Of the criticisms leveled at American news networks, two seem pervasive. The doom and gloom, the world-is-an-awful-place outlook in which so much reporting seems steeped is the reason many people cite limiting their exposure to news outlets. Some people admit to a genuine increase in their overall anxiety levels when they pay close attention to what’s reported on the nightly news. As the world isn’t going to change overnight, their only recourse is to not watch what’s going on. The other issue is much more repairable. Many complain about the national news being too narrow in its’ focus. For those people, seeking out alternative sources of news is simply a click away.

Israel and the Middle East

Tensions in the Middle East go back centuries. If you’ve read the Bible and believe the history recorded there, you’ll recognize the descendants of those Biblical groups as still being involved in the modern conflicts. There is so much news to report from that area of the world that many news outlets simply gloss over what’s going on unless the event is massive and/or paradigm-shifting. Seeking out sources like the Middle East Forum, with their team of writers like Barak Bekdil and Gregg Roman, will give you a good picture of what’s going on in that area of the world.

If you’re interested specifically in the issues and politics Jews face in that region, one place to go is another site to which Mr. Roman contributes, the Jewish News Syndicate. Reported from a strictly Jewish point of view, the news here illuminates not only what’s happening with Jews in the Middle East, but worldwide.

Latin and South America

Little news from these sectors of the world makes it to the nightly broadcasts in America unless it’s tragic like human trafficking or drug-related violence. Hence, many Americas lack even a basic understanding of the issues facing both regions. Finding sources like El Pais, South American News or Latin America in Movement can be eye-opening to someone who has only previously relied on their 30-minute to an hour nightly news television program. You’ll find articles of regional interest as well as those which comment on how the influence of regional events is felt around the globe. Articles about business, the environment and politics abound, also. Many articles are in English, but you’ll find quite a few to be written in Spanish.

Russia

Sources of news about Russia can be problematic. There’s a nationalized culture of repression in Russia which extends into reporting the news. Russian sources of Russian news are often limited as to what they can report without reprisal. The independent news agencies Reporters Without Borders and Freedom House annually rank countries based on the freedoms associated with reporting and the press in countries around the world. Russia routinely ranks low on those lists and both entities have highlighted the number of reporters killed in Russia on a seemingly routine basis. Be careful that your sources are independent.

Americans who feel isolated from world news have resources available to them to correct that.

Are you required to take an online course? Perhaps you want to avoid the commute, and studying online makes the most sense. Here are a few things to know about studying online and making the most of your time.

Set Aside Time

Set aside time in your day for your course. If it is live, you will want to find a daycare or otherwise keep your children occupied when you are studying. If you can take it at your own pace, perhaps working on it when you don’t have other commitments is easiest. Time management is key when taking a class online.

Try One Course At a Time

Maybe you need to take an online drug and alcohol course, or you are trying to handle prerequisites for your college major. Start out with one course at a time, so you avoid overwhelming yourself and know what to expect. Once you are familiar with the format, it is easier to add more classes, if you need to.

Understand How Tests Are Handled

Online tests can be just as nerve-wracking as those that are presented in person. Try to find out beforehand what the test will look like. Is it proctored in front of someone, or is it simply an open-book, timed test that you can take from anywhere? Make sure you can prepare for the test so you aren’t overwhelmed and know what type of content to expect.

Studying online can be a challenge if you aren’t used to it. Set aside time for your class, whether it is live or done at your own pace. Take one course at a time until you feel comfortable with the workload. Finally, make sure you know how the tests are handled, so you aren’t caught off guard when test day arrives. These tips can help you make the most of your time learning.

Business events are some of the most talked-about things that go on inside a company. On the outside, they look amazing and fun, but those in charge of planning them may feel quite the opposite. If you’re in charge of planning the next big event, here are a few things to remember.

Determine The Purpose

Before you have an event, you need to decide what the point of the event is. You need to determine if this is to help your company, customers, or perhaps just to give your employees a treat. If you are looking at launching a new product or branch within your business, you might also want to consider hosting some sort of grand occasion for it. No matter the reason, your event will go a lot smoother when you have a purpose behind it.

Make A Plan

In order to make your event successful, you need to plan it. It’s easy to get caught up trying to do everything all at once, but don’t let this be you. As soon as you know you’re going to have this special occasion, start writing down things and making lists. You’ll need to find a venue, whether it be conference rooms MA or a five-star restaurant. Then there’s also the matter of food and whether or not you will have any. These are just a few examples of what the planning will entail.

Invite The People

You can’t have an event without guests who come and enjoy it. However, keep in mind the purpose of it. If the whole thing is based around building team spirit within your company, you don’t want to open the event up to the public. Some things are meant for certain people. Because of this, you’ll need to put some thought into who you can and want to invite.

A business event can often make or break the success of a company. Make sure everything goes perfectly by giving it your all when planning one.

Any business must be prepared for the unexpected. Natural disasters, fires or on-the-job injuries are all potential realities your business might have to face. Here are a few ways to prepare your company to face these challenges.

Make a Plan

As soon as possible, meet with the leadership team in your organization and develop a detailed emergency response plan for the business. This should include different plans for different possible emergencies from simple (such as a brief power outage) to more complex (such as an earthquake). Consider what responses should look like on different days — for example, your organization’s response may need to look different if the emergency strikes outside business hours.

Prepare Necessary Supplies

In the event of an emergency, you want to be able to care for your staff and customers until help arrives. First aid kits, emergency food and sufficient stored water will help your business meet the needs of everyone. Make plans for communication with on-site and external employees as well. Depending on the nature of your business, electrical generators may also be necessary to ensure everyone’s safety and/or protect your company’s products or maintain services in case of an outage.

Practice the Plan

Regular emergency drills can help you continually evaluate the potential effectiveness of an emergency plan. Fire, natural disaster or lockdown drills all help keep your employees informed and prevent some undue stress when a disaster strikes. You might even consider running full practice exercises to ensure systems like generators or back-up batteries are in working order. Finally, training employees on basic CPR and first aid can also help prepare your business for emergencies.

As the saying goes, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” By making an emergency plan for your business, you can avoid this possible failure and ensure that your organization stays strong even in the face of unexpected circumstances.

Starting a small business can sometimes feel like an impossible task. Even if you have a great idea and a solid business plan, there is a seemingly infinite number of variables that can derail an enterprise before it ever gets off the ground. However, perhaps the biggest stumbling block for aspiring entrepreneurs is funding. Finding and enticing investors can be tricky, but these tips can make it easier.

1. Look Abroad

Casting a wide net for support can help you find funding in places you never would have thought to look otherwise. Foreign investors are often highly motivated to get a foothold in the American business world. In fact, depending on the type of business you’re trying to launch, you may be able to entice them to invest enough to qualify for an EB5 Investor Visa Houston TX.

2. Ask Family and Friends

No one wants you to succeed as much as your loved ones do. Your family and friends know you and what you’re capable of. While it can be awkward to ask people you know for money, many times they want to offer you more than moral support. They want to be a part of making your dream a reality, and thus, can be a reliable source of startup capital.

3. Join a Startup Incubator

Joining a startup incubator is a great option for small business owners interested in investors who provide guidance in addition to funding. Incubators also offer resources, such as office space and the minds of other entrepreneurs, that will allow you to make the best use possible of the investments you receive.

Becoming a small business owner can be both exciting and fulfilling, but in order to succeed, you need capital. Luckily, if you know where to look, the world is full of people who are eager to invest in your enterprise.

If you have ever needed to transport something a long way, you are aware of how difficult it can be to organize everything you need. There are more variables than you would initially anticipate. Here are three things to consider before starting to transport things long distances.

1. The Vessel

Depending on the size of your moving job, you could choose one of several options for how to store things while you transport them. Trailer rental Everett WA is useful for large moving jobs that require transporting incredibly large loads incredibly long distances. Moving vans and trucks are better for smaller loads, so you need to decide what your needs are before making a final decision.

2. The Route

If you are hiring a truck or trailer for delivery purposes, routing is especially important since the vehicle will be navigating to several precise locations. There are many routing software that can help you find the most efficient way to get around. However, even if you only need the vehicle for a single stop, it is still important to know how you are going to get to where you are going.

3. The Movers

No matter what you are transporting, you will need to unload it eventually. Sometimes this responsibility falls upon you, sometimes it falls upon the driver, and other times it falls upon a separate team of movers. Never underestimate how much manual labor it will take to complete your task. It is always better to over prepare than under prepare.

Roads, cars, and other vehicles have made transportation over long distances easier than ever. Anyone with the monetary means can send anything they can buy anywhere they want. If you know what you are doing, you can create an efficient plan that can complete your goal in as little time as possible.

Do you have a successful business that you would like to expand into new markets? As a business owner, no one has to tell you that opening a new location takes time, effort, and money. If your vision is a little larger than your resources, it might be time to learn about how to franchise a company. Concerns about protecting their brand and ambiguity over legal processes often deter business owners who are considering franchising, but with a little education and some trusted advice, it may be more accessible than you think.

Protecting the Brand

Franchise owners are willing to pay the extra start-up costs and commit to monthly, quarterly, or annual fees because of the predictability associated with an established brand. The legal contracts governing franchises do not end after the business is started, which means the parent company has tools available to ensure and enforce ongoing compliance with brand standards.

Business owners have watched their companies grow into trusted community institutions. It is understandable for them to feel a little nervous about putting their business names, products, and processes into the hands of someone else. Still, carefully written guidelines and expectations can help protect your company’s good name for the future.

Assessing Your Readiness

In a world full of multinational franchises that generate billions of dollars in revenue, it’s easy to assume that your local business is too small to franchise or that the process is too overwhelming. However, the reality is that your commitment and your business’s fundamentals are two of the most essential factors in successfully franchising.

When you run a business, you have to be an expert in that business and its market segment, which means you’re probably not an expert in franchise law. So before you rule it out as an option, check with someone you trust who does have that expertise to see if franchising is right for you.

You own your coffee shop, café or bakery and are looking for a way to spruce things up — and maybe even bring in some new revenue for your business! No matter what kind of work you’re looking to do, there are many options to consider when proceeding with major or minor renovations. So where do you begin?

Add a Display Case

If you do not already have food display cases, think about what they could do for you! Adding a unique, beautiful shelving unit encased in glass can show off delicious snacks and is a great way to make extra sales. When people are standing in line for a few minutes, their eyes may wander over to your new display case and settle on a tasty treat. With the proper lighting, placement and design, a food display case may entice customers who are about to make their purchase to include an add-on to their order. After all, what’s better than a cup of coffee and a pastry?

Refresh Your Seating Areas

Whether you have a large budget or you are wanting to stick to the lower end, there are many ways to refresh the seating in your small business. Adding new tables (or just new tablecloths if you’re looking for the more inexpensive option), new chairs (or chair covers) or even just cleaning them up a bit by filling in cracks or dings can make your space feel up-to-date. You could even try a new coat of paint if you’re working with wood or metal seating! If you need some other pops of color, try adding fresh seasonal flowers to each tabletop for a more friendly and inviting feel.

No matter how old or new your shop is, it has the potential to shine. Whether you’re making small choices like adding fresh flowers or big, exciting decisions like a new display case for your carefully crafted treats, there’s always room to grow.

Your house is more than just a piece of property. It is a home that you have filled with irreplaceable items and where you have made countless memories. It is your right and responsibility to protect your property, whether inside or out. Here are a few ways to keep your home and family safe.

Secure Your Property

Depending on the size of your property, you can deter unwanted visitors with fencing and a driveway gate. You can use privacy panels to create a large border around the perimeter, you could use a chain-link fence as a deterrent. You can craft your own driveway gate from wooden beams and industrial steel caster wheels, or you could order one from a fencing company.

Secure Your Doors and Windows

Be sure that all doors and windows are locked when you leave the house or when you go to bed. There are small DIY contact alarms that you can install that will make a siren noise if the contact is broken by someone trying to force their way into the house.

Secure the Air

Many people take the air inside their homes for granted, but carbon monoxide is a silent killer. In addition to having working smoke alarms in the house, you should also have carbon monoxide alarms installed on every floor of the house. Faulty heaters, generators, automobiles, and water heaters are just a few of the potential causes of a carbon monoxide leak.

Secure all Appliances

Appliances that have not been installed correctly or are operating with frayed wires or plugs increase the risk of fire. Make sure the lint catcher on your dryer is continually cleaned. Thoroughly clean out the stove from food spills in order to reduce the risk of fire and excessive smoke. Have appliances professionally installed and keep up with regular maintenance to ensure they are in good working condition.

These simple tips will go a long way in keeping your home and family safe. Don’t let your house become a statistic.

Printing is a huge industry and thus has a large effect on the environment. The steps the industry is taking to decrease the environmental impact of printing are sure to have positive results. The following are four eco-friendly trends occurring in the field today.

Digitization

Historically, printing has required a variety of equipment that eventually had to be replaced. The move to digital printing minimizes the necessary equipment. Less equipment in use now means less worn-out equipment in landfills later. Additionally, digital printing allows proofs to be sent electronically. This means the customer can see the product and request changes before any prints are made, reducing the overall amount of paper used.

Equipment Upgrades

Digital printing does not work in every situation, but even companies using older methods are reducing waste. For example, upgrading plastic blades can improve print quality consistency and reduce the need for reprints. Replacing old printing machines with newer, more energy-efficient models decreases the overall environmental impact as well.

On-Demand Printing

Traditional printing methods required a company to print large quantities of an item. Not every item sold, so many ended up in landfills. On-demand printing, when a product is not printed until the customer places the order, reduces waste by ensuring no excess materials are used.

Eco-Friendly Inks and Paper

Many types of ink, particularly petroleum-based varieties, release volatile organic compounds, which are harmful to both humans and the environment. Newer types of ink are easier on the environment. Common bases for these new inks are water, soybean and linseed. Eco-friendly paper options include recycled paper and paper made from cotton, bamboo and other materials.

Printed products are everywhere, from labels on canned vegetables to screen printed t-shirts. Because the industry is so large, even small improvements can make a huge impact on the environment’s health.

Horses are beautiful, strong animals that require large stalls and plenty of space to roam and run throughout the day. Perhaps you want to own your own, but you don’t live on a farm or don’t have enough time to exercise him or her each day. You might consider horse boarding Easthampton MA. Boarding facilities offer care and a safe space for your friend that allows you to visit on your own schedule. The key is to find the right one.

Decide What’s Important to You

Consider what you and your horse needs of a boarding barn. Do you want trail access or an indoor exercise arena? Do you want to bring your own feed? Consider what your horse needs as well. Social horses may need an open stall where he can see and “speak” to his neighbors often. Sensitive horses may need more space away from others, though.

Consider the Cost

How much can you afford to pay for horse boarding services? Remember to consider hidden costs as well, such as unlimited hay, private areas, and the cost of fuel to get to and from your barn. Keep in mind that you should choose one close to your home if you intend to visit often and need to keep costs down.

Visit Several Options

Before making a decision, visit several of your top choices to tour the facilities, meet the staff, and ask questions. Find out whether someone is onsite 24 hours a day, who cares for the horses each day, and how they can be reached. You’ll also want to ask about included services, which services cost extra, and what the turnout schedule is. Other questions you might ask include how much storage space your horse gets for its equipment, whether you can bring your own trainer to the barn, and whether the facility hosts events that prevents boarders from using facilities at any time.

Above all else, go with your gut feeling. Remember, too, that horses are intuitional creatures. Even if you like a facility, you may want to reconsider if it seems like your horse doesn’t.

Success as a Texas EMT requires more than completing a Texas EMT course, completing the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians exam, and passing a background check. It requires hard work and dedication to consistently improve your skills.

Essentials

You were taught what you needed to know to become an EMT in your coursework or degree program, but this is not all you need to know. Your field experience or on-the-job training will teach you new skills and help you master the skills you need to do your job every day. Learn about the processes and set up of the institution you work for to improve your efficiency and effectiveness on the job.

Map Skills

Although GPS is available in most locations today, there are times when this tool may not be available. Therefore, you will have to know how to read the map of the area you are working in. In addition, consider taking some time to drive around your community and its surrounding areas to familiarize yourself with landmarks and street names. This will help you get where you are going quicker and easier when it matters most.

Be Open

Whether you are brand new or experienced, you may encounter others who have different skills than you do. Be open to learning what they have to teach you. Also, be open to constructive criticism, and ask your team members for suggestions on doing better. These individuals may have more experience than you or they may have been trained in a different location and may be trying to share the time-saving or life-saving tips they have learned.

You may also seek opportunities for additional training or coursework. Joining committees or programs may also help you learn new skills. Be willing to learn from others’ perspectives as well as your own.

Your uniform is your badge of honor. You do a job most people could never do. If you consistently seek improvement, you will succeed.

Once your business has overcome the financial hurdles of starting up and is earning revenue and engaging its target market, the next question is how to expand it. Grow your business means reaching new customers and engaging with target demographics in new and innovative ways. Depending on your location and financial situation, turning your small business into a franchise may be the best way to expand and make more money.

More Financial Support

Taking your business in the direction of franchise development means selling part of your business to another owner. While this may seem like you’re giving up control, sharing the costs and risks of expanding your business can ease your financial burden and make your business more valuable. Taking on a franchisee, who will contribute their own money to the business as well as pay franchising fees, gives you more money to invest back into your operation.

Ease of Operation

Handing off part of your business to someone else also substantially reduces your workload. Your business will be able to bring in more money, attract more customers and increase the viability of your brand without you having to manage each location. Expanding alone would leave you responsible for staffing each location and keeping track of day-to-day transactions. By franchising, you can pass these responsibilities on to the franchisee, allowing you greater freedom and flexibility to manage your entire business.

Business expansion is always risky, but if you want the financial security and increased flexibility of working with another businessperson, consider franchising your business. As your brand recognition and loyalty increase, you may find yourself using franchises to expand your business more rapidly than you otherwise would. Each new franchisee would give you access to a new market, as well as mitigate the costs of expanding your business further.

When a company provides a new product to the masses, they need a visual representation to entice people to buy their wares. Sometimes, a big event needs to be documented so the captured moments can be passed down through the generations. There are even times when a person with little to no experience wants a professional photographer to capture a particular moment in just the right way. When a unique photo is required, photographers are paid to provide pictures of views and objects that are generally only used by the client.

Assignment Photography vs. Stock Photography

Though there are many generic photos available for public use, sometimes they are not enough to portray a particular view or share a specific product. Those who cannot find that perfect picture turn to assignment photography. For photographers, it is a safe career path because people are always in need of professional photographers for one reason or another. While stock images are saturating the internet, it is difficult to maintain a steady income because one must predict the market trends. If people begin to consistently look for stock photos of a boat and a photographer provides a stock image of an ice cream cone, they will not generate revenue with their image. Assignment photography is different because the client wants a specific image that is taken on the spot. While the unique aspects of assignment photography subjects can make it impossible to then sell as a stock image, assignment photography allows photographers to provide a service that pays well.

Stock photos are about chasing trends and predicting the future. It is much less about what the photographer is personally interested in shooting and far more about the overall use of a singular image. Assignment photography, however, allows the photographer to be a little more flexible because the subject matter is almost always new and unique.

Have you ever thought about the diversity of jobs people choose from? It’s really what makes the world go around. Without the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker, so to speak, where would everyone be? The fact that individuals have a passion for a wide spectrum of pursuits serves everyone well. Finding a type of work you enjoy will reward not only you but others in your sphere of influence as well.

Look at the Tools You Enjoy for Insights About Your Interests

From a programmer’s computer to a food manufacturer’s ribbon mixer, the tool has to fit. When it does, their craft helps support the community very nicely. If you find that your tools are practically extensions of yourself, it may be a clue pointing to the career of your dreams.

Consider the Contributions You Would Find Satisfying

Lots of folks find joy in making others’ lives better somehow. If this resonates with you, then choosing an option that allows you to serve may be an important aspect for you to keep in mind. The special combination of doing something you love and helping people in the process may just take the work out of working.

Keep an Open Mind to the Endless Possibilities

Take a look at one example of potential choices – truck driver. At first glance, this may seem like a simple category. However, there are many kinds of trucks that need drivers. Here is a short list: delivery, fire, cement and dump trucks. Each type offers something unique and requires a special set of skills from its operator. Variety is key! If they were all dump trucks, who would pour the concrete?

Finding a career path that lets you tap into your best self may be a great way to make a living. Beyond that, though, it might just make life more worth living.

Home buying is stressful, and qualifying for a home loan can be daunting. Learn how to make the loan process a bit easier and less unnerving with a few tips to follow before applying for a home loan.

Check Your Credit Report and Score

Good credit is imperative when obtaining a home loan. It shows lenders that you are financially responsible and not a risk to loan money to. Before applying for a mortgage, review your credit report. Look for any errors and possible identity theft. Check with your potential lender to find out what their minimum credit score is to obtain a home loan. Compare that number with your credit score to make sure this alone doesn’t disqualify you. The higher your credit score, the better the chances you will pass loan requirements to obtain a mortgage with a fair interest rate.

Keep Your Debt Down

Substantial amounts of debt make lenders question whether you can afford to make the payments on your home loan. Before trying to qualify for a home mortgage, pay down your debt as much as possible and avoid accruing any new debt. Your debt-to-income ratio, including your new mortgage payment, should be 36 percent or less than your gross monthly income for your best chances to qualify and get a good interest rate.

Stash Away Your Cash

Most home loans will require a down payment – anywhere from 3 to 20 percent – so make sure you have that cash in the bank before filling out your loan application. The minimum down payment will vary among lenders so check with your potential loan advisor for down payment requirements. Remember, the higher your down payment the less you must finance so aim high regardless of what the lender’s requirements may be. Make sure you also have enough cash for things like closing costs, application fees and appraisals that are also needed when buying a home.

The process of buying a home isn’t always easy, but it doesn’t have to be too difficult either. Knowing where you stand financially and preparing for a new mortgage payment will give you a leg up during the process.

The home buying process takes at least thirty days from the moment the house goes under contract to you have the keys in your hand. There are several things that happen during the closing process. Here’s a brief expectation when it is time to close on your home.

Closing Disclosure

If you plan to use a home mortgage to buy the property, you need to look over the closing disclosure. Even cash buyers have a closing disclosure document. Final closing costs, fees, charges and loan terms are commonly found in the closing disclosure document. While a real estate attorney Austin TX is not necessary to review the documents, it may bring you peace of mind to have someone with that experience to carefully review these documents. The last thing you want is to pay thousands of unnecessary dollars because you don’t understand the fine print.

Closing Documents

You can request the final closing documents to read ahead of actual closing. Most closings in Texas happen 30-45 days after the contract is put on the home. The title company has created the documents prior to closing once the title research has completed. Thoroughly review the documents and all final numbers. Make sure they match with what you have heard from your mortgage company and real estate agent. The interest rate, terms and loan amount should all match what you already have.

Final Walk-Through

Make sure you do a final walk-through on the property whether it is a brand-new home or a historic home. You want to make sure the current owner has not made any changes prior to closing. They should have everything in order and ready for you take ownership. Unless the owner has made other arrangements, all agreed-upon repairs should be completed by closing.

Closing Day

Bring all required documents including your picture ID to closing. The title company or notary will go over the documents and have you sign and initial along the way. Once the legal documents are completed, the money and keys transfer and the home is yours.

One of the worst feelings in the world is realizing you can’t pay your bills. Whether it’s the result of a lost job, an illness or poor financial planning, sometimes expenses get out of hand. If events take a more serious turn and you’re drowning in impossible debt, it’s time to ask for help.

Why People Shy From Bankruptcy

Choosing bankruptcy is never an easy decision. It’s usually the last thing that anyone wants to do. People associate bankruptcy with a social stigma that implies it’s bad, and in turn makes them feel poorly about themselves. People are embarrassed about the possibility of going broke, and fear that people will never look at them the same again. This is rarely the case.

The Option of Bankruptcy

Think of severe debt like a boat that’s capsized. All of your possessions are quickly floating out of reach. In a storm, it’s very likely that your boat will sink and leave you with nothing. Rockville bankruptcy lawyer is much like the rescue team that pulls you from the water before you sink below the surface. If you’ve looked at all your choices to resolve debt and each one is carrying you further out to sea, then bankruptcy might be your best option.

Filing Your Case

Once you’ve decided that bankruptcy is in your best interest, leave the process in the hands of your attorneys. There’s no need to feel ashamed. Your lawyers have seen every imaginable story. They’ll explain the different types of bankruptcy and guide you towards what is best. Let them mentor you as your worry and stress finally start to fade. Remember, bankruptcy is the law.

A New Life is Waiting for You

No one said that bankruptcy would be painless. When your case is closed, you probably won’t be the same, but you will be relieved. Best of all, your slate is clean. You get a chance to start over again, much smarter than when you started, and a new life will be waiting for you.