People want their smartwatches to be fashion statements. And some have gone to extreme measures—including one enterprising, sandpaper-equipped individual—to make them uniquely their own. Now, Motorola is making it way easier to build your own Moto 360 smartwatch—no sandpaper required.
Today, New York Councilman Daniel Dromm will reportedly introduce legislation that will force the NYPD to stop using typewriters. That’s right, the NYPD still has typewriters in all 77 precincts.
A day on Mars—or a “sol”—is 24 hours and 40 minutes long, close enough to Earth’s that for a long time NASA didn’t think much of it. But those 40 minutes a day add up, and sleep scientists now worry that our Earthly circadian rhythms could be one more major headache for the first humans on Mars.
I have a hard time caring about smartwatches. They sound neat, but most of them have tiny batteries that can barely last a couple days. Why can’t someone make a watch that both looks swanky and has a decent sized battery? Well, LG just did: it’s called the Watch Urbane LTE.
My condolences if you are reading this commentary having lost a loved one.
Estate administration involves the probate of the decedent’s estate and typically includes three broad actions: 1. Asset collection, inventory and appraisal; 2. Collecting and paying debts and taxes and; 3. Distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries. This process, depending on the particular situation, may occur with a will or without a will (intestate) and may occur subject to the jurisdiction of a probate court or outside of a probate court. This comment provides a very broad and brief educational overview of this process. Involve experienced legal counsel in estate planning and estate administration.
Pre-probate matters include a survivor addressing the funeral and burial, obtaining multiple official original copies of the death certificate, locating important documents such as motor vehicle titles, etc., and opening any safety deposit boxes. Finding passwords and accessing computers, phones and numerous electronic accounts is an increasingly significant problem. Keep important documents, password lists, (including keys to safety deposit boxes, storage units, etc.) where a survivor may easily locate them. A modest amount of estate planning will save a survivor significant worry and expense.
More advanced estate planning will allow assets to automatically transfer with survivorship and co-ownership provisions or gifting. Highly advanced estate planning addresses tax issues, trust funds, elderly financial planning, and complex transfers.
Life insurance, bonds, and other sources of financial liquidity (readily available cash money to pay immediate expenses) should be considered in all circumstances.
One needs an up-to-date valid will. The will should be reviewed and possibly amended if the following events occur: 1. the adoption or birth of children; 2. the death of a spouse or divorce; 3. remarriage; 4. significant financial or business ownership changes; 5. any other significant life changes or a desire to change beneficiaries. Also prepare the common medical directives that are available online or from a hospital. Have the will and directives readily accessible in a location that is known to survivors.
In the absence of a will (intestate) state law (and a judicial proceeding) determines the identity of the heirs. In the absence of living relatives the estate transfers to the government (escheat). Escheat is rare but may occur. The intestate process is typically something to avoid by pre-planning. Likewise, probate court procedures are required in cases involving lost wills or will contests. Family settlement agreements may be recognized by state law to simplify many of these issues.
The will may name an executor to conduct the estate administration. Some states allow the testator (maker of a will) to give the executor great independence to act with minimal judicial supervision (independent administration). The alternative process is termed dependent administration with detailed court supervision and requirements.
Typically state law allows any adult without a felony conviction to be selected as an executor, even if living out-of-state. Selecting an executor is a very personal and important decision. A spouse, a trusted attorney, family members, or personal friends are all possibilities. Bank trust departments may act as executors. Discuss executor service with the potential executor prior to naming this individual in the will. An executor may always refuse (or be unable) to serve so many wills also provide for an alternative.
In the absence of an executor, the probate court appoints an administrator according to state law. Once the executor or administrator is recognized, the probate court issues a document entitled “letters of administration” (sometimes called “letters testamentary”) that allows the selected person authority over assets and to conduct the responsibilities associated with the probate process. The details of steps 1-3 listed above are controlled by state law. Many states allow alternatives to probate if the major asset is a homestead or the estate is valued below a specified dollar amount.
The compensation of executors or administrators is determined by state law with 5% of the gross estate’s fair market value being sometimes specified. Some states allow the will to state that no compensation be paid. Of course, individuals may be unwilling to serve without compensation. The payment of expenses associated with probate is in like manner determined by state law.
The simplest estates may require tax forms to be filed even if no taxes are owed. The federal estate tax return is typically due nine months after the date of death but an extension may be available. Tax filings may also start the time period for the IRS to assert claims. Thus, even a no tax owed filing is frequently recommended. Consult a CPA or tax professional.
Also, both potential creditors and potential heirs may need to be notified by posted notices or advertising under state law. This is in addition to direct notice being provided known creditors and heirs. Inventories of property and lists of creditors may need to be provided to the probate court.
Executors and administrators should typically timely apply to the probate court to close the estate after steps 1-3 above have been completed. A formal closing starts the time period in which dissatisfied parties may assert personal claims against the executor or administrator. However, prior to closing the estate must be fully distributed and closing ends the jurisdiction of the probate court. Sometimes a closing is delayed because of a concern that unknown assets or heirs may appear.
This comment provides only an educational overview of a complex subject and is not intended to provide legal advice. One should consult experienced professionals in all specific estate situations.
Forget the fashion police — call the real police, because Lupita Nyong’o’s pearl dress from the 2015 Oscars was stolen.
TMZ confirmed with law enforcement that the Calvin Klein dress, with an estimated value of $150,000, was stolen from Nyong’o’s hotel room at The London West Hollywood on Tuesday. A spokesperson for the Los Angeles sherriff’s department told Us Weekly that they are currently investigating the situation. “We are looking at every scenario; when the cleaners go to clean the rooms they do it with the door open so that’s a possibility,” the spokesperson said. “Currently we are still investigating, detectives are interviewing and looking for witnesses.”
And just in case you need a reminder of how gorgeous she looked in it, here’s a photo of Nyong’o wearing the custom-made gown on Sunday:
In today’s fast-paced world, mothers are facing new daily challenges all the time. From morning to night, she is on-call for her family. A mom has a keen sense and a dynamic drive that allows her to get everything done each day.
While each day a mom makes sure her family’s to-do list is done, she often struggles to find time for herself. Without mommy care, fatigue can set in and energies may deplete causing a physical breakdown. In between dealing with all of the family situations that seem to turn up without any notice, a mom needs to set aside some time for herself so she won’t become overwhelmed. Finding some moments for yourself in the day is a challenge. But if you set aside some mommy care time it will help you rejuvenate, have more clarity, and plan ahead for the next few days. Here are six helpful steps to take with you on your mothering journey.
1) Be More Aware
Moms need to be more aware of how they feel. You can keep going until you experience burnout. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be helping your family in the long haul. It’s important to begin some kind of doable mommy care process that suits your needs to ensure well-being.
2) Manage Your Day
Being overwhelmed with all the parts of your family life that need addressing on a daily basis can make it hard to get to your list of to-dos. Pick the three most important items on your list and begin doing them, adding a fun twist (e.g. listen to music or a motivational talk). You will begin to give yourself the encouragement to accomplish all that you need to do while taking pride in empowering yourself and your family.
3) Motivate and Expedite
Daily distractions and unexpected interruptions can sidetrack you and pull you away from what you set out to do. When you are doing a chore or errand, set your alarm clock for how long you feel you should complete it in. It helps you to stay on your game and feel good about what you need to do. It’s a new discipline. After awhile, it will come naturally to you.
4) Learn the Lessons Needed
Remember that everyone’s life is different. You must take the necessary actions to learn what will work best for your family. Even if you do something wrong, you will learn from your mistake and have the best chance to succeed as a parent.
5) Be True to Who You Are
Do things that are true to who you are. Being true to who you are is living by the values that mean something to you. Those values will take root for your children and become a part of who they are.
6) Unplug
Carve out some quiet time as part of your mommy care routine. Use this downtime to reflect on the improvements you’re making with gratitude for your strides. This will also help you to become mentally stronger. There will be times when you won’t feel your best and these are important moments to unplug.
You can find more useful parenting tips when you visit Marva Soogrim’s website MarvalousBabies.com.
Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Moon enjoyed an illustrious 23-year professional career in both the CFL and NFL. A nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback, Moon helped dispel the preconceived notion that African-Americans could not successfully play the position. The 58-year-old Los Angeles native currently serves as a broadcaster for the Seattle Seahawks.
Moon caught up with me on HuffPost Live to discuss the last play of the Super Bowl, why he believes Marshawn Lynch’s playing career is far from over and offer a piece of advice for Jameis Winston.
Click below to see Moon discuss the Seahawks’ controversial decision to end the Super Bowl.
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Click below to learn why Moon is rooting for Jameis Winston in more than just football.
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Click below to watch Moon break down Lynch and the media.
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Click below to see why Moon believes the NFL is doing the right thing when it comes to concussion protocol and safety.
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Here is my full-length interview with Moon on HuffPost Live.
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Email me at jordan.schultz@huffingtonpost.com or ask me questions about anything sports-related at @Schultz_Report and follow me on Instagram @Schultz_Report. Also, be sure and catch my NBC Sports Radio show, Kup and Schultz, which airs Sunday mornings from 9-12 ET, right here.
Whether you live for snow or would prefer to live without it, winter (and snow) can be lots of fun. Take advantage of all the wonderful things winter has to offer from cozy nights by the fire with some hot chocolate to heart-racing descents down powder-filled hills. You can’t beat winter, so you might as well join it. Grab your sled and your wits and head down Cheapflights.com’s picks for top 12 epic sledding hills.
During a board meeting I recently attended for a young company, the two talented founders were discussing an interesting management observation. They described the difficulties that arise when leaders focus on working “IN” the business and lose sight of working “ON” the business.
When you’re focused on working IN the business, you’re working your tail off to get the job done, to get the product out the door and to make sure customers are satisfied etc., so it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. And that bigger picture is creating a path for you and your company to grow in a balanced and healthy way ensuring long-term success. But that can only happen when you take a step back from the IN and focus on the ON: setting company goals and communicating them in a way that enables everyone to clearly understand their individual roles.
How effectively you build a business and enjoy yourself in the process depends a lot on how good you are at balancing both. And trust me, the enjoyment is a BIG piece of the puzzle.
At this point you could be thinking, “Victor, nice story but what the h#ll does this have to do with me? I’m not trying to build a company. I’m a family caregiver trying to get through the day.” But hear me out.
The truth is that regardless of the affection you have for the loved one in your care, your role as a family caregiver is a job, a job so diverse that it can be comparable to running a company. You have customers (loved ones, an employer, family members, and friends) and business partners (doctors, pharmacists, physical therapists, professional caregivers, etc.). You need to monitor emotional, physical, and financial costs, while ensuring that you deliver a healthy product (YOU). Make sense?
Family caregivers, if you begin to think of yourself as the CEO of your own Family Caregiver, Inc., then the goal is to deliver the best care possible while creating a healthy and balanced life for yourself.
In my conversations with family caregivers across the nation, the majority are working IN their family caregiving jobs, maniacally focused on all the day-to-day to-dos associated with helping loved ones,. However, your quality of life as a caregiver greatly depends on your ability to create as balanced a life as possible, and this is extremely difficult when you’re working minute to minute, just trying to get through the day. It’s all too easy to get caught in the grind, to lose yourself in the process. I call this being on the Family Caregiver Running Wheel and sooner or later, you risk burning out physically or checking out emotionally.
It becomes crucial to take a step back from that laser-like, get-it-done focus and start working ON your family caregiving job, balancing family caregiving responsibilities, and carving out time for personal growth and repair–with (and this is important…) NO guilt!
A saying I often repeat is, “If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll never know when you get there.” So here are my ABC’s to help you find and implement a family caregiver path that works for you.
Awareness
For one-week, take an honest inventory of the caregiving tasks and responsibilities you perform for your loved one. Next to each task, jot down whether the task was planned or not. Also include what, if anything, you had to adjust in your personal life to accommodate the task, and if there was anyone other than you who could have helped your loved one with that job.
Balanced Approach
Now, taking a step back from IN, and focusing ON, develop a desired list of your caregiving tasks and responsibilities along with personal activities that you love or help you relax. Prioritize your personal activities in an effort to make sure that you do something for yourself every. single. day. In other words, become the CEO of your life experience.
Communication
For this plan to work, you can’t keep it a secret. Once you’ve determined the path that will allow you to serve as a family caregiver without abandoning your personal needs, it’s important that you have a discussion with the loved one in your care and immediate family members. You may be surprised by how understanding everyone is, and just in case they aren’t, it’s important they understand your plan going forward, so they can make the necessary adjustments in their lives.
Now that you’re ON it and considering the bigger picture regarding your role as a caring and supportive family caregiver, “Just Do It!” as one of my favorite clients used to say. Practice it. Reevaluate it. And if need be, make adjustments; but don’t lose sight of the bigger picture that includes you. The more you practice, the easier it will become for everyone involved!
So, please give this a try and get OFF the Family Caregiver Running Wheel and ON the path to a more balanced life, which you richly deserve! And feel free to put me on your Board of Directors at any time. You can always contact me at vimbimbo@caringtoday.com with any questions.
Help yourself. Help others.
This is site is run by Sascha Endlicher, M.A., during ungodly late night hours. Wanna know more about him? Connect via Social Media by jumping to about.me/sascha.endlicher.
