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The Innocence Project: How They’re Freeing the Wrongfully Incarcerated

Sam Allcock
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The Innocence Project: How They’re Freeing the Wrongfully Incarcerated

The Innocence Project is a non-profit legal organization committed to freeing individuals from prison who were wrongly convicted. The Innocence Project was founded in 1992. Since then, it has helped to exonerate hundreds of people who were wrongfully convicted. The organization has played a large role in the movement to try to abolish the death penalty, as many of those who have been exonerated were on death row at the time.

DNA Testing Is Essential

The Innocence Project focuses their efforts around using DNA testing to prove the innocence of their clients. While they have staff devoted to other avenues to prove innocence, their primary focus of DNA testing is also their most effective at overturning wrongful convictions.

Various studies have shown that far too many United States prisoners are innocent of their alleged crimes. Obviously, no figure is exact. If exact figures were available, then we would have to hope they were at zero percent. While there is no consensus on an exact number, these studies suggest that no fewer than two percent and as many as five percent of inmates are innocent.

With over two million people incarcerated in the United States, that means that at minimum there are 40,000 people who don’t belong there, and possibly upwards of 100,000. So, while the couple of hundred people freed by the Innocence Project is a great achievement, it is only a drop in the bucket.

Real change needs to happen at a systemic level. One non-profit organization can not do it all on its own. This is especially true when their best weapon of DNA evidence is available in less than 10% of cases.

The Innocence Project gets thousands of applications every year from inmates asking them to take on their case. A wrongful incarceration lawyer or another qualified employee of the organization reviews the applications. Those in which there seems to be a high enough possibility of innocence get taken on by the team.

Promoting the Idea of Change

The work done by the Innocence Project is incredible. Reading the stories of some of the people who were wrongly convicted of crimes and spent years, sometimes decades, in prison before being proven innocent, is at once heartbreaking and heartwarming. When you think about how many other people languish away behind bars for a crime they did not commit, it can make you feel gutted.

Beyond the incredible work of helping their clients to get their lives back, there is a broader societal impact that the Innocence Project promotes. These cases aren’t just forcing many states to reexamine the idea of the death penalty. They are also pressuring courts and lawmakers to take a closer look at the whole legal process.

Creating a system that never results in a wrongful conviction may be beyond our abilities. However, creating a system that gets the number of wrongful convictions down from a five or six-digit number certainly seems doable. There are far too many problems that persist in our court system, from jury makeup to inadequate defense. These issues are especially pressing when the defendant is a member of a minority group.

Catching the Real Criminal

A wrongful conviction is not just harmful to the person who is locked up. When a crime is committed, and the wrong person goes to prison, that means that the actual guilty party goes free. Once a conviction has been made, police no longer investigate the crime because they believe it has already been solved.

Families of victims might get a false sense of justice by having someone go to prison for the crime that has been committed. However, that just makes the sense of injustice hit even harder if it turns out that the person who went to prison was innocent the whole time. Then families are left with the knowledge that not only was the person who harmed their loved one get away with it, but they made another victim as well.

In many of the exonerations, the DNA evidence used to prove innocence also leads law enforcement to the actual perpetrator of the crime. Had a more thorough investigation been made from the start, not only would an innocent person stayed out of prison, but a guilty person would have gone in.

It’s also likely that in many cases where the wrong person was sent to prison, had the investigation continued at the time, investigators would have found the guilty culprit. After years of the wrong person being in prison though, when they are finally cleared of charges, there is no trail of evidence left to follow. The world has moved on, and there is nowhere to pick up the investigation.

The Future

Hopefully, with time, the Innocence Project will continue to grow and further reveal the cracks in our legal system. Only by examining the flaws in how the system works can we begin to repair it.

These Small Businesses Are Most Vulnerable to COVID-19

Sam Allcock
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These Small Businesses Are Most Vulnerable to COVID-19

Many high-profile pundits from both the business and political arenas warn of the potential devastation of a second wave of coronavirus. But small business owners in America know that the effects of the first wave are far from over. Business owners also know firsthand that small businesses continue to bear the brunt of the pain inflicted by the pandemic.  

Bar and Restaurants

Entrepreneurs seeking business funding and financing for bars and restaurants know they face an uphill battle in even the best economic conditions. But nothing could have prepared these small business owners for the effects of a global pandemic.  

The National Restaurant Association reports the bar and restaurant industry lost $80 billion due to the coronavirus over March and April in 2020. By the end of the year, the loss tally reached $240 billion.  

Business experts estimate that as many as 40 percent of U.S. restaurants and bars closed their doors in 2020. This number includes hundreds of thousands of business owners unable to survive the effects of the pandemic. Unfortunately, many more crushed dreams are possible without appropriate federal aid for small business owners.  

A few tips that may help owners of small restaurants survive Covid-19 include:

  • Adhering to social distancing protocols
  • Expanding off-premise dining alternatives
  • Redesigning the menu for online customers
  • Switching to takeaway and delivery services
  • Streamlining production.

Travel and Tourism

Small business owners that support themselves by facilitating customer experiences far away from home may experience more suffering than other entrepreneurs as the pandemic rages on.

According to the latest estimates, the travel industry losses were more than $500 billion by the first day of 2021. The total economic effect of lost business is more than a trillion dollars. Those numbers represent more significant losses than those experienced after the 2001 attack on the World Trade Center.  

The outlook is even bleaker from a global perspective. More than 100 million people working in travel-related occupations are without work due to the pandemic. The global impact on the GDP is already near $3 trillion with no end in sight.

Live Entertainment

The ability to put on sporting events, conferences, and live musical performances have taken a significant hit since the onset of the pandemic.  

One group of analysts estimate the total loss in growth for the entertainment sector over the next half-decade could top $160 billion. The sports industry expects to lose more than $12 billion over the same period. These losses do not include the money lost by professional and college athletic programs.  

Analysts explain that even though restrictions are not as strict now as they were at the beginning of the pandemic, many live entertainment fans are slow to enjoy these activities. One poll completed in 2020 showed that nearly 75 percent of sports fans said they would not attend a live event until a vaccine was available.

Industry participants continue their struggle to find ways to deliver live entertainment to customers in a secure and trustworthy manner.

Mom and Pop Shops

Mom and pop shops are among some of the hardest-hit businesses by the ongoing public health crisis, with thousands of them shutting down without ever filing for bankruptcy. Since many of those small business didn’t have a cash cushion for an entire economic shutdown, many of them preferred closing down than taking on debt without anyone guaranteeing that things would go back to normal in the near future.

By contrast, big box stores and online e-commerce business are thriving during the pandemic, with people flocking to hypermarkets and big-name department stores like there is no tomorrow. Meanwhile, mom and pop shops lose their customers to big retailers and online platforms with no federal or state aid in sight. And since getting a lease to stay afloat or accessing rent relief is not an option for small businesses, no wonder many decide to quietly close shop.

Key Takeaway

The coronavirus pandemic has negatively impacted all business segments over the past year. But the effect has been disproportionately harsh for small entrepreneurs working in the live entertainment, restaurant, retail, and travel industries.

There is no doubt that things might one day return to normal for small business owners operating in these sectors. But unfortunately, many businesses will close their doors for good before the end of these trying economic times. Hopefully, small business owners who show creativity and leadership will enjoy a better chance of survival and may find themselves in a stronger position once the pandemic runs its course.

What to Expect During a Lung Cancer Screening

Sam Allcock
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What to Expect During a Lung Cancer Screening

Early lung cancer detection saves lives. A lung cancer screening means that the doctor tests you for lung cancer even without signs of it. Many times, lung cancer reaches a stage where doctors can’t do anything for the patient. Lung cancer screenings hope to diagnose and treat the disease in its infant stages.

People who should have a screening done include:

  • People with a history of chain-smoking.
  • Those who smoke or have quit within the last 15 years.
  • People between the ages of 55 and 80 years old.

Anyone with a history of heavy smoking, which means longer than 30 years, should have occasional screenings.

What to Expect

First, speak with your doctor to learn if you meet the high-risk category. They will look at criteria like age, smoking history and other risk factors. The LDCT screening has many similarities to other tests like colonoscopies and mammograms. Remember that screening doesn’t mean that your doctor believes you have it. Instead, he wants to catch it early if you did have it. Before the screening begins, they will ask you if you want to have a screening done.

Next, the doctor prepares you for it by discussing what will happen during the screening. Screening tests that prove abnormal will mean that you have more tests done. Even if the doctor finds nothing during the screening, they may request that you have one done annually.

If anything looks suspicious, the doctor will order further testing through a PET scan or biopsy. This determines if you have cancer. Results that test positive for cancer will mean that the doctor opts for treatment, such as radiation, immunotherapy, surgery and targeted therapies.

Preparation for the LDCT Scan

You can prepare for the LDCT scan easily because it doesn’t require much. Important to note, however, the radiation from LDCT scans can eventually cause cancer in otherwise healthy people. If you have a respiratory infection, report it to your doctor because this can throw off the reading.

During the screening, the doctor will request that you remove all metal from your body. Having the scan done takes less than a minute. They may request that you hold your breath during that time.

How Do They Perform a Lung Cancer Screening?

The LDCT scan will use multiple experts to ensure that they catch the cancer if it exists. Medical experts who will help include:

  • Oncologists
  • Radiologists
  • Pulmonologists
  • Thoracic surgeons
  • Primary care doctors
  • Pathologists

During the screening, images will be taken of your lungs. This process is not invasive or painful in any way.

Screening No Substitute for Quitting

Some people have the mistaken assumption that they can have the screening done, and this will prevent lung cancer. They can continue smoking without a problem. Let’s put it this way: if you knew that a bomb was going to go off, would you let the bomb blow up even if it only did a little damage? Once lung cancer kicks off, even early-stage lung cancer isn’t a guarantee that it won’t kill you.

Lung cancer screenings have their benefits, but they also have some negatives. For example, they can give you false positives. Because of that, doctors perform multiple tests to ensure that the patient truly has lung cancer. You also have non-smokers suffering from lung cancer, and this could be because of secondhand smoke, asbestos exposure or radon exposure.

In cases with radon exposure, if you weren’t a smoker and you developed lung cancer, you may have a case for a lawsuit. You should speak with a lawyer to understand the legal proceedings for a case.

5 eCommerce pricing strategies that every seller should know.

Sam Allcock
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5 eCommerce pricing strategies that every seller should know.

One of the best business approaches is knowing all the top tips and tricks. The following best business technique is to utilize the ones your rivals don’t think about so you can misuse their weakness and ignorance. As usual, we need to see our readers ahead, so here are five strategies you ought to use.

Increase Singles and Decrease Bundles

Suppose you’re a parent hoping to purchase your child a PS4. The reassurance all alone is really pointless in light of the fact that it’s a game. Yet, when you take a look at games, you notice how costly they are — despite the fact that one can’t be appreciated without the other.

One very successful pricing system is to feature this reality, bundle two similar items together, diminish the packaged cost, and point out the reserve funds. Purchasers are far likelier to get the pack in the event that they can save a rate on every one, as opposed to get them exclusively and pay full cost.

You can also safeguard against purchasers not accepting the groups by slightly raising the individual costs. This technique should be utilized sparingly, and not as an end-direct objective toward incrementing your deals. You should essentially zero in on the packaged item’s lesser cost.

MSRP

As its name proposes (no play on words expected), the manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) is the value a producer suggests retailers use when selling an item. Makers originally began using MSRPs to help normalize various costs of items across different areas and retailers.As a retailer, you can save yourself some time just by utilizing the MSRP when pricing your items.

Psychological Effect

Consider two identical items, similar to a bottle of water, however one is estimated £2 and the other is evaluated £1.99. Which one seems like the better deal? They’re basically the equivalent and saving 1p isn’t actually any savings at all, however it seems like that to the purchaser.

Odd numbers like 5, 7 and 9 have appeared to cause psychological induce misfortune for purchasers, causing them to feel like they’re getting a better deal (regardless of whether they’re most certainly not).

Difference in Prices

The above eCommerce pricing strategies are fantastic one, yet there’s a method to make it considerably more remarkable: anchor pricing. This is the point at which you feature the differentiation in two costs by highlighting the higher one as the old one, and gains by a purchaser’s spending impulses to scoop up the deal.

A minor departure from this strategy  is to put a costly thing alongside a less expensive one, with the last being the one you’re really intending to truly push. Buyers will see the distinction in cost and feel that the less expensive one is a far superior deal.

Flat Pricing

This estimating strategy is regularly found in dollar stores, where pretty much everything costs the equivalent. On the off chance that your stock comprises items that are very much like in value, this can be an incredible system to utilize. It makes it simpler on the purchasers, it makes it simpler on you as far as the executives, and it can bring about a more prominent benefit if you can set the cost to be somewhat higher than the middle. In case you’re not happy with embracing this system 100%, give it a shot as an impermanent advancement, as for a day or seven days.

Final Thoughts

Since you have a more deeper understanding of the absolute most basic eCommerce price strategy for retail organizations, you can settle on more informed choices and make more customized shopping encounters for buyers by giving them the most ideal price.

5 Steps to Kick Start Your Mortgage Journey

Sam Allcock
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5 Steps to Kick Start Your Mortgage Journey
  1. Speak to a broker

“Fail to prepare, prepare to fail” the oft quoted phrase is true in many aspects of life and especially in the mortgage process. Getting a mortgage can be a daunting and lengthy process – whether you are a first time buyer or a trader upper.

You should obtain as much expert advice on the process as you can, as early as possible. We recommend speaking to a mortgage advisor as soon as you are thinking about buying a property. One if the biggest mistakes buyers today make is that they wait until they find a property they want to buy before they even consider the mortgage.

Given that you need at least 6 months account information, you should logically begin planning a mortgage application more than 6 months before you find a property. This way you can ensure your finances are in the best shape they can be. By contacting Pangea Mortgages, you will be able to speak with a highly qualified mortgage advisor who can walk you through what’s required at each step of the journey.

  • Have a permanent job

Whilst this may seem obvious, lots of people who work in contract roles or who are still on probation in their current role are surprised when their applications are rejected by Banks. Banks will want you to be in a permanent role and out of your probationary period before they will consider your income for an application.

Even if you are certain to be offered the role or have been verbally told you will get a permanent role, the Banks require EVERYTHING in writing. When making or planning to make a job switch you should consider how this will impact on any application you will be making. For example, some Banks will take in 100% of variable income once you are in the role 3 years – but if you have just started and have a high variable component of your salary – this may impact the amount you can borrow Vs being in a long term role with the same pay.

  • Proven Repayment Capacity

Along with the more well known metrics the Bank use such as Loan to Value and lending 3.5x income, the Banks will examine, in great detail, your ability to repay any proposed mortgage. For this they will look at your after tax or nett income. A first time buyer, say on €80k per year, with savings of €30k – would qualify to buy a property for €270k. They meet the Loan to Value and 3.5x income criteria.

But once you go into their nett pay you see it fails the Banks test. The key things that will cause this are 1. Other debts, 2. Children/dependents, 3. High spending

If you have a car loan and a personal loan the Bank will deduct them for your monthly nett pay, so say €3,500 a month nett, the 2 loans are €650 a month – the Bank will assess you as having €2,850 repayment capacity. The next step they will consider is how many people does this income have to provide for day to day? If you have €2,850 a month as a single person this should be more than enough to meet your living expenses, but if you have a partner that’s not working and two children – the Banks will see this a €2,850 needing to cover 4 peoples living expenses! This amount may not be deemed sufficient and you may fall at this hurdle. Many applicants with high incomes are hugely surprised when they fail this test. This is why you should speak to a mortgage advisor as soon as possible and get an understand of how the banks work.

The last hurdle the Banks will look at is over the last 6 months, how much money is left in the current account at the end of each month. Just because you have a high income, and no dependents doesn’t mean you have proven repayment capacity. The Bank will examine your spending habits and if you are consistently living beyond your means and using your overdraft – this may also result in your application being rejected.

  • Documentation

The mortgage process is very document heavy. The Banks will not take your word for anything ! Everything has to be shown on paper. First time buyers especially will underestimate exactly how much time this all takes to prepare. In addition to your current and personal accounts, you will need Salary Certs, payslips, ID, Employment summary forms, and many more docs if you are self-employed. It usually takes most people a couple of weeks to pull all this info together. Additionally, any accounts with your name on it, no matter how little money is in it, will need to be provided to the Bank. The main documents that customer fail to provide initially will be Revolut or N26 statements – yes, the Banks need these too!!

  • Realistic expectations

In the current housing market, the length of time its taking a first time buyer to go from beginning the mortgage journey to actually moving into the property can be over one year.

You should also consider that the market is very competitive at the minute and there is a huge number of buyers chasing a very small stock of property. So asking prices unfortunately may not be the price the house is sold for. Be prepared for this. Be prepared to miss out on properties – it’s all part of the process unfortunately.

Even once you are Sale Agreed on a property it still takes an average of 4 months to complete all the legal paperwork – this is due to the paper based process of both the legal and Banking industries. It is slow, so please allow time for this. 

Storing and trading cryptocurrencies: The current security risks

Sam Allcock
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Storing and trading cryptocurrencies: The current security risks

Security is often touted as the primary advantage of cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrencies are decentralized and transactions require significantly less sensitive information from investors than banks do. Data is stored on blockchains, in which information is recorded in hash functions and timestamped. Blockchain systems, combined with a lack of a centralized server, pose a set of near-insurmountable challenges to prospective hackers.

Nonetheless, trading in bitcoin does not automatically guarantee immunity from fraud. Cryptocurrency has grown more commonplace as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with more businesses accepting it as payment. Naturally, cybercriminals have adapted to this shift by altering traditional financial crimes and coming up with new ones to suit the budding cryptocurrency era.

COVID-19 cryptocurrency scams abound

The current global climate of uncertainty and fear allows optimal opportunities for malefactors to exploit. A devious twist on the tried-and-true blackmail campaign involves threatening to infect the recipient and their relatives with coronavirus. Unless the victim either sends money to a Bitcoin wallet or shares the password to their account, the hacker will send an infected individual to the victim’s home. In order to heighten chances of success, the scammer may also claim to have personally identifying or compromising information. That can range from a home address to intimate activity conducted online, e.g. visiting a pornographic website.

Ransomware has also undergone a COVID-themed transformation. The malware built for Android devices, known as COVIDLock, is distributed through websites offering free resources. The app is allegedly a free coronavirus tracking app. Once downloaded, the recipient’s phone is locked and a message appears demanding a sum of money payable in bitcoins to return access. If the target does not comply, their phone will be wiped of all data, private information will be shared online, or both. Note that phones that do not have a password lock are susceptible to this form of attack.

Understandably, panic, and a desire to comply to avoid the consequences is a natural response to malicious extortion. Despite this, the communications must be reported to the relevant authorities and ignored. Bear in mind that, for many people, there is a wealth of information available online for cybercriminals to create the illusion that they know everything. Monitoring social media accounts and other publicly-visible profiles enable hackers to mention personal details to make the threat sound more legitimate. Restricting your online presence is a worthwhile initiative to reduce your exposure to this sort of fraud. The less personal data hackers have access to, the easier it is to see through blackmail attempts.

Download apps pertaining to the coronavirus (monitoring news, tracking infections, etc.) from trustworthy sources only, such as Google Play or Apple’s App Store. Remember that authority website domain names can be spoofed or mimicked. A website claiming to belong to a governmental or medical agency isn’t automatically free from suspicion.

Other attempts at fraud are more insidious, such as requests for virtual donations to renowned organizations to fight COVID-19 and support relief efforts. Following the World Health Organization’s establishment of the COVID-19 Solidarity Relief Fund, individuals began reporting solicitations of cryptocurrency supposedly on behalf of the WHO. Messages directed recipients to donate via a Bitcoin address rather than through the non-profit’s official website. WHO confirmed that it does not accept cryptocurrency contributions. Solicitation of cryptocurrency donations from charities, online stores, or exchanges must be verified directly from the source rather than third-party emails or trending posts.

Fraudsters are also happy to seize upon the sheer desperation for new commodity items to protect against the virus. These products — masks, face shields, and similar equipment — can only be bought with cryptocurrency. Some miscreants go so far as to offer “cures” and “guaranteed” preventative solutions. There may also be a disclaimer that the item is in limited stock to encourage a quick purchase. These false advertisements are usually easy to disprove, but fear or hope can elicit hasty decisions. Of course, the promised items never arrive.

Knowledge is a vital defense strategy against such scams, especially considering the prolific spread of misinformation about the pandemic. Adopt a skeptical approach toward advertisements or messages offering coronavirus treatments or protective gadgets purchasable only via bitcoin. If products come with a certification of approval from authority organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), check the official website to confirm. Usually, a standard search will confirm a specific type of scam.

The fourth common COVID-19 scam is inspired by the quarantine-instigated boom in remote employment: work-from-home schemes. Considering the worldwide spike in unemployment rates as a result of coronavirus, the demographic exists. Cybercriminals pose as employers, offering jobseekers the chance at full time work — with the bonus of an initial “donation” to get started. This donation typically consists of stolen money that the predators are attempting to launder. Scammers then request that these funds then be transferred to a cryptocurrency kiosk. The unsuspecting victim could then be held liable for illegal transmission of stolen currency.

Alternatively, the message might be a variation of the get-rich-quick scheme. Targets are tempted with the promise of swift rewards or sizable profits with little work required. The caveat is that the future employee has to transfer a set sum in cryptocurrency over to the “business” to begin.

It’s important not to take employment prospects at face value, especially if you never applied for a job in the first place. Convenient jobs with exorbitant salaries are enticing lures used by digital delinquents capitalizing on struggling economies. Verified businesses are unlikely to request financial deposits or transactions as a hiring stipulation, particularly not in cryptocurrency. Always research a company before you respond to communications.

The perils of improper cryptocurrency storage

Improper storage is another significant vulnerability all digital investors must address. Cryptocurrency should not be stored on exchanges long-term: in the event of a breach or an unexpected technical error, the investment is lost. In 2019 alone, 12 virtual currency exchanges were hacked, costing users millions in damages. The lack of jurisdiction and anonymity that many digital investors consider benefits turn to drawbacks in the event of an attack. Tracking down bitcoin thieves tends to be a more complex endeavor for law enforcement agencies.

Rather, crypto holders should transfer their funds to a bitcoin wallet. These wallets can either be physical devices that allow for offline storage, or online wallets that are separate from the exchange.

The best wallet for securing your bitcoins will depend on your transaction volume and transaction value. The value is the number of transactions you conduct on average, and the volume refers to the size of each transaction. In general, hard wallets are more appropriate for higher value transactions, whereas online wallets are suitable for lower value transactions. However, you can use multiple types of wallets to balance accessibility with security.

Staying proactive against cybercriminals

In light of these situations, vigilance at all stages of the process is critical to avoid falling victim to fraud. Awareness of the tactics criminals employ to play upon emotions provoked by the pandemic is essential to be prepared. Safeguarding your investments in a bitcoin wallet versus letting bitcoins sit on the exchange is non-negotiable regardless of your average transaction volume and value.

It can be tricky to separate legitimate opportunities to pay using cryptocurrency from deceitful ploys. The fact that many malefactors hijack the clout of genuine organizations makes things murkier. A trademark red flag to watch for is an insistence on virtual currency as the sole method of payment and pressure to fork up payment quickly.

In terms of conducting cryptocurrency transactions online, there are several provisions to take to boost security. Firstly, select a reputable cryptocurrency exchange. Since these companies are not government-backed, thoroughly research your options — particularly where it concerns the exchange’s security policies. Investigate better-known cryptocurrency exchange platforms within your country.

Next, set up a secure, decentralized email and add multi-factor authentication. Combined with two-step verification, the innate encryption that these email providers include makes it more challenging for hackers to compromise. Similarly, multi-signature (or MultiSig) addresses are safer than using a single key to authorize a transaction.

Basic precautions like antivirus software and firewalls are a necessity for all personal devices. Since public networks provide rife opportunities for digital miscreants to attack connected devices, install a VPN to shield sensitive online activities from prying eyes.

As with traditional currency, physical assaults or attacks from dangerous thieves are not unheard of. Bitcoins are typically more appealing to steal than traditional money due to the anonymous, decentralized nature of the currency. For this reason, details about holdings and investments must not be shared with other individuals, whether online on forums or offline.

Because transactions are conducted digitally, trading and storing cryptocurrency will always have inherent security risks in the form of fraud. Since traditional hacking techniques are challenging to implement with this form of tender, attempts to manipulate and swindle holders directly should be anticipated. Awareness of current threats combined with best-practice protocols to shield your investments is imperative for a long-term defense strategy.

Everything You Need to Know about selecting Laptop Rental

Sam Allcock
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Everything You Need to Know about selecting Laptop Rental

You may have enough reasons to choose laptop rental. but have you ever though how to select the laptop that works perfectly for your need? You have probably seen a few websites that offer cheap laptop rental services and decided that this is the laptop that you want to go with. The problem is that you still don’t know how to make a proper selection. As with selecting any other product, it is always best to spend some time researching and thinking through your decision before you make it. So, let’s take a closer look at how to select a laptop for rent before we look at how to get one for less. There are a few key things to keep in mind.

First, when you are shopping around for a laptop for rent, you will want to figure out how much you are going to be spending on the laptop. This includes the rent as well as any other costs associated with owning the laptop. Now, there is an important rule of thumb that you should keep in mind: don’t overspend on a laptop rental just because you want to own one. You are going to want to spend your money on peripherals and accessories that are going to enhance your experience, not make it easier. If you are just renting the laptop for a few weeks, then don’t go out and spend more than $500. By saving that much, you will be able to buy the things you really want.

Next, once you know how much you can afford to spend, you will need to know what kind of laptop you want to rent. If you are going to be traveling a lot, you will want to consider whether you will need a portable laptop. If you are going on vacation, then you may want to select a larger, more powerful laptop. Once you have an idea in mind of what type of laptop you want to rent, you are ready to start your search.

The first place you should look to see how to select a laptop for rent is the official website of the rental company. Many times, these websites will have a list of available laptops. If the site does not list a laptop that meets your criteria, then you may need to contact customer service to ask for one. They may also be able to give you a discount if you are a returning customer.

Another thing that you will want to consider is whether or not the website offers any kind of special deals. Often, companies that offer laptop hire will offer a coupon code that can save you money. This can be a great way to save money when you are looking for a new laptop. Another thing you will want to do is check out online reviews to see if the company has a reputation for helping customers select the best laptop for rent that they can find.

If you want to know how to select a laptop for rent, you will likely have many options. Whether you need a basic laptop or one with everything that you could ever want, you will likely be able to find it on the Internet. You just have to remember to compare prices and to check out customer testimonials. It may take some time to find the right laptop for you, but it will be worth it in the long run.

Should I buy a Lab Diamond or an Earth Diamond?

Sam Allcock
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Should I buy a Lab Diamond or an Earth Diamond?

In 2020, more lab diamonds were purchased by consumers than in any year before. Lab diamonds are becoming more and more popular to jewelry shoppers and that is a trend that looks like it will continue in 2021.

This has many people wondering, if I’m in the market for a beautiful piece of diamond jewelry or an engagement ring, should I buy a lab grown diamonds or an earth diamond? Let’s look at the pros and cons.

How are Lab Diamonds and Earth Diamonds Similar?

Let’s start with what is the same about both of these types of stones. First and foremost, they are both real diamonds. Some people may try to convince you that since lab diamonds aren’t mined from the earth, they are not real, but that is not the case. In 2018 the FTC changed it’s definition of a diamond to remove the word natural. This is because the chemical makeup of a lab diamond and an earth diamond are identical.

Additionally, to the eye no one would ever be able to tell the difference between a lab diamond and an earth diamond. They sparkle the same, the have the same types of color and clarity, they are cut the same and come in the same sizes.

If you’re wondering if this is true for other common diamond replacements like cubic zirconia or moissanite, it is not. CZ and moissanite are diamond simulants, which means that while they may look similar, they have a different chemical makeup. Lab diamonds are made by replicating the process that earth diamonds are made – subjecting carbon to intense pressures and heats for a significant amount of time. That’s why they product the same chemical output. CZ and moissanite are completely different materials, down to the atom.

How are Lab Diamonds and Earth Diamonds Different?

While appearing identical, there are still. A few differences between earth and lab diamonds. They typically fall into three categories: Rarity, sustainability and cost.

Earth diamonds are rarer than lab diamonds

Realistically speaking, lab diamonds aren’t as rare as earth diamonds because they can be made in a lab. Right now, there are more earth diamonds than lab diamonds in the world, but that’s just because diamonds have been mined from the earth for hundreds of years, and they’ve only been grown in labs more recently. Furthermore, lab diamonds have only become commercialized to consumers in the past decade. If you’re looking for rarity, you might want to buy an earth diamond.

Lab diamonds are more sustainable than earth diamonds

Along the same lines of the rarity – think about how earth diamonds are mined. It takes thousands of people to dig into holes and caves deep into the earth, often without a guarantee of finding anything. That take a significant amount of time, money and energy. Eventually, all of the diamonds will run out of these mines and it will only become tougher to produce earth diamonds.

Lab diamonds on the other hand are significantly more sustainable than earth diamonds. They are created in labs using commonly found elements on earth like carbon and natural gases.

It usually takes weeks to months to grow and can be replicated time and time again without running out. If you’re exploring ethical and elegant options, you might want to try Whiteflash.com for designer engagement rings that feature stunning lab-created diamonds.

Earth Diamonds are more expensive than lab diamonds

Simply put, the costs of producing gem-worthy earth diamonds is significantly higher than the cost of producing gem-worthy diamonds from a lab. These costs are passed onto the consumer, making lab diamond much 30% cheaper than earth diamonds. Let’s look at a comparison of similar diamonds from online diamond retailer, Ritani.

1.12 Carat Lab Diamond – $2,311

  • Cut – Ideal
  • Color – F
  • Clarity – VVS1

1.12 Carat Earth Diamond – $8,470

  • Cut – Ideal
  • Color – F
  • Clarity – VVS1

Identical diamonds in each area of the Four Cs, but the lab diamond is $6,000 cheaper.

Should you buy a lab diamonds or earth diamond?

Ultimately, the choice is yours. If you want a stone that is rarer and potentially worth more in the long term, an earth diamond is the choice for you. If you are looking for a less expensive option while maintaining the quality of a traditional diamond, than yes, you should.

Apply these 3 tips to increase your Twitter followers

Sam Allcock
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0
Apply these 3 tips to increase your Twitter followers

Twitter is a microblogging platform where you have many opportunities to market your content and products.

More followers mean more leads and hence more conversions.

Hence, If you’re looking for ways to increase Twitter followers, you’re at the right place because in this article you’ll learn 3 tips that will help you achieve that.

Let’s get started…

Craft quality tweets

The entire platform of Twitter thrives on tweets. But Twitter has put a limit of 280 characters per tweet. This’s a bummer compared to Facebook and Instagram where you can create long posts.

But it’s not entirely a setback.

In fact, according to a survey, tweets written with 110-120 characters perform better than the longer ones.

Now, let’s understand the concept of quality tweets.

Tweets are your bread and butter on Twitter. If you tweet ordinary stuff that people already know, they won’t engage. That’s why you should craft quality tweets.

Suppose you come across a tweet that’s hilarious and at the same time addresses an important topic around your area of interest, or you find someone who shares informative content in an easy-to-digestible manner through tweets.

You would definitely check their profile.

That’s how Generation Z users are becoming famous nowadays.

Before tweeting you need to ask yourself: Does this tweet provide value to my followers?

Obviously, it’s not always about what others want from your tweets. You’re free to tweet as you like it, but if you want people to follow you, you have to give them value.

Here’s how you can craft quality tweets:

  • Analyse what’s working for your competitors or accounts that share the same niche with you.
  • As discussed earlier keep your tweets short.
  • Include a link in your tweets. Suppose you’re sharing information about a current event or talking about your new products. You can make your tweet more engaging by sharing a link to a helpful article that covers the entire news story or a link to your product’s page. People will appreciate it and engage with your tweet.
  • Include a Call-to-action in your tweets to urge people to like, comment and share.
  • Use relevant hashtags to your content. But don’t overuse them. A maximum of three hashtags work best.
  • Finally, maintain a good amount of time interval between your tweets else people might take you as a spammer.

Bottom-line: Give people something to follow you by crafting quality tweets for them.

Share videos

Repeatedly videos have proved to be the best content on social platforms.

It’s not to say image and text posts don’t work, but videos generate engagement on a whole new level.

So, how do videos help you gain more Twitter followers?

The entire concept of gaining followers depends on the way you grab the attention of people.

If someone scrolling through the feed stops at your content and takes the time to engage with it. Then, that person is a potential follower who liked your content.

This’s where videos shine.

Here’re some ways videos help:

  • Given the character limit of tweets a video can do wonders if you want to share content that couldn’t fit in 280 characters.
  • Videos provide a quick way of consuming content.
  • When people take the time to watch a video, they’re more likely to share it.

By sharing videos, you can grab attention of potential followers and hence add new people to your list.

Promote your tweets

One simple way to invite people to follow you is to let them realise of your presence.

Maybe I don’t know about your Twitter profile, but your tweeting style exactly matches my interests. In this case, If I would come across your tweet: I would be happy to follow you. That’s why you should promote your tweets.

There’re could be potential fans out there searching for profiles like you. All you need is to make sure they know you exist.

How can you promote your tweets?

  • Screenshot your best tweets and share them on other social handles like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram.
  • Embed your tweets in blog posts. This’ll introduce your profile to the blog traffic.
  • Add a clickable Twitter button to your website.
  • Include your Twitter “@” in relevant online discussions, presentations, and E-Publications.

Conclusion

There have it. Apply these 3 tips to increase your Twitter followers. While these tips are great, always remember to provide value through your work. This works on other social platforms and Twitter is no exception.

Task Ant Review – Is It Safe and Effective?

Sam Allcock
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0
Task Ant Review – Is It Safe and Effective?

Task Ant is a helpful resource designed to build up and grow your Instagram account. It is okay to feel like you need some help with your Instagram growth.

The issue is not in knowing you need help as much as what help you get. Since there are so many available online, it takes some research and guidance to find the ideal services for your Instagram needs.

One of the biggest things people tend to get wrong on Instagram is hashtag usage. Task Ant was developed with this issue in mind. They help you find the perfect hashtags for your business or brand. That will help you rank higher in search results and make you easier to find my followers and potential followers on Instagram.

What is Task Ant?

Task Ant is a service generally used by content creators, social media managers and agencies, and small business owners. The service is known as a hashtag generator among its clients.

In other words, instead of you doing the tedious research into keywords for your niche, Task Ant uses hashtag analytics to get that done for you. This company also helps your Instagram be more organized so it can grow better and faster.

You can enjoy in depth hashtag results using their hashtag generation tool. Even more related hashtags will be generated that might not think of yourself. The “extra” hashtags can be used alongside of yours and the other relevant hashtags.

How does Task Ant benefit you?

The features of this service include the following:

  • Finding relevant hashtags
  • Organizing hashtags
  • Sharing made smoother and easier
  • Competitor analyses
  • Performance measuring
  • Affordable pricing

These factors alone would ordinarily take you hours, days, weeks, or even months to perfect without help.

The Pros & Cons of Task Ant

All service-centric businesses have pros and cons. Nothing is perfect. It is ultimately up to you to choose the right hashtag and Instagram growth service that will fit your needs. That said, let us look at the pros and cons of Task Ant.

Pros

  • The website is secure, which means they had the dedication and care to spend the extra money to offer that to their clients.
  • Transparency in pricing is a rare occurrence nowadays, so to have a company that is transparent about their offerings and pricing upfront is impressive. Also, their prices are reasonable and affordable.
  • Phone and email form are both present on the website, which adds that level of accountability making them at least appear more credible and trustworthy over those who do not take the time to provide this on their sites. It means they care about keeping you informed an updated.
  • Help and FAQ page is included on the website. Even though the site does not have a dedicated FAQ page, which is better, they use their “about me” page as their FAQ page. That is a great use of webspace.
  • They use a secure payment system so that your payment information is safe and secure when you make a purchase.  

Cons

  • Lack of review: Unfortunately, this service does not offer onsite reviews, which while not a deal breaker, something we would like to see. However, since this is a relatively new company, we can give them some slack and time to build their reputation and have reviews. That is much better than putting up fake reviews.

Is Task Ant Safe or a Scam?

Now that you have the same information we do, what do you think about this company for hashtag generation that leads to Instagram growth? We think this company provides   a legitimate service for Instagrammers who are serious about their presence and growth.

The importance of hashtags on your Instagram posts cannot be stressed enough. The more help you can get with generating the right hashtags, the better you can compete or even gain the edge over your competitors.

Task Ant makes organizing and finding the right hashtags super easy. You will not find yourself getting lost amongst all the hashtags in your industry with the mix you will get from this tool.

Final Thoughts

Overall, we feel the Task Ant hashtag generator tool is an effective, simple, legit, and efficient method of ensuring that your Instagram post hashtags are suitable and within the guidelines of the platform.

This tool saves you time and effort, which allows you to focus on creating amazing content that will attract your audience. The only difference is that you will have the right hashtags to boost your engagement and growth on Instagram.

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