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Showing all posts tagged "News"

Save Money, Live Luxuriously with Yacht Co-ownership

(NewsUSA) -Are you a yacht owner who wants to enjoy time on the water, but doesn’t want to keep up with the work and expense of full-time ownership? Consider shared (fractional) ownership through a cooperative instead. It offers "all of the luxury and none of the hassle" according to yacht co-op and management company Saveene.Many yacht owners or would-be owners hesitate at the additional expenses of luxury boating beyond the purchase of the boat itself, such as cleaning, upkeep, marina fees, and paying a crew. Saveene offers options for fractional purchases that are flexible and cost-saving. The more fractions you purchase, the more yacht usage you have.For example, a 10 percent purchase equals approximately 4 weeks of yachting time each year; 20 percent entitles you to 8 weeks.Other advantages of fractional ownership include:– Flexibility. Saveene fractional owners can purchase up to 10 fractions per yacht, and Saveene helps them sell these fractions if they choose or owners can sell their own fractions if they choose.Several styles of yachts are available, ranging from 40 feet to 90 feet; all are outfitted with luxurious rooms and amenities. A handy online scheduling tool lets fractional owners choose outings of a few hours, day trips, or overnight excursions.– Fun. Sit back and relax. The Saveene team will schedule and prepare your yacht for your arrival, and a professional crew and concierge will help plan the perfect outing for one or two passengers, a larger group of friends, business associates, or extended family with a range of ages. Fractional owners can bring their own food and beverages or Saveene yachts can accommodate a caterer or chef.– Finance. With fractional ownership, you can enjoy periodic luxury boating without worrying about the day-to-day costs of maintenance, repairs, insurance, or storage that come with owning a yacht outright. So why pay 100 percent of the cost plus 10 percent of the cost for maintenance when you only use 10 percent to 50 percent of the yacht?Also, if you wish to purchase 100 percent of the yacht, you can. In this case, Saveene can manage your yacht. A tax write-off option is also available with Saveene. In addition, a maintenance-free option is also available. Yes, this means no monthly payments.Here’s an example of how fractional co-op ownership works: Mr. Smith purchases a 10 percent interest in a 4-stateroom fractional yacht for $89,980. This gets him approximately 3-4 weeks a year of yachting. If that doesn’t seem like enough, he can buy more. If he decides to give it up, he sells his fraction through Saveene or himself.Saveene offers a range of yacht co-op choices to fit any budget, and the Florida-based location means great yachting weather all year round.Visit saveene.com for more information.

Credit: NewsUSA


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Posted on July 30th, 2020

A Better Way to Buy and Own A Home

(NewsUSA) – Whether it’s your first house or your fourth, buying a home is exciting – but also stressful.

Questions plague homebuyers: Can we afford it? How much do we have to put down? Do we have enough to avoid incurring the dreaded PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance)? For homeowners looking to refinance, it becomes a question of, should we or shouldn’t we? What’s the down side? Does refinancing make sense in the long term?

In the past, consumers had only one option – taking on more debt. In addition to monthly payments with interest, this debt came with increased discomfort and the fear that "if we couldn’t afford it, we could lose the roof over our head." Now, there may be another answer.

Home co-investing offers a new alternative – a better way to buy and own a home.

Home co-investing is a new category that works in partnership with homebuyers and homeowners to invest in the long-term appreciation of a home’s value. Whether you’re a homebuyer seeking to finance a new purchase or a long-time homeowner looking to maximize equity, home co-investing involves no monthly payments, no interest, and no additional debt.

Instead, home co-investing shares in the home’s change in value – up or down. You can choose to return the investment any time after three years, or keep it until you sell, for up to 30 years.

"In a nutshell, we’re in business to partner with you in your new or current home," according to the website for Unison, the company that invented this idea. The growing, San Francisco-based home co-investing company is now helping homebuyers and owners in 30 states plus Washington, D.C.

Unison’s recently published 2019 Home Affordability Report states that individuals earning the current median income will need 14 years to save for a 20-percent down payment. Home co-investing benefits new buyers by helping them get over that first hurdle of the down payment. For example, with home co-investing, prospective buyers can put down 10 percent, and the company puts down 10 percent. The homebuyer can now reach a 20-percent down payment without taking on additional debt.

"Among the biggest financial mistakes potential buyers can make during the home-buying process is not researching all possible financing options beforehand, including home co-investing," says Cari Jacobs, Chief Marketing Officer at Unison.

"Think of it as the sharing economy for home buying. By partnering with a company like Unison, you can live the life you want, in the home of your dreams today, while sharing the risk," she explains.

"It’s always better to have more information so you can make a fully informed decision that helps you buy the home you want, and sets you up for long-term financial success."

Home co-investing works for current homeowners, too, with opportunities for home equity-based funding for a variety of needs, including home renovations, paying medical bills, or even sending kids to college. But unlike a traditional home equity loan, there is no additional debt and no monthly payment.

Home co-investing represents a new way to think about home financing.

Visit unison.com for more information.

Credit: NewsUSA


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Posted on July 27th, 2020

The Barcode Story: Its Past, Present, And Future

(NewsUSA) – Whether you’re buying online or shopping in a store, there are many modern shopping conveniences available today that can be traced back to the debut of a seemingly simple technology – the first barcode scan.With a powerful impact on global commerce, the barcode is used by millions of people everywhere, every day.However, its creation required decades of collaboration with grocery industry leaders to establish its design, use, and ultimately cement its place in retail. This year, we celebrate the definitive moment in history when 45 years ago, the first Universal Product Code (UPC) was scanned – a milestone that led to unprecedented economic opportunities and the variety of shopping options we enjoy today. The Barcode’s Origins Few shoppers today remember a time when product prices were manually entered at a cash register. Before checkouts featured barcodes and scanners, long lines snaked throughout the supermarket and shoppers waited impatiently. Grocery stores were desperately searching for a way to improve efficiency and profits.Inventor and scientist, Norman Joseph Woodland and his research partner, Bernard Silver, began work on a solution to the grocers’ problem in the late 1940s. Woodland’s inspiration for the first barcode occurred when he drew a circular, bullseye-shaped design with a bar and space pattern in the sand while living in Miami Beach. However, it took more than 20 years for the idea to be fully realized. Advances in laser scanning technology created renewed interest in barcode development in the early 1970s. Woodland was working at IBM, when his colleague, George Laurer, created the linear UPC barcode – that version was ultimately selected by the grocery industry in 1973 and continues to be printed on products. The Uniform Product Code Council (later rebranded GS1) was named the barcode administrator in 1974 to issue product identification numbers to be encoded into barcodes, known today as the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN). The organization set guidelines for its use and began testing it.On June 26, 1974, the UPC barcode made its debut at the checkout counter of the Troy, Ohio Marsh Supermarket. The first item scanned was a ten-pack of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit gum, priced at 67 cents. The local newspaper headline read: "Local Marsh Store Features Computerized Checkout System." Today’s Impact and Opportunity Today, the barcode is scanned more than six billion times a day globally. Multiple versions and uses of the barcode have emerged over the past few decades. QR codes, for example, provide consumers with detailed product information with the scan of a smartphone. Barcodes and their associated numbers have also become an important part of e-commerce by helping to make products easier to find online and that the right product arrives at the consumer’s doorstep.While barcodes have improved the consumer experience, they have also transformed businesses. For example, barcodes help manufacturers and retailers track products in the supply chain and play a major role in inventory management. Advanced barcodes can help manufacturers and retailers pinpoint products during a recall, or identify counterfeit goods so that they can be removed from stock. What’s Next? Looking to the future, business leaders are evaluating how the barcode can evolve to meet the changing needs of consumers and industries. Future barcode uses will focus on empowering consumers with more information, as the smartphone continues to be an essential shopping assistant. For example, web-enabled barcodes will expand on what’s already been made possible through QR code or barcode scanning to connect the shopper to more trustworthy information, such as how-to videos, discount offers, and shopper reviews.Also, future shopping experiences are likely to include many more internet-connected devices – for example, a dressing room mirror that can automatically suggest another style or size. As these innovations become mainstream, the identification standards that power the barcode are critical to ensuring that the products offered match the personalized needs of the shopper.GS1 US is continuing the same pioneering spirit established 45 years ago by helping businesses all over the world continue to grow. More than 300,000 businesses large and small turn to GS1 US for their barcoding and identification needs, and recognize the value of launching products with identification that is universally-accepted by leading retailers, distributors, and other business partners. To learn how GS1 US enables business success, please visit www.gs1us.org/45thanniversary.

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Posted on July 27th, 2020

How to Protect Your Data in a Connected World

(NewsUSA) – The phrase ‘six degrees of separation,’ suggests that only a minuscule measurement is what divides one person from another. Today, the Internet of Things (IoT) has decreased those degrees dramatically, connecting us not only to each other, but to everything from our fitness trackers to our coffee makers.

Consider this: according to a recent report by the Federal Trade Commission, the number of Internet-connected devices tops 25 billion worldwide. And that number is expected to double in the next five years, according to experts cited in the report.

In a world where everyone and everything is connected, digital security is a must-have, just as important as the lock on your front door or the keys to your house.

"Technology is revolutionizing the way consumers use cars, homes, work spaces and everyday items," Rep. Darrell Issa, R- Calif., told USA Today in a recent interview. "These devices raise both opportunities and questions about regulatory policy, spectrum space, privacy and more."

Underscoring Issa’s concerns are high-profile hacks, including one that took remote control of a Jeep on a busy highway. Experts warn who consumers need to understand that, although convenient, the IoT is an interconnected system, and security is needed to prevent a weakness in one device (like a SmartWatch) from becoming an open door to attack in another device (such as a connected car).

The good news is that sensitive industries such as banking, government, and healthcare have worked with companies like Gemalto, a global leader in digital security, to solve difficult security challenges. While most may not recognize the name "Gemalto," experts say that almost everyone uses at least one or two of the company’s solutions, which are embedded in a wide variety of connected devices, credit cards, passports, and ID badges.

So, to ensure that your data is protected from hackers, Gemalto recommends the following tips:

* Secure the device. Sensitive devices need an added layer of protection, such as a SIM card or a tamper-resistant Secure Element that stores data in a safe place.

* Control the access. Implement two-factor authentication to ensure that only authorized people are granted access to the data.

* Secure the data. Ensure that sensitive data is encrypted and that encryption keys are stored in a separate and safe place.

For more information, please visit www.gemalto.com.

Credit: NewsUSA


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Posted on July 24th, 2020

Enhance Pool Safety: Help Protect Your Family From Electric Shock Drowning

(NewsUSA) – Before you open your pool for the season or whenever you close it down, you should be aware of a hidden danger. Faulty wiring or damaged electrical cords used to connect electrical equipment near the pool or from the pool lighting can cause the water to become energized. When swimmers come into contact with this "leaked" electrical current in your pool, it can cause loss of muscle control, rapid or irregular heartbeat or even electric shock drowning (ESD).

Electrical shock drowning can occur in treated water. Many pools and spas now feature lighting, digital entertainment systems, automated sensors for maintenance, and other integrated comforts or technologies. The presence of these devices in and around water can increase the risk of injury.

Mild tingling sensations and numbness in the limbs or extremities are the first telltale symptoms of ESD."Electricity is extremely dangerous in water and improperly installed, maintained or damaged electrical connectivity can leak electrical current," says Grayling Love, product line manager at Eaton. "Help protect yourself and your loved ones from ESD by having all electrical equipment used at the pool or spa installed, inspected and regularly maintained by certified electrical contractors who can help you meet the latest electrical codes and standards."

Electric shock drowning cases have been known to result from electrical current leakages originating from faulty wiring or failing electrical distribution equipment. The use of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) and Equipment Leakage Circuit Interrupters (ELCIs) near the pool, hot tub or wet spa can significantly help reduce the risk of electric shock drowning while helping water facilities meet electrical codes and safety standards. These devices are designed to help enhance safety by quickly shutting off power if electrical current leakage is detected.

If you own a pool or spa, contact a certified electrical contractor to install, maintain or replace equipment and assure that your site is up to code. Look for experts with certification specific to water-based systems. The Eaton Certified Contractor Network (ECCN) can help you locate an Eaton Certified Electrical Contractor who can provide guidance through the most recent codes, standards and safety considerations required for your specific site or project needs.

To help enhance safety and reduce the risk of electrical shock in your pool or spa:

* Remind swimmers and spa users to always pay attention to how they feel in the water.

* Schedule routine electrical maintenance and inspections.

* Don’t enter the water to perform electrical maintenance tasks.

* If any unusual tingling or numbness occurs, avoid contact with metal objects.

* Signal for help without inviting others into the water.

To learn more about electrical solutions that enhance safety or to find an Eaton Certified Electrical Contractor near you, visit http://myhome.eaton.com.

Credit: NewsUSA


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Posted on July 24th, 2020

Don’t Sweat The EPA’s 2020 Freon Phaseout This Summer

(NewsUSA) – As temperatures rise and air conditioners begin to blast, educated homeowners have no need to fear the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2020 Freon Phaseout.January 2020 marks the EPA mandate to end production of Freon (also known as HCFC-22 and R-22), the primary refrigerant chemical used in residential air conditioning units that has been found to have a significant contributing effect on ozone depletion and global warming.While this is good news for environmentally conscious consumers, what does this mean to homeowners?In short, you can still opt to keep your older system that requires Freon. However, this can pose a problem should your unit need even minor service, such as a small leak. Technicians will have limited access to R-22 or use recycled versions until supplies dwindle. Further, a shortage means increased prices. Alternatively, homeowners would need to hire a technician to replace the outdoor unit and indoor coil to accommodate the newer R410A, which is an expensive proposition.Ultimately, now might be a perfect time to upgrade since the average lifespan of an HVAC system is approximately 15 years – allowing homeowners to enjoy greater long-term savings on utility bills and live greener. Live Green, Save Green, Stay Cool With home heating and cooling accounting for nearly half of home energy use and air conditioner energy expenses costing homeowners more than $11 billion a year, small steps can go a long way.Following are some useful tips to help you contribute to the cleaner energy movement and reduce bills:* Get Electric: According to Columbia University’s Earth Institute, electric systems are a solution to decarbonize home climate control. Among the most energy-efficient heating and cooling products, electricity-powered ductless mini-split systems, offered by companies including Fujitsu General America, can save as much as 25 percent on your energy bill. Mini-splits use thin copper tubing to pump refrigerant from an outdoor compressor directly into an indoor air-handling unit, where the air is quietly distributed to the interior space.* Be "Smart" About Home Climate Control: When it comes to smart home temperature control, there are Smart HVAC Systems and Smart Thermostats. Smart HVAC systems have built-in Internet capability and can be controlled directly without additional equipment. Smart Home Thermostats create "smart" systems by enabling remote temperature control via a mobile or Internet-connected device or voice-operated home automation system.* Voice Your Preferences: Take control of your comfort. Most HVAC manufacturers offer apps that enable systems to be controlled from anywhere using a mobile device. Voice-control capability uses digital assistants, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home, to verbally dictate home temperatures. Easily controlling the temperature more closely allows homeowners to be more comfortable and improve energy savings.* Find Your Efficient Comfort Zone: Many of us live in homes designed for bigger families, but have yet to downsize. If you find yourself using a fraction of your home on a regular basis, consider upgrading to a zoned, ducted, or ductless system. That will allow you to save energy heating and cooling spaces where you and your family don’t spend a lot of time. This will multiply savings as you’re not only needing less cooling, but you also gain from a more efficient system in the spaces you do still use.* Go Low-tech: Simple changes can have a big impact. Try to use heat-producing appliances – stoves, irons and dryers – at night or early morning. Switch to LED light bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs – which consume 90 percent more power. Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and places where pipes and wires come through walls. Check existing caulking and weather-stripping for gaps or cracks.There’s no need to sweat the ban on Freon this summer. If a new system is right for you, many Fujitsu systems with the Energy Star rating are more than twice as efficient as the minimum standard set by the government.To learn more or find a contractor near you, call 888-888-3424 or visit www.constantcomfort.com.

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Posted on July 23rd, 2020

Choosing Schools – All Kids Learn Differently

(NewsUSA) – Well, actually, it’s both … the charm of hummingbirds is most certainly apropos and "a charm" of hummingbirds is actually factual! Yep, that’s right, the collective noun for these unique creatures – just like a gaggle of geese or a flock of birds, is a charm of hummingbirds. Since the definition of the noun ‘charm’ is "the power of giving delight or arousing admiration," one doesn’t need to be a wordsmith to see how right that is. Hummingbirds are charming. And there are over 330 varieties of the species, Trochilidae, which is their biological family name and they’re found in the Western Hemisphere. When one sees a hummingbird, it’s a stunning, stop-in-your-tracks sight. Their brilliant throat color is actually a result of the iridescence in the arrangement of their feathers, not color pigment. Light level, moisture, angle of viewing and other factors all influence just how bright and colorful their throats may appear. Perhaps you’ve heard them, too – the name hummingbird comes from the buzzing sound of their fast-flapping wings.Hummers are migrant birds, so although many stay close to the Equator, lots of varieties travel this time of year, so there may be a ‘charm’ coming to your backyard soon. If you have the desire to see one up close or are curious about how to attract them to your yard, the folks at Cole’s Wild Bird Feed Co have got you covered. First, they figured out the engineering of an elegant, deceptively simple, easy-to-use (and easy-to-clean!) feeder. The patented Hummer High Rise has a clever design that offers a stress-free position for your charming guests to get their fill, a fantastic 360-degree vista, all the while keeping other unwanted creatures at bay.For example there’s an ant moat that stops the armies of industrious workers who’d love to get some sweet nectar, from beating a path to the liquid food. The genius is, it’s an actual moat, with nothing but H2O keeping the ants at bay, so while it does its job, it doesn’t do harm. Nice! A charm magnet. The second definition for the noun ‘charm’ is a small ornament worn on a necklace or bracelet. Hummingbirds weigh on average the same as a nickel, so while you’ll want to wear a replica from the jewelers, Hummers can be your own garden’s jewelry all season long.And in return for their arousing your admiration, they’ll feed on those annoying garden insects and pests. For their small size, hummers eat a lot. They are voracious eaters, feeding on mosquitos, gnats, spiders, aphids and other six-legged creepy crawlers. But, besides pests for protein, their primary ‘food group’ is nectar, which they get in by flitting from flower to flower and using their long beaks and equally long tongues to get their fill. All that flitting is exhausting!Since hummingbirds drink up to half their body weight a day of nectar you can help them out by keeping your High Rise fully stocked, for a one-stop fill of their favorite nectar treat.Let’s not leave out the definition of the verb, "charm," which is to "delight greatly." If you want these Disney-esque caricatures to delight you on a regular basis with their wonder – and bring their distinctive song to your yard – there is something you can buy: the creme-de la creme of what these charmers crave: Nature’s Garden from Cole’s.By identifying and harnessing the nutrients of the hummer’s favorite wildflowers, and tapping their vast store of wild bird knowhow, Cole’s has created the next-best-thing to actual flower nectar – a proprietary formula that’s far and away a cut above your ‘garden-variety’ sugar water. Nature’s Garden is a healthy, all-natural alternative to homemade syrup, no mixing and no boiling required. It comes in an eco-friendly soft pouch; just shake and pour. You’ll be delighted with how easy it is to keep your hummer feeder filled and overjoyed at seeing hummers frequent your yard. Your neighborhood hummingbirds will love it, so they’ll keep coming back.A brief postscript: a natural predator to the hummingbird is the praying mantis. Despite their equally small size and saintly appearance, they feed on our fascinating feathered friends and are a real threat (and a protected species), so if you find a mantis hanging around your High Rise, take care to evict it gently, to a lower piece of real estate and keep hummers safe.For more product information, watch this.

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Posted on July 23rd, 2020

Orange You Smart? Florida Orange Juice Is Good for You

(NewsUSA) – From busy parents to picky toddlers, the struggle to get enough fruit and vegetables into our diets is real. In fact, many Americans don’t consume the recommended amount. A glass of Florida Orange Juice is a convenient and delicious way to help bridge the gap.

According to a recent survey, more than half of parents say it’s difficult to feed their children a nutritious meal and two-thirds say it’s a struggle to find options that are both nutritious and convenient. For some, breakfast is the most challenging meal of all.

Florida Orange Juice can help.

An 8-ounce glass of 100-percent orange juice counts as a serving of fruit, providing important nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium and folate all with no added sugar. Plus, it’s convenient to take on-the-go when the morning meal gets lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

For children, the recommended daily serving of 100-percent orange juice is 4 to 6 ounces.

The vitamin C in 100-percent orange juice may play a role in reducing the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure, and the duration of the common cold. And the benefits of 100-percent orange juice don’t stop there. Every glass also provides hesperidin, a plant compound with antioxidant properties linked to reducing inflammation and improving heart and brain health.

March, which is National Nutrition Month, is the perfect time to celebrate some of the other lesser-known benefits that 100-percent orange juice provides. Data suggest that those who drink 100-percent orange juice may be more likely to have a higher quality diet, including eating more fruit and vegetables, compared to those who don’t consume orange juice.

But Florida Orange Juice doesn’t have to be confined to a glass. Use 100-percent orange juice as a versatile ingredient in recipes to add nutrition and flavor.

More than 60 percent of parents surveyed said they spend at least one hour per week researching meals for their families either online, on social media platforms or asking friends and family for suggestions. Simplify the process (and save more time for play) by visiting FloridaJuice.com for family-friendly recipes that incorporate the health benefits and great taste of Florida Orange Juice.

For example, consider Florida Orange Vanilla Overnight Oats, a make-ahead breakfast that includes orange juice, oats, sunflower seeds, and grapes as a great way to get the whole family fueled for the day ahead.

Learn more about how Florida Orange Juice can complement your family’s fruit and vegetable consumption at FloridaJuice.com.

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Posted on July 22nd, 2020

What Parents Need to Know About Kids and E-Cigarettes

(NewsUSA) – Did you know that 1 in 4 high school students uses e-cigarettes?
Nationally, 5.3 million middle and high school students use these products, which means that even if your children are not using e-cigarettes, they almost certainly have friends who are. Rates of youth e-cigarette use more than doubled between 2017 and 2019, to the point that the U.S. Surgeon General declared the problem an "epidemic."

Parents need to understand how prevalent e-cigarettes are – and the serious health risks they pose to young people – in order to protect kids from this growing threat. Many of these products look like pens or flash drives, and they can be disguised as watches or tucked into the sleeve of a hoodie. These disguises help kids hide them from parents and teachers, but just knowing what to look for puts you one step ahead.

E-cigarettes are also sold in a huge variety of kid-friendly flavors, from gummy bear and banana ice to mango and mint. Studies have found that most youth e-cigarette users use flavored products and say they use these products "because they come in flavors I like." These flavors hide the fact that e-cigarettes can deliver massive doses of nicotine, which is a highly addictive drug. Popular brands such as Juul deliver as much nicotine as a whole pack of cigarettes.

A 2016 Surgeon General’s report concluded that youth use of nicotine in any form, including e-cigarettes, is unsafe, causes addiction and can harm adolescent brain development, which impacts attention, memory and learning. E-cigarettes can also expose users to harmful and carcinogenic chemicals such as formaldehyde and lead. Studies have found that young people who use e-cigarettes are more likely to become smokers.

To prevent youth e-cigarette use, health advocates are calling for a comprehensive ban on all flavored e-cigarettes. You might have seen President Trump’s announcement restricting certain flavored e-cigarettes, but what you may not know is that this policy contains loopholes that exempt thousands of flavored products that appeal to kids. These include cheap, disposable e-cigarettes with bright colors and sweet flavors, and vials of nicotine liquid in nearly every imaginable flavor. We need a complete ban on flavored e-cigarettes to protect our kids from harm.

This is a lot of scary news – but there are people fighting this problem and you can too! A growing number of states and cities have passed laws banning flavored e-cigarettes and other flavored tobacco products. Congress is considering a bill to do the same, called the "Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act." So contact your elected officials at all levels and urge them to take action to protect kids. It’s also important to talk to your kids about the health risks of e-cigarettes and create an open dialogue with them. Know the products, know the risks, know the signs of use, and make sure you can protect your children against this growing health crisis in America.

For more information, visit tobacofreekids.org/ecigarettes.

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Posted on July 22nd, 2020

The Smart Home and Our Connected Life

(NewsUSA) – Almost everything today is digitally connected …whether at home or on the go. Connected technology saves you time with everything from smart phones to smart homes!Tech Lifestyle Expert Carley Knobloch has partnered with KillerApps.com and four brands for a look at some great smart tech for 2019 that will help simplify your life.First up … a laptop is a must! Made for today’s mobile multi-taskers, the thin and light Yoga C630 combines the power and productivity of a Windows 10 laptop with the always-on, always-connected mobility of a smartphone thanks to integrated 4G LTE and Wi-Fi support. Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 850 Mobile Compute Platform, the Yoga C630 gets up to 22 hours of local video playback and features a natural pen-on-paper experience on its vibrant 13.3-inch FHD IPS touchscreen display with optional Lenovo Pen and Windows Ink.Next, to stay connected at home, Orbi Voice is a smart speaker integrated with Amazon voice assistant, Alexa and uses the Qualcomm Wifi Mesh platform to create expansive whole home Wi-Fi coverage (up to 4500 square feet) to create an entire ecosystem of mesh Wi-Fi products. It also features premium audio technology, creating incredible room-filling sound from the audio experts at Harman Kardon. Alexa makes it easy to play music from the most popular streaming services, control other IoT devices, check traffic, weather, and so much more – without needing a separate device. It’s truly an innovative leap, and the start of a trend expected to accelerate in the 5G era.Smart products can also help keep families safe. Fire is getting faster, but you can get ahead by installing Kidde Wire-Free Interconnect Smoke Alarms in your home. Kidde’s new interconnect alarm solution offers exceptional safety benefits without the hassle of hardwiring or a Wi-Fi connection. The interconnect technology helps alert you to a fire no matter where you are in your home. When one alarm senses a hazard, all interconnected alarms sound throughout the home. The alarm also comes with a sealed 10-year battery, which you don’t have to worry about changing alarms batteries. Simply replace the entire alarm after 10 years.Home security solutions are getting smarter and more convenient too. Schlage Encode is the newest connected device to enhance the brand’s portfolio of innovative smart locks. The deadbolt is easy to install, with a quick connection to in-home WiFi, making it even more convenient for homeowners to have secure, remote access control. The built-in Wi-Fi technology eliminates the need for an additional hub and allows users to set-up and manage the lock via the Schlage Home or Key by Amazon apps. This means users can lock and unlock their deadbolt, monitor the lock’s status, and send virtual keys to trusted friends and family, all from the convenience of their smartphone. Homeowners can create up to 100 unique guest access codes for temporary, recurring or permanent access. This information, along with the lock’s activity, can be tracked and monitored within the app, giving homeowners greater peace of mind. Through the Schlage Home app, users can also pair their deadbolt with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. When managing the lock via the Key app, users can enjoy compatibility with other platforms such as Amazon Cloud Cam, Ring video doorbell and cameras, and Alexa.For more information, visit KillerApps.com.

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Posted on July 21st, 2020

Automated Containers Make Organic Urban Farming Feasible

(NewsUSA) -The future of agriculture can be found in commercial containers, in which plants can be grown hydroponically.Hydroponic farming has many benefits, including saving the resources involved in soil cultivation and avoiding the uncertainty of weather conditions, according to Seedo, an innovator in the field of commercial growth containers.Approximately 40 percent of the costs of produce in large city supermarkets are used to cover logistics and shipping. Commercial containers such as those from Seedo would expand the potential for urban farming to anywhere, anytime. Plants can be cultivated 24/7, regardless of location.For example, the automated urban farm is ideally suited to the growing market for medical cannabis and medical cannabis products. Seedo is the technology behind the world’s first automated medical cannabis farm, which will yield significantly more plants than traditional controlled greenhouses.Another opportunity for the Seedo technology is to improve the agriculture of at-risk countries, where global warming and other concerns threaten consistent farming and food production.In some areas, farmers can use Seedo equipment and technology for growing not only medicinal herbs, but also greens such as lettuce, kale, and wheatgrass; herbs such as parsley, dill, and basil; and vegetables such as cherry tomatoes and bell peppers, and even strawberries. In the home, individuals can set up a small unit that grows plants easily and effectively without intervention.Seedo, a pioneer in agriculture and technology with 20 years of experience, is now delivering indoor growth systems to homes and businesses across the country. Currently, Seedo has sold more than 3,000 home units through pre-orders.The Seedo products use artificial intelligence software to control and monitor plant development from the moment the seed is planted. The software tracks each plant’s development, and responds by taking action to optimize growth. The hermetically sealed systems are designed to yield consistent results regardless of the local climate.Growers need only to plant seeds or seedlings and monitor the growth process via the Seedo app.Other features of the Seedo system include a unique lighting system that self-adjusts based on an individual plant’s stage of growth, and a smell-proof cover with built-in CO2 cartridges to prevent smell leaks.Equally important to note is that all produce cultivated with Seedo’s technology (both home and commercial) is pesticide-free, of high quality, and has a significantly extended shelf life.Visit seedo.com for more information about investing in the growth industry of indoor gardening, and to learn more about the Seedo technology and products.Seedo is a publicly traded company with the ticker symbol OTCQB:SEDO.

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Posted on July 21st, 2020

Sanitize Your Nose: Help Protect Yourself and Others from Infection

– Most people know that practicing good hand hygiene, such as washing or sanitizing the hands regularly, can help reduce the risk of infection. However, many are overlooking a key culprit in the spread of germs: the nose. Together with hand hygiene, sanitizing the nose is a simple step than can help prevent the spread of germs and enhance overall health.The moist, hairy skin inside the nostrils is the perfect environment for potentially dangerous germs to grow and multiply. The nose is like a revolving door for germs, allowing them to enter and exit the body. Sneezing, coughing or touching the nose can spread infectious germs to others. In turn, touching the nose – which a person does more than 100 times a day on average – can also spread germs from the hand to the nose. But sanitizing the nose interrupts the cycle of contamination between the hands and nose and can help reduce the spread of germs that cause infection.Sanitizing the nose, also referred to as nasal decolonization, is a proven infection prevention measure that has been practiced by health care professionals for decades.A 2020 American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC) study shows a decrease in infections to zero when an alcohol-based nasal antiseptic is added to existing infection prevention protocols. Due to the extensive research showing that sanitizing the nose significantly reduces infection rates, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all hospitals include nasal decolonization of patients in certain situations in which they are at a higher risk of infection.Despite being an established health care practice, only 3 out of 10 Americans understand that sanitizing the nose helps reduce infection risk, according to a recent survey by YouGov.*Given the positive impact that hospitals have seen with sanitizing patients’ noses, it is time this practice is adopted by the general public. Health care experts advise that sanitizing the nose is a simple and effective way to help protect oneself and others from infection and should be part of daily hygiene practices.It is important to note that not all nasal products are formulated to kill germs in the nose. Many over-the-counter nasal hygiene products can help clean but do not sanitize the nose. These include products such as nasal sprays to help alleviate dryness, congestion or inflammation from cold, flu or allergies; nasal rinse products that flush out mucus and debris from the nose; and steam or humidifiers that help loosen mucus in the nose.There are three solutions currently available that are proven to kill germs in the nose and are clinically supported with hospital studies: alcohol-based nasal antiseptic (Nozin), povidone iodine antiseptic (various brands, including 3M) and mupirocin antibiotic (various brands, including Bactroban).Learn more about the role of the nose in preventing the spread of infection at SanitizeYourNose.org. *Figures are from YouGov Plc. Fieldwork was undertaken between 21st – 26th May 2020, the survey was carried out online and the total sample size was 1301 adults. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all US adults (aged 18+). The national survey was conducted by YouGov on behalf of Nozin.

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Posted on July 20th, 2020

Book Reveals How to Have 300 Percent More Retirement Income

– In these times of market uncertainty, investors are looking for alternatives, and one company, SmartWealth, has their backs.SmartWealth is a coaching and training organization that teaches people how to retire safely by in- vesting wisely.The key to financial security and success, according to Jeffrey D. Sokol, the founder of SmartWealth who predicted the current market collapse, is locking in stock market gains, without risking the client’s money in the market, a proposition that many people find risky even at the best of times."Investing in the stock market directly with 401(k)s and mutual funds has proven to be a massive risk to the retirement accounts of millions. There is a simple way to lock in stock market gains, without having to suffer losses," says Sokol."Our methods are proven and efficient … the wealthiest billionaires in the world have the same rule book you do, they just had a better coach."Mr. Sokol is also the author of two books, "Get in the Game" and "Smart Wealth Secrets," that focus on investing.Many financial advisors push clients to load up 401K accounts as a retirement strategy, but such accounts are more susceptible to the ups and downs of the stock market, Sokol says.However, there are other options: SmartWealth offers a range of online training courses developed by industry experts that are designed to increase income and boost financial confidence. Courses include the SmartWealth series, which focuses on actions to keep and grow your retirement savings; and the Daily Passive Income Video series, which features sys- tematic strategies for asset creation."Our goal is to provide a safe haven for investors and have them retire with 300 percent more in- come than they would if they invested conventionally," Sokol explains.For those looking to obtain funding to start or expand a busi- ness, the SmartWealth OPM (Oth- er People’s Money) online acade- my, addresses topics of obtaining funds for a business, expanding your business, and even repairing a damaged credit score.Finally, to help get your head into a new way of investing, check out SmartWealth’s Get in the Game Mindset Mastery video course and book, which are geared to get people comfortable with generating passive cash flow?rather than being concerned over a single asset. In addition, SmartWealth offers personalized retirement planning services through its companion company, Beneshield Financial. In addition to retirement solutions, Beneshield Financial also provides consulting for life insurance, health care coverage, and small business startup funding.Visit beneshieldfinancial.com to find out more.For more information about SmartWealth’s fresh take on smart money management, as well as the latest financial wisdom from the SmartWealth podcast, visit smartwealth.co.

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Posted on July 20th, 2020

Three Ways Millennials Can Start Saving More Money

For too long, Millennials have gotten a bad rap about money and their ability to save for a rainy day or retirement.
However, a new "Relationship With Money" survey by financial services firm Edward Jones found that not only do more Americans born between 1981 and 1996 consider themselves "savers" than those in their parents’ Gen-X cohort (48 percent vs. 46 percent), but that Millennials also were better at socking away emergency funds (75 percent vs. 66 percent).
That’s right. The same Millennials whose motto could be "Why buy a car when you can Uber?"

"This debunks the myth that Millennials aren’t as financially focused as other generations," says Edward Jones investment strategist Nela Richardson.
And the survey isn’t some outlier. It’s supported by other research.

The Federal Reserve Survey on Consumer Finances found that while Millennials are deep in debt, more than 42 percent have retirement accounts, the highest share for those under 35 years of age since 2001.
Part of what’s driving Millennials’ emphasis on saving could stem from lingering memories of the Great Recession.

"Back in the late 2000’s, the oldest cohort of millennials entered the worst job market since the Great Depression of the 1930’s," says Richardson.

"For younger millennials, watching their parents and other family members go through that experience may have also made them more aware of the risks of a market downturn or some other unexpected event, such as losing a home or a job, and so they’re more conservative when it comes to spending and saving in their adult lives," says Richardson.

One potential alarm bell uncovered by Edward Jones’ sampling of more than 2,000 adults nationally age 18 and over: While 92 percent were honest enough with themselves to recognize there was room for improvement in their financial health, the very thought of saving money sufficed to make more than a third feel either "anxious" or "overwhelmed."

If that sounds familiar, here are three steps to consider:

• Identify your money-related emotions. People often have emotional responses to money. Getting a big bonus at work can make you feel euphoric; agonizing over what to do with it can be paralyzing even as the logical part of your brain (invest at least most of it) fights it out with the emotional part (splurge it all!). What’s key is knowing that letting your feelings dictate your spending, saving and investing choices can lead to poor decisions.

• Develop a financial strategy. Keeping your cool starts with identifying your main goals – a down payment on a new home, college for your children, a comfortable retirement – and then sticking to a sound, long-term path for attaining them.

• Get an "accountability partner." Meaning, someone with whom you’re comfortable sharing your finances. It could be a family member. Or a professional financial advisor, such as a local one at Edward Jones, who has the perspective, experience and skills necessary to help you make the moves appropriate for your situation.

"Whether you are strapped with student debt, saving to buy a home or trying to build an emergency fund, there are trade-offs that must be made in balancing these short-term goals and our long-term financial future, such as investing for retirement," Richardson says. "Without a sound financial strategy, most people tend to be reactive rather than proactive and feel that their money is controlling them."

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Posted on July 16th, 2020

Finances During A Pandemic

(NewsUSA) – Sponsored Content -Now that the initial shock of the pandemic has started to wear off, it’s time to take a step back and really start planning. Everyone is living through an unprecedented time. The uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic is enough to rattle even the strictest saver. Things may feel that they are all out of your control, so focus on what you can control. First things first. Listen to healthcare professionals and follow guidelines to protect yourself and others. If you are financially impacted by Covid-19 for any reason, there are steps you can take to help minimize that impact.Even if you have not yet been financially impacted by the current state of events, it is vital to either reassess your household budget or create one if you have not already. Involve your family in this as much as you can. Just letting your family know you are thinking about the crisis and how you will respond can be enough to help ease some of the anxiety around the unknown. When you are looking at your crisis budget, identify which expenses are absolutely necessary and which are not. It is best to make the hard decisions now, even if you have a savings account built up, rather than wait until you are forced to make those decisions.Focus on your rent or mortgage first. You need to keep a roof over your head if at all possible. With a situation as fluid as this, it is important to realize that there are resources available to help if needed and that those resources could change. If you are ever in a situation in which you are unable to pay your rent or mortgage, contact your landlord or mortgage provider right away. Once you have the rent and mortgage covered, then move on to food, utilities, and down on to the more non-essential items.In the event you are unable to make a debt payment, make sure you contact the creditor as soon as you know you will miss the payment. During this difficult time, many creditors are expanding the options available to those unable to make their monthly payments.If you feel lost when it comes to making a budget, as many do, please reach out to a Certified Credit Counselor at Family Credit Management. Family Credit Management is a nonprofit credit counseling agency that has been helping consumers in difficult financial situations for more than 23 years. Reach out for a no-strings attached budget review from an objective professional by calling 1-800-994-3328 and selecting option 1.For more in-depth tips and resources, please visit www.familycredit.org/covid19.

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Posted on July 15th, 2020

How to Mourn Your Old Normal and Adapt to The New

(NewsUSA) – Deaths from the novel coronavirus COVID-19 have surpassed 110,000 in the United States and mourning the losses of these lives is important. In addition, we are also mourning lost habits and ways of life that are casualties of the coronavirus.Going out with friends, hugging a grandparent, even opening a door in a public place are on hold. Some of these changes were temporary. However, even as states begin to open up, changes in how we interact with each other and the world will likely continue for far longer."We need to grieve the ways of life we have lost," according to William Glover, Ph.D., president of the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsaA)."Mourning is hard work," Sigmund Freud once wrote in his essay, "Mourning and Melancholia." What makes mourning so hard is having to give up attachments – whether to people or to a way of life – that can’t be replaced. Letting go of what we have lost helps us move on with our lives, although we will always miss the people, places, and things we have lost; in that sense mourning can never be complete.Mourning and grief are an important part of coping with loss and essential in managing changes and accepting new realities. Recognizing that our pre-COVID lives may never return is a loss to be mourned, and the work involved in this mourning can help us move on and into the new reality. However, some people struggle with the process more than others, and resist by responding with illusions of control, refusing to take precautions, and showing contempt for politicians and public health officials who try to explain the changing realities of daily life.In an article post on APsaA’s Psychology Today blogsite, psychotherapist Shelley Galasso Bonanno, MA, LLP, writes, "Each person processes and expresses grief in their own individual ways, yet there is comfort and power in understanding that one is not alone during this pandemic." One way to cope with grief is by finding meaning in the present situation, although how one does so may be different for everyone.Yet finding meaning is different for everyone. For some, it may mean providing food or assistance to a homebound neighbor, making masks for members of their community, or even donating money to help beloved organizations and venues stay afloat. Others may find meaning by expressing their emotions and reflecting on them with a therapist.Undoubtedly, there will be new ways to maintain relationships, enjoy life, and participate in activities with family and friends. Meanwhile, being able to tolerate the pain of grief and find meaning helps sustain us in difficult times.The American Psychoanalytic Association has created a resource page for the public and mental health providers with resources to help cope with anxiety and grief during this global pandemic.Visit apsa.org/coronavirus for articles and videos and information on how to find a psychotherapist near you.

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Posted on July 14th, 2020

Company Steps Up to Keep Health Care Workers Healthy

(NewsUSA) – As the ongoing spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) reshapes American lives by the day, and sometimes by the hour, the health and stability of the nation’s essential work force, namely our health care workers and first responders, remains paramount.To keep themselves and their patients safe, these workers, who may have potentially been exposed to this deadly virus, may have to stay home until they are tested, losing valuable time on a now critical job.Here’s where organizations such as xymbio are stepping up to the challenge. xymbio, an infectious disease testing company, has offered the use of its high-speed testing program to help run tests on health care personnel and first responders to keep them healthy and return them to their demanding roles as soon as possible.The Las Vegas based company, uses industry leading technologies from ThermoFisher and operates under the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) guidance issued by the Federal Drug Administration and highest diagnostic standards.xymbio is readying to process COVID-19 tests for hospitals and health care systems, and the company can provide both on-site testing and at-home testing kits for employees who believe they may have been exposed to the virus. In addition, individual physicians can request test kits and testing for patients using forms available online on the xymbio website.The company has been waiting on a response from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute of Health (NIH), and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for necessary funding to accelerate its capabilities to acquire test kits so that it can rapidly scale testing capacity."xymbio has developed state of the art qPCR technology using ThermoFisher reagents to detect coronavirus protein n,s,e antigens. Their test is highly specific, accurate and scalable. They are now only limited by government funding to expand capacity from 500 tests per day to thousands of tests per day. Time is of the essence. They have the fix. They need the support to expand their operations now!" Dr. Larry Emdur, Chief Medical Officer of Alvarado Hospital in California."We are in a war against a dangerous virus, and with federal assistance we are prepared to ramp up our testing capacity over the next 35 days to 20,000 tests a day, or 120,000 tests a week, with immediate plans to expand operations to Las Vegas and Atlanta, which would more than quadruple our testing capacity," according to Dr. Heath Wills, CEO and Chief Medical Officers of xymbio."We are ready to undertake the rapid action on behalf of many more citizens, and await prompt action on our proposal to the NIH, HHS, CDC, FEMA or the White House Task Force on Coronavirus testing during this national crisis," Wills emphasizes.xymbio has also been working with the Swab for Life campaign of the Give Life Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to raise awareness of blood donation."We chose to partner with xymbio because of its extremely accurate COVID-19 testing capabilities that we believe will accelerate help to Americans during this national healthcare crisis," says Bart S. Fisher, chairman of the Foundation.For more information about xymbio and their efforts to work with individual health care providers, hospitals, and the government, visit xymbio.com.

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Posted on July 4th, 2020

Keeping Your Family’s Quarantine Cool This Summer

(NewsUSA) – As the coronavirus pandemic rapidly turned the "new normal" household into hubs for all daily activities, Summer 2020 now means moving parents’ offices, kid’s camps, vacation destinations, and virtually everything under one roof.Although this dynamic could forge family bonds, it can also ignite the already heated stresses and struggles facing many Americans during this difficult time – making optimal home climate control a critical key to keeping their cool as temperatures heat up this season.Recent studies show how our increased togetherness can significantly disrupt domestic bliss. In fact, research suggests that people forced to live in quarantine conditions face a greater risk of anxiety, depression, anger, irritability, insomnia and post-traumatic stress symptoms.And, despite feeling close to their children during the pandemic, 61percent of parents say they have shouted, yelled, or screamed at them at least once over the past two weeks, according to a University of Michigan study. Further, married and engaged couples in quarantine are fighting more, with only 18 percent of surveyed couples reporting satisfaction in communication with their partner, according to a survey conducted by the publication, "The Knot and app Lasting."When temperatures – and tempers – rise, a dreaded "Family Thermostat War" can ensue. Following are some useful tips to help you save money on utility bills and keep your family cool.With home heating and cooling accounting for nearly half of home energy use and air conditioner energy expenses costing homeowners more than $11 billion a year, small steps can go a long way.* Ease Into Electric: According to Columbia University’s Earth Institute, electric systems are a solution to decarbonize home climate control. Among the most energy-efficient heating and cooling products, electricity-powered ductless mini-split systems, offered by companies including Fujitsu General America, can save as much as 25 percent on your energy bill. Mini-splits use thin copper tubing to pump refrigerant from an outdoor compressor directly into an indoor air-handling unit, where the air is quietly distributed to the interior space.* Get "Smart" About Climate Control: When it comes to smart home temperature control, there are Smart HVAC Systems and Smart Thermostats. Smart HVAC systems have built-in Internet capability and can be controlled directly without additional equipment. Smart Home Thermostats create "smart" systems by enabling remote temperature control via a mobile or Internet-connected device or voice-operated home automation system.* Voice Your Preference: Take control of your comfort. Most HVAC manufacturers offer apps that enable systems to be controlled from anywhere using a mobile device. Voice-control capability uses digital assistants, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home, to verbally dictate home temperatures. Easily controlling the temperature more closely allows homeowners to be more comfortable and improve energy savings.* Find Your Efficient Comfort Zone: Many of us live in homes designed for bigger families, but have yet to downsize. If you find yourself using a fraction of your home on a regular basis, consider upgrading to a zoned, ducted, or ductless system. That will allow you to save energy heating and cooling spaces where you and your family don’t spend a lot of time. This will multiply savings as you’re not only needing less cooling, but you also gain from a more efficient system in the spaces you do still use.* Try Low-tech Fixes: Simple changes can have a big impact. Try to use heat-producing appliances – stoves, irons and dryers at night or early morning. Switch to LED light bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs – which consume 90 percent more power. Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and places where pipes and wires come through walls. And check existing caulking and weather-stripping for gaps or cracks.Achieving a sense of peaceful co-existence in your increasingly crowded, multi-functional home does not need to make your family members hot under the collar. If a new system is right for you, many Fujitsu systems with the Energy Star rating are more than twice as efficient as the minimum standard set by the government. To learn more or find a contractor near you, call 888-888-3424 or visit www.constantcomfort.com.

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Posted on July 3rd, 2020

Three Ways to Stay Connected to Your Senior Loved Ones While Social Distancing

After more than 45 days in lockdown, it’s no surprise that many people are going a tad stir-crazy. But it’s far worse for seniors: Not only have visits from their kids and grandkids been suspended, but there’s the extra stress that comes with the nagging suspicion that they’ll be advised to remain on lockdown long after younger people begin trickling back to work and the world starts opening up again.

In fact, the AARP Foundation has even come up with this dire comparison: Prolonged social isolation, for those aged 50 and older, "is the health equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes a day." Fortuitously, some of the niftiest technology offers solutions both to keep us connected and protect against some of the miscreants taking advantage of the situation.

• Health Checks. If you are worried that all of the anxiety is harming your loved ones’ overall well-being, the machine-learning algorithms that analyze activity data as part of Alarm.com’s Wellness solution can provide you with the very details you’ve suddenly found yourself obsessing about.

Did they open their medicine cabinet when they should, to take their prescription? Have their sleeping, eating, and (yes) bathroom patterns changed? Are they up and about during the day?

All that and more is done by connecting their home to yours via smart-home technology, with real-time smartphone alerts to let you know if something’s amiss.

"You don’t even know it’s there, but it’s here to protect you and let someone know if something does go wrong," says Margarete Pullen of Dallas, Texas, whose son had the system installed by an authorized service provider for her and her husband along with a Wellcam video camera with two-way voice capability.

• Movie meet-ups. Most of us are just trying to find novel ways to cope with a situation that Nicholas Christakis, a social scientist and physician at Yale University, told Science magazine "calls on us to suppress our profoundly human and evolutionary hard-wired impulses for connection."

Google’s new Netflix Party extension lets friends and family watch – and video-chat their way through – a movie together on their computers. You’ll need a NetFlix subscription, but then you’re free to debate if the Tiger King is worth all the hype and whether Carol Baskin really did kill her husband. Plus, unlike in real theaters, not many people (if any) are physically there to complain if you’re making too much noise eating popcorn.

• Apps! Apps! Apps! No NetFlix subscription? With apps such as FaceTime, Skype, Houseparty and Zoom comes more proof that social distancing needn’t mean social disconnecting. Mass virtual dinner parties. Mass virtual "happy hours." Mass virtual gym classes. They’ve all become quite the rage, with one Vermont couple in their eighties even touchingly using Apple’s FaceTime to see and talk to each other after the husband had to be put in a nursing home that bars visitors during the pandemic.

Want to be a hero in your neighborhood? Use an app such as Instagram to share a video of someone Alarm.com’s doorbell cameras caught swiping one of the many, many packages you’ve been having delivered.

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Posted on July 2nd, 2020

Unlock Your Home Equity with A Home Co-Investment

(NewsUSA) – Owning a home is a huge investment, and once they’ve owned long enough to build up equity, many homeowners opt to leverage the equity for other uses. But if you’re on the fence about taking on another monthly loan payment, an option that may be right for you is co-investing.With a home equity loan, you borrow against the equity in your home and receive a lump sum of money that you have to pay back each month over a specified term – commonly 15 years. The interest rate is usually fixed, but is typically higher than your primary mortgage.Co-investing offers an alternative to traditional home equity loans. In a nutshell, the co-investing company pays the homeowner an upfront amount, with no repayments for a set number of years, or until the home is sold, whichever comes first. There may also be an option to buy the company out, after a minimum restriction period passes. This option can be ideal for a homeowner who wants access to cash without the added financial burden of monthly loan payments, who has lived in a home long enough to build up some equity, and plans to stay at least another five years.Unison, a San-Francisco-based real estate company, is a leader in the growing field of co-investment. Unison offers homeowners a cash payment of up to 17.5 percent of their home’s current market value. When the house is sold or 30 years pass, the owner pays Unison an amount equal to the initial co-investment, plus (or minus) a percentage of the home’s appreciated (or depreciated) value.Here’s an example: A homeowner whose home is currently worth $500,000 and who needed $25,000 in cash (5 percent of the home’s value) would repay an amount equal to $25,000 plus 25 percent* of the amount the house appreciates in value during the time of the co-investment. With a larger co-investment, the company receives a larger share of the appreciation in value.Homeowners can use their cash for anything, but Unison recommends something of long-term value, such as kids’ college tuition, medical expenses, home remodeling, or investing in diverse stocks and bonds.Other benefits of co-investing: Keeping gains from remodeling work and keeping the equity built from prompt mortgage payments.Being a good candidate for homeowner co-investing is not so different from being a good homeowner generally. Unison requires that homeowners keep the home as their primary residence; stay current on payments for mortgages, property tax, and homeowners’ insurance; keep the home well-maintained to retain and increase value; and keep Unison informed of issues, such as remodeling plans or emergencies, such as natural disasters, bankruptcy, or plans to sell the home.To find out how Unison can help you get the most out of homeownership, visit unison.com.*This is a possible percentage for illustrative purposes. The actual percentage varies based on the specific

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Posted on July 2nd, 2020

How Your Business Can Survive The Coronavirus

(NewsUSA) – As the world has hit the metaphorical panic button during the rise of Coronavirus (Covid-19) cases worldwide, the daily reality for people and businesses is rapidly changing.Practically overnight, businesses have been forced out of the comfort zone of face-to-face contact, now having to heavily rely on digital platforms. Businesses, especially, are struggling with figuring out how to survive by using digital communication techniques.With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and government officials emphasizing "social distancing and mandatory nonessential business closures," technology such as live video conferencing, chat boxes, and email will be the basis for millions of Americans for their jobs, schooling, and everyday communication. So, with so many players in the game, how can businesses continue to function successfully?Higher Images, a 20-year-old full-service digital marketing agency located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is helping organizations, businesses, and the community re-imagine what their lives and work-life will look like through web-based technology and mobile devices.President and CEO of Higher Images, Bryan Thornberg, says, "Rather than going into crisis mode, businesses should take this as an opportunity to expand their knowledge and reach. With many more people relying on digital communication, this is an ideal opportunity for businesses to break boundaries and try new techniques when connecting with clients."Thornberg and his team want to help people not just survive this crisis but to thrive during it and come out with an organization and business model stronger than ever.Thornberg has already been able to impact his clients by thinking outside the box and recommending the usage of technology such as live feeds and Facetime.For example, a hot tub distributor – a business that relies on their retail location for sales – took the recommendation of Thornberg and is now offering live video conferencing for customers to do live demonstrations of products and make purchases.Higher Images also urges businesses to utilize their existing websites to drive business: for example, adding a chat-box function to their website for customer communication, allowing organizations to respond to clients in real-time from the convenience of a cell phone or office computer from any location in the world.With higher internet traffic, this is also a key time for organizations to utilize search engine marketing, Google ads, and mobile in-app advertising technology such as Webtracker, which geo-fences homes to enhance brand visibility. Strategizing with a digital marketing company like Higher Images will provide businesses with the tools they need to succeed.Visit www.howcanmybusinesssurvivethecoronavirus.com for more information.

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Posted on July 1st, 2020