Pittsburg/Scranton Market Lucrative for House Flipping

By Dave Fidlin |

The Center Square

Homebuyers snapping up residential properties and subsequently selling them in short order were able to more than double what they initially paid in two areas of Pennsylvania, according to a recent report.

Researchers with ATTOM Data Solutions, a company specializing in property and real estate records, stated home flippers in the metropolitan statistical areas within Pittsburgh and Scranton were able to sell homes at greater price points in the third quarter of 2019.

The information is included in ATTOM’s

recently released report

on home flipping trends across the U.S.

Home flippers historically have bought and quickly resold homes for a profit, typically after making a series of repairs or improvements to raise the property’s value.

Between July and September, homebuyers who flipped homes and condos in the Pittsburgh area saw overall margins of 132.6 percent, while homebuyers in the Scranton area experienced overall margins of 122.5 percent.

The high flipping yields in the Pittsburgh and Scranton areas bucked a national trend, according to ATTOM researchers, where profit margins in most areas of the country were on the downswing.

The two Pennsylvania metropolitan areas were among eight across the U.S. where home flippers experienced returns on investment of 100 percent or more during the same statistical period. Pittsburgh and Scranton also topped the list.

Other areas of the country with high yields, close behind the two Pennsylvania areas, included Flint, Mich., at 111.2 percent; Cleveland, at 109.8 percent; and Hickory-Lenoir-Morgantown, N.C., at 109.7 percent.

a separate report

from the same statistical period, ATTOM researchers also revealed the Pittsburgh area had some of the largest amounts of all-cash purchases for home flipping.

In metro areas with populations of 1 million or more, Pittsburgh ranked third for all-cash purchases, according to the report, clocking in at 77.2 percent.

The metropolitan area with the greatest preponderance of all-cash purchases was Cleveland-Elyria, Ohio, at 79.2 percent, followed by the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn MSA, at 78.9 percent.

On the whole, 56,566 single-family homes and condos were flipped across the U.S. in the third quarter of 2019, according to ATTOM’s analysis. The figure represented a 12.9 percent decrease from the previous quarter and a 6.8 percent decrease from the third quarter of 2018.

In a statement, Todd Teta, chief product officer at ATTOM Data Solutions, said the home flipping declines point to narrowing profits across many areas of the country.

“The retreat back to more normal levels of sales comes amid broader market forces that are making it harder and harder for investors to complete the kinds of deals they were getting as recently as last year,” Teta said.

In the ATTOM report, Maksim Stavinsky, co-founder and chief operating officer of Roc Capital, said homebuyers in a number of areas of the country have opted to hang on to renovated properties and rent them, rather than sell them at a loss in the current marketplace.

“We have been seeing a decline in projected and realized profits for borrowers on projects, despite the fact that borrower financing costs have been meaningfully coming down,” Stavinsky said in the report.

published here with permission of The Center Square

JEROME BY DAVE WOLFE

ARTIST Dave Wolfe

Vol. 6 No. 28 (Jan. 5, 2019)

Editor\’s Note: Each Sunday morning we post a weekly comic strip provided by cartoonist Dave Wolfe. Dave has been drawing since he was 5 years old, he knew he wanted to be a cartoonist at the age of 8. He’s been distributing his comics in school since 3rd grade. (click image to enlarge)

PA Turnpike Toll Hikes Drag on Economy

By Dave Lemery |

The Center Square

Pity the commuter or trucker who must steer his or her vehicle onto the Pennsylvania Turnpike to get to work each day – the toll rates that critics say are already exorbitant are about to get even worse.

Reeling under massive debt payments that were supposed to be covered by tolls on Interstate 80, the ailing Turnpike administration is set to roll out even higher toll rates starting Sunday, Jan. 5.

For a passenger vehicle traveling from the westernmost toll plaza in Warrendale, just outside Pittsburgh, all the way across the state to the easternmost ticketing plaza in North Wales, just outside Philadelphia, a motorist today can expect to pay $36.20. But by next week, that price will rise to $38.40.

In 2016, the same trip cost $30.32 in tolls.

The source of the Turnpike’s financial distress is

a 2007 law

that diverted $450 million annually from Turnpike coffers to PennDOT to fund other efforts. When the federal government refused to allow the state to put tolls on I-80, the annual payments became unsustainable and have led to annual toll hikes; in the preceding 64 years, the Turnpike averaged less than one toll hike per decade.

Lawmakers later approved a smaller payment from the Turnpike to PennDOT – starting in 2022, the obligation will drop from $450 million a year to $50 million through 2057. But in the meantime, the Turnpike has accumulated about $13 billion in debt, and climbing.

In November, Rep. Lori Mizgorski, R-Allison Park,

said more action needs to be taken

beyond the scheduled drop in PennDOT payments in two years.

“The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) has been forced by law to raise tolls for 11 straight years, while causing the turnpike to reduce its rebuilding program by 13 [percent], forcing their debt levels to more than $13 billion,” Mizgorski said. “The turnpike commission needs to make critical investments to power economic growth across the Commonwealth and provide relief to its customers from excessive toll increases.”

In a news conference last year to call attention to the Turnpike’s financial issues, Auditor General Eugene DePasquale noted that the effects of the rising tolls radiate throughout the state’s economy, raising prices even for those who never drive a single mile on the highway.

“For those that think, ‘Well, I don\’t drive the Turnpike, why should I care about this? I don\’t pay that?’ News flash. Those truckers that are driving on that, they\’re hauling fruit, they\’re hauling food,” DePasquale said. “They\’re hauling goods and services that you\’re buying in Pennsylvania. Yes, you are paying that, because that is being passed along to the consumers.”

Turnpike Commission CEO Mark Compton said last year that about half of the turnpikes $1.2 billion in revenue each year is going toward paying $600 million in debt, preventing the commission from taking on needed large-scale improvement projects.

Tips to Keep Your Outdoor Power Equipment Operating

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Winter weather is unpredictable. Home and business owners rely on outdoor power equipment to keep the power on, clear obstructions from yards and driveways, and keep their families and businesses safe. Do you know how to correctly fuel and maintain equipment so it runs well all season?

The

Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI)

offers tips to help users protect their equipment and get the most from it when it’s needed during the winter.

“By its very nature, winter weather is unpredictable. Trees can fall due to ice, snow, or wind and cause power outages. You need your generator to keep the lights and heat on, and your chainsaw and snow thrower to help you clear the way,” says Kris Kiser, President and CEO of OPEI. When deciding on a portable generator to buy, consider the

advantages of an inverter

generator, with less noise being a great feature.

“Whether you’re using battery, gasoline, propane, diesel or hybrid powered equipment, there is a product to meet your needs. But you have to know how to fuel it correctly,” said Kiser.

If using gasoline-powered equipment, OPEI reminds everyone to protect their power and choose the right fuel for the equipment they are using. Most outdoor power equipment is warranted to run on gasoline containing E10 (10 percent ethanol) or less. But many higher ethanol fuel blends, such as E15, E30 and E85, are available in the marketplace.

“As government policies continue to bring uncertainty into the gasoline retail marketplace, especially regarding ethanol content levels in gasoline, the consumer has to make sure the right fuel is chosen for the right product. Protect your power with proper fueling,” says Kiser.

He adds, “Avoid mis-fueling. Use ten percent ethanol (E10) fuel blends or less in your chain saw, portable generator, snow thrower, trimmer, blower and other outdoor power equipment.”

Here are safety tips to help home and business owners:

Tip #1: Consult the equipment’s owner’s manual and follow all fueling guidelines for your outdoor power equipment.

Familiarize yourself with the controls. If you have lost your manual, look it up online.

Tip #2: Inspect equipment.

Check for loose belts and missing or damaged parts. Replace any parts needed or take your equipment to a qualified service representative.

Tip #3: Clean equipment.

Remove any dirt or debris. A clean machine will run more efficiently and last longer.

Tip #4: Drain old fuel.

Fuel sitting in the tank for more than 30 days (without a fuel stabilizer) can deteriorate, which may cause starting or running problems and, in some cases, damage to the fuel system.

Tip #5: Only use E10 or less fuel.

Some gas stations may offer 15 percent ethanol (E15) gas or higher ethanol fuel blends, but fuel containing more than 10 percent ethanol can damage–and is illegal to use — in small engine equipment not designed for it.

Tip #6: Label your fuel can with the date of purchase and ethanol content of the fuel.

Never put “old” gas in your outdoor power equipment. If you don’t know the date of purchase, safely dispose of fuel and buy fresh gas.

Tip #7: Safely store your fuel in an approved container and away from flames or heat sources.

Keep fuel out of the reach of children and pets.

Tip #8: Never add fuel to a hot engine.

Wait for it to cool before fueling.

Visit

www.opei.org

for more tips and go to

www.LookBeforeYouPump.com

for safe fueling information.

About OPEI

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is an international trade association representing power equipment, small engine, utility vehicle, golf car and personal transport vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. OPEI is the advocacy voice of the industry. OPEI is managing partner of GIE+EXPO, the industry’s annual international trade show, and the creative force behind the environmental education program,

TurfMutt.com

. OPEI-Canada represents members on a host of issues, including recycling, emissions and other regulatory developments across the Canadian provinces. For more information, visit

www.OPEI.org

January Happenings at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

Atlantic City, N.J. (

January 2, 2020)

– Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City is kicking off 2020 by extending their “Pro Football Pick ‘Em Challenge,” launching a new menu in Hard Rock Cafe, offering Dim Sum for the Chinese New Year and introducing

NuFace

and

NuBody

products in Rock Spa

& Salon. Entertainment continues to hit a high note with the return of boxing and Latin-music icon Marc Anthony taking center stage among many others performing at the resort destination.

Hotel

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City will offer a chart-topping

“Winter Escape Package”

starting at $79, which includes an overnight stay (Monday through Thursday), a $60 dining credit to be used at Fresh Harvest Buffet and two tickets to Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club® Monday through Thursday. Book your stay today at

hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com

Casino

“Pro Football Pick ‘Em Challenge”

– The $500,000 Pro Football Pick ‘Em Challenge continues through the playoffs ending on January 21 with $25,000 in weekly prizes. Wild Card Members can select their picks every day, each week for up to seven entries per week (1 entry per day) for the Sunday and Monday games at the Pro Football Pick\’em Kiosks. The winning teams can be viewed on Tuesdays at Wild Card Services or online at

HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com

. Weekly winners can receive up to $10,000 cash for the most correct picks and 600 random winners will receive $25 in Free Play.

2X Tier Points

– Play your favorite slots or table games on January 4 and January 20 from noon until 8 p.m. and earn 2x Tier Points. You must be a Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City Wild Card Reward Member to qualify, and you must be 21-years and older with valid proof of age to participate.

Food & Beverage

Hard Rock Cafe

–

The legendary Hard Rock Cafe will be launching their new menu on January 29. Some of the new items on the menu include One Night In Bangkok Spicy Shrimp™, Buffalo Style Sliders, the Hot Fudge Mini Milkshake and the 24-Karat Gold Leaf Steak Burger™. Through the Hard Rock Heals Foundation, a portion of all proceeds from the 24-Karat Gold Leaf Steak Burger™ will benefit Action Against Hunger to assist in the fight against world hunger.

Chinese New Year’s Dim Sum at Song

– To celebrate Chinese New Year’s, Hard Rock Atlantic City will be re-opening SONG for a traditional Dim Sum menu on Sunday afternoon, January 26. Chinese Dim Sum is prepared as small bite-sized portions of food served in small steamer baskets or on a small plate and usually served with tea.

Rock Spa® & Salon Specials

A “Nu” Day has come to Rock Spa® & Salon as they introduce

NuFace

and

NuBody

for a “Nu” you in 2020.

“Forever Young” Facial – 50 minutes – $95

Introducing the i-Genesis ritual with Derm Young products and NuFace microcurrent technology. Designed to help promote optimal cell to cell communication to bring out the radiance from within. These natural proprietary Derm Young ingredients will activate your inner repair system to correct existing damage and prevent future problems as well as microcurrent to lift and tone leaving a rejuvenated more youthful appearance.

“The Shape of You” Body Contour Treatment – 50 minutes – $95 or a Series of three – $255 ($85 value)

Remodel your silhouette with firmer contours. The plant-based shaping complex, with notes of orange and mimosa helps to improve skin tone and elasticity. This service now features the added benefits of NuBody microcurrent technology which is clinically shown to improve the appearance of body skin while smoothing away the look of dimples. Tone, smooth and firm the “Shape of You.”

Renewal Massage – 50 minutes – $90, 80 minutes – $150

Classic light to medium pressure massage offering the perfect escape from daily stress. Long gliding strokes relax the body and ease the mind. The perfect way to start the new year.

Celebrate your feet with Bubbly – 50 minutes – $55

Pop the cork and celebrate your feet with our Champagne pedicure. Champagne oil is high in

antioxidants and helps make the skin glow.

Book your treatment today by calling (609) 449-5380.

Entertainment

1/6 – 1/9 – Chris Franjola & Richie Holliday – Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club

1/11 – Top Rank Boxing: Hart Vs Smith – Hard Rock Live @ Etess Arena

1/13 – 1/14 & 1/16 – Tom Cotter & Kerri Louise – Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club

1/18 – Sounds of Philadelphia featuring Russell Thompkins Jr. and The New Stylistics, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes and The Manhattans – Sound Waves

1/20 – 1/23 – Keifer Thompson & Dale Jones – Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club

1/25 – Marc Anthony Opus Tour – Hard Rock Live @ Etess Arena

1/29 & 1/30 – JF Harris & Greg Warren – Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club

1/31 – Classic Albums Live Performs: Tom Petty Damn The Torpedoes – Sound Waves

Nightlife

DAER Nightclub

1/3 – Nico Oso

1/4 – DJ FIVE

1/10 – BEAT BREAKER

1/11- DJ Clue with Tory Lanez

1/17 – IKON

1/18 – NGHTMRE

1/24 – Nicky Rizz

1/25 – Chase B

1/31 – DJ Dainjazone

ICE Lodges Detainer against Mexican illegal Alien arrested in SC for Sexual Abuse of a Child

CHARLESTON, S.C. – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) lodged an immigration detainer Tuesday against an unlawfully present Mexican man arrested in North Charleston earlier this month

for sexual abuse of a child.

Carlos Bartolo-Rios was arrested December 19 by the U.S. Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force, of which ICE and the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office are members, after executing a state criminal warrant at Bartolo-Rios’s North Charleston residence for first degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor.

Mr. Bartolo-Rios is currently being held by the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office while awaiting trial for the state criminal charges he faces. ICE has lodged an immigration detainer against Mr. Bartolo-Rios and will seek to take him into immigration custody for removal proceedings at whatever point he may be released from criminal custody for the crimes he faces in South Carolina.

“This case is an excellent example of ICE’s ongoing focus to prioritize its immigration enforcement efforts toward unlawfully present foreign nationals who pose a clear threat to public safety,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Atlanta Acting Field Office Director John Tsoukaris. “Despite attempts by some to confuse the public, ICE does not conduct any type of random or indiscriminate enforcement and the agency’s targeted enforcement efforts make communities safer for all persons whatever their immigration status may be.”

In fiscal year 2019, more than 90 percent of all persons arrested by ICE within the Atlanta field office, which includes Georgia and the Carolinas, either had a criminal conviction, a pending criminal charge, or were already subject to a removal order issued by a federal immigration judge.

Members of the public who have information about foreign fugitives are urged to contact ICE by calling the ICE tip line at 1 (866) 347-2423 or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. They can also file a tip online by completing ICE’s

online tip form

ICE is focused on the arrest and removal of public safety threats, such as convicted criminal aliens and gang members, as well as individuals who have violated our nation’s immigration laws, including those who illegally re-entered the country after being removed and immigration fugitives ordered removed by federal immigration judges.

Free Table Games Dealer Training at Harrrahs Philly

Join Caesars Entertainment, one of the world\’s top entertainment companies.

Event is open to 18 years of age or older

Our award winning team is on a mission to inspire grownups to play and we want you to come join the fun. Harrah’s Philadelphia will be hosting a Free Table Games Dealer Training Hiring Event on

Friday January 3rd from 4:30PM to 5:30PM & Wedensday January 8th from 4:30PM to 5:30PM.

Our Job Fair will be held on the 6th floor at Harrah’s Philadelphia inside our Dealer Training Academy.

Academy begins January 13th 2020 at the following time offerings:

3:00pm – 7:00pm (Option #1)

7:00pm – 11:00pm (Option #2)

Come as you are, no dress requirements are necessary for this event!

LEARN HOW TO BE A TABLE GAMES DEALER

FOR CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT

Free training through our on-site Table Games Academy.

Flexible training schedule.

Classes are a short 6 weeks in length.

We will provide an assigned buddy for your continued on the job training.

WHY IS TABLE GAMES A GOOD FIT FOR ME?

We’re a 24 hour business, so we have different shifts available.

Dealer earn upwards of $20 per hour with included tips.

Benefits available to full time employees.

Responsibilities and Duties

REQUIREMENTS

Must have an upbeat personality and love to provide superior customer service.

Classes will be scheduled 6 weeks based on learning comprehension.

Classes will run Monday – Friday for your convenience.

Class sessions are 4 hours.

Must pass a basic math assessment for consideration.

Drug testing required.

Background checks required for criminal and employment verification.

Qualifications and Skills

No previous experience is necessary for this free training opportunity please visit: sign up today!!

Have questions about Free Casino Dealer Training Harrah\’s Philadelphia ?

Contact Harrah\’s Philadelphia

TO REGISTER CLICK HERE

Kraft Hockeyville™ USA is Back! Your Community Could Win $150,000

PITTSBURGH & CHICAGO–(

BUSINESS WIRE

)–

Kraft

Hockeyville™ USA is back again this year to find America’s most-spirited hockey community. Together with the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), Kraft Heinz is looking to crown one hockey community in America with the

Kraft

Hockeyville™ USA 2020 title, award

$150,000 in rink upgrades along with $10,000 worth of hockey equipment through the NHLPA Goals & Dreams program, and provide the chance to host an NHL

Pre-Season Game in their community rink.

“The incredible response we’ve seen from hockey communities over the years has been an inspiration,” said Magen Hanrahan, vice president of media and marketing services, Kraft Heinz. “Every year, we’ve seen communities come together to support their local rinks, and we’re proud to be a small part of the passion that ignites hockey communities each year.”

Kraft

Hockeyville™ USA is proud to rally local communities around their true passion for hockey. The 2020 program was announced live during today’s broadcast of the 2020 Bridgestone NHL

Winter Classic

outdoor game in Dallas, Texas, featuring the Dallas Stars against the Nashville Predators.

How

Kraft

Hockeyville™ USA 2020 Works

Hockey communities hoping to become the next

Kraft

Hockeyville™ winner can kick off their chance during the nomination phase, where they can share unique stories about their local rink, teams and passion for hockey. Throughout the submission process, hockey towns need to rally their fans on the mobile-friendly platform at

www.KraftHockeyville.com

, where communities earn Rally Points by adding notes, uploading photos and videos, and tweeting from the community page. Finalists will be selected based on the best stories and their community’s total Rally Points through three periods:

Period 1 (January 1 – February 29, 2020) – Local communities head to

www.KraftHockeyville.com

to submit their story on why their rink should be crowned

Kraft

Hockeyville™ 2020. Once submitted, it’s up to the fans and hockey community to engage with the story online to boost their digital Rally Points. Communities are judged based on a combination of total Rally Points and the best story.

Period 2 (March 22 – 27, 2020) – Once the judges read through each rink’s story and calculate the total Rally Points of each submission, the top four finalists will be announced on March 22, 2020. After the official announcement, the weeklong rally begins for each of the four finalists to bring their community and supporters nationwide together in preparation for the live voting event.

Period 3 (March 28 – 29, 2020) – The four finalist communities will compete to receive as many votes as possible at

www.KraftHockeyville.com

from 7 a.m. ET on March 28 until 11 a.m. ET on March 29. The winner of

Kraft

Hockeyville™ USA 2020 will be announced on March 29, 2020 during an intermission of an NHL game on NBCSN and will be awarded the grand prize of $150,000 in rink upgrades from Kraft Heinz and an opportunity to host an NHL Pre-Season Game. The First Prize rink

will receive $30,000 in rink upgrades while the Second Prize rinks will each receive $10,000 in rink upgrades. Each of the four finalists will also receive $10,000 worth of new hockey equipment from the NHLPA Goals & Dreams program.

This year, one lucky fan will also win a trip for two to a Stanley Cup

Game from Kraft Heinz. Starting March 22 through 29, fans can register online at

www.krafthockeyville.com

to be entered. Additionally, each vote cast during the 28-hour voting phase from March 28 to 29 equals one entry into the sweepstakes, so fans are encouraged to vote multiple times for their favorite community

Since launching in Canada in 2006,

Kraft

Hockeyville™ has positively impacted more than 120 communities with more than $5 million awarded in rink upgrades across Canada and the U.S. During the program, Kraft Heinz

will feature its diverse portfolio of products to unite hockey fans in their celebrations of the sport and their communities, including

Planters, Kraft

Natural Cheese,

Maxwell House, Oscar Mayer, Heinz

Ketchup

and

Kraft

Macaroni & Cheese.

For complete contest rules and nomination applications, visit

www.KraftHockeyville.com

. Kraft

Hockeyville™ USA can also be found on

Facebook

(KraftHockeyvilleUSA),

Twitter

(@HockeyvilleUSA) and

Instagram

(@KraftHockeyvilleUSA). Fans can join the conversation using #HockeyvilleUSA.

NHL, the NHL Shield, the word mark and image of the Stanley Cup, and the word mark NHL Winter Classic are registered trademarks and the NHL Winter Classic logo, and HOCKEYVILLE are trademarks of the National Hockey League. © NHL 2019. All rights reserved.

About The Kraft Heinz Company

For 150 years, we have produced some of the world’s most beloved products at The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ: KHC). Our Vision is To Be the Best Food Company, Growing a Better World. We are one of the largest global food and beverage companies, with 2018 net sales of approximately $26 billion. Our portfolio is a diverse mix of iconic and emerging brands. As the guardians of these brands and the creators of innovative new products, we are dedicated to the sustainable health of our people and our planet. To learn more, visit

https://www.kraftheinzcompany.com/

or follow us on

and

Twitter.

About the NHL

The National Hockey League (NHL®), founded in 1917, consists of 31 Member Clubs and proudly welcomes its 32nd franchise, based in Seattle, for the 2021-22 season. Each team roster reflects the League’s international makeup with players from more than 20 countries represented, all vying for the most cherished and historic trophy in professional sports – the Stanley Cup®. Gary Bettman has served the NHL as Commissioner since February 1, 1993 and has guided the world’s top professional hockey league to more than $5 billion in annual revenues and partnerships with more than 40 blue chip corporate sponsors. Every year, the NHL entertains more than 670 million fans in-arena and through its partners on national television and radio; more than 151 million followers – league, team and player accounts combined – across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube; and more than 100 million fans online at NHL.com. The League broadcasts games in more than 160 countries and territories through its rightsholders including NBC/NBCSN and the NHL Network™ in the U.S., Sportsnet and TVA in Canada, Viasat in the Nordic Region, Yandex in Russia and CCTV and Tencent in China. The NHL reaches fans worldwide with games available online in every country including via its live and on-demand streaming service NHL.TV™. Having entered the esports world in 2018, the League hosts the NHL Gaming World Championship™ annually, drawing record digital streaming audiences during the 2019 campaign. Fans are engaged across the League’s digital assets on mobile devices via the free NHL® App; across nine social media platforms; on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio™; and on NHL.com, available in eight languages and featuring unprecedented access to player and team statistics as well as every regular-season and playoff game box score dating back to the League’s inception, powered by SAP. The NHL is committed to building healthy and vibrant communities through the sport of hockey by increasing youth participation and engagement; fostering positive family experiences; promoting inclusion, positive culture and leadership; and supporting sustainable community impact.

About the National Hockey League Players’ Association

The National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), established in 1967, is a labour organization whose members are the players in the National Hockey League (NHL). The NHLPA works on behalf of the players in varied disciplines such as labour relations, product licensing, marketing, international hockey and community relations, all in furtherance of its efforts to promote its members and the game of hockey. In 1999, NHLPA Goals & Dreams was launched as a way for the players to give something back to the game they love. Over the past 20 years, more than 80,000 deserving children in 34 countries have benefited from the players\’ donations of hockey equipment. NHLPA Goals & Dreams has donated more than $25 million to grassroots hockey programs, making it the largest program of its kind. For more information on the NHLPA, please visit

www.nhlpa.com

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY

. Legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.), 13 or older. Void where prohibited. Promotion starts 3/22/20 and ends 3/29/20. For Official Rules, entry requirements, and prize descriptions, visit

www.krafthockeyville.com

. PRIZES/ARV: One (1) Grand Prize/$6,550; Fifty (50) First Prizes/$20. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received during the Promotion Period. Sponsor: Kraft Heinz Foods Company, 200 E Randolph, Chicago, IL 60601.

Head of Terrorist Organization Killed by U.S. Military

FACE OF DEFENSE

AMERICAN HERO

At the direction of the President, the U.S. military has taken decisive defensive action to protect U.S. personnel abroad by killing Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force, a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization.

The commander helped direct wars in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen, and he became the face of Iran’s efforts to build a regional bloc of Shiite power. He was linked to the deaths of 600 Americans during the Obama administration (image courtesy of the New York Times)

General Soleimani was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region. General Soleimani and his Quds Force were responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American and coalition service members and the wounding of thousands more. He had orchestrated attacks on coalition bases in Iraq over the last several months – including the attack on December 27th – culminating in the death and wounding of additional American and Iraqi personnel. General Soleimani also approved the attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad that took place this week.

This strike was aimed at deterring future Iranian attack plans. The United States will continue to take all necessary action to protect our people and our interests wherever they are around the world.

source The Department of Defense

3 Most Useful Apps You Can Use From Anywhere

(Gloucestercitynews.net)(January 3, 2020)–The advent of the internet has turned the world into an interconnected mesh of network where it is becoming more and more easier to perform daily tasks in any part of the world without needing to be physically present. With each passing year, humans are relying on their

computers and mobiles

to do most tasks for them, and we have been incorporating certain apps and software in our daily lives so that we can do important work from anywhere.

Just as communication has gotten stronger, the need to perform tasks in a timely manner has become much more vital. Sometimes a person needs some time to relax from the hectic work routine and may go for a vacation. But, work doesn’t stop for anybody, and you aren’t any special. So, to make sure that your work doesn’t get disrupted, here are 3 apps that might come in very handy for you if you don’t have access to your personal laptop.

TeamViewer

The number one app that comes in my mind to ease your job when you don’t have access to your laptop is Teamviewer. It is a free consumer app that you can use from anywhere in the world if you have an internet connection. With the help of this app, you can take control of your own laptop and do any task that you want to. You don’t have to worry about the security as the app is super secure with its

256 bit AES encryption

that is basically impossible to crack. All you have to do is install the software on the host computer and on the computer you want to control. By putting in the password that is generated in real-time, you can take control of the screen of the other computer.

SodaPDF

If one thing has revolutionized how we conduct business, PDF has rightly earned its name. It is the one true king when it comes to filing formats, and you are going to need an app or software to view your business documents or memos. With the help of

SodaPDF

, which can be used online from a web browser, you can easily view, edit, annotate, sign, and manage your PDF files from anywhere in the world. You can also download the desktop app for free and conduct your business in your free time.

Google Assistant

With the help of google assistant, you can easily transcribe your thoughts and get answers to your questions. When you are out of a vacation, or you are stuck between lots of work, this app is a blessing for you as you can easily schedule meetings, send messages, make calls, and even make reservations without even touching your mobile. With its voice recognition feature, you can simply tap on the app and ask it to perform a task you want to. You can also queue up your tasks and get the latest news related to your industry by simply asking the assistant a question.

image source courtesy of unsplash.com