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  • Why Foundation is Important for Older Women

    Why Foundation is Important for Older Women

    As we age, our skin undergoes changes. We’ve all noticed that as we get older, our skin doesn’t look the same as it did when we were in our twenties! That’s okay, though, as it’s a perfectly natural part of growing older. That said, it does mean that women who wear makeup need to adjust their makeup routine to accommodate their changing skin.

    Today we’re looking at some of the reasons why foundation is important for older women, and what types of foundation work best. Let’s talk skin care!

    Foundation Basics

    Why it Matters

    Makeup isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. However, many people choose to wear makeup to accent their natural beauty. If you enjoy wearing makeup and you’ve noticed your foundation isn’t keeping up as you grow older, there’s a reason for that.

    As your skin ages, it begins to lack certain essential compounds that lead to elasticity and smoothness. Your skin can become drier, less elastic and less smooth over time. This means that you have to adjust the types of foundation you use to help counter the effects of aging skin.

    Top Choices

    The best types of foundation for older skin are the types that offer improvements in the tone and texture of your skin. Likewise, you want something that can do a stronger job of concealing wrinkles, lines and other marks earned through aging.

    We’re going over a brief list of some of the top-rated foundations for older women. This list is far from comprehensive, but it’s a great place to start!

    Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm

    This beauty balm from respected brand Dr. Jart is great for helping get a natural and moisturized look. Beauty balms, once popular mainly in Korea, have become a much bigger deal in America, thanks in small part to Dr. Jart’s brand. Beauty balms allow for a great amount of revitalizing moisturizer without laying on too greasy or thick, making them excellent for foundations.

    This product retails for $39 per bottle, and it’s available in a range of colors for various skin tones. It’s SPF 45, so it’s great for going to the beach or heading out for the day, too. It gets rave user reviews and is a favorite of makeup lovers.

    It Cosmetics Your Skin but Better Cream

    The name is a mouthful, but this It Cosmetics cream really gets the job done. Like the Dr. Jart beauty balm, this cream is $39 for a container, but it’s well worth that price. User reviews are glowing, with many noting that they can use this cream by itself as a foundation. The cream is said to leave the face looking awake and glowing without a thick or greasy texture.

    A huge plus in favor of It Cosmetics is that this cream is made entirely cruelty-free. While many makeup brands perform horrific tests on lab animals, this product had no cruelty involved in its production. It’s SPF 50, as well, and available in a variety of colors for different skin tones.

    Covergirl Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation

    Coming in at the affordable price range of $12 for a bottle, this Covergirl foundation has a lot to love. It’s got a great, long-lasting formula that makes it good for all-day wear. It’s resistant to caking, cracking and separating, unlike some lesser foundations. It immediately works to conceal wrinkles and discoloration and looks great on any skin tone. Just pick the color that best matches your tone and you’re good to go!

    User reviews rave about the long-lasting hydration of the liquid foundation, the concealment and the great longevity. It’s even got SPF 15, for some light UV ray protection. That’s not bad for $12!


  • Degrees in Human Resources: The Right Path for You?

    Degrees in Human Resources: The Right Path for You?

    The term “human resources” refers to a rather large swath of professional opportunities and careers. There are a lot of great options out there for someone with a degree in HR, though knowing more about the career path is a great place to start.

    One of the most sought-after online degrees, degrees in HR are far-ranging in scope. There’s just a lot to learn in the field! There are degrees available at nearly every level of higher education, from associates to bachelors, all the way up to MBA degrees. Today we’re going to talk about these in a bit more depth.

    Human Resource Degrees

    Associate degree

    Seeking an associate degree in HR is a fast way to get your foot in the door. An AD is a great way to get started in an entry level HR position, such as a generalist at a larger office or a clerk in a smaller office.

    Secondary tasks such as payroll, benefits specialization and development coordination could fall to a generalist or a clerk. Of course, the pay grade of someone with this degree would be lower than someone with higher degree.

    Bachelor’s Degree

    A holder of a bachelor’s degree in HR opens a lot more opportunities for their career. You could enter into the field from any of a variety of entry points. For instance, you could come in and get work as a manager at a smaller company, or as a full HR specialist at a larger company.

    Generally speaking, seeking out a bachelor’s is a better long-term investment than an associate degree, if you can afford the tuition and extra time. Ideally, you can specialize in your HR focus so that you’re more appealing to companies as an HR specialist. Many programs offer business degrees with roughly 120 credit hours that have specialized focuses in human resources.

    Master of Business Administration

    MBA degrees with a focus in HR aren’t terribly common, and so those who hold them are highly sought-after. If you’ve got your eyes set on advancing your career through an HR path with a major company, an MBA is an invaluable asset. If you have a desire to hold a leadership position, this is the degree that will give you the training you need to do just that.

    In short, if you hold an MBA with a human resources focus, it’s unlikely you’d have difficulty holding a leadership position anywhere in the US. When acquiring your degree, consider how focused you want your studies to be. A more general MBA with a loose focus on HR allows you to cultivate transferable skills. On the other hand, a more focused path can set you apart from other candidates for sought-after jobs.

    Length of Time

    Another consideration when it comes to higher education is the amount of time it takes to acquire a degree. Generally speaking, it takes roughly two years to acquire an associate degree and four years to acquire a bachelor’s degree. MBA programs, which you take after graduating with a bachelor’s degree, can take an additional one or two years, depending on your course load and school.

    Careers

    On average, an HR specialist makes around $50,000 per year, or roughly $20 per hour. They tend to work in office settings, though there are some exceptions. Salaries can change dramatically based on education level and employer, as well as work history and experience.

    HR managers, on the other hand, make an average of $108,600 per year, or roughly $52 per hour. If that sounds like the career path you’d like to pursue, consider looking into a degree in HR today! There are numerous online programs that could be right for you.


  • Careers in Medical Billing and Coding: Online Degrees

    Careers in Medical Billing and Coding: Online Degrees

    Getting a degree online is one of the smartest things you can do when you’re looking to change careers. A very popular online degree course for new career-seekers is a career in medical billing and coding. There’s a lot to love about this career path, and today we’re going over what you could expect from a career in medical billing and coding. Let’s talk shop.

    Medical Billing and Coding

    Job Description

    What, exactly, does a medical billing and coding specialist do? Well, there are two answers to that. The straightforward answer is that a billing and coding specialist sends people the bill for the medical services they were provided. Pretty simple, right? Well, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

    A more complex answer is that the billing specialist oversees what’s known as the billing cycle. The billing cycle is the main interaction between patients and doctors once medical services are completed. A billing specialist oversees the registration, processing, recording and handling of sensitive patient records, which makes this a very important job.

    Responsibilities

    When a patient comes in for a visit to the doctor, the billing and coding specialist has to translate all of the services rendered and activities to codes. These codes indicate a record of what kinds of medical services are being billed for. Then, this recording is sent to whoever is paying for the visit, which is usually an insurance company.

    Other than billing and entering code, specialists also handled denied claims and work with insurance agencies to understand why claims are denied. When bills are past due, specialists have to reach out to the patients or insurance agencies in question regarding the late payments to acquire the missing funds.

    Job Satisfaction

    This means most of the work a billing and coding specialist does is highly specialized and technical, but not incredibly fast-paced of inherently stressful. The work is usually done in a medical setting, such as a doctor’s office, though some specialists work independently and are contracted.

    If you’re interested in a job in the medical field that doesn’t involve directly dealing with patients, this might be a good job for you. Those with a good eye for details, strong work ethic and who enjoy clerical work are ideal candidates for billing and coding specialist jobs.

    Where You Work

    There are a number of places that billing and coding specialists work, but primarily they find their work in hospitals. Private practices are also common employers of billing specialists, as are nursing care facilities, outpatient clinics, health insurance companies and pharmacies. In short, you can find work as a billing and coding specialist in nearly any aspect of the medical profession.

    Other specialists work from home as independent contractors. While it is possible to begin a career as a work-from-home coding specialist, these cases are much rarer than working in a medical setting. That said, there are some medical billing specialists who make a living from home, just know that you likely won’t start in the field as a contractor right after getting your online degree.

    Average Pay

    The average pay for a medical billing and coding specialist varies depending on their experience, the setting they work in and what kind of work they’re doing. In general, however, a billing specialist makes an average of $34,000 per year, or around $16 per hour. That’s assuming an average amount of experience, a college degree and work in an office of some kind.

    Keep in mind, contractor work will end up paying more than full-time employment, but contract work means you need to have your own insurance and pay taxes yourself.


  • How to Save Money Renting an Apartment

    How to Save Money Renting an Apartment

    When you’re living in an apartment, you have to pay rent, which can command a premium in many places. However, there are a number of ways that apartment renters can save money and make that rent bill sting a little less each month. Here are our top tips on saving money when renting an apartment.

    Saving Money While Renting

    Stop Buying Stuff

    Okay, that header is partly a joke.

    Partly.

    Seriously, though, when you’re living in an apartment, you’ve likely got less space. As such, you need to cut back on the sheer amount of stuff you buy. This is going to help you in two ways. The first way is obvious: if you’re buying less stuff, you’re spending less money. If you’re spending less money, you’re saving money to spend on your rent. That one’s easy.

    Another big aspect of buying less stuff, overall, though, is that you’ll have more space in your apartment. Consider even having a yard sale or using eBay or Craigslist to offload the heaps of stuff you’re not currently using. After all, you probably use a way smaller section of your things than you own.

    Going Digital

    This goes hand-in-hand with the last point. If you’ve got limited space in your apartment and want to save money, consider going digital with your media collections. Yes, your vinyl collection is awesome, and your friends love your giant collection of retro video game consoles. However, you don’t have the room for that stuff, and you don’t have the money for a storage unit.

    Here’s what you can do, though: sell all of that physical media and replace it with digital versions of the same media. Video games can be downloaded online, and music streaming or downloading are both popular options. The same goes for movies: Netflix and Hulu are awesome, and your Blu-Ray collection is looking MASSIVE.

    Often you can acquire media for much less when you get it digitally, too. Not to mention, digital storage is much less expensive than buying cases, drawers and storage solutions for mounds of physical media.

    Rent Stuff

    This one goes without saying, but it’s worth noting here. You’re already renting your living space, so why not rent other big-ticket items? You might not need a suitcase, for instance, if you travel infrequently. Instead, borrow one from a friend when it’s time to take a trip. Likewise, you don’t need a carpet cleaner: just rent one!

    Now, you don’t want to rent everything. Items you’re going to use daily, or that increase in value after you buy them, aren’t good for renting. But things like movies can be rented for a low price, and the public library is a free way to read books!

    Now, you might have noticed that these tips all save you space and mean you will have less stuff laying around. This will help a ton when you move out of that apartment into your own place! You’ll be able to move yourself without needing the help of a bunch of professional movers, which can be incredibly expensive.

    Make Food at Home

    Your apartment has a kitchen, and your wallet isn’t bottomless. Eat in. Don’t go out to eat every night. Yes, it feels nice to have food brought to you, ready to eat. However, it’s prohibitively expensive to continuously go out to eat. This is a surefire way to burn through your leisure budget.

    Instead, buy groceries and make food at home that keeps well and fills you up. When you are prioritizing buying food that’s better for your wallet, you’ll often find it’s better for you, too. Produce and simple foods are inexpensive and good for your body!


  • Should You Lease a Car? Pros and Cons

    Should You Lease a Car? Pros and Cons

    When you’re thinking about a new vehicle, you’ve got some options. On the one hand, you could go the dealership and buy a brand-new vehicle. Another option is to purchase a pre-owned vehicle, which often saves you a lot of money, but means you could encounter issues left by the previous owner.

    A third option, however, presents itself in leasing. Leasing is pretty distinct from both of the other two methods for getting a car, and it can often give you the option of having lower monthly payments for a new car than a loan would offer you.

    Leasing a Car

    What is Leasing?

    Leasing is a system by which you essentially borrow a vehicle from a dealership. In short, you pay an up-front cost, called a capital reduction, on the price of the lease. This acts as a sort of down payment, and your monthly lease bill will cover the rest of the lease price. The lease is typically priced as a portion of the value of the car, and the typical lease duration is three years.

    In a sense, you’re borrowing the car for the lease duration. You pay a lower monthly bill than you likely would for buying the same car new, but when the lease ends, you give the car back.

    The Benefits

    When you lease a car, you get a brand-new car to drive around, enjoying all the nicest and newest features. You don’t own the vehicle, but you pay a lot less to keep it in the driveway and drive it around than you would be if you owned it. Generally speaking, you don’t have to worry about major repairs or maintenance, and you can usually just lease the next newest model when your lease is up.

    The Drawbacks

    That’s not the whole story on leases, though. Since you don’t own the vehicle, there are some wrinkles that don’t normally come up with traditional auto loans. You often have maximum mileage allotments that the dealership imposes for the duration of the lease. Usually, this is around 10,000 miles per year or so. If you drive a lot, this is a big mark against leasing.

    Another consideration is that when you lease, you could be charged for any small dings or scuffs the car has when you return it. Likewise, if you go over your mileage allotment, you’ll likely pay a penalty for each mile over the cap you drove the vehicle.

    Now and Later

    When you lease a car, you’re choosing to have something nice in the driveway for right now, at the trade-off of not owning anything at the end of your lease. Unlike normal car payments, when the lease is over, you give the vehicle back to the dealership and you end up owning nothing. Some leases allow you to buy out the vehicle for its depreciated cost once the lease is over, though not all of them offer this.

    A big factor to keep in mind when leasing is that the costs might add up quickly. It’s not hard to go over the mileage limits on a leased car, which could stack up to hundreds of dollars in fees and penalties when you turn the car in.

    Bottom Line

    Cars aren’t investments: they never go up in value, and they lose most of their value in the first three years of their existence. This means that leasing isn’t a bad call for someone who is simply looking to save money on a car payment for a brand-new car. However, if you don’t mind having a slightly older model, or you want to own the car outright, buying pre-owned or new cars is a better option for you than leasing.


  • Why are Blue Diamonds so Popular for Engagement Rings?

    Why are Blue Diamonds so Popular for Engagement Rings?

    Blue diamonds are rather rare, and, as such, are extremely expensive. Naturally occurring blue diamonds are so rare that many people thought that “blue diamonds” weren’t actually a real thing in antiquity. Instead, it was thought that such stones were actually sapphire.

    In the modern era, blue diamonds are exceedingly popular as engagement ring stones. This is due to the striking appearance and deep symbology of blue diamonds. Today, we’re looking more deeply into blue diamonds and their place among other types of diamond.

    Blue Diamonds

    Overview

    Despite their physical similarities, sapphires and blue diamonds are not the same gemstones. Sapphires are actually part of the corundum family, much like rubies. Corundum is a crystallized form of aluminum oxide and manifests many colors in nature. Blue diamonds, as their name implies, are a solid form of the element carbon, like all naturally occurring diamonds.

    Blue diamonds, unlike their clear or yellow cousins, are exceedingly rare in nature. They share this trait with red or pink diamonds, though blue diamonds tend to be more popular in formal jewelry. Blue diamonds, much like any diamonds, have a crystalline lattice structure that makes them incredibly hard and resistant to most forms of contaminates.

    Deep Blue

    The beautiful deep blue color of blue diamonds is caused by the rare appearance of a contaminate in the crystalline lattice structure. In the case of a blue diamond, the contaminant in question is boron. Few elements can contaminate diamonds, as their carbon-lattice structure is very resistant to such impurities. This makes blue diamonds much rarer than white or yellow diamonds.

    In fact, blue diamonds are almost entirely of the Type IIb diamond classification, which themselves are only 0.1% of the world’s supply of diamonds. Only a few of these, in turn, are blue. This means you can expect to pay a pretty penny for a blue diamond, but you’ll know you’re getting one of the rarest rocks on Earth.

    It’s also possible to create a blue diamond in a lab setting. Artificially made blue diamonds are made using electron-beam radiation, and it’s much more likely that this what you’re buying when you start shopping for a blue diamond.

    Blue Diamond Lore

    Humans love gemstones, and many people ascribe various near-supernatural powers to them. Blue diamonds are no exception. Many people ascribe properties of truthfulness, eternity, peace, devotion and spirituality. It’s no surprise, then, that these rings prove so popular as engagement rings. What words are better to describe a union than eternity, truthfulness and devotion?

    Famous blue diamonds are not plentiful, but their fame outweighs their small numbers. One of the most famous gemstones of all time, the Hope Diamond, is a fancy blue diamond. Originally, the Tavernier Blue, a rough but strikingly beautiful diamond, was cut down into the Blue Diamond of the French Crown.

    The Hope Diamond

    History holds that Tavernier, a French explorer, purchased the exceptionally large diamond from a mine in India. He then sold it to the French Crown, where it was cut down into the French Crown’s prized Blue Diamond. Following the events of the French Revolution in the late 1700’s, the diamond was stolen and recut into the smaller (yet still exceptionally large) Hope Diamond in an attempt to obscure its origins.

    Following a long and complex series of changing hands in the intervening century, the Hope Diamond eventually found its way to rest in the National Gem Collection in Washington DC. The stone is so famous and rare as to be of literally incalculable value. It’s impossible to say how expensive the stone would be if it were auctioned. Folklore has also suggested that the stone possesses ill fortune, and any wearers of the jewel have a cruel fate befall them.


  • Should You Get a Degree Online?

    Should You Get a Degree Online?

    Maybe you’ve been considering going back to school, or maybe even going to school for the first time. However, you might not have the time or the spare cash to go to a traditional four-year university. If that’s the boat you’re in, have you considered online degrees?

    There’s a lot of misinformation on online degrees out there. Today we’re going to dispel a few common myths and explain why an online degree could be perfect for you.
    Is an Online Degree Worth It?

    On Your Own Time
    One of the best things about attending an online university to get your degree is that you get to pursue your education on your own time. At a traditional university, you would have to work around the schedule of the school. Many universities require a certain base number of credit hours, meaning you could be spending up to six hours per day at the school.

    If you have a full-time job or a family (or both!) it can be exceedingly difficult to find the time to take college courses. That’s where online degrees come in. Instead of having to attend lectures in person and make it to the school to take tests, an online university allows you to take in the material on your own time.
    No Judgment
    Many people are afraid to go back to school for fear of being judged. Some feel as though their decision to seek out a new career path is comparable to admitting defeat. As such, they’re hesitant to attend a physical college, and they might even resent the idea of getting a degree online.

    However, studying and learning a new profession online is a great way to prove that you haven’t given up. If your current job situation stinks and you really want a change of pace, whether for better hours or better pay, there’s nothing more defeatist than just sticking around.

    When you go back to school online, there’s no one looking over your shoulder and judging you. It’s just you and the work you’re assigned. While some degrees might have video conference-style lectures, they’ve got a distinctly different feel than sitting in a lecture hall.

    Accredited Schools
    Some people feel as though online degrees somehow mean less, or are less valid, than degrees that were acquired at conventional universities. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. If you attend an online university that is fully accredited and get a degree, it’s just as prestigious and valid as a degree from a four-year university.

    Notably, many people often feel this way about certifications that can take less credit hours to acquire than bachelor’s degrees. For instance, many nursing certifications or cosmetic certifications can take as little as two years to acquire. This doesn’t make them any less helpful in acquiring a job than a four-year degree, it just means they’re much more focused.
    For instance, nursing certifications and criminal justice are two of the more popular online courses. Another popular choice for people seeking out online education is a degree in nutrition.
    Authentic Experience
    While it might not be the most traditional experience, attending a university online is no less authentic than going to college. Maybe you never went to college, or maybe you got a degree that has proven unhelpful in your career. Either way, now is the time to make a change and get that degree you’ve been thinking of.

    Go on, you’ve got nothing to lose. Find the online school that’s right for you today!


  • Can You Get a Law Enforcement Degree Online? The Facts

    Can You Get a Law Enforcement Degree Online? The Facts

    While many people are on the lookout for the best jobs, they often overlook law enforcement careers. However, careers in law enforcement can be rewarding, with great opportunities for benefits and pay. You might be wondering how you would get started looking for a career in law enforcement, though. Isn’t it hard to become a law enforcement professional?

    Thankfully, there are numerous online programs that offer opportunities to pursue a law enforcement degree. If you’ve been wanting a change of pace in your career, this is a field you should be thinking about. You can serve your community and advance your career prospects when you get into law enforcement.

    Online Law Enforcement Degrees

    Online Degrees

    Contrary to popular belief, there are numerous accredited and well-respected online universities that offer law enforcement degrees. Whether you’re already out of school but looking for a change of career, or never went to college but want to advance your career prospects, there’s a lot to like about online degree programs.

    When you go to a traditional college, you have to set aside time in your day to attend lectures, take tests and other such activities. That’s all fine if you’re a kid, but a busy adult rarely has that kind of down time to spend on a university campus. That’s where online degrees come in.

    Your Education, Your Way

    Online degrees allow you the freedom and flexibility to take courses at your own pace. If you find you’ve got little time during the day for classes, you can take your lessons and tests at night after you get home from work. If you have children you need to take care of, it’s hard to get time set aside for classes. Thankfully, online degree programs are flexible enough to work with your schedule.

    It’s also worth noting that many online degrees are also very affordable when compared to traditional universities. Keeping your costs down while pursuing your degree is a huge help for a working person!

    Law Enforcement Careers

    There are a number of rewarding careers in the field of law enforcement. The most obvious of these is police officer. While you’ll still need police training following your degree program, a law enforcement degree is the first step to becoming a police officer.

    There are many other types of jobs in the law enforcement field, too. Many careers with federal agencies require a law enforcement degree, as to jobs with the courts system. Another potential avenue for law enforcement careers would be through national parks, as a park ranger.

    Law enforcement careers are often tied directly in with the operations of the federal or a state government, meaning that they are often subject to background checks and rigorous vetting. As long as you’ve got a clean record and a passion for service to your community, you’ll likely fit right into the law enforcement field.

    Average Pay

    The average pay of a law enforcement career can vary widely from job to job. For instance, even among police officers, though the median income is $60,000, that number can vary immensely from department to department. Experience, background and length of service also have a lot to do with pay.

    On the other hand, a job with a national park or a job with a federal court could offer vast ranges in pay based on where you’re working. One commonality, however, is that benefits tend to be exceptional for government work. Medical, dental and other such health coverage are all common with law enforcement jobs, and retirement benefits are a common draw to such jobs.

    If you feel as though a job in law enforcement would be ideal for you, seeking out an online degree is step one. The rest is up to you!


  • Good Habits: Finding Time to Exercise

    Good Habits: Finding Time to Exercise

    Health and fitness get overlooked often in the hustle and bustle of daily activities. However, one of the most important cornerstones of a healthy life is exercise. If you want to feel better, live longer and have more energy, you should consider getting into an exercise routine. We know what you’re thinking: when am I going to have time for that? Today, we’re going to help you find that time.

    Finding Time to Exercise

    Why Getting Fit Matters

    A lot of people simply wave off fitness or make excuses. It’s hard to get into shape and stay in shape, right? Well, that’s not necessarily true. When you get the right cadence going in your life, you’d be surprised at how easy it gets to stay in your routine.

    When you’re working out more, you just feel better. This has little to do with body type, though being in shape can be nice. No, instead, the health benefits of exercise we’re focused on are more to do with your mood, your energy level and your overall health.

    Those who regularly exercise create better habits for themselves and begin to cultivate discipline. Personal discipline is an invaluable resource, as it can help you get nearly anything done. It goes hand in hand with resolve and determination, which are admirable traits!

    Lunch Break

    Consider bringing a packed lunch to work that you can eat quickly. If you get an hour for lunch, bring something you can eat in ten minutes. This frees up fifty minutes of your time so that you can engage in some light exercise!

    No one wants to be sweating at work, but you can take a quick walk. Maybe take a walk around the building, or to your car and back. Not only will you find more time to get your exercise in, you’ll also save money on your lunch. You might even eat better, making your own food, rather than eating out at a restaurant.

    Waking Up Sooner

    Some of the best workout time can be found just before or just after sunup. Maybe you go into work at 9:00: consider waking at 7:00 in order to give yourself time to get in a jog and a few pushups and sit-ups. When you first wake up, your body is flooded with adrenaline. What better way to get a start to your day than to break into some exercise?

    It’s also better for your body to get to bed earlier and awaken earlier. Staying up late every night has been linked to increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and other disorders. A well-regulated schedule of exercise and fitness is great for your body!

    On the Way Home from Work

    When you’re on the way home from work, do you pass any gyms? Maybe consider getting a trail membership to a gym and seeing how you feel heading by there after work. If you hate waking up early and would rather work out later in the day, try hitting the gym every other workday.

    Maybe you try to get by the gym every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Whatever works for your schedule! That way, you get a nice capstone to your day and get to work out any frustration or energy from the workday.

    Weekend Warrior

    If your weekdays are totally packed full of activities, consider getting your workouts in during the weekend. Sure, it’s preferable that you work out more regularly than that, but it’s a great way to start. The best thing about exercise is that it’s a self-reinforcing activity. It feels nice to be active! Your body will soon push you to get out and be active all on its own.

  • Huawei Ban: What This Could Mean

    Huawei Ban: What This Could Mean

    Huawei, the world’s second-biggest smartphone manufacturer, has been having a rough couple of months. Most recently, the Trump Administration issued an executive order that cuts the Chinese company off from American resources such as Google’s Android platform.

    Trump’s order, called “Securing the Information and Communications Technology and Services Supply Chain,” effectively bans Huawei from doing business in America, or with American companies. What does this mean for the Android brand and for Huawei?

    Huawei Ban

    What Does This Entail?

    The Department of Commerce released a statement on the ban in order to explain what it means.

    “The executive order prohibits transactions that involve information and communications technology or services designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by persons owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of a foreign adversary whenever the secretary of commerce determines that a transaction would pose a threat to national security,” reads the statement.

    This means, in effect, that Huawei, as a Chinese communications company that is known to have close ties to the Chinese government, is being viewed as a “foreign adversary”.

    Why Did This Happen?

    This ban reflects years of tense relations between Chinese and American companies in the tech sector. In 2012, the federal government warned carriers in the US of carrying Huawei’s handsets. There has been a fear that Huawei would use its devices to spy on American corporations and steal secrets.

    In fact, there has long been speculation that Huawei’s meteoric rise and unparalleled technological advancement in the last decade was largely a result of stealing intellectual property from tech companies in other countries. Huawei, for their part, has repeatedly denied any claims that it has stolen IP or engaged in any form of corporate espionage.

    What Will This Mean?

    In the short term, this ban might not amount to any real damage. Without wading too deep into foreign policy, the Trump Administration is in the midst of a very tense trade standoff with China. It’s likely that this Huawei play will be used as a bargaining chip in future trade talks between the two massive economies.

    In the long term, if the ban stays in effect, it’s likely it will slow the US rollout of 5G communications tech. Many telecom companies rely on technology imported from China, much of it made by Huawei. Unlike Samsung or Apple, Huawei is as much a telecom company as a smartphone manufacturer.

    Global Scale

    While Huawei remains a major player in China, their decoupling from Google could prove disastrous for their bottom line. Google has announced they’ll be honoring the executive order, pulling support for their Android operating system from Huawei. That means that Huawei devices won’t be getting updates for their OS, or critical security updates from Google.

    Huawei has stated it will support its own devices with regular security updates, though this is a bold claim. It’s unclear if the company has the programming staff to undertake such a massive job. Meanwhile, the lack of support from Google means that Huawei will have to rely on an open-source version of Android. This will have them several months behind the competition in terms of updates and features.

    Samsung Ascendant

    Huawei was on track to dethrone Samsung as the de facto king of Android. Recent advances in Huawei’s tech had them nipping at Samsung’s heels. For their own part, the Korean smartphone manufacturer has been lagging behind on innovation, with their recent slate of phones being more iterative than revolutionary.

    The ban from Washington DC could prove to be a huge windfall for the Korean company, however. Samsung stands to gain a lot from their chief rival being halted in their tracks and cut off from Google’s support. Samsung, meanwhile, continues to enjoy its partnership with Google, getting early test builds of Android OS to make sure their phones run smoothly.