Should You go to Graduate School?

Article Editor on May 6, 2021

Should one go to graduate school? This educational pursuit is a question many have asked at some point in their lives. The answer may surprise one. A graduate degree can significantly increase their earning potential, but only if one pursues their chosen interests in depth.

Judge Napolitano, a former law professor, agrees that a degree from a traditional four-year university or one of the many online institutions will guarantee an income and increase their opportunities for advancement in their field. While this is undoubtedly the case for many, not all will be satisfied with their results. The difference in pay and what it takes to get a decent job, especially in today’s marketplace, is vast. The difference in potential advancement between people with an associate’s and bachelor’s degree is enormous as well. Therefore, the decision of whether to go to graduate school makes a great deal of sense.

If a graduate degree is required for a desired career, it is wise to pursue their educational goals. If a graduate degree is not required for their career goal, why pay thousands of dollars more? Many career-oriented graduate programs do not require a’s through the program. They require a bachelor’s degree to start, and then a’s can be obtained through various community colleges. These graduate programs are more affordable than most higher education institutions, and one can complete the requirements at their own pace.

If their goal is to get a higher salary in their chosen field, one will want to attend a graduate degree program accredited by the higher education board of public interest. This certification will assure potential employers that their degree is from an accredited institution. In addition to tuition, there are other costs associated with attending graduate school. Some schools will require one to pay for textbooks, which can be a costly expense. If one is looking to earn a higher salary in the field of study of their choice, this expense will have to be factored into their financial plan.

There are also graduate programs available for those who wish to advance their careers. If one is currently employed, one may be eligible for a higher salary in their position. One may want to consider a higher degree if the job one currently holds does not require a higher degree or desire more compensation.

When one takes graduate programs to improve their education and increase their salary, one will find the best jobs, and the highest pay deals are found at schools that offer these types of degrees. These schools are often the same ones that offer professional development courses. This development means that if one already holds a bachelor’s degree, one will continue their education and obtain a master’s or doctorate. If one currently holds a high school diploma, one can use their GED to upgrade their educational status to become eligible for these advanced degree programs. Their chosen graduate school may even be able to give one a certificate in this field upon completing their studies. Judge Napolitano believes in the value of a graduate degree.

Dealing with Layoffs

Article Editor on May 5, 2021

When one is laid off from their job, one will notice that their paycheck is smaller than usual. This is a tough time for most people, but it is essential not to let go of hope because layoffs will eventually end, and their coworkers will be back in the workplace. Even when the economy seems like it is on the decline, industries that emerge more substantial than the economy because of the number of people getting laid off, their circumstances, and how one reacts to the layoff will make or break one during this time.

When managers remain objective, they can make tough choices that will result in a better outcome for the company and each employee. Managers must take an objective view of the company’s current situation, including its future. To do this, the manager needs to focus on performance over the long term, including profitability and short-term indicators, such as short-term and long-term customer satisfaction. To do this, the manager needs to devote time to understanding the factors that impact performance, identifying which actions produce the best results and identifying methods to make those actions happen more quickly and efficiently. Only by addressing these issues and making decisions based on data and performance can the company make real progress toward its goals.”

When dealing with layoff situations, Diego Ruiz Duran reminds people that they need to understand that the human reaction to any given layoff is likely to vary among employees. There will also be some who will benefit psychologically from the layoff, while others will take it as a personal hit, regardless of the company’s position. Layoffs can make employees feel as if they do not matter, as if their work is not important, or as if they are being forced out, regardless of the company’s position. The best managers know how to deal with this confusion and keep employees motivated through communication.”

As soon as one is aware of layoff notices, one should determine if anyone has been affected by them. One wants to know the scope of their job duties and the length of time working with the firm. If one knows the layoff affects many employees, speak with them to see if they wish to talk with their HR department about the layoff. Often, remaining employees are eager to let the company know they are experiencing a layoff and keen to seek a new position elsewhere since they know that they will not stay with the same employer for exceptionally long if they do not.

One should ask employees what it was like before the layoff occurred and see what their thoughts on the matter are. Many employees who have never experienced a layoff before are likely to focus primarily on the changes within their jobs and how that has affected their resilience. They might reflect that they were challenging to work with before and struggled to meet goals set before they arrived at the company. These employees might also share with one story of the boss, who gave them specific instructions that were difficult to follow, but that made their job much easier overall. Reflecting on how these employees handled difficult situations before will give one insight into their resilience, which one can use to help other employees who may be undergoing a layoff.

Diego Ruiz Duran believes that one of the challenges of dealing with layoffs is that many businesses do not want to be the first to make this information public. If one runs an industry where there are many employees, one may find that it is necessary to consult with management before releasing any information to the rest of the organization. This gives one time to ensure that their plan is appropriate for the type of layoff taking place and giving one time to prepare and respond to any questions employees might have regarding the new policy.

In most cases, when an employer decides to make a staff change, it is because they have decided it is the best option for the business in the future. However, some companies are willing to cut down on expenses by offering employees stock options or signing them for employee assistance programs. Employment assistance programs can help employers save on unemployment benefits and medical benefits and help employees see that their lives are not in danger because of the layoff. There is no question that both initiatives are essential. However, it is more critical for businesses to be careful about how they handle severance packages and how they handle the process of outplacement services.

John Branca Harvard Interview and Common Contract Terms

Web admin on May 5, 2021

Very few people on earth enjoy looking through long, complicated contracts, especially not most entertainers. Entertainers would rather be on stage or working on their next great idea. At the same time, it’s incredibly important to have a thorough understanding of a contract before you potentially sign your life away. An entertainment lawyer can help with this, but it is still helpful to know some common terms that may appear in your contract. 

1. Exclusivity

Also known as a talent holding deal, exclusivity in a contract means that you agree not to perform similar services for another agency while you are under contract. Many contracts for actors have geographical restrictions. For example, you may not be able to shoot a television show in Los Angeles while also acting in a movie in New York at the same time. 

This can also apply to musicians who may sign a contract to regularly perform at a venue or open for another musician on tour. Pay close attention to exclusivity terms in your contract, and tread carefully to avoid violating these terms. Violations can lead to a termination of your contract, and it may make it more difficult for you to get work in the future. 

2. Merchandising

If you are acting in a hit new TV show or lending your voice talents to a video game, you may see a merchandising clause in your contract. This means that your face may appear on T-shirts, or your voice might be used in action figures and the like. Merchandising can be a tricky addendum to a contract, so if you spot this anywhere in your contract, it’s important to consult a lawyer. 

3. Back-End Payment

Back-end payments are sometimes slipped into contracts inconspicuously, and it can leave entertainers disappointed and struggling financially. Back-end payments mean that you will be paid after your work is done instead of upfront. This benefits an agency, of course, but it won’t help you in most cases. 

4. Term of Agreement

This refers to how long you are bound to this contract and agree to these terms. Some terms of agreement are as little as a day, while others may be months or years. Take time to understand and think over the term of the agreement in your contract, and make sure that it works for you before proceeding. 

Contracts are sometimes made complex on purpose to trip up entertainers, which is why it’s almost always a good idea to have an entertainment attorney take a look before you sign it. 

How to Proceed Once Arrested For a Crime

Article Editor on May 4, 2021

Arrests can be immensely stressful especially if you have not been arrested in the past. There are various types of arrests from when a warrant is served to when a person is arrested for DUI on the side of the road. The important thing that you need to educate yourself on is your rights. The last thing you want to do is give an officer probable cause to search you or your person. 

Use Your Phone Call From Jail Wisely

Going to jail means that you are either going to be released or have to put up bail. Calling a bail bondsmen can be an option if you do not want to call a family member due to wanting to keep the arrest a secret. Calling a family member or friend that trusts you to pay them back is important. Posting bail can get you out of jail within a day unless you have no bail due to violating probation or parole. 

The last thing that you want is to be arrested without anyone knowing and having used your phone call. Getting in touch with the right person is imperative as they can contact your job and cancel other plans if necessary. 

Ask For Your Attorney 

There are going to be questions at the scene of the arrest with officers hoping to obtain valuable statements as evidence. Do not say anything but rather state that you do not feel comfortable talking further without legal representation. You want to enlist the help of an experienced criminal defense law firm. Criminal lawyers Raleigh or lawyers in Charlotte can be found through personal referral or online research. 

Your attorney might have a strategy but they need to obtain all of the evidence the state has gathered against you. Once they have the evidence, they could drop the charges if certain pieces of evidence are just circumstantial. You could receive a plea deal or decide to go to trial. Make sure your attorney has extensive trial experience as your freedom could be at stake. 

Start Taking Steps To Get Help If Necessary

There could be a chance that you are struggling with drug or alcohol abuse problems. These issues frequently lead to legal trouble which can be a wake-up call that an addiction has gotten out of control. Going to sobriety meetings or enlisting in a program for substance abuse could already be a part of your sentence. Being proactive about this could be a huge help in court when sentencing comes around. There are diversion programs for those arrested for drugs the first time that can actually have the charge wiped from your criminal record. 

An arrest does not mean that you are going to be convicted for the crime. The prosecutor might not even file charges with the state if there is not sufficient proof. Police officers can make mistakes when arresting you or misinterpret the law at times. Getting the right attorney cannot be underestimated as they understand the law and its application to real-life situations. 

What to Pack for a Vacation

Article Editor on April 29, 2021

If one plans a vacation, it is not just packing for a trip to the beach that is important, but also what to pack for their trip. Taking a vacation is an excellent experience. However, it is necessary to ensure that their vacation goes well if one intends to return home in one piece.

One can certainly not predict when an emergency will take place, so one must have a kit containing the items one may need in case of emergency. George Rutler would pack light and efficiently. One should have a first aid kit and emergency supplies that include a tube of band-aid, extra socks, wipes, pain reliever, allergy medicine, and other medications. One should also carry a phone, a flashlight, sunblock lotion, bug repellant, an emergency blanket, and sunscreen or sunblock lotion. Other essential items to their kit include bottled water (for instant meals), bottled water, a garbage bag, antiseptic soap, toilet paper, tweezers, gloves, a garbage bag, a razor, and toothpaste.

When planning a vacation, packing for a family vacation can work, especially when kids are involved. However, the best way to approach the issue is to have a first aid kit and emergency supplies that contain items such as wipes, band-aids, eye pads, pain reliever, insect cream, antibacterial soap, tweezers, and an adult toy that children cannot get their hands on. These items will give one peace of mind should any injury occur. One will want to pack enough of these items to cover multiple children and their injuries. One will also want to pack a mini-refrigerator for hot and cold snacks during the day and a mini-fridge for ice cream or snacks at night.

Other essential items to any first aid kit include antibacterial ointment, bandages, antibacterial solution, sterile gauze, tape, wound preparation tools, eye makeup, tweezers, disinfectant, tweezers, safety pins, safety gloves, and antiviral medications. Other items to consider packing for a vacation are toiletries such as soap, towels, face wash, hand sanitizer, nail clippers, shaving cream, and lotion. Their wallet will go empty without the essential items mentioned.

If going on an extended vacation, more supplies will be needed to deal with hot temperatures and adequate clothing and footwear to protect the body from the weather. Regardless of the destination, make sure one has enough toiletries to last the trip.

Next, when considering what to pack for a vacation, always keep safety in mind. Always take a first aid kit with one to deal with medical emergencies as they occur. Do not forget to include sunglasses, sunblock, bug repellent, insect cream, and even liquid soap and sunscreen. If driving during vacation, always carry with one a can of compressed air when necessary, such as traveling to isolated areas or traveling at night.

Before packing for a trip, please consider any special needs one may have for this excursion. For example, if one is elderly or disabled, consider bringing grab bars or low ramps, chair lifts, and other items that may make travel easier. One may also want to consider carrying handheld flashlights and lanterns as these items can help to light a path and provide other safety features. Other special needs include pet carriers and wheelchairs.

Finally, when considering what to pack for a vacation, never forget personal items such as clothing, shoes, and items that one needs for entertainment. Pack everything but the necessary bare necessities. This way, one will minimize their space, load and not have any extra items that are not needed. George Rutler prays everyone enjoys their vacations in good health and safety.

Best Airlines to Fly

Article Editor on April 28, 2021

Travelling and flying have become a fundamental element of our modern-day life. Some numerous airlines and airports facilitate and make these trips a reality. Some airlines can cause your air travel an exciting experience or otherwise make it a nightmare. Travelers such as Helen Lee Schifter, who enjoy traveling, regularly emphasize an airline’s reputation and customer ratings. Arriving at one destination in pleasure rather than in pain is the core mandate of these airlines. Airlines provide facilitation and other amenities that ensure customers’ journey is memorable, and in return, the customers offer excellent ratings. Various airlines are operating in the United States, and the following are the best airlines to travel with based on customer satisfaction and overall ratings.

1. Delta Air Lines

If you happen to take a random survey and present a questionnaire to air travelers trying to find their opinion on the best airline in the United States, one of the airlines that will feature proudly is Delta Airlines. Delta Airline gets ranked among the best United states carriers due to several reasons centered around customer service.

First, Delta Airline gets some of the highest customer rankings due to its on-time arrival and departure schedule. On average, the airline receives a rating of 83 percent. Delta Airlines has maintained a reputable record since the year 2019, where its flights arrive within 15 minutes of the estimated arrival time. It translates to fewer delays, something frequent travelers like Helen Lee Schifter find convenient. On the other hand, Delta airline comes with one of the most extensive routes covering almost every city in the united states. It provides reliability and trust among travelers. Alternatively, Delta Airline comes with one it’s kind flyer programs that is robust and perfect for its customers. Its lounges spread across all the airports they operate are state-of-the-art. With Delta Airlines, customers are guaranteed confirmability and world-class entertainment with its executive back seats equipped with TVs.

2. JetBlue Airline

JetBlue Airline is yet another highly-rated American-based airline due to its excellent customer service. JetBlue offers an awesome economy cabin and expansive legroom than most of its competitors in the air travel business. Consequently, JetBlue offers one of the perfect dining experiences while onboard as its passengers enjoy frequent free drinks and snacks. At the same time, the airline has in all its carriers fitted with fast Wi-Fi connectivity. Such extras have seen the customer ratings for this airline skyrocket expeditiously.

Another critical parameter that passengers use to rate their traveling experience with an airline is its infotainment system. JetBlue comes with one of the advanced infotainment systems. Every seat on any JetBlue carrier comes fitted with a seat back touch screen TV, Spotify, an extensive library of movies, and a SiriusXM radio. The customers traveling onboard JetBlue had an easy time full of entertainment throughout their flight. Lastly, the airline provides some of the best meals and menus to its passengers from a host of chefs and experts making cuisines worldwide. Travelers have an opportunity to taste some of the best foods prepared by French chefs who operate as a team on this airline.

Money-Saving Tips for Your Business

Helper on April 27, 2021

In order to save money, a business has only two options: to trim expenses or increase profits.

1. Common Business Expenses

Business expenses are necessary costs that need to incur for the business to operate. Not all expenses a company incurs are tax-deductible. Expenses that you can deduct are those that the IRS considers to be both “ordinary and necessary”.

Some expenses also need to be capitalized which is usually an expensive asset that a business invests in to generate revenue, but is also one that will depreciate over a number of years like a piece of equipment. Correctly identifying and classifying expenses allows a business to assess their profits accurately.

Here are some common business expenses that may be partially or fully tax-deductible.

If you operate your small business from home, you may be eligible to deduct partial expenses from your rent, mortgage interest, property taxes, business phone line (if separate from home line), security system and maintenance costs.

We can also classify expenses as:

Although you cannot deduct personal expenses, you can deduct the business part if the expense is used for both personal and business reasons.

2. Ways To Increase Your Business Profits

For a business to continue operating in the future, it needs to be profitable. Here are a few ways you can improve your profitability.

Increase the price of your offerings

If you have a loyal customer base whose trust you earned with the quality of your offerings, they shouldn’t mind if you increase your prices every once in a while.

Achieve greater efficiency

Cutting steps in operations or reengineering them altogether can make them more efficient. The goal is to eliminate tasks that don’t add value to the final product or your bottom line.

Look for ways to improve your offering

Consumers like companies who listen and go the extra mile. A constantly evolving offering will help you shorten your sales cycle, strengthen brand loyalty, and perhaps, even allow you to increase pricing. Don’t allow your product to get outdated. Make the buying process easier and simple.

Feed your winners; starve your losers.

The Growth-Share matrix states that your efforts need to be directed at your profitable customers so you can ‘milk’ the cash cows to feed your stars and R&D efforts that should become cash cows in the future. Cutting your efforts on losers (dogs) will save you valuable resources that you can use to reward your most profitable customers.

3. Simply Money-Saving Tips for Your Business

Saving money is always easier said than done but by no means is it impossible.

Think of ways to reduce your basic costs

When setting up your utilities look for a provider with a competitive rate like Gas South.

Go green

Going green saves green. The more energy-efficient your space is, the lower utility costs you’re going to have. Moreover, green investments could make you eligible for tax credits and deductions, further benefiting your bottom line.

Embrace technology

Software makes bookkeeping, accounting and presentations a breeze.

Cut down on everything you can

The rule of thumb is: when in doubt, go without. You can apply it to any purchase as well as unnecessary meetings. Just do a rough calculation based on the number of people and their average hourly salary, and you’ll be surprised how much money you throw away.

Negotiate

With so many price comparison websites, it’s so easy to ensure you are getting the best value for your money. Negotiate with suppliers and always ask for discounts.

Takeaway – Saving money as a small business can be tricky, especially if you are just starting. However, it’s more about the mindset than actual figures. Remember, every action counts and helps your business on its way to better financial health.

Staying Motivated

Article Editor on April 27, 2021

Motivation is very important and what makes things happen. When people are motivated, they go beyond what they thought was impossible. If there is one area that people would love to change in their lives, it is staying motivated. So, what exactly is motivation?

Motivation is the inner drive to achieve goals and certain aspirations in life. It is usually influenced by gains, personal expectations and how much one wants to achieve the set goals.

Shalom Lamm strongly believes motivation is what keeps professionals going in their jobs. He believes professionals can keep working even when they are not feeling. This is the case during stressful times at work. 

Define Goals, Not Chores

Setting goals is one of the most important ways to stay and be motivated at what you’re doing. You will find the extra energy and drive to get going until you achieve your goals. Most salespersons close more deals and make huge sales when they reach their goals. The same goes for fitness goals. Without goals, you will give up on gym workouts before you achieve your goals. Goals give people direction, purpose, and focus. Choose goals that are achievable, measurable, and have a clear way to achieve them.

Focus on Enjoyable Work Elements

When people choose enjoyable goals like taking a yoga class, they are more likely to achieve them. However, this does not happen when people set goals that pass them through pain to achieve. For example, people with goals to work long hours are less likely to forge through the entire period. According to Shalom Lamm, motivation can keep professionals working and forging ahead even during the most stressful moments in their lives.

However, when people focus on the positive and enjoyable elements of their goals, they are bound to stay motivated. In a work situation, think of the satisfaction that comes with getting a certain task accomplished. This can be making a sale or closing down an important deal.

Make Your Goals Public

Telling people your goals or writing them down is equivalent to making a promise. This will get you motivated as you need to prove a point.

Plot your Progress

Have a plan on how you intend to achieve your goals and create a way to show the progress. People tend to stay motivated when they see important milestones on their goals. If your goal is to save a certain amount of money, stay focused and show yourself the amount already saved. This can motivate you further to accomplish your goals.

Harness the Influence of Others

We are social beings and easily influenced by things happening around us. Take a look around and see what others in the same field are doing. Who is the top employee in your company? Aspire to reach the employee’s levels or more. However, be sure to harness the influence of the right persons. You can talk to them and see how they achieved their goals. This can help you stay motivated.

These are just a few tips on how to stay motivated. Always have a plan, stay positive and look at the big picture. If others before you have done it, you too can do it.

Importance of Getting the Coronavirus Vaccine

Article Editor on April 26, 2021

The coronavirus pandemic has definitely changed up the entire world completely. People from all over the world have experienced the severity of this virus and have all had the need to make different changes in their lifestyle due to this dangerous virus. Unfortunately, this dangerous virus has also taken the lives of many people all around the world. There have been places that this virus hit a lot harder than others, but everyone has definitely felt the negative side effects of this virus at some point in their lives.

The past year and a half has definitely been one of the hardest years that planet earth has had to face in many years. Fortunately, due to the advanced science and technological usage that is now available, there is now a vaccine!

Diego Ruiz Duran is the type of person that will encourage another individual to get the vaccine as soon as possible.The vaccine for the coronavirus is definitely something that should be brought up amongst everyone. This vaccine can potentially save the lives of many people all around the world and it is highly recommended and very important that people begin to get vaccinated as quickly as possible. Duran is the type of person that believes that it is highly important for the entire world to get vaccinated as quickly and as efficiently as possible so that the mortality rate can begin to reduce itself.

He believes that it is everyone’s responsibility to help out one another and to get the vaccine as quickly as possible so that those who are in the vulnerable and high-risk group of dying from this virus can have a higher chance of surviving it. Thurman many people believe that getting the vaccine is not the right choice to make, but Diego Ruiz Duran believes that it is the best decision to make because it can potentially save the lives of many people all around the world.

He has set up different meetings and has had the opportunity to share valuable information in regards to the vaccine. He is also the type of person that believes that the majority of people who are against getting the vaccine is because of their lack of knowledge regarding the vaccine. He states that there is nothing to fear when getting the vaccine because there are a lot more positive aspects than negative aspects. The faster that people become vaccinated, the faster that the entire world will be able to pass this pandemic and become a safe zone.

Getting the vaccine and encouraging others to get the vaccine will help bring back the old world back. People will have the opportunity to travel with a lot more peace of mind, grandparents and grandchildren will be able to reunite without fearing of spreading the virus to others, and overall the world will become a lot more peaceful and enjoyable.

History of Memorial Day

Article Editor on April 23, 2021

For many Americans, Memorial Day is the unofficial first day of summer marked by barbecues, family gatherings and pool openings. The day is sometimes looked upon as just another day to celebrate. However, it is a day that comes with a high price. A price paid in American lives in sacrifice to the freedoms and traditions for which its citizens are accustomed. Not to be confused with Veteran’s Day, the last Monday of May is dedicated to the men and women who gave their all for their country. After the Civil War, this day was known as Decoration Day. Started by a Civil war veteran, General John A. Logan, it has not been established when the change in name took place; however, this became a federal holiday in 1971. On the very first Decoration Day, the graves in Arlington National Cemetery were decorated in remembrance.

Growing up in the United States, Andrew Napolitano has witnessed many of the traditions associated with Memorial Day. Cities and towns scattered throughout the United States have dedicated parades each year to honor the fallen. Hometowns across the U.S. show gratitude with yellow ribbons, flags, flowers and wreaths, leaving a sense of oneness and overflowing patriotism in its wake. Other towns visit cemeteries in mass and pay tribute. A program titled “Wreaths Across America” accepts donations and ensures that every veteran grave has a wreath by coordinating ceremonies. Nationally, a moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time for all to reflect upon the value of freedom. The displays of recognition simultaneously acknowledge the past in gratitude for the future.

America’s conflict-filled history and future is painted with the blood of its service members. Mothers, Daughters, Fathers, Sons, Aunts, Uncles, Wives and Husbands are deployed in vast numbers to this day. Its military has engaged in some of the deadliest conflicts in its pursuit of freedom. Current day, almost 970,000 veterans return from conflict with some sort of disability and some never return at all, leaving a gaping wound in the hearts of their loved ones. For each service member that is killed, there is a story and a life behind and outside of that uniform—a future that has been cut short for the greater cause. Not only is this day a tribute to those service members who lost their lives, but also to their families that pay the cost.

Though it is a somber occasion, it is still cause to celebrate. The United States is one of the world’s largest volunteer military organizations. The members of the United States Armed Forces are paid and receive benefits in serving. However, it is the belief that this is a country worth dying for that keeps many in its ranks. The military comprises nearly 1.4 million members. Many more will continue to enlist in service to the red, white and blue, and some will give their lives for it. This May, like the vast majority of fellow Americans, Andrew Napolitano will be honoring the American heroes who gave their lives, and also reflecting upon the cost of freedom.