content and boost audience engagement.

There is no comparison between in-person audiences and virtual audiences in terms of size. Logging in to virtual events from the comfort of home has made hosting events online a great way for businesses to stay engaged with employees and customers worldwide.

2.   Inclusivity

Some caption providers also offer the ability to translate live captions into multiple languages, thus opening meeting participation to a global audience.

This has made non-native English speakers and non-English speakers also become comfortable with conferencing online, as they can consume the content in their preferred languages.

3.   The human touch

The captioning workforce is made up of experienced professionals. These captioners are trained in, and attuned to, nuances in a spoken language like nuance, pronunciation, inflection, context, etc.

With a diverse workforce that can perceive and understand linguistic nuances in multiple languages, captioners have a unique advantage over automatic speech recognition.

4.   Minimal latency

Technological advancement ensures captions are displayed in real-time with a negligible time lag, so it doesn’t disrupt either the event or audience comprehension.

In summary:

Caption providers offer simple widgets that are customized to each individual event. These widgets only need to be added on or plugged into your event page for live captions to show up on your event. The integration happens seamlessly, with captioners and event monitors working alongside from the captioning side to ensure that your event’s message is captured in text form authentically.

Afghanistan: President Ashraf Afghani Flees Abroad as Taliban Seizes Kabul

Roy Siemens
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Afghanistan: President Ashraf Afghani Flees Abroad as Taliban Seizes Kabul

The Taliban fighters entered Afghanistan’s capital Kabul and seized the presidential palace.

The government has collapsed, with President Ashraf Ghani fleeing abroad.

Kabul descended into chaos, as local residents and foreign nationals tried to escape.

For many Afghans it was a terrifying day that marked the return of Taliban rule almost 20 years after they were ousted by a US-led coalition.

Kabul was the last major city in Afghanistan to hold out against the Taliban offensive, which began months ago but has accelerated in the space of days.

The Taliban group was able to seize control now that foreign troops have all but withdrawn.

President Joe Biden has defended the withdrawal of American troops, saying he could not justify an “endless American presence in the middle of another country’s civil conflict”.

The Taliban ordered their fighters to enter Kabul on August 15, after earlier holding them back at the outskirts of the city.

The Taliban said the militants were going in to prevent chaos and looting after security forces left parts of Kabul.

Footage broadcast by Al Jazeera showed fighters inside the presidential palace, brandishing guns.

A spokesman for the group later told Al Jazeera: “The war is over.”

The Taliban’s advance into Kabul came after President Ghani fled. Details of his whereabouts remain unknown.

In a Facebook post addressed to Afghan citizens, President Ghani said he made the difficult decision to leave to avoid bloodshed in the capital city of six million people.

“The Taliban won victory in the judgment of sword and gun and they have responsibility to protect the honor, prosperity and self-respect of our compatriots,” he said.

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The president was criticized by other officials for leaving.

“God will hold him accountable and the nation will also judge,” said Abdullah Abdullah, chairman of Afghanistan’s High Council for National Reconciliation.

There was panic in Kabul as the Taliban drew closer to victory. Residents headed for the airport, abandoning cars and making their way on foot in a desperate bid to get out of the country.

The US Embassy said there were reports of gunfire at Kabul’s airport, and warned its citizens to take shelter as “the security situation… is changing quickly”.

In the city center, large queues formed at ATMs throughout the day as people sought to withdraw cash.

There were reports of fighting and injuries in the city’s Qarabagh district.

Wearing the Right Clothing Post Surgery

Kathryn R. Bown
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Wearing the Right Clothing Post Surgery
Image by Hans Braxmeier from Pixabay

Surgeries are often planned ahead by at least a month, and because of that, many of us try to be as prepared as possible.  We stockpile food and snacks, ask loved ones to agree to check in on us twice daily to ensure that we’re okay, and work to make post-surgery easier, and it can change how we experience it.

Post-surgery comfort and photos aren’t only affected by food and comfort, though!  The clothing you wear after surgery changes your level of mobility and can make it so that you feel some level of normalcy afterward.

Here are some must-haves in the post-surgery closet.

Button-Front Shirts

Whether you had your appendix removed or you’re getting a breast reduction, shirts that don’t require you to lift your arms over your head can be priceless.  Talk locally and try to gather as many front buttoning shirts as you can get.  The buttons mean you don’t have to reach up to pull on the shirt, and you can clothe yourself with a little ease.

Easy Shorts

The last thing you need after surgery is to have to lean down to pull on heavy and restrictive jeans. So put the denim aside and instead put money into getting comfy shorts for summer.  If you have someone who can help you after surgery and who will do your laundry, there’s less to worry about, but try to purchase at least ten cheap pairs of shorts if you are alone.  This will keep you more comfortable, more mobile, and less stressed about the steps of getting changed after surgery.

Undergarments

Easy shirts and shorts aren’t the other things you’ll be wearing after surgery!  If your surgery is particularly invasive, it may be a good time to look at post-surgery undergarments as well.  An excellent option for some is a post-op shoulder surgery bra, giving freedom of movement without worrying about hurting yourself more.

Shoes

The main thing you should be wearing after surgery is flip-flops. However, you can also get away with slides or crocs, anything that doesn’t require you to lean fully over and secure or unbuckle a pair of shoes.  Although most people don’t go out or spend a lot of time away from the house, having the option available may help convince you into motion, which is a necessary part of healing.

Avoid At All Costs

There are some items of clothing you should avoid at all costs after surgery.  These rewire too much motion and can detriment your safety and your body’s ability to heal.  These range from button-down shirts to clothing with a lot of straps or pieces to it, to even high heels and boots with a lot of laces.  Although it may seem attractive, and you want to keep up what feels good to you while you heal, try to avoid anything that could actively harm you or make your life harder. 

Surgery is one of the most frustrating things to come out of in life. But, be good to yourself and plan thoroughly for how you’ll heal, and you’ll be back to health in no time.

6 Accessories That Make Life Easier

Lisa.Felice
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6 Accessories That Make Life Easier

When it comes to accessories, some are more than just a fashion statement. Many accessories complete an outfit, but some are helpful for everyday life while still being stylish. Many of these accessories are multi-purpose.

When transitioning from winter to summer, wearing a light scarf as a hair tie or belt will add to the summer look, and wearing prescription glasses will block out the sun’s UV rays. Anyone can use a backpack for storage and a smartwatch to track fitness. These are just some of the many multi-purpose accessories that make life much easier and more convenient.

1. Light Scarf

Wearing a scarf doesn’t end with winter, as they are the perfect multi-purpose fashion accessory that anyone can wear during the summer. Anyone can wear a light scarf as a hair tie, a belt, a head wrap, a necktie, and even a top. The easiest way to turn a scarf into a cute summer top is by folding it into a triangle and tying it around the back, creating a crop for all summer occasions.

2. Prescription Sunglasses

Prescription sunglasses are the best accessory for anyone who needs prescription glasses but wants to spend most of the summer outside. Prescription sunglasses are incredibly functional, as they allow the wearer to see while protecting their eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. The best part is that anyone can buy prescription sunglasses online for added convenience. Before buying, it’s important to have a copy of the needed prescription, as some online retailers will request this. On the other hand, some retailers will offer free tools to read the person’s current prescription by analyzing their glasses.

3. Backpack

Backpacks are one of the most convenient inventions to date, especially since they come in all shapes and sizes. Wearing a backpack is one of the easiest ways to carry personal items and essentials in one place—especially for those that want to travel during summer. Backpacks are also convenient because they take the weight off your arms and don’t hurt your back, so there’s a lesser chance of injury. The convenience of a backpack ensures that the person won’t lose items, making it an enjoyable experience when traveling.

4. Smartwatch

Smartwatches are one of the most advanced pieces of technology. A smartwatch is multi-functional as it can track fitness goals, let the wearer make calls, and send texts, all while telling the time. Smartwatches also allow the wearer to sync them with their mobile device to listen to music, play games, and watch videos as conveniently as possible. Syncing the watch also lets the wearer receive notifications and social media updates.

5. Hats

Hats are another fashion accessory that offers multi-purpose use. Not only can the wearer pair them with any outfit and create a complete look with them, but they also keep the sun out of the wearer’s eyes and protect them from getting sunburnt.

Some other benefits of wearing a hat include:

  • Protecting eyes from sun brightness
  • Prevents skin cancer and sun damage
  • Protects the head, face, and ears during the colder weather
  • Helps to regulate body temperature
  • Protects hair and scalp from sun damage and color fading

6. Phone Cases

A phone case is such a convenient accessory to protect a mobile device. Phone cases come in a wide range of colors, sizes, and prints and are perfect for protecting a phone while making it look cute and accessorized. Some phone cases have pockets that can hold credit cards and licenses.

Some people even put polaroid photos in the back of clear phone cases for a more customized look. Many online retailers let people customize their very own phone case, where there’s the option to add different images, colors, and even text to make it more personable. Phone cases offer an aesthetic appeal while being durable, heat and dust resistant, tight-fitting, and anti-slip for the ultimate phone protection.

Accessories are More Than Just Fashion Statements

Accessories aren’t always about making a fashion statement. Some accessories are useful in many ways and come as multi-purpose items. People can get creative and make a scarf top or purchase prescription sunglasses for a summer holiday. There are endless options to show off your style while also remaining functional.

9/11 Families Call on President Biden to Declassify Documents or Stay Away from 20-Year Memorials

Roy Siemens
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9/11 Families Call on President Biden to Declassify Documents or Stay Away from 20-Year Memorials
The rescuers at 9/11 WTC are at 19% higher risk of cancer as a result of exposure to toxic fumes, according to a study published in a special The Lancet series to mark the 10th anniversary of the atrocity.

Family members of the 9/11 victims have called on President Joe Biden to stay away from memorial events unless he declassifies files about the attacks.

Nearly 1,800 people signed a letter calling on President Biden to release documents that they believe implicate officials from Saudi Arabia in the plot.

They say that if he refuses, the president should not attend ceremonies next month to commemorate the 20th anniversary.

Nearly 3,000 people died on 9/11 terror attacks.

According to the investigators, the attacks were committed by the Al Qaeda terror group and triggered the US invasion of Afghanistan. Fifteen of the 19 plane hijackers were Saudi nationals.

“We cannot in good faith, and with veneration to those lost, sick, and injured, welcome the president to our hallowed grounds until he fulfils his commitment,” says the letter from family members, first responders and survivors.

They call on President Biden to stay away from the three sites where the attacks took place – in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania.

The families have long argued that Saudi officials had advance knowledge of the attack, and did nothing to stop it. They have sued the government of Saudi Arabia, which has denied being involved.

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9/11 Victim Identified after 16 Years

9/11 Pictures of Pentagon Released by FBI

Saudi Arabia Warns US over 9/11 Lawsuit Bill

Last month, the lawsuit saw several top former Saudi officials questioned under oath. The depositions remain sealed, further upsetting families.

“Since the conclusion of the 9/11 Commission in 2004 much investigative evidence has been uncovered implicating Saudi government officials in supporting the attacks,” the families’ statement continues.

“Through multiple administrations, the Department of Justice and the FBI have actively sought to keep this information secret and prevent the American people from learning the full truth about the 9/11 attacks.”

The administrations of George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump also declined to declassify the documents, citing national security concerns.

“Twenty years later, there is simply no reason – unmerited claims of ‘national security’ or otherwise – to keep this information secret,” the group writes.

“But if President Biden reneges on his commitment and sides with the Saudi government, we would be compelled to publicly stand in objection to any participation by his administration in any memorial ceremony of 9/11.”

Payroll Tips for Small Businesses

Dana R
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Payroll Tips for Small Businesses

Managing payroll can be a big step for any small business owner, but with a bit of planning and preparation, the whole process can be smoother than you expected. If you’re new to payroll, you might be feeling overwhelmed at the thought of making sure all your staff are getting paid on time. Luckily, these tips can help you to feel more confident.

Invest in Software

Payroll software for small businesses can really help you to get on top of your finances. You’ll be able to automatically send off payslips each month and log all of your employees’ details in one central system. You won’t have to make calculations every month or make sure that taxes are being deducted, as this will all be done for you. What’s more, your employees will be able to access all of their payslips and update any changes in their details. This takes an administrative load off your shoulders and helps you run your business more efficiently.

Decide on a Schedule

While most businesses choose to pay their employees on a monthly basis, you don’t have to. Small businesses can sometimes benefit from paying their employees on a weekly or bi-monthly basis, depending on how their cash flow looks. Don’t force yourself to stick to a monthly schedule if you know that will leave you without some much-needed funds for the coming weeks.

Don’t Forget the Extras

Payroll isn’t just about handling your employees’ regular wages. You’ll also have to make sure pension contributions, overtime, and holiday pay are all being managed properly. If you know a member of staff has worked extra hours, log this straight away to avoid underpaying them on payday.

Outsource

Having accounting and payroll software makes it easy to outsource this part of your business to a freelancer or agency. While you can opt to do it all yourself, it might be easier for an external professional to handle all your financial matters. If you have enough money to spare then this could be the key to making sure your payroll runs smoothly every month.

Business

Keep Bank Accounts Separate

Having a different bank account for your payroll needs can help you to organize your finances better. You’ll be able to easily set aside the money you know needs to be paid to your employees, which will prevent you from overspending accidentally. It also makes things easier around tax time as you’ll be able to separate all your business expenses more quickly.

Have a Backup

When it comes to payroll, you can’t really afford to be making any mistakes. Not paying your employees on time because you don’t have the funds can leave you in a whole lot of trouble. As a small business, you may have some months with less revenue than others, but this shouldn’t stop you from sending out payments to your staff. If you’re worried there could be a month when you’re coming up a little short, set aside enough money to pay all your employees until business starts up again.

Lionel Messi Leaves FC Barcelona After 17 Years

Clyde K. Valle
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Lionel Messi Leaves FC Barcelona After 17 Years

Lionel Messi is leaving FC Barcelona “because of financial and structural obstacles” the soccer club says.

The 34-year-old has been a free agent since July 1 when his contract expired.

Lionel Messi agreed a new deal on reduced wages with the club two weeks later, but it was dependent on Barca selling players to afford his salary.

“Both parties deeply regret that the wishes of the player and the club will ultimately not be fulfilled,” the club said.

FC Barcelona had said Lionel Messi was poised to extend his 21-year association with the club by signing the new deal on August 5, and blame La Liga for the failure to do so.

The Argentine forward had reached an agreement to stay with the Catalan side until 2026 – but La Liga said the club must reduce wages before he and any new players can be registered.

“Despite FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi having reached an agreement and the clear intention of both parties to sign a new contract today, this cannot happen because of financial and structural obstacles [Spanish La Liga regulations],” the club said.

“FC Barcelona wholeheartedly expresses its gratitude to the player for his contribution to the aggrandizement of the club and wishes him all the very best for the future in his personal and professional life.”

Lionel Messi is Barcelona’s record scorer with 672 goals and has won 10 La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and seven Copa del Reys, as well as claiming the Ballon d’Or on a record six occasions.

Keeping him at the Nou Camp had been president Joan Laporta’s top priority this summer.

The Barca future of a player who is widely regarded as being one of the world’s greatest of all time, however, has been severely complicated by the club’s financial problems.

The presidential election earlier this year was held against the backdrop of Barca being on on the verge of bankruptcy.

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Lionel Messi to Testify over Spain Tax Fraud

Lionel Messi becomes Champions League’s all-time top scorer

Lionel Messi arguably now becomes the most in-demand player in world football.

He has long been linked with a move to either Paris St-Germain or Manchester City, where he would be reunited with his former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola.

America’s Major League Soccer, which Lionel Messi has previously considered experiencing, is another option.

Aged 13, Lionel Messi joined Barca’s famed La Masia academy in 2000 from Argentine side Newell’s Old Boys and made his senior debut aged 16 in 2004.

He has gone on to make 778 appearances for the club, scoring 672 goals, including 120 Champions League goals (second behind Cristiano Ronaldo), and a record 474 La Liga goals.

Lionel Messi has collected the European Golden Shoe award for the continent’s top scorer on six occasions.

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Gov. Andrew Cuomo Faces Impeachment as Fellow Democrats Call for Resignation

Diane A. Wade
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Gov. Andrew Cuomo Faces Impeachment as Fellow Democrats Call for Resignation
Photo: Marc A. Hermann / MTA New York City Transit

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is facing impeachment after an independent inquiry said he had harassed multiple women.

The state senate leader and fellow Democrat Andrea Stewart-Cousins called Gov. Cuomo’s behavior “unacceptable” and said he should resign.

A majority of New York assembly favor impeachment proceedings, which could lead to his removal.

Andrew Cuomo has denied any wrongdoing and vowed to stay in office.

Telling reporters it was not in his nature to assault a woman, he blamed cultural differences and political vindictiveness for the scandal.

Andrew Cuomo is part of a Democratic political dynasty – his late father was also governor – and he became a household name leading New York out of the pandemic.

In a statement, Andrea Stewart-Cousins said that Andrew Cuomo must quit “for the good of the state”.

President Joe Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have also called for his resignation.

The Associated Press has reported that at least 86 of 150 members of the Democratic-controlled state assembly are in favor of initiating impeachment proceedings.

On August 5, the chair of the state assembly judiciary committee, Charles Lavine, said the committee’s investigation is “nearing completion” and will soon consider articles of impeachment against Andrew Cuomo.

The assembly has called on the governor and his legal team to submit any evidence in his defense by Friday, August 13.

If a simple majority of members vote to impeach Andrew Cuomo, the case moves to an impeachment court comprised of the state senate – except for its majority leader – as well as seven judges of New York’s highest court. A two-thirds vote would be needed to convict.

If that happens, Andrew Cuomo would become only the second New York governor to be removed from office, following Governor William Sulzer in 1913.

Support for Gov. Cuomo appears to also be slipping among voters.

A Marist poll released on August 4 after the report found that 59% of New Yorkers believe he should resign, which is a significant rise from previous polls.

NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo Harassed Multiple Women, Independent Investigation Says

Andrew Cuomo Faces Second Claim of Harassment

The attorney general’s inquiry found that Andrew Cuomo had harassed 11 women during his time in office.

Investigators spent five months speaking to nearly 200 people, including staff members and some of those who made complaints against him.

While the inquiry is civil – rather than criminal – several local district attorney offices across New York have asked to review its findings to determine whether criminal charges could potentially be filed.

How to Get Past Afternoon Energy Slumps

Kathryn R. Bown
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How to Get Past Afternoon Energy Slumps
Image by Elf-Moondance from Pixabay

Facing an afternoon energy slump is something that happens to most of us. It may be entirely normal for you, but in some cases, it can reflect a health issue. If your low energy levels affect your quality of life, you should talk to your doctor to rule out any underlying possible health conditions.

Even outside of medical conditions causing your fatigue, it can be dangerous to have low energy levels or feel fatigued at times when you shouldn’t.

For example, many car accidents and also accidents involving big trucks occur because of fatigue.

We think of fatigue as something that’s not a big deal, but it’s essential that you stay on top of it.

With that in mind, the following are some ways that you can naturally get past an afternoon energy slump.

Don’t Consume a Lot of Carbs at Breakfast and Lunch

You should choose healthy breakfast and lunch foods to keep you fueled throughout the day. If you opt for items that are high in carbs and low in protein, it can cause a spike in your blood sugar.

That spike can then reduce your energy levels.

Along with choosing healthy meals, don’t have many sweet snacks during the day and stay hydrated.

Many people are surprised to realize how much what they eat plays a role in their energy levels.

Be Aware of What Your Peak Productivity Times Are

In some cases, if you can’t altogether avoid your energy crash, you might at least want to find ways to work around it. For example, if you tend to be most alert in the morning, do your tasks requiring the most concentration during those early hours.

That way, if you do start to feel your energy waning, you might be able to do things requiring less concentration and focus.

For some people, learning to work with the rhythms of their body is more effective than trying to work against them.

Another way to work around your energy slump is to do collaborative work in the afternoon. The reason for this is that when you’re working with other people, it can help you stay more engaged instead of trying to do work on your own when you’re already feeling tired.

Go Outside

Sunlight and fresh air are good pick-me-ups when your energy is on the decline. You don’t have to go far. Just step outside for a few minutes and walk around your house or office building. If you’re driving, you might want to stop your car on the side of the road and take stretch breaks every hour or so.

If you move for just five minutes, it can improve your mood and help you feel better. It doesn’t have to be much to help you see benefits.

Use Essential Oils

Stimulating your senses can help you when you feel tired. Essential oils are a simple way to get a sense boost. You can smell an invigorating oil like peppermint oil and see if it makes you feel any better. You can also put just one drop under your nose, as long as you keep it away from your eyes.

Have a Cup of Green Tea

You might not want to have too much caffeine in the afternoon because it can keep you up at night, but if you drink green tea, it gives you a bit of caffeine and some other health benefits as well. For example, green tea has something called phytochemicals. These are energy boosters that don’t contribute to insomnia.

Rest Your Eyes

Eyestrain can be a factor that leads you to feel tired in general. Try to keep your computer screen at least an arm’s length from your eyes. Every 20 minutes, shift your eyes and look at something at least 20 feet away to avoid too much eye strain.

Turn On Music

One very simple and effective way to feel more alert and promote better memory and attention is to turn on music. Choose uplifting and energetic music. If you want to concentrate at the same time, go for music without lyrics.

Finally, if all else fails, try to set aside time in your schedule for a quick power nap if at all possible. Not everyone can do this either because of work or because naps make them feel more tired, but if you’re someone who can truly nap for just 20 minutes and you feel better then rather than feeling guilty about it, go for it. It can help you stay productive the rest of the day.

NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo Harassed Multiple Women, Independent Investigation Says

Nancy Clayson
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NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo Harassed Multiple Women, Independent Investigation Says
Photo: Marc A. Hermann / MTA New York City Transit

According to an independent investigation, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women, subjecting them to unwanted kissing and groping.

Announcing the results of the inquiry, New York Attorney General Letitia James said Andrew Cuomo had violated state and federal laws.

Governor Cuomo is yet to respond to the investigation but has previously denied wrongdoing.

The report is likely to play a major part in a separate impeachment inquiry.

The investigation was commissioned in 2020 after several women came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against the governor.

Investigators spent five months speaking to nearly 200 people, including staff members and some of those who made complaints against him. Tens of thousands of documents, texts and pictures were reviewed as part of the inquiry.

“The independent investigation has concluded that Governor Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women and in doing so violated federal and state law,” Letitia James said.

Andrew Cuomo, the attorney said, had engaged in “unwelcome and non-consensual touching and making numerous offensive comments”.

Andrew Cuomo Faces Second Claim of Harassment

Coronavirus: President Donald Trump Lashes Out At Democrat Governors

In one case, Governor Cuomo and his staff retaliated against a former employee who accused him of wrongdoing, according to Letitia James.

Other women described being groped, kissed or sitting on the governor’s lap.

Andrew Cuomo allegedly reached under the blouse of an assistant to touch her breast, while another aide said he asked her if she was open to sex with an older man.

The governor stood behind a state trooper in a lift, running his finger down her neck and saying “hey you”, according to investigators.

On top of the allegations of harassment, Andrew Cuomo is accused of presiding over a “hostile and toxic work environment”.

Joon Kim, who co-led the investigation, said: “It was a culture where you could not say no to the governor and if you upset him or his senior staff you’d be written off, cast aside or worse.”

“At the same time the witnesses described a culture that normalized and overlooked everyday flirtations, physical intimacy and inappropriate comments by the governor,” he added.

5 Conditions That Can Be Treated By An Online Doctor

Kathryn R. Bown
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5 Conditions That Can Be Treated By An Online Doctor

In recent years, telemedicine has become a useful alternative to seeing a doctor in person or addressing chronic health conditions. All it requires is an internet connection and some kind of teleconferencing application/service to take advantage of these services. They can also treat many different conditions as well as supply therapy or prescription services. Finding a telemedicine service that takes your insurance and provides access to an array of options is crucial to getting treated for non-emergency conditions. Remember that even telemedicine has its limits and there may be some conditions or treatments that are better provided in person. Despite this, however, there are plenty of conditions an online doctor can treat. Here is a quick look at five, covering both urgent care/quick care and chronic conditions:

Cold & Flu

Have you ever had a bad case of the sniffles, a terrible sore throat, itchy/burning eyes, or any combination of terrible flu symptoms that just make your day horrible? Of course you have! And you probably didn’t think about seeing a doctor or going to urgent care to address the situation. While over-the-counter cold and flu medications might help reduce the symptoms a bit, sometimes you need that little extra step of getting a doctor’s assistance. That’s where Urgent Care by way of telemedicine comes in. Instead of needing to go to an actual urgent care facility, you can get treatment for a cold or flu via a virtual doctor. The doctor will chat with you about your medical history, your current symptoms, and help you determine if what you’re experiencing is a cold or flu. Following the discussion/appointment, they can prescribe medication for treatment appropriate to helping you recover. Treated in this manner can allow you to recover a little bit easier because you don’t even have to leave your house, and can stay in bed resting while getting the treatment unit.

Pink Eye

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a highly contagious inflammation of one’s eyes (specifically the conjunctiva). It might be because of a virus, bacteria, allergies, or a reaction to eye drops. The problem is that pinkeye spreads easily, but the good news is that it can be easily diagnosed. If you are doing your virtual doctor’s visit via a video call, the doctor will be able to actually see your eye and note what type of pink eye infection you have. If it’s just a phone call, they can still help you determine if you have pinkeye from your description of the symptoms. They can then prescribe treatment from there. Common treatments for pink eye include warm compresses, eye drops, or allergy medications.

Urinary Tract Infections

At some point in our lives, everyone will probably be afflicted with the dreaded urinary tract infection. A UTI has a number of symptoms and is caused by bacteria getting into the urethra. Burning sensation, a strong need to urinate, pain, and frequent urination can all be indications of an infection. During your telemedicine visit, the doctor will discuss your symptoms, history, age, potential risks, and other concerns. The questions will be laser-focused and highly specific to the individual. If the symptoms are indicative of a UTI, they’ll most likely prescribe an antibiotic to help clear up the infection and schedule a follow-up to ensure the infection is healed.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic condition and can be debilitating when an asthma attack strikes. Treating asthma usually involves inhalers and steroids, along with coaching from an asthma coach or allergy specialist. Asthma coaches help patients learn proper inhaler usage/technique, keeping the condition under control, and discussing ways to deal with the various asthma triggers in your environment. Treating your asthma with an online doctor or specialist mitigates cost, increases time efficiency, and helps the doctor help you ensure you’re following the treatment plan properly.

Depression

Depression can manifest itself in a few ways. Persistent depressive disorder is a long-lasting mood that is characterized by periods of major depression interspersed with less severe periods. Psychosis can also cause depression based on delusions of fear, guilt, poverty, illness, and many others. One of the most likely forms of depression is seasonal affective disorder, which rears its ugly head during the winter months. Signs of depression include:

  • A persistent feeling of being sad
  • Anxiety
  • Hopelessness
  • Irritability
  • Appetite loss
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Concentration and memory issues
  • Minor aches and pains
  • Restlessness
  • Guilt
  • Feeling worthless
  • Fatigue

Teletherapy (a subset of telemedicine that covers mental health and wellness) can help treat this condition. Treatment for this issue can come through psychotherapy, specialized treatments, and medication. An online doctor can talk to you about the causes and treatments for your depression, in addition to diagnosing it. More importantly, they can prescribe antidepressants to help treat the issue. Going the online route can increase your comfort level and ultimately treat depression more effectively. 

DOJ Rules Trump’s Tax Returns Must Be Given to Congress

Diane A. Wade
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DOJ Rules Trump’s Tax Returns Must Be Given to Congress

The Department of Justice has ordered the IRS to hand over former President Donald Trump’s tax returns to Congress.

The move reverses a 2019 finding that the request from the House Ways and Means Committee was “disingenuous”.

The DoJ decision appears to end a long legal battle over the records, and is seen as a sharp legal blow to Donald Trump.

Although not required by law, every president since 1976 – except Donald Trump – has released their tax returns.

Donald Trump is yet to publicly comment on the latest developments, although he still has ways to try to fight the ruling in court.

Republicans on Capitol Hill denounced the decision, describing it as politically motivated.

When he was president, Donald Trump repeatedly said he was under audit by the IRS and so could not release his tax returns – although the IRS has said an audit would not stop the release of the information.

The House Ways and Means Committee has previously argued that it required Donald Trump’s tax returns for an investigation into whether he complied with tax law.

The Trump-era justice department, however, refused to hand them over. It argued that the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives was seeking them for partisan political gain.

President Trump Has the Right to Keep His Tax Returns Private, Says Lawyer

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Donald Trump’s 2005 Tax Returns Leaked

In an opinion released on July 30, the justice department’s Office of Legal Counsel determined that the committee “has invoked sufficient reasons” for requesting the tax information.

“Treasury must furnish the information to the Committee,” the opinion said.

Among those who praised the decision was Democrat House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who said the American people “deserve to know the facts of his troubling conflicts and undermining of our security and democracy as president”.

In February, President Trump was ordered by the Supreme Court to hand over his tax returns and other financial records to prosecutors in New York.

The decision was a blow to Donald Trump, who had been in a legal battle to protect his records from a grand jury.

The former president has continuously denied any wrongdoing and has called the investigation into his tax affairs a “witch hunt”.

Understanding the Future of AI in Online Gaming

Nancy Clayson
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Understanding the Future of AI in Online Gaming

How Artificial Intelligence is Shaping the Future of Gaming


Anyone who suggests that artificial intelligence is taking over the world is speaking the truth. Even though it may sound hyperbolic, AI will have some say in nearly every sphere of our lives in the next five to ten years.

When people think about artificial intelligence and what it can do for various industries, the online gambling sector rarely comes to mind. As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, so do its possibilities with respect to gaming.

Below are some ways that AI is shaping the future of gaming and gambling.

AI Can Read Thoughts

When the news came through that an IBM Deep Blue computer had beaten a chess master, Garry Kasparov, most people did not bat an eye. The idea of computers being superior intellectually to humans does not seem surprising, as computers have nearly unlimited processing capability.

Other such events have occurred, with Google’s AlphaGo computer beating Lee Sedol, while Libratus has defeated many of the world’s top-rated poker players with ease.

The idea of a computer winning at online gaming or gambling is not that surprising on the surface. People count cards when they have the chance, and a computer can do that better than any person.

What is most remarkable is that Libratus defeated top-rated poker champions not by counting cards, but by reading people’s faces and understanding their weaknesses in the game.

When such AI evolves even more, what are the ways that it could reshape the online gambling industry?

Catching Gambling Addicts

The growth in AI over the past few years has been remarkable to witness, while the popularity of online gambling has continued to rise. With these two niches heading in similar trajectories, a merging is inevitable.

One of the ways that gambling businesses are looking to leverage AI is through the tracking of gambling addicts. Catching an addict at a physical casino is very easy, as there are people watching the different cameras placed throughout those facilities.

When people bet online, catching addicts is a serious challenge. Even though there is a misconception that casinos want addicts to gamble at their facilities, most casinos and online casinos will say that gambling addicts are bad for business.

Thanks to AI, online casinos can now identify problematic behavior by players. The AI can begin to recognize that addicts behave with a specific pattern. When they understand those patterns, the AI can intervene quickly to ensure that person does not gamble away too much of their money.

Leveraging Smart Data

Online casinos are far from the only business sector that looks to leverage smart data. These sites can gather a lot of information about their users, including the games they enjoy playing, how often they play, the bets they make, and when they have their longest gaming sessions.

Leveraging such information to deliver targeted promotions and discounts to their users can help online casinos immensely. They would then have the tools to create the targeted coupons, site-wide discounts, and other perks for each user on their platform.

Delivering Flawless Customer Service

One of the real ways that AI is changing business is through improvements in customer service. Online gambling casinos are taking advantage of this as well.

When you go to an online casino, you often see a little chat box appear in the bottom right or left corner. You can click on that box and start a chat with the AI helper. They can answer most of your questions, while connecting you to a human representative if you need further help.

As AI continues to improve, online casinos believe the customer service they can offer to their clients will only improve as well. They can soon interpret the issues a customer is facing as soon as that person starts a chat with the AI.

Better Sports Odds

If you ever watch a game of soccer, American football or basketball, you can see how many stats are analyzed throughout the contests. With so much information available, online sports books can leverage AI to make sense of the data in real time.

By analyzing the data for the present game and looking at historical outcomes, the AI could better predict the likelihood of a game finishing a specific way at that stage of the contest.

Such predictions would allow the online sports book to dynamically adjust its odds for various events related to that game as the match unfolds. Such changes in the odds would give opportunities to betters, but would also mean the sports book is offering the best possible odds from its perspective.

Reaching a Younger Audience

When most people think about gambling, both in person and online, they imagine an older crowd. That may be true, but online casinos are making several moves to try and win over a younger audience.

Using AI may be one way to make that happen. With AI driven VR, young people who have the relevant hardware could have extremely realistic and unique digital experiences when attending online casinos.

If an online casino or sportsbook wants to lure Millennials and Generation Z clients in the coming years, leveraging AI may be their best way of achieving their goals.

Bet Safely to Make Money

The future of online gambling is very interesting, especially considering the way artificial intelligence is gaining traction in nearly every sector. Online casinos are already leveraging AI to identify and help gambling addicts, dynamically adjust sports odds and deliver the very best customer service to their clients.

Austin Real Estate Wars: Follow the Money

Clyde K. Valle
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Austin Real Estate Wars: Follow the Money
Image source: Facebook

Press release

Companies owned by Austin-area car dealer Bryan Hardeman received a $10 million taxpayer bailout in April 2020. However, secret court documents Dolcefino Consulting now possesses show that just a few weeks later, two of those same companies invested more than $7 million in a controversial Austin real estate deal involving the iconic downtown restaurant, Capital Grille.

The Austin real estate fight between Hardeman and Austin real estate magnate Nate Paul of World Class Holdings is already making headlines.

Dolcefino Consulting’s discovery raises serious questions about whether Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) bailout funds—designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll—were improperly used.

A number of lawsuits relating to the foreclosure sales on some of the Austin properties that make up Paul’s vast real estate empire are already riddled with allegations of fraud and what Dolcefino Consulting has uncovered may make the situation even more interesting.

Here is what we know:

Government records show that on April 14, 2020, three of Bryan Hardeman’s companies received PPP funds.

Austin Infiniti, Inc. received $3,719,500 in PPP funds.

Continental Cars, Inc. received $2,665,400 in PPP funds.

Continental Imports, Inc. received $3,962,400 in PPP funds.

Texas Secretary of State records show that on the very same day that the Hardeman companies got their PPP money, a company called Colorado Third Street, LLC, was formed by Austin real estate developer Justin Bayne.

Just two weeks later, Colorado Third Street LLC bought the debt owed by Nate Paul’s company on the Capital Grille property. The property was foreclosed on earlier this month despite Paul’s attempts to pay the debt in full and stop the foreclosure.

These attempts to pay the debt in full were captured on video. Colorado Third Street LLC purchased the $25 million property at the foreclosure sale for just $8,760,000.

Colorado Third Street LLC manager Justin Bayne is a business partner of Bryan Hardeman’s son Will and the nephew of Houston Attorney Mark Riley. Riley served as trustee at the foreclosure sale on the Capital Grille property. What a small world.

Records from a federal bankruptcy case were delivered to Dolcefino Consulting with a return address of Austin Infiniti, Inc.—one of Hardeman’s car dealerships. The documents detail how Bayne was able to buy the debt on the Capital Grille property.

The records show most of the funding for Colorado Third Street, LLC came from Austin Infiniti, Inc. and Continental Cars, Inc. Both companies loaned Colorado Third Street, LLC more than $3.8 million on May 1, 2020—just two weeks after both companies received their PPP bailout money.

Dolcefino Consulting’s expanding real estate investigations began with scrutiny of multiple allegations of fraud involving embattled Houston real estate developer Ali Choudhri. One of Choudhri’s companies has now filed suit in Austin claiming that a May auction handled by Riley and involving another one of Nate Paul’s properties—4811 South Congress Avenue—was rigged.

Maybe Ali Choudhri is just the tip of the Texas real estate iceberg.

Estelle Hedaya: Last Miami Condo Collapse Victim Identified

Diane A. Wade
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Estelle Hedaya: Last Miami Condo Collapse Victim Identified
Image source: Twitter

The remains of the final victim unaccounted for in the deadly apartment block collapse in Miami have been found and identified, her family announced.

The discovery ends a weeks-long wait for the family of 54-year-old Estelle Hedaya, who had been missing since her building collapsed on 24 June.

Estelle Hedaya’s brother, Ikey, told media that local New York police delivered the news to their family on July 26.

Her discovery brings the death toll in the collapse disaster to 98.

Search teams spent weeks combing the rubble for victims but said on July 23 that their search had finally ended. At that time, Estelle Hedaya was still unaccounted for.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said July 26 that police volunteers were continuing to “carefully and meticulously” sift through millions of pounds of debris at a secondary site looking for remains and personal items.

“We have done everything possible to bring closure to the families and I am especially proud that through these tireless efforts we were able at last to bring closure to all those who reported missing loved ones,” the mayor told reporters.

The number of people missing had initially been put as high as 159, but police brought that figure down after weeks of checking reports.

Miami Building Collapse: Standing Portion of Champlain Towers to Be Demolish

Miami Building Collapse Death Toll Rises to Five

Champlain Towers: Miami Building Collapses Killing at Least One Person

Miami Building Collapse: At Least Four Killed and 159 Missing

According to officials, the site where the 12-floor Champlain Towers South building once stood is being treated as a crime scene.

What caused the 40-year-old building to fall to the ground remains unknown, but a 2018 report had found structural problems with the ocean-side block.

All but one of those killed were recovered dead in the rubble, with one victim dying in hospital.

A Jewish funeral is expected to take place for Estelle Hedaya in New York on July 27, the AP reports.

Estelle Hedaya’s family and friends described her as outgoing and fun-loving and said she loved to travel and try new things, like salsa dancing.

Other victims of the disaster include the 7-year-old daughter of a Miami firefighter, a 92-year-old grandmother and the sister of Paraguay’s first lady.

Rodney Alcala: “Dating Game Killer” Dies of Natural Causes While Awaiting Execution

Nancy Clayson
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Rodney Alcala: “Dating Game Killer” Dies of Natural Causes While Awaiting Execution
Image source: Wikipedia

Rodney Alcala, who was sentenced to death in California for murdering a 12-year-old girl and four other women, has died of natural causes, officials say.

The 77-year-old died at a hospital near California’s Corcoran state prison in the early hours of Saturday.

Rodney Alcala, who was known as the “Dating Game Killer” after taking part in The Dating Game TV show, was convicted in 2010.

As well as the California killings, he had also pleaded guilty to the murders of two other women in New York.

Rodney Alcala was first handed the death penalty in Orange County in 1980 for the kidnap and murder of Robin Samsoe, 12, in Los Angeles the previous year.

However, his sentence was overturned by the California Supreme Court and he was granted a new trial.

He later received the same penalty in the second trial, but this was again overturned in 2003.

In the years that followed, investigators discovered forensic evidence linking Rodney Alcala to the other California murders.

At the 2010 trial, he was found guilty of killing Robin Samsoe as well as four other women aged between 18 and 32 in the years between 1977 and 1979.

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In September 1978, Rodney Alcala took part in The Dating Game, a TV show in which a single woman questioned three single men hidden from her view before selecting one based on their answers.

Rodney Alcala was selected at the end of show, but the woman later said she decided not to date him after a conversation with him backstage, describing him as “creepy”.

In 2012, Rodney Alcala was extradited to New York after he was charged over two additional murders from 1971 and 1977. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced in New York to 25 years to life.

California state prison officials said in a statement on July 24 that Rodney Alcala was suspected of being involved in a number of additional killings.

No further details were given about his death.

There are currently some 700 inmates on death row in California, but Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered a moratorium on executions.

Coronavirus: China Rejects WHO Plan to Investigate Covid-19 Origin

Kathryn R. Bown
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Coronavirus: China Rejects WHO Plan to Investigate Covid-19 Origin

China has rejected the next stage of a WHO plan to investigate the origins of the coronavirus pandemic.

The World Health Organization wants to audit laboratories in the area the virus was first identified.

Zeng Yixin, China’s deputy health minister, said this showed “disrespect for common sense and arrogance toward science”.

WHO experts said it was very unlikely the virus escaped from a Chinese lab, but the theory has endured.

Investigators were able to visit Wuhan – the city where the virus was first detected in December 2019 – in January 2021.

However, earlier this month WHO chief Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus outlined the terms of the inquiry’s next phase. This included looking at certain science research institutions.

He has now called on China to be more co-operative about the early stages of the outbreak.

Dr. Tedros urged China to “be transparent, to be open and co-operate” with investigators and provide raw patient data that had not been shared during the first probe.

US Accuses China of Hacking Covid-19 Vaccine Labs

Speaking at a press conference on July 22, Zeng Yixin said he was extremely surprised by the WHO proposal because it focused on alleged violations of China’s laboratory protocols.

He said it was “impossible” for China to accept the terms, adding that the country had submitted its own origins-tracing recommendations.

“We hope the WHO would seriously review the considerations and suggestions made by Chinese experts and truly treat the origin tracing of the Covid-19 virus as a scientific matter, and get rid of political interference,” Reuters quoted Zeng Yixin as saying.

Yuan Zhiming, director of the National Biosafety Laboratory at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, also appeared at the press conference. He said the virus was of natural origin and maintained no virus leak or staff infections had occurred at the facility since it opened in 2018.

More than 4 million people have died worldwide since the start of the pandemic and the WHO has faced growing international pressure to further investigate the origins of the virus.

New Shepard: Jeff Bezos Launches to Space Aboard His Rocket Ship

James J. Williams
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New Shepard: Jeff Bezos Launches to Space Aboard His Rocket Ship
Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Jeff Bezos blasted into space on July 20, in the first crewed flight of his rocket ship, New Shepard.

The billionaire was accompanied by his brother, Mark, Wally Funk, an 82-year-old pioneer of the space race, and 18-year-old student Oliver Daemen.

They travelled in a capsule with the biggest windows flown in space, offering stunning views of the Earth.

All four passengers have now parachuted safely back to Earth after their 10-minute, 10-second trip.

New Shepard, built by Jeff Bezos’ company Blue Origin, is designed to serve the burgeoning market for space tourism among the super-wealthy.

On this flight was the oldest person who has been to space – Wally Funk – and the youngest, Oliver Daemen.

The spacecraft lifted off at 09:12 EDT from a private launch site near Van Horn, Texas.

After the capsule touched down, Jeff Bezos said: “Astronaut Bezos [his callsign]: Best day ever!”

He later said: “My expectations were high and they were dramatically exceeded.”

Two minutes into the flight, the capsule separated from its rocket and continued upwards towards the Karman Line – the most widely recognized boundary of space, 100km up.

The passengers experienced about four minutes of weightlessness, and were able to unstrap from their seats to float around and enjoy the views of our planet far below.

Jeff Bezos said he was surprised by the sensation of microgravity: “It felt so normal.”

As the capsule passed the Karman Line, the astronauts could be heard shouting “wow!” and cheering.

“Oh my word, look at the world,” Wally Funk said as she marveled at the views.

Before the flight, Wally Funk had said she was looking forward to performing somersaults and tumbles in microgravity.

In the 1960s, Wally Funk was one member of a group of women called the Mercury 13. They underwent the same screening tests as male astronauts, but never got to fly into space.

The capsule reached a maximum altitude of around 107km (351,210ft) before starting its descent, parachuting down to a soft touchdown in the desert.

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Jeff Bezos Stepping Down as Amazon CEO

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On the way down, Jeff Bezos told mission control: “You have a very happy crew here up here, I want you to know.”

After landing, Mark Bezos, 53, said: “I am unbelievably good.”

Jeff Bezos recently resigned as chief executive of Amazon, the e-commerce giant he founded, in order to concentrate on his other ventures, including Blue Origin.

Mark Bezos, is a senior vice president at Robin Hood, a New York-based charity.

The fourth passenger, Oliver Daemen, is the son of financier Joes Daemen, who founded Dutch private equity firm Somerset Capital Partners. Oliver Daemen had originally secured a seat on the second flight, but was drafted in to replace the anonymous winner of a public auction.

This unnamed winner, who paid $28 million to join Jeff Bezos on New Shepard’s first crewed flight, had to pull out “due to scheduling conflicts”.

WhatsApp Blocked Two Million Accounts in India

Nancy Clayson
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WhatsApp Blocked Two Million Accounts in India

WhatsApp has announced it blocked over two million accounts in India in May and June for violating rules.

The Facebook-owned messaging service said 95% of these users were blocked for violating the limits of the number of times messages can be forwarded in India.

The submissions were made by WhatsApp in its first monthly compliance report under India’s controversial new IT rules.

India is WhatsApp’s largest market with about 400 million users.

The company said its “top focus” has been to prevent accounts in India from sending harmful or unwanted messages at scale.

Using advanced machine learning technology, WhatsApp reportedly bans close to eight million accounts across the world every month.

Two million accounts in India sending a “high and abnormal rate of messages” were banned in India alone between May 15 and June 15, the service said.

The service identifies an Indian account as one with a +91 (country code) phone number.

WhatsApp often ends up being the focus of discussions on the spread of misinformation and fake news in India.

Such fake news and hoaxes are forwarded to tens of thousands of users in hours, and it’s practically impossible to counter them.

Messages and videos circulating in bulk have in the past incited mob violence in India, even leading to deaths.

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In addition to responding to user complaints, WhatsApp said it deployed its own tools to prevent abuse on the platform.

The service said it relied on the “behavioral signals” from user accounts, or on available “unencrypted information”, profile and group photos, and descriptions to identify potential offenders.

WhatsApp’s submissions come at a time when tech companies are embroiled in an intensifying battle with the Indian government over the new IT rules.

The guidelines – announced in February and became effective in May – seek to regulate content on social media and streaming platforms, and have raised serious concerns about free speech and user privacy.

Critics say they give the government and law enforcement agencies powers to take down a wide range of content on the internet. But the government claims the rules are meant to prevent abuse and misinformation.

Blue Origin: Teenager Oliver Daemen to Become Youngest Person to Fly into Space

James J. Williams
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Blue Origin: Teenager Oliver Daemen to Become Youngest Person to Fly into Space
Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Oliver Daemen is to become the youngest person to fly to space when he joins Jeff Bezos on the first human flight by his space company on July 20.

The 18-year-old will fly in place of an anonymous $28 million winning bidder of a public auction.

The winner of the auction could not fly on the mission “due to scheduling conflicts”, Jeff Bezos’ space venture Blue Origin said.

Oliver Daemen is the son of Somerset Capital Partners CEO Joes Daemen.

Joes Daemen had secured a seat on the second flight but was moved up to the first when the winning bidder pulled out, Blue Origin said. He then chose to instead fly his son, who is a physics student.

He will join 82-year-old Wally Funk, who will become the oldest ever person in space. Jeff Bezos and his brother Mark will make up the rest of the passengers on the New Shepard rocket.

The previous winner of the auction has remained anonymous, even as the launch edged closer, and the nature of the “conflicts” which led to their withdrawal have not been disclosed.

Blue Origin has not said how much Oliver Daeman’s ticket cost.

It said the flight will fulfill a lifelong dream for the teenager, “who has been fascinated by space, the Moon and rockets since he was four”.

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Blue Origin plans to launch its passengers more than 62 miles above the Earth’s surface, allowing them to experience microgravity.

The capsule will then return to Earth using parachutes on a trip expected to last about 10 minutes.

Jeff Bezos is one of the world’s richest people.

He created Blue Origin in 2000 and announced last month that he and his brother would embark on the flight – describing it as something he had wanted to do “all my life”.

The flight comes after billionaire Richard Branson successfully reached the edge of space on board his Virgin Galactic rocket plane last week.

WhatsApp Testing New Feature to Let Users Message Without Using Their Phones

Nancy Clayson
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WhatsApp Testing New Feature to Let Users Message Without Using Their Phones

WhatsApp is testing a new feature that will let users message without using their phone for the first time.

At present, WhatsApp is linked to a user’s phone. Its desktop and web apps need that device to be connected and receiving messages.

However, the new feature will let users send and receive messages “even if your phone battery is dead”.

Up to four other devices – like PCs and tablets – can be used together, WhatsApp said.

To begin with, the new feature will be rolled out as a beta test for a “small group of users”, and the team plans to improve performance and add features before enabling it for everyone.

End-to-end encryption – a key selling point for WhatsApp – will still work under this new system, it said.

Several other messaging apps already have such a feature, including rival encrypted app Signal, which requires a phone for sign-up, but not to exchange messages.

The feature has long been requested by WhatsApp users – of which there are a reported two billion.

In a blog post announcing the move, Facebook engineers said the change needed a “rethink” of WhatsApp’s software design.

That is because the current version “uses a smartphone app as the primary device, making the phone the source of truth for all user data and the only device capable of end-to-end encrypting messages for another user [or] initiating calls”, the company said.

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WhatsApp Web and other non-smartphone apps are essentially a “mirror” of what happens on the phone.

However, that system has significant drawbacks familiar to many regular users, as the web app is known to frequently disconnect.

It also means that only one so-called “companion app” can be active at a time – so loading WhatsApp on another device will disconnect a WhatsApp web window.

“The new WhatsApp multi-device architecture removes these hurdles, no longer requiring a smartphone to be the source of truth, while still keeping user data seamlessly and securely synchronised and private,” the company said.

On a technical level, the solution was giving every device its own “identity key”, and WhatsApp keeps a record of which keys belong to the same user account. That means it does not need to store messages on its own server, which could lead to privacy concerns.

What Caused Bitcoin To Spike In 2021?

Clyde K. Valle
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What Caused Bitcoin To Spike In 2021?

In plain dollar for dollar terms, Bitcoin moved more in terms of price in 2021 alone than its entire history before it. The cryptocurrency closed the year in 2020 with a new high over $20,000, but from the start of 2021 to the high of the year, Bitcoin grew another $45,000 per coin.

It has since dropped more than 50% of that all-time high price, leaving crypto market participants wondering why the crash happened, and if the bull run is over. But before that can be understood, we have to first understand what caused the spike in Bitcoin price in the first place.

Getting an in-depth look at all the factors that prompted the uptrend can help shed light on if the rally is over for good and a new bear market here, of it this is merely a pause before another leg up and more all-time highs.

Why People Invest In Bitcoin And Cryptocurrencies

Time and time again, it has been proven that Bitcoin can be a worthwhile investment and a great, uncorrelated addition to a savvy investor’s portfolio. In fact, it is among the best performing investments in history, despite still being considered a dangerous and sometimes risky asset class. The risk is associated with the cryptocurrency’s volatility which is amplified by being a speculative asset. Speculative assets are highly susceptible to changes in sentiment, making the resulting changes in price action that much more powerful.

It has gone from virtually worthless and of interest only to hobbyist cypherpunks to being a highly sought and scarce asset that everyone in the world wants to own a piece of. The ROI is in the hundreds of thousands, if not more, but the cryptocurrency keeps on climbing.

Knowing the asset’s potential is one of the main reasons the price spiked in 2021. Any financial market prices in all available data, including news, and even the expected future results of an asset. In fact, most assets trade at the prices they will be worth in the future, and not at their actual valuation. Crypto is no different, and possibly even more departed from its value – because no one truly knows what the value should be.

Future Price Predictions Fuel Rally

But Bitcoin is one of the few cryptocurrencies with enough price history to predict future outcomes, and almost all analysts who have looked at a Bitcoin price chart see big things in the cryptocurrency’s future.

The cryptocurrency is projected by many ranging from the likes of Max Keiser to Tim Draper and Cathie Wood to reach hundreds of thousands of dollars per coin in the next several years. With expectations like that, crypto investors are hard to break and it took a major 50% correction to get some long term holders to finally capitulate.

The spike was driven in large part by the expectation that the price of Bitcoin would rise in 2020, but the expectation itself was driven by a variety of other factors.

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The digital gold narrative was one of the primary factors in Bitcoin’s parabolic climb in 2020. The cryptocurrency was designed by the mysterious Satoshi Nakamoto to share many of the same attributes as the precious metal, such as scarcity.

Gold has long been used as a monetary standard, however, Bitcoin is better than gold in every way. The cryptocurrency can be sent across communications channels due to having no physical footprint, and requires no space to store. It is even more scarce than gold, with a fixed supply that can never be increased.

The gold market is worth more than ten trillion dollars, and even just a small amount of it coming out of precious metals and flowing into the ultra scarce, low liquid crypto market sent speculative asset prices soaring. Bitcoin reached more than $1 trillion itself, with the crypto market reaching nearly $3 trillion in total value. But then a crash happened, and the entire crypto market is now less than $2 trillion with Bitcoin included.

The Bitcoin Halving Crushes Supply When Demand Is Highest

The cryptocurrency’s hard-coded halving in May of 2020 was another major factor in causing the spike. Demand for the cryptocurrency had been rising naturally after a long bear market. When demand was at the highest in years, the supply was slashed in half by the cryptocurrency’s underlying protocol.

With less BTC flowing into the market from miners, and no more holders willing to sell, the price per Bitcoin rose exponentially, and it carried the rest of the crypto market up with it. DeFi coins exploded, and Ethereum set a new peak also. The entire market was soaring.

Capital seemed to be flowing into crypto from every angle, and it was. Which leads us to another primary factor in the cryptocurrency’s epic rise to stardom in 2021.

Stimulus Money, The Fail of Fiat, And The Future Of Bitcoin

The rise began with Black Thursday, and the massive stimulus rolled out since to save the economy and keep markets afloat. Central banks and governments have collectively added trillions of dollars to the global money supply, all while the total supply of BTC has stayed the same, and the incoming supply has dropped.

The fall of fiat currencies could soon arrive, and inflation is already running wild and causing consumer prices to skyrocket across the board. If this happens, the true value of cryptocurrency scarcity could show its hand in the coming years.

With the economy still on thin ice and unprecedented money printing failing to hold up the stock market, another big crash is imminent. If and when central banks again try to prop things up, Bitcoin will spike yet again, and the bull market will continue. Buying Bitcoin in many ways, is an insurance policy against any potential outcomes where the US dollar fails, and a new currency prevails.

The rest of the year of 2021 is bound to be an exciting one as bulls and bears collide to decide the future fate of the crypto market.

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