#Virtual Assistant Services in Ohio

[virtualease]

A Deep Dive into Virtual Assistant Services in Ohio

Introduction

In today's fast-paced world, businesses in Ohio are turning to virtual assistants for smarter operations. Virtual Assistant Services in Ohio provide flexible, remote support to entrepreneurs, startups, and even large enterprises. From administrative tasks to digital marketing, these services are transforming how companies manage daily operations. The demand for virtual help has significantly increased post-pandemic. With advanced technology and high-speed internet, virtual collaboration is easier than ever. Ohio, with its growing business hubs like Columbus and Cleveland, is a rising hotspot. Whether you're a solopreneur or an established brand, VAs can help cut costs and boost productivity. Let’s explore how these services can reshape your business.

What Are Virtual Assistant Services?

Virtual assistant (VA) services refer to professional support offered remotely for various tasks. These tasks range from email management and calendar scheduling to customer service and social media. Virtual assistants can be freelancers, part of an agency, or employed full-time. The role of VAs has evolved beyond admin work to include content creation, bookkeeping, and more. They are usually skilled professionals with niche knowledge. Hiring a VA allows businesses to stay lean and agile. With the gig economy booming, skilled VAs are readily available. This flexibility is what makes them highly desirable across industries.

Why Ohio Businesses Are Adopting Virtual Assistants

Ohio’s business environment is increasingly embracing digital tools, and VAs are a major part of that. As businesses aim to cut overhead costs, virtual assistant services offer an efficient alternative to full-time staff. With cities like Cincinnati and Dayton growing tech-friendly, the infrastructure supports remote work well. Local entrepreneurs are leveraging VAs to compete in national markets. There's also a strong freelance and remote work culture developing in Ohio. Businesses get access to nationwide talent while staying local. The cost-effectiveness and speed of onboarding VAs are other major attractions. It's a win-win for both startups and established companies.

Popular Services Offered by Ohio-Based Virtual Assistants

Virtual Assistant Services in Ohio cover a broad spectrum of business needs. Administrative tasks such as data entry and appointment setting remain top requests. Content creation, including blog posts and newsletters, is also in demand. Many Ohio-based VAs specialize in digital marketing and social media management. Some offer niche services like real estate support or medical billing. Customer service and technical support are also frequently outsourced to VAs. Bookkeeping and invoicing are another common domain. These diverse offerings make it easy for businesses to find exactly what they need. You can even find bilingual VAs to reach diverse audiences.

Benefits of Hiring a Virtual Assistant in Ohio

Cost-efficiency is one of the biggest advantages of hiring a VA in Ohio. Unlike full-time employees, you only pay for the hours worked or the services needed. This model eliminates the need for office space and equipment. VAs also offer flexibility, working around your schedule and deadlines. Many are highly specialized, meaning you get expert help without training. Ohio’s central time zone is perfect for coordinating with both coasts. Local VAs understand the business culture of the Midwest, making collaboration smoother. They’re also more accessible than overseas assistants. This local connection builds trust and accountability.

How to Choose the Right Virtual Assistant Service

When looking for Virtual Assistant Services in Ohio, start by identifying your business needs. Determine if you need help with general admin, customer support, or something more specific. Check online reviews and testimonials from other Ohio-based businesses. Ask about the VA’s experience, tools they use, and working hours. It's important to discuss data security and communication preferences upfront. Trial projects are a great way to test compatibility before long-term contracts. Look for VAs who show initiative and problem-solving skills. The right VA will feel like a true extension of your team.

Local Agencies vs. Freelance Virtual Assistants

You’ll find both agencies and freelancers offering VA services in Ohio. Agencies provide a team-based approach and can scale quickly. They often have project managers to oversee workflow and quality control. Freelancers, on the other hand, offer a more personal touch and lower costs. Agencies may be better for growing companies with complex needs. Freelancers are ideal for startups or solopreneurs looking for direct collaboration. Both have their pros and cons depending on your business goals. Always evaluate turnaround time, availability, and communication style. Choose the option that aligns best with your company culture.

Tools and Platforms Used by Ohio Virtual Assistants

Virtual assistants rely on various tools to stay productive and connected. Project management tools like Trello, Asana, and ClickUp are widely used. Communication is often handled through Slack, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams. File sharing happens via Google Workspace or Dropbox. For time tracking, tools like Toggl or Harvest come in handy. Email marketing platforms like Mailchimp and CRM tools like HubSpot are also common. Social media VAs use tools like Buffer or Hootsuite to schedule posts. The tech stack a VA uses says a lot about their efficiency. Ohio-based VAs stay updated with the latest software trends.

Future Trends in Virtual Assistant Services in Ohio

As AI and automation grow, the role of virtual assistants will evolve too. Ohio’s tech ecosystem is already embracing these changes, making VAs more productive. More VAs will offer hybrid services combining tech with human support. Specialized niches like healthcare, legal, and e-commerce VAs will increase. Virtual assistant agencies may also expand into full-service digital teams. Flexible gig-based contracts will continue to rise in popularity. We can expect more training and certification programs for VAs in Ohio. The rise of smart work culture will only boost demand further. Businesses that adapt early will gain a strong edge.

Conclusion

Virtual Assistant Services in Ohio are reshaping how businesses operate in the modern age. With their cost-effective, flexible, and scalable nature, VAs have become indispensable. Whether you’re a startup in Akron or a retail chain in Toledo, the right VA can elevate your business. As technology evolves, the role of virtual assistants will only become more impactful. Ohio’s robust business environment and growing remote work culture make it an ideal place for virtual support. Hiring locally also helps build trust and better communication. The future of business efficiency lies in the hands of virtual assistants. So now’s the time to explore these powerful services.

FAQs

What are Virtual Assistant Services in Ohio? They are remote support services provided by professionals in Ohio for various business tasks like admin work, marketing, and support.

How much do virtual assistants in Ohio typically cost? Rates vary, but most range from $15 to $50 per hour depending on the complexity and experience.

Can a virtual assistant handle customer service? Yes, many VAs specialize in customer service, managing calls, emails, and client queries effectively.

Are Ohio-based virtual assistants better than overseas ones? For local businesses, Ohio-based VAs often offer better time zone alignment and cultural understanding.

Do I need a full-time VA or part-time? It depends on your workload—many businesses start with part-time and scale as needed.

Is data shared with a VA secure? Professional VAs use secure tools and sign NDAs to ensure data confidentiality and safety.

Where can I find virtual assistant services in Ohio? You can find them through freelancing platforms, local agencies, or professional networks.

What qualifications should a good VA have? Look for experience, tech-savviness, strong communication skills, and references from past clients.

[matebizus]

The Rise of Digital Marketing Services in New York: Trends and Insights

In an era where virtual presence determines business success, it's not surprising that one cannot help but ask: Are firms like Matebiz Pvt. Ltd. changing the norm in digital marketing services New York? As the market gets more competitive, firms are looking for such agencies that can deliver measurable results and increase their brand presence. One such leader is them, a brand that has rapidly picked up pace by offering performance-focused digital solutions tailor-made to meet the unique needs of companies that do business in New York's ever-evolving environment.

The need for digital marketing services New York has been driven by an imperative to stay in touch with consumer attitudes more digital-centric. It is this change, facilitated by data analytics, automation, and personalization, that has opened up avenues for marketing firms to adopt newer, more individualized strategies. They are one such firm that is leveraging these trends to allow businesses to navigate this complex digital maelstrom successfully.

Their approach combines creativity and analysis, bringing SEO, content marketing, social media discussion, and pay-per-click advertising together as a single strategy. Being one of the leading Digital Marketing Services New York providers, they've carved a niche for themselves by making it possible for customers not just to reach but connect with target audiences effectively. So, what is propelling the speed behind growth in services such as these in New York?

SEO Services New York: Establishing Visibility in a Saturated Market

With so many sites vying for attention, visibility has become the key to success in business. SEO services New York are right at the forefront of cutting through the noise on the internet, and companies like them are leading the way in doing this. Their technical know-how and content strategies are helping companies achieve higher search engine rankings and, ultimately, more web traffic and increased rates of conversion.

In today's search economy, online presence can be the tipping point for growth or stagnation for a company. By using SEO services New York, businesses can precisely target local as well as global demographics. With their thorough keyword research, optimised content generation, and link building, they make sure that their customers lead local searches, particularly in highly competitive industries like retail, hospitality, and finance.

What separates their SEO services New York is that they strive to maintain consistent observation and realignment. The algorithms of search engines are perpetually changing, and the agility of their workforce guarantees long-term results. They do more than drive traffic—affecting more than just metrics, they look to attract the right audience and deliver actual business growth through quantifiable methodologies. 

Dispelling Strategic Excellence Beyond Boundaries

While their rule in Digital Marketing Services New York is well chronicled, Matebiz Pvt. Ltd. is also making strategic forays into other states with growing focus on SEO services Columbus Ohio. This is not just a geographic change but an indication of their flexible and scalable marketing model. Columbus, being renowned for its vibrant small business culture, offers fertile ground for digital innovation, and they are capitalizing on this to provide top-notch SEO services.

Their search engine optimization services are designed to cater to businesses that want to boost local visibility without compromising their competitive ranking at the national level. Having a good understanding of local search behaviour and intent, they create campaigns that resonate with local and wider audiences.

By mimicking their tried-and-tested ways in this sector, Matebiz Pvt. Ltd. has assisted clients from industries ranging from healthcare to e-commerce in generating additional leads and enhancing their online presence. Their capability to comprehend the distinctive dynamics of SEO services Columbus Ohio demonstrates their adaptability and expertise in various market scenarios.

The Ever-Evolving Landscape of Digital Marketing Services New York

Trends in New York digital marketing services are evolving at breakneck pace. Consumers today expect personalization, transparency, and value with each interaction. From chatbots driven by AI to experiential content strategies, companies have to remain cutting edge. Agencies such as these are not only keeping up—they're making waves.

The company stresses omni-channel marketing techniques, which guarantee consistent messaging across channels—from search engines and websites to social media and email marketing. This cohesive method is important to build brand recall and customer loyalty. As consumer paths get more fractured, Digital Marketing Services New York has to be designed for reaching customers at different touch points, and Matebiz accomplishes just that.

Data-driven marketing is another dominant trend. As consumer patterns evolve, data actionable enough to shape strategy is paramount. They equip their clients to make effective decisions that directly translate to ROI using performance analytics and real-time reports.

One of the success indicators of Digital Marketing Services New York is the capability to integrate marketing activities with business objectives. This is where Matebiz Pvt. Ltd. shines. Whether brand awareness needs to be enhanced, lead quality needs to be enhanced, or customer lifetime value needs to be maximized, their campaigns are designed strategically to yield quantifiable results.

It is a mix of innovation and responsibility that makes their service model so effective. They are highly transparent—customers are kept up to date each step of the way. With their ability to quickly test, learn, and optimize, it prevents campaigns from plateauing but keeps them going to deliver results continuously.

From startups to large enterprises, companies are acknowledging the vast potential of digital transformation. And by joining hands with organizations like them, they're not only changing with the times—they're embracing change with strategic vision and confidence.

Conclusion

As the digital landscape continues to complicate, there is a greater need for experienced advice in digital marketing services New York. Enterprises such as Matebiz Pvt. Ltd. are leading the revolution with value-oriented services that outdo traditional marketing strategies. Their achievements in both SEO services New York and SEO services Columbus Ohio attest to their comprehensive abilities and customer-focused vision.

With a profound understanding of shifting consumer behaviour, an innovative mindset, and a results-driven approach, they remain at the forefront of redefining success in the digital era. The future of marketing has arrived—and it's being forged by trailblazers such as them.

[jayconner-raisingprivatemoney]

Becoming a Real Estate Millionaire by Age 28 with Ryan Chaw

https://www.jayconner.com/podcast/episode-256-becoming-a-real-estate-millionaire-by-age-28-with-ryan-chaw/

In the ever-evolving world of real estate, striking a perfect balance between strategy and innovation is crucial. For many aspiring investors, the question often is, “How do I start and build a successful portfolio?” Look no further than Ryan Chaw’s proven approach, which emphasizes student housing, automation, and smart property management.

From Pharmacy to Real Estate Mogul

Ryan Chaw’s transition from a full-time pharmacist to a successful real estate investor is both extraordinary and inspiring. By leveraging a “room hacking system,” he managed to multiply his rental income and accumulate significant wealth by the age of 28. At 31, Ryan retired from his pharmacy career, choosing instead to live off his rental income. His journey underlines the potential of real estate investment as a means to achieve financial freedom.

The Power of Room Hacking

Core to Ryan’s strategy is the concept of renting out single-family homes by the room, a model that significantly increases rental income as compared to leasing an entire property. For instance, by renting bedrooms individually at rates like $700 each, he maximizes earnings, often tripling the income compared to traditional rentals. His properties consistently generate substantial monthly cash flow even after mortgage and operational expenses, showcasing the financial viability of this model.

Automated Tenant Management

Ryan’s system relies heavily on automation and virtual assistance to streamline tenant management. By employing virtual assistants in the Philippines, he efficiently manages marketing, customer service, and day-to-day operations. This international team helps cut costs while ensuring smooth property management.

Ryan’s approach includes using automated platforms like Avail to list properties across various housing sites, coupled with Google Apps Script to manage lead responses automatically. He’s also able to scrutinize and select quality tenants using his PRIME method, thus ensuring stability and reducing tenant turnover.

Focused Strategy in Diverse Markets

Ryan’s success spans across various cities, from Sacramento and Stockton in California to Huntsville, Alabama, and Cleveland, Ohio. His focus primarily targets students in graduate programs, ensuring a reliable tenant base that seeks affordable yet quality housing. By avoiding distressed property purchases and instead acquiring properties at market value, Ryan’s model distinguishes itself from traditional real estate strategies.

Renting by the Room: A Community Approach

While some might view room sharing as unconventional, Ryan finds that many students prefer this co-living model as it tends to be more affordable than campus housing or apartments. By maintaining shared common areas and ensuring amenities like furnishings are provided, these properties become attractive options for students. Moreover, local “boots on the ground” and incentivized students also assist in property tours and maintenance, creating a community-driven management approach.

Achieving Real Estate Success for New Investors

Ryan is a strong advocate for new investors starting as soon as possible. His blueprint suggests that with the right number of properties—typically around 4-5—an investor can replace their traditional job income over 5-8 years, achieving financial freedom. Properties under his model yield between $1,500 and $4,000 in monthly net cash flow, enabling investors to build a sustainability-focused portfolio.

Resources and Support

For those eager to dive into real estate, Ryan offers a free PDF guide on his website, which outlines how to get started. Jay Conner, a host who collaborates with Ryan, also provides valuable resources for understanding the role of private money in real estate deals.

Ryan’s journey and system demonstrate that success in real estate isn’t merely about owning properties but developing a strategic and automated process for managing them. It’s about creating a balance between income potential and tenant satisfaction while embracing new tools and methodologies to streamline operations.

By following the roadmap laid out by Ryan Chaw, aspiring real estate investors have a comprehensive guide to building a lucrative and sustainable portfolio. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned investor looking to optimize your strategy, his insights offer valuable lessons on maximizing potential in the world of real estate.

10 Discussion Questions from this Episode:

What motivated Ryan Chaw to transition from a career in pharmacy to real estate investing, and how did his initial experiences shape his current business model?

How does Ryan Chaw’s “room hacking system” differ from traditional real estate rental methods, and what are the financial benefits of renting the room?

Discuss the key elements of Ryan’s Prime Method for identifying high-quality tenants. How do these elements help ensure successful property management?

Considering Ryan’s use of virtual assistants and automation in property management, what are the potential challenges and benefits of adopting similar strategies?

How does Ryan evaluate potential markets for student housing investments, and what factors contribute to the success of his business model?

How does Ryan Chaw handle the logistics of shared living spaces, such as bathrooms and kitchens, to ensure tenant satisfaction and minimize conflicts?

Explore the financial implications of Ryan’s method that allows him to pay full retail value for houses while maintaining profitability. How does this contrast with other real estate investment strategies?

What role does Ryan’s system of incentives and automation play in his overall business operations, and how do they contribute to efficiency and tenant acquisition?

Discuss the importance of market research and strategic placement of advertisements in Ryan’s tenant acquisition strategy. How do these practices contribute to high occupancy rates?

Reflect on Ryan’s advice to new real estate investors. Why is it important to start investing early, and how might this advice influence someone considering entering the real estate industry?

Fun facts that were revealed in the episode:

Room Hacking Boosts Income: By renting out individual rooms instead of entire properties, Ryan Chaw triples his rental income. For example, renting six bedrooms at $700 each generates $4,200 monthly, compared to the traditional $1,500-$2,500 for the whole house. This innovative approach significantly boosts profitability.

Cost-Effective Renovations: Adding bedrooms to a property can be surprisingly affordable. Ryan estimates that converting existing spaces like offices or family rooms into additional bedrooms costs only $1,500 to $3,000. This strategic repurposing can increase rental potential without breaking the bank.

Global Team Dynamics: Ryan manages his properties with the help of a diverse team primarily based in the Philippines. This includes a part-time bookkeeper who handles the finances for 14 rental properties, showcasing how virtual assistance can effectively streamline property management from anywhere in the world.

Timestamps:

00:01 Room Hacking: Innovative Rental Strategy

05:19 Investing Across College Towns

08:32 Stable Long-Term Real Estate Investment

11:22 Underutilized Common Areas in Student Housing

15:01 Dividing Utility Costs Among Students

17:44 Student Tour Incentives and Management

19:06 Automated Rental Listing System

24:44 Connect with Ryan Chaw:

https://www.newbierealestateinvesting.com/guide

25:14 Begin Real Estate Investing Now

Private Money Academy Conference:

https://www.JaysLiveEvent.com

Free Report:

https://www.jayconner.com/MoneyReport

Join the Private Money Academy:

https://www.JayConner.com/trial/

Have you read Jay’s new book: Where to Get The Money Now?

It is available FREE (all you pay is the shipping and handling) at

https://www.JayConner.com/Book

What is Private Money? Real Estate Investing with Jay Conner

https://www.JayConner.com/MoneyPodcast

Jay Conner is a proven real estate investment leader. He maximizes creative methods to buy and sell properties with profits averaging $67,000 per deal without using his money or credit.

What is Real Estate Investing? Live Private Money Academy Conference

https://youtu.be/QyeBbDOF4wo

YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/c/RealEstateInvestingWithJayConner

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-money-academy-real-estate-investing-with-jay/id1377723034

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/jay.conner.marketing

Listen to our Podcast:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2025961/episodes/16867638-becoming-a-real-estate-millionaire-by-age-28-with-ryan-chaw

[streetsimpletherapyinc]

Why Virtual Speech Therapy Is A Convenient Option For Busy Families

Speech therapy certainly suffers as far as getting appointments and therapy sessions get mostly impossible for busy families in the world today. Virtual speech therapy is becoming an ideal option for many households because it really brings convenience to the family. No matter whether they need outpatient speech therapy in Huber Heights, OH, or stuttering therapy in Beavercreek, OH, virtual therapy can really be a good answer to all needs without disturbing the daily routine.

Flexibility and Convenience

Virtual speech therapy is indeed one of the greatest convenience traits that can best offer assistance to people who are in tiring states and want individualized attention in speech therapy clinics. One therapy session usually calls for a family member to set aside a day from work or school, travel from home to reach the clinic, and wait to see a therapist. For busy families who live in Huber Heights, OH, and Beavercreek, OH, it may become an added hassle to them. Virtual speech therapy allows you to arrange a session at the best time for you-whether during lunch breaks, after school, or at night. You can even participate in treatment while being at home with no travel needed and no need to find a place in an already overcrowded appointment book.

Access to Expert Care from Home

By offering virtual speech therapy, specialists are able to reach out to families who do not immediately have local access to those services and enable them to work with highly qualified specialists from wherever they may be. Searching for outpatient speech therapy in Huber Heights, OH, or for stuttering therapy in Beavercreek, OH? Virtual channels access top quality and highly-trained experts who can offer needed services through online platforms. No compromise with the quality of services for convenience because be opened to worlds of care for children with little speech challenges or adults with speech problems. All these can be treated with highly trained professionals without sacrificing one's locality.

Therapy Personalized for Every Need

Customized speech therapy is yet another major advantage of utilizing online therapy. Suppose you are interested in stuttering therapy in Beavercreek, Ohio, or simply would like assistance with speech delays; their personalized techniques can help targeted therapy from anywhere. Most interactive tools, games, and exercises are part of what they do toward monitoring one's participation and concentration; this makes it very appealing and less threatening for the child. Also, it allows parents to take part by being in therapy when learning how to practice with their kids at home.

Economic and Time-Saving

Virtual therapy costs much less than traditional face-to-face sessions, including travel costs and the rent for the speech-language therapist's office. For many time-stretched families, affordability is suddenly an important aspect that makes speech treatment feasible and ongoing rather than just a one-time visit to the therapist. Sessions in the virtual world are generally shorter because there is no travel, thereby allowing families to fit therapy into their daily routines with less disruption.

Conclusion

Virtual speech therapy can offer a cost-effective, practical, flexible way to get quality care into the lives of busy families who seem unable to find time for appointments. Outpatient speech therapy in Huber Heights, OH, or stuttering therapy in Beavercreek, OH, can now be sent to the household through virtual therapy, saving time and preventing stress. Connect with Street Simple Therapy.

[hayleycna]

Jumpstart Your Healthcare Career: Top CNA Classes in Ohio

**Title: Jumpstart Your Healthcare Career: Top CNA ⁣Classes in Ohio**

In today’s fast-paced ​world, a career in healthcare can offer ⁢stability, growth, and rewarding opportunities. If ⁢you’re considering becoming a Certified Nursing ⁣Assistant⁢ (CNA) in Ohio, you’re on the right path to starting a fulfilling career in ⁣the healthcare industry. CNAs play a vital role in providing⁢ direct patient care and support to individuals in‌ need. To ‍kickstart your journey⁤ as a CNA, it’s essential to find the best training program that suits your needs and helps ⁢you acquire the necessary skills and knowledge. In this article, we’ll ‌explore ⁤the top CNA classes in Ohio to help⁤ you make‍ an informed decision about your​ education and career.

**Benefits of Becoming a CNA in Ohio:**

Before diving into the top ‍CNA classes in Ohio, let’s take ‌a look at some of the benefits of pursuing a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in the state:

1.‌ **Job Stability:** The healthcare industry is experiencing a growing⁢ demand for skilled healthcare professionals, including CNAs. By becoming a CNA in Ohio, you can secure a stable job with opportunities for‌ career advancement.

2. **Fulfilling Work:** As a CNA, you’ll have the opportunity to make a​ significant impact on the lives of patients by providing essential care and support.

3. **Flexible Schedules:** Many healthcare facilities ​offer⁤ flexible‍ working hours for CNAs, ⁤allowing you to balance work and personal commitments.

4. **Career Growth:** Becoming a CNA can be a stepping ‍stone to advanced healthcare careers, such as Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN).

**Top CNA Classes ⁣in Ohio:**

When choosing⁢ a CNA ​training program in Ohio, it’s essential to consider factors such as accreditation, curriculum, faculty qualifications, and student reviews. To help you make an informed ‌decision, here are⁤ some ⁣of⁤ the ⁣top CNA classes in Ohio:

1. **Ohio Healthcare Training Services (OHCTS):** – Location: Columbus, Ohio ⁣ – Program Length: 75 hours – Accreditation: Ohio Department ​of Health – Features:⁢ Hands-on training, experienced instructors, job placement assistance

2. **Cincinnati ​State Technical and Community College:** – Location: Cincinnati, Ohio – Program‌ Length: 80 hours – Accreditation: ‍Ohio Department of Health ​ – Features: State-of-the-art facilities, clinical experience, preparation ‍for state certification exam

3. **Columbus State ‌Community College:** -‌ Location: Columbus, Ohio ‍- Program Length: 100 hours ‍ – Accreditation: Ohio ‌Department of Health – Features: Affordable tuition, evening classes, clinical rotations in healthcare facilities

4. **ETI Technical College:** ‍ – ⁤Location:​ Niles,⁣ Ohio – Program Length: ⁢75 hours – Accreditation: Ohio Department‍ of Health ⁣ ‌- Features: Small class sizes, ​personalized instruction, hands-on skills training

5. **Fortis College:** ​ – Location: Centerville, Ohio ⁢ – Program Length: 75 hours ⁣ – Accreditation: Ohio Department⁣ of Health – Features: Experienced faculty, comprehensive curriculum, externship opportunities

**Practical Tips for⁤ Choosing a CNA Class:**

– Research each program’s accreditation and reputation. – Consider the location, schedule,⁤ and cost of‍ the program. – Read student reviews ‌and testimonials⁣ to gauge the quality ⁢of education. – Request information ⁣about job‌ placement and career advancement opportunities. – ‍Schedule ⁤a campus visit ‍or virtual information session to get a feel for the program.

**Conclusion:**

Becoming a ⁢Certified Nursing Assistant in‌ Ohio can open doors⁢ to a rewarding⁣ and fulfilling career in healthcare. By enrolling in ⁤a top CNA training⁢ program in the state, ⁢you can acquire the skills⁤ and knowledge ⁤needed to excel in this critical role. Whether you choose Ohio Healthcare Training Services, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College,⁢ Columbus State Community College, ETI Technical College, or ‍Fortis College, you’ll be taking ​the first step towards a successful healthcare career. Remember to do thorough⁢ research, consider ⁤your options carefully, ‍and choose a program that aligns‍ with your career goals and aspirations. With dedication and hard work, you can jumpstart your healthcare career as a CNA in Ohio and make‌ a positive difference in the lives of patients.

https://cnatrainingcertification.org/jumpstart-your-healthcare-career-top-cna-classes-in-ohio/

[govindhtech]

AWS C8g & AWS M8g: Efficient High-Performance Computing

Amazon EC2 Instances

Utilize the new Amazon EC2 C8g and M8g instances to run your general-purpose and compute-intensive tasks sustainably. Today Amazon EC2 C8g and M8g instances are now widely available.

AWS C8g

High-performance computing (HPC), batch processing, gaming, video encoding, scientific modeling, distributed analytics, CPU-based machine learning (ML) inference, and ad serving are suited for AWS Graviton4-based C8g instanc

AWS M8g

M8g instances, which are also Graviton4-based, offer the best cost-performance for workloads with a generic purpose. Applications like gaming servers, microservices, application servers, mid-size data storage, and caching fleets are all well suited for M8g instances.

Let’s now have a look at some of the enhancements it has implemented in these two cases. With three times as many vCPUs (up to 48xl), three times as much memory (up to 384GB for C8g and up to 768GB for M8g), seventy-five percent more memory bandwidth, and twice as much L2 cache as comparable 7g instances, C8g and M8g instances offer higher instance sizes. This allows processing larger data sets, increasing workloads, speeding up results turnaround, and lowering TCO.

These instances have up to 50 Gbps network bandwidth and 40 Gbps Amazon EBS capacity, compared to Graviton3-based instances’ 30 Gbps and 20 Gbps. C8g and M8g instances, like R8g instances, have two bare metal sizes (metal-24xl and metal-48xl). You can deploy workloads that gain from direct access to real resources and appropriately scale your instances.

C8g AWS

Important things to know

With pointer authentication capability, separate caches for each virtual CPU, and always-on memory encryption, AWS Graviton4 processors provide improved security.

The foundation of these instances is the AWS Nitro System, a vast array of building blocks that assigns specialized hardware and software to handle many of the conventional virtualization tasks. It reduces virtualization overhead by providing great performance, high availability, and excellent security.

Applications written in popular programming languages such as C/C++, Rust, Go, Java, Python,.NET Core, Node.js, Ruby, and PHP, as well as containerized and microservices-based applications like those running on Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service (Amazon EKS) and Amazon Elastic Container Service (Amazon ECS), are ideally suited for the C8g and M8g instances.

Available right now

The US East (N. Virginia), US East (Ohio), US West (Oregon), and Europe (Frankfurt) AWS Regions currently offer C8g and M8g instances. With Amazon EC2, as usual, you only pay for the resources you utilize. See Amazon EC2 Pricing for additional details. To assist you in moving your applications to Graviton instance types, have a look at the assortment of AWS Graviton resources.

Read more on govindhtech.com

[wordonthestreettalktv]

📢 #WordOnTheStreet 🗣️ Looking for an official notary to assist with your real estate, estate planning, power of attorney, or vehicle title needs in Ohio? Look no further! ⚖️🏡✍️ Set an appointment with the Honorable and Proudly Sworn In Official, Mr. Marquis L. Kimble, Commissioned until 01/28/2029. 🤝💼 Offering virtual, mobile, and local notarization services throughout the state of Ohio. 🌐🚗📜 Please note that a notary may charge a reasonable travel fee, as agreed upon by the notary and the principal before the notarial act. 💲 Remember, each notarized document requires the signer to provide an oath or affirmation that the statement in the document is true and correct. The signer must also sign the document in the presence of a notary public. ✍️🔐 A notary public, excluding attorneys admitted to the practice of law in Ohio by the Ohio Supreme Court, holds office for a term of five years unless the commission is revoked. Attorneys admitted to the practice of law in Ohio can serve as notary publics as long as they meet certain residency and standing requirements. ⚖️📅 Before assuming the duties of office, a notary public must take and subscribe to an oath, which will be endorsed on their commission. 🗒️🖊️ Any notary public who violates the oath of office shall be removed from their position by the Secretary of State upon substantiated complaint. Once removed, they are ineligible for reappointment. ⚠️❌ #MinMLKimble #MinisterMarquisKimble #StateOfficiant #NotaryServices #Oaths #RealEstate #EstatePlanning #PowerOfAttorney #VehicleTitles #Wills #Trusts 💼🖋️🏠🚗📜📅

[thefinancialpyramid]

10 Things You Didn’t Know Life Insurance Could Do

Life insurance seems like a straight-forward financial product. Insurance companies receive premiums and in exchange they pay out a death benefit to policyholders’ beneficiaries. However, these plans can be much more complex than that.

“There are a lot of options — much more than people realize,” says Cliff Wilson, chair of the board of directors for Life Happens, a nonprofit that educates the public on insurance matters. Some policy perks are geared toward certain populations, such as the USAA Military Future Insurability Rider, which lets service members convert a military policy upon retirement. But other life insurance perks can be had by virtually anyone.

Here’s a look at 10 things you may not realize your life insurance policy could do.

1. Pay for long-term care expenses. Long-term care insurance is expensive, and adding a rider to a life insurance policy can be an effective way to get this coverage. Specialty products that combine life and long-term care insurance are also available. Whether the coverage comes as a rider or a specialty policy, using long-term care benefits typically reduces the amount of the death benefit.

While there is an extra cost for adding long-term care coverage to a life insurance policy, it can be more cost-effective than buying two plans. It can also be a good choice for people who want long-term care insurance, but aren’t sure if they will need it. “They are going to get coverage, but they aren’t spending money on a policy they aren’t going to use,” says Jimmy Lee, CEO of The Wealth Consulting Group in Las Vegas.

2. Provide benefits if you’re terminally ill. Known as living benefits, this perk comes standard on many term and whole life policies. “Living benefits are under-utilized and very prevalent in the industry,” says Greg Riedel, assistant vice president and product line leader of life insurance at USAA. The details vary by plan, but living benefit provisions generally allow those with a life expectancy of 12 months or less to receive a portion of their death benefit in advance.

3. A source of cash if you’re disabled. Policyholders don’t have to be dying to get their death benefit early from some insurers. Many plans offer chronic illness or critical illness riders that may pay out funds if a person becomes disabled or experiences a heart attack, stroke or invasive cancer, among other things. Wilson notes these options can provide a vital safety net to people who are unable to work and have mounting medical bills. “It’s more important to use those funds while [someone’s] alive than as a death benefit,” Wilson says.

4. Give one last gift to a favorite charity. You could leave the money in your savings account as a bequest to an organization, or you could use some of that cash to buy life insurance and give substantially more. “You can leverage your money for a bigger gift for charity,” Lee says. Depending on the policy, your age and health, you may be able to turn small monthly premiums into a large donation.

5. Ride out a bear market. One of the more novel approaches to using permanent life insurance is as a safeguard against a sagging stock market. “It’s a bucket of money to use in a bear market,” Lee says. “Instead of having to sell stocks and take a loss, take money out of life insurance.” This strategy only works with insurance policies that have cash value. Retirees can take a tax-free loan from a policy rather than withdrawing money from retirement funds. Then, when the market rebounds, gains from investments can be used to pay back the loan.

6. Minimize your taxes in retirement. Leveraging loans from a whole life policy isn’t just something for bear markets. “[Policyholders] can treat that life insurance as their own personal pension,” says Scott Moffitt, president and CEO of Summit Financial Group in Loveland, Ohio. Moffitt specializes in helping his clients work out a strategy of withdrawals and loans that will let them create an ongoing stream of tax-free money in retirement. This system can even be set up so policyholders stop making premium payments, Moffitt says.

7. Insure the life of a child. Although parents can buy an insurance policy specifically for their child, they could also add a rider on their own plan. Many insurers offer child protection riders at a low cost and with flexible coverage levels.

8. Cover a child’s college costs. Another way to use life insurance to help a child is to take out loans from a whole life policy for tuition payments. “The guaranteed loan rates [on many policies] are frankly better than the rates for a lot of student loans,” Moffitt says. What’s more, rather than paying interest to a bank or the government, that money goes back into the policy.

9. Waive your premiums. Premium waiver riders also come standard with many policies, and these provisions can help those who become disabled keep their coverage. As its name suggests, the rider eliminates premiums for those who have a qualifying injury or illness. Like living benefits, premium waivers are seldom used. “Many people don’t think about it,” Wilson says. “It’s explained at the purchase, and they don’t think of it [when needed].”

10. Return your money if you don’t die. Lastly, you might not realize your life insurance company could return all your premiums if you reach the end of a policy’s term and never make a claim. You have to pay extra for a return of premium rider, and it may make more financial sense to invest that money instead. However, some people like knowing they will get all their money back if they end up outliving their life insurance.

The bottom line for life insurance shoppers is to compare more than just the death benefit. Many plans come with valuable extras that could be worth a higher premium. “Don’t just shop for a price point,” Riedel says. Instead, he advises people to ask themselves, “What are the benefits I’m getting at that price?”

Credits: Maryalene LaPonsie

Date: May 20, 2016

Source: https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2016-05-20/10-things-you-didnt-know-life-insurance-could-do

#business #areteautomation #automation #software #technology #ethos #lifeinsurance #insurance #finance #retirement

[virtualease]

What Is a QuickBooks Virtual Assistant?

For many small and mid-sized businesses, managing finances can quickly become overwhelming. From transaction recording to reconciling bank accounts and tracking expenses, bookkeeping demands time and precision. Enter the QuickBooks Virtual Assistant—a modern solution to streamline your financial workflow. By using QuickBooks, one of the most trusted accounting software platforms, these remote professionals help businesses across the U.S. stay on top of their financial game, without the overhead of full-time, in-house staff.

Whether you’re a startup in Austin, a dental practice in Los Angeles, or a nonprofit in Raleigh, the localized support of a virtual assistant with expertise in QuickBooks can deliver major benefits.

Why Use QuickBooks for Business Accounting?

The Popularity of QuickBooks

QuickBooks has become the go-to accounting software for U.S. businesses. Its intuitive interface, cloud accessibility, and range of features make it suitable for solopreneurs, service providers, and growing companies alike.

Common Features Leveraged by Virtual Assistants

From invoice creation to expense categorization, QuickBooks Virtual Assistants know how to use the software’s tools to their full potential. This includes:

Real-time bank syncing

Generating financial reports

Managing payroll

Creating tax-ready documentation

The Role of a QuickBooks Virtual Assistant

Daily Financial Transactions

A QuickBooks Virtual Assistant records and categorizes daily transactions—ensuring books are up to date and cash flow is clear.

Invoice and Payment Management

They generate and send invoices, track payments, follow up on unpaid invoices, and ensure income is properly documented.

Reconciliation and Reporting

Your VA reconciles accounts to catch errors and prepare accurate financial statements.

Payroll Support

While not a payroll provider, the assistant can process timesheets, manage employee hours, and prepare reports for payroll services.

Tax Season Prep

One of the key reasons to hire a QuickBooks Virtual Assistant is to ensure your books are clean, categorized correctly, and ready for a CPA to file taxes efficiently.

Localized Value of a QuickBooks Virtual Assistant

Understanding State Tax Requirements

Sales tax requirements vary significantly across states. A VA who understands local laws—especially in states like Texas, California, and Florida—can be crucial.

Example: Florida Service Businesses

Service businesses in Florida often deal with specific tax nuances. A VA familiar with these local laws ensures compliance and avoids costly errors.

Time Zone Alignment for Real-Time Communication

Having a VA based in or near your time zone can enhance collaboration. Whether your business is in North Carolina, New York, or Illinois, local or U.S.-based assistants often offer more responsive support.

Familiarity With Local Industries

A VA with experience in your state or city often understands the nuances of your industry—from real estate in Nevada to healthcare in Ohio.

Benefits of Hiring a QuickBooks Virtual Assistant

Cost Efficiency

Hiring a virtual assistant is typically more affordable than employing a full-time bookkeeper. You only pay for the time you need.

Increased Accuracy

Trained professionals reduce human error and ensure accuracy in your books—helping with everything from categorization to compliance.

Improved Focus and Time Savings

Instead of getting bogged down by administrative tasks, you can focus on growing your business, while your VA keeps the books in order.

Scalability

As your business grows, so can the support your QuickBooks Virtual Assistant provides—adding services like budgeting, cash flow forecasting, and deeper analytics.

Choosing the Right QuickBooks Virtual Assistant

Industry Experience

Choose someone who has worked in your industry—whether that's construction, legal, e-commerce, or professional services.

Software Certification

Look for certifications in QuickBooks Online or QuickBooks Desktop. ProAdvisors have demonstrated deep software knowledge.

Communication and Availability

Make sure the VA’s availability aligns with your working hours and communication preferences.

Trial Periods and References

Start with a small project or trial phase to assess compatibility, and always ask for references or case studies.

Getting Started with Your VA

Onboarding Process

Set expectations from day one. Provide software access, documentation, and a walkthrough of your current financial systems.

Task Management and Communication

Use tools like Slack, Trello, or Asana to manage daily workflows. For file sharing, Google Drive or Dropbox are ideal.

Regular Check-Ins

Establish weekly or bi-weekly check-ins to review books, performance metrics, and upcoming deadlines.

Local Success Stories with QuickBooks Virtual Assistants

Tech Startups in Austin

Many early-stage startups in Austin use virtual assistants for cash flow management and investor reporting, especially when scaling fast.

E-commerce Brands in California

Online sellers rely on VAs to reconcile sales across Shopify, Etsy, and Amazon, ensuring accurate reporting and inventory tracking.

Medical Clinics in North Carolina

Doctors and clinic owners often hire VAs to manage billing, copays, and insurance transactions through QuickBooks integrations.

Unique Insights into Remote Financial Management

Flexibility Equals Sustainability

Virtual assistants offer flexible support that adjusts to your business’s seasonal cycles or growth spurts, minimizing wasted time and cost.

Proactive Problem Solving

Experienced VAs don’t just execute tasks—they notice patterns and offer recommendations, from budget optimization to software add-ons.

Data Security and Compliance

Good VAs follow strict protocols for password management, encrypted communication, and secure file handling, keeping your financial data safe.

Conclusion

A QuickBooks Virtual Assistant is more than just a remote worker—they’re a financial ally who ensures your books are in order, reports are accurate, and you’re ready for whatever comes next. Whether your business is located in Nevada, Washington, Ohio, or any other state, the value of specialized, localized support is undeniable. Don’t let bookkeeping weigh you down—hire smart, delegate wisely, and grow confidently.

FAQs

What is a QuickBooks Virtual Assistant?

A QuickBooks Virtual Assistant is a remote professional trained in using QuickBooks to manage bookkeeping tasks such as transaction recording, invoicing, reconciliation, and reporting.

How much does a QuickBooks VA cost?

Rates vary, but most fall between $25–$60/hour depending on expertise, location, and workload.

Can they work with QuickBooks Online and Desktop?

Yes, most experienced VAs are proficient in both versions and often certified by Intuit.

How do I ensure security with a virtual assistant?

Use password managers, limit software access, and ensure the assistant signs a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

Do QuickBooks VAs do taxes?

They prepare tax-ready reports and financial data, but actual tax filing should be handled by a CPA or tax advisor.

Are QuickBooks Virtual Assistants good for startups?

Absolutely. They help new businesses set up systems, track expenses, and stay compliant from the beginning.

Can they integrate QuickBooks with other tools?

Yes, many VAs also manage integrations with Shopify, Stripe, PayPal, CRMs, and inventory management software.

How soon can I onboard a VA?

Most can start within 3–5 days, depending on your onboarding process and how organized your current systems are.

Is it worth it to hire locally?

Hiring locally can offer benefits like time zone alignment and understanding of state-specific regulations.

What certifications should I look for?

Look for QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor or QuickBooks Desktop certifications from Intuit.

[riilsports]

NFHS, NIAAA to Hold 51st National Athletic Directors Conference in Virtual Format

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (October 13, 2020) — The annual National Athletic Directors Conference (NADC), co-sponsored by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA), will be conducted in a virtual format Monday, December 7, through Monday, December 14. The conference will take place virtually for the first time in its 51-year history in lieu of the in-person event originally set for Tampa, Florida.

Although adapting the conference to the virtual realm is far from ideal, and the loss of live human interaction cannot be remedied, the leaders of the two organizations said there are some benefits to a virtual event that would not be available with the standard conference. Streaming workshops, meetings and exhibit show sessions online will allow them to be viewed by a much larger audience – an audience that will also be able to watch any session on-demand.

“We’re looking at it as an opportunity to reach out to individuals who perhaps have never experienced the NADC before and this can serve as an introduction for them,” said Mike Blackburn, executive director of the NIAAA. “We can provide members with an opportunity to take part without traveling. The other aspect of it is that the sessions within our virtual national conference will be recorded. So, even though this is occurring without athletic administrators on-site, they may be continuing to work in their schools and school districts. And if they miss a portion of it due to responsibilities, they can go back and take that in. We are thankful for technology that allows for this outreach to directors of athletics.”

“We are thrilled and grateful to help provide this professional development opportunity for our country’s athletic directors,” said Karissa Niehoff, NFHS executive director. “With everything we all have been through with regard to the pandemic, we felt it was imperative we make this event happen in some capacity. We wanted to give athletic administrators a chance to improve their craft, and to learn valuable techniques for navigating the unprecedented challenges they face currently.”

In addition to being moved online, the conference has been expanded from its typical five-day schedule to an eight-day slate that will include four days of NIAAA leadership training courses to begin the festivities.

“We’ve taken a normal, five-day on-site conference and have adjusted it to try to keep all of the aspects of the conference in place that we can,” Blackburn said. “We have added four days of leadership training courses at the beginning, so, on those days, there will be 12 courses taught for our athletic administrators to participate in.”

During the opening four-day stretch of virtual leadership training courses presented by the NIAAA Leadership Training Institute, one 900-level course will be taught each day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST – LTC 901, LTC 902, LTC 903 and LTC 904, respectively – while four different combinations of 500-, 600- and 700-level courses will be showcased from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Attendee Orientation Session will kick off the second phase of the conference at 2 p.m. Friday, December 11, followed by the first of six hour-long workshop sessions that will be held throughout the final four days of the NADC.

At 5 p.m. on Friday, December 11, Tony Dungy will be featured as the conference’s Opening General Session speaker. A former National Football League (NFL) player and coach with 31 total seasons of experience, Dungy is now an analyst for NBC’s Football Night in America, as well as a spokesman for All-Pro Dad, a national fatherhood program. In 13 seasons as an NFL head coach, Dungy posted a 139-69 career record and made the postseason 10 times, culminating with a victory in Super Bowl XLI as the coach of the Indianapolis Colts in 2007. In 2010, following his retirement, the Colts organization added Dungy to its Ring of Honor.

In addition to his storied NFL career, Dungy has authored six books, including “Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, and Priorities of a Winning Life,” which sold more than 1 million print copies and reached No. 1 in the hardcover nonfiction section of The New York Times Best Seller list. Dungy previously served on the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation as an appointee of George W. Bush and has been active with many community service organizations in the Indianapolis and Tampa Bay areas; among them are the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Athletes in Action and the Basket of Hope program at Indianapolis’ Riley Hospital for Children.

Derrick Brooks will conclude the 2020 NADC as the speaker for the Closing General Session at 4:20 p.m. on December 14. One of the greatest high school football players in Florida history, Brooks was named 1990 National Defensive Player of the Year and to multiple all-America teams as a star linebacker at Booker T. Washington High School in Pensacola. Those accolades earned him a place in the NFHS’ National High School Hall of Fame in 2019, the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Hall of Fame in 2015 and to the FHSAA All-Century Team. A shining example of a student-athlete, Brooks went on to be a three-time All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) First Team selection, two-time consensus All-American and a two-time Academic All-American at Florida State University, a resume that later earned him an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship.

Toward the end of his outstanding 14-year National Football League (NFL) career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers – one that saw him named to six NFL All-Pro teams, 2002 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and a champion of Super Bowl XXXVII – Brooks realized a lifelong dream in 2007 when he partnered with Eddie DeBartolo to open Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School in North Tampa. Since retiring from the NFL, Brooks has made it his life’s mission to positively impact the lives of young people in the Tampa Bay area.

For registration instructions and a complete schedule of conference meetings, workshops and exhibit show sessions, please visit: https://www.adconference.org.

Due to the virtual setting, award winners and NIAAA Hall of Fame inductees slated to be honored at the 2020 NADC will be formally recognized at the 2021 conference in Denver, Colorado.

The eight individuals being honored with 2020 NFHS Citations are Susan Robbins, CMAA, athletic director, Gray-New Gloucester (Maine) High School; Joe Kimling, CAA, athletic director and dean of students, Madeira (Ohio) City Schools; Russell Wambles, CMAA, former athletic director, Apopka (Florida) High School and Orlando (Florida) Dr. Phillips High School; Matthew Hensley, CMAA, assistant principal, Mahomet-Seymour (Illinois) Community Schools; William Fitzgerald, CMAA, retired activities director and assistant principal, Fremont (Nebraska) High School; Paige Hershey, CMAA, executive director of athletics, Spring Branch Independent School District, Houston, Texas; Mike Hunter, CMAA, athletic director, Provo (Utah) High School; and Tol Gropp, CMAA, athletic director, Boise (Idaho) Timberline High School.

Ten others will receive NIAAA Bruce D. Whitehead Distinguished Service Awards including Todd Livingston, CMAA, athletic administrator, South Portland (Maine) High School; David Suiter, CMAA, retired director of athletics and student activities, Salem City School District, Mannington, New Jersey; Joe Thomson, CMAA, assistant director of athletics, Wilmington (Delaware) Friends School; Bob Stratton, CAA, former athletic administrator and current executive director of the Virginia Interscholastic Athletic Association, Glen Allen, Virginia; Daniel Armstrong, CMAA, director of athletics, Kokomo (Indiana) Northwestern High School; Peggy Seegers-Braun, CMAA, athletic director, Milwaukee (Wisconsin) Divine Savior Holy Angels High School; Steve Throne, CMAA, director of athletics and activities, Omaha (Nebraska) Millard South High School; Johnny Johnson, CMAA, athletic director, Russellville (Arkansas) School District; Tim Sam, CMAA, assistant principal and athletic director, Grants Pass (Oregon) North Valley High School; and Scott Nordi, CAA, former athletic director, Tacoma (Washington) Lakes High School.

Additionally, Mike Ellson, CMAA, athletic director at Christ Presbyterian Academy in Nashville, Tennessee, is the winner of the NIAAA Frank Kovaleski Professional Development Award; Peg Pennepacker, CAA, a retired assistant principal and athletic director and current Title IX compliance and education consultant from Red Hill, Pennsylvania, is the recipient of the NIAAA Thomas E. Frederick Award of Excellence; and Mark Armstrong, CMAA, activities director for Lincoln Southwest High School in Lincoln, Nebraska, will be honored with the NIAAA Award of Merit, the association’s highest individual award.

The 2020 class of NIAAA Hall of Fame inductees consists of seven former athletic administrators, including Arthur Ballard, CAA, retired athletic administrator, Irvine (Kentucky) Estill County Schools; David Bell, CMAA, retired athletic administrator, Zanesville (Ohio) City Schools; Douglas Killgore, CMAA, retired assistant principal and athletic administrator, Central Arkansas Christian School, North Little Rock, Arkansas; James Rolfes, retired athletic administrator, Springfield (Ohio) North High School; Richard Maher, retired athletic administrator, Sturgis (Michigan) High School; Thomas Crist, retired athletic administrator, Kendallville (Indiana) East Noble High School; and Tracy Leinen, CMAA, retired athletic administrator, Boise (Idaho) High School and retired executive director of the Idaho Athletic Administrators Association.

This press release was written by Nate Perry, coordinator of media relations at the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).

[bowtochris]

So Much Fucking Shit Happened This Month OMG

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Current_events

March

1st: Afghan president Ashraf Ghani rejects a clause in the U.S.–Taliban deal setting the release of Taliban prisoners Former South Bend, Indiana mayor Pete Buttigieg suspends his presidential campaign.

2nd: Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar suspends her presidential campaign Two dozen more cases are reported in the U.S., bringing the total number of infected Americans to 102.

3rd: Three tornadoes, two at least EF 3 in strength, rip through downtown Nashville and surrounding towns, killing 25 people. Myanmar turns a Silversea Cruises cruise ship away due to fears of coronavirus

4th: The United States Armed Forces says it has carried out its first airstrike against the Taliban since a peace deal was signed on February 29, 2020. Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg suspends his presidential campaign. The United States confirmed 11 total deaths, with the first death outside of Washington state in California. California's total of infections has jumped to 51. The country confirmed 33 new cases, bringing the total number to 159.

5th: The Republican-controlled Arizona House of Representatives passes a bill banning transgender females from women's sports. In total, the US confirmed 69 more cases, bringing the total number to 228. Three more deaths were reported, bringing the total number to 14.

6th: SpaceX successfully launches a Dragon spacecraft in orbit to resupply the International Space Station. Florida confirms its first two deaths from the coronavirus.

7th: The Xinjia Express Hotel, which was being used for quarantining those with COVID-19, collapses in Quanzhou, Fujian, China. Ten people were killed and twenty-three are trapped. Thirty-eight have been rescued alive. The total number confirmed cases of for the US increased to 444. There was 1 new death, 11 in total.

8th: California U.S. Senator and former presidential candidate Kamala Harris endorses former Vice President Joe Biden in his campaign for the Democratic nomination for the presidency. Civil rights activist Jesse Jackson endorses Vermont U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders in his campaign for the Democratic nomination for the presidency. The first COVID-19 death is confirmed in Canada.

9th: Black Monday - Prior to opening, the Dow Jones Industrial Average futures market experienced a 1,300 point ... This predicted 1,300 point drop would establish 9 March as being among the most points the Dow Jones Industrial Average has dropped in a single day. By the end of the day, it fell a total of 2,013.76 points. The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit confirms a 2016 ruling that Led Zeppelin's 1971 song "Stairway to Heaven" was not unlawfully copied from Spirit's instrumental "Taurus". The United Kingdom's largest retailer Tesco say they will be restricting the sale of essential food and household items in response to fears of mass panic buying.

10th: Vladimir Putin backs a constitutional amendment that would allow him to remain in power after 2024 and make a lifetime presidency possible. Iran reports 881 new confirmed cases and 54 more COVID-19 deaths, the highest number of deaths in a single 24-hour period in the country to date, bringing the total to 8042 cases and 291 deaths.

11th: The bond market falls, in the first time since the financial crisis of 2007–08 that the stock and bond markets moved in the same direction. American film producer Harvey Weinstein is sentenced to 23 years in prison for two felony sex crimes. The world's largest annual video game industry event E3 2020 is officially cancelled due to concerns over the coronavirus.

12th: Black Thursday - All three major United States trading indexes fall 7% during early trading, leading to a 15-minute trading halt. They all closed over 9% down. The Dow Jones Industrial Average falls by 10%, the largest one-day percentage drop since ... 1987. First day where every story on Wikinews is coronavirus-related.

13th: Delta Air Lines says it will cancel all flights to Europe for the next 30 days. Florida, Arizona, Illinois, and Ohio will proceed having Democratic Party primaries despite the coronavirus outbreak. Astronomers discover 139 new "minor planets" in the Solar System that are beyond the orbit of Neptune.

14th: A total of 16 U.S. states have closed all of their schools. Italy's Ministry of Health reports 250 more deaths from COVID-19, the highest number of deaths in a single 24-hour period in the country to date. The Mayor of Bergamo Giorgio Gori says churches are now being used to store dead bodies as the city's morgues are full.

15th: The first one-on-one debate of the 2020 Democratic presidential primaries takes place between former Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Bernie Sanders in Washington, D.C., instead of Arizona as originally scheduled and without an audience as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issues a recommendation to suspend gatherings of 50 or more people for the next two months. The governors of five states: California, Ohio, Illinois, Washington and Massachusetts, order bars and restaurants to close in response to the pandemic.

16th: The Dow closes 2,997 points or 12.9% lower - its largest daily points movement. The U.S. has 4,459 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of today, resulting in 86 deaths. West Virginia remains the only state with no confirmed cases.

17th: The Senate of Spain ratifies North Macedonia's accession protocol for NATO, becoming the last of NATO's 30 members to do so. New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady announces he will not re-sign with the team, and will instead select free agency. West Virginia confirms its first case of COVID-19, becoming the last U.S. state to do so. Governor Jim Justice ordered restaurant dining rooms, bars, and casinos to close for two weeks.

18th: An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.7 hits Salt Lake City, Utah, with several aftershocks reported and tens of thousands of residents left without power. The earthquake is the largest in the state since the 1992 St. George earthquake. COVID-19 cases in Washington exceed 1,000. The United States reports its 150th death from COVID-19, with a total of at least 9,400 confirmed cases nationwide.

19th: Tulsi Gabbard ends her presidential campaign in the 2020 presidential election U.S. President Donald Trump calls for the Syrian government to release journalist and veteran Marine Austin Tice, arguing the "U.S. has done a lot for Syria". U.S. Senate Republicans unveil a $1 trillion economic stimulus package proposal to aid businesses and the American public during the coronavirus pandemic.

20th: The parliament of Ghana votes to legalize the medical and industrial use of cannabis. Madagascar confirms its first cases of COVID-19. The United States moves Tax Day from April 15 to July 15 due to the spread of the coronavirus.

21st: China reports zero domestic cases of COVID-19 for a third consecutive day. Yonhap News Agency reports that North Korea has fired two projectiles from Pyongan Province into the Sea of Japan. Ketchikan, in Southeast Alaska, shelters in place after six people test positive for COVID-19 in the town of 8,000 residents.

22nd: Pope Francis, in a call for a worldwide prayer, announces he will hold a special service to pray for the end of the coronavirus pandemic. The U.S. Senate votes down a coronavirus relief stimulus bill. Former film producer and convicted sex offender Harvey Weinstein tests positive for COVID-19. He is put in isolation at the Wende Correctional Facility.

23rd: Colorado abolishes the death penalty and commutes sentences of death row inmates. The ancestor, Ikaria wariootia, of all animals with a bilateral body plan is discovered as a fossil in rocks of South Australia. Rapper-turned-informant 6ix9ine requests an early prison release over fears of COVID-19.

24th: I'm allowed to work from home starting today. In Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University reopens, despite the coronavirus. The 2020 Summer Olympics has been postponed to 2021 in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

25th: Turkey indicts 20 Saudis for the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi. None of them are Prince Mohammad bin Salman. The United States has its deadliest COVID-19 day to date, with 223 related deaths. New York City records 81 more deaths from COVID-19, bringing the city's death toll to 280. Mayor Bill de Blasio has warned that more than half of all New Yorkers could become infected.

26th: The United States Space Force launches its first satellite into space aboard a Atlas V rocket. A bomb explodes near a Sikh crematorium in Kabul, wounding a child and disrupting funerals for 25 people bombed and shot the day prior. 2020 G20 Riyadh summit - World leaders convene virtually to coordinate a response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The death toll from COVID-19 in the U.S. reaches 1,200. The total number of cases in the country is 83,097. The U.S. has surpassed China in number of active cases, making it the country with the most cases in the world.

27th: Pope Francis delivers a special Urbi et Orbi blessing in an empty Saint Peter's Square, praying for the end of the coronavirus pandemic and offering a plenary indulgence to repentant sinners. The House of Representatives passes a $2 trillion stimulus relief bill as an effort to save the economy during the coronavirus pandemic. President Donald Trump signs the bill. Uzbekistan reports the first death from COVID-19, a 72-year-old woman with underlying health conditions in the city of Namangan. The USNS Mercy, which has 1,000 beds, arrives in Los Angeles to offer assistance during the COVID-19 crisis.

28th: In a televised address, Houthi leader Abdul-Malik Badreddin al-Houthi offers to release five Saudi prisoners of war in exchange for the release of dozens of Palestinian activists convicted by Saudi Arabia earlier this month. New York postpones its primary from April 28 until June 23 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

29th: North Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles into the ocean, the latest in an unprecedented flurry of launches. Both South Korea and Japan condemn the launching. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo extends the stay-at-home order for non-essential workers to April 15.

[freecreativeservices-blog]

Below you will find a list of free services offered by creatives in various fields, available to black artists, activists, and organizers. Focusing specifically on the technical aspect of creation, we are not here to take any creative liberties or assume authorship. We will actively avoid further perpetuating performative action and virtue signaling, where the conversation becomes centered around non-black people, and ultimately causes more damage. For this reason, in our correspondences we will only include our names and work if asked, but initially will honor our intention of removing our identities from this work internally, and furthermore publicly.

Our mission is to amplify black voices and support anti-racist initiatives. With permission, we will post everything made with links to your social media and websites, so we can also serve as a platform for artists, organizations, and information.

If you would like to use any of the services:

Please email freecreativeservices@gmail.com (click here to open up mail)

Email instructions:

- Email Subject Line: Category

- Body of Email: Details of request Any pertinent materials attached (ex: images, video footage, audio recording, etc.) or in the body of the email (ex: research request, sign slogan, etc.).  

- Deadlines

*** We will be in direct contact with you within one day about the timeline and any other pertinent details. ***

We are still expanding this network, so some of the services that are not virtual may be restricted to certain areas, for example printing and art handling. If there are categories that do not list the services you are seeking, please email us for further discussion.

Lastly, do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns about this mission.

CATEGORIES:

VIDEO / PHOTO:

Blurring protestors’ faces, tattoos, apparel, etc.

Editing footage of discussions, live events, protests, etc.

Inserting subtitles / captions / titles

WRITERS:

Audio transcription

Image descriptions

Copywriting

General editing

Research for gathering resources

Compiling resources into straight forward and comprehensive document

Press release writing and formatting

Resume formatting

RESEARCH:

Research for gathering resources

Compiling resources into straight forward and comprehensive document

Researching venues for readings, performances, lectures, etc. with assistance in correspondence

PRINTERS - inquire for size and color limitations 

(currently only available in the NYC, OHIO, and CONNECTICUT area. Can potentially ship if requested):

Posters

Pamphlets (for ex. “Know Your Rights”) (NYC+CONNECTICUT)

Screenprinting (OHIO only)

ART HANDLING:

(currently only available in the NYC area)

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Excel

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If you would like to get involved as a contributor, please email us with “Offering Services” in the subject.

[brajeshupadhyay]

Two days before learning that she would lose her job, Lissa Gilliam spent hundreds of dollars online on baby products. A 37-year-old expectant mother, Ms. Gilliam had planned to ask local parents in Seattle for used strollers and secondhand onesies in a bid to reduce waste. But as the coronavirus pandemic ravaged the area, new items delivered in boxes seemed a safer bet. She figured she could afford the splurge, earning $50 an hour as a full-time contractor designing educational curriculums for a nonprofit. But then, on April 2, her employer slashed her hours and told her that her contract would end in early May — a few weeks before she is to give birth. Suddenly, like many others, Ms. Gilliam became hyperaware of her expenses. She and her husband, a high school physics teacher, now take a painful daily tally of their financial priorities: Is that $5 monthly web magazine subscription really necessary? How much does watering the garden cost? When will they need to tap their paltry savings? “We’re OK for now,” she said. “But the bottom may fall out from under us.” As millions of Americans lose jobs, take pay cuts, close businesses and absorb family members into their homes, they are being forced to rethink where their money goes. Even before the scramble for new jobs can begin, people are cajoling creditors, looking for gig work or simply cutting back to get through the first few disorienting weeks. “An economic shock like this could have a long-term impact on people who have traditionally felt like they were being cautious, that they weren’t profligate with their money, but didn’t have to worry about paying for rent or affording food,” said Stephanie Aaronson, the director of economic studies at the Brookings Institution. “They might have more debt, which will make it harder to spend in the future, or they might just feel less secure, which could boost savings and potentially dampen the recovery.” Ms. Gilliam and her husband are waiting for Washington State to make jobless benefits available to contractors through a federal assistance program, and hope to take advantage of a state program for maternity aid once their daughter is born. A $15,000 construction project planned for the rear of their house is on hold. They canceled their gym membership, their Hulu streaming service, multiple newspapers and even the Adobe Acrobat software that Ms. Gilliam uses for design work. On the whole, Ms. Aaronson said, household finances “were in relatively good condition as of six weeks ago — they were actually pretty healthy.” Now, she said, “a much broader swath of households are experiencing a complete loss of income compared to what we typically see in a recession.” Before the pandemic, Carol Cruz’s private health insurance plan cost her $840 a month — up from less than $500 four years ago. The bill ate up most of her $1,200 monthly paycheck, exceeding even the $600 monthly payment on the house she shares with her husband and their 17-year-old granddaughter in Tulare, Calif. On March 29, she was furloughed from her part-time job as a mental health therapist until at least the end of May. Other than the state unemployment benefits she hopes to receive soon, Ms. Cruz, 62, no longer has an income. So she got on the phone for at least three hours a day, asking for leniency from the health insurance provider, her mortgage lender and the credit union that holds the loan for her husband’s Chevrolet truck. All offered her more flexible terms, including 90-day grace periods and pay-what-you-can options. (Some creditors, she said, were less willing to negotiate.) The adjustments help keep the bills manageable, Ms. Cruz said. But her grocery costs have doubled, now that the price of eggs has soared and her granddaughter is no longer having free lunches at school. “I don’t know about my future,” Ms. Cruz said. “I’m not letting myself think about tomorrow, just about whether we have food today and money in the bank.” But some people, many of whom have never seriously budgeted, are now mapping out strict spending schedules for the next few months. After being furloughed in mid-March from her bartending and serving job at a Minneapolis concert hall, Krissy Calbert, 26, went from earning $300 in tips some nights to having no income as she waited for government aid. “It was two weeks of just panic — I was just going off the groceries I already had, trying to ration until money came in,” she said. “You get really creative. You eat little half meals, and you experiment with your seasonings and condiments to try to forget that you’re eating the same thing over and over.” Earlier this month, Ms. Calbert began receiving a weekly infusion of $1,100 from the state. She is now trying to reschedule when monthly bills are due so she can space out the payments: $600 for rent, $75 for her phone, up to $120 for utilities, $60 for streaming services, $200 for credit cards, plus other expenses. “I’m trying to get all of my credit card payments into the same week, so I can have a credit card week, a rent week, a phone week,” Ms. Calbert said. She has switched her grocery shopping from Target to Aldi, where, she said, she can afford to splurge on fresh produce and protein. Without health insurance, she is willing spend an extra $30 or $40 on fruits and vegetables in hopes of keeping her immune system strong, she said. “I can’t take the risk,” Ms. Calbert said. “A hospital bill right now would ruin me.” More than half of lower-income adults in the United States say they will struggle to pay bills this month, compared to a quarter of their middle-income counterparts and 11 percent of those in the upper-income tier, according to a survey of nearly 5,000 adults by Pew Research Center. Researchers defined a three-person household earning $37,500 to $112,600 annually as middle-income. Over all, more than half of those who expect a federal stimulus infusion will use most of the money to cover essential expenses, while one in five say they plan to save the funds. To create a financial buffer, many people are hunting for freelance or part-time work. Searches for work-from-home jobs rose 126 percent in March on FlexJobs, while traffic to the site has boomed 58 percent from a year ago. On Upwork, companies are looking for people to provide tech support for their homebound employees and to draft corporate messages about the coronavirus. Lonn Dugan, a digital marketing specialist in Sylvania, Ohio, has seen many clients scaling back their promotional efforts, such as one nonprofit that cut its budget by 90 percent after a major annual event was canceled. But another client, an agricultural supply company, commissioned a major website update, while a local mental health group wanted to ramp up its virtual support groups. The pressure on Mr. Dugan, 60, is intense. His workday is three hours longer than it used to be, between his existing clients and his attempts to drum up new business. He and his wife lost a third of their incomes; neither is eligible for government aid. “We’re completely overwhelmed by the shortfall. We can afford groceries and maybe the house and car payments, and that’s it,” he said. “But we’re not alone, and we’re focusing on acceptance as opposed to hand-wringing. We’re taking care of necessities, and that’s enough for right now.” Still, Mr. Dugan admits being stretched thin emotionally. He misses his wife, even though they are in the same house and she no longer needs to make a two-hour round-trip commute to her health care job. But the couple are so busy trying to stay afloat that they have stopped cooking fresh meals and turn instead to frozen dinners and fast food. “We just don’t have time,” he said. “We’re exhausted at the end of the day.” The post Finances – The New York Times appeared first on Sansaar Times.

http://sansaartimes.blogspot.com/2020/05/finances-new-york-times.html

[clevelandstate]

College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Works to Enhance Engagement in a Remote World

With the transition to remote learning, students, faculty and staff are working together to find new ways to connect and help everyone stay engaged. Professors and students from Cleveland State’s College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences shared ways they have made the best of remote learning and working to keep the same energy found in the classroom and beyond.

Rachel Fosnaught, who is pursuing a psychology and sociology double major with a visual arts minor, has been involved in developing new creative processes for clients at Cleveland’s Art Therapy Studio. Fosnaught is an intern for the studio which provides therapeutic services using art-based practices. She has supported the overall effort to transfer the studio’s services to remote operations including creating new materials and participating in client conference calls.

“After the shutdown, the staff and I had to get more creative, “ said Fosnaught. “In the last few days before the stay at home order was issued, the staff created ‘art kits’ in anticipation that the studio would be closed. We then sent them out to all of our clients’ homes, so that they could still create, even without the studio. “

Professors Francis Dorsey and Sherrae M. Mack from the Black Studies Department have also found success through new tools including Chat Room and Canva. Dr. Dorsey shared that Chat Room allows him to get audio feedback from his students providing more of a regular “classroom experience.”

“Even the ‘quiet’ students have responded in great detail, and it has allowed me to reflect on what I have taught and what they are learning,” explained Dorsey. “They can also reflect on what they may not have understood, and I can focus on those issues at the beginning of the next class. I am actually having more participation from the entire class than I did not in the on-campus environment.”

Mack went on to explain that Canva, a free graphic design website, has given her students the chance to create their own infographics and illustrate connections to information being learned. “It's a calming, creative break from the standard submission style,” Mack added.

Dr. Michael Oliver, assistant college lecturer in philosophy and comparative religion, gave students several choices on how to implement a set-up of individual courses that worked the best for them.

“In allowing students to vote on how courses would be structured, I hoped to give them a sense of control and an opportunity to voice any specific concerns they had,” said Dr. Oliver. “This set-up has worked out well and students really appreciated being able to play an active role in deciding how their learning would look in the remote context.”

Peter Manos, an instructor in the Department of History, has been working with Restore Cleveland Hope and the Cozad Bates House to research, write and record dramatic monologues about the abolition of slavery and the Underground Railroad in Northeast Ohio before the Civil War. He will incorporate these resources into his remote courses to provide a more hands-on and engaged method for learning about black history and Cleveland’s role in the abolition movement.

Finally, students in the Theatre and Dance Department has been using instructional strategies like Zoom, training videos, tutorials, and social media to explore their new environment. Lynn Deering, department chair, shared, “Instruction has focused on staying connected as a community. This is as important for the dance professionals as it is for the students because we are all facing the same challenge: not dancing together in daily technique classes, not rehearsing and the cancellation of performances.”

In addition to strategies used in the dance department, theatre faculty and students are creating and self-taping 32 bar cuts of contrasting musical theatre songs to present to friends and family in an online showcase. Students are creating videos through editing software, including “animal” themed performances utilizing unique angles, effects and soundtracks.

“Many times, in theatre, our decisions of how to approach a show are driven by many factors besides what we think that show needs or wants. These include things like budget constraints or space considerations for the specific stage.” explained Deering. “Doing these virtual performances gives students more freedom and an ability to be extra innovative while also being creative and fun!”

[phroyd]

WASHINGTON — Was this the shutdown to end all shutdowns?

The answer could be yes. The toll exacted on government operations and federal employees by the record 35-day stalemate — not to mention the political costs to those in the White House and on Capitol Hill — was so punishing that it is giving momentum to a longstanding call to prohibit the government disruptions that have become a regular facet of Washington hardball.

“Shutting down the government should be as off limits in budget negotiations as chemical warfare is in real warfare,” Senator Lamar Alexander, Republican of Tennessee, said on Friday.

He was not alone in expressing those sentiments. Members of both parties said it was past time to enact legislation that would essentially mean the government would remain open at existing spending levels when an impasse such as the fight over the border wall was reached, rather than shuttering parts or all of the government. That’s an outcome that virtually everyone agrees is costly, unnecessary and even embarrassing.

“This never should have happened,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski, Republican of Alaska, speaking for many.

Veterans of past shutdowns have come to learn that there are few, if any, winners in the end and that closing the government has not proved effective as a negotiating strategy for those who use the government as a lever to press their case. It didn’t work for Newt Gingrich in the 1990s, for Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and House conservatives in 2013 or for Senator Chuck Schumer of New York and fellow Democrats early in 2018 when they relented on a shutdown after just three days.

Government workers are penalized through no fault of their own, constituents are inconvenienced, the nation’s image is hurt and those responsible for running the government look inept, irresponsible and unwilling to reach an accommodation. The tension in this shutdown was evident in the internal finger-pointing that broke out among Republicans as workers missed two paychecks and airports began to struggle with the absences of security workers and flight controllers.

“I’ve said repeatedly throughout this process that government shutdowns are a bad idea,” said Senator Rob Portman, Republican of Ohio. “They hurt federal employees and their families, disrupt critical government services and increase the cost to taxpayers. This shutdown confirmed what we already knew about shutdowns. Let’s do something about it now while the pain and inefficiency of this moment is fresh on our minds.”

Mr. Portman has for years sponsored legislation to prevent shutdowns, and he introduced the measure again this month as the government limped along partly closed and federal employees lined up for food assistance and other aid.

Under his plan, which has 18 co-sponsors and rising, funding at existing levels would continue for agencies covered by an appropriations measure that was not signed into law by the beginning of the fiscal year on Oct. 1, preventing any lapse that incites a shutdown. To spur a resolution, funding would be reduced by 1 percent after 120 days if no agreement is reached and by 1 percent more every 90 days.

“This never should have happened,” Senator Lisa Murkowski, Republican of Alaska, said of the shutdown.CreditSarah Silbiger/The New York Times

“It is one of these moments where after many years of us trying to get something passed that ends the shutdown, I think there is support coalescing around a legislative response,” Mr. Portman said.

Senator Mark Warner, the Virginia Democrat whose state is home to tens of thousands of federal employees and contractors, introduced his own proposal, partly with the idea of shaming his colleagues and the Trump administration into avoiding such confrontations.

Searching for a bill title that would deliver the message, he and his staff came up with Stop Shutdowns Transferring Unnecessary Pain and Inflicting Damage in the Coming Years, otherwise known as the Stop Stupidity Act. In the event of funding showdowns, his approach would be to maintain spending for all but the legislative branch and the White House.

“More than a little bit of common sense tells me that we wouldn’t be here 35 days into this shutdown if all our staffs were experiencing the same kind of shortfall and economic distress that 800,000 of our fellow federal workers experienced,” he said on the Senate floor.

Mr. Warner acknowledged that his title was somewhat tongue in cheek and that he would be receptive to making changes in the interest of enacting a law that would prevent recurrences of the last weeks.

“The final language in any deal that comes out three weeks from now should put strong provisions and strong penalties in place to prevent this tactic from being used by either party or any White House or Congress in the future,” he said, a view shared by Senator Charles E. Grassley, Republican of Iowa.

“The final package should also end government shutdowns once and for all,” Mr. Grassley said.

In the House, Speaker Nancy Pelosi also welcomed the idea on Friday, saying in a meeting with news columnists that she wanted to explore the possibility of legislation that would serve as a shutdown prevention act.

A spotlight on the people reshaping our politics. A conversation with voters across the country. And a guiding hand through the endless news cycle, telling you what you really need to know.

Despite widespread sentiment against shutdowns in Congress, there could be opposition. Some lawmakers might not want to surrender potential leverage in the spending wars. There could be resistance from others who don’t like the concept of automatic spending authorization, arguing that it gives up a fundamental power of Congress. Democrats have feared that automatic spending cuts could be a backdoor way for Republicans to cut money for federal programs. President Trump might be reluctant to sign a bill that includes such provisions, though he has now experienced such backlash to the shutdown and might prefer another way to circumvent Congress, such as declaring a national emergency to build the wall if negotiations fall through.

Congress will still have its opportunities for brinkmanship such as the need to raise the debt limit, though House Democrats have already taken steps to make that more automatic as well, in an attempt to reduce the threat to economic stability — and eliminate a politically charged vote.

Whether they can succeed remains to be seen, but Mr. Portman, Mr. Alexander and others said they were determined over the next three weeks to press the case for permanent protection against shutdowns.

“We accepted the idea that shutting down the government is an acceptable bargaining chip in a budget negotiation and it should never, ever be, and we should resolve that that should never, ever happen,” Mr. Alexander said.

Phroyd

[emblem-333]

William Jennings Bryan and American Socialism

No matter how many times we are confronted with the similarities of history we as human beings do the same exact things our predecessors did. We like to believe we are in uncharted territory, that there is something inherently special about the times we currently live in. Or, that we’re in the “end of history.” In reality, history never ends. Humanity never ceases evolving — or devolving. As the rich get richer, the poor get poorer, and the disgruntled electorate grow angrier at how they’ve become ignored largely by their representatives. The only time we’ve encountered such a scenario in our nation’s history is The Gilded Age when the oligarchs in the country amassed a substantial sum of wealth dwarfing the income of the average American by embarrassing margins. Unlike today where it’s mostly tech giants destroying the country, in the later half of the 1800’s post-Civil War it was the rail roads and Wall St. exercising their respective monopolies to crush the growing force of organized labor.

Laborers were harassed, threatened, beaten by their employer for the mere request of better wages, manageable hours and basic human rights. In the days predating socialism arriving on the shores of the U.S the laborers were labeled as unruly strikers self-centered and uncaring towards the betterment of the country. The elite had their allies in the press smear the name of the poor constantly and populists campaigns seeking to reform a clearly broken system ended up dead on arrival. Even the book ‘The Wizard of Oz’ took pot shots at the farmer, laborers and populism in general. Victor Fleming portrayed the fraudulent utopia of the Emerald City as commentary of the issuing of greenback currency in lieu of Americans using the gold standard. In the middle of the Gilded Age, farmers had taken out loans when greenbacks were accepted currency. When times got rough President Grover Cleveland made greenbacks virtually useless and forced farmers to pay their debts back via the gold standard. This devalued their currency whilst rising up the inflation of the loans they’ve taken out. Greenbacks only have value due to the country agreeing at the time that it is such. The third party known as the “Greenbacks” sought to undo what they deemed to be an injustice towards the agricultural class.

While the Democrats favored the south they hardly were open to drastic change being proposed by the populists. Collective bargaining and making illegal for the government to seize land under “intimate domain” to build more railroads was frowned upon, even something as human as child labor laws were seen as harmful to the stability of the American economy. Never mind the economy seemed to crash nearly every couple of years.

Like it or not, but class warfare usually brings about economic justice for the downtrodden. The idea it doesn’t is a farce perpetrated by those either woefully and genuinely ignorant or wishing to protect their own capital. When the poor and the middle class unite to battle the oppressive elites it’s far more productive than if we fight amongst ourselves. But the below classes need representatives to champion their respective causes and unite the wings. In the days predating effective activism in the United States the best you could hope for is a representative forging his path, climbing the ladder of D.C and acting as your voice. That voice turned out to be former Nebraskan representative William Jennings Bryan. Bolstered by populist James B. Weaver his party fused with the populist democrats and managed to overtake the Bourbon establishment at the convention. Curiously, Bryan’s running mate was a wealthy shipbuilder named Arthur Sewall of Maine. Sewall never served nor had any experience in government. He was picked to possibly finance the underfunded campaign. The propaganda machine of the Republicans working in consort with gold Democrats did more than damage the populist Bryan. Losing, albeit competitively. Thus began Bryan’s reign over the party even though himself wouldn’t be elected to the Oval Office in either of his three attempts.

Perhaps if Bryan had chosen a more experienced candidate as a running mate his chances would’ve been maximized. It’s not like Sewall’s money did anything to assist Bryan. If anything it damaged his standing amongst the populists who were so dissatisfied at his nomination they nominated their own Vice President for the Bryan ticket. Initially, Bryan wanted second-placer Richard Bland Missourian representative as his running mate. However, Bland wished to run for his old congressional seat. Publisher John R. McLean of Cincinnati also was in the running finishing runner-up to Sewall. McLean was a railroad merchant and like Sewall his nomination likely spurs the further left wing of the party as well. Other names tossed around are governor Claude Matthews of Indiana. A moderate populist who broke up some strikes during his brief term. Matthews was lockstep on Bryan on social issues like prohibition of alcohol. Maybe his nomination would work as a mea culpa to the Cleveland delegation? The best option for Bryan was Iowan Governor Horace Boies. A supporter of low tariffs (a forgotten hallmark of Bryan’s candidacy), pro-silver and generally a decent liberal.

Bryan was far and away the most progressive nominee the Democrats — or the Republicans have ever put up. A fiery preacher demanding the direct election of senators, an end to child labor and proponent of Women’s Suffrage. Bryan was no doubt ahead of his time and paid the dear price electorally for it. The public wasn’t willing to jettison the norms to such a degree Bryan was proposing and left him at the altar. Much of his populist ideas were adopted by Theodore Roosevelt forcing Bryan even further to the left. Calling for a Universal Basic Income and local ownership of utilities in future campaigns.

Hindsight is 20/20, but Bryan would’ve been likelier to win if he picked a representative from a crucial swing state to balance the ticket and compromised on some issues, except the free coinage of silver. Though outside of the agricultural states it posed little to no incentive to the industrial workers of Illinois, Ohio, and other states making up the Rust Belt. Bryan likely needed to be more of a hawk on issues such as American Imperialism. In real life he’d support and volunteer himself for service during the Spanish-American War. In his religious eyes Bryan saw his country as liberators to the Cubans from the dreaded imperial Spanish. Bryan could drawback troops after the war was won and leave Cuba to govern itself and our relations with them would have been drastically altered for the better.

After winning Iowa by 942 votes Bryan bested McKinley in the electoral college 225-222. Bryan sweeps the south, excluding West Virginia, and does surprisingly well in the Midwest and west. Losing just Illinois, Wyoming, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin and Minnesota. I campaigned as a crusader against tariffs in the heartland and in the industrial areas I promised not to overturn any apple carts by reforming labor laws. I managed to sell myself in moderate states like Iowa by appealing to their needs beyond the issue of silver. For the industrial worker the coinage of silver meant very little to them. What they wanted was basic human rights in the workplace. Bryan was their ally only he couldn’t manage to sell himself to them in real life.

To be fair to Bryan it is unlikely for someone of his caliber to have won given the circumstances. The poor economy and its subsequent blame was placed at the feet of the outgoing Cleveland. Fortunate enough to dodge the recession of 1890 which cost his successor Benjamin Harrison a second term. The Panic of 1893 ensured Cleveland wouldn’t be popular to challenge for a third term. Perhaps if Cleveland won re-election in ‘88 and McKinley succeeded him, imposed the unpopular “McKinley Tariff” designed to protect American goods and encourage the purchase of said goods. In the 1890 midterms Republicans were routed and by ‘92 the House, Senate and Presidency were under Democratic control.

Say this happens in 1894. The McKinley Tariff is vetoed by Cleveland when it was initially proposed in ‘90. President McKinley institutes his plan once he enters the Oval Office. Our allies Great Britain institute retaliatory tariffs against the United States and the recession of ‘93 is McKinley and his party’s baby. This’ll make it easier for the challenger Bryan to win in ‘96.

Chances are, Bryan pushes hard to get the United States out of the darkness of capitalism and into the light of socialism-lite. Bryan believed in a workers' right to unionize. He wouldn’t have used military force to put down strikes. He’d work to end child labor laws, regulate the standard workday to eight hours, and regulate financial sectors and bust up monopolies. Basically, Bryan is a better, though less bombastic Teddy. While Bryan in his old age, no doubt increasingly bitter at his string of his defeats, clutched to his bible during the Monkey Scopes Trial and embraced the KKK, the younger Bryan was more idealistic, pacifist and less set in his ways. In no way could he be mistaken as crusader for the downtrodden non-white people. But neither were the Republicans. Anti-Lynching laws weren’t passed until Calvin Coolidge did so in the late 1920’s. The Republicans dominated the White House in those days losing just four presidential elections between 1860 and 1928.

Not only does the United States image in the long term benefit from Bryan’s pacifist foreign policy — I doubt Hawaii is annexed during his presidency — you also have the Progressive Era arrive sooner with the Democrats leading the charge, the typically conservative party migrates to the more liberal Republicans for solace. The republicans at this time were friendly to big business and were beginning a downward spiral into laissez-faire capitalism. It took the miraculous arrival of Roosevelt to prevent both parties becoming stooges of the railroads and standard oil. Though Wall Street enjoyed preferential treatment because of course.

The electorate would be subjected to a gigantic realignment. The Republicans benefiting from the states ran by financiers, the Democrats still holding the south due to their confederate ties and further west where silver was very popular.

No doubt Bryan was a novice, but he was an effective novice. Despite having no experience in foreign affairs Bryan negotiated 30 peace deals during his stint as Secretary of State and preached neutrality during the run-up to U.S involvement into World War 1.

Bryan changes the makeup of the entire country. His Jacksonian ideals reverse the trajectory of where we were heading, eventually becoming the global powerhouse we are right now. Bryan likely keeps his throne until his death in 1925. So how the United States interacts with the European powers, the rise of the Soviets, among other entanglements is drastically altered. Perhaps Eugene V. Debs stays a Democrat and is a powerful force in Bryan’s administration. Maybe he’s a Supreme Court Judge? The United States potentially could become a proto-Soviet state only without the gulags and constant string of mysteriously disappearing government officials speaking out against those in power.

At the end of Bryan’s life the country he leaves behind is less imperialist, more reliant on agriculture and the wealthiest don’t exercise such power. Perhaps the worst of the Great Depression are avoided even if the Republican Party instantly takes power back after Bryan’s death.

The socialist movement stalled right around 1920. The Progressive Era assuaged many Americans away from the more radical ideology. Instead of the Industrial Revolution you’d have the Proletariat Revolution and it simply never end during Bryan’s reign.

Going further down the pike term limits are introduced after Bryan winning seven of them. So this completely does away with Franklin Roosevelt and puts the New Deal in question. Though the country is still smelling the fumes of Bryan’s presidency somewhat so much of his more ambitious legislation such as government work programs. The National Recovery Administration designed to establish a code of fair competition, to eliminate the cut-throat methods of industry likely isn’t shot down in the case of Schechter Poultry Corp. v. United States. The NRA is basically the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau with shark teeth for choppers.

Americans missed out on Bryan, but I don’t blame them. Bryan simply couldn’t sell himself to people who weren’t farmers.

Bryan: 225, 7,035,243

McKinley: 222, 6,736,978

Palmer: 0, 132,629