Category: PHILLY & PA. NEWS

10 Ways You Can Bring Your Family Closer Together

Gloucestercitynews.net(January 20, 2020)–Your family is the cornerstone of your life. It’s a unit that’s always there for you when you’re down, struggling at work, or just in need of some socialization. While it isn’t always true that “blood is thicker than water”, your family is predetermined for you and can’t be changed, so getting along with them is advantageous to you. With that said, being close with your family – and accommodating their foibles – isn’t always easy. Here are ten ways you can become closer to your family.

1. Take some family photos

There’s nothing like a family photoshoot to remind you how much you treasure and cherish your loved ones. This will create brand new memories for you and allow you to see what you all look like together, which isn’t necessarily something you may be able to experience otherwise. We recommend checking out

Pixa Prints

if you’re looking for something to put your family photoshoot on once it’s done; they offer prints on calendars, mugs, and phone cases, amongst other things.

2. Be there for them

It’s not really possible to foster a positive family attitude if you’re never there. Conversely, if there’s a member of the family you need to talk to about absence, it’s a good idea to have that conversation and not let the subject fester. Make time for your family. You might need to clear a space in your schedule, but it’s well worth it to make sure you’re building quality memories with the people you love. This won’t always be easy, but it’s a necessary step.

3. Let arguments happen

When we say arguments here, we’re not referring to the huge, earth-shattering rows we’ve seen some families have. Those aren’t healthy, and

knowing the difference

between healthy arguments and unhealthy, toxic relationships is very important. That said, if something is brewing between you and your family, it’s a good idea to have the conversation. Keep calm and make sure everyone is on the same page, then proceed in a straightforward, emotionally open manner.

4. Do fun things together

What do you love doing? Is there any way you could get your family in on that activity? Sharing your hobbies with people you love is one of life’s many joys, and there’s no reason you can’t extend that philosophy to your family. If your hobby really is a strictly solo racket, then you might want to try taking up a new hobby that can involve your loved ones. Great examples include sports, tabletop gaming, travel (

such as visiting an escape room

) and walking. Doing fun things together will only strengthen your bond!

5. Create a set of values

It might sound old-fashioned, but creating a set of family values by which you and your family can live can actually make you feel closer to them. Think about it: you’re establishing an ethos that defines your in-group and makes you feel like you’re really part of the “tribe”, so to speak. Of course, you should make sure your family values are strictly positive; it doesn’t pay to have a combative or aggressive family “mission statement”, so be happy and upbeat.

6. Travel together

Some might say that traveling with your family is a surefire way to fall out with them, but those people are cynics. If you accord your family the space they deserve, traveling with them can be a rewarding, exciting experience that gives you all shared memories to discuss. Pick a destination everyone wants to go to; you don’t want your shared family holiday to turn into one person’s fantasy. Some compromise may be required here, but it’ll be worth it!

7. Set a good example

If you’re the head of the household – no matter who you might be – then it’s incredibly important to set a good example. If you’re trying to foster certain behaviors in your children or you want your significant other to do something, then you don’t demonstrate that behavior yourself, that’s not a very strong incentive. Make sure to lead by example at all times; it might feel exhausting at the time to stick to that strict moral code, but it’ll pay off in the long term.

8. Create a family schedule

Have you ever seen those family planners that include a column for each family member and slots for what those family members are doing? It’s a great idea for you and your family to try using one of those, not least because you can use it as an excuse to schedule some much-needed family time. When you create time for you and your family, you need to stick to it, so having a schedule can be a great incentive to do that. After all, if it’s on the schedule, it must be cast-iron, right?

9. Allow for some freedom

With all that said, it’s still important to give your family space and freedom. Allow them to do what they want with their time and don’t be too offended if, on free days, they’d rather spend their time alone than with you. It doesn’t mean they don’t love you; rather, it simply means they want some space and time to themselves, and you need to respect that. Your family doing their own thing will just make the time you do spend together all the sweeter since you’ll know it’s what they want.

10. Don’t force anything

Some family units are, by nature, closer and more co-dependent (in a good way) than others are. That’s fine; you don’t need to work hard to make your particular family unit resemble another one, nor should you force a particular set of values if they’re not desired. Instead, create an organic, happy family that doesn’t feel forced or artificial, and you’ll quickly realize that you’re closer to them than you are to almost anyone else in the world.

10 Ideas For Unforgettable Winter Breaks

Gloucestercitynews.net(January 20, 2020)–Winter can be a very difficult season for a lot of people. There’s the ever-present seasonal affective disorder (or SAD), of course, but there are many more reasons to feel fed up with the colder months. Chief among them is the struggle to find a decent place to go on holiday. For obvious reasons, travel is often cheaper in the winter months, but many people just don’t know where they should go. We’re here to help. Here are ten ideas for unforgettable winter breaks you and your family can try.

1. São Tomé and Príncipe

Despite their incredible vistas, these small African islands don’t really enjoy a lot of visitors. That’s a shame, because they’re an unspoiled paradise that only those truly dedicated to travel can enjoy. The downside is that tourism in these islands is mostly luxury, so if you don’t have a decent wad of cash then you may not be able to enjoy them. Still, there’s lots to see, and if you want to visit during the hottest months, you’re best off going during January, February, and March.

2. Switzerland

The tail end of winter is the best time to visit Switzerland; everyone else goes during January or February, since that’s when winter is at its peak. March is still a wonderful time to visit Switzerland, though, and since it’s less busy, you’ll have your pick of the ski slopes. We’d recommend you head to

Matterhorn Diamonds Ski School

for a truly all-inclusive, special experience in Switzerland. Their tuition is second-to-none and they cater to all skill levels.

3. Germany

If you’re looking for somewhere magical and nostalgic to holiday during the winter months, we’d strongly recommend Germany. There, you can find some of the most incredible Christmas markets around. Berlin’s offering is particularly special, but the Frankfurt market (which also makes an appearance in Birmingham during the run-up to Christmas) shouldn’t be missed, either. Combine this with some truly spectacular views and Germany becomes an unmissable winter holiday destination.

4. New York, USA

There’s plenty to do in New York during the winter months. For a start, the city looks absolutely spellbinding covered in snow. New York gets around twenty-five inches of snow per year, so you’re pretty much guaranteed to see a beautiful snowfall if you head to the city in November or December. As for activities, you’ll find jazz festivals, lantern events, and flower shows to visit while things are a little chilly. Big urban centres can still be wonderful places to go in winter!

5. Australia

Since the northern hemisphere winter is southern hemisphere summer, Australia offers a sun-soaked experience for you if you’re tired of the usual snow, rain, and sleet that your winters are battering you with. Sydney is particularly beautiful during December and January; the sun glinting off the world-famous opera house is a sight to behold. Naturally, there’s also a thriving beach culture in Sydney, so get yourself down there if you want to sunbathe.

6. Iceland

True winter-heads definitely need to experience Iceland winters at least once in their lifetime. Obviously, Iceland is absolutely freezing during the winter, and it’s pretty much dark for the entire day during December. Despite this, Iceland is the best place you can go to see the shimmering aurora borealis, and it’s a truly stunning sight you won’t be forgetting in a hurry. Reykjavik is a bustling urban centre without any of the crowding you might find in other cities, so head there for an immersive Iceland experience.

7. Canada

Another wonderful place to pursue some skiing (although we still think Switzerland has the best slopes), Canada is a popular tourist destination during the winter months, and for very good reason. The beautiful Lake Louise completely freezes over during winter, making it an ideal destination for a chilly stroll. Naturally, there’s plenty to do in the cities too, but Canada boasts some of the world’s most beautiful and striking landscapes. Winter is the best time to experience these landscapes in our opinion.

8. Norway

Like Iceland, Norway offers a dark and chilly but still beautiful experience if you’re looking for somewhere to head in winter. Norway is more famous for its mid-spring months than its winters, but if you’re a poetic soul, this gorgeous country’s tundras and fjords will give you plenty of food for thought when the dark sets in. Of course, since Norway gets plenty of snow, you’ll also find lots of skiers and other winter sports enthusiasts in Norway.

9. Japan

During the winter months, most of Japan’s massive tourist destinations find themselves completely deserted, so winter is the perfect time to head over to Japan and do a spot of sightseeing. None of these destinations lose any of their characteristic beauty or historical significance just for having a little snow on them, so what have you got to lose? You’ll also find bustling centres like Tokyo and Osaka just as busy as you would during summer.

10. Estonia

Few places in Europe are as thoroughly picturesque as Estonia during the winter months. You’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere that looks more like a scene from a postcard than the capital city of Tallinn. It’s not just gorgeous views, though; Tallinn also boasts plenty of history, so if you’re of an academic mind, you can spend hours exploring its many alleyways and basking in the atmosphere of an ancient city covered in powdery snow.

Military Caregiver Champions Recruited by Hollywood Legends

(NAPSI)—Academy Award winner Tom Hanks is rallying the nation behind America’s military caregivers with help from the legacy of a legend, Bob Hope. Hanks launched the Military Caregiver Champion program with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to fund resources for the 5.5 million Americans voluntarily caring for a loved one who was wounded, made ill or injured through military service. Hope’s daughter, Linda Hope, was the first to join the campaign, donating $1 million on behalf of the Bob and Dolores Hope Foundation.

Tom Hanks, Linda Hope and Senator Elizabeth Dole want to help honor the people who care for ill or injured veterans. You can, too.

“My dad, Bob Hope, dedicated so much of his life to connecting members of our military to the nation they served and their loved ones waiting at home. He would be so proud to join another passionate entertainer like Tom Hanks in making that same connection between America’s military caregivers and the country that owes them such a debt of gratitude and support,” said Hope.

Military caregivers provide $14 billion of unpaid care to veterans every year. They devote their lives to their loved ones, often sacrificing their own health, jobs and financial security.

“As Senator Elizabeth Dole says, our military caregivers are hidden heroes and I am honored to have the spirit of Bob Hope helping us support them,” said Hanks. “There has never been, nor will there ever be, a greater ambassador between the military community and us Americans than Bob Hope.”

All Americans are invited to become Caregiver Champions. Supporters will receive a Caring Tag, which reimagines the honored symbol of the military dog tag and includes the name and story of a military caregiver.

All administrative costs have been sponsored. One hundred percent of donations will support the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s resources for caregivers.

“We cannot take away the injuries or the illnesses but we can ensure our caregivers do not walk this difficult journey alone,” said Hanks.

To become a Caregiver Champion, visit

www.hiddenheroes.org/champion

.

PUROTRADER™, Offers to Pay LSU Tigers QB Joe Burrow\’s Legal Fees for Puffing while Working

PuroTrader™ founder and entrepreneur, Pierre Rogers, believed LSU quarterback, Joe Burrow, had the right idea when he chose to celebrate the Tiger’s National Championship victory over Clemson with a stogie Monday night.

Joe Burrow smoking a cigar (image courtesy of LSU)

As CEO of the world’s premier cigar trading exchange, Rogers announced that support of the Heisman Trophy winner’s right to smoke, he will make a meaningful contribution to any unjust legal fees and penalties if he gets arrested for illegally smoking the infamous cigar inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome locker room. Rogers says, “The best thing about smoking a cigar is it makes you sit down and enjoy the moment.” Joe Burrow did exactly that.

Joe Burrow and his teammates who were puffing away after the game were told numerous times that smoking was not permitted, however they laughed off and ignored the warnings. The locker room can be seen all over social media, filled with ecstatic Tigers players dancing and singing, celebrating their 42-25 win, along with visible smoke. Even LSU alumni, Odell Beckham Jr. can be seen getting in on the fun festivities, minus the cigars.

While no arrests have been made yet, if charges are brought against the known to be quirky Burrows, Pierre Rogers and PuroTrader™ will be by his side. There is certainly no mystery of what the smoking gun is in this case, no pun intended.

About Pierre Rogers:

Pierre Rogers is a successful venture capitalist, international keynote speaker, and the CEO and founder of both Yahyn and Puro Trader, the largest peer to peer wine and cigar platforms in the world.

About PuroTrader

: PuroTrader was created by two aficionados to bring more transparency and access to the global cigar market. The aim of the site is to educate connoisseurs, stimulate conversation and more importantly monitor market trends within the industry.  With the upcoming launch of Yahyn Q1 2020, they will bring this same passion to the wine market.

FBI Announces New Policy for Notifying State and Local Election Officials of Cyber Intrusions

Affecting Election Infrastructure

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced a new internal policy to clarify and guide the timely federal notification of appropriate state and local officials of cyber intrusions affecting election infrastructure.

Protecting the integrity of elections in the United States against criminal activity and national security threats is among the top priorities of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI. Cyber intrusions affecting election infrastructure have the potential to cause significant negative impacts on the integrity of elections. Understanding that mitigation of such incidents often hinges on timely notification, the FBI has established a new internal policy outlining how the FBI will notify state and local officials responsible for administering election infrastructure of cyber activity targeting their infrastructure.

The FBI’s new policy recognizes the necessity of notifying responsible state and local officials of credible cyber threats to election infrastructure. Each state has a designated person to serve as its chief state election official with ultimate authority over elections held in the state, which often includes certifying election results. However, most election infrastructure is owned and operated by local governments. Likewise, the local election process is overseen by local election officials. The FBI’s interactions regarding election security matters must respect both state and local authorities. Thus, the FBI’s new policy mandates the notification of a chief state election official and local election officials of cyber threats to local election infrastructure.

The new policy is informed by existing FBI policies surrounding cyber incident notification thresholds and cyber victim notification in general. The new policy, however, provides updated and additional guidance on the timely dissemination of notifications and/or threat reporting; the protection of victim information and disclosures; and coordination between FBI and other agencies in regard to election security for maximum impact. Decisions surrounding notification continue to be dependent on the nature and breadth of an incident and the nature of the infrastructure impacted.

It is the intent of the FBI that this new policy will result in increased collaboration between all levels of government for the integrity and security of U.S. elections.

Looking for a Forever Home: Meet Millo

Millo happens to be a very special girl. She came to Husky House with brain trauma which has resulted in some neurological issues. In short, she is a special needs dog and can’t do some things a normal dog can do. For example, she freezes and will not walk on a leash and she can’t climb stairs. It’s possible that with time she could walk on a leash but may be not. Due

to this, she would do best in a home with a secure, fenced in area where she can run and play. With that said, she loves to play, knows her name and she’s nothing but a love! Interested in adopting Millo? Please visit www.huskyhouse.org today to fill out an application.

More about Millo

Up-to-date with vaccinations

Has special needs

Available date: 8/14/2019

Birth date: 8/14/2018 (not exact)

Adoption and Rescue

Husky House\’s goal is to place our orphans in permanent loving homes as they already have been abandoned once before by their former owners. We strive to match the right dog with the right family based on the families needs and experience. All former Husky House orphans will receive a lifetime discount at the

Snowdog Lodge

.

Please visit our

Facebook page

for regular updates on Adoption Days at our facility in Matawan, NJ.

How do I adopt from Husky House?

We ARE NOT a walk-through facility. Adoptions are by approved appointments only.

Fill out a non-binding application

We will be checking your vet and personal references

Phone interview

Homevisit

Upon completion and approval of application & homevisit, come meet the dog(s)!

If you have any other questions regarding adoption please email us at

huskyhouseinc@gmail.com

.

Matawan, New Jersey

hh.applicationreviewboard@gmail.com

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LONELINESS: The Public Health Threat No One Talks About

Too much time alone can be bad for your health but modern technology can help keep you connected.

(NAPSI)—There is a public health threat looming across the United States that’s not visible to most but affects nearly half of all Americans daily: loneliness. Social isolation is as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and is twice as harmful as obesity. Worst of all, loneliness is a contributing factor in senior suicides, which are rising in the U.S. While it is not something people like to think about, now more than ever, Americans must remove the stigma around mental health and spread awareness to better combat loneliness.

Many of the 12 million Americans over age 65 who live alone are entering the time of year where that lack of companionship and isolation is almost palpable: winter. Whether physical or travel challenges keep seniors from attending family gatherings or the harsh weather deters them from venturing out for a social event, seniors can suffer from prolonged loneliness that can quickly manifest into more serious issues.

Loneliness does not have to be synonymous with getting older or with aging in place. Here are tips on how to help keep loneliness—and its negative health effects—at bay:

• Intervene early:

Spotting loneliness in yourself or someone you love can be difficult. The most common physical and behavioral signs of loneliness include persistent sadness, impaired cognitive performance, lower self-esteem, or lack of motivation and energy. Early intervention can positively affect one’s quality of life, so it’s important to address these symptoms as soon as possible before they become overwhelming.

• Leverage technology:

Technology can play a key role in reducing loneliness, ensuring seniors are always connected to loved ones and care teams who can monitor and interact with them. For example, Philips Cares is a mobile application that helps connect seniors who are subscribers to Philips Lifeline service with their family and friends, helping to enable these caregivers to be there for their aging loved ones, easing and enriching their aging journey.

• Make a connection:

Connecting with people, purpose, and passions will help eliminate feelings of isolation. Consider organizing a reoccurring social gathering, such as a book club or a group fitness class. Explore local activities organized by a senior community center or find a National Council of Aging program through

www.ncoa.org/ncoa-map

.

Learn More

For further facts about the latest technology to help seniors stay connected with their care circle, visit

https://philips.to/2MGDqLm

or call (855) 223-7395.

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The Past President of Newell Rubbermaid Sentenced for Tax Fraud

Defendant admitted to traveling to Canada to withdraw funds from Swiss bank account at ATMs to avoid detection

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Jeffrey Cooley, 66, of Toledo, OH was sentenced to one month incarceration, 12 months’ supervised release, and a $210,000 fine by United States District Court Judge Joshua D. Wolson for filing a false tax

return which reported that Cooley had purchased an offshore trust company years after he actually did in order to evade paying appropriate taxes.

Cooley served as global president of Newell Rubbermaid from 1998 to 2004. Sometime in or around 2005, after his retirement, Cooley and others purchased an offshore trust company named Southpac Trust (BVI) Limited, an asset protection company that owned and operated a bank in the Cook Islands. According to the charges in this case, Cooley’s 2012 tax return falsely reported that he had purchased Southpac in 2012, when in fact he had co-owned it continuously through nominee entities since 2005.

On October 3, 2019, Cooley pleaded guilty. In addition to the charged conduct, Cooley admitted that, after purchasing Southpac in 2005, he established an offshore bank account in Switzerland in the name of a nominee entity which allowed him to covertly receive his income from Southpac and its subsidiaries. Cooley received more than $300,000 of income into this Swiss account. In addition, in order to access these funds covertly, Cooley traveled from his home in the United States across the border into Canada multiple times to withdraw funds in cash via debit cards. Cooley no longer owns or holds any interest in Southpac.

“This case is an example of sheer greed,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “Cooley was already wealthy through his earnings as the president of a globally recognized company, but that simply wasn’t enough for him. Instead, he felt the need to cheat in order to line his pockets through fraud. He invested in a company and then went to great lengths to hide that investment so he wouldn’t have to pay his fair share of taxes. That was an intolerable affront to every honest American taxpayer.”

“Every American who pays his or her taxes should be offended that a select few use anonymous offshore accounts to evade their tax liability,” said Guy Ficco SAC, IRS Criminal Investigation. “We owe it to every American taxpayer to use all lawful means to identify and prosecute individuals, like Mr. Cooley, who willfully and intentionally violate their known legal duty to pay their fair share of taxes.”

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick J. Murray and by First Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams.

EFF to Argue In NJ Supreme Court; Can you be made to Turn Over Password to Encrypted iPhone?

Trenton, New Jersey—On Tuesday, January 21, at 1 pm, EFF Senior Staff Attorney Andrew Crocker will ask the New Jersey Supreme Court to rule that the state can’t force a defendant to turn over the passcode for his encrypted iPhone under the Fifth Amendment, which protects American’s rights against self-incrimination.

The Fifth Amendment states that people cannot be forced to incriminate themselves, and it’s well settled that this privilege against self-incrimination covers compelled “testimonial” communications, including physical acts. However,

courts

have

split

over how to apply the

Fifth Amendment

to compelled decryption of encrypted devices.

EFF, ACLU, and ACLU of New Jersey filed a brief in the case

State v. Andrews

arguing that the state can’t compel a suspect to recall and use information that exists only in his memory to aid law enforcement’s prosecution of him.

At Tuesday’s hearing, Crocker will tell the court that reciting, writing, typing or otherwise reproducing a password from memory is testimony protected by the Fifth Amendment.

Read the amicus brief EFF filed in the

Andrews

case:

https://www.eff.org/document/effaclu-amicus-us-v-andrews

WHO: EFF Senior Staff Attorney Andrew Crocker

WHAT:

New Jersey v. Andrews

WHERE:

Supreme Court of New Jersey

25 Market St.

Trenton, NJ 08611

The argument will also be

live-streamed

.

WHEN:

Tuesday

January 21

1 pm

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2020 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week

Interested in details or attending the 2020 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week Powered by Johnson Controls?

Click To Learn More

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