Five speech therapists in Hong Kong were found guilty of sedition on Wednesday for publishing three picture books depicting sheep defending their home from wolves. 

In one of the books, a “Wolf-Chairman” directed another wolf to masquerade as a sheep in an attempt to occupy the sheep village and eat those inside, Kwok wrote in a summary, per court records.

Kwok described the disguised wolf as an analogy for the Beijing-backed Chief Executive of Hong Kong, which he wrote would lead children to view the city’s real-life leader with contempt.

Another book, titled “12 Warriors of Sheep Village,” appears to reference the 12 Hong Kong protestors who were caught trying to flee to Taiwan by sea in 2020.

The book tells the story of 12 sheep who fled their village in a boat but were later captured and brought to be imprisoned in a wolf-run fortress. Kwok wrote that children who read the book would be “led to believe that the 12 fugitives are victims of oppression and unfair prosecution”.

The third book involved a story that Kwok said would lead children to believe Beijing had allowed people coming from mainland China to “make their home dirty and spread the pandemic”. 

Hong Kong court finds five guilty of sedition over sheep books

The five face potential jail terms for publishing books that sought to explain the democracy movement to children.

Continue reading on

Five in Hong Kong found guilty of sedition for ‘anti-government’ children’s books

Five Hong Kong speech therapists were found guilty on Wednesday of a conspiracy to publish seditious children’s books that were deemed anti-government, a decision denounced by rights campaigners as a blow to free speech in the China-ruled city.

Continue reading on Reuters

Hong Kong 12 who fled by boat for Taiwan held in ‘criminal detention’ by China

Beijing confirms for first time they are likely to face criminal charges, as foreign ministry accuses them of separatism

Continue reading on the Guardian

Source: TG Daily – Five Speech Therapists Convicted of Sedition Over Children’s Books

System as-a-service seems like a cutting-edge capability but it really isn’t. Back when we called IT MIS (Management Information Systems) and IBM was the dominant computer company in the market, everything was “as-a-service.” This approach had several customer advantages and one huge vendor disadvantage which caused IBM and the industry to pivot away from offering computing as-a-service. Instead, you bought and licensed the technology as if it was a singular purchase.  

Now, and particularly with cloud providers, technology is again being provided as-a-service, and companies like IBM are attempting to compete with on-premise offerings that also can be provided in the same way by incurring a level of risk that IBM pioneered. In short, the most experienced as-a-service company isn’t a cloud company, it is arguably IBM.

IBM has just announced its IBM i System Subscription solution which has the economic benefits of a cloud service but still provides the security and peace-of-mind benefits of an on-premises solution. 

Can you have your cake and eat it, too? With this service, IBM appears to be saying yes. Let me explain.

The benefits and big problem with SaaS solutions  

The benefits of an on-premises, as-a-service offering are significant. They typically include better vendor engagement because the offering includes support services and the vendor tends to remain engaged throughout the life of the service, as opposed to a sale where the vendor tends to reduce the focus on companies that have been sold in favor of revenue from companies that haven’t been bought yet. The outright sales model tends to give the buyer visibility when they are buying but, once the purchase has been made, that benefit goes away, and the vendor tends to lose interest until the next purchase possibility comes up.

On top of better engagement, this approach also shifts funding the effort from a fixed capital expense that has to be depreciated over time with no flexibility, to an operational expense that goes up and down with users and use. If the company cuts back, the costs go down, if the company ramps up, the costs and services ramp up with them. This tends to better keep expenses in line with revenues and it tends to lower the approval requirements for the service in the first place.

From a vendor perspective, this works like an annuity, but unlike leasing, this annuity will go up and down in value with the needs of the customers. Those earlier IBM service offerings tended to be fixed, didn’t adjust to the needs of the business, and operated more like a lease than what we now have as SaaS offerings.  

The historical problem with this approach is revenue growth once the market saturates. With a purchase model, you can still churn the market with a new offering. With a SaaS model, you are locked into a contract. In a saturated market, this makes it hard to show revenue growth. In the far more diverse market we have today, it’s unlikely that IBM or any one vendor will experience a saturation problem in the near-term future.

These offerings have traditionally been most beneficial for small and medium-sized businesses that lack IT infrastructure and are looking for a partner that can close their support gaps and allow these smaller companies to compete with larger, more IT-capable firms. 

Wrapping up: The IBM i System Subscription

As-a-service offerings are increasingly attractive, particularly to the mid-market where services offerings have traditionally been more attractive due to a lack of sustained infrastructure funding.  The IBM offering is a unique three- to five-year subscription that can be renewed on expiration but where prices and payment terms remain static during the term of the subscription, provide a level of stability post-purchase, and promise cloud-like economics while providing on-premises benefits.

On-premise benefits include physical control over the facilities, protection from cloud provider outages and attacks on the cloud service, along with better control over the services being offered to IT’s customers. The latest Power10 offerings from IBM provide a performance boost over the prior version by over 50% (anything greater than 20% is noticeable by users) and costs per user are generally expected to be below $55 per month.  

For industries where IBM’s Power platform plays well, including government, healthcare, finance, energy, and utilities, it plays very well but generally isn’t a major player in the small or medium business markets. The IBM i System Subscription services offering should help open this solution up to types of businesses that felt they couldn’t afford the capital expense in the past.  

Source: TG Daily – IBM Goes Back to the Future with i System As-a-Service

A 38-year-old man from Tokyo named Shoji Morimoto has a job that most of us would be extremely envious of. He earns a living by doing nothing.

The Tokyo-resident charges 10,000 yen per booking to accompany clients. According to a report by Reuters, Morimoto has gone to over 4,000 sessions in the last 4 years.

“My job is to be wherever my clients want me to be and to do nothing in particular,” Morimoto told Reuters. With over 250k followers on Twitter, Morimoto said that most of his clients contact him on the micro-blogging site only. Among them, one person has hired Morimoto around 270 times. However, Morimoto maintains some boundaries when it comes to choosing the job.

“People do not have to be useful in any specific way,” Morimoto added.

Japanese man finds dream job by getting paid for ?doing nothing?

Shoji Morimoto, a former publishing company worker, rents himself out to simply be there for lonely folks, once even paid just to wave goodbye to one destitute traveler.

Continue reading on New York Post

I quit job after boss called me lazy, now I get paid ?60 an hour to do nothing

A JAPANESE man may just have what some would see as the perfect job, he gets paid to do pretty much nothing.

Continue reading on The Sun

Source: TG Daily – Japanese Man Earns A Living By Doing Nothing

I’ve participated in partnership efforts with a variety of multi-national tech companies and found HP’s effort to rank near or at the top. Years ago, I was tasked with helping fix IBM’s program, and before that, I instrumented ROLM’s program (when ROLM was a subsidiary of IBM) for better market intelligence. The recurring problems with Partnership Programs are conflicts with the direct sales organization, issues with partner quality, a lack of company or executive interest after the partnership is formed, and little or no collaboration with the partnerships on product or services development.   

One of the worst partnership programs I’ve seen is Apple’s which seems to treat its partners as unloved subordinates that are unappreciative of the honor of working for Apple and unwilling to give Apple all their profits. In sharp contrast, HP is one of the best, and I attended its latest partnership meeting, for their program called HP Amplify, last week. Here are my impressions.

It starts with partners as family

One of the things that jumps out at me at HP events is that the event is less about promoting products than helping and understanding partner issues and helping these partners resolve them. The focus isn’t on HP’s profits vs. the partner’s profits, but on how to make the partners more efficient, sustainable, effective, and profitable so that both HP and its partners are successful. It isn’t an us vs. them issue.

These meetings are more like family reunions than your typical partnership meeting and, while it is unusual at any vendor event for executives to demonstrate their disdain for each other, often divisions in firms compete for resources and that disdain can be seen if you look closely enough or if those executives simply aren’t invited to the event.  

At HP, the executives really seem to like each other, ribbing or crediting their peers, often in the same talk, during the event and creating the impression that they like working with each other rather than secretly plotting each other’s demise. (I was at a Micron event once where it looked like two of the firm’s executives wanted to kill each other and nearly came to blows).  

Sustainability

One of the segments that stood out to me at this event was on sustainability. HP has been one of the most aggressive companies on product and operational sustainability (controlling operating waste and reducing non-sustainable power usage) of any company I cover. With printing, HP also had the largest sustainability problems. It was able to get nearly all its partners to join its efforts which should result in a sustainability impact that leads the technology segment. 

Reducing waste, pivoting to sustainable power, operating more efficiently, and making sustainability a priority, I believe, is critical for all of us, and HP, with its partners, set an impressively positive tone.

Products

This doesn’t mean HP didn’t showcase some new products. Two that stood out to me were the new Dragonfly Folio which is my latest favorite laptop because it fits how I travel and work, and a new tank printer that is far more sustainable than those that use cartridges.

Dragonfly is HP’s Halo line, and it represents a showcase of HP’s capabilities. With both Wi-Fi and 5G it is highly connected, with Intel and VPro it is enterprise-approved, with its leather-like cover it is very comfortable to carry, and with a cantilevered screen, it works for movies on the smallest of commercial planes. The laptop is awesome.

Tank printers consume ink and don’t use plastic cartridges. They tend to be more expensive initially because they are harder to subsidize with supplies which also makes them cheaper long term because ink, for them, is also cheaper. If you don’t use cartridges, you don’t have to dispose of them, and while HP’s efforts to recycle cartridges are market-leading, they aren’t 100%. So not having the things in the first place assures that the plastics they are tying to keep out of oceans and landfills aren’t created in the first place.  

Wrapping up:

Sales partners are a critical part of any national or multi-national company because no company, no matter how big, can be everyplace. Partners are where you can’t be, covering customers you can’t economically cover, but they still carry your brand. In past studies, I’ve found that companies that are mostly direct sales and don’t use partners typically have higher customer satisfaction, which seems like a contradictory statistic. But, when I’ve drilled down, I’ve found that the problem wasn’t using partners it was mistreating or not properly selecting, assuring, and provisioning them.  

HP is an example of how to do this right, and at HP Amplify, I again was impressed with its approach and execution.  

Source: TG Daily – HP Amplify: Best Practices in a Partnership Program

Australian woman Thevamanogari Manivel put in a refund of $100 AUD to Crypto.com last year.

Seemingly due to an employee entering her account number into a payment section of a refund form by mistake, the company dropped $10.5 million AUD into her account instead. Manivel kept the money and reportedly transferred it to a bank account.

That same month, Manivel is said to have spent $1.35 million AUD on a five-bedroom home and transferred ownership of it to her sister.

A court has ordered the sale of the property as soon as possible and for the funds to be returned to Crypto.com.

Crypto.com mistakenly sent a customer $7.2 million instead of a $68 refund

No one noticed the typo and missing millions for months.

Continue reading on The Verge

‘Significant error’: Melbourne woman given $11.7m instead of $112 refund

Continue reading on NZ Herald

Crypto.com loses $34 million in hack that affected 483 accounts | Engadget

Crypto.com has published a report on its investigation of the security breach.

Continue reading on Engadget

Source: TG Daily – Crypto Company Mistakenly Transfers 7.2 Million To A Woman’s Account

If you’re a real estate agent, you know that generating leads is essential to your success. There are many lead generation tools and platforms, but which ones should you use? This article will discuss five reasons you should use lead generation tools and platforms to boost your real estate sales.

What Is Lead Generation?

Lead generation is the process of generating leads, or potential customers, for your business like LeadJolt. There are many ways to generate leads, such as through online advertising, cold calling, and networking. However, lead generation tools and platforms can help you automate the process and make it easier to generate leads.

How Does Lead Generation Relate To Real Estate?

In the real estate industry, lead generation is essential to success. Real estate agents must generate leads to find potential customers and grow their businesses. Many lead generation tools and platforms can help agents automate the process and make it easier to generate leads.

Reasons To Use Lead Generation Tools

There are many reasons to use lead generation tools and platforms.

Reach A Wider Audience

First, lead generation tools and platforms can help you reach a wider audience. You can target potential customers looking to buy or sell property in your area.

Save Time

Second, they also can help you save time. Instead of spending hours cold calling or door knocking, you can use lead generation tools to automate your marketing efforts.

Higher Quality Leads

Third, lead generation tools and platforms can help you generate higher quality leads like LeadJolt. Using targeting criteria, you can identify potential customers more likely to convert into sales.

Track Your Results

Fourth, lead generation tools and platforms can help you track your results. You can see which marketing activities generate the most leads and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Scale Your Business

Finally, they can help you scale your business. As your business grows, you can add more users to your account and access more features.

Choosing A Lead Generation Platform

When you are a realtor, many types of lead generation platforms are available. You want to discern between the different types to make more sales ultimately. The following will help explain some key features to consider when reviewing lead generation platforms for your business needs:

• Pricing: First and foremost, you want to consider the pricing of the lead generation platform. Some are subscription-based, while others are pay-per-lead. Consider your budget and needs when making this decision.

• Ease of Use: The lead generation platform you choose must be easy to use. You don’t want to spend hours figuring out how to use the forum.

• Features: Consider the features of the lead generation platform. Some platforms offer more features than others. Choose a platform with the necessary parts to generate leads and grow your business.

• Integrations: Make sure the lead generation platform you choose integrates with your other software, such as your CRM. This will make it easier to manage your leads and customers.

• Customer Support: When you encounter problems, you want to be able to reach customer support easily. Choose a lead generation platform that offers excellent customer support.

Drawbacks Of Lead Generation Tools And Platforms

There are also some drawbacks to using lead generation tools and platforms.

Cost

One of the drawbacks of lead generation tools and platforms is that they can be expensive. This expense can be offset by the increased sales you will generate using these tools.

Time-Consuming

Another drawback of lead generation tools and platforms is that they can be time-consuming. This time investment can be worth it if you can generate more sales. If you can’t generate more sales, the time investment may not be worth it.

Accuracy

Another potential drawback of lead generation tools and platforms is that they may not be 100% accurate. You may waste time on leads not interested in selling their home. However, this accuracy can be improved by using multiple lead generation tools and platforms.

Compliance Issues

Another issue to consider is compliance. Some lead generation tools and platforms are not compliant with certain laws, such as the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. Make sure you choose a platform that complies with your area’s laws.

Privacy Concerns

Some people may be concerned about the privacy of their information when using lead generation tools and platforms. These concerns can be alleviated by choosing a secure platform with a good reputation.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for ways to increase your real estate sales, consider using lead generation tools and platforms. They can help you find more leads, save time, and get more exposure for your listings. In addition, they can also help you increase your sales. Give them a try today and see how they can help your business.

Written by Adam Eaton

Source: TG Daily – 5 Reasons To Use Lead Generation Tools and Platforms Like LeadJolt To Boost Your Real Estate Sales

Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder have a wide variety of special needs, most commonly in the area of language and communication. Thankfully, it is now 2022 and technology is ever-expanding and thriving, making the lives of everyone from children to adults easier and more meaningful. 

Handheld devices for autism allow children and adults to communicate their wants and needs and hold expansive conversations with those around them.  They are becoming less popular as applications and software programs are designed to work on their current tablets and iPads, however, handheld technology allows distraction-free learning. 

Kids cannot switch to a game or YouTube on a device designed just for communication and daily activities. 

As with all technology, not all devices are created equal. We’ve compiled the list of the top 5 devices that help children with Autism do everything from communicating to accomplishing everyday tasks independently. 

1. Lingraphica AAC devices come in 3 sizes and are designed to grow with your child. Easy to carry around, easy to use, and even easy to customize to your child’s everyday routine and environment. 
2. QuickTalker Freestyle is a handheld device is also a multi-sized device that has different speech applications available that allow parents to select the one that works best for their child and their learning style. 
3. Goally is a unique handheld device in that it helps with communication and routine. Parents can program daily tasks and even set up a token board so that their child automatically earns points towards your preset rewards with each task completed. Other features are AAC communication and routines.
4. Tobii Dynavox is an elite, top-of-the-line handheld technology that can be controlled by eye gaze, hands, a head mouse, or switch scanning. They’re rugged and come with protective cases to protect your investment and some devices feature email, call, and text setup for additional methods of communication. 
5. GoTalk is a very basic, ruggedly designed device that can feature up to 32 icons/words/symbols for everyday communication. Also available in iOS app store. 

Since we mentioned that applications for children with autism are on the rise and expanding faster than handheld devices, it is worth mentioning several effective online and application-based programs that are also available for families and children with autism. 

Software Programs

1. FaceSay is an internet-based software program designed to help children with social and emotional skills, such as facial cues and following someone’s eyes. 
2. ABC Mouse works well for kids with autism as they can work on skills such as letter tracing, phonics, and academic abilities

Assistive communication applications

1. GoTalk
2. Proloquo2Go
3. Life Skills Winner identifies and works on life skills to teach 10 daily habits 
4. Speech Blubs 

Thankfully, technology has come a long way in helping children with special needs better communicate and interact with their loved ones and thrive in their futures. Many handheld devices are at least partially covered by insurance companies, even, so it’s worth a look for your autistic child if they need a boost in their language communication and development. 

Communication and human interaction are significant to the human species and helping children with special needs achieve these goals will boost their confidence and allow them more autonomous, social lives.

Source: TG Daily – 5 Devices that can help your child with Autism

Cannabidiol (CBD), a derivative of the cannabis plant, has become popular as an alternative therapeutic treatment to traditional medication. Its health benefits are wide, ranging from reducing anxiety, promoting sleep, and helping manage pain. But if you’re thinking of going into the CBD business, you’ll have to consider how best you can package all these benefits so your customers don’t lose out on any. You’ll also want to make sure that your packaging stands out so your customers will recognise your brand and products anywhere. So how do you do that? Let’s take a look.

What is the best way to design and package CBD?

The first step is to decide what kind of CBD product you want to sell. CBD products can come in a variety of forms that include oils and tinctures, tablets and capsules, beauty and skincare products and beverages, and edibles. So, because there are many different types of products, it goes without saying that the type and design of packaging depend on the type of product. That’s why GPA Global offers practical CBD packaging solutions for every type of CBD product on the market so you can rest assured that the quality of your product is sealed and preserved well. These are just a few of the best and innovative ways to pack CBD products:

●  Oils and tinctures
These are best packaged in dark glass bottles with a dropper for easy dosage and use. We also recommend that the box have cushioning inside to avoid any breakage.

●  Tablets and capsules
Just like any other pills, these can be packed in plastic or glass jars or paper pouches.

●  Beauty and skincare products
Beauty product packaging is versatile and can be designed in plastic, glass, metal, or even plastic options.

●  Beverages
Most CBD-infused beverages are packaged in metal cans, glass bottles, or pouches.

Once you have decided on the type of packaging that best suits your product, you can start personalising it with the finer details like shapes, colours, and labeling.

Should your CBD packaging be sustainable?

Yes, CBD packaging should be sustainable just like any other product packaging. An innovative way to do this is to design and create your packaging with high-fibre hemp paper stock. This ensures minimal waste because you use the same plants you grow to source CBD. Hemp material is also organic meaning that it’s biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

Statistics show that 63% of solid waste produced by the U.S. comes from packaging material so it’s important that brands consider how their packaging doesn’t contribute to a negative impact on the environment. GPA Global supports big solutions that have a small footprint by engineering their own sustainable materials.

Are there any CBD packaging regulations that can impact your design?

Because CBD still poses many questions and research on the compound is still ongoing, there may be a few unique packaging and marketing challenges that you could face. But there are a few guidelines that you can follow to ensure that your product and packaging are lawfully marketed.

These are a few regulations to consider when designing CBD packaging:

Labeling

Make your labels clear and easy to read. Include your product name and general information. It might be tempting to embellish the benefits of your CBD product but don’t add any misleading or false claims by any means.

List of contents

Include a list of ingredients and contents including nutritional information and amounts of active compounds.

Add transparency

Include a batch code and manufactured date so customers know you’re transparent about the quality of your products.

Tell your customers how to use your product

Include instructions in your packaging so customers know how best to use your products.

Balancing Design with Innovation

Sometimes it’s not the loud and heavy-aesthetic packaging that stands out but the simple packaging that provides a solution. The first step to designing CBD packaging that gets your product noticed is to focus on your product and brand goals. Doing so will help you find a balance between design and innovation. Once you have prioritised your goals and needs, you need an innovative packaging solutions provider that breaks the mold and explores unchartered waters.

Frequently Asked Questions About CBD Packaging

●  Can CBD oil be stored in plastic?

CBD oil shouldn’t be packaged in plastic because it can decrease the longevity of CBD oil. It tends to react harshly when in contact with plastic for long periods of time. CBD oil generally has a shelf life of two years and the best way to give it a full shelf life is to package it in dark glass bottles to prevent light from decomposing it and degrading its quality.

●  Does CBD packaging need to be child-resistant?

CBD can be unsafe for children and so yes, CBD packaging that’s child resistant is an advantage. GPA Global ensures that your CBD products are safe around children with their rigorous testing and high-standard certification.

●  What is custom CBD packaging?

This is a packaging solution that’s specific to your brand’s and customer’s needs. They communicate your brand and ensure that your product is stored and transported in the best possible way to preserve its quality.

●  Are there any benefits of custom CBD packaging?

There are many benefits of custom packaging. You can choose which material and design suits your product and brand best and offer you a durable solution. It can also be more cost-effective because you are getting exactly what you need in terms of size and shape so there’s no room for waste. Custom CBD packaging can separate your products from the others on the shelf by creating brand recognition.

Source: TG Daily – How to Design Innovative CBD Packaging That Will Get Your Product Noticed

Viviverse X ME Holdings join in an exclusive partnership to develop the world’s first real estate NFT collection in the metaverse. Each NFT gives the owner true ownership of an actual property that is developed by ME Holdings and rewards them with asset-backed yields in terms of rental and capital gains generated. In addition, owners simultaneously earn staking and utility rewards in Viviverse.

The first batch will be minted on Aug 31^st and made available throughout the Summer of 22. List pricing and whitelisting procedures will be made known on Aug 27^th via the respective social feeds.

Viviverse is the first Playnation in the metaverse that is bringing entertainment to the next level, redefining X to earn by blurring the lines between the metaverse and reality. Users or citizens who hold exclusive NFT-based passports can enjoy, grow and thrive in Viviverse’s unique X to earn spaces in gaming, esports, entertainment, and real estate.

Headed by Simon Marshall (Forbes winner), ME Holdings is a London-based real estate developer specialising in luxury family homes and stylish apartments. The business employs over 100 people across all aspects of the development process from land acquisition, construction, sales, and marketing, and is aiming to be one of the UK’s top 20 housebuilders. It has won several awards for its smart, environmentally friendly homes generating revenues for the company of over USD 250m in the past 3 years.

With this partnership, ME is trailblazing true ownership and utility, bringing old-school development to the Metaverse.

For more information
www.meholdings.me
www.viviverse.io

ME Holdings Limited, Head Office, Unit C4 Endeavour Place, Coxbridge Business Park, Alton Road, Farnham, Surrey GU10 5EH
Viviverse@viviverse.io
+44(0)1252 240005

Written by Awais Ahmed

Source: TG Daily – NFTs with True Ownership and Asset Backed Utility

The west has held IP leadership in the technology space since the age of the mainframe. In hostile times, that has provided advantages in targeting, secure communications, and significant advantages in manufacturing capacity. Until recently, the West’s dominance has been challenged in some areas like consumer electronics which Japan took over, and automotive where Asia has been steadily eclipsing the West. Particularly troubling has been the erosion of manufacturing capacity which is currently contributing significantly to the shortages caused by the pandemic and Russia/Ukraine conflict. 

But with the latest technological move to the cloud, which again puts communications technologies on the critical path, China is moving aggressively to own the related standards and to use its authoritarian government to eventually dominate communications technology. Right now, 5G is secure thanks to Qualcomm but, unless something changes, 6G could be owned by China, creating potentially massive security and communications problems for the West and particularly the U.S. 

China’s government understands better than most Western governments that communications technology, or more accurately the control over it, could well define future battlefields regardless of whether the battles are fought with weapons or through the control and monitoring of communications. 

The West and particularly the U.S. are falling behind China

As we have moved between the distinct phases of development in the technology market, interest and focus have shifted rather significantly. Initially, it was all about the mainframe. Everything was a service. Thanks to IBM, the west dominated with both hardware and software supplying significant advantages in terms of education and efficiency. Then we moved to PC computing, and while manufacturing moved mostly to Asia, the West held the IP. The next move was to the cloud. While that march was led by companies like Google and Yahoo from the West, Eastern powerhouses like Tencent and Alibaba have risen to be comparable. 

As a result of this rise in power, China can credibly argue they are near parity with the U.S. in terms of cloud technology and, on the communications side, Huawei, with its focus on end-to-end solutions and low-cost cellular tower technology, has become a significant threat to U.S. sales and IP dominance. And China is not exactly the poster child partner for any Western company given its support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and a ramp up of its plan to invade Taiwan. 

As a result, it has never been more critical that the West, and particularly the U.S., assure that no hostile government gains control over the standards for any widespread communications technology. 

Qualcomm’s critical role

Qualcomm is a unique company in that it is more focused on licensing its technology than selling products based on it. Most companies, particularly companies focused on hardware, are not known for licensing and, if they do, they are not particularly good at it. 

Licensing is a core competence of Qualcomm’s model, and, by licensing, Qualcomm enables smaller companies all over the world to better compete with large companies like Apple that remain focused on their own proprietary models. This is one of the reasons why Apple tried to cripple Qualcomm a few years back. If Apple could have crippled or killed Qualcomm, it could have wiped out many of Qualcomm’s licensees removing much of the competition Apple currently faces in the market. But at least Apple is a Western company. What if the attack had been from an Eastern company or government and Qualcomm had been unable to defend? Then the West would be looking at a dire situation where the company, and country, that prevailed was potentially able to monitor and change communications globally. 

Wrapping up: The war we are not talking about

This is the war we aren’t talking about, the one that is increasingly shifting from 5G to 6G and could represent, if lost, a massive shift in influence and power from the U.S. to China and put the world at a higher risk of not only enabling another war but stacking the deck so the West has a massively increased chance of losing.  

China’s government clearly understands the risks and rewards of these moves, but the U.S. and West appear distracted. This distraction increasingly assures a future where China could build on its manufacturing dominance by gaining IP leadership as well, putting the U.S. and the West on their back foot and vulnerable to Chinese aggression. This would not only help assure China’s victory in a conflict but embolden the country to start that conflict.

In short, not only is Qualcomm critical to assuring the security of the world’s communications, but it may also be critical to preventing the next global conflict. 

Source: TG Daily – Qualcomm and the Importance of Communications IP Leadership

We are all familiar with the sense of having to manually boost the thermostat in the morning because it is too chilly, only to have to turn it back down in the afternoon because it is suddenly too hot. What if there was a method to reduce the frequency with which you must adjust the interior temperature? With a Wi-Fi-equipped radiator thermostat, there is. 

What is a smart thermostat? 

First, the essentials. A smart thermostat connects to the internet and enables you to monitor and manage your heating on your smartphone, tablet, and other devices, often via an application or website. 

It differs from a smart meter, which connects to the internet and transmits your meter readings to your energy provider. Typically, your energy provider will install a smart meter for free, and it may influence your ability to transfer energy providers in the future. 

A smart thermostat is totally under your control, unlike a smart meter. You purchase it and organize the installation yourself, and it has no impact on your ability to transfer energy suppliers for your business.

Smart thermostat advantages and disadvantages for your business

There are a number of advantages and disadvantages to putting a smart thermostat in your small company. A smart thermostat connects to the internet and enables you to monitor your heating remotely using your smartphone, tablet, or other mobile devices. Theoretically, the ability to constantly monitor your heating allows you to consume less energy and save money on your gas bills. 

However, installing smart thermostats is costly, especially for small firms battling with Covid-19. Then, are they worthwhile? We examine the advantages and downsides of installing a smart thermostat in your business.

The ability to alter your heating settings from your smartphone is the most significant advantage of smart thermostats. Aside from multi-room and hot water control, draught detection, safety, and holiday modes to protect your water pipes, and feedback on your heating patterns, other common functions of smart thermostats include multi-room and hot water control, draught detection, safety and holiday modes to protect your water pipes, and feedback on your heating patterns. 

How do these intelligent features aid you at work? Here are the advantages and disadvantages of installing a smart thermostat in your business. 

The pros

• Smart thermostats enable the automation of heating schedules. 

Even conventional thermostats allow you to automate your heating system, so what is so great about smart thermostats? Smart thermostats allow you to automate your heating schedule from your smartphone, tablet, or other devices. 

Moreover, smart thermostats allow for far more flexible and granular scheduling. You may adjust your schedule according to your demands, which is not possible with a conventional thermostat. 

This is a significant advantage if your organization runs flexibly and your team members arrive and depart the office at different times each day. It is an even greater advantage today that so many of us work from home and occasionally commute to the workplace. 

• Using a smart thermostat, you can track your energy consumption. 

The majority of smart thermostats come with an app that allows you to monitor your heating on your mobile devices. These applications display the temperature setting of your thermostat. 

However, did you realize that some of these applications also display the ambient temperature in your office? 

This enables you to determine when the ideal temperature has been reached in your workplace, so you do not need to boost the heating (and your energy bills). 

• An intelligent thermostat can help you save energy 

You may be more energy efficient at work by utilizing the flexibility of your smart radiator thermostat, so you don’t heat your office when you know no one is around. 

However, some thermostats may also provide you notifications if your office is too warm, allowing you to reduce the temperature. Some may also alert you when the thermostat detects drafts, allowing you to lock windows and doors to prevent heat loss. 

• Smart thermostats are simple to use
  

Almost every smart thermostat on the market features a touch screen and an intuitive user interface. Using their iPhones, consumers may adjust the temperature in another room. You can even operate your smart thermostat when away from home. Many smart thermostats may be managed by virtual assistants such as Alexa or Google Home. 

The cons

• Smart thermostats aren’t 100% reliable

There is no technology that is 100% trustworthy, and smart thermostats are no exception. If your internet connection is unreliable or prone to outages, the operation of your smart thermostat will not be optimal. 

The thermostats themselves are also susceptible to error. If you do not routinely check your app, you may not notice if the batteries in your thermostat expire after a couple of days, for instance. Again, you may not realize that the gadget that links to your boiler has gone down and has to be restarted. 

It’s not a significant issue, but it might be bothersome if you’re trapped outside on a cool day! 

• For some, installation might be intimidating. 

If you are not skilled or comfortable working with exposed wire, installing a smart thermostat may not be a task you wish to do. There are usually installation instructions supplied with every smart thermostat, but if you lack installation skills, this may still be scary. The sort of heating and cooling that your HVAC system provides is also relevant. If you are confused about installation or system compatibility, one of our skilled HVAC contractors will help you decide if a smart thermostat is best for you. 

• Commitment is required to act on the information smart thermostats provide. 

Smart thermostats provide a wealth of information about your energy consumption and how you may reduce it. However, it takes considerable time and work to put this information into practice in a way that yields actual savings. This type of time investment is just not worthwhile for all businesses. 

Do smart thermostats justify the cost? 

It is difficult to determine the advantages and downsides of installing a smart radiator thermostat in your business since there are so many. If your business operates in a flexible manner and you want the robust scheduling capabilities that a smart thermostat provides, it is probably worthwhile to invest in one. However, if your firm runs during defined hours and your employees work scheduled shifts, you may likely get by with a standard thermostat.

Source: TG Daily – Pros And Cons Of Smart Thermostats

Since the introduction of cryptocurrency, people have been curious about it and want to know how they can get involved. With so many options and ICOs popping up all over the place, there has never been a better time to delve into the world of cryptocurrency. There are plenty of ways to invest in or trade cryptocurrencies, but many of them have high risks or can be complicated for beginners. 

That’s why we will introduce you to some simple ideas that might help you understand and trade crypto tokens profitably. For anyone who doesn’t know, cryptocurrency refers to digital tokens or coins which act as a medium of exchange like normal currencies such as GBP or USD. 

The big difference is that they are all built on blockchain technology, hence the name ‘crypto’ currency. Here is a closer look at what exactly that means.

The Basics Of Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency exchanges are digital platforms where you can buy and sell coins. The most common type of exchange is a centralized exchange, which is run by a company and usually requires users to provide proof of identity before using it. While these centralized exchanges can be convenient, they are unfortunately also vulnerable to hacks. 

Centralized exchanges have proven to be such a target for hackers that decentralized exchanges have become increasingly popular. This type of exchange uses blockchain technology and is run by a network of computers around the world.

How to Buy and Trade Crypto Tokens 

Once you’ve decided what coins you want to invest in, it’s time to start trading. The most common types of trading include cryptocurrency exchange trading and ICO trading.

Cryptocurrency Exchange Trading

It’s when you buy and sell coins in an exchange. You can buy low and sell high to make a profit. Just remember that exchange trading is risky because the prices can fluctuate a lot, and you also have to pay taxes. 

ICO Trading

It’s when you buy coins during an initial coin offering (ICO). You make a profit by selling the coins once they’ve been listed on an exchange and the price has increased. ICOs pose challenges and risks because you don’t know how much profit you’ll make and if the ICO will even be successful.

A Look at the Different Strategies for Crypto Trading

Once you have a handle on the basics of crypto trading, it’s time to get creative and find a strategy that works best for you. There are lots of different ways to make money from trading crypto, but each has its advantages and disadvantages. 

• Day trading involves buying and selling the same coins within the same day. It’s risky because you can lose a lot of money.

• Swing Trading is like day trading, but you don’t sell your coins on the same day. Instead, you hold them for at least a week before you decide what to do next. It’s also a risky option and not suitable for beginners.

• Position Trading works when you buy and sell coins to hold them for a long time. It’s a much less risky option than the other two.

Earning Through ICOs

ICO trading isn’t the only way to make money with cryptocurrencies. You can also earn by helping to launch a new ICO. When you launch an ICO, you are raising funds for a new crypto project by selling tokens. Those tokens can be traded once the project is completed, which means you can make money from them. 

Launching an ICO isn’t as easy as it sounds, though. You have to develop a unique idea, write a whitepaper, create marketing materials, and much more. There are also certain regulations you have to follow to make sure your ICO is a success. While ICOs can be a great way to earn money, they also come with several risks. 

Remember that ICOs are a lot like gambling since you don’t know if your tokens will ever be worth anything. If you are a risk taker, you may also want to explore sites like Stardust Online Casino for all kinds of gaming entertainment.

Keep an Eye Out for Scams

As with any other form of investment, there are plenty of scams in this field as well. Scammers will trick you into giving them money or purchasing their products. Only invest in coins that have been thoroughly researched and only buy tokens from trusted companies. 

You should also be wary of phishing scams. It’s when scammers pretend to be a legitimate company and try to steal your information. 

Conclusion

Cryptocurrency is a fascinating new world that offers a lot of benefits. It can also be incredibly risky. You must be careful with your investments and stay informed. Follow the latest news stories and keep up with new regulations. You should also make sure to select a reliable company to trade or sell your coins. 

You can do this by researching the company and reading customer reviews. You can make money from cryptocurrencies in many ways, including buying low and selling high and helping to launch a new ICO. Keep an eye out for scams, and always be careful when investing.

Written by Ruben Denton

Source: TG Daily – The Ins and Outs of Crypto Trading

Some of the primary reasons for having a pool are enjoyment, fun, and training. The therapeutic and recreational benefits of owning a pool take the monotony out of the daily routines of work and other responsibilities. Sadly, sometimes the benefits come with contingencies and risks. Pool deaths are common, and the highest incidence is in the pediatric age group. Drowning accounts for the second highest cause of unintentional injury death after road traffic accidents for children ages 1-14 years.

Several factors can explain the high incidence of drowning among children. Firstly, only a few children know how to swim. Swimming is usually taught to teenagers, and younger children are often left out. Unfortunately, children who start training early are not exposed to advanced techniques that can save them from drowning. Secondly, children have a dangerous sense of curiosity. Babies are notorious for crawling into pools, while small children occasionally swim beyond the shallow end. Unfortunately, not everyone can be rescued.

Since children are at a much highest risk than adults of drowning in a pool, we must protect them. Here are options that will make your pool safe for your children. 

Mount pool alarms

It is advisable to install alarms in and around the pool even if covers and barriers are present. The alarm sensors detect movement and changes in water pressure, and it goes off when anything falls in the pool. Moreover, the alarm is programmed to the specifications of the pool and the custom inputs from the owner. Smart alarms are also available and allow Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection for remote smartphone operation. 

Additionally, you can install an alarm at the entrance door to your pool. As a result, you will get notifications whenever someone accesses the pool. Alarm systems are not only great for protecting children but also pets.

Construct a fence around the pool

It is one of the most used ideas for ensuring safety around the pool. When there are barriers around your swimming pool, monitoring the movement of children is easy. Nonetheless, the design of the fence should be impenetrable to children. For example, the barrier should cover a considerable height that a child can not climb. Moreover, slitted fence designs are ideal as they allow visibility into the pool area for monitoring. Furthermore, latches and locks are necessary additions to the pool’s entry gates, and only adults should have access. Finally, finer details like the swing direction of the pool gates and weight should also be considered as they affect children’s accessibility to the pool.

Pool covers

Pool covers are laid out when the swimming pool is not in use. Many people reserve these covers for cold seasons and water treatment days. However, they should be used whenever the pool is not in use. The covers fit perfectly across the pool to ensure a toddler won’t find its way inside. Moreover, they can take on a lot of tensile pressure and resist caving in if a child walks on the cover’s surface.

Currently, many swimming pools have automatic pool covers, mesh covers, and safety nets. The covers protect not only the swimming pool water but also the users. Therefore, investing in a pool cover might prevent a disaster, especially if you have children.

The pool safety tips for children are not limited to alarm systems, fencing, and pool cover. You can also ensure your children get proper training and learn how to respond to emergencies. In conclusion, every parent wants their children safe, and therefore, taking all the necessary steps to ensure your pool is safe is a top priority. 

Written by Barbara McGee

Source: TG Daily – Water Saftey Tips – Building A Pool That Is Safe for Your Children

Do you have a Spotify account? If not, you’re missing out! Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming platforms in the world and for good reason. With millions of songs available to stream, there’s something for everyone on Spotify. Not only that, but with a paid subscription, you can access even more content including offline playback. But what if you don’t have time to build up your playlist followers organically? Or maybe you just don’t have enough friends who use Spotify to get the plays you need. Don’t worry – there are plenty of services out there that will help you boost your Spotify Plays quickly and easily!

There are plenty of good reasons to buy Spotify Plays, but here are just a few of the most popular ones.

Get your music in front of new listeners

If you’re an up-and-coming artist, getting your music in front of new listeners can be challenging. There are millions of songs on Spotify and unless you have a way to stand out, it can be easy for your music to get lost in the shuffle. One of the best ways to get your music heard by new listeners is to buy Spotify Plays. When you purchase Spotify Plays, your songs will be added to peoples’ playlists which puts them in front of a whole new audience. Not only that, but when people see that your songs have been played a lot, they’re more likely to check them out themselves. So if you’re looking for a way to get your music noticed, buying Spotify Plays is a great option.

Increase your chances of getting featured on Spotify playlists

Spotify playlists are a great way to reach new listeners and increase your streams. But getting featured on one can be difficult, especially if you’re just starting out. When Spotify’s algorithms see that your songs are being played a lot, they’re more likely to surface them to listeners who might be interested. So if you’re trying to get on a popular playlist, buying Spotify Plays is a smart move.

Boost your credibility as an artist

Having a lot of Spotify Plays also helps boost your credibility as an artist. If you’re just starting out, it can be hard to get people to take you seriously. But when you have a lot of plays on your songs, it shows that you’re an established artist with a growing fan base. This can help you get booked for shows, get better press coverage, and land deals with labels and other industry professionals. So if you’re looking to boost your credibility, buying Spotify Plays is a great way to do it.

Gain more exposure for your music and brand

Buying Spotify Plays is also a great way to gain more exposure for your music and brand. When your songs are played a lot, people are more likely to see them and share them with their friends. This can help you reach a larger audience and grow your fan base. Additionally, when people see that your songs are being played a lot, they’re more likely to associate your music with quality and success. So if you’re looking for a way to get more exposure for your music, buying Spotify Plays is a great option.

Reach a larger audience with The potential to grow your fan base

Getting your music in front of new listeners is essential if you want to grow your fan base. And one of the best ways to do that is to buy Spotify Plays. When you purchase Spotify Plays, your songs will be added to peoples’ playlists which puts them in front of a whole new audience. Not only that, but when people see that your songs have been played a lot, they’re more likely to check them out themselves. So if you’re looking for a way to reach a larger audience, buying Spotify Plays is a great option.

Spotify is one of the most popular streaming platforms with millions of users worldwide. And if you’re an artist looking to reach new listeners, getting your music on Spotify is a must. But unless you have a way to stand out, it can be easy for your songs to get lost in the shuffle. One of the best ways to get your music noticed is to buy Spotify Plays. When you purchase Spotify Plays, your songs will be added to peoples’ playlists which puts them in front of a whole new audience. Not only that, but when people see that your songs have been played a lot, they’re more likely to check them out themselves. So if you’re looking for a way to get your music noticed, buying Spotify Plays is a great option.

Make your songs more visible on Spotify

When you buy Spotify Plays, your songs will be added to peoples’ playlists which puts them in front of a whole new audience. Not only that, but when people see that your songs have been played a lot, they’re more likely to check them out themselves. So if you’re looking for a way to make your songs more visible on Spotify, buying Spotify Plays is a great option.

So if you’re looking to give your music career a boost, don’t hesitate to buy Spotify Plays today! You won’t regret it.

Source: TG Daily – Reasons to Buy Spotify Play

This week we were briefed on the status of the AMD merger with Xilinx, and it was an impressive report. I ran a merger clean-up team for a time and have covered mergers and acquisitions for over 30 years.  Most mergers fail to meet expectations, and, in almost all cases, the buying company overpays as a result. But the problem isn’t that the property is overvalued so much as it’s a merger process that focuses on integration and under focuses on preserving and enhancing the acquired assets.

So, it’s worth noting that, in several important ways, the merger between AMD and Xilinx duplicates the Dell EMC merger only on a smaller scale. Both reflect what is currently the best of the best in terms of merger practices.  

Let’s talk mergers this week and we’ll specifically look at the success of the AMD/Xilinx merger as an example of how to do mergers well.

Why most mergers fail

Mergers generally fail for three reasons. First, the company and its consultants don’t have a strong merger process. Second, the merger process focuses on the wrong things, and third, the due diligence that supported the merger was done not to determine the viability of the merger but to drive support for it.  

Let’s take each in turn.

Merger process: when acquiring any asset, the primary focus should be on preserving and enhancing the value of the acquisition. Unfortunately, most companies get so focused on gaining control over the acquired company that they lose track of why they acquired the property in the first place and end up crippling the acquired firm during the acquisition process. By nature, mergers are disruptive and tend to put the acquired employees at risk. If steps aren’t taken to identify and retain key employees, they’ll leave, crippling the acquired firm’s ability to execute.  

Wrong focus: Almost all the mergers I’ve reviewed seem to want to focus on making the acquired company’s policies conform to the acquiring company’s policies. This can do ugly things to salary ranges, planned employee reward programs (President’s club, sabbaticals, etc.) and commission plans. Mucking with compensation should be done very carefully and analytically because, as Maslow pointed out, compensation can have a huge adverse impact on productivity and employee loyalty.  The initial focus must be on the identification and preservation of identified assets, and any changes should be focused on clear synergies where the acquired or acquiring company’s capabilities can be used to enhance the other firm.  If you focus on preservation and performance enhancements first, you are far more likely to see improvements in overall performance than if you focus on anything else, like consistency between firms.

Due diligence: Companies get so excited about buying another firm, that often due diligence is more decision support than assuring that the acquisition makes sense. Elon Musk’s attempt to buy Twitter was only the most recent mistake in this regard as that acquisition made no sense and clearly would, and did, adversely impact Tesla sales with no offsetting upside. Ironically, the eventual due diligence that was later done seemed focused on killing the deal rather than assessing it and appears equally biased and problematic. You want to discover that a merger doesn’t make sense before you announce a program to acquire the firm. Otherwise, as Steve Ballmer found out with Yahoo while he was running Microsoft, even when you walk away from the merger, your company will be devalued.  

AMD and Xilinx 

What was clear with the Xilinx merger was that the CEOs from both companies were in lock step early on and that the due diligence was complete and thorough.  In addition, AMD knew what it needed from Xilinx, knew what AMD programs could benefit Xilinx, and didn’t step in and muck with the company’s operations.  

Rather than an invasive merger, Xilinx still operates under its former CEO, Victor Peng, as a relatively independent division of AMD. AMD provides access to its supply chain and manufacturing partners, and Xilinx works to build synergy, along with AMD, between the two firms’ products. Xilinx provides AMD with product breadth in terms of FPGAs, SOCs and networking technologies.  In addition, Xilinx provides AMD with a hedge against X86 declines with a heavy ARM capability.  

Finally, Xilinx provides AMD with traction in the hyper-scale computer market and a far stronger on-ramp to the automotive industry. In short, AMD helps Xilinx grow faster and Xilinx makes AMD far more agile and diversifies its product lines, making the firm more resilient to technology changes.  Together, they are stronger than they are apart, which, also ironically, is not at all common with mergers and should instead be an industry success standard.

Wrapping up:

The Dell/EMC merger set the bar for how to do a merger right by showcasing the benefits of a strong merger process, the right focus on protecting the assets acquired, and doing due diligence to determine if the merger makes sense rather than just supporting a decision already made.  The AMD/Xilinx merger appears to come out of the same approach with similar benefits and a near identical positive outcome, showcasing that a merged company is more valuable than just the sum of the parts.  

AMD CEO Lisa Su has again showcased why she is one of the most well-regarded CEOs in any industry, and she has chosen an excellent partner in Xilinx CEO Victor Peng.

Source: TG Daily – AMD and Xilinx: How to do a Perfect Merger

“Sake Viva!” is the latest in a long history of schemes designed to offset the effects of Japan’s population ageing and shrinking, as well as changing attitudes towards health and consumption.

The planned intervention follows the failure of Japan’s drinks industry, despite all its marketing powers, to stem a long-term slide in Japanese alcohol consumption that began well over a decade before the pandemic.

Taxes on alcohol products accounted for 3 percent of the government’s tax revenue in 2011, but had fallen to 2 percent by 2020, according to the tax agency.

Japan’s government runs a chronic budget deficit and has total debts equivalent to more than twice the nation’s gross domestic product. A fall in the total volume of alcohol consumed in Japan was inevitable once the indigenous population began to shrink over a decade ago and the proportion of citizens aged over 65 increased to more than a quarter of the country eight years ago.

According to figures released by the tax agency, Japan’s average per adult annual intake of booze has dropped from 100 litres per year in 1995 to 75 litres in the 2020 fiscal year. 

Japan tax office launches campaign to help encourage drinking

Contest asks young adults for ideas to revitalise popularity of alcoholic drinks after big fall in tax revenues

Continue reading on the Guardian

Liquor tax revenue dives in Japan amid pandemic

Both the size of the fall and the rate of decrease were the largest in 31 years since the impact of a drastic revision of the Liquor Tax Law in fiscal 1989.

Continue reading on The Japan Times

Shochu, The Enormously Popular Japanese Spirit, Has Become More Widely Available In New York Thanks To A New Law

Despite its enormous popularity in Japan, shochu has hardly been known to U.S. consumers. In July 2022, the New York State changed the law to allow the national spirit of Japan to be sold under a soft liquor license. The change may boost shochu?s recognition in the state and beyond.

Continue reading on Forbes

Source: TG Daily – Japan Encourages Its Young People to Drink Alcohol to Boost Economy

The United States Immigration and Citizenship Services (USCIS) announced that it is providing extensions for workers’ employment authorization documents. 

The automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD) extension policy came as good news to employees and employers. The USCIS announcing a new policy was a step in the right direction for both parties.

Businesses and companies were almost reaching a standstill due to the labor shortage caused by the delay. Immigrants all over the country needing employment authorization documents were forced to stay out of work, a condition that made the work environment unbearable for the remaining workers. 

Applicants who had filed for EAD renewal Form I-765 would duly benefit from the extension policy, which increased the period from 180 days to 540 days. The 360-day extension period provides sufficient time for the USCIS to handle the pending cases. 

Though common, EAD delays have been affecting both refugees and immigrants. Due to understaffing and financial constraints, the USCIS cannot promptly process cases. These challenges and the pandemic contributed to the hold-up witnessed in 2021. 

Who Benefits From the EAD Extension Policy?

Anyone who was qualified for the 180-day renewal period is still eligible for the 540-day extension. Likewise, qualified applicants must have filed Form I-765 before the expiry date. They should also have Form I-797C, Notice of Action, issued when the renewal application is submitted. 

Applicants whose 180-day extension period had expired would be added an extra 540 days of EAD validity from their expiration date. The good news is that these applicants are free to continue with their employment during this period. 

Similarly, applicants whose 180-day extension period has not expired will add an extra 360 days, which sums up to 540 days. On the same note, applicants who file renewal forms before October 27, 2023, also benefit from the 540-day extension period. 

Applicant Employees Under the TFR

The USCIS provided guidelines on how employers should complete Form I-9 for applicants under the TFR. Accordingly, the extension period applies to applicants who filed their renewal application forms before May 4, 2022, whether or not the initial 180-day automatic extension has expired. This also applies to applicants filing between May 4, 2022, and October 26, 2023.

It is important to note that any renewal applications made after October 26, 2023, will have the initial 180-day automatic extension period. Due to the various

considerations, employers are advised to seek legal advice when dealing with applications for employees under the TFR.   

For continuing employment, the employer must update the initial Form I-9 and indicate the new automatic EAD extension. The employer should fill out the required section with the extended expiration date for new employees. Nevertheless, employer requirements remain uncompromised by the new extension policy. 

“Like any other immigration manner, eligibility for EAD extensions may be confusing and especially important for immigrants who need up-to-date paperwork to stay in the country,” says immigration attorney Brandon Ritchie of Ritchie-Reiersen Injury & Immigration Attorneys. “To make sure all of your bases are covered, you should speak with meticulous immigration law counsel.

Qualified Categories for Automatic EAD Extension

As published by the USCIS, the following categories are eligible for an automatic EAD extension period. A03, A05, A07, A08, A10, A12, A17, A18, C08, C09, C10, C16, C19, C20, C22, C24, C26, C31. However, categories A17, A18, and C26 have specified employees who qualify for the extension.

When Does the Extension End?

As of October 27, 2023, the automatic extension period for EAD renewal will revert to the initial 180-day period. Hence, applicants who timely file renewal applications after the stated date will have an extended period of 180 days. 

Applicants are advised to find more information on the USCIS website or contact legal representation for further clarification on unclear immigration matters.

Source: TG Daily – USCIS Announces Automatic EAD Extension Policy

It is challenging to avoid industrial explosions in some workplaces. These explosions often expose people to chemical or toxic materials that may hurt them. Knowing what to do when exposed to chemical or toxic material can help mitigate the effect of the harmful material on the exposed person.

“Sometimes, it takes years for the effect of exposure to toxic materials to manifest. This makes it crucial to know and understand the signs so you can seek treatment before it’s too late” says Attorney Ronny Hulsey of Smith Hulsey Law. If you are exposed to chemical or toxic material, you should seek medical attention immediately. If your exposure is due to another’s negligence, you may need to consult a knowledgeable personal injury attorney who would help you file your case to seek compensation.

What Is Chemical Exposure?

Chemical or toxic material exposure occurs each time people come in contact with harmful material or chemicals. These chemicals can be hazardous to human health, and exposure to them can have serious effects on a person.

Most industrial processes result in the creation of wastes that are often hazardous. This waste contains chemicals that endanger not only people but the environment. In some cases, toxic materials can travel some distance through the air. This means that workers and residents who are not in the immediate vicinity of the chemicals can still suffer from the effects.

Where chemical or toxic material exposure often comes from an industrial explosion at a factory or work site, the effects can be far-reaching. During an industrial explosion, toxic materials can find their way out of the explosion site and into the environment. This makes it important for employees of a company where an industrial explosion occurs, and residents living within the vicinity to seek medical attention as they may have become exposed without knowing it.

Chemical and Toxic Material Exposure Pathway

Exposure pathway is a common term used in referring to the different ways chemical and toxic materials get into the body. Chemical materials can enter the environment through tanks, incinerators, factories, or landfills. When these hazardous materials get into the atmosphere, it becomes easier for people to be exposed to them. Chemicals and toxic materials can be transported by air, soil, or water. Additionally, plants or animals can carry these harmful substances. 

There are three different ways toxic materials can get into the human body, and they include:

• Inhalation: When chemical or poisonous materials mix up with the air, they can get into the body when people breathe in the air. These toxic materials can exist physically in vapors, smoke, gasses, dust, mists, and fumes. The rate of absorption increases when such toxic materials are inhaled into a person’s lungs.
• Ingestion: Exposure occurs when people eat food or drink water containing these toxic materials. Also, ingestion can be a level two chemical exposure pathway. For instance, if a person’s hands come in contact with toxic material and they put their hands in their mouth, the chemical material can enter the body through the mouth.
• Contact with the skin: Chemicals can enter the body through contact with the skin and eyes. The entry rate of these chemicals through skin contact is usually slow, unlike in ingestion and inhalation. However, when the exposed person has cuts or wounds on the skin, they can easily absorb toxic materials into the bloodstream.

Who Is at Risk of Chemical or Toxic Material Exposure?

When an industrial explosion or other exposure events occur, everyone that is within the environment of the explosion is at risk. Also, chemical materials can travel far. Therefore, residents who are not within the immediate environment of the explosion are still at risk of being exposed. It’s also important to note that children tend to suffer more from chemical materials exposure than adults.

According to the World Health Organization, 54 percent of individuals who suffer different kinds of diseases attributed to chemical exposure are children who are below the age of 15. Exposure to toxic materials can have a prolonged effect on children that may follow them into adulthood. Where the exposure level to toxic materials is high, the manifestation can even be seen across different generations.

Common Diseases That May Result from Chemical or Toxic Material Exposure

People exposed to chemical materials after an industrial explosion can go a considerable period without manifesting any symptoms of illnesses. However, certain diseases have been associated with chemical exposure, including cancer, contact dermatitis, asthma, asbestosis, beryllium disease, chronic obstructive lung disease, and pneumonitis.

What to Do When Exposed to Chemical and Toxic Material

No one willingly exposes themselves to toxic material. However, if such exposure does occur, knowing what to do is vital in controlling the effect of such exposure on an individual. If you or someone close to you have been exposed to chemical material, the first reaction should be to call 911 or contact your healthcare provider. 

However, before the ambulance gets to the person, you can do the following while waiting:

• Quickly take the victim away from the source of the chemical. If the person’s clothes or jewelry has come in contact with the toxic material, you may also need to remove them. Some chemicals are corrosive. Therefore, keeping the source in direct contact with the body can cause more harm than good.
• If the victim ingested the chemical, you might need to clear the lungs. This may entail taking the victim out of the environment to get fresh air.
• Where the chemical came in contact with the eyes or skin, you may need to wash the affected part with clean water. 

Symptoms of Chemical Exposure

One can easily detect chemical exposure by taking note of symptoms like teary and burning eyes, headaches, blurry vision, and sweating. Additionally, victims of chemical exposure can also experience diarrhea and stomach aches.

The symptoms of chemical exposure often depend on the level of exposure. Where the exposure level is high, victims may experience more severe symptoms such as breathing difficulties, convulsions, and death in some cases.

Filing a Chemical or Toxic Material Exposure Lawsuit

Many times, chemical exposure resulting from industrial explosions may occur due to the negligence of another. The victim may file a lawsuit against the negligent party and receive compensation for their injuries in such a case. However, cases like this may require a thorough investigation to determine the “at-fault” party. This is where having a competent personal injury lawyer comes in handy.

Your attorney will help you decide whether to file a lawsuit or settle out of court. The settlement to be received will mostly cover medical expenses, lost earnings, and non-economic losses suffered in the course of the exposure. 

Companies whose work processes involve the handling of toxic materials are required to put in place necessary safety measures to ensure their workers’ safety. Where companies fail to put standard safety measures in place, they may be held liable in the event of chemical exposure on the grounds of negligence.

Wrapping Up

Exposure to chemical materials can be slow in manifesting but hazardous. It is therefore crucial that individuals take precautionary measures to prevent such exposures. However, when you or a loved one becomes exposed to toxic material, seek medical attention immediately and reach out to an experienced attorney to help you determine the next line of action.

Source: TG Daily – What to Do When Exposed to Chemical or Toxic Material from Industrial Explosion

Road accidents are always a tragedy. No matter how small, it can disrupt your life and health. There is a difference in the impacts they can leave. While car and motorcycle crashes are terrifying and fatal in some cases, they cannot match the horror of truck accidents. Larger and heavier vehicles are more difficult to maneuver and can cause severe damage. On top of this, if people try to speed up the vehicle, they not only put themselves in danger but many others in proximity to their truck. According to a survey from Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a two percent increase from the previous year was noticed in the number of fatalities from bus or truck accidents in 2019. However, regardless of this increase in numbers, the overall rate of accidents and casualties related to trucks and buses was at its lowest in the 21st century. This is thanks to the latest and innovative safety measures and advancements in vehicular systems. 

The Devastating Consequences of Truck Accidents

Dying from a truck accident is incredibly painful to think about. However, surviving one seems even more painful. According to reports of truck accidents, around 1 percent of the truck accidents resulted in fatalities, 29 percent of accidents resulted in injuries, and approximately 33 percent resulted in physical harm. Surviving a truck accident can be traumatizing, and even if you recover from the injuries and physical harm, it is difficult to get rid of the memory of it and things you may have lost in the process. People’s injuries can be life-altering and can even leave victims bedridden for life. Injuries that people are most likely to suffer include, but are not limited to, brain and spinal injuries, temporary and permanent paralysis, extreme burns, amputations in arms or legs, and severe blows to the head. While it takes thousands of dollars to cover the cost of normal road accidents, truck accidents can cost much more. The cost of truck accidents is nearly 110% greater than typical road accidents. This is why it is important to contact an experienced attorney if you are the victim of a truck accident. 

Factors Contributing to Truck Accidents

When a truck crashes, it is not merely due to the driver’s irresponsibility but also the specifications of the vehicle that make it difficult to control. Around two-thirds of the nation’s supply of goods is transported via trucks in the United States. According to John M. Cooper from Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers, “While a normal passenger car on the road may weigh around 4000 pounds, the average commercial vehicle may weigh nearly 10,000-80,000, making it much more dangerous.” Generally, it is challenging to maneuver such a heavy vehicle. It is very difficult to control, especially at higher speeds on the highway, since a heavily loaded truck would take nearly double the time as a regular car to brake. Additionally, the blind spots on these heavy vehicles make the driving experience difficult since drivers must depend on the side mirrors to view the back. These vehicles sometimes come with rear cameras, but it is still wise for passengers of the smaller vehicle to keep a safe distance.

According to FMCSA, 13 percent of truck accidents occur due to driver fatigue. No rest between driving shifts can often make drivers prone to mistakes, and they tend to speed up to get to their destination faster, which is never a good thing. Furthermore, driving under the influence, defective equipment, uneven loading of cargo, and changing lanes are examples of driver negligence in cases of truck accidents. While laws are set on the amount that truck drivers can drive in a given timeframe, it is best to always be vigilant when driving near a truck. 

Contacting a Lawyer

The driver does not always own commercial trucks, and they may be rented or leased by different parties, which causes issues with liability claims. The liable parties can be narrowed down after getting to the root of the issue that caused the accident. You must contact a lawyer who will advocate on your behalf and take care of your liability claims. An experienced attorney can make all the difference when navigating the aftermath of a truck accident. 

Source: TG Daily – The Horror of Truck Accidents

Losing parties in criminal or civil lawsuits have the right to appeal. But petitioning for an appeal doesn’t mean that you will get one; you must substantiate through evidence that procedural issues or other substantive issues were why you lost your case. 

If the appellate court is satisfied with your reasons to seek an appeal, your petition is granted, and you get a retrial. If not, the court upholds the lower court’s decision. But losing an appeal is not the end. There are several alternatives you could explore.

Petition for a Rehearing

One option would be filing a motion for “en Banc reconsideration.” En Banc reconsideration essentially means requesting the court to reconsider its ruling. The appellate court will only grant a rehearing only if there was a major miscarriage of justice in the initial hearing. For example, if material facts were overlooked or misrepresented, resulting in an unfair outcome. 

Also, you must file for a rehearing within a 15-day window from the date the appellate court gave its verdict. But the waiting time may vary by state, so you may want to get clarification from your lawyer. 

Supreme Court

The other option after losing an appeal would be taking your case to the Supreme Court. Having your case heard at the Supreme Court begins with petitioning the court. This option can be more of a gamble because the Supreme Court has the right to reject a case they do not want to take. 

You will also need to seek permission to file a petition at the Supreme Court from the court that made the original ruling. Also, you must file a petition within 30 days of losing your appeal. Failure to comply makes the appellate court decision permanent and final. 

If you’re convicted for federal offenses, the appeal will be in a federal appeals court and then move to the United States Supreme Court. For crimes under a state’s jurisdiction, the appeal happens in the state’s appellate court and Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is mainly final, but there are circumstances where an appeal would be applicable.

Habeas Relief

If the appellate and the Supreme Court do not offer the reprieve you seek, your lawyer could explore “writ of habeas corpus” as a last resort. This option provides relief for individuals whose convictions involved constitutional violations and fundamental or jurisdictional defects. 

Unlike avenues of appeal discussed above, your lawyer can introduce new facts and arguments in the case. Also, there are no timelines for filing a case under this option. 

“This option is a lifesaver for persons convicted of crimes they never committed if new evidence based on new information exonerates them,” says criminal lawyer William Umansky of The Umansky Law Firm. For example, an individual convicted of a crime that involved sexual assault when there was no way of matching DNA could file for a habeas relief if new the seminal or blood specimens used to prove their guilt point to someone else’s DNA.

Other grounds that could qualify for habeas relief would include: 

• Ineffective legal assistance in the original trial.
• Involuntary or coerced guilty pleas.
• Government agencies’ failure to disclose information material to the case at trial.

Courts do not grant petitions easily. So, it would be best to hire a legal mind when drafting and filing petitions or risk not making any meaningful progress.

Source: TG Daily – What Happens If You Lose an Appeal?