Category Archives: General

General

Derrick Strauss: Wealthy Americans Struggle to Obtain Mortgages

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Derrick Strauss

According to All Western Mortgage marketing manager Derrick Strauss, even some of the nation’s most well-heeled homebuyers are facing challenges buying property in a post-recession economy, despite slightly loosened credit requirements and ample liquid assets.

It seems a little backwards, says Derrick Strauss, but wealthy homebuyers may face some of the biggest hurdles in a post-recession economy. The problem is not their ability to pay for mortgage but the lack of a steady income. According to Derrick Strauss, many of the country’s richest residents are being denied mortgages—often for second homes or vacation properties—because they have no annual income statement.

Derrick Strauss points out that those with plenty of resources can usually qualify for a first mortgage without problem. However, most banks want to see an income and put very little weight on reserved funds.

Property appraisals questioned

Another problem with wealthy buyers is that they tend to purchase expensive properties, says Derrick Strauss. While in the past banks welcomed these high-value homes with open arms, they have learned their lesson with the foreclosures of countless overvalued properties. Property appraisers today are subject to strict oversight by lending agencies. Historically, luxury homes had few comparable properties to assess against, leaving their value open to interpretation. Derrick Strauss says that banks are no longer willing to accept a property’s assessed value without plenty of data to back it up.

Banks beginning to thaw lending freeze

After the housing bubble burst in 2008, banks seemed to stop lending, recalls Derrick Strauss. As the market regains its footing, some lending institutes have begun closing loans once again, instilling confidence in buyers and sellers alike. Wealthy borrowers, points out Derrick Strauss, have seen the most benefit from the slightly less stringent requirements, but first-time homebuyers and those with moderate incomes may still have a rocky road to home ownership.

Derrick Strauss does point out that most banks and financial institutes have eliminated interest-only and no-documentation loans, which were considered major culprits in the overactive foreclosure market.

Bad loans still filtering through market

Though the foreclosures have slacked a bit in the last year, Derrick Strauss says there are still plenty of bad loans for lenders to focus on. Many properties are still in litigation or sit vacant as a testament to long-term irresponsible lending practices. Derrick Strauss points to the high profile case of Teresa and Joe Giudice of TV’s Real Housewives of New Jersey. The couple, despite adequate finances today, was recently charged with data tampering on home mortgage paperwork dating back more than 10 years. This goes to show that banks are trying to make right the wrongs that led to the crash, says Derrick Strauss.

Shopping around an option

Like any major marketplace, Derrick Strauss points out that the mortgage lending industry is a competitive one. Derrick Strauss explains that one mortgage lender’s requirements may be different than another’s and encourages all potential homebuyers to shop numerous providers to find the right mortgage for their situation.

Business, General, Technology

Dr. Lindsay Rosenwald Says Biotechnology’s Future Is as Yet Unimaginable

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Lindsay Rosenwald The future of biotechnology is beginning now, says Dr. Lindsay Rosenwald of Investment Partnership.What is biotechnology?

According to Dr. Lindsay Rosenwald, at its core, biotechnology utilizes living organisms or systems to make industrial, medical, and other products. The technology itself, in a much more crude form, has been used for many centuries in agriculture. However, with the advent over the last several decades of new technologies and a greater understanding of the almost limitless number of genes and processes in living organisms, the discoveries and applications of those discoveries are happening at a rapid and accelerating pace. This trend is likely to occur for the next several decades, says Dr. Lindsay Rosenwald.

Medical breakthroughs

Dr. Lindsay Rosenwald notes that through research in biotechnology, and the decades and hundreds of billions of dollars, if not trillions of dollars already, that have been invested, there are dramatic advances in bio engineering, bio imaging, cellular and tissue engineering, molecular biology, applications of the human genome, and more.

Lindsay Rosenwald predicts that as progress continues, and continues to accelerate, there will come a time where all diseases will be treatable and curable. Already, over the last decade or so, diseases such as lymphoma, multiple myeloma, other blood cancers, have gone from routinely fatal to curable and/or chronic, manageable conditions. Dr. Lindsay Rosenwald believes that in 10 years or less, the vast majority of cancers will be in that same category.

Dr. Lindsay Rosenwald believes that we are not too far away from being able to create medicines through biotechnology that allow most chronic diseases to be curable. In fact, Dr. Lindsay Rosenwald believes that through biotechnology, science and industry will collaborate and be able to develop replacement organs so that patients suffering from organ failure, whether the organ is the heart, lungs, liver, pancreas, etc., organs will be grown and implanted on a very routine basis. Lindsay Rosenwald believes that even less serious conditions, more cosmetic, such as baldness, wrinkled skin, and probably all other cosmetic conditions will be treatable and curable through biotechnology advances.

Agriculture Breakthroughs

Dr. Lindsay Rosenwald believes that the agricultural uses of biotechnology are ahead of the medical uses. Lindsay Rosenwald believes that we are well on the way to creating a world where there will never be a shortage of food for the planet. Lindsay Rosenwald notes that biotechnology in agriculture dates back thousands of years with the newer uses of genetic selection for higher yielding crops, pest resistant crops, and all other potential attributes that biotechnology can give to agricultural products, that trend is also accelerating.

An investment with intrinsic value

Lindsay Rosenwald is a partner in New York’s Investment Partnership, an investment firm that focuses specifically on medical biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. In his 26 year career, Dr. Lindsay Rosenwald has found that medicine is an excellent sustainable investment with far more benefits than simply producing profits. His belief that wealth should be utilized to improve life for everyone has made Lindsay Rosenwald a major power player in the biotechnology investment market. In 2002, Lindsay Rosenwald was ranked No 1. on the Genetic Engineering News’ list of “100 Molecular Millionaires” for his financial and academic contributions to medical science.

Biotechnology does more than just cure disease and stabilize agricultural growth, points out Lindsay Rosenwald. The Temple University School of Medicine graduate explains that biotechnological research will result in cleaner chemical manufacturing and will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50 percent. These contributions, says Dr. Lindsay Rosenwald, will improve health and living conditions for every human being on the planet. Combined with the increased viability of advanced biotechnological pharmaceuticals, the biotechnology market will most certainly lead the way for countless medical discoveries in the coming decades.

Dr. Lindsay Rosenwald has acquired more than 100 licenses for clinical-stage medicines, including at least two that have been indicated in the remission of prostate cancer and certain types of leukemia respectively.

 

Business, General

All State Van Lines Relocation Creates a Family Environment on the Job

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All-State-Van-Lines-Relocation-CustomerServiceStaff2 All State Van Lines Relocation is a moving brokerage firm based in Margate, Fla., that coordinates residential and corporate moves and relocations nationwide. In the following interview with ZRYLW, All State Van Lines Relocation describes how family is at the heart of their business.

ZRYLW: All State Van Lines Relocation is a family owned business, is it not?

All State Van Lines Relocation: Yes, our company was founded

in 2010. The company has employed family members and tries to keep that kind of family-business atmosphere.

ZRYLW: What do you mean by that?

All State Van Lines Relocation: While having quality employees is a major part of a good company like All State Van Lines Relocation, fostering a climate where employees genuinely like each other helps as well.

ZRYLW: Can you explain that further?

All State Van Lines Relocation: Well, research reveals that family-owned businesses tend to be operated by leaders who take the long view, thinking about long-term success over generations, avoiding short cuts that can compromise a company’s future. Employees notice that kind of leadership, and it gives them confidence to do their jobs with excellence as well.

ZRYLW: What other advantages emerge?

All State Van Lines Relocation: Like other family-owned businesses, All State Van Lines Relocation has a strong commitment to quality, since it’s connected to the family name.

ZRYLW: And family lends a certain kind of personality to the workplace, right?

All State Van Lines Relocation: Yes, it’s known to add more humanity to the work equation where employees are thought of more as extended family than merely workers. All State Van Lines Relocation is no different.

ZRYLW: And does this make things work better?

All State Van Lines Relocation: Well, there can be tension with families, too, but frankly the family environment makes business run more smoothly at All State Van Lines Relocation.

ZRYLW: How is that?

All State Van Lines Relocation: If a friendly atmosphere exists, and employees know the owners actually care about them, they tend to work harder and use strategic methods to get things accomplished in a timely manner because they know it’s good for the company. All State Van Lines Relocation has proven this to be true and our retention rates back it up.

ZRYLW: How else does a family atmosphere benefit your business?

All State Van Lines Relocation: It’s clear to us that All State Van Lines Relocation employees are more committed to the success of the company because they know their welfare matters to the owners. It inspires loyalty.

ZRYLW: How does it affect an ordinary day?

All State Van Lines Relocation: It’s just more fun to work with people you like, isn’t it?

ZRYLW: Are there challenges?

All State Van Lines Relocation: For actual family members who also work together, it can be tough sometimes to know where the work-family boundary is, but that is only for them to work out. The All State Van Lines Relocation family is the kind you can leave at the end of the day feeling confident that the work-family environment is a satisfying, fulfilling place to be.

General, Professional Profiles

Paul Kadri on the Use of Data to Improve Student Achievement

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A+ Grade on Homework

Paul Kadri, a 16-year public school administrator, has been on the forefront in designing data systems to help schools improve student achievement. In this interview, Paul Kadri shares important information to consider when establishing a new system.

ZRYLW: Thank you for taking time to share your thoughts on improving student achievement.

Paul Kadri: It is my pleasure. This is a critical topic for success in education.

ZRYLW: People have noted that you have a lot of experience in data systems. Tell us more?

Paul Kadri: You can’t have a good system without technology. I have a deep interest in technology, and I enjoy finding ways for technology to help organizations. Turning data into valuable information is critical to success. I’ve been involved in doing this for quite a while.

ZRYLW: When did you develop your expertise in technology?

Paul Kadri: My undergraduate degree is in electrical engineering. I focused mostly on computer science and specifically on artificial intelligence. Back then, we were exploring the limits of computers in replicating what humans do.

ZRYLW: And you carried that interest into your career?

Paul Kadri: I did. My first job was with IBM, and aside from learning a tremendous amount about the technology, they helped me understand the many ways in which technology can help organizations. I have been taking that skill and applying it in all of my jobs, whether in the private or public sectors.

ZRYLW: What made you focus on data and information?

Paul Kadri: It is readily understood that an organization that has valuable information has a much greater chance of success than one that doesn’t. Creating a system that gives employees, at various parts of the organization, information that helps them do their jobs more effectively is the ultimate goal.

ZRYLW: You believe the same holds true in education?

Paul Kadri: Probably more than any other industry. Helping students reach their potential is a very complicated process that can only become easier if good information is available.

ZRYLW: You’ve been quoted as saying that education is data rich and information poor. Is that true? What does that mean?

Paul Kadri: It is absolutely true. When you think about it, we have data on everything in education. We give state tests, local tests, chapter tests, quizzes, standardized tests, etc. What happens to all that data? Many teachers will get this data and be asked to interpret it and apply it in how they deal with their students. The difference that can exist between how one teacher looks at data versus another can be dramatic.

ZRYLW: How does the data system help with that problem?

Paul Kadri: A data system allows these data elements to be organized in a way that makes valuable information both reliable and valid. If set up correctly, a teacher can get information that requires little interpretation but offers valuable insights on how to best impact the students.

ZRYLW: Doesn’t this take the teacher out of the valuable part of data interpretation?

Paul Kadri: That is a common misconception. Interpretation should not take place at the end; it should be done in the beginning. In other words, when you are setting up the way the system will organize the data, you have key stakeholders involved to make sure they agree with what is taking place. After that point, interpretation is done and information is automatically distributed for consistency.

ZRYLW: Once you get this established, do you ever revisit it?

Paul Kadri: Absolutely. On a regular basis you revisit your assumptions and how you organized your data and make sure it is giving you valuable information. You change things if you think they can be improved.

ZRYLW: To conclude, can you describe your ultimate goal when establishing a data system?

Paul Kadri: The best way to do that is by offering an example. If a teacher has an hour of time, I would like them to spend as much of that hour helping their students improve. We know that valuable information helps the teacher, but at what cost when it comes to using part of that hour? A good data system is valuable information to the teacher without taking more than a minute or two of that hour.

Paul Kadri was last superintendent of the Groton public schools in Connecticut. In addition to his expertise in data systems, Paul Kadri is also known for his extensive knowledge of school finance and site-based budgeting. For more information about Paul Kadri, visit his website at aboutpaulkadri.com.

 

General

Adults Returning to School

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zrylw It’s never too late to start a new career, earn a degree, or simply gain more knowledge about a particular subject. The still struggling economy and poor job market have been enticing more adults than ever back into the classroom.

Returning to school isn’t easy, but neither is it impossible. Numerous systems are in place to assist adults who wish to further their education. A college degree may not be the ultimate goal for everyone, and sometimes just a few classes can help secure a new job or gain a promotion at work.

Not everyone can find the time or the money to return to college on a full-time basis, but other opportunities are available for adults who wish to further their education. Online study has become a very popular method. An online college class is flexible and convenient and can be taken from anywhere in the world with Internet access. However, it is imperative to research prospective schools to confirm they are accredited so that credits earned are recognized worldwide.

Community colleges are also a smart choice. They have much lower tuition fees than a four-year university. The first two years of college are dedicated to general education classes, so even if a four-year bachelor’s degree is the ultimate goal, completing the first two years at a community college makes good financial sense.

Colleges and the government offer loans, scholarships and grants to help students pay for higher education. A federal Pell Grant is based on income and is free money for qualifying students. Low-interest student loans are another option. Several private and state universities either waive or reduce tuition for senior citizens.

If learning is the primary objective instead of earning a degree, it’s possible to complete college classes online at no cost. Stanford, Harvard, MIT and other institutions offer free online classes to students around the world. These classes provide students with basic knowledge to form a foundation for learning. There is no admissions process, and certificates are available for a small fee to students who master the material. The classes are free but the courses don’t count toward a college degree.

Many people who would like to return to college but are concerned they will feel out of place among younger students should know that 37 percent of all college students are adults over the age of 25.

Adults going back to school should craft a realistic plan that balances work, family and class time. Juggling multiple responsibilities is a challenge, but with the right strategy and determination, all that’s left is honoring a commitment to achieving the objective: an education.

General

Kosher Supervision of America (KSA Kosher) on the Definition of Kosher

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KSA Kosher Kosher Supervision of America (KSA Kosher), which specializes in Kashrus certification, is a not-for-profit agency located in the western United States. KSA Kosher has received recognition by rabbinical associations all across the world. Here, KSA Kosher explains the basic rules of being kosher.

ZRYLW: Thank you for taking the time to discuss Kosher foods with us today.

KSA Kosher: Thank you for having me.

ZRYLW: What does the term “kosher” mean?

KSA Kosher: “Kosher” typically refers to things that are “proper” or “fit.”

ZRYLW: In what ways is the term “kosher” used?

KSA Kosher: In most cases, the term “kosher” is utilized as a description of foods permitted to be eaten by those who are in observance of Jewish dietary law.

ZRYLW: What kinds of foods are considered non-kosher?

KSA Kosher: Food is considered non-kosher for a number of different reasons.

ZRYLW: Such as?

KSA Kosher: Reasons include the animal species, improper processing or slaughtering procedures and the usage of ingredients.

ZRYLW: Is eating meat allowed?

KSA Kosher: Some meats are kosher, but meat and dairy cannot be mixed.

ZRYLW: What about food preparation?

KSA Kosher: Food must be prepared with non-kosher equipment or utensils.

ZRYLW: I’ve heard the term “kashrus,” too. What does “kashrus” mean?

KSA Kosher: “Kashrus” is a term used to define the concept of these dairy laws. It pertains to the kinds of foods that are permitted for both consumption, as well as their preparation.

ZRYLW: Are rules standard across the board?

KSA Kosher: Each food category is subject to a certain set of laws.

ZRYLW: What meats are labeled as kosher?

KSA Kosher: The Torah regards kosher animals as ones who have split hooves and chew their own cud.

ZRYLW: And these are?

KSA Kosher: Veal, lamb and beef are kosher meats.

ZRYLW: Not pork?

KSA Kosher: Pork is not.Wild game is also not certified kosher.

ZRYLW: What seafood is not allowed?

KSA Kosher: Squid, shellfish and mollusks are not kosher. Eel isn’t either.

ZRYLW: How do food preparers learn to keep foods kosher?

KSA Kosher: Butchers require special training so that they are aware of which cuts of meat can be certified kosher and how to prepare them.

ZRYLW: How popular is being kosher?

KSA Kosher: Over 7 million Americans designate themselves as kosher.

ZRYLW: That’s quite a number.

KSA Kosher: Definitely. In fact, kosher products account for $150 billion in food sales each year.

To learn more about KSA Kosher, visit the company online at ksakosher.com.

Business, General, Lifestyle

The 5 JustFab.com Wedges Every Girl Needs

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Wedges are quickly becoming one of JustFab.com’s star styles and for good reason; they’re flattering and elongate the leg while adding height. Plus, they’re comfortable and easy on the feet. The team at JustFab.com has sourced styles in an array of platform heights, materials, colors and more, and with so many options, JustFab.com is able to offer a wedge for every look. JustFab.com’s multitude of styles may make it hard to narrow things down, so the fashion experts at JustFab.com have identified their five top picks.

The Shanghai goes seamlessly from day to night. This JustFab.com wedge is sky high, giving the impression of long, lean legs. Its strappy lace-up silhouette features on-trend tassel accents, and JustFab.com shoppers can choose from classic black or soft nude. Pair with silk genie pants for a day at the office or a flowing maxi skirt for weekend brunch with the girls.

Keena is a casual, sporty sneaker wedge from JustFab.com that gets you where you need to go in style. With three color choices including black, navy and multi-tone, there’s an option to match all of your weekend wear. Just Velcro the straps and hit the park to walk the dog or conquer your errands while staying in fashion, thanks to JustFab.com.

Thebes is JustFab.com’s take on two styles in one. This cut-out, lace-up sandal features a demi-wedge and combines the comfy, easy-to-wear style of a flat with the lengthening look of a wedge.  JustFab.com offers your choice of black or brown; simply slip on with a pair of cutoffs for a summer music festival or wear them with a mini dress to dance the night away.

JustFab.com re-interprets the espadrille with Los Feliz. Made from cut-out canvas with an exotic black and white ikat pattern, JustFab.com’s take on urban chic will have you strolling the city streets in style. Pair with a full length black dress for a cocktail party or skinny jeans and a tank for an afternoon at the flea market.

With Doheny, JustFab.com has wrapped three of the season’s hottest trends into one fashionable wedge sandal. This shoe combines leopard-print detailing, an ankle strap and minimal design for the freshest in summer footwear. Available in orange and mint, the team at JustFab.com knows that a pop of color is just what the season ordered.

These JustFab.com styles are perfect for updating your summer shoe wardrobe, but don’t forget about the rest of your look. JustFab.com also offers accessories and clothing, releasing a new selection to members every month.