Much of my educational background was in Manpower Management, a now largely discontinued field of study that focused on applying our understanding of people to motivation, company productivity, and employee/company success.

So when it comes to the current Hollywood scuffle compliments of the Oscar ceremonies, it has been fascinating to watch the discussions on who is right: Chris Rock as a comedian exercising his freedom of speech, or Will Smith defending his wife. The answer should be neither. Instead, the discussion should be focused on how to ensure it never happens again. From a workplace perspective, had Chris Rock done that at a company event, it would constitute a hostile workplace. What Will Smith did would be considered workplace violence. At the companies I have worked for, the former might have resulted in termination, and the latter would have certainly had that result. But the real damage was done to the entertainment industry because two of the industry’s top performers exited this event with their reputations crippled by it. 

I have seen this a lot at companies. An executive or employee tells a poorly thought-through joke that results in a range of responses from being frozen in grade (never seeing another promotion) to being perp-walked out of the building never to return. 

Let us talk about how award ceremonies work and why certain types of humor should be outlawed at awards events.

The power of awards vs. cash or promotions

If you have studied Abraham Maslow or Frederick Herzberg, you know that money does not motivate you well. People will not work harder if they get more money, but if you reduce their income, they will do disproportionately less work. Overpaying anyone, therefore, makes no sense, but correcting salary discrepancies and avoiding salary reductions, which can put you in a death spiral, do. You can motivate with promotions the way my industry does. But when most of the folks in the company have the title “VP” without being qualified to do the job, you have locked them into the industry. They cannot leave the industry without seeming either overqualified for the jobs they can do, or underqualified to keep their organizational level. Going from VP to Director would seem to be a demotion even though, in practice, it is not. 

Apple’s practice of removing your title from your record and replacing it with “associate” does much the same thing without turning everyone into a VP, but it comes across as cruel and retaliatory. People with my background are likely to recommend no one go to work for that company, if you have a choice, as a result. Now that this policy is known, it will have an adverse impact on the quality of employees they can recruit going forward. Yes, it proves that you can implement a secret abusive retention practice, but in this connected world, secrets like this are very hard to keep, and if it gets out you do this, you will be open to litigation for damages and people who have a choice of employment are more likely to choose someone else. 

Awards, if they are dependable and large enough, can drive productivity. Salespeople work incredibly hard to win a luxury car at the end of the selling season and salespeople already are getting commissions and other financial incentives to sell more. Two bad practices are making the award optional and changing eligibility at the end of the award qualifying period. 

One of the large PR firms announced early one year that they would have impressive awards for top performers if the company did well, but if it did not, the awards would be canceled. As a result, few employees took the awards seriously and the program underperformed. At the end of the award period at another company I worked for, the business made anyone that had won the award the prior year ineligible. Given I had worked extra hard to win that award a second time, I went from loyal employee to rebel, and I eventually quit to go off on my own. 

To work, awards must be dependable, large enough to be desirable and convey the status that was promised. Otherwise, the person being awarded will lose faith and their performance will decrease and they will be at high risk of acting out or looking for a new job in another company.

Forgetting the status thing

Part of what makes awards so effective is the status conveyed. Yet at company award events, it is common for whoever is giving the award to make fun of the recipient. Sometimes the jokes are vanilla, but they can be harsh and cruel, much like Chris Rock’s comments about Will Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. The goal of an award event is to value top performers and make other employees in the same field want to be them. This drives up overall performance. If getting the award will result in personal embarrassment, then not only does that weaken the award’s potential for motivation, but it will also make the award undesirable.

If you are going to tell jokes at an event, they should be focused on you and your experiences and you should avoid making fun of others, particularly those being recognized for their exemplary performance. 

Wrapping up: A learning experience

I think the Will Smith/Chris Rock dust-up could be a good learning experience. It reminds us that violence at the workplace is unacceptable regardless of who does it, but it also reminds us that a poorly considered joke can have serious consequences. We live in an age where a lot of people seem to think that they can say anything. That has never been the case. Jokes are incredibly dangerous, and given the Oscars are designed to drive actors to higher performance, making fun of them on stage at the event is counterproductive and was bound to result in someone going off the rails. 

The lesson you should walk away with is that awards do work to increase performance, but you can destroy the effectiveness of those awards if they are not reliably given or if you embarrass the winners when the awards are given. Awards event talent should be focused like a laser on making the award recipients larger than life and enviable so that others emulate their top-performing behavior. Most of the Oscar presenters did exactly that, but Rock did not and did substantial damage as a result to his and Will Smith’s careers, and to the Oscars in general. Make sure you and your people learn this lesson or it is likely to come back to haunt you with a series of painful repercussions. It is sad that the one great example, where Lady Gaga had Liza Minnelli’s back, was overwhelmed by the bad examples of Chris Rock and Will Smith. But that also shows that a mistake will always overwhelm any good news. 

Awards are given for a reason. Not understanding that can completely undermine their purpose. 

Source: TG Daily – Will Smith’s Oscar Slap: A Learning Opportunity For Employee Protection, Retention, and Motivation

Trading might sound like easy money, but that’s in fact far from what it really is. If you have ever contemplated the prospect of engaging in it, you probably know how overwhelming the sheer amount of data can get. Luckily, a solid trading strategy can relieve you considerably when it comes to decision-making. Still, it doesn’t guarantee efficient trading. This article explores how you can boost your efficiency as a beginner trader as well as someone with experience in this area.

Use a Platform You Can Rely On

The platform you choose to trade on matters the world. Depending on your experience and personality, it can determine the overall success of your undertaking to a higher or lower degree. Here are some essential aspects to take into account when making the decision:

• intuitive interface over a multitude of features you hardly know how to use
• the range of assets you can trade
• backup options for data protection and historical data access
• technical analysis features and other analytics

It’s always a wise choice to use a well-reputed and powerful platform such as Metatrader 4. This one is much prized for a good reason as it offers its users a wealth of insightful data without being difficult to master. 

Always Follow a Plan

Another step to take if you haven’t already is to set up a plan. Work out a trading strategy that specifies unambiguously when to close this or that position and what you are trying to achieve in the short- and long-term perspective.

However, it’s not enough to simply have a plan. Learn to curb your emotions and stick to it no matter what, adopt a businesslike approach to trading that eliminates hasty decisions. After all, it is business, isn’t it?

Avoid Unnecessary Risk

This may sound like another hackneyed truth but there’s really no skipping it. Never risk more than you can afford to lose, says the rule. In fact, attitude should be part and parcel of your plan (see above).

Once again, respect the limits even when you see an opportunity not to be missed. Many people lose their minds when it comes to leverage because they feel like the promise and appeal are so much greater than the risk. That’s not true. You can only afford to lose this much. And losing is okay as long as it’s within the limits.

Base Your Methodology on Facts

Use the data your platform gives you to inform your choices. Try to always be aware of what’s going on and learn to single out the most important events so you can respond to them. This is not to say that you should neglect your strategy whenever you see a deviation from the existing trend; rather, remember to study the market closely.

A Sense of Purpose

If you feel like your trading lacks efficiency, try scrutinizing your strategy. How consistent is it? How compliant are you? Does the platform you’ve chosen serve your purpose? The answers will surely help you boost your performance as a trader.

Source: TG Daily – Trading Efficiently: The How-Tos

Even the best drivers in the world can get into car accidents. While you can take care of your driving, you cannot eliminate bad drivers from the road. When you get involved in a car accident, you may want to clear the misconceptions and leave the scene as soon as possible. After all, no one likes legal drama in their lives. 

It is not illegal not to call the police at a car accident scene. However, that does not mean you should not. While you may think otherwise, calling the police can actually help your case. A car accident lawyer in Los Angeles can tell you how you can protect your rights and maximize your compensation by reporting the accident. 

Reporting a car accident to the police

In Los Angeles, you are required to report all car accidents, no matter how minor they are. If you hit a moving vehicle, a pedestrian, or a stationary object, you need to stop at the scene and exchange information with the other parties involved. 

Most people tend not to report accidents when there is a lack of personal injury. However, you are still encouraged to do so because a police report can clearly show how the collision unfolded. Besides documenting the events that caused the crash, this report can also record the extent of the vehicle damage and medical injuries. 

How can the police help you?

In some car accidents, mostly minor ones, people often want to leave the police out of the matter to avoid additional trouble. If someone else causes the accident, they will likely try to convince you to settle the matters privately instead of getting involved with the police. 

This is never a smart move because this way, you never get the chance to create an official report of the accident. If there is no report, you cannot prove that the accident even took place. If you decide to file a claim in the future, one of the documents the insurance company or the court is going to ask for is the police report. 

The police can also help you with medical care

While the police are often associated with the investigation of the site, they can also offer necessary medical care in the absence of the ambulance. If you have severe injuries and the ambulance is late, the police can provide basic medical care. Moreover, they can help clear the site for the ambulance to park and help injured people move to the ambulance. 

The police can be helpful at a car accident site in many ways. It is understandable why one would want to avoid the police, but it is only beneficial for you in the long run. For further help, contact an attorney.

Source: TG Daily – Will Calling The Police Immediately After A Car Accident Benefit You?

Leader Kim Jong Un walks towards the camera, flanked by generals, as they prepare to fire the giant Hwasong-17 missile — Pyongyang’s first ICBM test since 2017. 

Over suspenseful music, the camera cuts between two generals and Kim checking their watches, before, in slow motion, Kim whips off his sunglasses and gives a nod, prompting soldiers to move the enormous missile into position. 

The footage — swiftly remixed into parodies on social media — also focuses on the missile itself. 

Cheong Seong-chang of the Center for North Korea Studies at the Sejong Institute, said the style of the video shows Pyongyang’s increasing confidence in its military capabilities.

Known as the Hwasong-17, the giant ICBM was first unveiled in October 2020 and dubbed a “monster missile” by analysts.

It had never previously been successfully test-fired, and the launch prompted immediate outrage from Pyongyang’s neighbours and the United States.

The North is already under biting international sanctions for its weapons programs, and the UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting over the launch on Friday.

Kim Jong-un gets Top Gun treatment in North Korea’s missile coverage

State TV broadcasts Hollywood-style video starring leader in aviator shades and flanked by military officers

Continue reading on the Guardian

What we know about North Korea’s new ICBM

North Korea has confirmed it tested a new type of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), its first long-range test in more than four years and marking a potential new era of regional confrontation.

Continue reading on CNN

The new arms race on the Korean Peninsula

Despite exaggerations and inevitable setbacks, North Korea’s missile test programme is increasingly impressive.

Continue reading on

Source: TG Daily – North Korean Leader Reenacts “Top Gun” in a Dramatic Missile Launch Footage

This week was NVIDIA’s GTC and, as usual, the content blew me away. Jensen Huang always impresses me with a keynote that can stick with me for months by using his firm’s technology to turn what is otherwise (and often is at other events) a tedious spiel of speeds and feeds into a compelling view of our vastly changed future. It is worth your time watching it. 

But one thing came out in one of the Q&A sessions I attended and that is that all the car companies are using NVIDIA’s infrastructure, but only a subset of them is using NVIDIA’s full-stack. Some believe they can do it more cheaply with their own hardware. This is ill-advised and, I expect, will eventually result in a black eye on technology and massive recalls 

Let me explain.

Auto PC

I first saw this problem in the automotive market with Microsoft’s early 2000s Auto PC effort. At the time, Microsoft did the software but did not create a hard specification on the hardware. In testing, the software was impressive for the time as it would take voice commands, used an array microphone to even work in convertibles, had built-in navigation, and a host of other features I no longer remember largely because they broke on the final product. The reason for this breakage, which was most painful with a GPS system that would tell you where to turn after you passed the street (unless you kept your speed below 20 miles per hour), was that Clarion, the company that built the system, under-specified the Intel processor. The result was an affordable product that failed in the market (I put it in my wife’s car and the entire time she had it she threatened to rip it out of the dash and throw it out of the window.) Rather than enjoying this advanced device, we and our passengers would entertain ourselves by making fun of it. 

The lesson learned was that the hardware and software need to be wedded for it to work properly. If you break that technology stack, you could end up with something that works unpredictably and not at all well. 

The bigger problem

As I mentioned, NVIDIA’s infrastructure is being used for every car that will have autonomous drive technology, but many of the highest volume cars will use hardware that was not part of this development. This means most of the advanced testing and development will have been done on NVIDIA’s hardware, not on the potentially cheaper hardware the OEMs want to use at volume. 

Now, typically, the risk of this is that the solution is unreliable, but we are talking about autonomous machines that are carrying people. So let’s say the third-party hardware is just a little slow and does not report or react to the car running the stoplight for two extra seconds. Those two seconds could make the difference between stopping safe or being T-boned in an intersection, and some of those accidents are fatal. 

In the subsequent lawsuit, were I advising the plaintiff, I would suggest they add negligence to the charges for an escalation of remedies because the car maker made a conscious decision to degrade the solution to save money. The result could damage the car maker’s brand, reputation, and the resulting recall could cost far more than if they had just used the complete and thoroughly tested solution from NVIDIA. 

Particularly early on with a solution like this when people are still learning, swapping out a part of the solution to save a few bucks is incredibly dangerous. Were I Consumer Reports, I would be tempted to blacklist any vendor that took this risk initially or at least until the technology had been on the road for a year or more just to assure the people that paid for my service remained safe. 

Wrapping up:

Back when I was in graduate school, one of my professors who worked for NASA (which originated the concept of a digital twin, by the way) spoke about how spaceships were built. They were triple redundant and, for unique systems, three parts for every component were built. Assemblers would test the parts and install the first part that didn’t fail the test, if all three failed, they would still install the first failed part assuming one of the two redundant systems would step in. However, if all nine parts failed, so would the rocket, potentially catastrophically. That sounded incredibly stupid to me at the time.

Taking a brand new and extremely complex system and trying to save money by substituting third-party parts is incredibly risky. Yes, you may save a few dollars, but if the result ends catastrophically, you now own a decision where you put your customer’s life at risk for something like a $10 savings. Odds are, the result for you and your company will be tragic if only because, first, products that are highly complex have problems which may not emerge until later. If you mix it up, you run the chance of that decision being called out as the cause, even if it isn’t, and incurring far more massive costs and reputational damage as a result. 

Now five or ten years out, when we know more about these systems in large numbers and for extended use, swapping out components might be less risky. But given the numbers, even a .01% additional risk might be unsustainable once an accident occurs, and no matter how good the technology, there will be an accident. So, personally, I would advise against this move even then. 

By their very nature, autonomous cars are simply too risky to mess with. Shortly after this technology launches in volume in 2025 and 2026, I expect we will have several vendors who wished they had taken NVIDIA’s entire stack and not tried to save a few bucks. 

Source: TG Daily – NVIDIA and the Upcoming Driverless Car Problem No One Is Talking About

One of the big problems with conferencing tools, both those that focus on smaller groups like Microsoft Teams and for large audiences like On24, is making it so remote attendees are not disadvantaged. Huddle rooms, a new concept, instead of making things better post-pandemic appear to be making things worse because you still have the advantage of on-site attendees being able to have side conversations and grab a social meal or drinks after the meeting to catch up. 

The drinks/dinner thing could be addressed via an approved online activity like a team-building game, but the loss of side conversations just has not been taken seriously enough. Well, until now. A service called Shindig, which is used by companies like SAP, Accenture, Salesforce, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and others, provides a unique capability that could help remote employees remain remote and further reduce the need for and related risk of air travel. 

Let us talk about that this week.

The problem with video conferencing systems

I have covered this category since I worked on it in the late eighties on joint projects between IBM, AT&T, and Apple. The industry tends to go in cycles in which a bunch of companies jump on technology, people do not use it, the companies dump the product allowing the industry to consolidate around a few vendors who go into decline, and then the pattern repeats. It is quite annoying.

Each generational cycle allows technology to mature, but sadly, the expectations for this technology advance as well, which leaves a near-constant gap between the ideal of never having to travel or feel left out again and what these products can do. One of those recurring problems is side conversations during a presentation. If you are at the event, you can chat with others once the event breaks. If you are remote and want to chat, you will need to pick up the phone or use a conferencing tool, and that only works well once the meeting is over unless you want to try to have multiple services trying to use your microphone and camera at once.

What Shindig has done is create something it calls Watercoolr (I know, weird spelling, but this allows them to brand the name). It allows attendees to, with permission, chat with other attendees. In some ways, this is better than being at an event in person because you can chat with anyone there, including the speakers, privately and personally. Say you just want to comment on the talk or take something that was said and explore it. Shindig lets you do that, and the result could be more collaborative.

For instance, rather than public questions and answers which can take up a massive amount of time with a large audience, assigned spokespeople could queue up or dynamically volunteer to answer questions real-time, only pushing those of general interest (and with the appropriate level of controversy) to the general audience. This would both make the presentation more interesting, because the content could be made more dynamic based on the questions, and prevent the occasional disaster.

Preventing the occasional disaster

I recall a disaster that happened at an event in the late nineties. Novell had analysts and press at a huge event where it introduced a new platform called SuperNOS. An analyst asked a natural question which was, “isn’t what you are going to build the same thing that Microsoft is selling as Windows NT today?” That started a massive move from Novell to Microsoft which eventually killed the company. Had that question been handled privately the reporters might not have immediately picked up the question, giving the then Novell staff time to think of a better answer than the lack of one at the event. While it may not have saved Novell (the company had lost its way), it could have at least prevented the catastrophic outcome that effectively terminated the company. 

Wrapping up:

After not traveling for two years, I dread traveling again and having to rebuild my previously decades-old frequent flier status. Thus, any tool that targets making remote attendance as good as or potentially better than attending in person, I am a fan. 

Shindig, by nature, is not really a collaboration tool so much as it is one focused on big tent events with large audiences, making travel to those events not only redundant but, unless you want to do something else at the venue, unnecessary. When the company briefed me, it also shared some things on its roadmap which could continue to positively differentiate it in this regard now and into the future. 

In a world of mostly copycat, large-scale conferencing products, Shindig stands out by finally addressing one of the most annoying problems historically with video conferencing: building and maintaining relationships. 

Source: TG Daily – Shindig Makes Remote Attendance More Like Being There

Founded with complete transparency and compliance in 2018, BitMart has remained a top-tier cryptocurrency exchange that continues to attract venture capital worldwide.

Now with more than nine million users, BitMart is stronger than ever and continues to look toward future challenges with optimism. Regardless of what setbacks occur, BitMart is confident in its ability to innovate and incorporate the best solutions to move boldly forward.

To coincide with BitMart’s Fourth Anniversary celebration (March 15 – 29), reporter Awais Ahmed had the opportunity to interview the founder and CEO of BitMart, Sheldon Xia, and present his visions for his crypto ecosystem to the world.

01 BTC could Change the World

Many people consider the original Bitcoin whitepaper as the “Crypto Bible,” and Sheldon is undoubtedly a believer.

According to him, he first came across digital assets in 2013. After reading “A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System,” the idea that “Bitcoin could change the world” came to his mind. Even though this idea seemed absurd to many during the time, he had no qualms about introducing ‘Bitcoin’ as an emerging asset to people around him. Of course, those who recognized that this technology would change the world either became a HODLR or joined the crypto industry to build the necessary infrastructure. Still in his twenties and eager to dive deep into all the crypto industry had to offer, Sheldon made a bold choice: he wanted them all.

In the early stages of the crypto world, the infrastructure could only meet the basic needs of crypto investors, and there was not even any user experience. Crypto users who wanted to invest could only do so by sending money to the exchange’s personal account, which Sheldon had experienced. “My personal crypto experience coupled with my optimism about the industry eventually prompted me to enter the niche track of building an exchange. After experiencing the chaos of the industry, it made me prioritize the user experience at the top of my list, and put compliance at the core of BitMart’s development.”

02 Compliance is an Attribute engraved in BitMart’s DNA

Why did BitMart choose compliance as a breakthrough point at its inception? 

Sheldon’s answer is that “it has to do with my personal experience and team’s DNA”.

In 2015, Sheldon started using Coinbase for quantitative trading while studying in the United States. Out of curiosity about the product, he went to study the history of Coinbase and learned a lot from it, but he also felt the difference between Western exchanges and Asian ones.

“In the current crypto world where exchanges are the core component, exchanges naturally carry strong financial and service attributes. Therefore, in the mainstream educational and socio-cultural environment of Western countries, the first reaction of tech-driven engineers, when they think of exchanges, is to move towards compliance and embrace regulation.” Sheldon said, “after all, regulation is not exactly a bad thing in the development of the crypto world. At this stage, embracing regulation can allow crypto assets and technology to better interact with the traditional world, improving the acceptance of the crypto industry by traditional financial investors and even the general public, which essentially gives a boost to the industry.”

With the CEO’s active promotion coupled with the fact that most of BitMart’s employees have financial and technical backgrounds, BitMart has a positive attitude towards regulation. So on the first day of the exchange’s existence, the compliance process was already one of the priorities in the early days of its development.

“In the early stage, our plan was to become the ‘ Asia’s version of Coinbase’. This strategy was based on the trending spot market and user demographics at that time. We wanted to take a certain market share in the Asia of the crypto market while seeking compliance in the region.

While BitMart’s crypto market share in Asia was increasing, we also noticed that the proportion of BTC settlements in Asian countries was declining. Hence, we promptly adjusted our strategy by shifting our focus to Europe and America. It proved that changing the company’s development strategy at the right time to adjust to the rapidly developing market is a necessary survival skill for a company.”

With its compliance attribute coupled with the ability to adjust, BitMart is favored among users and capitals. In November 2021, BitMart received Series B financing led by Alexander Capital with Alpha Square Group and Chaos Ventures participation.

03 Expand the Ecological-breadth Horizontally & Explore the Product-depth Vertically

After four years of growth, BitMart is now ranked among the top 10 exchanges in the crypto industry. On top of providing basic trading services to users, BitMart has also been enriching its product lines in order to meet the growing financial needs of all types of crypto users. BitMart’s current product lines cover spot trading, futures trading, leverage trading, savings, staking, and a premium launchpad serving more than nine million crypto users worldwide. Early this year, BitMart was ranked sixth in the [2021 Digital 100 – U.S. Financial Services].

Talking about the expansion of BitMart’s product ecology, Sheldon adheres to the attitude of stability amid progress. He believes differentiated products should be provided to users in various development phases instead of launching fancy products just for gimmicks.

“An exchange is an infrastructure that provides basic services for users, only an exchange with credibility, usability, security, where users can profit from and get their needs satisfied can be called a ‘good’ exchange.” “We have constantly been tutoring our users about cryptos and paying great attention to the spot trading sector in the past four years. With the prosperity of the derivatives market in the traditional financing sector and the development of the crypto industry, I think it’s time for BitMart to march towards the derivatives market.” “ Along with this, we will also be strengthening our presence in the spot trading market.”

The momentum of BitMart’s ecosystem development will undoubtedly drive up the value of BitMart’s native ERC-20 token, BMX. Due to the BMX’s close alignment with BitMart, BMX tokens also sky-rocketed in 2021, with an annual increase of more than 1500%. Sheldon said that BitMart would explore the decentralization sector in the second half of this year, in which BMX may serve as the core fuel. “ The application scenarios for the BMX token will significantly increase.”

Meanwhile, the establishment of the BitMart investment fund – Cipholio Ventures has also added impetus to the development of the BitMart ecosystem. Sheldon hopes to explore and support early crypto projects through investment funds, further promote the development of the crypto industry through incubation of new tracks and new projects, and accelerate the replenishment of the BitMart ecosystem in many aspects.

Besides all the mentioned above, security will also be a major focus for BitMart. Sheldon did not evade the hack that occurred in 2021 and spoke openly about how it has helped the company move forward. As he said, “it is never too late to mend, and only when problems are exposed and solved under rapid development can BitMart move forward.” The unfortunate incident also enabled BitMart to upgrade its security system in all aspects. Not only had BitMart introduced new systems and external partners, it had also upgraded its staffing internally. Sheldon said that “providing users with secure and easy-to-use crypto services is BitMart’s continuous pursuit.”

04. BitMart aims to become the Underlying Facility of the Metaverse

When asked about how he sees BitMart in the future, he answered: “I hope that when people mention the word ‘metaverse’ in the future, the first exchange that comes to their mind is BitMart.”

Sheldon has his own exciting explanation for his answer. He explained that the businesses BitMart wants to focus on are three parts: cryptocurrency trading services, infrastructure, and an open financial system. With these three parts integrated into one, it becomes the entrance to the metaverse and Web 3.0. 

Sheldon is optimistic about the future of the metaverse, and he said that it provides a similar function to cryptocurrency. “Just like how BTC provides a peer-to-peer online payment method that solves the payment problem of cross-regional and cross-system asset transfer; how the smart contracts provide the idea of using codes to solve the issue of trust in the blockchain industry.” “The metaverse provides a new entrance and exit for the emotional needs of human beings in the future. Although the metaverse is still in its early stage, we see recognition and experimentation from a wide range of industries.” As someone with a background in computer science, Sheldon sees what metaverse can offer and solve, despite its very early stage. 

Sheldon especially emphasized that “as a concept that requires the collaboration of software, hardware, and infrastructure, the existence of the blockchain industry is crucial.” “And only the blockchain is used as the underlying system, can the underlying economic system for the metaverse be completed, where people and economy flow freely in the metaverse world. Therefore, what BitMart wants is to become the infrastructure of the metaverse and build the underlying infrastructure.

In Sheldon’s vision of the industry, the metaverse will become something beyond the scale of the current Internet in the next 5-10 years. The role BitMart aims to play is what a game hub is for the video game, where users can enter different virtual scenarios, switch between different account IDs, and where assets can be exchanged, traded, and stored. Bitmart aims to act as a transportation hub for Web 3.0 and the metaverse and provide services to users across the world.

One of Sheldon’s favorite books is Principles by Ray Dalio, in which the qualities of extreme truth-seeking and transparency are emphasized. It is also his philosophy in running the exchange. He believes full transparency is not only applicable to the company’s management but is also the core of the blockchain concepts. With these philosophies, Sheldon hopes to make the right decisions and seize the opportunities. And make BitMart the underlying facility of the metaverse and Web 3.0. 

Source: TG Daily – Sheldon Xia: BitMart will become the Ecological Entrance to the Metaverse and Web3.0

While quantum computers aren’t yet real, IBM has identified a critical problem and opportunity to apply its Quantum computing expertise when it is needed in the IBM Cloud. The issue we’ve known was coming is that once quantum computers become viable, they’ll be able to decrypt anything not protected against quantum decryption in a relatively short period of time. And encrypted data that has been stolen and safe until then will suddenly become a huge problem for the companies that have been compromised. If I believe security companies like Kaspersky, every company has been penetrated already but most aren’t even aware it happened.   

IBM has built a quantum level encryption engine into its latest Z16 server that will encrypt to a level that should give even quantum computers pause and should do a far better job of assuring that the data that was stolen from you encrypted remains secure indefinitely even in the brain of a viable quantum computer. 

Let’s talk about that this week. 

Anticipating the future

One of IBM’s competitive advantages has been its dedicated lab resources which allows it to better anticipate future events and build for them. The labs have driven efforts like Watson, IBM’s enterprise-class AI engine, and even allowed IBM to have a solution at scale long before its competitors were even looking at advanced AI. The company also has one of the oldest, most well-regarded quantum computing development efforts. And IBM was the first to have a cloud-based quantum education effort which is helping build a foundation of developers for when quantum computing becomes real.

It is this early focus on quantum computing that gives IBM what may be an unmatched level of quantum competence in the market today and allows it to better anticipate the current need for quantum technology which is to protect data today for the quantum threat of tomorrow.  

Normally you wouldn’t need to develop competency in new computer technology until after it becomes available, but quantum computing is such a big potential game-changer that is not the case this time. Quantum computing represents a massive change in how some computational tasks are done. The computers represent ways to analyze massive data sets and likely will be critical to the emerging metaverse worlds that several companies are creating.  Potentially best used for predictive analytics utilizing large datasets, like predicting the weather more accurately, once available, quantum computers will disrupt the server market significantly.  

Once they do, their full capability will become available to both good and bad actors, and it is those bad actors we need to be concerned about. That is because the type of encryption most companies use today will be, and is, inadequate in a quantum world.  

In a quantum world, you need at least 256-bit keys, according to IBM, to protect against both traditional existing and future quantum computer-generated attacks. 

Other quantum attack risks

In a presentation, IBM also addressed several additional future risks tied to quantum computers. They could:

• manipulate software updates unnoticed, compromising the systems those updates are applied for,
• recreate documented history to falsify materials supplied during litigation discovery in ways nearly impossible to detect,
• create viable, false digital signatures that could be used to validate fraudulent contracts,
• be used to launch extortion attacks with believable fake information.

Basically, without Quantum Safe Cryptography, no online secret, however well protected, is safe.   

And I’m sure, this is just the tip of the iceberg because, until we have quantum computers and developers start getting creative with them, we probably don’t know just how much damage they could do in the wrong hands. 

Wrapping up:

One of the biggest computing breakthroughs will be quantum computing. But, unlike other breakthroughs, this one can, in a way, go back in time and decrypt sensitive data that had been previously stolen. The use of quantum computers for harm or good is in our future, so understanding and then implementing a Quantum Safe strategy is a critical necessity.  That future is coming very quickly, and this time it can look back at our history and not only compromise already stolen data but make historical digital record-keeping far more unreliable than anything previously anticipated.  

One final thought: since everything stolen to date isn’t Quantum Safe, anticipating that your past encrypted files will be breached in the future and working out contingency plans for when it is, would be part of preparing for your quantum future.  

Source: TG Daily – IBM Moves on Quantum Security Opportunity

Swiss and German researchers helped a man with severe ALS to communicate through a brain-computer interface.

ALS patients in this locked-in state can hear and understand what’s going around them but are powerless to respond.

The new ALS implant uses electrodes to pick up brain signals that are fired. Using this strategy, he later learned to select letters one at a time, by saying yes or no, to form words and entire phrases from a speller program reading aloud the alphabet.

In September 2019, the German Research Foundation charged co-authors with scientific misconduct related to similar research conducted between 2013 and 2014, citing that the pair failed to “film patient examinations in full, did not appropriately show details of their analyses in the papers and made false statements,” a co-author of the new study. 

‘Emotional moment’: locked-in patient communicates with family via implant

New technology allows patients to communicate but at slow pace

Continue reading on the Guardian

Paralysed man communicates the first time in years with brain implant

The unnamed German man who was completely locked inside his body since February 2019 due to worsening paralysis can now communicate with his family again thanks to an implant in his brain.

Continue reading on Mail Online

A paralysed man with a brain chip is able to tweet just by thinking

Astonishing system takes practice, says ALS sufferer, but once you are rolling, it becomes natural.

Continue reading on The Independent

Source: TG Daily – ALS Patients Could Regain Their Ability to Communicate with the Help of a Brain Implant

Social media platforms, especially video-sharing apps, have become quite famous over the last few years. Honestly, most social media platforms owe most of their success to the pandemic. At first, social media platforms were considered teen’s apps since most of the things being posted were fifteen-second clips of dances to songs. After a while, most people realized that social media could be used to market products since the rate at which people were ‘blowing up’ and becoming famous was alarming. At this point, everyone knows of video-sharing apps, and if you are looking for a way to download videos without the video-sharing apps’ watermark, you could download a clip converter app. The following are some of the advantages of having a good clip converter;

Allows you to download videos with no limits

Some clip converters are a menace since they allow you to download videos for free for only a specified period, like three days. This period is referred to as the free trial. After the period set for the free trial is over, you will find that you cannot download videos from social media for free unless you get one of the subscriptions from the app or site you use the offer. Some good social media platform converters enable you to download social media platform videos that interest you without asking for fees. These converters enable you to operate the site or app without experiencing any troubles.

You can save a video online without the watermarks

We often want to show someone a video you saw online, but the watermarks on the clip slightly ruin the video. Sometimes, you may have made a promotion video on a specific social media platform as a content creator, but you want to share the same clip on other social media platforms without the previous app’s watermark. Reputable clip converters can help you get rid of any trademark, watermark, or logo on the clip. An example of a video converter is the tik tok converter mp4.

Security and safety of your details

A reputable online video converter should ensure maximum protection of any detail you give on their website. Some websites expose their clients’ details to third-party sites, which may delete important information on your device, use the information for wrong purposes, or infect your device with malicious software malware. You should ensure that the clip converter you choose offers security and safety of your details and device. Some converters have certificates to show that their page is clean and free from threats.

A good video converter is User Friendly

You should ensure that the converter you pick is easy and convenient. It should be easy to understand and operate, just like the video-sharing platform. Some video converters have numerous advertisements that pop up when using the sites, and these will only annoy you with one wrong click, and you’ll find yourself on a different website you never wanted to be on. Pick one that has few or no ads. Online video converters are easy to operate, but it all depends on the one you choose. Some converters like TikTok converter mp4 allow you to save videos in formats such as HD, MP3, MP4, and even GIFs.

Written by Callum Jackson

Source: TG Daily – Perks Of Installing a Reputable Video Converter App or Software

Car accidents and on-road mishaps in New Hampshire often involve the most cautious drivers. Anyone can get involved in an auto accident, and it is important to take appropriate steps to protect one’s right to seek compensation by filing an injury claim. New Hampshire is a tort state. If you sustained injuries because of the other side’s reckless driving or fault, you could sue them for compensation. In such circumstances, it is always wise to consult a New Hampshire injury attorney to know the scope and worth of your lawsuit. Here are some aspects worth knowing. 

The statute of limitations

In every state, there is a statute of limitations that sets a time limit to file an injury lawsuit. For car accident lawsuits in New Hampshire, the deadline is three years. If you lost a loved one in the accident and need to file a wrongful death lawsuit, you have to do so within the same time limit of three years. However, it is best to take immediate action because gathering valuable data and contacting witnesses could be much harder later. 

Comparative fault explained

Let’s say that you were given $100,000 in a settlement for your accident claim. However, you were also found to be 40% at fault. In such circumstances, New Hampshire courts will follow the modified comparative fault rule. You can only sue the other party if you are less at fault than them. Also, your settlement will be lower, corresponding to your fault share. In the above example, while you can get a settlement for your claim, the eventual compensation would be $60,000. 

Get an attorney

It is known that insurance companies don’t care for claimants. The claims adjuster will do what it takes to minimize the settlement. The first offer from the insurance company would be way less than you deserve. It is wise to get a car accident lawyer on board to handle the case and its complications. Lawyers know bad faith insurance tactics and would do everything possible to fetch a higher settlement. While most car accident claims in NH are settled amicably without any courtroom action, there are exceptions. You should look for a lawyer who doesn’t mind going to trial and has worked on similar car accident lawsuits. 

Most lawyers in NH take a contingency fee for car accident claims, which is beneficial for clients. Don’t shy from asking for a review of your case.

Written by Spencer Calvert

Source: TG Daily – New Hampshire car accident: Key pointers for your help!

Streaming is one of the most popular and straightforward ways to demonstrate your ability and abilities. For pleasure, you may go online and broadcast your stuff to the world, earning money from views, followers, and subscribers to your channel. Furthermore, a lot of different online businesses use Twitch Reseller Panel to help them promote their online business on social media, especially on twitch.

Both spectators and gamers profit from streaming video games and broadcasts. It has a number of benefits over other streaming services. Streamers, for example, may make money via advertisements and subscriptions, and firms fund prominent streamers to promote their goods. Streamers have the option of providing direct links to their web stores. Twitch puts relevant content in one place, making it easy for viewers to identify their favorite influencers. Nevertheless, here are some of the best as well as top benefits of using twitch.

1. The video game feeds help viewers improve their gaming abilities.

Streamers are experts at playing every game accessible. They handle all new releases and non-saturated games in order to demonstrate to their audience possible gaming techniques. They respond to queries about how to play the game that is posed in the chat rooms, ensuring that spectators understand every expression made while broadcasting. Viewers may learn from the experts and apply what they have learned to their own games. Non-gaming viewers may study every move step by step from the streams’ knowledge to become professionals. Streaming has aided in the transfer of gaming abilities.

2. Streamers may use it to promote their online businesses during live streams.

You may open an online store as a streamer to offer personalized things like branded clothes, coffee mugs, hats, shoes, and so on. Twitch allows broadcasters to promote their businesses during live broadcasts. You may add a directive link to your page that directs visitors to your online store. This is the most effective approach to boost sales and money. Popular influencers have a large number of ardent fans and followers who are devoted to their material. Because many people visit your online shop to see your items, having such an audience may assist boost your product consumers.

3. Twitch allows viewers to effortlessly find their favourite streamers.

The Twitch community organizes material into several categories to help viewers find what they’re searching for. The neighborhood is both huge and exclusive. Food, music, computing, gaming, fashion, and the arts are just a few examples. Streamers may quickly gain a large number of views and followers using this strategy. Only Twitch has such a community; other platforms put material at random, forcing users to manually hunt for their favorite streams.

The Final Words

After reading this article, now you know everything about twitch including but not limited to the best as well as top benefits of using twitch. All you have to do now is make sure that you read this article quite carefully and make sure that you understand these benefits mentioned above.

Source: TG Daily – Benefits of Using Twitch

A popular acronym that is a buzzing topic for many marketing departments is SEO, which represents Search Engine Optimization. With the proper implementations and execution of SEO, companies discover positive results that enhance overall consumer satisfaction and increase business growth rates. 

Everest Business Funding works parallel with small business owners and entrepreneurs seeking alternative financial help when ready to expand organization operations. When a company is undergoing its vital stages such as new development chapters, getting ahead of the competition and reaching a more comprehensive range of target audiences is significant for continuous positive growth in the right direction, financially. For example, tools like SEO assist with website accessibility, feeding into converting viewers to doers or loyal clients. 

How else can SEO boost customer satisfaction and business growth? Everest Business Funding dives deeper into the digital marketing strategy’s benefits here:

SEO Creates an Avenue to Strategic Content Planning

SEO works best on an online website platform when content is published on a continuum. Marketing teams in charge of content planning have to approach the process more strategically to obtain the maximum results that SEO can produce. SEO can help get content in front of target audience members, but the content needs to hook a viewer in with its value of information. 

SEO Generates Higher Quality Content

Knowing a niche market and target consumer group is vital to understand what content to generate that brings value to the desired reader to keep viewers returning to a website to read more. SEO also assists with narrowing down what content and links to use and when to use it based on what keywords need to be incorporated to reach target audiences. Digital marketing experts say that the main ranking factors for a website heavily rely on content and links. 

SEO Takes Advantage of Trends

Identifying what words to intertwine in a content’s text to raise viewer rates and elevate brand awareness can begin with trending topics. Intent-based keywords, such as keywords that rank high in current searches, can fluently guide more consumers to a brand’s website and widen exposure. Businesses can tap into the viewers that trends attract by optimizing content with similar keywords linked to trends relevant to consumers. 

SEO Caters to Voice Search

As technology advances, more users turn to voice search as it requires fewer steps, making accessing search results easier when both hands are occupied with tasks like driving. Voice search replaces the action of typing out text in a search engine box with voice activation. Small businesses should keep in mind as more people turn to voice search for needs, associating those keyword opportunities is a must to reach vaster growth and appeal to consumer needs. Marketing teams can best utilize SEO for voice search by honing in on phrases customers might use for voice search. That means considering all possible search phrases that could be thought of or said at every stage in a business’ client acquisition and sales process. Plus, organizations want to keep clients happy with easy access, and the ability to come across a brand’s website on the first page of a voice search’s results delivers just that. 

About Everest Business Funding

Everest Business Funding is a small business owner’s trusted partner. They support entrepreneurs by providing them with working capital to expand their business and operations. The entire application, approval, and funding process is completed in record time. When you need cash for equipment, staff, renovations, inventory, marketing, or anything else, Everest Business Funding can help.

Source: TG Daily – Everest Business Funding Explores How Small Businesses Can Use SEO to Boost Customer Service and Grow in 2022

Next week is NVIDIA’s big GTC event, and there will be a ton of content on AI, the metaverse, digital twins, simulations, graphics, and super-computing. It is also the definitive event on autonomous vehicles and robotics, and this is all happening during the Russian attack on the Ukraine which provides an interesting and troubling context to the future of safe driving. I’m specifically talking about the ability to avoid accidents and hostile areas even if you are out of range of a wireless network or that network is no longer functioning.  

Let’s talk about the kinds of things you’ll likely see at GTC this year with a focus on autonomous vehicles and robots, and close with how this technology could help people dealing with a catastrophe, be it a war, major weather event, riot, demonstration or other disruption.  

GTC 2022 and full autonomy

This GTC is well-timed considering that, just a few weeks ago, the U.S. NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) approved the first vehicle to drive without a driver. It is a low-speed, public transportation vehicle, but this begins to open the door for driverless cars and trucks. GM has announced it will have autonomous capabilities by mid-decade. Audi recently announced they are already working on Mixed Reality capabilities for their cars, due this summer, which would give people who no longer need to drive something to do. 

This segment is under intense pressure as car maker after car maker rushes to ramp up their autonomous driving capabilities and move into the future. NVIDIA has the most comprehensive set of systems ranging from simulation AI creation and training, to vehicle operational technologies that make autonomous driving real.  

Their efforts extend beyond individual car manufacturers and promise a future where thousands of lives that are currently lost in accidents could instead be saved, and where the massive shortage in truck drivers no longer contributes to the logistics nightmare the world is experiencing after the impact of the Covid pandemic.  

At GTC this year, you’ll be able to see not only the future of driving but the tools that will help the industry to design, build and deliver the driving and automated trucking and transportation technology of tomorrow. 

Suggested sessions

The Sessions that I’d suggest you look at to get a feel for the state of this technology today include: NVIDIA Drive Sim on Omniverse that speaks to how you can train these autonomous vehicle and robotic solutions in simulation, avoid danger to humans and assure a far safer, more reliable, outcome to the final technology.  This session will be held on Tuesday March 22^nd at 5 p.m. PDT.  

Another session focuses on one of the predominant drive modes for autonomous driving. It is called “Taking NVIDIA Drive Chauffeur on the Road” and will be held at 2:30 p.m. on March 23^rd PDT. There are two possible driving modes for autonomous driving technology: Chauffeur, where the car drives without you, and Guardian Angel, where the car assures you don’t make a driving mistake. 

Finally, you should check out “Hyperion: Today and in the Future” on Tuesday, March 22nd at 1:30 p.m. PDT. This is an overview of NVIDIA’s Drive Hyperion platform which is production-ready for autonomous vehicles to get a sense of the state of autonomous driving technology today.  

And finally, the one session never to miss at an NVIDIA GTC is the keynote which is typically one of the best keynotes of the year and showcases the technology itself in the talk so you don’t just hear how revolutionary it is, you see it in action. Jensen Huang’s keynote is at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, March 22. 

Wrapping up:

If you want to see the future of driving with a huge emphasis on what an end-to-end solution should look like, consider attending the GTC segments on autonomous driving, particularly the Jensen Huang keynote because that will give you a very clear view of what is coming. And, let me tell you, what is coming will be amazing. 

I mentioned Ukraine in my opening. Watching vehicles attempt to exit the country safely reminds me that one of the things autonomous cars will have is vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication so that cars can tell other cars about problems. If the refugees had access to this technology today, they likely could get out of the country safely and quickly even if communications networks were down because the cars could form a mesh network that would alert to dangers and automatically route the cars around them, allowing the vehicles to exit at the most efficient place and speed.  

These cars will also have multiple sensors that provide a detailed record of what is going on around them and laying an additional foundation for the war crimes trials likely to come after the war is over. 

This suggests there will be uses for this autonomous technology that extends beyond autonomous vehicles and into solutions that could better deal with natural or manmade disasters, helping to prevent at least some of the problems with evacuating large populations quickly. 

Source: TG Daily – GTC 2022 Where You’ll See the Future of Autonomous Vehicles

U.S. President Joe Biden signed an executive order on Wednesday calling on the government to examine the risks and benefits of cryptocurrencies.

It calls on federal agencies to take a unified approach to regulation and oversight of digital assets.

The crypto market got wind of the order overnight after Treasury accidentally put out a since-deleted statement calling it “historic” and releasing some of the details ahead of time.

There have been countless stories of investors falling for crypto scams, or losing huge sums of money through cyberattacks on exchanges or users themselves. It also wants regulators to “ensure sufficient oversight and safeguard against any systemic financial risks posed by digital assets,” the White House fact sheet says. 

Biden executive order on cryptocurrency a disaster for US industry: Ex-Treasury official

Former Acting Assistant Treasury Secretary Gregory Zerzan explained the unfortunate thing about President Bidens executive order on government oversight of cryptocurrency, arguing that taking a top-down government-run approach is not a pathway to innovation.

Continue reading on Fox Business

Why the cryptocurrency community is celebrating Biden?s executive order

The order seems to legitimize digital assets.

Continue reading on The Verge

What did Biden get wrong on crypto? His new order threatens to smother innovation.

The Biden administration needs to recognize that the biggest threat to financial stability with regard to cryptocurrency is overregulation.

Continue reading on

Source: TG Daily – Biden Signs Executive Order To Examine Risks and Benefits of Cryptocurrencies

Video game giant Activision Blizzard is one of the many big businesses to suspend services in Russia in protest of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s bloody invasion of Ukraine. “Today, we are announcing that Activision Blizzard will be suspending new sales of and in our games in Russia while this conflict continues,” Daniel Alegre, Activision’s chief operating officer, explained in a message sent to all of the video game holding company’s employees on March 4. 

In the message, he assured all of the employees that Activision remains committed to helping “those impacted by this terrifying violence” and would be doing its part “to provide assistance in every way possible.” In addition, Alegre noted that “throughout the past week, we have watched the news from Ukraine and the worsening humanitarian crisis that is unfolding” and promised that Activision Blizzard would “continue to look at ways to support the Ukrainian people.”

Activision Blizzard: Safety Is Paramount 

Alegre assured employees that their safety is the utmost priority for the video game company’s leadership team in the companywide note. “We are doing everything possible to assist employees, and their families, who are being directly affected by this tragedy,” he stated. “If you or a colleague needs support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your manager or local HR leaders.” 

Alegre also reminded employees that Activision’s Employee Assistance Program is an available option for anyone seeking emotional support during the continuing crisis in Ukraine. According to Activision, the company is constantly improving the employee benefits to make it as inclusive and innovative as possible.

How Activision Is Doubling Down on Donations

Activision Blizzard answered the call of duty by raising money as another part of its humanitarian relief efforts. “I also want to take a moment to recognize the incredible work of our teams to support the Ukrainian people,” wrote Alegre. “The company is matching employee donations 2-to-1 to organizations that are providing immediate relief in the region.”

The company and its employees have already raised over $300,000 to aid the Ukrainian people. “Next week, we plan to add additional charities to choose from for consideration and will also raise the company matching limit from $1,000 up to $10,000,” explained the Blizzard Activision COO. 

He also recognized the work being done by the Activision team in Poland. “I’d like to applaud the tremendous contributions from our colleagues in Poland, where people have volunteered their time to assist Ukrainian refugees and others in need,” stated Alegre. “We stand with the Ukrainian people and will provide updates on any new actions we take as this crisis continues to unfold.” 

Other Companies Boycotting Russia

Activision Blizzard isn’t the only major corporation taking a stand with Ukraine. Microsoft — which is in the process of acquiring Activision — and Epic Games have suspended their services in Russia, along with EA Games and Netflix. 

According to a Microsoft blog post written by Brad Smith, the president, and vice-chair, the company is “horrified, angered and saddened by the images and news coming from the war in Ukraine and condemn this unjustified, unprovoked, and unlawful invasion by Russia,” which is why it has suspended all new sales of Microsoft products and services in Russia.

“Our single most impactful area of work almost certainly is the protection of Ukraine’s cybersecurity. We continue to work proactively to help cybersecurity officials in Ukraine defend against Russian attacks, including most recently a cyberattack against a major Ukrainian broadcaster,” stated Smith.

Source: TG Daily – How Activision Blizzard Is Supporting the Ukrainian People

Residential rehabilitation treatment is considered the gold standard for treatment and support for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder. However, it is understood that, in many cases, it is difficult for a person to gain access to alcohol rehab. Affordability is one of the biggest causes. In other cases, people might want to continue their jobs or education while getting treatment. 

When Should One Seek Treatment?

Most people often only check into rehab once their alcohol use disorder has rendered them unable to carry out their normal routine and has had deteriorating effects on one’s interpersonal relationships. The idea that one only needs treatment once one has reached that extreme is a dangerous myth. 

Among other things, functioning alcoholism is a condition in which a person can maintain a job or education and an overall ‘normal-looking’ life while fulfilling the criteria of alcohol use disorder. All the while, they are struggling with the deteriorating physical and psychological effects of alcohol dependence. Such a person may appear to be coping well but requires immediate help and support. 

Talking to a primary healthcare doctor, or a family physician is an important step in assessing one’s health and drinking status and seeking the appropriate treatment option. A physician will observe the overall state of your health, drinking patterns, need for medication, and will help curate a proper treatment plan.

The options available for the treatment of alcohol use disorder, other than private rehabilitation, are explained as follows.

Home Detox Services

There are several ways to detox from alcohol at home. The first method is to taper off your drinking. This method of gradually decreasing your alcohol intake takes a lot of willpower and is much safer than going cold turkey. Immediately leaving alcohol is a painful process and can be potentially life-threatening. Tapering off is effective, but the efficacy and reliability are heavily dependent on the degree of a person’s alcohol dependence. 

To detox safely at home, it is wise to seek help from a private home alcohol detox service. Home detox services provide a safe, physician-monitored way to detox from alcohol in the privacy and safety of your own home.  They provide medically-supervised detox. A detox nurse is assigned to the client who administers the medicines used to assist withdrawal and detox. This nurse also monitors the client’s vital signs to ensure the safety of the process. To sustain rehab, clients are advised to take medications like Antabuse, Campral, and Naltrexone.

NHS Services

The NHS provides several support and treatment options for detoxification and rehab that don’t require you to seek private rehabilitation. Firstly, the client will be advised to see a GP with whom they will have to be as honest as they can about the extent of their alcohol dependence. Once a thorough assessment is made, they are referred to the appropriate treatment option.

The options offered by the NHS include talking therapy, such as CBT, from a qualified and licensed psychologist, support groups like ‘Alcoholics Anonymous’, medically-supervised alcohol detoxification, which may be carried out at the client’s home or as an in-patient for a short duration of time, and intensive support programs, which require the client to attend a daily service.

Private Addiction Counselling

Addiction counseling is done by a licensed professional or a team of professionals. It is a form of behaviour therapy advised to people suffering from alcohol use disorders that helps them lead an alcohol-free life and provide a healthy and effective support system.

In private addiction counseling, the client’s psychologist will help to find out the underlying cause or any external or internal factors that lead the client to seek out alcohol in harmful amounts. Alcohol dependence is often related to underlying mental health issues. Addressing these problems and equipping the client with healthy coping mechanisms and strategies to deal with such thoughts and urges is an effective way to recover from alcohol use disorders.

Private Outpatient Programmes

In outpatient rehab, clients can go home after attending treatment sessions for a set number of hours per week or per day. These programs are known as intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) or partial hospitalization programs (PHPs). The efficacy of outpatient programs is heavily dependent on the client having a supportive home environment and a strong support system.

The treatments and therapies employed in outpatient programs include CBT, Matrix Model, Contingency Management, Family Therapy, 12-step Management, and Motivational therapy.

Summary

#1 Inpatient rehab is the most effective form of rehab and treatment for alcohol use disorders. However, with the right support, outpatient rehab can be an effective path towards recovery. 

#2 The decision of what treatment to opt for is made after careful examination and assessment by a doctor who then gives referrals and prescribes medicines if needed.

#3 Out-patient treatment programs vary among medically-supervised home detox, talking therapy treatments, and partial hospitalization programs. 

#4 Talking therapy includes CBT and 12-step programs while home detox services are medically supervised services that help clients to detox from alcohol in the safety of their homes.

#5 The NHS offers facilities like support group therapy, medical detox, and out-patient programs for alcohol rehabilitation.

Written by Lara Harper

Source: TG Daily – Can’t Afford Alcohol Rehab? The Alternatives to Residential Treatment

Amazon is the best-performing online store, making over $469 billion in 2021. This is an increase from the year before, and the retail giant shows no signs of slowing down. So how can small eCommerce companies compete? Going toe to toe with Amazon won’t be easy, but you can eat into their sales. Here are three ways.

Highlight Your Principles

As convenient as Amazon is, it’s losing its reputation as an ethical company. Many people see it as a brand that prioritises value over anything else. This can come at the expense of workers’ rights, the environment, and quality products. Customers are increasingly looking for conscientious businesses.

84% of customers claim that a company’s code of ethics influences their purchasing decisions. Almost half say this is as important a factor as the price of a product. If you can’t beat Amazon on price, then explain why it’s worth spending a bit more to support your brand. Promote your local connections, social awareness, and green credentials. If you have these, then you’re already ahead of Amazon in the eyes of many.

Hire a Dedicated eCommerce Website Builder

Another reason Amazon performs so well is that its website is easy to use. Unfortunately, online stores are surprisingly hard to build and tend to be full of bugs. This can be incredibly frustrating.

Not only is a hard-to-navigate website annoying to use, but it also harms the reputation of your brand. It can come across as scammy, and customers may be reluctant to hand over their credit card information. Instead, find an eCommerce specialist who can build a beautiful and functional store. This will build trust with your customers and encourage them to keep coming back.

Find Cheaper, Quicker Delivery Services

Amazon tends to be the cheapest option and the one that can deliver goods in the fastest time. However, don’t feel disheartened. You, too, can cut your delivery costs while increasing delivery speed. Once you do, you can pass these savings onto your customers and give them a reason to choose to shop in your online store.

Look online for TNT couriers and compare the prices from various services. Using a courier comparison service in this way puts you in touch with delivery companies that you may not have otherwise found. You can then find the fastest and most reliable option at the lowest price. Once you’ve found a service you can trust, you can start competing with Amazon on both speed and cost.

No online store can ever expect to be as big as Amazon. However, you can learn from its successes and mistakes, using them to grow your own business. Use the three tips above to improve traffic to your website and hopefully watch your sales grow. With enough patience and dedication, you can succeed in the eCommerce industry.

Source: TG Daily – How Small Online Stores Can Keep Up With Amazon

Since I was a kid, I tended to dance to a different drummer. The idea of having anything the same as everyone else is boring. For instance, I bought the first car of a particular model several times. My latest, the Jaguar I-Pace, even after three years, is only one of two in my county so far, and it still turns heads. This often means I end up dealing with problems that people with more widely owned products do not have but, for me, it’s worth it. 

This is one of the things I like about Microsoft Surface Duo. Its folding twin-screen design is unique in the market. When I use it in public, people often ask me about it. So far, no one has attempted to steal it. 

This phone reminds me of one of the old sayings about Microsoft products that could also be applied to vendors like Apple, which is that it takes three versions to work out the bugs of a unique design. That was true of both the iPhone and the iPad, and it may be true of this second-generation Microsoft Surface Duo.

Let me explain.

What sucked about the Duo 1

The Surface Duo 2 fixed a considerable number of problems with the Duo 1 which I used for over a year. The Duo 1 had a low-performance Qualcomm processor, did not support 5G, and had a single camera that you used for photos, selfies, and video conferencing. You could take pictures with the phone folded but the camera sucked for most things, and the software that caused the correct screen to be active did not work well at all. Oh, and it could not read a QR code to save its life. It also had a fingerprint reader on the side which worked but often required several attempts before it worked right. Finally, it was all glass, and the glass was not well protected. It came with a rubber bumper that would start to peel off after a couple of months and cost around $50 to replace. Finally, holding the thing to your head while on a call looked stupid, and the white color was not ideal

Where the Duo 1 shined

Where the Duo 1 shined was when web browsing, multi-tasking, and as a reader because it opened just like a book. With a headset, it worked fine, and the dual-screen was great if you needed to have two apps open at once (like, say you needed a code for dual-factor authentication). I really enjoyed using the phone, but the problems got annoying over time. 

What sucks about the Duo 2?

This list is far shorter. First, it still doesn’t read QR codes reliably, but it does read them, so it has improved, just not enough yet. It has two cameras, one multi-lens effort on the back and a separate camera for selfies. This makes pictures far better, but you must take them with the device open, which is not ideal. I think this design would benefit a lot by a camera accessory, or a small display on the cover just for external pictures so you could take them with the device closed, much like it still benefits from you using a headset when you want to use it as a phone. 

Where the Duo 2 shines

It shines in all the ways Duo 1 did with web-browsing, multi-tasking, and as a reader because it still opens like a book. It seems to do a much better job using the twin screens, suggesting a major software improvement. Mine is black which is far more elegant, and I have dropped it on tile several times without cracking the glass, so it is far more robust (and no more rubber bumper). It uses Qualcomm’s top-of-the-line processor, and it supports 5G now which is a huge boost in performance. The fingerprint reader works by touch. Sometimes I do have to hit it twice, but it is surprisingly fast even then. 

Wrapping up: Surface Duo 2 is a huge improvement but…

The one nagging thing is the camera. Given the book design, that is not going to be an easy fix. But part of the problem is with the software and QR codes, so a future patch may address some of this. The Surface line does include earbuds and noise-canceling headphones, but neither seems to match the phone’s industrial design, suggesting that matched accessories might help. Since I may scan under 10 QR codes a year, and it does now work in that capacity with some effort, the QR problem isn’t, at least for me, significant. 

In short, for consuming content this phone is better than the other Snapdragon 888 phones I have to test, but for capturing content, it still lags even though it looks like it should have a decent camera. Were I the product manager for this, I would be looking at a wearable camera accessory, an industrial design matched set of headphones, and push for improved camera software. 

We will see if version 3 of the Surface Duo meets my expectations, but to be clear, for how I use phones, the Surface Duo 2 is again my favorite. 

Source: TG Daily – Living With the Surface Duo 2

Everyone knows about plumber snakes, but more and more plumbers are turning towards modern technology for their drain cleaning.

Plumbers will often present their drain cleaning options in different packages. The first package might be simply snaking the drains, and the most expensive option usually includes hydro jetting.

The question for most homeowners is: is hydro jetting worth it?

In this article, we’ll discuss the subject and help you make an educated decision.

What is Hydro Jetting?

Over years of using drain pipes, gunk and grime build up in your plumbing system. You may not notice it for a long time, but you will eventually notice slower drains, recurring drain clogs, and drain backups.

As this matter builds in the pipes, the diameter of space that water and waste travel through begins to shrink, restricting flow in your drain system. As more gunk and grime accumulate, the probability of bad drain blockages increases dramatically.

Hydro Jet drain cleaning machines are powerful pressure washers with long hoses designed to clean the inside of your drains. The hose is inserted into the drain and pushed through your entire drain system while it sprays high-pressure water to blast away the gunk.

Hydro Jetters are used by plumbers and drain cleaners to clean drains and clear blockages. You can hire a hydro jetter service provider as part of routine drain maintenance, or a plumber may use a hydro jetter to destroy a blockage and clear it from the system.

Hydro Jetters can vary quite a bit. Some are small while others are big, some are electric while others are gas-powered, some have lower psi while others have higher psi, some are for small drain pipes while others are for large, and so on.

Ultimately, hydro jetters are one of many drain cleaning tools available to drain servicers. They’re modern, effective, and reliable – and, they’re worth considering.

Hydro Jetting versus Drain Snaking

Not all service plumbers have jetters, but every service plumber should have a drain snake.

Drain snakes are the most common technique for clearing drain blockages, and they’ve been around for a long time.

Drain snakes are very effective for restoring flow in your drain pipes. If you have a blockage in your drain, there’s a good chance that the drain snake will break it and allow it to flush out the system.

However, in certain situations (i.e. grease blockages), the snake will simply drill a hole through the blockage. Flow will be restored, however, majority of the obstruction will remain in the drain. In this situation, drainage will remain slow and the chance of a reoccurring drain blockage is high.

Additionally, the drain snake won’t clear out the same amount of gunk in the drain pipes.

On the other hand, a hydro jetter should blast out nearly all of the gunk stuck in the drains. It can often take care of grease as well as many other types of blockages.

Since a jetter uses water to clear drain blockages, it’s important that the water has somewhere to go. Many plumbers prefer to use a drain snake to open up the drain, followed by a hydro jetter to completely clean the system. This way, they don’t need to have a bucket or vacuum ready to catch the back spray.

Will Hydro Jetting damage the pipes?

It depends! Hydro jetters certainly can damage drains, depending on the situation.

Some hydro jetters are much more powerful, and they’re designed for much bigger pipes. If you take a jetter designed for 4″ pipes and use it on a 1″ pipe, you may very well have a bad time.

Additionally, old or damaged pipes are particularly susceptible to leaks or damage caused by jetters, as they can’t handle the high-pressure water.

A good plumber will evaluate your system and use his experience to decide whether or not a jetter is a good idea.

Why is Hydro Jetting so expensive?

Hydro jet drain cleaning services vary from company to company and location to location.

Some factors that affect the price are the price of the machine, the price of the plumber’s time, and the difficulty of your drain system and blockage.

The Price of the Machine

Hydro Jetter machines are expensive!

While very similar to pressure washers, hydro jetters cost much more. This is because they’re built to run longer and harder.

Some jetters cost tens of thousands. And, their cost doesn’t stop once they’re purchased. They require ongoing maintenance to protect the machine for years to come.

The Price of Time

It’s easy to forget that it takes a lot of time and education to become a plumber. Not everyone can do it!

As such, a plumber’s time is valuable.

Even if the plumber only needs fifteen minutes to clear your drain, he must account for travel time, the time required to pick up the jetter from storage, the time required to take the phone call and book the appointment, and many other factors

The Difficulty of the Blockage and Drain System

A proper plumbing system with an easy blockage may only take fifteen minutes to fix. However, a plumbing system that isn’t built to code (very common) combined with a stubborn blockage can take hours to fix.

That time must be accounted for, and the cost must be passed to the customer.

Conclusion: Is the Hydro Jet Drain Cleaning upsell worth it?

According to an Oakville plumber, while a Hydro Jetter service isn’t always necessary, it may certainly help prevent any blockages from reoccurring for quite some time.

Some factors to consider are: how long it has been since your drains were cleaned, how old your home is, the price the plumber is asking, and how often you deal with drain issues.

Sometimes, the price of the upsell may shock and upset a customer. If that’s the case, this service probably isn’t for you. However, if the peace of mind from knowing that your drain system is clear of any possible obstructions is worth the cost, then we recommend it!

Written by Harlow Sweeney

Source: TG Daily – The Hydro Jet Upsell – is it worth it?